Hello everybody! My name's Phaenon, and I'm a driver in the tournaments room on Pokemon Showdown. I've been waiting to do this RMT for a very long time, and I think it's finally ready for some real feedback. I've been working on it for over a month with a friend of mine on PS, Lets get shaded (his name is Fiddy here on Smogon), and this is the latest draft. We've changed it many, many, many (you get the point) times, so I won't post a huge, ridiculous teambuilding process section but I will definitely include past members that we tested, and stuff that's running through our mind at the moment in terms of moving forward. Anyways, I hope you enjoy! I present to you:
PHAEDED
Scrafty @ Leftovers
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SDef / 4 Def
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
Scrafty was one of the original members, and he still pops up in my head from time to time. Scrafty/Suicune is perhaps my favorite core of any team I've had. They work perfectly together, both being rest sets with Bulk Up/Calm Mind and respective bulk. He helped the team not turn into a complete stall-fest while proving a safe switch in to a lot of special attacks, Psyshock from Lati@s, and being a status absorber. Scrafty is a true bro, keep him in your thoughts while looking at this team.
Vaporeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Acid Armor
- Wish
- Protect
- Scald
Vaporeon was, at one point, a replacement for Iron Defense Mandibuzz, and was a really cool member, even if he was on briefly. Another great Char X counter, and the Wish support was very welcome if not completely necessary. It was also another more efficient way to stop Suicune in its tracks, besides using my own Suicune.
Hungry, Hungry (Hippowdon) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Force
EVs: 172 Def / 252 HP / 84 SDef
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Earthquake
Hippowdon was the newest member to the team, and admittedly has the least testing. But with the few battles I've had with him, he seems like a wonderful addition to the team. He adds a ground move to scare out if not completely take care of Heatrans (which I had counters for, but this certainly speeds up the process). I don't run Sand Stream as to not screw over Venusaur (for Synthesis/residual damage) and Suicune (every bit of HP counts). Sand Force also makes it a better T-Tar counter. As for EVs/IVs, I run the expected Physically Defensive set, with 84 SpDef EVs for the sole purpose of being able to live 2 Shadow Balls from Max SpA, Quiet Aegislash with Leftovers recovery. This leads into the justification for the IVs, which is basically solely for "under-speeding" Aegislash so I can hit it while it's in Blade Forme if it happens to come down to that.
Hippowdon is certainly a less efficient way of handling Mega Charizard X, as it takes 45.7 - 53.8% from an unboosted Flare Blitz. However, there is only a 2.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery, and Hippowdon can live a Flare Blitz from Char X at +1, and even possibly at +2, although it is in the opponent's favor to OHKO.
These were the 3 least-commonly seen members of the team, however there were many more, including:
-Mew
-Cresselia
-Zapdos
-Gliscor
These 4 specifically have pretty common sets, so I decided not to include them here. However, they do get honorable mention.
The Current Members:
Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spd
Bold Nature
- Roost
- Iron Defense
- Toxic/Defog
- Foul Play
Out of every team member on this team along the way, Mandibuzz surprised me the most. He also got the most hate. I'd show people this team, and they'd tell me that my Mandibuzz set is awful and that Iron Defense was a waste of a slot. But you know what, Mega Charizard X swept me exactly 0 times when I had this thing. In fact, Char X usually never even got a single kill. It was an awesome Bisharp counter as well, and it could take on pretty much all physical threats in the current meta, with exception of Belly Drum Azumarill and Mega Mawile (in fact, I lost once because of Mega Mawile with Max Speed which is why I started running 16 Spe Evs).
252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mandibuzz: 195-231 (45.9 - 54.4%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
As you can see, Mandibuzz is pretty damn bulky. Also, with Iron Defense, even if they decide to Dragon Dance with Char X, I Iron Defense and take 2 steps at a time while they take 1. I love this thing. The only thing that could change is Foul Play/Toxic. I'm wondering if I should put Defog on Mandibuzz and put some Stealth Rock on Skarmory so Chansey can run Heal Bell. Just a thought.
