Perhaps the greatest RMT ever!
Picture of peek!
Before I start I'd just like to say that this is one hell of a long read, so if you read all of this, then major respect to you.
Hello all, and welcome to my RMT. I’ve gone through a lot with this team, and I’ve used it for about nine months now. It has gone through a lot of changes but I feel that this team has finally reached a very good stage in a stable metagame. All constructive criticism is welcome so please feel free to post a comment.
TEAM BUILDING PROCESS AND HISTORY
That aside, I wanted to build a team around one of my favourite physical sweepers in gen 4; Lucario. It swept so many teams with ease and helps me a lot against stall teams. Even though its greatest counter Gliscor received an amazing boost this generation because of its Dream World ability Poison Heal, I still wanted to use Lucario. Since BW2, new threats have arised, like Genesect, Keldeo, and Landorus-T, which are all pretty great checks to Lucario, which makes it quite hard to sweep with Lucario.
I then added Gengar because it has amazing synergy with Lucario. It dodges the Fighting and Ground type attacks aimed at Lucario, and once it gets on to the field it starts to cause havoc. Lucario can also come in on the Dark, and Ghost type attacks aimed at Gengar. Lucario can also smash through Gengar's biggest nemesis, Tyranitar and Blissey/Chansey
I now needed a Fire resist, and Stealth Rocks. The first Pokemon that came to mind was Heatran, and it makes sense to put into the team because of the similar weaknesses it has with Lucario, which means Gengar also has great synergy with Heatran, dodging the Ground and Fighting type attacks aimed at Heatran.
I remember back in gen 4 I used a CeleTran core (Celebi and Heatran). They resist each other’s weaknesses so well, and Celebi was just a great, consistent Pokemon. It has solid stats and it’s such an unpredictable Pokemon. I added it to the team.
I then added Rotom-W. I used it in a previous team and I loved it. It has amazing synergy with Heatran, as it can take the Ground and Water type attacks aimed at it. It also gave my team a lovely Water/Fire/Grass core, and everyone knows how great they are.
I then added Dragonite, mainly because it was another Fighting and Ground resist, and I wanted to abuse Multiscale with Roost.
The team was doing pretty good but I was weak to a few certain things. The biggest weakness I noticed was Rain Stall. This was during the time of M Dragon’s famous rain stall team. It really did a number on my team. So I replaced Dragonite with Reuniclus. It really helped me out loads against Stall teams and unlike Dragonite, it didn't give a damn about Stealth Rocks. It also had a fighting resist, which was the main reason why I used Dragonite.
The team was doing slightly better, but I was basically weak to anything that was faster than Gengar. Jolteon, Starmie, Tornadus and other threats gave this team a headache. Also, anything that set up on this team was very hard to deal with. Mainly Dragon types who used Dragon Dance would really scare me. I felt like Rotom-W wasn't doing great and it was the most replaceable Pokemon on my team, but I didn't want to replace it for anything. I needed something that can still take Water and Ground type attacks, while beating Dragon Dancers one on one. I added Choice Scarf Hydregion, as it allowed me to out speed +1 Dragonite and +1 Haxorus. It also allowed me to come in on Starmie and Jolteon and beat them one on one.
I started to test out Ferrothron in place of Celebi, because it gave me an easier time against Dragon types, but Celebi seemed to just fit the team better, and instead of giving me a Fighting resist, it gave me another Fighting weakness (along with Heatran, Lucario, and Hydregion). I didn't want that, so I went back to Celebi and made it a more defensive set. I then tested the team, and I no longer have as big of a problem as I did with Dragon types, but the team looked really weak to Volcarona. If it got a Quiver Dance up, it could really be trouble for this team. Sure Heatran walls it, but if it was the Bulky set with Morning Sun or Roost it would beat Heatran eventually. To help me out against Volcarona, I replaced a few move sets. Celebi is now my Stealth Rocker, and Heatran now has Roar. This helped me a lot against Dragon Dancers too.
At this moment in time, Garchomp was being tested on PS for the OU ladder. This is when I replaced Bronzong with Hydregion. I preferred Hydregion, but Bronzong dealt with Garchomp much better, while still being able to take on fast Dragon types, so I used Bronzong while laddering on the suspect ladder. I kept with this team for a good while, (switching between Bronzong and Hydregion) and during BW1 it peaked 2170 (ranked #3) on the PS ladder. Unfortunalty, BW2 was just around the corner, and this was going to be trouble for my team. Genesect could hit everything bar Heatran and Gengar for SE damage, and it hit so hard with the right download boost. Tornadus-T also screwed this team over, as Heatran was the only Pokemon to ‘check’ it, but it was still hit hard by Super Power / Focus Blast. A lot of other threats made it hard for this team to ladder well with, so I basically retired this team and took a break from Pokemon. The reason I took a break from Pokemon is that I was getting terribly haxed on the ladder. This was during the testing of Garchomp, and I was 18-0 with the team on the suspect. I then was terribly haxed and I wasn’t high enough to vote, although I think I deserved to. However, I reflected upon hax, and realised that hax has probably won me just as many games as its lost me games, and that it happens to everyone, so I got over it.
While browsing the RMT section on Smogon, I came across a Rain team. It was Neliel Tu Oderschvank’s team. It was a rain team featuring Feraligatr. I really liked the team, so I started to ladder with it, and I was doing pretty well. That’s basically what inspired me to get back into Pokemon.
Well, one month later I’m back and better than ever. I picked up this old team and tried to see if I could fit this team into the new BW2 rain infested metagame. When I came back, the metagame was infested with this little bug named Genesect. It was everywhere! Luckily I did already had a Heatran, which is considered Genesect’s best ‘counter’. However, the user who goes by the name Lavos Spawn created an execellent team, and everyone was using it. This team was Simulation of a Drought, the original Genesun team. Now my only check to sun teams as Hydregion and Heatran, and everything else fell easily to a well-built Sun team, and Lavos’ team just does this. It basically removed Heatran from the game thanks to Dugtrio, and then 6-0’d me. I was still weak to Tornadus-T, Techniloom, and Sheer Force Landorus, but more on that later.
Obviously the team needed changes, since the metagame went through some drastic changes.
With this current version of the team, I was quite weak to ScarfMence, Mamoswine, Heatran, Genesect, Techniloom, Venasaur with Earthquake and Tornadus-T. I knew I needed to change something, and an idea hit me out of the blue. I can't believe no one suggested this to me before...
This was the great idea, combine Hydregion and Reuniclus. This may sound silly, but it gives me another team slot, which my team desperately needed. So how did I combine them? I added Choice Scarf Latios. It does basically what Hydregion does, but its faster, is a great check to Techniloom, and out speeds Scarf Mence and Modest Venasaur. It also has that Psychic typing, meaning it can still take on threats that Reuniclus took on. Granted, Reuniclus was much bulkier, but I've think I've made the right decision here.
Right, so I have one slot left. I'm still weak to Mamo, Tornadus-T, Heatran, and Genesect. What can cover all of them threats? Well, non other than Rotom-W. Adding Rotom-W can handle all of then threats, and gives me momentum with Volt-Switch. It also gives my team a nice F/W/G core, meaning I can play around with a new core for the team.
