Revised OU Team. I'd like some insight!

[Cataphract]

This is a second attempt by and old-school 4th gen competitive player to make a viable 6th gen competitive team. I've messed around with this team a little, but the core has remained the same. I built the team around Mega Charizard X; I've always really liked him, and I've found him to be pretty effective. I would really appreciate any tips or criticisms about this team, because I'm looking into getting involved in the 6th gen competitive scene. Thanks in advance.

UPDATE
- Replaced Ninjask with Scoliepede
- Dropped Rotom-Wash, added Mandibuzz
- Dropped Mawile, added Magnezone
- Reworked Tyranitar, now more of a physical sweeper
- Reworked Deoxys - Speed, now more of a special sweeper




Leadoff

Mandibuzz @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Def, 4 SpD
Nature: Bold
Knock Off
Taunt
Defog
Whirlwind

This was a recommendation. After playing around with it, I've found Mandibuzz to be very useful to my team. The biggest problem with Charizard is its huge weakness to stealth rock, and Mandibuzz not only can get rid of the entry hazards, but get rid of the pokemon using them. Knock off is awesome too.

Baton Passer

Scolipede @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
Earthquake
Protect
Sword Dance
Baton Pass

Again, a recommendation. In my limited use with it, I've found that I like Scolipede better than Ninjask. It can do all the same things Ninjask can, but it can take a few more hits, and it can even fend for itself offensively. Substitute was recommended for this set, however I'm not sure what move to swap it out for. This thing's sole purpose is to set up for Charizard, and I'm not sure whether having a substitute is better, or if having better attack is better.

Main Sweeper

Mega Charizard X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk, 252 Spe, 4 HP
Nature: Adamant
Dragon Dance
Flare Blitz
Dragon Claw
Earthquake

Depending on the situation, whether or not I have any stats boosts, or if there are any fairy types on my opponent's team, I usually lead of with an outrage. Mega Charizard X with a few stats boosts can outspeed many other OU pokemon, and can OHKO most of the non-bulky types out there. I would almost say that this charizard is a suicide lead.

Bulky Physical Attacker

Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk, 4 SpD
Nature: Adamant
Earthquake
Rock Slide
Pursuit
Superpower

Tyranitar is here mainly for type coverage. The original team I made was very weak to flying and fairy types, so gave Tyranitar a shot and it worked out pretty well. All recommendations regarding Tyranitar have been added.

Anti-Fairy/Bulky Special Attacker

Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 172 HP, 252 SpA, 84 SpD
Nature: Modest
Volt Switch
HP Ice
Flash Cannon
Thunderbolt

I'm always worried about the ever popular fairy type of this generation. Magnezone seems to be a good fairy counter, as he is fairly bulky, and of course is a steel type. I also needed a strong special attacker on my team, and Magnezone has proven in past generations to be quite good at that job.

Special Sweeper

Deoxys Speed @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP, 252 SpA, 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Nasty Plot
Thunderbolt
Ice Beam
Psycho Boost

I was super excited when I found out the Deoxys - S and Deoxys - D were in the OU this generation. I've always really loved Deoxys, and knowing that he is the fastest pokemon in the game makes him excellent for the role I've given to him. I decided that it would be wise to invest in a special sweeper, and that's why I chose Deoxys.

Again, any criticisms or suggestions are welcomed. I've heard some people recommend Mega Charizard Y over X, but I'm undecided on that one. I also realize that I don't have any really bulky-wall types, or any stealth rock/spikes users, which has made me consider changing Deoxys - Speed to Deoxys- Defense.

 

[Darnell]

Rotom - Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP, 28 SpA, 232 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Volt Switch
-Hydro Pump
-Pain Split
-Will-O-Wisp
Your making a bulky Rotom-W. You want to try and keep it around as long as possible with as much HP as possible as well. Pain split therefore does the job and you don't really need both Thunderbolt AND Volt Switch. Volt Switch because you want that switch initiative, as long as you aren't getting over predicted. For the EVs could I ask why your making a specially defensive Rotom-W, nothing wrong with it. I just see more people running Physical. What are you planning on countering with it?

