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 a bit different from competitive viability, as there are additional factors worth considering besides overall effectiveness in battle.
As Sword and Shield are rapidly approaching, it makes sense to work with the 7th generation while it's fresh on our minds. As such, this second competition is featuring the latest mainline Pokemon game featuring the full set of battling mechanics, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! This particular competition is focused on going through the all in-game content, including post-game events such as the Rainbow Rocket segment. As a result, late and post-game Pokemon/tools such as Blacephalon and Stakataka are allowed (though far from necessary to build a winning team). The specific Pokemon that participants are required to build around this time is...
Entei!
Despite being late game and requiring a lot of wormhole exploration to even get a shot at catching it, Entei is well-regarded as the best Fire type to use in USUM thanks to its many positive attributes and lack of major we- what's this? The illusion's faded!
Zoroark is the real Pokemon we'll be using for this teambuilding competition!
Despite being late game and requiring a lot of wormhole exploration to even get a shot at catching it, Entei is well-regarded as the best Fire type to use in USUM thanks to its many positive attributes and lack of major we- what's this? The illusion's faded!
Zoroark is the real Pokemon we'll be using for this teambuilding competition!
Zoroark's pre-evolution Zorua is encountered extremely early on in USUM, which is fairly surprising considering the evolutionary line's unique ability and more unusual methods of being obtained in previous games. Zoroark is known as a respectable glass cannon, although this role comes with a fair amount of issues in-game when losing health and fainting has lasting consequences. In addition, its level up movepool is lackluster, and despite Zorua being obtained very quickly Zoroark is by no means an early evolution at level 30. But don't be deluded into thinking Zoroark is all bad- it has ideal stats for its role and mixed potential to allow for more flexibility, a relatively small but very effective option of moves later on thanks to TMs, and Illusion can trip foes up occasionally (while also allowing Zoroark to single-handedly defeat the strongest individual opponent, Ultra Necrozma). With the right team supporting it, Zoroark can make full use of its niches and be an invaluable partner later on in the latter half of the USUM story.
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 (Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon) 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 a mandatory opponent specifically threatening to Zorua or Zoroark is defeated, such as Hala. Entries can be formatted out in a post, or if you would prefer, typed into a Pokepaste. If you're curious how to best format your post, feel free to inquire through PMs or check out our first contest for some examples.
1) The team must have Zoroark on it, and all Pokemon must be obtainable within either Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon.
2) You must use six Pokemon, and operate under the assumption that they will be leveled up somewhat evenly without thorough grinding on wild Pokemon.
-While smaller teams can certainly perform well, this is because they will gain levels more easily and won't require as much thoughtful teambuilding.
3) The assumption is that one will be training only these six Pokemon- don't claim to have overcome an earlier opponent with something that won't be on the final team.
4) No Pokemon obtained from trades, including in-game ones, may be used. This also means that you cannot have exclusives from a different version on your team.
-You may however build with trade evolutions that would have been originally caught in your game.
5) 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 preference 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 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 (Totems, Kahunas) or common in-game opponents (prioritize being Water types over beating Dragon types) through moves/items/abilities is highly important.
2) Synergy: Having a variety of options to cover Zoroark's (and the rest of the team's) shortcomings in battle.
3) 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.
4) Power: Some powerful Pokemon (or moves/items) are so good in battle that they can ultimately save time through quicker victories and reducing the need for trainer-used items in and out of battles, despite often taking longer to obtain. Consider this trade-off carefully!
5) Pacing: For many players, it is bothersome to be stuck with a few Pokemon for a long time, or to begin training a large amount of them at once and be forced to lean on a stronger Pokemon via Exp. Share- as such, try to make it so the team has a smooth progression throughout exploration of the game.
6) Miscellaneous: This could be anything that 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 USUM teams around, and also actual prizes such as
-$10 Nintendo U.S Eshop Gift Code (an alternate PG room based prize can be organized for non U.S entrants)
- A shout-out in the Pokemon Games room intro on PS!
-The contest is currently open for entries!
-The deadline for submissions is July 7th. 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 July 12th!
Alola and happy building!