Rotom-W was doing really well in checking Mamoswine and Tornadus-T. However, I felt Latios just wasn’t doing great, and seemed like the most replacable member or the team. I wanted to replace it with Mamoswine, because it could still check Dragon types and Venusaur, while providing Stealth Rocks and allowing Celebi another move slot.
I tested it, and Rotom-W ‘s new moveset (was previously Pain Split / WoW) was doing fantasic, as well as Celebi’s new moveset (Stealth Rocks was replaced with Heal Bell), but sadly, Mamoswine hardly ever got Rocks up early game. It also didn’t stick around too long. Mamoswine looked great on paper, but it just wasn’t working.
I went back to Scarf Latios, but I really didn’t want to put Stealth Rocks back onto Celebi, because of the new movesets. This is when I replaced Lucario. Lucario was a great sweeper, but the BW2 metagame was very unkind to Lucario, as it provided great checks such as Garchomp, Keldeo, and Landorus-T. I was browsing through Smogon, when finally ‘The Smog’ issue 22 had been released! I read ‘The Smog’ and I came across a very intreseting article. It was the ‘Underrated Movesets in OU’ article, and this article game me an idea. Agility Lucario. I tested it, and it did work quite well, but I missed the SD set, so Lucario was only really on my team to take out Chansey / Tyranitar.
I felt that Lucario was the most replaceable member, but I couldn’t just replace it with anything, I needed something that could take out Tyranitar, Chansey, set up SR, and keep the good synergy with the team. Terrakion filled all of these roles, so I tested it out, and it was amazing. The great thing about support Terrakion is that it can stop Deoxys-D leads with Taunt, and beat most weather starters (Abomasnow, Ninetales, Tyranitar). Terrakion also forced many switches, allowing me easily set up SR.
Terrakion was doing very well, especially during the Genesect period. However, Genesect was soon banned, and I started to find faults in using Terrakion. It made me very weak to a few physical sweepers, like Scizor (who was rising back up in usage because Genesect had been banned), Sub SD Terrakion, and Sub SD Garchomp. I needed something that could set up SR, and take on these threats. I started talking to my good friend shartruce2, and he suggested that I use Landorus-T over Terrakion. It still could set up on common weather leads, like Ninetales and Tyranitar, and it counters Scizor and Terrakion because of Intimidate and great bulk. I started to use it, and it was just amazing in practice as it was on paper.
This is the most current and up to date version of this team, but I can assure that when the metagame changes, this team will change with it. That’s what’s so great about this team. Anyway, I’ve talked a lot about the team building process, so let’s take a closer look at the actual team…
I then added Gengar because it has amazing synergy with Lucario. It dodges the Fighting and Ground type attacks aimed at Lucario, and once it gets on to the field it starts to cause havoc. Lucario can also come in on the Dark, and Ghost type attacks aimed at Gengar. Lucario can also smash through Gengar's biggest nemesis, Tyranitar and Blissey/Chansey
I now needed a Fire resist, and Stealth Rocks. The first Pokemon that came to mind was Heatran, and it makes sense to put into the team because of the similar weaknesses it has with Lucario, which means Gengar also has great synergy with Heatran, dodging the Ground and Fighting type attacks aimed at Heatran.
I remember back in gen 4 I used a CeleTran core (Celebi and Heatran). They resist each other’s weaknesses so well, and Celebi was just a great, consistent Pokemon. It has solid stats and it’s such an unpredictable Pokemon. I added it to the team.
I then added Rotom-W. I used it in a previous team and I loved it. It has amazing synergy with Heatran, as it can take the Ground and Water type attacks aimed at it. It also gave my team a lovely Water/Fire/Grass core, and everyone knows how great they are.
I then added Dragonite, mainly because it was another Fighting and Ground resist, and I wanted to abuse Multiscale with Roost.
The team was doing pretty good but I was weak to a few certain things. The biggest weakness I noticed was Rain Stall. This was during the time of M Dragon’s famous rain stall team. It really did a number on my team. So I replaced Dragonite with Reuniclus. It really helped me out loads against Stall teams and unlike Dragonite, it didn't give a damn about Stealth Rocks. It also had a fighting resist, which was the main reason why I used Dragonite.
The team was doing slightly better, but I was basically weak to anything that was faster than Gengar. Jolteon, Starmie, Tornadus and other threats gave this team a headache. Also, anything that set up on this team was very hard to deal with. Mainly Dragon types who used Dragon Dance would really scare me. I felt like Rotom-W wasn't doing great and it was the most replaceable Pokemon on my team, but I didn't want to replace it for anything. I needed something that can still take Water and Ground type attacks, while beating Dragon Dancers one on one. I added Choice Scarf Hydregion, as it allowed me to out speed +1 Dragonite and +1 Haxorus. It also allowed me to come in on Starmie and Jolteon and beat them one on one.
I started to test out Ferrothron in place of Celebi, because it gave me an easier time against Dragon types, but Celebi seemed to just fit the team better, and instead of giving me a Fighting resist, it gave me another Fighting weakness (along with Heatran, Lucario, and Hydregion). I didn't want that, so I went back to Celebi and made it a more defensive set. I then tested the team, and I no longer have as big of a problem as I did with Dragon types, but the team looked really weak to Volcarona. If it got a Quiver Dance up, it could really be trouble for this team. Sure Heatran walls it, but if it was the Bulky set with Morning Sun or Roost it would beat Heatran eventually. To help me out against Volcarona, I replaced a few move sets. Celebi is now my Stealth Rocker, and Heatran now has Roar. This helped me a lot against Dragon Dancers too.
At this moment in time, Garchomp was being tested on PS for the OU ladder. This is when I replaced Bronzong with Hydregion. I preferred Hydregion, but Bronzong dealt with Garchomp much better, while still being able to take on fast Dragon types, so I used Bronzong while laddering on the suspect ladder. I kept with this team for a good while, (switching between Bronzong and Hydregion) and during BW1 it peaked 2170 (ranked #3) on the PS ladder. Unfortunalty, BW2 was just around the corner, and this was going to be trouble for my team. Genesect could hit everything bar Heatran and Gengar for SE damage, and it hit so hard with the right download boost. Tornadus-T also screwed this team over, as Heatran was the only Pokemon to ‘check’ it, but it was still hit hard by Super Power / Focus Blast. A lot of other threats made it hard for this team to ladder well with, so I basically retired this team and took a break from Pokemon. The reason I took a break from Pokemon is that I was getting terribly haxed on the ladder. This was during the testing of Garchomp, and I was 18-0 with the team on the suspect. I then was terribly haxed and I wasn’t high enough to vote, although I think I deserved to. However, I reflected upon hax, and realised that hax has probably won me just as many games as its lost me games, and that it happens to everyone, so I got over it.
While browsing the RMT section on Smogon, I came across a Rain team. It was Neliel Tu Oderschvank’s team. It was a rain team featuring Feraligatr. I really liked the team, so I started to ladder with it, and I was doing pretty well. That’s basically what inspired me to get back into Pokemon.