Ninjask @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 248 HP, 224 Def, 36 Spe
Nature: Impish
-Baton Pass
-Swords Dance
-Substitute
-Protect/X-Scissor
Fake Out users are going to completely screw this lead over and then easily see it coming as well. Why else would you be using Ninjask on a team? As for the Sun, it isn't really needed too much with Mega-Char X. The combination of Swords Dance + Speed + Dragon Dance(if you get the chance) is already overwhelming power. As for Defog, there is really no point of using it on Ninjask. You don't want something that takes away 50% from SR to be your use of removing hazards. It just isn't reliable and the opponent can easily set them up again. Protect instead so your sure to get 2 of with the combination of the Focus Sash or X-Scissor incase of it maybe being your last Pokemon and you need to attack.

shouldn't be on the team without a mega which has already been taken up by Charizard. There are much better Pokemon in OU than this without a mega. Find a replacement and get back to me. Also, if it was to be on the team, it wouldn't need Ice Punch.
Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Indimidate
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk, 4 SpD
Nature: Adamant
Play Rough
Iron Head
Fire Punch
Sucker Punch

 

[Michael Nalette]

With a quick glance at the team, I'd say one of my recommendations is to switch out SD on Ninjask for Protect. While passing off that attack stat is definitely nice, speed is even better, and Protect would allow you to get off an extra speed boost. If you really want the SD on that set, you could always consider removing Sunny Day - I'm not too sure it fits too well, and from my experience, Char X does just fine without the sun boost. SD seems redundant with you already running DD on your Charizard, and with one DD boost on your Zard couped with the speed boost, your opponent could very well be cornered. However, it's all preference. I find Sunny Day the most expendable move in the set, and I feel like it'd fit better on a team running Zard Y.

I'd also recommend switching out TB on Rotom for Will-o-Wisp instead. More so, I feel a physical wall would fit better. I use a Rotom as a physical wall, and it's great for switching in to rough attacks, like a boosted Char X or a Talonflame. More so, the added bulk physically would help you get off a Will-O-Wisp, which seems a lot more useful than a thunder bolt. Very useful for crippling physical attackers on your opponents team. Bold would probably be your best nature choice, should you choose to try that set out instead. It has worked very well for me in the past.

Mawile seems like a very questionable choice. I understand the role you want to have Mawile serve, I just don't think it's very viable. Mawile really only sees use because of its mega evolution and its gargantuan attack stat. Outside of that, Mawile is a pretty slow Pokemon. You'll have trouble checking any kind of Dragon or Fairy types with that speed. I have 2 recommendations, both of which could possibly serve your goal better: a specially defensive Goodra with Assault Vest, or a Nasty Plot Togekiss. Both have quite a bit of bulk. An Assault Vest Goodra running Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse, and Sludge Bomb provides excellent coverage, and can dish out some pretty decent damage while tanking special attacks like a monster. Likewise, a Nasty Plot Togekiss serves its role as a bulky special attacker. With Nasty Plot, Flamethrower, Air Slash, and Dazzling Gleam, it's a force to be reckoned with. I have used it a lot, and have very often 6-0'd people with it. It can take a hit and return the favor with an even stronger one. If you would like to try it, I can send you the EV spread I use on it.

If you do try out either of those options, I'd also suggest swapping out Ice Beam on Tyranitar for EQ.

Of course, take all of these suggestions as just that - a suggestion. I am by no means an expert, but I just felt I'd share what I feel is consistently better in my experiences. Have fun and good luck =) If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Darnell]

With a quick glance at the team, I'd say one of my recommendations is to switch out SD on Ninjask for Protect. While passing off that attack stat is definitely nice, speed is even better, and Protect would allow you to get off an extra speed boost. If you really want the SD on that set, you could always consider removing Sunny Day - I'm not too sure it fits too well, and from my experience, Char X does just fine without the sun boost. SD seems redundant with you already running DD on your Charizard, and with one DD boost on your Zard couped with the speed boost, your opponent could very well be cornered. However, it's all preference. I find Sunny Day the most expendable move in the set, and I feel like it'd fit better on a team running Zard Y.