---->
Juggalo King (Venusaur) @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 SDef / 252 HP / 252 Def
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Synthesis
- Leech Seed
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sludge Bomb
Mega Venusaur has kinda become the standard for Gen 6 stall (although I've created some pretty cool stall teams without it). It fits really well on this team. It was originally on here, and then we took it off because it wasn't doing much, and then we decided to put it back on when we had no solution to Keldeo/Ferrothorn, and the Knock Off/Leech Seed fodder-ness is nice. We brought it back with a cool set that worked for a while, but we realized it just wasn't as practical for use on this team. However, I'll post it anyway in case you decide to use it.
I've been going back and forth between wanting Physical vs. Special bulk on this thing, and for the time being it's physical, simply to take on stuff like Azumarill, Bisharp, and Mega Mawile better. It's been working well for me, although sometimes I do wish I had the special bulk. HP Fire is for Mega Mawile, Bisharp, Ferrothorn, Aegislash, Excadrill, and (Mega) Scizor. Sludge Bomb is STAB, a way to take out Togekiss/Azumarill (or any other fairies), and a way to at least get reasonable damage off on other Mega Venusaurs I might run into. I find it to be more useful than Giga Drain, especially now that Rotom-W is less common. IVs are adjusted for HP Fire, and I run 0 Atk just to take as limited damage as possible from Foul Play. Hey, it could make a difference.
Such Bird So Wow (Skarmory) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Defog/Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind/Taunt/Spikes
- Counter
*Obligatory Skarmory on Stall*
No, but Skarmory is great on the team. He has a similar story to Mega Venusaur, where he was originally on the team, taken off, then added back on again later in the process. He's my only way of getting rid of hazards, which is super important in a metagame where they're so prevalent. He is also the main physical wall of the team, putting an end to all sorts of shenanigans (such as Mega Pinsir shenanigans, Mega Mawile shenanigans, Belly Drum Azumarill Shenanigans, Mega Heracross shenanigans, Mega Tyranitar shenanigans, Bisharp shenanigans....you get the point). I'm surprised people still run Brave Bird on Skarmory when it has access to Counter. Counter is a lifesaver, and it's the reason I have a chance against teams with any sort of physical threat. With sturdy, given it's at full health, it can live any hit and retaliate with Counter. It's still got some shock value, although once you reveal it it's kind of hard to utilize. It also allows me to run 0 Atk IVs, which again doesn't matter much, but you never know. I've been struggling with deciding whether I want Whirlwind or Taunt on this guy. Both have their merit. For know, I pack Whirlwind, but I do go back and forth.
Prince Charming (Chansey) (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell/Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Soft-Boiled
- Seismic Toss
*Obligatory Chansey on Stall*
Skarm-Bliss too OP. I originally had Blissey on the team because I feared Knock Off/Trick and loved the Leftovers recovery, but Chansey just outclasses Blissey in terms of all-around bulk, which this team definitely benefits from. This is a set that's been changed around a bunch, but for the time-being this is the most useful. With the addition of Hippowdon, I was able to get rid of Stealth Rock on Chansey and replace it for Heal Bell, which I find to be more useful than Wish. However, I'm reconsidering Hippowdon and for now Mandibuzz is back on the team. There's honestly not much to say about Chansey, it's pretty common and its role is clear. However, I will mention the original set we ran on it which was pretty cool: Charm Blissey (hence the nickname, Prince Charming). It gave it so much versatility as a wall, and you'd be surprised how often I got Chansey (Blissey) sweeps. Bold Nature isn't worth it on Chansey, as it gives a dismal boost, so I run Calm, which is more common anyways.
Get Phaeded (Aegislash) @ Leftovers
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 HP / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Iron Head
- Shadow Sneak
Aegislash is arguably the best pokemon in the game (Lets get shaded loves saying this). It's so versatile and has tons of viable sets. This one is a standard mixed Aegi, but it sure gets the job done. If there ever was a more perfect Lati@s counter...well, there isn't so who cares. Shadow Ball hits anything hard and Shadow Sneak/Iron Head are for priority/coverage. Iron Head is for Clefable and T-Tar (most namely Assault Vest T-Tar), and I feel it's a lot more versatile than Sacred Sword. I've considered replacing it for Flash Cannon to be able to hit some of its best counters (i.e. Chesnaught, Mandibuzz) but there hasn't been a specific situation to sway me enough, so here it stays. Another option that I've been toying with is Pursuit, but there's nothing I'd really want to get rid of (except maybe Shadow Sneak, but not having it tends to screw me over). I'll keep testing and decide which one is more useful. Again, for the time being, it stays. I run 0 Spe EVs to avoid being hit in Blade Forme as often as possible so I can increase longevity. Quiet Nature also helps with that.