Well, one month later I’m back and better than ever. I picked up this old team and tried to see if I could fit this team into the new BW2 rain infested metagame. When I came back, the metagame was infested with this little bug named Genesect. It was everywhere! Luckily I did already had a Heatran, which is considered Genesect’s best ‘counter’. However, the user who goes by the name Lavos Spawn created an execellent team, and everyone was using it. This team was Simulation of a Drought, the original Genesun team. Now my only check to sun teams as Hydregion and Heatran, and everything else fell easily to a well-built Sun team, and Lavos’ team just does this. It basically removed Heatran from the game thanks to Dugtrio, and then 6-0’d me. I was still weak to Tornadus-T, Techniloom, and Sheer Force Landorus, but more on that later.
Obviously the team needed changes, since the metagame went through some drastic changes.
With this current version of the team, I was quite weak to ScarfMence, Mamoswine, Heatran, Genesect, Techniloom, Venasaur with Earthquake and Tornadus-T. I knew I needed to change something, and an idea hit me out of the blue. I can't believe no one suggested this to me before...
This was the great idea, combine Hydregion and Reuniclus. This may sound silly, but it gives me another team slot, which my team desperately needed. So how did I combine them? I added Choice Scarf Latios. It does basically what Hydregion does, but its faster, is a great check to Techniloom, and out speeds Scarf Mence and Modest Venasaur. It also has that Psychic typing, meaning it can still take on threats that Reuniclus took on. Granted, Reuniclus was much bulkier, but I've think I've made the right decision here.
Right, so I have one slot left. I'm still weak to Mamo, Tornadus-T, Heatran, and Genesect. What can cover all of them threats? Well, non other than Rotom-W. Adding Rotom-W can handle all of then threats, and gives me momentum with Volt-Switch. It also gives my team a nice F/W/G core, meaning I can play around with a new core for the team.
Rotom-W was doing really well in checking Mamoswine and Tornadus-T. However, I felt Latios just wasn’t doing great, and seemed like the most replacable member or the team. I wanted to replace it with Mamoswine, because it could still check Dragon types and Venusaur, while providing Stealth Rocks and allowing Celebi another move slot.
I tested it, and Rotom-W ‘s new moveset (was previously Pain Split / WoW) was doing fantasic, as well as Celebi’s new moveset (Stealth Rocks was replaced with Heal Bell), but sadly, Mamoswine hardly ever got Rocks up early game. It also didn’t stick around too long. Mamoswine looked great on paper, but it just wasn’t working.
I went back to Scarf Latios, but I really didn’t want to put Stealth Rocks back onto Celebi, because of the new movesets. This is when I replaced Lucario. Lucario was a great sweeper, but the BW2 metagame was very unkind to Lucario, as it provided great checks such as Garchomp, Keldeo, and Landorus-T. I was browsing through Smogon, when finally ‘The Smog’ issue 22 had been released! I read ‘The Smog’ and I came across a very intreseting article. It was the ‘Underrated Movesets in OU’ article, and this article game me an idea. Agility Lucario. I tested it, and it did work quite well, but I missed the SD set, so Lucario was only really on my team to take out Chansey / Tyranitar.
I felt that Lucario was the most replaceable member, but I couldn’t just replace it with anything, I needed something that could take out Tyranitar, Chansey, set up SR, and keep the good synergy with the team. Terrakion filled all of these roles, so I tested it out, and it was amazing. The great thing about support Terrakion is that it can stop Deoxys-D leads with Taunt, and beat most weather starters (Abomasnow, Ninetales, Tyranitar). Terrakion also forced many switches, allowing me easily set up SR.
Terrakion was doing very well, especially during the Genesect period. However, Genesect was soon banned, and I started to find faults in using Terrakion. It made me very weak to a few physical sweepers, like Scizor (who was rising back up in usage because Genesect had been banned), Sub SD Terrakion, and Sub SD Garchomp. I needed something that could set up SR, and take on these threats. I started talking to my good friend shartruce2, and he suggested that I use Landorus-T over Terrakion. It still could set up on common weather leads, like Ninetales and Tyranitar, and it counters Scizor and Terrakion because of Intimidate and great bulk. I started to use it, and it was just amazing in practice as it was on paper.
This is the most current and up to date version of this team, but I can assure that when the metagame changes, this team will change with it. That’s what’s so great about this team. Anyway, I’ve talked a lot about the team building process, so let’s take a closer look at the actual team…
A CLOSER LOOK.
Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Trick
Latios is mainly here to check specific threats to the team. This is including, but not limited to Keldeo, Garchomp, Terrakion, Thundurus-T, Salamence and Venusaur. I chose the Choice Scarf set because it out speeds Scarf Terra, Scarf Keldeo, Scarf Chomp, and Modest Venusaur, which are all pretty big threats to this team without Latios. Draco Meteor is STAB, and basically hits anything that doesn’t resist it hard (apart from Tyranitar, Chansey and Blissey). Psyshock also STAB and is very important because it hits Keldeo, and Venusaur for super effective damage. Psyshock also hits Blissey for very good damage, which is crucial for my team. Surf is there for general good coverage on Steel types that resist my STAB attacks and hits Tyranitar for some good damage. Trick is there to cripple stall teams and bulky set up sweepers, like CM Reuniclus and CM Jirachi. Overall Latios is very good, and does its job well, put sometimes the power output is lacking.
The EVs are used to max Speed and Special Attack. Max Speed is used to out speed Scarf Keldeo, Scarf Chomp, and Modest Venusaur. 0 IVs are used just so I take less damage from confusion, which is rare, but there’s no reason not to lower my IVs for this small threat.
Synergy
Ice weakness = Heatran, Rotom-W
Dark Weakness = Heatran
Bug Weakness = Heatran, Landorus-T, Gengar
Ghost weakness = Heatran
Dragon weakness = Heatran
Dark Weakness = Heatran
Bug Weakness = Heatran, Landorus-T, Gengar
Ghost weakness = Heatran
Dragon weakness = Heatran
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 28 SAtk / 232 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Thunder Wave
- Rest
Rotom-W is amazing for the team. It was a solid check to Genesect, and it still is a great check to Tornadus-T, Mamoswine, and most Steel types. Volt Switch is my STAB move of choice, which allows me to grab momentum and gain switch advantage. Hydro Pump is also STAB, and allows me to be a huge threat to Rain teams and hit bulky Ground types that are immune to Volt Switch for great damage. Thunder Wave is there to hit Venusaur (because I can live a Giga Drain and I can take a Sleep Powder because of the Chesto Berry) and Latios. Rest is used for full recovery and allows me to beat Gliscor who try to Toxic Stall me. I chose the Chesto Resto set, because it’s very good at bluffing a choice set. Granted, it doesn’t hit nearly as hard as the Specs set, and it is out sped a lot, but there are a few times where the opponent can be fooled into thinking its choiced, and a lot of players assume its choiced just because they don’t see Leftovers recovery.
The EVs are used to take hits better from Tornadus-T. The 28 SpAtk is used to OHKO Gliscor with Hydro Pump so they won’t be able to Toxic Stall me. 0 IVs are again used so I’m less prone to confusion damage (from Tornadus-T’s Hurricane).
Synergy
Grass – Celebi, Heatran, Latios, Gengar.