I'd also recommend switching out TB on Rotom for Will-o-Wisp instead. More so, I feel a physical wall would fit better. I use a Rotom as a physical wall, and it's great for switching in to rough attacks, like a boosted Char X or a Talonflame. More so, the added bulk physically would help you get off a Will-O-Wisp, which seems a lot more useful than a thunder bolt. Very useful for crippling physical attackers on your opponents team. Bold would probably be your best nature choice, should you choose to try that set out instead. It has worked very well for me in the past.

Mawile seems like a very questionable choice. I understand the role you want to have Mawile serve, I just don't think it's very viable. Mawile really only sees use because of its mega evolution and its gargantuan attack stat. Outside of that, Mawile is a pretty slow Pokemon. You'll have trouble checking any kind of Dragon or Fairy types with that speed. I have 2 recommendations, both of which could possibly serve your goal better: a specially defensive Goodra with Assault Vest, or a Nasty Plot Togekiss. Both have quite a bit of bulk. An Assault Vest Goodra running Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse, and Sludge Bomb provides excellent coverage, and can dish out some pretty decent damage while tanking special attacks like a monster. Likewise, a Nasty Plot Togekiss serves its role as a bulky special attacker. With Nasty Plot, Flamethrower, Air Slash, and Dazzling Gleam, it's a force to be reckoned with. I have used it a lot, and have very often 6-0'd people with it. It can take a hit and return the favor with an even stronger one. If you would like to try it, I can send you the EV spread I use on it.

If you do try out either of those options, I'd also suggest swapping out Ice Beam on Tyranitar for EQ.

Of course, take all of these suggestions as just that - a suggestion. I am by no means an expert, but I just felt I'd share what I feel is consistently better in my experiences. Have fun and good luck =) If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Ermmmm...
'I'd also recommend switching out TB on Rotom for Will-o-Wisp instead.' The Rotom-W already has Will-O-Wisp. Also for Ninjask, why would you switch out 'Swords Dance'. Isn't it nice to pass on both Attack AND Speed rather than waste a slot on Defog/Sunny Day which Char-X doesn't need to sweep. It's powerful enough.

 

[Michael Nalette]

Ermmmm
'I'd also recommend switching out TB on Rotom for Will-o-Wisp instead.' The Rotom-W already has Will-O-Wisp. Also for Ninjask, why would you switch out 'Swords Dance'. Isn't it nice to pass on both Attack AND Speed rather than waste a slot on Defog/Sunny Day which Char-X doesn't need to sweep. It's powerful enough.

My bad. Didn't see the Will-o-Wisp there.

And like I said, they were just suggestions. I noticed he didn't have any other defog user, so I left that move slot alone. Also, I did point out an alternative should he want to keep SD specifically because I wasn't sure how consistently that set worked the way it was intended to.

 

[Darnell]

My bad. Didn't see the Will-o-Wisp there.

And like I said, they were just suggestions. I noticed he didn't have any other defog user, so I left that move slot alone. Also, I did point out an alternative should he want to keep SD specifically because I wasn't sure how consistently that set worked the way it was intended to.

Don't worry, I'm not trying to get at you xD I just want to know your reasons! Don't you think Defog on Ninjask would be a bit :/ since it takes 50% damage from entry and the user can just set them up again, not to mention Ninjask doesn't have any recovery so it can't enter that many times to clear the rocks. Maybe once or twice before dying depending on if it it gets attacked.

 

[Michael Nalette]

Don't worry, I'm not trying to get at you xD I just want to know your reasons! Don't you think Defog on Ninjask would be a bit :/ since it takes 50% damage from entry and the user can just set them up again, not to mention Ninjask doesn't have any recovery so it can't enter that many times to clear the rocks. Maybe once or twice before dying depending on if it it gets attacked.

Yeah.. I was thinking about it, and maybe a Latias would be a better fit. Could run defog and serve as his special attacker. Zard X boosted checks dragons just fine, and most fairies aren't such a threat that you need to have a coverage move to take them down. Plus, some psychic coverage would be nice for prominent threats like Conkeldurr and Mega Ven.

