[RMT] Hate 'em, But Love 'em (Now Larger)
(2)/Poke380(Platino)(Femmina)(2).png)
If you're like me, the first thing you noticed on my team is the presence of Togekiss. Yes. Togekiss. It is by far the most cheap Pokemon you could pick on your team with it's ability Serene Grace combined with Paralysis support and Air Slash reducing the chances of the opponent attacking down to a relatively low percent. Sure, its a great Pokemon to have on your team. However, it is also criticized for its hax-happy nature far too often. But here's the fact of the matter, folks. Hax are just part of the game. They're necessary to make the game both interesting and irritating all at the same time. In fact, hax could happen anytime because moves have an accuracy level for a reason. Where would Swampert be if he couldn't pull off a Critical Hit while attempting to stall out a Blissey with Earthquake as it uses Softboiled. It'd be pointless to use him in that situation! Hax just need to be there for a number of reasons. So gripe all you want about it, but this couldn't be any more true. ...sorry about that little rant. On to the real intro!
One day I was just doing my thing: playing shoddy battle and listening to music. I mean, who doesn't do that? lol I was battling this person who I had pinned down 1-5. I was up, and the only Pokemon I had lost was my Suicide Lead Azelf (because that's its job). However, all of my Pokemon minus Swampert were Paralyzed. I figured I had this won. But then he brought out his final Pokemon: Togekiss. I figured it would be fairly easy since I had SR up and it came out with 75% health. I was wrong though. Togekiss came in on my Latias and charged up a Nasty Plot on the first turn. I unfortunatly tasted full paralysis, and that cost me big time. He then used Air Slash which caused me to flinch, and the hit me two more times for the KO. Now he was at full health, and I was ready to roll the die. I threw in my Swampert thinking I could OHKO with Ice Beam. Wrong! I took it fairly well since it must have had lots of SDef EVs. That was the second turn he used Nasty Plot. Then it was over. Togekiss haxed me for somewhere around 20 turns in a row to KO all 3 of my remaining team members: Blissey, Scizor, and Heatran. It even took the Bullet Punches from Scizor! I was then reminded of the threat that the evil airplane-thing could pose to any team.
So I tested out the weapon myself: starting with the Encore Supporter set. It quickly became my lead of choice for reasons I'll explain in a moment. After that, I started thinking of other members I could use to take advantage of the Paralysis as well as the Encore time to setup. Swampert would work for switching in if Togekiss couldn't work and to setup rocks, Heatran could try to stall until I could hold a sub up, Scizor could U-Turn away on the slow foe to a reliable resist, Latias could beat the crap out of the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert that Togekiss couldn't touch with Grass Knot, and Breloom could setup the Sub Seed strategy after Sporing the switch-in. It all came together fairly well, and I'm glad I started using this team. Within an hour, I had already gotten up a new account to 1200+ on the ladder. No losses, just wins. So here you go, everyone:
Quick Yet Important Notes:
1) My computer has had troubles in the past editing long posts on here, so I might need help with that.
2) I've added Threat Lists to each Pokemon's explaination (though it took forever) to make the RMT a lot more descriptive.
3) I'm testing the Swampert-to-Jirachi switch Luxormaniac suggested, as well as Latias using Surf. Still thinking I need to switch out Heatran or change him a little...
Togekiss (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP/20 Def/236 Spd
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Encore
- Wish
- Thunder Wave
- Air Slash
Togekiss is without a doubt the star of the show. Like I said in the intro, Togekiss has proven its worth to me over the past few days or so and now I'm abusing the beast. I pretty much always start out with Thunder Wave as long as the foe doesn't have a Resistance to TWave. That way, leads that setup SRocks are slow enogh for me to Encore their Stealth Rock attack after I paralyze them on the second turn, and then TWave the next turn to get ready to paralyze the switch-in. Common switches into my Togekiss include LO MixMence, LO MixApe, and Zapdos; all of which are ruined after the speed reduction. Air Slash usually can take them out after Hax, and the EVs allow me to survive their Draco Meteors, Fire Blasts, Hidden Power Ices, Thunderbolts, and Close Combats at least once so I can get away with a Hax win. That starts off the match with one Pokemon down, and another Paralyzed. If I had enough health left after that, I can even survive the next attack and Paralyze the next Pokemon that comes in and then switch out or stay in to fight the next one. Wish works well to support the team and keep people who think they're smart using Physical STAB attacks that would hurt me hard without my flying type wishing they could hurt me. The hax provided by Air Slash allow me to use the Wish effectively.
Threat List Versus Togekiss:
Azelf: Azelf leads are horribly predictable nowadays. Lots of noobs use them just because they're a popular lead. First TWave, then Encore their SRock before they can Explode on me, then TWave the switch-in.
Breloom: Breloom is pretty easy to KO if they bring in a normal one on the switch. If they switch into the TWave, nice. Air Slash KOs anyways cause I'm faster. However, Scarfed Breloom can prove tricky (most leading Breloom are this). I usually switch to Swampert on these, and I don't know why.
Celebi: Celebi can be a plan-killer if he hits me with TWave. I can really only take them on with just Togekiss if they switch into my TWave. Otherwise, they will paralyze me and screw over my strategy.
Dugtrio: These aren't very common, and when they have appeared they didn't do that much. If the try to Stone Edge, I switch to Breloom to setup a sub on the switch and proceed to destroy. I have yet to face LO versions but it should go the same way. Swampert perhaps instead of Breloom to switch into Dugtrio for Togekiss?
Electivire: Sure, they can switch in Electivire on the TWave to gain the speed boost, but Swampert wipes the floor with it anyways. If they actually carried HP Grass more than HP Ice, they could be a problem but they don't from what I've seen. Latias could switch in if they do carry the HP Grass move.