Heatran @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 244 HP / 252 SDef / 12 Spd
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Protect
- Roar
- Toxic
This thing really is such a great defensive Pokemon. Base 106 defenses on both the Physical and Special sides, a solid 91 HP stat, and unique typing, giving it key resistance to Bug, Fire, Steel, and Grass type attacks. I used the Specially Defensive set, mainly because most of the Physical attacks aimed at it (like Earth Quake and Close Combat) are going to KO it regardless of EV investment. Lava Plume is for the 30% burn rate which allows Heatran to take physical hits better and has consistent accuracy and PP. Roar is used to beat Dragon Dancers and Substitute users who think they can set up on Heatran. Toxic is there to nail the Bulky Water type switch - ins, like Rotom-W and Jellicent, and Protect is used for scouting purposes and Leftovers recovery.
The EVs are used to maximise special bulk, while getting a ‘magic’ HP number. The 12 EVs that were leftover are used to out speed opposing Heatran that run full HP / SpDef. 0 IVs are used again for confusion damage.
Synergy
Water = Celebi, Rotom-W, Latios
Ground = Celebi, Rotom-W, Gengar, Latios, Landorus-T
Fighting = Celebi, Gengar, Latios, Landorus-T
Ground = Celebi, Rotom-W, Gengar, Latios, Landorus-T
Fighting = Celebi, Gengar, Latios, Landorus-T
Celebi @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 224 SDef / 36 Spd
Calm Nature
- Recover
- Heal Bell
- Giga Drain
- Psychic
Celebi is an underestimated defensive Pokemon. I use the specially defensive set because it allows me to take on Life Orb Starmie and Choice Specs Jolteon easier. Recover is used for 50% recovery which allows me to stay around for the majority of the match. Heal Bell is used to make me less prone to hax. This includes Scald burns on Rotom-W, Heatran being paralyzed by Jirachi, and Landorus-T being put to sleep by Breloom (which isn’t really hax, but it’s annoying). Heal Bell also works great in conjunction with Rotom-W’s Rest, which is very cool. Giga Drain is a STAB grass move which gains me a bit move health and allows me to deal with Rain teams pretty well. Psychic is my other STAB move of choice, which is used for Tentecruel, Breloom, and Toxicroak.
The 36 speed EVs are used to out speed Scizor, Tyranitar, and Adamant Breloom (before it Spores me). The rest of the EVs are used to maximsise special bulk, as this allows me to come in on Latios’ Draco Meteor, Jolteon’s HP Ice, and Politoad’s Ice Beam.
Synergy
Ice = Heatran, Rotom-W
Ghost = Heatran
Bug = Heatran, Gengar, Landorus-T
Flying = Heatran, Rotom-W
Fire = Heatran, Rotom-W, Latios
Dark = Heatran
Poison = Heatran, Gengar
Ghost = Heatran
Bug = Heatran, Gengar, Landorus-T
Flying = Heatran, Rotom-W
Fire = Heatran, Rotom-W, Latios
Dark = Heatran
Poison = Heatran, Gengar
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 200 HP / 64 Atk / 244 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Landorus-T is perhaps the best OU defensive pivot in the OU metagame right now. It switches in to Tyranitar, Terrakion, Scizor, and a bunch of other physical threats so easily. Stealth Rock is used for general damage on the opposing team, and allows me to deal more damage to the opposing team by phasing with Heatran, and forcing switches with Rotom-W’s Volt Switch. Earthquake is general STAB, and hits super hard with a base 145 attack (even when the EV’s aren’t invested much into Attack). Stone Edge conplments Earthquake’s coverage, hitting Pokemon who resist / are immune to EQ. U-turn allows me to gain momentum and switch advantage.
The EVs are very precise on Landorus-T. 64 EVs in attack allows me to OHKO Dragonite with Stone Edge after SR damage. The HP is a ‘magic’ HP number, as it allows me to gain the most leftovers recovery and switch into SR more times. The EVs invested into Defence allows me to switch into Terrakion’s banded Stone Edge twice with SR up.
Synergy
Ice = Heatran, Rotom-W
Water = Celebi, Rotom-W, Latios
Water = Celebi, Rotom-W, Latios
Gengar @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 4 Def
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Disable
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
Gengar is a really great Pokemon. I'm surprised it isn't used more which is a shame. For me though, it really has pulled its weight for this team, often acting like a wall. That's right, I just called Gengar a wall, mainly because of immunities and the fact that its team mates lure in attacks for Gengar to switch in on and cause havoc. This thing allows me to beat slow set up sweepers, like Scrafty and Conkerdurr, because they only usually carry one move to hurt Gengar. I Disable Crunch or Payback, get a sub up, and I can put a massive dent in nearly anything as they switch out or stay in.
I was a bit skeptical about using Disable, because I was used to using the Pain Split set back in gen 4, but it has really proven itself and has often been the MVP of the team. The EVs and nature are standard as they allow me to out speed the common base 108 speed tier, like Infernape and Terrakion. I use Leftovers over Life Orb because I want to create as many subs as possible, and Gengar isn't trying to get any notable KOs, it’s just meant to dent stuff and force switches.
Synergy
Ghost = Heatran
Dark = Heatran
Psychic = Celebi, Latios, Heatran
Dark = Heatran
Psychic = Celebi, Latios, Heatran
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TEAM CORES
Celebi + Heatran
The famous Celetram core, which waws popularised back in gen 4. They resist eachothers weaknesses so well, and I believe the only type they don’t resist together is Rock. They also deal wit weather teams very well. Heatran screws with Sun teams, and Celebi screws with Rain teams. Heatran also helps out a lot with Rain teams, as it takes on the Steel types that are always on rain teams, and it can cripple bulky water switch in’s with Toxic.
Rotom-W + Heatran + Celebi
This is a great fire / water / grass core. They resist every attacking type bar Rock. Rotom however takes on threats that Heatran and Celebi can’t take on, like Mamoswine, Tornadus-T, and opposing Heatran. Rotom aids in beating Rain teams, as it takes on Tornadus-T, which Celebi can’t beat.
Latios + Heatran
Dragon and Steel types always have very good synergy. Latios takes on all of Heatran’s weaknesses (Water, Fighting, and Ground), and Heatran does the same for Latios (Bug, Ghost, Dark, Dragon, Ice).
These two are also my main answer to Sun teams, as they both resist common attacks on Sun teams (Fire, and Grass). Latios out speeds most Venusaur, and Heatran takes on everything on a Sun team, bar Ground types, like Dugtrio and Donphan.
Heatran + Gengar
Amazing core right here. Gengar dodges the Fighting, and Ground type attacks aimed at Heatran, and Heatran takes on all of Gengar’s weaknesses. These two also take on choiced locked Pokemon very well. Heatran uses Protect to scout what move they lock themselves into. I can then force them to switch and gain momentum. Gengar can disable choice’d Pokemon, like Banded Terrakion’s Stone Edge, and Scizor’s Bullet Punch, forcing them to switch, take more damage from SR, and allowing me to hit the next switch in hard with my unresisted coverage from Gengar.