99 Problems (Suicune) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Calm Mind
- Scald
99 Problems and Suicune is all of them. Seriously, Suicune is not only my favorite pokemon, but one of the biggest threats in the game. I'm surprised there aren't more people running Suicune on stall, but it certainly works. The bulk is unreal and never ceases to surprise me. It's an excellent switch-in to Lando-T, Excadrill, Heatran, and many others. It can take on Char Y 1v1 once it's at +2 (Solarbeam does 40% at most), and it is the most frequent win condition on the team. You've all seen CroCune before, so I can't take credit in terms of originality but I just like to remind everyone how much of a monster it is. Even though it misses its good old friend Scrafty, it does just fine on this team. It's my Clefable counter, and my Suicune counter, because of it's OP ability, Pressure (which comes into play a lot while playing stall higher up on the ladder). When it was less common at the beginning of this teambuilding process, it would complete embarrass teams. It still does, but it's a bit more common now and so people run it more often and prepare for it a bit better. Obvious Water Absorb checks are obvious, but in reality they can't do much of anything back and I have solutions to a lot of them (i.e. Jellicent, Vaporeon).
Threat list:
- Well-constructed DeoSharp
Once the opponent starts hazard-stacking, all they have to do is apply pressure with offensive presence and if they're good battlers and can predict well, they have a good success rate against my team.
- Nasty Plot/Mixed Thundurus
Thundurus is becoming one of the most common used pokemon as of late, and for good reason. It's just so powerful. Chansey can switch into it most of the time, but at a certain point Focus Blast just wears me down. Mega Venusaur seems to take care of it pretty well most often, but usually teams that pack Thundurus have ways of dealing with Mega Venusaur.
- Calm Mind Landorus
As if Sheer Force/Life Orb wasn't enough, people are starting to pack Calm Mind more and more often. At just +1, it takes Chansey out with 2 Focus Blasts and has something for every other member of my team. Again, it's more of an issue if they've started spewing out hazards.
-Mega Garchomp in Sand
As LzrGunPewPew so lovingly pointed out, that specific set/conditions can screw me. I think between Skarm, Suicune, and Mandibuzz it's manageable but it's definitely powerful. And on stall, there's nothing to really outspeed it so it's free to do work.
-Mega Medicham
There are a few sets that scare me: Substitute w/ HJK, Fire Punch, and Zen Headbutt, and then Drain Punch over HJK and Ice Punch over Substitute. There are solutions, I like to think (Suicune and Mandibuzz only take over half if they use HJK, which then turns into a predicting game because if I have Aegislash alive, they'd be reluctant to go for it). However, if Aegislash is dead the opponent is free to spam HJK until Venusaur comes out and uses Psycho Cut/Zen Headbutt. Nothing gets OHKOd save Chansey, so there's definitely room to deal with it, but the threat is it paving the way for another sweeper or having the way paved already for it.
(Rest of Threat List in Progress)
Replays (keep in mind, these are with some older versions of the team):
Mandibuzz Putting in Work:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-97875905
Curse Venusaur?:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-96380595
(More Replays Coming Soon)
Proof of Ladder:
This has been one of my main focuses on PS for the past month or so, and I think it's paid off. Any feedback you may have, even if it's on one set or one move, it's encouraged. I'll love to hear whatever you have to say, and I will take any and all suggestions you have for me.
Thank you all for reading (if you made it this far). I'm on PS a lot of the time and you can always find me in the Tournaments room (my name is Phaenon there as well) for if you ever want to chat or have a casual battle. Again, thank you. ^_^
~Phaenon
Scrafty @ Leftovers
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SDef / 4 Def
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
Scrafty was one of the original members, and he still pops up in my head from time to time. Scrafty/Suicune is perhaps my favorite core of any team I've had. They work perfectly together, both being rest sets with Bulk Up/Calm Mind and respective bulk. He helped the team not turn into a complete stall-fest while proving a safe switch in to a lot of special attacks, Psyshock from Lati@s, and being a status absorber. Scrafty is a true bro, keep him in your thoughts while looking at this team.
Vaporeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Acid Armor
- Wish
- Protect
- Scald
Vaporeon was, at one point, a replacement for Iron Defense Mandibuzz, and was a really cool member, even if he was on briefly. Another great Char X counter, and the Wish support was very welcome if not completely necessary. It was also another more efficient way to stop Suicune in its tracks, besides using my own Suicune.
Hungry, Hungry (Hippowdon) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Force
EVs: 172 Def / 252 HP / 84 SDef
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Earthquake
Hippowdon was the newest member to the team, and admittedly has the least testing. But with the few battles I've had with him, he seems like a wonderful addition to the team. He adds a ground move to scare out if not completely take care of Heatrans (which I had counters for, but this certainly speeds up the process). I don't run Sand Stream as to not screw over Venusaur (for Synthesis/residual damage) and Suicune (every bit of HP counts). Sand Force also makes it a better T-Tar counter. As for EVs/IVs, I run the expected Physically Defensive set, with 84 SpDef EVs for the sole purpose of being able to live 2 Shadow Balls from Max SpA, Quiet Aegislash with Leftovers recovery. This leads into the justification for the IVs, which is basically solely for "under-speeding" Aegislash so I can hit it while it's in Blade Forme if it happens to come down to that.
Hippowdon is certainly a less efficient way of handling Mega Charizard X, as it takes 45.7 - 53.8% from an unboosted Flare Blitz. However, there is only a 2.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery, and Hippowdon can live a Flare Blitz from Char X at +1, and even possibly at +2, although it is in the opponent's favor to OHKO.
These were the 3 least-commonly seen members of the team, however there were many more, including:
-Mew
-Cresselia
-Zapdos
-Gliscor
These 4 specifically have pretty common sets, so I decided not to include them here. However, they do get honorable mention.
The Current Members:
Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spd
Bold Nature
- Roost
- Iron Defense
- Toxic/Defog
- Foul Play
Out of every team member on this team along the way, Mandibuzz surprised me the most. He also got the most hate. I'd show people this team, and they'd tell me that my Mandibuzz set is awful and that Iron Defense was a waste of a slot. But you know what, Mega Charizard X swept me exactly 0 times when I had this thing. In fact, Char X usually never even got a single kill. It was an awesome Bisharp counter as well, and it could take on pretty much all physical threats in the current meta, with exception of Belly Drum Azumarill and Mega Mawile (in fact, I lost once because of Mega Mawile with Max Speed which is why I started running 16 Spe Evs).
252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mandibuzz: 195-231 (45.9 - 54.4%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
As you can see, Mandibuzz is pretty damn bulky. Also, with Iron Defense, even if they decide to Dragon Dance with Char X, I Iron Defense and take 2 steps at a time while they take 1. I love this thing. The only thing that could change is Foul Play/Toxic. I'm wondering if I should put Defog on Mandibuzz and put some Stealth Rock on Skarmory so Chansey can run Heal Bell. Just a thought.
Juggalo King (Venusaur) @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 SDef / 252 HP / 252 Def
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Synthesis
- Leech Seed
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sludge Bomb
Mega Venusaur has kinda become the standard for Gen 6 stall (although I've created some pretty cool stall teams without it). It fits really well on this team. It was originally on here, and then we took it off because it wasn't doing much, and then we decided to put it back on when we had no solution to Keldeo/Ferrothorn, and the Knock Off/Leech Seed fodder-ness is nice. We brought it back with a cool set that worked for a while, but we realized it just wasn't as practical for use on this team. However, I'll post it anyway in case you decide to use it.
Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 Atk
Careful Nature
- Synthesis
- Curse
- Knock Off
- Power Whip/Petal Blizzard
This set sprung out of us missing Scrafty, and wanting a physically-based setup sweeper to complement Suicune, and Mega Venusaur seemed to fill this role best. It also replaced Knock Off, which is almost mandatory in the current meta. This set caught people off-guard, and there wasn't much that could get past it (after a Curse or two it could even take on Lati@s). Again, something that you could try out even on this team, if not on your own.