Empoleon: This is really only a threat to Togekiss or my team in general if Togekiss is Paralyzed and can't hit it with TWave before the substitute. If it does, though, I might be screwed. Versions that carry Grass Knot over Ice Beam I can beat, but Ice Beam/Surf will tear a hole through my team.
Flygon: Since he resists TWave completely, I pretty much always switch Swampert into him to wall his moves and hit him hard with Ice Beam. All you ever see anymore are Choice Scarfed or Banded versions so I can usual beat them through prediction.
Gengar: Lucky for me, Thunderbolt will not OHKO Togekiss as long as I haven't taken Stealth Rock damage. If I have though, Scizor can come in instead to Revenge kill with Pursuit or Bullet Punch. TWave cripples him completely so I can keep using Air Slash.
Gliscor: Once again, a ground type that will destroy Togekiss' strategy. I can switch in Swampert easily on whatever move they use and hit it with Ice Beam. Taunt might be there first move to ensure I don't get Stealth Rock up, but who cares? I can do that later. :P
Gyarados: The variants with Taunt could destroy me if they're faster, which won't happen. I can TWave them and keep them from boosting their speed too high with Dragon Dance and KO them with Air Slashes.
Heatran: Lead-wise, these guys function just like Azelf. TWave on the first turn, Encore on the second, TWave again on the third.
Heracross: Air Slash the Choice Banders, switch to Breloom for the Scarfers on the Stone Edge.
Infernape: I talked about him a little bit in the intro. I can TWave him on the switch and KO with Air Slash. Taken down fairly simply.
Jirachi: I bolded him because he's a pain no matter what. If he uses Trick, all I can use Togekiss for is the quick Air Slashes and maybe the speedy Encore on the boosting Salamence or Gyarados. TWave can also mess me up. This ones a decent threat that I can only stay in on or risk getting a Scarfed Swampert.
Kingdra: Only a menace in the rain or after a DD. Easily Ko'd otherwise or I can switch-in Heatran on the Outrage to Will-o-Wisp it or setup a Sub.
Latias: Nothing it has can hurt me that bad, LO version-wise. Using TWave on it makes me able to come in with Scizor and U-Turn away for heavy damage after I absorb the Draco Meteor enough to survive. I've yet to face a SpecsLatias so I don't know how I'd take that. Perhaps I should switch to Heatran for whatever it plans on using minus Surf?
Lucario: Flinch immunity would scare me if I wasn't able to just Encore whatever move it uses and switch to a counter. They can't OHKO me with Stealth Rock damage. Swampert is a reliable switch-in.
Machamp: I've only faced one and it somehow survived my Air Slash. D: I guess I should just try and get lucky on ones like that and get a Flinch hax.
Magnezone: Easy to kill if I hit it with TWave before it can put up a sub or on the switch. Then I can switch to Swampert or Heatran for the OHKO.
Mamoswine: Immune to TWave and usually tries to go for Ice Shard or Stone Edge. Scizor is my best bet against him with Bullet Punch or Superpower.
Metagross: Same strategy as Heatran and Azelf.
Ninjask: Encore cripples it. Then I can go to Swampert to setup Rocks or TWave whatever switches in. Most teams with Ninjask on them are made of mainly hard hitters which are useless after TWave.
Porygon-Z: I can TWave it (as usual) and kill it with a couple Air Slashes.
Rhyperior: Although I can't hit it with TWave, I can Encore the "Subperior" version on the setup. Choice Banders are more trouble, though, so I usually go for Swampert.
Roserade: Take the Sleep Powder and hope it misses then go for the TWave. Otherwise, switch to Latias for the KO with Draco Meteor or throw in Heatran.
Rotom: The usual strategy of TWave on the Switch followed by Air Slash or Heatran/Swampert depending on if they carry Will-o-Wisp or TWave.
Salamence: It's never really a lead so I can usually TWave it and 3HKO with Air Slash on the switch or 2HKO after Stealth Rock.
Scizor: Limit it to Bullet Punch after TWave and switch in Heatran every time until they try Superpower. Then go to Latias.
Snorlax: Encore kills it on the Rest after they try to heal off the TWave. It goes down regularly.
Starmie: This thing is like Gengar's twin only with Natural Cure which can leave me guessing whether or not it will switch. Just TWave it usually then try to use Wish to scout the next move.
Suicune: Encore on the CM boosts/Rest/Sleep Talk or try to Hax your way to victory.
Swampert: Encore = death to MixPert.
Togekiss: I'm faster than the more commonly used version with full EV investments in Special Defense and HP, so I can try to hax them or switch to Swampert.
Tyranitar: It wins if I don't TWave on the switch. I guess I can switch to Breloom on the Stone Edge or maybe even Scizor for the quick KOs.
Weavile: It can't smash me completely, so I can TWave and keep up the Air Slashes. Beaten pretty easily, but not always.
Yanmega: Air Slash. It can't OHKO with my Special Defense. TWave would help if it didn't gain speed each turn.
Zapdos: TWave cripples it as always so I can do the usual. BPass versions I can Encore.
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Swampert (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 240 HP/216 Def/54 SAtk
Relaxed nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Ice Beam
- Earthquake
- Hydro Pump
- Stealth Rock
Good old Swampert is here for several reasons. Because Togekiss is incapable of setting up Rocks, Swampert can come in at nearly any time and set them up. Not only that, but he also can threaten leads who are immune to TWave that Togekiss has trouble taking care of. He also makes a good Mixed Attacker (pretty much what he's always been) and great Pokemon to have recieve Wish support from Togekiss since he lacks a recovery move. That said, they both cover each other's weaknesses fairly well. Swampert is also capable of taking on Gyarados if he needs to, but usually he's covered after SR damage and a little bit of damage by Scizor. Swampert's pretty much just useful for sponging hits and weakening opponents.