The famous Celetram core, which waws popularised back in gen 4. They resist eachothers weaknesses so well, and I believe the only type they don’t resist together is Rock. They also deal wit weather teams very well. Heatran screws with Sun teams, and Celebi screws with Rain teams. Heatran also helps out a lot with Rain teams, as it takes on the Steel types that are always on rain teams, and it can cripple bulky water switch in’s with Toxic.
Rotom-W + Heatran + Celebi
This is a great fire / water / grass core. They resist every attacking type bar Rock. Rotom however takes on threats that Heatran and Celebi can’t take on, like Mamoswine, Tornadus-T, and opposing Heatran. Rotom aids in beating Rain teams, as it takes on Tornadus-T, which Celebi can’t beat.
Latios + Heatran
Dragon and Steel types always have very good synergy. Latios takes on all of Heatran’s weaknesses (Water, Fighting, and Ground), and Heatran does the same for Latios (Bug, Ghost, Dark, Dragon, Ice).
These two are also my main answer to Sun teams, as they both resist common attacks on Sun teams (Fire, and Grass). Latios out speeds most Venusaur, and Heatran takes on everything on a Sun team, bar Ground types, like Dugtrio and Donphan.
Heatran + Gengar
Amazing core right here. Gengar dodges the Fighting, and Ground type attacks aimed at Heatran, and Heatran takes on all of Gengar’s weaknesses. These two also take on choiced locked Pokemon very well. Heatran uses Protect to scout what move they lock themselves into. I can then force them to switch and gain momentum. Gengar can disable choice’d Pokemon, like Banded Terrakion’s Stone Edge, and Scizor’s Bullet Punch, forcing them to switch, take more damage from SR, and allowing me to hit the next switch in hard with my unresisted coverage from Gengar.
IMPORTABLE TEAM
Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Trick
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 28 SAtk / 232 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Thunder Wave
- Rest
Heatran @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 244 HP / 252 SDef / 12 Spd
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Protect
- Roar
- Toxic
Celebi @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 220 SDef / 36 Spd
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell
- Recover
- Psychic
- Giga Drain
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 200 HP / 64 Atk / 244 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Gengar @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Disable
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Trick
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 28 SAtk / 232 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Thunder Wave
- Rest
Heatran @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 244 HP / 252 SDef / 12 Spd
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Protect
- Roar
- Toxic
Celebi @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 220 SDef / 36 Spd
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell
- Recover
- Psychic
- Giga Drain
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 200 HP / 64 Atk / 244 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Gengar @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Disable
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
THREAT LIST.
Alakazam - Can actually be quite annoying if the opponent makes risky plays, like randomly predicting Gengar or Heatran to switch in. Heatran can take a Focus Blast, and Rotom-W can take a hit and Thunder Wave it. Celebi doesn’t take too much from Shadow Ball and can Giga Drain and Recover. Latios out speeds and KO’s with Draco Meteor (unless it has Focus Sash).
Blissey – Latios can cripple Blissey with Trick and hit pretty hard with Psychock. Landorus-T can hit hard with Earthquake and Gengar can force the switch with Disable and Sub.
Breloom –Bulk Up Breloom is walled by Celebi, and Gengar. Anything can take the Spore since Celebi can heal it off later. The Techniloom set is slightly harder to deal with, but it’s still walled by Celebi. If somehow Breloom gets past Celebi, then Gengar can revenge it, and so can Latios. Landorus-T can use Intimidate, but Loom doesn’t usually get that far through my team.
Celebi – Heatran can hit it pretty hard with Lava Plume, and Gengar can hit hard with Shadow Ball. Landorus-T can hit Celebi hard with U-turn, but it doesn’t usually get to that stage with Celebi.
Chansey - Read Blissey.
Cloyster - It can't really set up on anything, as everything on my team bar Heatran can KO it, and Heatran can just Roar it out as it uses Shell Smash, if it doesn't go for Shell Smash on Heatran, it isn't going to be doing much to Heatran with Hydro Pump, and Stealth Rocks damage will rack up quickly. Rotom-W is a good switch in, as Volt Switch OHKO’s and takes +2 Rock Blast moderately well.
Conkeldurr - The most common set I see is the Bulk up set, which basically means that Gengar will force it so switch sooner or later, because it can Disable the Payback/Ice Punch. If Conkeldurr doesn’t run Ice Punch, then Landorus-T can take it on easily too.
Donphan - Gengar is immune to Rapid Spin and EarthQuake, and doesn't take much from Ice Shard. Celebi Resists EarthQuake, and can take a nice chunk out of its health with Giga Drain. Rotom is immune to EQ, and can OHKO with Hydro Pump (unless it’s in the Sun).
Dragonite - Dragonite can be a massive threat if Stealth Rocks aren't up, but if it's the Standard DD set, then Heatran can just Roar it out and deal with it later, if it does KO something, Latios can revenge kill it. Landorus can hit it with Intimidate and Stone Edge hard.
Dugtrio - The only thing that it threatens is Heatran. Everything else KOs it or doesn't take much damage from Earth Quake. Not much to say here really, I’ve just gotta play smart with double switches.
Espeon – A very big threat. Latios can trick it, and Gengar can out speed (if it uses HP ground / Fighting since it lowers the IV) and hit hard with Shadow Ball. If I can predict the Baton Pass, Heatran can Roar it out. Heatran can also burn with Lava Plume and stall it out with Protect and smart switch in.
Ferrothorn - Heatran is my best switch in for obvious reasons. Gengar can Disable Gyro Ball, and avoid the Thunder Wave / Leech Seed with Sub. It can then proceed to hit it hard with Focus Blast.
Forretress - If it lacks Earth Quake, Heatran. If it lacks Payback, Gengar. Rotom-W is a general good switch in as it hits hard with Hydro Pump and Volt Switch.
Gastrodon - Celebi. Heatran can Toxic it as it switches in to wall Heatran.
Gengar - Heatran can't directly switch into it, but it can take a Focus Blast and do some nice damage back with Lava Plume or Roar it out. Rotom-W can Thunder Wave it, and hit hard with Hydro Pump and Volt Switch. Latios out speeds and can OHKO with Psyshock.
Gliscor – Gengar is immune to Toxic and EQ and can proceed to hit hard with Shadow Ball. Celebi’s Giga Drain breaks the Sub, and can get rid of Toxic damage with Heal Bell. Rotom-W hits hard with Hydro Pump and can Rest off Toxic. Latios’s Surf does a lot of damage, but I don’t like using Latios to deal with Gliscor, as it can Protect and gain momentum.
Gyarados - Depending on the sets. If it’s a Choice scarfed set, then I counter it depending on what moves it locks itself into. The Sub DD set is usually took on by Rotom,-W or Celebi. If it lacks bounce then Celebi walls it all day. If it does KO something, then Latios can revenge it at +1.
Haxorus - If I can force it to use any move that isn't Outrage, then I can switch in Latios and KO it with Draco Meteor. If it’s choiced, it’s much easier to deal with. Heatran can scout what move it locks itself into, and Landorus-T is quite a good switch in thanks to Intimidate.
Heatran – Rotom-W is the best switch in as it can hit hard with Hydro Pump or Thunder Wave. Landorus-T can hit hard with EQ and gain momentum with U-turn, and Latios can hit pretty hard with Surf.
