Inspired by this thread from CrashinBoomBang
Time to post all the cool stuff I either used or was working with behind the scenes in this SPL and for the past year. There is a slight yet clear meta shift from 2 years ago and its time to showcase it.
CURRENT MODERN META SETS
First I wanted to go over some minor or major edits to mons or sets that have become more popular in the current meta
Gyarados-Mega @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Waterfall
- Crunch
While Substitute or Taunt have dominated for a while as a 4th move on Mega Gyarados, I think EQ has become undeniably the best 4th option in this current meta for Rotom-W, Keldeo, and Volcanion, plus providing a way to finish off weakened Tankchomp without making contact. You can always choose to run Jolly or Adamant on Mega Gyarados, but I've been just much preferring Jolly for outspeeding Scarf Volcanion (extra nice w/ EQ) and Mega Lopunny at +1.
For me the trend back to EQ actually started when Santu beat me with in WCoP finals last year
Keldeo-Resolute @ Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 56 HP / 4 Def / 196 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Secret Sword
- Scald
RestTalk Keldeo did exist before, it's nothing new. I popularized it in the course of last year through spamming it in tours here and there, as it is genuinely a great patch up on certain teams to many common and important threats, mainly Weavile and Volcanion. While the loss of damage is felt, It has its own unique wallbreaking ability by spreading burns and staying alive for long.
56 HP is a Leftovers number to get slightly more from lefties, and together with 4 Def give Keldeo the practical bulk you need for games. For example, 2 Steam Eruptions + rocks + burn, or opposing non-specs keldeo
Kyurem-Black @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 144 SpD / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fusion Bolt
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Outrage
Kind of a trend that was inherited from SM, a bulky but offensive Cube. It's actually quite hard making cube both offensive and bulky af in ORAS w/o Z, so I do think AV is the best iteration of it. These are my EVs, 72 speed is the 243 speed range, 40 hp to get 401 HPs, max attack for maximum dmg output on Clefable, Slowbro, and Chansey, and the rest in SpD.
Edits: I don't think you can run any different 4 moves on this cube, the set alrdy barely works.
NEW META / TECHS
Sets that have hit the market in the past year and very cutting edge imo
Mew @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 248 HP / 192 Def / 36 SpA / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Psychic
NP Mew is smth I busted out vs. Garay Oak last year in SPL, at the time I was alrdy experimenting with it for a couple months with huge success. It took a while but it has recently come back into play after people recreating and spamming that sand ho I used in SPL or just taking this set and using it on other teams but mainly sand, like for example in Metallica's SPL game. The idea of this is like a pseudo juggernaut similar to Clefable or Reuniclus, but more akin to NP Celebi. It sets up either multiple times per game to slowly whiddle down the opposing team or once for a potential lethal sweep. The EVs finally revealed, the 243 speed tier and then 192+ def live Weavile Knock Off from full (so you dont have to run Colbur), and you put the rest in SpA.
The idea of rocky helmet was to double down as a defensive answer (Lop, Metagross, etc.) without needing wisp, and was a a great call.
Edits: Can run Modest w/ more SpA (and speed) and less bulk if you go with Vaccum Wave over Aura Sphere, but this is much better IMO. You can also run NP + 3 atk sets on HO
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-824127?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-903879
Mew @ Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp
- Volt Switch / U-Turn
This Mew set looks like a CG set you would find in low ladder, as it greeds no knock, ice beam, or even psychic, all of which are pretty important. This greed enables some VoltTurn for the team and solves the issue of Mew being too passive, but the team must be ready to face the consequences, mainly having a different knock user and Gliscor counterplay. Volt Switch is the choice if the team is fine into Gliscor/Serperior and weaker into Fire types, while U-turn is the better choice if its opposite.
This set was def first used by Santu at some point. I tried it on an offense team I built and optimized before masters and it worked surprisingly really well, and that team ended up going 2-0 or 3-0 in masters i forgot.
Edits: While Rocky helmet is really nice, since you already have Wisp, I would consider Leftovers as it makes this thing a better long term check and can also pivot into Diancie with Lefties.