Threat List Versus Swampert:
Azelf: Versions that carry Grass Knot usually beat me. If they've been paralzyed I could go with Hydro Pump for the KO, but I also have to worry about the possibility it might miss. Scizor is better at taking this down after SR damage with Bullet Punch or with U-Turn/Pursuit when it's slowed.
Breloom: Definitly not Swampert's job to take down. It can absorb Spore, but it's better to fight it with Togekiss, Latias, or Heatran depending on how much speed it has.
Celebi: Also not the best enemy for Swampert to be facing. Scizor is good for this one since Celebi won't be trying to hit Swampert with TWave, meaning an easy switch will follow.
Dugtrio: It works pretty well for taking on Dugtrio. Hydro Pump KOs easy and Ice Beam is also another option. Swampert does an excellent job of revenge killing it if Scizor isn't available.
Electivire: This is my answer to Electivire if it lacks HP Grass. If it has it, Latias is the way to go.
Empoleon: As always, it's an issue. I can deal some heavy damage to it with Earthquake as long as it's taken prior damage, but otherwise it's hard to take down.
Flygon: The best counter for Flygon. It takes most of its attacks well, and can hit back with Ice Beam.
Gengar: I can take it as long as it has taken some damage and it doesn't have a Grass move.
Gliscor: Ice Beam kills it easily and Swampert walls it.
Gyarados: Trying to beat it with Ice Beam works while it charges DDs and Scizor can revenge kill. It can sometimes survive the Bullet Punch, so I'm thinking about stopping using Pursuit for Quick Attack.
Heatran: OHKO if it doesn't have a Shuca Berry with Earthquake. Otherwise, it can't really OHKO me.
Heracross: Swampert takes Heracross in the same way as Dugtrio. It's a generally easy time blocking it's moves and KOing before it can, but using Togekiss to heal is vital afterwards.
Infernape: Infernape is not for Swampert. Switching in Togekiss or Latias is my best way to take care of Infernape.
Jirachi: Only a threat to Swampert if it has Trick. Otherwise, this beast trumps it completely.
Kingdra: Can take the DD versions, but there are better options. Draco Meteor puts a dent in me though.
Latias: Draco Meteor hurts me big time, but Swampert doesn't need to take on Latias. Maybe to deal the weakening blow or the final hit, but it can't win 1-on-1 from what I've seen. If they carry Grass Knot, it could be different.
Lucario: Taken out by Earthquake, and can also survive it's attacks.
Machamp: I can try to fight it and weaken it a bit, but Confusing hax will beat me in the end. Togekiss and Latias are better equipt to fight it.
Magnezone: I kill this thing as long as it doesn't carry HP Grass or Magnet Rise. If it does, it might mean trouble. It's best to switch in Swampert when this is Paralyzed.
Mamoswine: Hydro Pump will beat it, and I can survive most of what it can do to me except Blizzard on a Hail team.
Metagross: Versions without Trick I beat with Earthquake. Explosion kinda sucks, but it isn't that big of a deal to lose Swampert for an opponent's Pokemon.
Ninjask: Setup SR and go to Togekiss for the Encore. Usually used as a lead so Togekiss takes good care of it.
Porygon-Z: Earthquake deals a number on it, and Scizor can attack with a CB Bullet Punch.
Rhyperior: Would be a problem, but isn't. I can keep it from hitting hard with Swampy then Revenge kill with Latias' Grass Knot or Scizor's Superpower or Bullet Punch.
Roserade: No. Swampert cannot fight against Roserade. It can however instigate the Leaf Storm to lower it's Special Attack, but whatever I switch in will be vulnerable to Sleep Powder.
Rotom: I can beat down all Rotom except for the variants that have RestTalking movesets. Will-o-Wisp isn't that horrible when fighting Rotom one-on-one since I'm not using Earthquake on a Levitating Pokemon. Breloom can stall them out with Leech Seed and Substitute, and Latias can Specs Draco Meteor it.
Salamence: Ice Beam takes it out, and Swampert can take an Outrage. Latias can also outspeed it and follow up with Draco Meteor.
Scizor: Earthquake hurts it and it's attacks don't hurt too bad.
Snorlax: Switch to Scizor. Superpower crushes it.
Starmie: Grass Knot hurts, but I can switch to Latias for the KO with TBolt or Grass Knot. Ice Beam doesn't do that much to Latias thanks to it's nice Special Defensive stats.
Suicune: Breloom is better overall as long as I get a Spore or Leech Seed in (on the switch). Latias also can hurt it with either Specs TBolt or Grass Knot.
Swampert: Not worried about it. Most of my team can handle Swampert minus Heatran.
Togekiss: Ice Beam it to weaken it or Earthquake on the Roost. Normally just switching to Scizor works to keep it from staying in and SR damage takes it over.
Tyranitar: Earthquake and Hydro Pump harm it for their STAB boosts, but Scizor scares it out of its mind.
Weavile: Swampert can take it with anything but Ice Beam. Swords Dance versions are KOd before too much damage is done.
Yanmega: Ice Beam beats it as long as it lacks a Grass move. Scizor revenge kills it.
Zapdos: Ice Beam and Earthquake on the Roost or switch to something else.
---
Scizor (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Pursuit / Quick Attack(?)