Hydreigon – Very hard to deal with, mainly because it has no true counters. Prediction is key when facing Hydreigon. Celebi can take a Draco Metoer, and Rotom-W can take a Fire Blast and Thunder Wave it. Gengar out speeds and can hit hard with Focus Blast. Latios out speeds and can revenge it.
Infernape - Gengar can come in on the Close Combats, and Heatran can come in on the Fire type attacks. Latios resists both its STABs, out speeds, and can OHKO with Psyshock. Heatran can gain loads of momentum, since most are choiced, so I just Protect.
Jellicent - Celebi doesn't take much from Shadow Ball, and can Giga Drain it. Heatran can take a Scald quite nicely and Toxic it. Rotom-W can switch in easily and Volt Switch, and Gengar does a lot with Shadow Ball.
Jirachi - Heatran does well against most sets, and it doesn't mind paralysis too much. Rotom-W x4 resists Iron Head and can Thunder Wave it or hit it hard with Hydro Pump. Celebi can heal off any status from Jirachi.
Jolteon - Celebi takes anything from Jolteon bar Shadow Ball, which can be absorbed by Heatran. Latios out speeds and hits very hard with Draco Meteor, and Rotom-W can hit hard with Hydro Pump, while easily taking a hit.
Landorus – The Sheer Force set can be very scary. Rotom can take a Focus Blast (that’s if it hits), and hit hard with Hydro Pump. Latios out speeds sets without Rock Polish, as does Gengar, and hit it hard with their respective STAB. Celebi can take a HP ice pretty well and can Giga Drain for good damage. The physical sets are easier to deal with, as Heatran can scout (since most are Scarfed), and can switch into Gengar. Latios out speeds even the scarf set and OHKO’s with Surf.
Latias - Heatran can Toxic it and Roar sets with Calm Mind, since most of their sets only carry one attacking move, Dragon Pulse. If it does KO something, I can put a nice dent in it with Latios. As a last resort, Gengar can Disable its only attacking option and just wait for a crit, but they have the same speed (if the Latias is EVed correctly), so it is kinda risky.
Latios – My own Latios can out speed every set bar Choice Scarf Latios. In which case, Celebi walls it, Rotom-W walls it and can Thunder Wave, and Heatran can take anything bar a Surf, and can proceed to Toxic.
Lucario - It can be pretty scary if I don't scout first. Sets using Ice Punch or Crunch are set up bait for Gengar, but if it carries Bullet Punch, Celebi can hit it pretty hard with Psychic. It doesn’t get much opportunity to set up either, but if it does, that’s how I deal with it.
Magnezone - Its job is to trap steel types. Luckily, Heatran, my only steel type laughs at it. Celebi can take any hit nicely, bar a Choice Specs'd Hidden Power Fire, but I don't think they will by firing that off when they see Heatran. Landorus-T is immune to its Electric STAB and can OHKO with Earthquake.
Mamoswine – Rotom-W is my only solid check, but Landorus-T can come in on Earthquakes and Superpowers while lowering its attack with Intimidate. As a last resort, Gengar can take an Ice Shard and hit it hard with Focus Blast.
Metagross – Rotom-W is a solid check to Metagross, resisting its most common attacks. It can then proceed to Thunder Wave it or hit it hard with Hydro Pump. Landorus-T out speeds defensive sets and can EQ for great damage.
Ninetales - Latios can take a Fire Blast and hit back hard with Draco Meteor. Heatran can absorb the Fire type attack and can take Hidden Power Fighting all day, as it only takes about 30% from it, so I can Toxic Stall it.
Politoad - Celebi can Giga Drain it and take any hit. Heatran can Toxic it on the switch, and just stall it from there. If it’s an offensive Politoad I can check it with Celebi, Rotom-W, and Latios.
Reuniclus – The CM set is stopped cold by Gengar, and Latios can cripple it with Trick. The Trick Room sweeper however is very hard to deal with. Rotom-W can take a few hits and hit it hard with Hydro Pump or Thunder Wave for hax. Gengar can also hit it hard once Trick Room has ran out.
Rotom-W - Celebi can take anything pretty well and Giga Drain. Heatran can Toxic it on the switch and it can take a hit from any set bar Choice Specs and Toxic it, if I have to. Latios can put a nice dent into it. My Rotom-W can take hits pretty well too and just Thunder Wave it.
Salamence – Landorus-T can switch in and lower its attack with Intimidate. It can then proceed to Stone Edge for the OHKO after SR. Latios out speeds Mence at +1 and can OHKO with Draco Meteor.
Scizor - Usually banded. If it’s banded, Heatran walls it. I have to watch out for Super Power, so Landorus-T is also a great switch, resisting everything bar Bullet Punch, which does nothing. Rotom-W can take on banded Bullet Punches all day and hit it hard with Hydro Pump.
Skarmory - Heatran can scare it off with Lava Plume, and Rotom-W can gain momentum with Volt Switch.
Starmie - Celebi walls any set that isn't Choice Specs (which is rarely used), and Rotom-W does work to most sets with Volt Switch.
Tentacruel – Celebi can Psychic is for good damage. Rotom-W can Volt Switch, and Latios can Psyshock.
Terrakion – Landorus-T is a great counter to any set. Intimidate makes sure even Banded Terrakion can’t 2HKO with Stone Edge. Earthquake can then proceed to OHKO. Latios out speeds any set and OHKO’s with Psyshock with some prior damage. Gengar can come in on Close Combats and Disable Stone Edge, forcing it to switch out.
Tornadus-T - My first mission is to set up SR. From there, Heatran and Rotom-W can deal with it. Latios out speeds Tornadus-T and can OHKO with SR damage + Draco Meteor.
Toxicroak - Usually a Bulk Up set in rain. This means that Gengar can beat it one on one. I sub up as they use Sucker Punch or Bulk up, hit them with Shadow Ball as they Sucker Punch or Bulk Up, and then Disable Sucker Punch. If it hasn’t set up a sub, Landorus-T can take it on easily.
Tyranitar - Landorus-T can switch in pretty easily, and U-turn out or Earthquake. Tyranitar can Toxic stall it, and Gengar can hit hard with Focus Blast.
Vaporeon - Celebi is my best answer, but if its the Hydration wall in Rain, it really can be bothersome. Rotom-W can Volt Switch, and Latios can Trick it. If it isn’t is the Rain, then Heatran can take a hit and Toxic Stall it.
Venasaur - I let my least needed team member to take the Sleep Powder, and then Heatran walls sets lacking Earthquake. Latios out speeds Modest Venusaur, which is nice as a last check, and Celebi can take a HP fire is it’s not at +2.
Volcarona - Heatran walls any set lacking Hidden Power Ground, but those carrying HP ground are a big problem. Latios can Trick it and then wall it depending on the move.
Blissey – Latios can cripple Blissey with Trick and hit pretty hard with Psychock. Landorus-T can hit hard with Earthquake and Gengar can force the switch with Disable and Sub.
Breloom –Bulk Up Breloom is walled by Celebi, and Gengar. Anything can take the Spore since Celebi can heal it off later. The Techniloom set is slightly harder to deal with, but it’s still walled by Celebi. If somehow Breloom gets past Celebi, then Gengar can revenge it, and so can Latios. Landorus-T can use Intimidate, but Loom doesn’t usually get that far through my team.