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-904614
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-915432
Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 160 HP / 120 Atk / 228 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
It's time to finally reveal this demon. I've been sitting on it gatekeeping for a while now. MXard with Roost is much better than 3 attacks IMO, as it provides so much defensive utility, mainly providing solid check to Electric, Fire, and Grass types, so like Rotom, Zapdos, Volcarona, non-HP Rock Serperior. Plus the added benefit of taking less from Blitz. It also unlocks it as a much better sweeper imo, but it will make it harder into Heatran / Tyranitar so got to play it smartly.
EVs & Edits: 228 Speed is enough to outspeed MZam at +1, I often consider 252 spe to outspeed Scarf Rotom. 160 HP is enough to live 2 Hydro Pumps from Rotom-W, turning it into set up fodder. The rest in Atk, as 120+ Atk is 1 point less than 252 Atk (jolly) to keep that edge, esp since you often raw attack w/o boost with this set. Its also adjustable, 192 HP avoids 2HKO from Thundurus Focus Blast (and OHKO from +2), and 240 HP guarantees lives +1 LO 252 SpA Moth HP ground, tho I find this unnecessary as the 50/50s of mega or not mega are usually in ur favor. Finally you can run less hp for more speed/atk, which I consider for HO (faster than Scarf drill/lando for example) or for max atk (ive played with no bulk but still w/ roost for example).
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-885426?p2
Garchomp @ Leftovers
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 240 HP / 124 SpD / 144 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock / Protect / Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide / Dragon Claw
This demon I've been using for a year, and has been recreated / passed down so much now that I might as well just put it out there. This set I made with the help of Zaza a year ago as we like our bulky SD chomps across ORAS-SS. I remember when I first started using this in tours, as giving it to king/paprika/noname/comp, it was just genuinely winning on its own like crazy. Its a demon garchomp set but not without its flaws
The idea is bulky SD w/ SpD to make it an incredible trade tool, and so you can muscle through Clefable / Zapdos / Thundurus and other traditional chomp checks. Chomp in general is also a great rocks user so the role compression is nice, but Protect (what I originally created this set for) is reallly nice for the trading ability, but a bit too passive w/o rocks. Same idea with Substitute. And the biggest plus with rocks is that SD + Rocks can force rocks on all removal options.
The second move is between Rock Slide or Dragon Claw, I pretty much favor Dragon Claw if I want more immediate damage on Rotom, Serperior, and Gliscor, while Rock Slide for more immediate damage on Zapdos and Thundurus but also to complete the Chomp as a counter to Moth and Yard. The more I used this set (and esp after facing it through the likes of Metallica recreating it), the more I realize Rock Slide can honestly win vs. Gliscor and Serp long term, it's really just Rotom.
Edits: I've ran max speed / max hp jolly as sometimes the speed is just really nice, I've also run less speed to hit that sweet 148 SpD mark that lives MDiancie Moonblast, but the sub 300 speed really sucks sometimes.
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-909235?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-897444?p2
Gengar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 120 HP / 128 SpA / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Sludge Bomb
- Hex
THE GOATTTT
This thing (and the team) won my WCoP Semis vs. ABR and a week in SPL, and it basically won half of c0mp's masters games. For some reason the cg set is taunt + wisp, obviously sub + wisp is nothing new but its perfect for this meta. Sludge Wave was my original choice, as the extra damage was nice to trade with Weavile but Sludge Bomb is just too nice for Yard / Talonflame / Volcanion that were giving me a hard time, since I can't afford to put more SpA. s/o xray lmao Sludge Bomb's strongest soldier. Ngl aside from destroying stall, this thing is actually really annoying for HO because it sets up (and walls) on the 2 most common (and likely only good) HO leads, Landorus and Mew (the rare lead rock tomb lando can hit this but you burn it).
The EVs in HP are a little bit over a Leftovers number and with the SpD guarantee the Sub live Moonblast from Clefable, the rest in SpA, which are just enough to 2HKO SpD gliscor after rocks.
This thing is just great. Having a ghost type in the back is great for spin mind games. Sub Wisp is kind of similar to Sub Seed Serp where often times you kinda just have to kamikaze a mon into it so it doesnt get out of hand, which works great for Gengar. Both are fantastic into both HO and stall but kinda mid into BO. Serperior Sub stomachs volt switch but not uturn, Gengar stomachs uturn but not Volt Switch. Very apt analogy.