- Superpower
As we all know, Banded Scizor is a menace. There isn't really much explaining to be done for this one. It's moves cover most of the enemies my team has, so it's pretty important. I find myself U-Turning a lot with it so it stays alive a pretty long time. Bullet Punch beats those boosters when theyre weak, and Pursuit beats Pokemon who try to run when they see they're Paralyzed and can't take a Super Effective hit. However, I wonder if I shouldn't change Pursuit to Quick Attack because Scizor can't Revenge kill Gyara with Bullet Punch even when it's weak because it has a resistance to it. I need a little advice on that one.
Threat List Versus Scizor:
*Some of these will end up being one move answers. ;)
Azelf: Bullet Punch.
Breloom: Superpower and hope that I win the speed tie. Otherwise, Latias might be the better option.
Celebi: U-Turn, especially when it's Paralyzed.
Dugtrio: Bullet Punch.
Electivire: Superpower hits it hard but I'm usually slower. Swampert or Latias kills it better. Another reason to use Quick Attack over Pursuit.
Empoleon: Can setup on me after all those loses of Attack after Superpower. Still, I might be able to survive and KO it. Never fought it with Scizor one-on-one.
Flygon: Can switch in on Outrages and try to KO it before it can switch out. Heatran does a better job of switching in, though, to Will-O-Wisp it and cripple it.
Gengar: Bullet Punch.
Gliscor: Swampert and it's awesome Ice Beam! :D
Gyarados: This is why I want to switch Pursuit with Quick Attack. I use Swampert to beat on it until it charges up DD a couple times. It kills my team after those boosts, so I need a revenge killer. Latias if I see he hasn't boosted.
Heatran: Run to Swampert unless it's Paralyzed. Superpower KOs then.
Heracross: Another reason to use Quick Attack, although Swampert takes care of it well enough.
Infernape: Quick Attack is good here since it resists Bullet Punch x4. Otherwise, Superpower if it's Paralyzed.
Jirachi: Superpower hurts it, but if it uses Wish and Protect/Iron Head hax it can stall me out. Swampert does well against it.
Kingdra: Also resists Bullet Punch. Quick Attack again?
Latias: U-Turn on the switch or U-Turn on the Paralyzed one. Also resists Bullet Punch, but can manage to Revenge kill with it.
Lucario: Superpower can take it, although Swampert is better-off or even Breloom or Latias.
Machamp: Confusion will screw over Scizor. Using Togekiss or Latias works better.
Magnezone: Superpower on it when it's Paralyzed or too slow. Scarf versions beat me, though.
Mamoswine: Bullet Punch.
Metagross: U-Turn away to Swampert or Superpower.
Ninjask: Bullet Punch or Quick Attack.
Porygon-Z: Bullet Punch.
Rhyperior: Superpower and Bullet Punch take it, although I have better counters on my team.
Roserade: Fear the versions with HP Fire, KO the ones that don't. I think it resists Bullet Punch, so QA vote.
Rotom: Since his is the only thing keeping me from changing Pursuit to Quick Attack and I already have a couple counters to it, I think that's what I should do.
Salamence: Bullet Punch or Quick Attack.
Scizor: (lol) Superpower or switch to Swampert.
Snorlax: Superpower.
Starmie: Bullet Punch, U-Turn, Quick Attack...it all works well.
Suicune: Trying to attack will get me stalled out. U-Turning away to something else works best since Superpower gets stalled out.
Swampert: U-Turn out to Breloom to take the Earthquake or Surf/Hydro Pump. Latias works too.
Togekiss: Bullet Punch/Superpower or QA.
Tyranitar: Bullet Punch, Superpower, U-Turn. It's all good here.
Weavile: Bullet Punch easy kill.
Yanmega: Never fought one against Scizor that I can remember, but I'm sure a priority move will KO it after it's weakened.
Zapdos: Quick Attack or switch-out to Latias.
---
Latias (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Trick / HP Fire / Surf / Dragon Pulse
- Thunderbolt
- Grass Knot
Latias makes for a good Specs user. It's fairly fast with a Timid Nature, and also carries STAB Draco Meteor, which murders mostly everything that doesn't resist it and even they take heavy damage from it. Grass Knot takes care of stuff Togekiss can't TWave, so it's kindof important to this set. Trick could be kicked out for Surf, Hidden Power Fire, or even Dragon Pulse. I really haven't used Trick but I know it can be useful at times. However, since my team tends to cause a ton of switches, it seems like I could put myself in a bad spot if a threat gets a hold of my Specs. Still, a great revenge killer for MixMence and MixApe.
Threat List Versus Latias:
Azelf: Although it can Explode on me, I can usually get in and KO it beforehand with Draco Meteor. Heatran also counters it as long as it lacks HP Ground.
Breloom: KO With Draco Meteor or Trick the Specs onto it (haven't tried, but could work)
Celebi: Draco Meteor kills it after it's weakened, or Scizor can take it with U-Turn after Paralysis.
Dugtrio: Grass Knot if it's dumb enough to Switch it. If it thinks it can Sucker Punch, I can switch into Breloom to start the SubSeed cycle.
Electivire: Draco Meteor. 'Nuff said.
Empoleon: Tbolt can take it and Choice Specs makes it unable to carry out it's strategy as well.
Flygon: Draco Meteor if it's slow enough, or switch-out to something more effective.
Gengar: DMeteor kills it. Make sure it doesn't get the Choice Specs!
Gliscor: Grass Knot or Draco Meteor take a toll on it, and Trick cripples it.
Gyarados: TBolt as long as it hasn't got a boost or Trick the Specs onto it.
Heatran: TBolt or Swampert.
Heracross: Swampert or Draco Meteor generally does it in. Pray you're faster and it lacks a scarf if you stay in.