Celebi – Heatran can hit it pretty hard with Lava Plume, and Gengar can hit hard with Shadow Ball. Landorus-T can hit Celebi hard with U-turn, but it doesn’t usually get to that stage with Celebi.
Chansey - Read Blissey.
Cloyster - It can't really set up on anything, as everything on my team bar Heatran can KO it, and Heatran can just Roar it out as it uses Shell Smash, if it doesn't go for Shell Smash on Heatran, it isn't going to be doing much to Heatran with Hydro Pump, and Stealth Rocks damage will rack up quickly. Rotom-W is a good switch in, as Volt Switch OHKO’s and takes +2 Rock Blast moderately well.
Conkeldurr - The most common set I see is the Bulk up set, which basically means that Gengar will force it so switch sooner or later, because it can Disable the Payback/Ice Punch. If Conkeldurr doesn’t run Ice Punch, then Landorus-T can take it on easily too.
Donphan - Gengar is immune to Rapid Spin and EarthQuake, and doesn't take much from Ice Shard. Celebi Resists EarthQuake, and can take a nice chunk out of its health with Giga Drain. Rotom is immune to EQ, and can OHKO with Hydro Pump (unless it’s in the Sun).
Dragonite - Dragonite can be a massive threat if Stealth Rocks aren't up, but if it's the Standard DD set, then Heatran can just Roar it out and deal with it later, if it does KO something, Latios can revenge kill it. Landorus can hit it with Intimidate and Stone Edge hard.
Dugtrio - The only thing that it threatens is Heatran. Everything else KOs it or doesn't take much damage from Earth Quake. Not much to say here really, I’ve just gotta play smart with double switches.
Espeon – A very big threat. Latios can trick it, and Gengar can out speed (if it uses HP ground / Fighting since it lowers the IV) and hit hard with Shadow Ball. If I can predict the Baton Pass, Heatran can Roar it out. Heatran can also burn with Lava Plume and stall it out with Protect and smart switch in.
Ferrothorn - Heatran is my best switch in for obvious reasons. Gengar can Disable Gyro Ball, and avoid the Thunder Wave / Leech Seed with Sub. It can then proceed to hit it hard with Focus Blast.
Forretress - If it lacks Earth Quake, Heatran. If it lacks Payback, Gengar. Rotom-W is a general good switch in as it hits hard with Hydro Pump and Volt Switch.
Gastrodon - Celebi. Heatran can Toxic it as it switches in to wall Heatran.
Gengar - Heatran can't directly switch into it, but it can take a Focus Blast and do some nice damage back with Lava Plume or Roar it out. Rotom-W can Thunder Wave it, and hit hard with Hydro Pump and Volt Switch. Latios out speeds and can OHKO with Psyshock.
Gliscor – Gengar is immune to Toxic and EQ and can proceed to hit hard with Shadow Ball. Celebi’s Giga Drain breaks the Sub, and can get rid of Toxic damage with Heal Bell. Rotom-W hits hard with Hydro Pump and can Rest off Toxic. Latios’s Surf does a lot of damage, but I don’t like using Latios to deal with Gliscor, as it can Protect and gain momentum.
Gyarados - Depending on the sets. If it’s a Choice scarfed set, then I counter it depending on what moves it locks itself into. The Sub DD set is usually took on by Rotom,-W or Celebi. If it lacks bounce then Celebi walls it all day. If it does KO something, then Latios can revenge it at +1.
Haxorus - If I can force it to use any move that isn't Outrage, then I can switch in Latios and KO it with Draco Meteor. If it’s choiced, it’s much easier to deal with. Heatran can scout what move it locks itself into, and Landorus-T is quite a good switch in thanks to Intimidate.
Heatran – Rotom-W is the best switch in as it can hit hard with Hydro Pump or Thunder Wave. Landorus-T can hit hard with EQ and gain momentum with U-turn, and Latios can hit pretty hard with Surf.
Hydreigon – Very hard to deal with, mainly because it has no true counters. Prediction is key when facing Hydreigon. Celebi can take a Draco Metoer, and Rotom-W can take a Fire Blast and Thunder Wave it. Gengar out speeds and can hit hard with Focus Blast. Latios out speeds and can revenge it.
Infernape - Gengar can come in on the Close Combats, and Heatran can come in on the Fire type attacks. Latios resists both its STABs, out speeds, and can OHKO with Psyshock. Heatran can gain loads of momentum, since most are choiced, so I just Protect.
Jellicent - Celebi doesn't take much from Shadow Ball, and can Giga Drain it. Heatran can take a Scald quite nicely and Toxic it. Rotom-W can switch in easily and Volt Switch, and Gengar does a lot with Shadow Ball.
Jirachi - Heatran does well against most sets, and it doesn't mind paralysis too much. Rotom-W x4 resists Iron Head and can Thunder Wave it or hit it hard with Hydro Pump. Celebi can heal off any status from Jirachi.
Jolteon - Celebi takes anything from Jolteon bar Shadow Ball, which can be absorbed by Heatran. Latios out speeds and hits very hard with Draco Meteor, and Rotom-W can hit hard with Hydro Pump, while easily taking a hit.
Landorus – The Sheer Force set can be very scary. Rotom can take a Focus Blast (that’s if it hits), and hit hard with Hydro Pump. Latios out speeds sets without Rock Polish, as does Gengar, and hit it hard with their respective STAB. Celebi can take a HP ice pretty well and can Giga Drain for good damage. The physical sets are easier to deal with, as Heatran can scout (since most are Scarfed), and can switch into Gengar. Latios out speeds even the scarf set and OHKO’s with Surf.
Latias - Heatran can Toxic it and Roar sets with Calm Mind, since most of their sets only carry one attacking move, Dragon Pulse. If it does KO something, I can put a nice dent in it with Latios. As a last resort, Gengar can Disable its only attacking option and just wait for a crit, but they have the same speed (if the Latias is EVed correctly), so it is kinda risky.
Latios – My own Latios can out speed every set bar Choice Scarf Latios. In which case, Celebi walls it, Rotom-W walls it and can Thunder Wave, and Heatran can take anything bar a Surf, and can proceed to Toxic.
Lucario - It can be pretty scary if I don't scout first. Sets using Ice Punch or Crunch are set up bait for Gengar, but if it carries Bullet Punch, Celebi can hit it pretty hard with Psychic. It doesn’t get much opportunity to set up either, but if it does, that’s how I deal with it.
Magnezone - Its job is to trap steel types. Luckily, Heatran, my only steel type laughs at it. Celebi can take any hit nicely, bar a Choice Specs'd Hidden Power Fire, but I don't think they will by firing that off when they see Heatran. Landorus-T is immune to its Electric STAB and can OHKO with Earthquake.
Mamoswine – Rotom-W is my only solid check, but Landorus-T can come in on Earthquakes and Superpowers while lowering its attack with Intimidate. As a last resort, Gengar can take an Ice Shard and hit it hard with Focus Blast.
Metagross – Rotom-W is a solid check to Metagross, resisting its most common attacks. It can then proceed to Thunder Wave it or hit it hard with Hydro Pump. Landorus-T out speeds defensive sets and can EQ for great damage.