 

[ABR]

Use substitute instead of sunny day on ninjask. Subs are great for baton passing because they prevent status that could potentially harm charizard. As others have said, you should replace mawile if it is not a mega on the team. Try a physical wall who also is a good physical attacker. You currently have nothing to sponge physical attacks and charizard is your only physical attacker at the moment.

 

[Cataphract]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I'm a little busy at the moment but what if:

- I updated my ninjask to match the suggestions

- Replaced Mawile and Rotom Wash with Azumarril and Magnezone. Thoughts?

If I do that, I keep the same typing, and as far as I know, both magnezone and azumarril are viable options.

 

[xNaminex]

Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk, 4 SpD
Nature: Adamant
Crunch/Earthquake
Stone Edge/Rock Slide
Pursuit/Earthquake
Superpower

From personal experience, Mix t-tar doesn't work well. Ice beam does provide coverage but with no investment in spA, you wouldnt be able to OHKO garchomp and have a small chance with gliscor. Max attack adamant nature works very well with AV. The option with rock slide is because you'll lose power in your attack, but gain accuracy and more pp usage. With pursuit, you can switch in to any psychic type and kill them. Earthquake is another option just for coverage for poison/rock/electric.

As for Magnazone replacing Mawile, yes maganzone is a better option as you dont really have a special attacker besides deoxys-s.
And i would keep rotom over azumarill.

Hope that helps!

 

[ouchalargerock]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I'm a little busy at the moment but what if:

- I updated my ninjask to match the suggestions

- Replaced Mawile and Rotom Wash with Azumarril and Magnezone. Thoughts?

If I do that, I keep the same typing, and as far as I know, both magnezone and azumarril are viable options.

I would replace at least one of them with Mandibuzz. It functions as a great Physical Wall, and allows you to run Knock Off, Defog a Phazing Move, among other things. It's really a great Pokémon and helps against your Physical weakness, and allows for you to fill niches that you really needed.

Mandibuzz Set

Mandibuzz @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Bold
-Knock Off
-Roost/Taunt
-Defog
-Whirlwind/Foul Play/Toxic

Knock Off is possibly the best move this Gen, there is no reason you shouldn't use it. Taunt helps stop things from setting up, and from hitting you with status. Roost is for active healing (obviously) and to get rid of your Ice, Rock, and Electric weaknesses if you're faster. Defog gives your team some seriously needed hazard control, as most of your Team is weak to it. Whirlwind and Foul Play are to counter threats that set up on you, and Toxic gives you Toxic support.

Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk, 4 SpD
Nature: Adamant
Crunch/Earthquake
Stone Edge/Rock Slide
Pursuit/Earthquake
Superpower

From personal experience, Mix t-tar doesn't work well. Ice beam does provide coverage but with no investment in spA, you wouldnt be able to OHKO garchomp and have a small chance with gliscor. Max attack adamant nature works very well with AV. The option with rock slide is because you'll lose power in your attack, but gain accuracy and more pp usage. With pursuit, you can switch in to any psychic type and kill them. Earthquake is another option just for coverage for poison/rock/electric.

Hope that helps!

Definitely agree with the T-Tar suggestions.

Consider switching Ninjask for Scolipede, it has an almost identical role, but Scolipede has Offensive Presence on his own and is able to survive a few more hits.

Scolipede Sets

Scolipede @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Speed
Nature: Jolly
-Earthquake/Megahorn
-Protect/Substitute
-Swords Dance/Protect
-Baton Pass

Also, on MegaZard X definitely go Dragon Claw over Outrage, at +2 the damage output will most likely be unnoticed.

Hope I could help, feel free to ask questions.

 

[Cataphract]

Thank you everyone for your help! I have taken most everything suggested and added/changed my team accordingly. I've also updated it with a few new ideas of my own, and I'd like to hear what you all think.

 

[ouchalargerock]

Thank you everyone for your help! I have taken most everything suggested and added/changed my team accordingly. I've also updated it with a few new ideas of my own, and I'd like to hear what you all think.

I would keep Scolipede as is. That's how I use it. The other suggestion was if you were worried more about passing speed, or if you wanted to stall out. All in all the current set works the best.