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 Atk
Careful Nature
- Synthesis
- Curse
- Knock Off
- Power Whip/Petal Blizzard
This set sprung out of us missing Scrafty, and wanting a physically-based setup sweeper to complement Suicune, and Mega Venusaur seemed to fill this role best. It also replaced Knock Off, which is almost mandatory in the current meta. This set caught people off-guard, and there wasn't much that could get past it (after a Curse or two it could even take on Lati@s). Again, something that you could try out even on this team, if not on your own.
I've been going back and forth between wanting Physical vs. Special bulk on this thing, and for the time being it's physical, simply to take on stuff like Azumarill, Bisharp, and Mega Mawile better. It's been working well for me, although sometimes I do wish I had the special bulk. HP Fire is for Mega Mawile, Bisharp, Ferrothorn, Aegislash, Excadrill, and (Mega) Scizor. Sludge Bomb is STAB, a way to take out Togekiss/Azumarill (or any other fairies), and a way to at least get reasonable damage off on other Mega Venusaurs I might run into. I find it to be more useful than Giga Drain, especially now that Rotom-W is less common. IVs are adjusted for HP Fire, and I run 0 Atk just to take as limited damage as possible from Foul Play. Hey, it could make a difference.
Such Bird So Wow (Skarmory) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Defog/Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind/Taunt/Spikes
- Counter
*Obligatory Skarmory on Stall*
No, but Skarmory is great on the team. He has a similar story to Mega Venusaur, where he was originally on the team, taken off, then added back on again later in the process. He's my only way of getting rid of hazards, which is super important in a metagame where they're so prevalent. He is also the main physical wall of the team, putting an end to all sorts of shenanigans (such as Mega Pinsir shenanigans, Mega Mawile shenanigans, Belly Drum Azumarill Shenanigans, Mega Heracross shenanigans, Mega Tyranitar shenanigans, Bisharp shenanigans....you get the point). I'm surprised people still run Brave Bird on Skarmory when it has access to Counter. Counter is a lifesaver, and it's the reason I have a chance against teams with any sort of physical threat. With sturdy, given it's at full health, it can live any hit and retaliate with Counter. It's still got some shock value, although once you reveal it it's kind of hard to utilize. It also allows me to run 0 Atk IVs, which again doesn't matter much, but you never know. I've been struggling with deciding whether I want Whirlwind or Taunt on this guy. Both have their merit. For know, I pack Whirlwind, but I do go back and forth.
Prince Charming (Chansey) (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell/Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Soft-Boiled
- Seismic Toss
*Obligatory Chansey on Stall*
Skarm-Bliss too OP. I originally had Blissey on the team because I feared Knock Off/Trick and loved the Leftovers recovery, but Chansey just outclasses Blissey in terms of all-around bulk, which this team definitely benefits from. This is a set that's been changed around a bunch, but for the time-being this is the most useful. With the addition of Hippowdon, I was able to get rid of Stealth Rock on Chansey and replace it for Heal Bell, which I find to be more useful than Wish. However, I'm reconsidering Hippowdon and for now Mandibuzz is back on the team. There's honestly not much to say about Chansey, it's pretty common and its role is clear. However, I will mention the original set we ran on it which was pretty cool: Charm Blissey (hence the nickname, Prince Charming). It gave it so much versatility as a wall, and you'd be surprised how often I got Chansey (Blissey) sweeps. Bold Nature isn't worth it on Chansey, as it gives a dismal boost, so I run Calm, which is more common anyways.
