The idea is essentially the same as any other teambuilding competition, but the focus here is on in-game viability rather than viability in a specific tier or format. The teams are submitted as model sets, with extensive knowledge of the games being important in this case to understand how/why the sets are useful. As with other teambuilding competitions, some sort of restriction (usually requiring participants to build around a specific Pokemon, but potentially others) is put in place for entrants to follow. In-game viability is not as straightforward as it may seem- there are many things to consider besides just effectiveness in battle.
Considering the fairly recent completion of the PG Room's DPPt Community Playthrough, it felt fitting to use Diamond and Pearl (not Platinum!) as the first set of games. This particular competition is focused on going through the main-game- as a result, things such as HMs and Pokemon that can be obtained early are of extra significance (though still not entirely necessary to build a winning team). The Pokemon that participants are being challenged to build around is...
Torterra!
Torterra is occasionally overlooked, and this is not entirely without reason. It has some issues that its pals Infernape and Empoleon don't have to deal with- a 4x weakness, a common opposing type that resists both stabs and is super effective against it, and more limited mixed potential. It is also stuck as a pure Grass type with somewhat underwhelming coverage until level 32, which can cause problems. However, this Pokemon has plenty of perks: It has the bulkiest and hardest-hitting stats of the Sinnoh starters, the notoriously useful STAB Earthquake, and a great, accessible movepool to work with. We look forward to seeing how participants will build around this Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses to create a team that can thoroughly conquer Diamond/Pearl's main game!
To enter, as with any teambuilding competition, you must post a team of 6 Pokemon onto this thread, with moves, items, and abilities selected. However, Natures, EVs, and IVs are not to be given, as properly obtaining/accruing them slows down a playthrough exponentially and is not common practice. If using version exclusive Pokemon or items, be sure to specify which version your team is for. Finally, you should give a description of your team: feel free to be lengthy- your team's moves/Pokemon (and especially when/where you obtain them) will be the biggest factor in the team's success. While your earlier movesets for the whole team don't need be discussed, it would improve your chances to to explain how something specifically challenging to Turtwig or Grotle is defeated, such as Jupiter's Skuntank. Entries can be formatted out in a post, or if you would prefer, typed into a Pokepaste.
-The team, of course, must have Torterra on it, and all Pokemon must be obtainable within either Diamond or Pearl before beating the game (Cynthia).
-You must use six Pokemon, and operate under the assumption that they will be leveled up somewhat evenly: while smaller teams can certainly perform well, this is because they will gain levels more easily and won't require as much thoughtful teambuilding.
-The assumption is that you will be training only these six Pokemon and without grinding (abusing wild encounters or Vs. Seeker to level well above the average)- you can't claim to have overcome an earlier opponent with something that won't be on the final team.
-No Pokemon obtained from trades, including in-game ones, may be used. This also means that you cannot have version exclusives from opposite versions in your team. You may however build with trade evolutions that would have been originally caught in your game. Dialga/Palkia and the lake spirits are obtainable and thus allowed!
-If your submitted team is extremely similar to another one (not only same Pokemon, but also mostly similar moves and items), keep in mind that priority will likely be given to the earlier entrant.
If you have any questions on any other matters relating to this competition's rules or what to include in a submission post, please send me a PM! (Smogon: Le-Hydra | PS!: 6Roggenrolas)
The judges of the competition's winner will be the staff of the Pokemon Games room on PS!: The following criteria will be used to determine the best team, and are meant to encourage more diversity/creativity in teambuilding:
1) Matchups: Having Pokemon that are clearly capable of defeating strong/common in-game opponents through moves/items/abilities is highly important.
2) Synergy: Having a variety of options to cover Torterra's (and the rest of the team's) shortcomings and improve overall performance.
3) Navigation Skills: this includes the potential to learn HMs, or even better, having them on your Pokemon's set- as anyone who remembers their DP experience well can testify, some HMs are more useful than others in battle and/or in the overworld, and this will all be taken into account.
4) Efficient Progress: Pokemon, moves, and items that can be obtained earlier, easier, or (for wild Pokemon) at higher levels will gain some points here. Essentially, a team that minimizes the need to spend too much time on grinding's many incarnations.
5) Power: While their weaker or more easily obtained counterparts still get the job done, some powerful Pokemon (or moves/items) are so good in battle that they can do it much better- allowing for quicker victories and reducing the need for trainer-used items in and out of battles.
6) Miscellaneous: This could be anything that theoretically makes accomplishing certain non-battling tasks in the game easier. False Swipe, Amulet Coin, Pickup, and Suction Cups are just a few examples of such perks.
When teambuilding, attempt to satisfy as many of these categories to the greatest extent you can with your six Pokemon- some may have to be prioritized over others, and figuring out where to cut corners will make up a good chunk of the teambuilding process (along with the expected task of making battle-ready sets that work well together).
The creator of the winning team will be awarded:
-The satisfaction of knowing you've crafted one of the best darn Diamond/Pearl teams around, and also actual prizes such as
-$10 Nintendo Eshop Gift Code
- A shout-out in the Pokemon Games room on PS!
-The contest is currently open for entries!
-The deadline for submissions is May 5th. After this date, no more teams can be submitted.
-Deliberations will be made by the judges over the next few days, and the winning team will be announced May 10th!
Good luck and happy building!
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