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-911798?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-856171
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-911727?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-909235?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-915432
Serperior @ Yache Berry
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 112 HP / 144 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Glare
- Synthesis
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Imagination
- Leaf Storm
112 HP / 144 SpA is pretty known for now. At the time 2 years ago everyone was using 56 hp / 200 spa or that amir set (200 hp / 44 def) but I found this to be a perfect balance, 112 HP lives Hurricane from Torn (btw, if you are HP Rock, you need 4 EVs in SpD or 120 HP), and the rest in SpA w/ Synthesis gives great bulk. Maximizing the SpA EVs is great because they double after one Leaf Storm. This has obv become everywhere by last year
I do like the newer spread that I discovered while researching for the newest Serperior dex set, which is 208 HP / 48 SpA, but wanted to finally air this one out too.
The main thing I want to highlight about this is Yache Berry. I'm sure I wasn't the first to use this, esp since BluBirD spams supereffective berries on half his mons lmao, but man it is great on Serp. I discovered how incredible this tech is only a little bit before SPL, and although I didn't have the chance to use it, I gave the teams w/ this tech to Noname who used it twice. One time it was essential to winning.
Though Lum is great nowadays, Yache makes the counterplay vs. Weavile so much easier (Serp teams tend to be pretty weak into it) and also has the added benefit of being extra good into NP Thundurus and Manaphy, which actually feels really fucking good.
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-904588?p2
OTHER / NICHE META
Aerodactyl-Mega @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 24 HP / 232 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Ice Fang / Fire Fang
- Earthquake / Fire Fang
- Stone Edge
The only shot Mega Aerodactyl is ever viable in OU is in sand and Adamant and with Roost, IMO. Mega Aerodactly has good typing, great natural speed that lets go Adamant, and decent natural bulk. The bulk boosted by Sand gives it incredible utility actually. After much testing, including with different 3 moves or hone claws 3 attacks, I genuinely think this is the only viable 3 moves with a Fire Fang slash as a maybe. You also have to know what you are in for. Mega Aerodactyl will absolutely suck into any kind of fat, but it is incredible into offense. In sand, it becomes a really good glue.
24 HP let you tank important stuff in sand
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-913304?p2
s/o Zaza for this six. It's also the only good Mega Aero six that I know of, this mon is def very niche.
However, I'm very proud to have an SPL win w/ Mega Aero :]
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 216 HP / 132 SpA / 160 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tail Glow
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Surf
Timid Manaphy is so back in the meta. I popularized the demonic ass Sub TG Psychic last year, but it's too slow in the current meta both in set up and in speed, and timid is so back. However, for my SPL finals game, I had this epiphany 2 days before my game to use bulk on my Manaphy behind screens instead of normal 252 spa timid. This set is truly truly, truly evil and scum. I'm sorry Mgdos. I'll let the calcs speak for themselves
Obv this set is beyond ass into anything bulky like Mega Venu or Chansey. Plus I truly think screens meh, its too slow in the current meta and too greedy, so I doubt I'd be using this set again, but just thought it was a cool one time prep thing.
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-923434
Quick Conclusion
My philosophy in building has shifted quite a bit in the past two years. I've also become a big fan of these good offensive tools that double as good defensive tools, glueing the team together and allowing more creativity. Roost Mega Charizard X and Mega Aerodactyl in Sand are perfect example of that. ORAS is so much fun because it allows for so much creativity. Love yall
Share with Me
LETS SEE SOME HEAAAAAAAT
Tagging all the people who played at least 1 oras game according to the sheet NoName6293 xray Santu c0mp MGdos16 kingofking Metallica126 Poek Persephone BluBirD Spitfire Ox the Fox London Beats devin Groudon pj Piyu
Tagging the managers or helpers that I suspect were involved in ORAS prep: MANNAT KlefkiHolder Paprikaflow blunder Vulpix03 ABR blank
Tagging cool builders: rush of my blood Always! Destro16 lighthouses
If you're not tagged feel free to post stuff anw
Time to post all the cool stuff I either used or was working with behind the scenes in this SPL and for the past year. There is a slight yet clear meta shift from 2 years ago and its time to showcase it.