Infernape: Survive the HP Ice and go for the Meteor KO.
Jirachi: Since it resists my moves minus TBolt, that's my only option. This is one reason I might use HP Fire.
Kingdra: Draco Meteor as long as it hasn't boosted. Then use Swampert or Heatran on the Outrage.
Latias: Heatran? Not sure. Just get it Paralyzed and it's taken out by Scizor.
Lucario: KO with TBolt after some damage, I think. Trick works too since Life Orb turns him into a normal LO Latias.
Machamp: Draco Meteor or Trick. This is basically my only sure-fire counter to Machamp.
Magnezone: Switch to Swampert or Heatran for a more effective kill. Another reason to carry HP Fire.
Mamoswine: Grass Knot after Ice Shard or go to something else.
Metagross: Trick or TBolt works, although Swampert, Breloom, or Heatran wins too.
Ninjask: Trick to ruin it. >:D TBolt harms it heavily, but it can then pass to a Ground type so not the best option.
Porygon-Z: Easy kill with Draco Meteor.
Rhyperior: Grass Knot.
Roserade: Draco Meteor or Heatran/Scizor.
Rotom: Draco Meteor pounds it down as long as it's taken prior damage.
Salamence: Revenge kill with Draco Meteor.
Scizor: HP Fire works here. Watch out for Revenge kills!
Snorlax: Draco Meteor or Trick.
Starmie: TBolt or anything other than Trick, really.
Suicune: Same as Starmie, although Trick works on the Rest.
Swampert: Grass Knot.
Togekiss: TBolt or Draco Meteor.
Tyranitar: Grass Knot or Trick if it's on the switch-in.
Weavile: Stay away from un-paralyzed versions and it'll be fine. KO otherwise.
Yanmega: Surprisingly a huge threat to Latias. It can only be KOd if it doesn't Protect on the first turn. It's a beast unless I can KO it with TBolt.
Zapdos: Draco Meteor after SR damage.
---
Heatran (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP/16 SAtk/240 SDef
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Will-o-wisp
- Substitute
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
I really like this guy on my team for this one because he has plently of chances to switch in and sub since people fear a Scarfed version. Will-o-Wisp is very handy for eliminating offensive threats before they get too powerful on boosts or make MixSweepers resort to using more Special based moves, although my SDefense is pretty high. Earth Power and Fire Blast give decent coverage against the stuff I'll actually fight with Heatran. It's not a Pokemon I just freely switch in and out since it's a wall without any recovery moves. Only used on free or easy switches, generally.
Threat List Versus Heatran:
Azelf: Walled usually and Substitute blocks its Explosion. Fire Blast KOs, aswell.
Breloom: KO with Fire Blast if it's faster or Will-o-Wisp on the switch. It can trade Sub-breaking with me if that's what it wants to try.
Celebi: Substitute to block the status then Will-o-Wisp it or it's replacement. Fire Blast kills it.
Dugtrio: It's an immediate OHKO to me even when it's Burned. However, I get a free switch to Latias, Togekiss, or Breloom on the Earthquake.
Electivire: KO with Earth Power or taste it's Cross Chop attack. Swampert, again, kills it with Latias.
Empoleon: Stay in even though you might take a Surf. People try to Agility boost on me during the first turn with this but I can sub while they do that and make it so they're weak for when I revenge kill.
Flygon: Takes Outrage well and cripples it with Will-o-Wisp. Then switch to a better Pokemon to counter it.
Gengar: Fire Blast works to KO it or Sub until Focus Blast misses or I run him out of PP.
Gliscor: Swampert. Not Heatran's.
Gyarados: Will-o-Wisp on the switch, then Swampert can wittle down its health.
Heatran: Most Heatran are Scarfed with Earth Power, so try switching in Latias or Swampert depending on if it just got a boost or not with Flash Fire.
Heracross: Fire Blast. Burns only strengthen it.
Infernape: Earth Power on the switch or go to Latias.
Jirachi: Will-o-Wisp or Sub to block the TWave. Iron Head won't hurt you then and it's an easy kill and good time to heal.
Kingdra: Will-o-Wisp or bust.
Latias: Don't let Heatran fight this battle. Sure, you can Will-o-Wisp it. However, then you can't reduce it's speed with TWave. Scizor revenge kills it.
Lucario: Swampert or Latias.
Machamp: Burning it will make it much harder to kill if it has Guts. If not, Burns work a little. Switching to Latias is a better option.
Magnezone: Although trapped, Heatran can survive Thunderbolt and KO with Fire Blast or Earth Power. If it carries HP Ground, send in Breloom since it resists it's attacks.
Mamoswine: Heatran gets smashed by Mamoswine, so maybe get a Will-o-Wisp on the switch if you predict correctly and then switch-out.
Metagross: Switch out if it has Earthquake, stay in and Burn it if it doesn't. It could be useful for setting up Breloom.
Ninjask: Fire Blast it until it BPs, then let Swampert come in to sponge the hits of the attacker and setup Rocks to kill it when it comes back in.
Porygon-Z: Fire Blast can kill it, and as long as it doesn't have HP Ground or Fighting, it's easy to beat with all of Heatran's Special Defense.
Rhyperior: If you do Will-o-Wisp here, Rhyperior will feel it later. However, you're losing Heatran in the process. You can switch in Latias to kill it with Grass Knot, instead.
Roserade: Kills all non-HP Ground using version with Fire Blast and resists Toxic Spikes.
Rotom: It can beat Rotom one-on-one as long as it's not the washer form. Beware of Hydro Pump!