Get Phaeded (Aegislash) @ Leftovers
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 HP / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Iron Head
- Shadow Sneak
Aegislash is arguably the best pokemon in the game (Lets get shaded loves saying this). It's so versatile and has tons of viable sets. This one is a standard mixed Aegi, but it sure gets the job done. If there ever was a more perfect Lati@s counter...well, there isn't so who cares. Shadow Ball hits anything hard and Shadow Sneak/Iron Head are for priority/coverage. Iron Head is for Clefable and T-Tar (most namely Assault Vest T-Tar), and I feel it's a lot more versatile than Sacred Sword. I've considered replacing it for Flash Cannon to be able to hit some of its best counters (i.e. Chesnaught, Mandibuzz) but there hasn't been a specific situation to sway me enough, so here it stays. Another option that I've been toying with is Pursuit, but there's nothing I'd really want to get rid of (except maybe Shadow Sneak, but not having it tends to screw me over). I'll keep testing and decide which one is more useful. Again, for the time being, it stays. I run 0 Spe EVs to avoid being hit in Blade Forme as often as possible so I can increase longevity. Quiet Nature also helps with that.
99 Problems (Suicune) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Calm Mind
- Scald
99 Problems and Suicune is all of them. Seriously, Suicune is not only my favorite pokemon, but one of the biggest threats in the game. I'm surprised there aren't more people running Suicune on stall, but it certainly works. The bulk is unreal and never ceases to surprise me. It's an excellent switch-in to Lando-T, Excadrill, Heatran, and many others. It can take on Char Y 1v1 once it's at +2 (Solarbeam does 40% at most), and it is the most frequent win condition on the team. You've all seen CroCune before, so I can't take credit in terms of originality but I just like to remind everyone how much of a monster it is. Even though it misses its good old friend Scrafty, it does just fine on this team. It's my Clefable counter, and my Suicune counter, because of it's OP ability, Pressure (which comes into play a lot while playing stall higher up on the ladder). When it was less common at the beginning of this teambuilding process, it would complete embarrass teams. It still does, but it's a bit more common now and so people run it more often and prepare for it a bit better. Obvious Water Absorb checks are obvious, but in reality they can't do much of anything back and I have solutions to a lot of them (i.e. Jellicent, Vaporeon).
Threat list:
- Well-constructed DeoSharp
Once the opponent starts hazard-stacking, all they have to do is apply pressure with offensive presence and if they're good battlers and can predict well, they have a good success rate against my team.
- Nasty Plot/Mixed Thundurus
Thundurus is becoming one of the most common used pokemon as of late, and for good reason. It's just so powerful. Chansey can switch into it most of the time, but at a certain point Focus Blast just wears me down. Mega Venusaur seems to take care of it pretty well most often, but usually teams that pack Thundurus have ways of dealing with Mega Venusaur.
- Calm Mind Landorus
As if Sheer Force/Life Orb wasn't enough, people are starting to pack Calm Mind more and more often. At just +1, it takes Chansey out with 2 Focus Blasts and has something for every other member of my team. Again, it's more of an issue if they've started spewing out hazards.
-Mega Garchomp in Sand
As LzrGunPewPew so lovingly pointed out, that specific set/conditions can screw me. I think between Skarm, Suicune, and Mandibuzz it's manageable but it's definitely powerful. And on stall, there's nothing to really outspeed it so it's free to do work.
-Mega Medicham
There are a few sets that scare me: Substitute w/ HJK, Fire Punch, and Zen Headbutt, and then Drain Punch over HJK and Ice Punch over Substitute. There are solutions, I like to think (Suicune and Mandibuzz only take over half if they use HJK, which then turns into a predicting game because if I have Aegislash alive, they'd be reluctant to go for it). However, if Aegislash is dead the opponent is free to spam HJK until Venusaur comes out and uses Psycho Cut/Zen Headbutt. Nothing gets OHKOd save Chansey, so there's definitely room to deal with it, but the threat is it paving the way for another sweeper or having the way paved already for it.
(Rest of Threat List in Progress)
Replays (keep in mind, these are with some older versions of the team):
Mandibuzz Putting in Work:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-97875905
Curse Venusaur?:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-96380595
(More Replays Coming Soon)
Proof of Ladder:
This has been one of my main focuses on PS for the past month or so, and I think it's paid off. Any feedback you may have, even if it's on one set or one move, it's encouraged. I'll love to hear whatever you have to say, and I will take any and all suggestions you have for me.
Thank you all for reading (if you made it this far). I'm on PS a lot of the time and you can always find me in the Tournaments room (my name is Phaenon there as well) for if you ever want to chat or have a casual battle. Again, thank you. ^_^
~Phaenon
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