CURRENT MODERN META SETS
First I wanted to go over some minor or major edits to mons or sets that have become more popular in the current meta
Gyarados-Mega @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Waterfall
- Crunch
While Substitute or Taunt have dominated for a while as a 4th move on Mega Gyarados, I think EQ has become undeniably the best 4th option in this current meta for Rotom-W, Keldeo, and Volcanion, plus providing a way to finish off weakened Tankchomp without making contact. You can always choose to run Jolly or Adamant on Mega Gyarados, but I've been just much preferring Jolly for outspeeding Scarf Volcanion (extra nice w/ EQ) and Mega Lopunny at +1.
For me the trend back to EQ actually started when Santu beat me with in WCoP finals last year
+1 252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 318-376 (105.6 - 124.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Rotom-Wash: 258-304 (84.8 - 100%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 Atk Gyarados-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Keldeo: 204-240 (63.1 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Rotom-Wash: 258-304 (84.8 - 100%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 Atk Gyarados-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Keldeo: 204-240 (63.1 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Keldeo-Resolute @ Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 56 HP / 4 Def / 196 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Secret Sword
- Scald
RestTalk Keldeo did exist before, it's nothing new. I popularized it in the course of last year through spamming it in tours here and there, as it is genuinely a great patch up on certain teams to many common and important threats, mainly Weavile and Volcanion. While the loss of damage is felt, It has its own unique wallbreaking ability by spreading burns and staying alive for long.
56 HP is a Leftovers number to get slightly more from lefties, and together with 4 Def give Keldeo the practical bulk you need for games. For example, 2 Steam Eruptions + rocks + burn, or opposing non-specs keldeo
252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 56 HP / 4 Def Keldeo-Resolute: 151-178 (44.8 - 52.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo-Resolute: 146-172 (43.3 - 51%) -- 5.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo-Resolute: 98-116 (29 - 34.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock, Leftovers recovery, and burn damage
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo-Resolute: 146-172 (43.3 - 51%) -- 5.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo-Resolute: 98-116 (29 - 34.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock, Leftovers recovery, and burn damage
Kyurem-Black @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 144 SpD / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fusion Bolt
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Outrage
Kind of a trend that was inherited from SM, a bulky but offensive Cube. It's actually quite hard making cube both offensive and bulky af in ORAS w/o Z, so I do think AV is the best iteration of it. These are my EVs, 72 speed is the 243 speed range, 40 hp to get 401 HPs, max attack for maximum dmg output on Clefable, Slowbro, and Chansey, and the rest in SpD.
252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Focus Blast vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 204-242 (50.8 - 60.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 247-292 (61.5 - 72.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 318-376 (79.3 - 93.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 128-151 (31.9 - 37.6%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Kyurem-Black Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 206-244 (52.2 - 61.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 176+ Def Slowbro: 210-248 (53.2 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 247-292 (61.5 - 72.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 318-376 (79.3 - 93.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 40 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Kyurem-Black: 128-151 (31.9 - 37.6%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Kyurem-Black Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 206-244 (52.2 - 61.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 176+ Def Slowbro: 210-248 (53.2 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
Edits: I don't think you can run any different 4 moves on this cube, the set alrdy barely works.
NEW META / TECHS
Sets that have hit the market in the past year and very cutting edge imo
Mew @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 248 HP / 192 Def / 36 SpA / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Psychic
NP Mew is smth I busted out vs. Garay Oak last year in SPL, at the time I was alrdy experimenting with it for a couple months with huge success. It took a while but it has recently come back into play after people recreating and spamming that sand ho I used in SPL or just taking this set and using it on other teams but mainly sand, like for example in Metallica's SPL game. The idea of this is like a pseudo juggernaut similar to Clefable or Reuniclus, but more akin to NP Celebi. It sets up either multiple times per game to slowly whiddle down the opposing team or once for a potential lethal sweep. The EVs finally revealed, the 243 speed tier and then 192+ def live Weavile Knock Off from full (so you dont have to run Colbur), and you put the rest in SpA.
The idea of rocky helmet was to double down as a defensive answer (Lop, Metagross, etc.) without needing wisp, and was a a great call.