Salamence: Burn it after you switch into Outrage to cripple it physically, then switch out to maybe Swampert or Scizor for the KO.
Scizor: Hit it with Fire Blast if it's slow enough, but there's not much you can do if it's faster. Switching to Latias works if it's Banded in that case to absorb the Superpower.
Snorlax: Heatran can't do anything to the RestTalk versions. It's much better to use Breloom or Scizor to mash it down before it's too late.
Starmie: No.
Suicune: No.
Swampert: No. xD (Actually, you can burn Swampert on the switch and then go to something else. Al lthe others are Heatran's worst nightmares.)
Togekiss: If you can get a Sub up before it Paralyzes you, take it down one-on-one. If not, try Swampert.
Tyranitar: Just like Swampert. Burn and run.
Weavile: Easily beaten if it's locked into a non-super effective attack. Otherwise, you can try and take the Brick Break and risk dying for the KO with Fire Blast or the burn cripple.
Yanmega: Versions with HP Ground win, those without it get torn to pieces.
Zapdos: Watch out for HP Ground and you can beat it with Fire Blast and Earth Power on the Roost.
---
Breloom (M) @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 44 HP/248 Atk/218 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Leech Seed
- Spore
- Focus Punch
And finally, my mushroom headed menace. It's a beast if it can switch in on a paralyzed foe and Sub until it gets the Paralysis hax to Seed opponents and break open any chances my opponent to attack. It uses the Strategy quite well, and its Focus Punch can be utilized on foes who are locked into a stat-boosting move. Spore also can hit those slow Ground types that TWave can't touch. It also can get in on several Pokemon thanks to a couple resistances. I'm glad I swithed out Gyarados for this now that I've tested it. Gyara just couldn't function thanks to it's weakness to SR. In my opinion, he's beaten fairly easily without team support.
Threat List Versus Breloom:
* I got REALLY lazy on this one. :P
Azelf: I can beat it if it switched in on Spore or is Paralyzed. Otherwise, Heatran is better.
Breloom: I added the extra 4 EVs from Attack into Speed to outrun other standard Breloom by 1 speed value. Focus Punch can then beat it first.
Celebi: It resists Focus Punch, cannot be Seeded, and can switch out of Spore. It beats Breloom entirely.
Dugtrio: It resists all attacks from Dugtrio except Aerial Ace. Switch into any other Choice Banded attack and setup the SubSeeding technique.
Electivire: Only beatable after it switches in on Spore. Otherwise, use the usual strategy I've been using for it.
Empoleon: Same as Electivire.
Flygon: Just switch into it's Choice Earthquake and go for the Spore attack. Then SubSeed.
Gengar: It beats me completely if I can't hit it with Spore or Leech Seed.
Gliscor: Beatable if it lacks Ice Fang. Check with a Substitute.
Gyarados: Not really sure. Intimidate blocks out my chances of beating it, especially if it carries Taunt.
Heatran: Beaten on the switch with Focus Punch. Otherwise, Paralysis hax and Focus Punch behind a Sub.
Heracross: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Infernape: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Jirachi: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Kingdra: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Latias: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Lucario: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed.
Machamp: Spore beats it as long as I'm not dealing with the RestTalk version.
Magnezone: Not the best Pokemon to take on Magnezone with, but it could work if it lacks Substitute.
Mamoswine: Not Breloom's fight since Ice Shard beats Substitute speed-wise.
Metagross: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed.
Ninjask: Ninjask setup fairly easily on Breloom. I can hopefully beat the switchin with Focus Punch, and if not, it could be bad.
Porygon-Z: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. Focus Punch can also bust it up pretty bad.
Rhyperior: Spore it then Focus Punch under a Sub.
Roserade: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. Beware of its Natural Cure.
Rotom: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. Focus Punch won't work on it.
Salamence: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed.
Scizor: Resists its BP attack fairly well, so I can start the strategy on it.
Snorlax: Beats all versions without Fire Punch unless I sleep them.
Starmie: It can switch out of Spore, and can beat me with Ice Beam. It poses a true threat to Breloom.
Suicune: Beaten as long as it's out of a Sub. Encoring it on the boosts with Togekiss always works on it.
Swampert: They usually run fearing Seed Bomb, so it's a good candidate for starting the SubSeed strategy.
Togekiss: Beaten by it any way you look at it unless I can Spore it.
Tyranitar: Get up a Sub after outrunning it and it's all done for it after that with Focus Punch.
Weavile: KOd by Ice Punch, although Focus Punch can kill it if it's under a Sub.
Yanmega: No.
Zapdos: Not Breloom's battle, but SubSeeding can beat it.
---
. : Team At A Glance : .
Introduction
If you're like me, the first thing you noticed on my team is the presence of Togekiss. Yes. Togekiss. It is by far the most cheap Pokemon you could pick on your team with it's ability Serene Grace combined with Paralysis support and Air Slash reducing the chances of the opponent attacking down to a relatively low percent. Sure, its a great Pokemon to have on your team. However, it is also criticized for its hax-happy nature far too often. But here's the fact of the matter, folks. Hax are just part of the game. They're necessary to make the game both interesting and irritating all at the same time. In fact, hax could happen anytime because moves have an accuracy level for a reason. Where would Swampert be if he couldn't pull off a Critical Hit while attempting to stall out a Blissey with Earthquake as it uses Softboiled. It'd be pointless to use him in that situation! Hax just need to be there for a number of reasons. So gripe all you want about it, but this couldn't be any more true. ...sorry about that little rant. On to the real intro!