Ninetales - Latios can take a Fire Blast and hit back hard with Draco Meteor. Heatran can absorb the Fire type attack and can take Hidden Power Fighting all day, as it only takes about 30% from it, so I can Toxic Stall it.
Politoad - Celebi can Giga Drain it and take any hit. Heatran can Toxic it on the switch, and just stall it from there. If it’s an offensive Politoad I can check it with Celebi, Rotom-W, and Latios.
Reuniclus – The CM set is stopped cold by Gengar, and Latios can cripple it with Trick. The Trick Room sweeper however is very hard to deal with. Rotom-W can take a few hits and hit it hard with Hydro Pump or Thunder Wave for hax. Gengar can also hit it hard once Trick Room has ran out.
Rotom-W - Celebi can take anything pretty well and Giga Drain. Heatran can Toxic it on the switch and it can take a hit from any set bar Choice Specs and Toxic it, if I have to. Latios can put a nice dent into it. My Rotom-W can take hits pretty well too and just Thunder Wave it.
Salamence – Landorus-T can switch in and lower its attack with Intimidate. It can then proceed to Stone Edge for the OHKO after SR. Latios out speeds Mence at +1 and can OHKO with Draco Meteor.
Scizor - Usually banded. If it’s banded, Heatran walls it. I have to watch out for Super Power, so Landorus-T is also a great switch, resisting everything bar Bullet Punch, which does nothing. Rotom-W can take on banded Bullet Punches all day and hit it hard with Hydro Pump.
Skarmory - Heatran can scare it off with Lava Plume, and Rotom-W can gain momentum with Volt Switch.
Starmie - Celebi walls any set that isn't Choice Specs (which is rarely used), and Rotom-W does work to most sets with Volt Switch.
Tentacruel – Celebi can Psychic is for good damage. Rotom-W can Volt Switch, and Latios can Psyshock.
Terrakion – Landorus-T is a great counter to any set. Intimidate makes sure even Banded Terrakion can’t 2HKO with Stone Edge. Earthquake can then proceed to OHKO. Latios out speeds any set and OHKO’s with Psyshock with some prior damage. Gengar can come in on Close Combats and Disable Stone Edge, forcing it to switch out.
Tornadus-T - My first mission is to set up SR. From there, Heatran and Rotom-W can deal with it. Latios out speeds Tornadus-T and can OHKO with SR damage + Draco Meteor.
Toxicroak - Usually a Bulk Up set in rain. This means that Gengar can beat it one on one. I sub up as they use Sucker Punch or Bulk up, hit them with Shadow Ball as they Sucker Punch or Bulk Up, and then Disable Sucker Punch. If it hasn’t set up a sub, Landorus-T can take it on easily.
Tyranitar - Landorus-T can switch in pretty easily, and U-turn out or Earthquake. Tyranitar can Toxic stall it, and Gengar can hit hard with Focus Blast.
Vaporeon - Celebi is my best answer, but if its the Hydration wall in Rain, it really can be bothersome. Rotom-W can Volt Switch, and Latios can Trick it. If it isn’t is the Rain, then Heatran can take a hit and Toxic Stall it.
Venasaur - I let my least needed team member to take the Sleep Powder, and then Heatran walls sets lacking Earthquake. Latios out speeds Modest Venusaur, which is nice as a last check, and Celebi can take a HP fire is it’s not at +2.
Volcarona - Heatran walls any set lacking Hidden Power Ground, but those carrying HP ground are a big problem. Latios can Trick it and then wall it depending on the move.
FACING AGAINST OTHER PLAY STYLES
Rain teams – Rotom-W deals with most Rain teams very well, and their only general counter is Gastrodon or Ferrothorn, both of which are dealt with Heatran and Celebi. Celebi also takes on the bulky Water types, like Gastrodon, Politoed, and Tentecruel. Heatran lures in most bulky water types and Toxic’s them.
Sand teams – Landorus-T takes on most of Sand teams, like Tyranitar, Stoutland, and Magnezone. Celebi and Rotom-W take on bulky Ground types often seem on Sand teams, like Hippowdon and Gliscor.
Sun teams – Heatran can take on basically any Sun team lacking Dugtrio or Donphan and Toxic stall everything. Latios resists most attacks commonly seen on Sun teams, like Grass and Fire, and Venusaur is dealt with depending on the set.
Deoxys-D teams – I lead off with Gengar and set up a Sub. This usually means they get up 1 layer of Spikes and SR, but most of my team are immune to Spikes, so it doesn’t matter too much. I then KO Deoxys-D and then proceed to hit the next switch in hard (since most of these teams have frail sweepers).
Sand teams – Landorus-T takes on most of Sand teams, like Tyranitar, Stoutland, and Magnezone. Celebi and Rotom-W take on bulky Ground types often seem on Sand teams, like Hippowdon and Gliscor.
Sun teams – Heatran can take on basically any Sun team lacking Dugtrio or Donphan and Toxic stall everything. Latios resists most attacks commonly seen on Sun teams, like Grass and Fire, and Venusaur is dealt with depending on the set.
Deoxys-D teams – I lead off with Gengar and set up a Sub. This usually means they get up 1 layer of Spikes and SR, but most of my team are immune to Spikes, so it doesn’t matter too much. I then KO Deoxys-D and then proceed to hit the next switch in hard (since most of these teams have frail sweepers).
TEAM REFERENCES.
The Crocodile’s Wrath by Neliel Tu Oderschvank
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3474250
The Art of Rain Stall by M Dragon.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3455765
Simulation of a Drought by Lavos Spawn
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3472159
Art of Ruin by BKC.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3461986
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3474250
The Art of Rain Stall by M Dragon.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3455765
Simulation of a Drought by Lavos Spawn
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3472159
Art of Ruin by BKC.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3461986
SHOUTOUTS!
Shout out to Taylor for recovering this RMT for me and saving me loads of time.
Shout out to Aqua for being a huge nub and a really cool guy.
Shout out to PokeDS and everyone in the group.
Shout out to Kupo for hosting a PS! Server filled with cool people.
Shout out to shartruce2 for suggesting Landorus-T over Terrakion and giving me the EV spread. http://www.smogon.com/forums/member.php?u=38929
Shout out to pif (known as hilarious on smogon) for basically teaching me everything I know about Pokemon. I love you brah!
Shout out to Aqua for being a huge nub and a really cool guy.
Shout out to PokeDS and everyone in the group.
Shout out to Kupo for hosting a PS! Server filled with cool people.
Shout out to shartruce2 for suggesting Landorus-T over Terrakion and giving me the EV spread. http://www.smogon.com/forums/member.php?u=38929
Shout out to pif (known as hilarious on smogon) for basically teaching me everything I know about Pokemon. I love you brah!
CONCLUSION
Well, there's my team guys. It has been very consistent in winning games for me. I ladder on the PokemonShowdown server, and I peeked 2nd. As stated before, all constructive criticism is welcome so please feel free to post a comment. If you've read this whole RMT, then major respect.
If you enjoyed the read, or you use the team, then please leave a Luvdisc. It just gives me feedback on the team. Thanks!