Edits: Can run Modest w/ more SpA (and speed) and less bulk if you go with Vaccum Wave over Aura Sphere, but this is much better IMO. You can also run NP + 3 atk sets on HO
252 Atk Choice Band Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 192+ Def Mew: 338-402 (83.8 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 32 SpA Mew Aura Sphere vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 316-376 (86.3 - 102.7%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 32 SpA Mew Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable: 219-258 (55.5 - 65.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 32 SpA Mew Aura Sphere vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 316-376 (86.3 - 102.7%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 32 SpA Mew Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable: 219-258 (55.5 - 65.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-824127?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-903879
Mew @ Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp
- Volt Switch / U-Turn
This Mew set looks like a CG set you would find in low ladder, as it greeds no knock, ice beam, or even psychic, all of which are pretty important. This greed enables some VoltTurn for the team and solves the issue of Mew being too passive, but the team must be ready to face the consequences, mainly having a different knock user and Gliscor counterplay. Volt Switch is the choice if the team is fine into Gliscor/Serperior and weaker into Fire types, while U-turn is the better choice if its opposite.
This set was def first used by Santu at some point. I tried it on an offense team I built and optimized before masters and it worked surprisingly really well, and that team ended up going 2-0 or 3-0 in masters i forgot.
Edits: While Rocky helmet is really nice, since you already have Wisp, I would consider Leftovers as it makes this thing a better long term check and can also pivot into Diancie with Lefties.
252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mew: 181-214 (44.8 - 52.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-904614
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-915432
Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 160 HP / 120 Atk / 228 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
It's time to finally reveal this demon. I've been sitting on it gatekeeping for a while now. MXard with Roost is much better than 3 attacks IMO, as it provides so much defensive utility, mainly providing solid check to Electric, Fire, and Grass types, so like Rotom, Zapdos, Volcarona, non-HP Rock Serperior. Plus the added benefit of taking less from Blitz. It also unlocks it as a much better sweeper imo, but it will make it harder into Heatran / Tyranitar so got to play it smartly.
EVs & Edits: 228 Speed is enough to outspeed MZam at +1, I often consider 252 spe to outspeed Scarf Rotom. 160 HP is enough to live 2 Hydro Pumps from Rotom-W, turning it into set up fodder. The rest in Atk, as 120+ Atk is 1 point less than 252 Atk (jolly) to keep that edge, esp since you often raw attack w/o boost with this set. Its also adjustable, 192 HP avoids 2HKO from Thundurus Focus Blast (and OHKO from +2), and 240 HP guarantees lives +1 LO 252 SpA Moth HP ground, tho I find this unnecessary as the 50/50s of mega or not mega are usually in ur favor. Finally you can run less hp for more speed/atk, which I consider for HO (faster than Scarf drill/lando for example) or for max atk (ive played with no bulk but still w/ roost for example).
0 SpA Rotom-Wash Hydro Pump vs. 160 HP / 0 SpD Charizard-Mega-X: 142-168 (42.1 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 160 HP / 0 SpD Charizard-Mega-X: 146-172 (43.3 - 51%) -- 4.7% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 160 HP / 0 SpD Charizard-Mega-X: 146-172 (43.3 - 51%) -- 4.7% chance to 2HKO
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-885426?p2
Garchomp @ Leftovers
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 240 HP / 124 SpD / 144 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock / Protect / Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide / Dragon Claw
This demon I've been using for a year, and has been recreated / passed down so much now that I might as well just put it out there. This set I made with the help of Zaza a year ago as we like our bulky SD chomps across ORAS-SS. I remember when I first started using this in tours, as giving it to king/paprika/noname/comp, it was just genuinely winning on its own like crazy. Its a demon garchomp set but not without its flaws
The idea is bulky SD w/ SpD to make it an incredible trade tool, and so you can muscle through Clefable / Zapdos / Thundurus and other traditional chomp checks. Chomp in general is also a great rocks user so the role compression is nice, but Protect (what I originally created this set for) is reallly nice for the trading ability, but a bit too passive w/o rocks. Same idea with Substitute. And the biggest plus with rocks is that SD + Rocks can force rocks on all removal options.
The second move is between Rock Slide or Dragon Claw, I pretty much favor Dragon Claw if I want more immediate damage on Rotom, Serperior, and Gliscor, while Rock Slide for more immediate damage on Zapdos and Thundurus but also to complete the Chomp as a counter to Moth and Yard. The more I used this set (and esp after facing it through the likes of Metallica recreating it), the more I realize Rock Slide can honestly win vs. Gliscor and Serp long term, it's really just Rotom.