One day I was just doing my thing: playing shoddy battle and listening to music. I mean, who doesn't do that? lol I was battling this person who I had pinned down 1-5. I was up, and the only Pokemon I had lost was my Suicide Lead Azelf (because that's its job). However, all of my Pokemon minus Swampert were Paralyzed. I figured I had this won. But then he brought out his final Pokemon: Togekiss. I figured it would be fairly easy since I had SR up and it came out with 75% health. I was wrong though. Togekiss came in on my Latias and charged up a Nasty Plot on the first turn. I unfortunatly tasted full paralysis, and that cost me big time. He then used Air Slash which caused me to flinch, and the hit me two more times for the KO. Now he was at full health, and I was ready to roll the die. I threw in my Swampert thinking I could OHKO with Ice Beam. Wrong! I took it fairly well since it must have had lots of SDef EVs. That was the second turn he used Nasty Plot. Then it was over. Togekiss haxed me for somewhere around 20 turns in a row to KO all 3 of my remaining team members: Blissey, Scizor, and Heatran. It even took the Bullet Punches from Scizor! I was then reminded of the threat that the evil airplane-thing could pose to any team.
So I tested out the weapon myself: starting with the Encore Supporter set. It quickly became my lead of choice for reasons I'll explain in a moment. After that, I started thinking of other members I could use to take advantage of the Paralysis as well as the Encore time to setup. Swampert would work for switching in if Togekiss couldn't work and to setup rocks, Heatran could try to stall until I could hold a sub up, Scizor could U-Turn away on the slow foe to a reliable resist, Latias could beat the crap out of the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert that Togekiss couldn't touch with Grass Knot, and Breloom could setup the Sub Seed strategy after Sporing the switch-in. It all came together fairly well, and I'm glad I started using this team. Within an hour, I had already gotten up a new account to 1200+ on the ladder. No losses, just wins. So here you go, everyone:
Quick Yet Important Notes:
1) My computer has had troubles in the past editing long posts on here, so I might need help with that.
2) I've added Threat Lists to each Pokemon's explaination (though it took forever) to make the RMT a lot more descriptive.
3) I'm testing the Swampert-to-Jirachi switch Luxormaniac suggested, as well as Latias using Surf. Still thinking I need to switch out Heatran or change him a little...
Togekiss (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP/20 Def/236 Spd
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Encore
- Wish
- Thunder Wave
- Air Slash
Togekiss is without a doubt the star of the show. Like I said in the intro, Togekiss has proven its worth to me over the past few days or so and now I'm abusing the beast. I pretty much always start out with Thunder Wave as long as the foe doesn't have a Resistance to TWave. That way, leads that setup SRocks are slow enogh for me to Encore their Stealth Rock attack after I paralyze them on the second turn, and then TWave the next turn to get ready to paralyze the switch-in. Common switches into my Togekiss include LO MixMence, LO MixApe, and Zapdos; all of which are ruined after the speed reduction. Air Slash usually can take them out after Hax, and the EVs allow me to survive their Draco Meteors, Fire Blasts, Hidden Power Ices, Thunderbolts, and Close Combats at least once so I can get away with a Hax win. That starts off the match with one Pokemon down, and another Paralyzed. If I had enough health left after that, I can even survive the next attack and Paralyze the next Pokemon that comes in and then switch out or stay in to fight the next one. Wish works well to support the team and keep people who think they're smart using Physical STAB attacks that would hurt me hard without my flying type wishing they could hurt me. The hax provided by Air Slash allow me to use the Wish effectively.
Threat List Versus Togekiss:
Azelf: Azelf leads are horribly predictable nowadays. Lots of noobs use them just because they're a popular lead. First TWave, then Encore their SRock before they can Explode on me, then TWave the switch-in.
Breloom: Breloom is pretty easy to KO if they bring in a normal one on the switch. If they switch into the TWave, nice. Air Slash KOs anyways cause I'm faster. However, Scarfed Breloom can prove tricky (most leading Breloom are this). I usually switch to Swampert on these, and I don't know why.
Celebi: Celebi can be a plan-killer if he hits me with TWave. I can really only take them on with just Togekiss if they switch into my TWave. Otherwise, they will paralyze me and screw over my strategy.
Dugtrio: These aren't very common, and when they have appeared they didn't do that much. If the try to Stone Edge, I switch to Breloom to setup a sub on the switch and proceed to destroy. I have yet to face LO versions but it should go the same way. Swampert perhaps instead of Breloom to switch into Dugtrio for Togekiss?
Electivire: Sure, they can switch in Electivire on the TWave to gain the speed boost, but Swampert wipes the floor with it anyways. If they actually carried HP Grass more than HP Ice, they could be a problem but they don't from what I've seen. Latias could switch in if they do carry the HP Grass move.
Empoleon: This is really only a threat to Togekiss or my team in general if Togekiss is Paralyzed and can't hit it with TWave before the substitute. If it does, though, I might be screwed. Versions that carry Grass Knot over Ice Beam I can beat, but Ice Beam/Surf will tear a hole through my team.
Flygon: Since he resists TWave completely, I pretty much always switch Swampert into him to wall his moves and hit him hard with Ice Beam. All you ever see anymore are Choice Scarfed or Banded versions so I can usual beat them through prediction.
Gengar: Lucky for me, Thunderbolt will not OHKO Togekiss as long as I haven't taken Stealth Rock damage. If I have though, Scizor can come in instead to Revenge kill with Pursuit or Bullet Punch. TWave cripples him completely so I can keep using Air Slash.
Gliscor: Once again, a ground type that will destroy Togekiss' strategy. I can switch in Swampert easily on whatever move they use and hit it with Ice Beam. Taunt might be there first move to ensure I don't get Stealth Rock up, but who cares? I can do that later. :P
Gyarados: The variants with Taunt could destroy me if they're faster, which won't happen. I can TWave them and keep them from boosting their speed too high with Dragon Dance and KO them with Air Slashes.