Edits: I've ran max speed / max hp jolly as sometimes the speed is just really nice, I've also run less speed to hit that sweet 148 SpD mark that lives MDiancie Moonblast, but the sub 300 speed really sucks sometimes.
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 240 HP / 124 SpD Garchomp: 321-380 (76.9 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Swarm Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 240 HP / 124 SpD Garchomp: 339-399 (81.2 - 95.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 124 SpD Garchomp: 198-234 (47.4 - 56.1%) -- 21.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 237-279 (60.1 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 176+ Def Slowbro: 193-228 (48.9 - 57.8%) -- 96.1% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def 30 IVs Thundurus: 362-426 (121 - 142.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 228+ Def 30 IVs Zapdos: 222-262 (57.9 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Swarm Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 240 HP / 124 SpD Garchomp: 339-399 (81.2 - 95.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 124 SpD Garchomp: 198-234 (47.4 - 56.1%) -- 21.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 237-279 (60.1 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 176+ Def Slowbro: 193-228 (48.9 - 57.8%) -- 96.1% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def 30 IVs Thundurus: 362-426 (121 - 142.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 228+ Def 30 IVs Zapdos: 222-262 (57.9 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-909235?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-897444?p2
Gengar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 120 HP / 128 SpA / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Sludge Bomb
- Hex
THE GOATTTT
This thing (and the team) won my WCoP Semis vs. ABR and a week in SPL, and it basically won half of c0mp's masters games. For some reason the cg set is taunt + wisp, obviously sub + wisp is nothing new but its perfect for this meta. Sludge Wave was my original choice, as the extra damage was nice to trade with Weavile but Sludge Bomb is just too nice for Yard / Talonflame / Volcanion that were giving me a hard time, since I can't afford to put more SpA. s/o xray lmao Sludge Bomb's strongest soldier. Ngl aside from destroying stall, this thing is actually really annoying for HO because it sets up (and walls) on the 2 most common (and likely only good) HO leads, Landorus and Mew (the rare lead rock tomb lando can hit this but you burn it).
The EVs in HP are a little bit over a Leftovers number and with the SpD guarantee the Sub live Moonblast from Clefable, the rest in SpA, which are just enough to 2HKO SpD gliscor after rocks.
This thing is just great. Having a ghost type in the back is great for spin mind games. Sub Wisp is kind of similar to Sub Seed Serp where often times you kinda just have to kamikaze a mon into it so it doesnt get out of hand, which works great for Gengar. Both are fantastic into both HO and stall but kinda mid into BO. Serperior Sub stomachs volt switch but not uturn, Gengar stomachs uturn but not Volt Switch. Very apt analogy.
0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 120 HP / 8 SpD Gengar: 61-72 (20.9 - 24.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
0 Atk Diancie-Mega Diamond Storm vs. 120 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 246-289 (84.5 - 99.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
128 SpA Gengar Hex (130 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Gliscor: 177-208 (50.1 - 58.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Poison Heal
0 Atk Diancie-Mega Diamond Storm vs. 120 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 246-289 (84.5 - 99.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
128 SpA Gengar Hex (130 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Gliscor: 177-208 (50.1 - 58.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Poison Heal
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-911798?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-856171
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-911727?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-909235?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-915432
Serperior @ Yache Berry
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 112 HP / 144 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Glare
- Synthesis
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Imagination
- Leaf Storm
112 HP / 144 SpA is pretty known for now. At the time 2 years ago everyone was using 56 hp / 200 spa or that amir set (200 hp / 44 def) but I found this to be a perfect balance, 112 HP lives Hurricane from Torn (btw, if you are HP Rock, you need 4 EVs in SpD or 120 HP), and the rest in SpA w/ Synthesis gives great bulk. Maximizing the SpA EVs is great because they double after one Leaf Storm. This has obv become everywhere by last year
I do like the newer spread that I discovered while researching for the newest Serperior dex set, which is 208 HP / 48 SpA, but wanted to finally air this one out too.
The main thing I want to highlight about this is Yache Berry. I'm sure I wasn't the first to use this, esp since BluBirD spams supereffective berries on half his mons lmao, but man it is great on Serp. I discovered how incredible this tech is only a little bit before SPL, and although I didn't have the chance to use it, I gave the teams w/ this tech to Noname who used it twice. One time it was essential to winning.
Though Lum is great nowadays, Yache makes the counterplay vs. Weavile so much easier (Serp teams tend to be pretty weak into it) and also has the added benefit of being extra good into NP Thundurus and Manaphy, which actually feels really fucking good.
0 SpA Tornadus-Therian Hurricane vs. 112 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 270-318 (84.6 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-904588?p2
OTHER / NICHE META
Aerodactyl-Mega @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 24 HP / 232 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Ice Fang / Fire Fang
- Earthquake / Fire Fang
- Stone Edge
The only shot Mega Aerodactyl is ever viable in OU is in sand and Adamant and with Roost, IMO. Mega Aerodactly has good typing, great natural speed that lets go Adamant, and decent natural bulk. The bulk boosted by Sand gives it incredible utility actually. After much testing, including with different 3 moves or hone claws 3 attacks, I genuinely think this is the only viable 3 moves with a Fire Fang slash as a maybe. You also have to know what you are in for. Mega Aerodactyl will absolutely suck into any kind of fat, but it is incredible into offense. In sand, it becomes a really good glue.
24 HP let you tank important stuff in sand
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 24 HP / 0 SpD Aerodactyl-Mega in Sand: 125-148 (40.7 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Psychic vs. 24 HP / 0 SpD Aerodactyl-Mega in Sand: 129-153 (42 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Psychic vs. 24 HP / 0 SpD Aerodactyl-Mega in Sand: 129-153 (42 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-913304?p2
s/o Zaza for this six. It's also the only good Mega Aero six that I know of, this mon is def very niche.
However, I'm very proud to have an SPL win w/ Mega Aero :]
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 216 HP / 132 SpA / 160 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tail Glow
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Surf
Timid Manaphy is so back in the meta. I popularized the demonic ass Sub TG Psychic last year, but it's too slow in the current meta both in set up and in speed, and timid is so back. However, for my SPL finals game, I had this epiphany 2 days before my game to use bulk on my Manaphy behind screens instead of normal 252 spa timid. This set is truly truly, truly evil and scum. I'm sorry Mgdos. I'll let the calcs speak for themselves
+3 132 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 384-452 (108.4 - 127.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 132 SpA Manaphy Energy Ball vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Wash: 348-410 (114.8 - 135.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 132 SpA Manaphy Energy Ball vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Volcanion: 201-237 (55.3 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 132 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 224-264 (63.6 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and Leech Seed recovery
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 216 HP / 0 Def Manaphy through Reflect: 123-145 (31.1 - 36.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 216 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy through Light Screen: 144-169 (36.4 - 42.7%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
48 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 216 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy through Light Screen: 118-139 (29.8 - 35.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 132 SpA Manaphy Energy Ball vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Wash: 348-410 (114.8 - 135.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 132 SpA Manaphy Energy Ball vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Volcanion: 201-237 (55.3 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 132 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 224-264 (63.6 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and Leech Seed recovery
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 216 HP / 0 Def Manaphy through Reflect: 123-145 (31.1 - 36.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 216 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy through Light Screen: 144-169 (36.4 - 42.7%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
48 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 216 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy through Light Screen: 118-139 (29.8 - 35.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Obv this set is beyond ass into anything bulky like Mega Venu or Chansey. Plus I truly think screens meh, its too slow in the current meta and too greedy, so I doubt I'd be using this set again, but just thought it was a cool one time prep thing.
Replays: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen6ou-923434
Quick Conclusion
My philosophy in building has shifted quite a bit in the past two years. I've also become a big fan of these good offensive tools that double as good defensive tools, glueing the team together and allowing more creativity. Roost Mega Charizard X and Mega Aerodactyl in Sand are perfect example of that. ORAS is so much fun because it allows for so much creativity. Love yall
Share with Me
LETS SEE SOME HEAAAAAAAT
Tagging all the people who played at least 1 oras game according to the sheet NoName6293 xray Santu c0mp MGdos16 kingofking Metallica126 Poek Persephone BluBirD Spitfire Ox the Fox London Beats devin Groudon pj Piyu
Tagging the managers or helpers that I suspect were involved in ORAS prep: MANNAT KlefkiHolder Paprikaflow blunder Vulpix03 ABR blank
Tagging cool builders: rush of my blood Always! Destro16 lighthouses
If you're not tagged feel free to post stuff anw
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