Heatran: Lead-wise, these guys function just like Azelf. TWave on the first turn, Encore on the second, TWave again on the third.
Heracross: Air Slash the Choice Banders, switch to Breloom for the Scarfers on the Stone Edge.
Infernape: I talked about him a little bit in the intro. I can TWave him on the switch and KO with Air Slash. Taken down fairly simply.
Jirachi: I bolded him because he's a pain no matter what. If he uses Trick, all I can use Togekiss for is the quick Air Slashes and maybe the speedy Encore on the boosting Salamence or Gyarados. TWave can also mess me up. This ones a decent threat that I can only stay in on or risk getting a Scarfed Swampert.
Kingdra: Only a menace in the rain or after a DD. Easily Ko'd otherwise or I can switch-in Heatran on the Outrage to Will-o-Wisp it or setup a Sub.
Latias: Nothing it has can hurt me that bad, LO version-wise. Using TWave on it makes me able to come in with Scizor and U-Turn away for heavy damage after I absorb the Draco Meteor enough to survive. I've yet to face a SpecsLatias so I don't know how I'd take that. Perhaps I should switch to Heatran for whatever it plans on using minus Surf?
Lucario: Flinch immunity would scare me if I wasn't able to just Encore whatever move it uses and switch to a counter. They can't OHKO me with Stealth Rock damage. Swampert is a reliable switch-in.
Machamp: I've only faced one and it somehow survived my Air Slash. D: I guess I should just try and get lucky on ones like that and get a Flinch hax.
Magnezone: Easy to kill if I hit it with TWave before it can put up a sub or on the switch. Then I can switch to Swampert or Heatran for the OHKO.
Mamoswine: Immune to TWave and usually tries to go for Ice Shard or Stone Edge. Scizor is my best bet against him with Bullet Punch or Superpower.
Metagross: Same strategy as Heatran and Azelf.
Ninjask: Encore cripples it. Then I can go to Swampert to setup Rocks or TWave whatever switches in. Most teams with Ninjask on them are made of mainly hard hitters which are useless after TWave.
Porygon-Z: I can TWave it (as usual) and kill it with a couple Air Slashes.
Rhyperior: Although I can't hit it with TWave, I can Encore the "Subperior" version on the setup. Choice Banders are more trouble, though, so I usually go for Swampert.
Roserade: Take the Sleep Powder and hope it misses then go for the TWave. Otherwise, switch to Latias for the KO with Draco Meteor or throw in Heatran.
Rotom: The usual strategy of TWave on the Switch followed by Air Slash or Heatran/Swampert depending on if they carry Will-o-Wisp or TWave.
Salamence: It's never really a lead so I can usually TWave it and 3HKO with Air Slash on the switch or 2HKO after Stealth Rock.
Scizor: Limit it to Bullet Punch after TWave and switch in Heatran every time until they try Superpower. Then go to Latias.
Snorlax: Encore kills it on the Rest after they try to heal off the TWave. It goes down regularly.
Starmie: This thing is like Gengar's twin only with Natural Cure which can leave me guessing whether or not it will switch. Just TWave it usually then try to use Wish to scout the next move.
Suicune: Encore on the CM boosts/Rest/Sleep Talk or try to Hax your way to victory.
Swampert: Encore = death to MixPert.
Togekiss: I'm faster than the more commonly used version with full EV investments in Special Defense and HP, so I can try to hax them or switch to Swampert.
Tyranitar: It wins if I don't TWave on the switch. I guess I can switch to Breloom on the Stone Edge or maybe even Scizor for the quick KOs.
Weavile: It can't smash me completely, so I can TWave and keep up the Air Slashes. Beaten pretty easily, but not always.
Yanmega: Air Slash. It can't OHKO with my Special Defense. TWave would help if it didn't gain speed each turn.
Zapdos: TWave cripples it as always so I can do the usual. BPass versions I can Encore.
---
Swampert (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 240 HP/216 Def/54 SAtk
Relaxed nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Ice Beam
- Earthquake
- Hydro Pump
- Stealth Rock
Good old Swampert is here for several reasons. Because Togekiss is incapable of setting up Rocks, Swampert can come in at nearly any time and set them up. Not only that, but he also can threaten leads who are immune to TWave that Togekiss has trouble taking care of. He also makes a good Mixed Attacker (pretty much what he's always been) and great Pokemon to have recieve Wish support from Togekiss since he lacks a recovery move. That said, they both cover each other's weaknesses fairly well. Swampert is also capable of taking on Gyarados if he needs to, but usually he's covered after SR damage and a little bit of damage by Scizor. Swampert's pretty much just useful for sponging hits and weakening opponents.
Threat List Versus Swampert:
Azelf: Versions that carry Grass Knot usually beat me. If they've been paralzyed I could go with Hydro Pump for the KO, but I also have to worry about the possibility it might miss. Scizor is better at taking this down after SR damage with Bullet Punch or with U-Turn/Pursuit when it's slowed.
Breloom: Definitly not Swampert's job to take down. It can absorb Spore, but it's better to fight it with Togekiss, Latias, or Heatran depending on how much speed it has.
Celebi: Also not the best enemy for Swampert to be facing. Scizor is good for this one since Celebi won't be trying to hit Swampert with TWave, meaning an easy switch will follow.
Dugtrio: It works pretty well for taking on Dugtrio. Hydro Pump KOs easy and Ice Beam is also another option. Swampert does an excellent job of revenge killing it if Scizor isn't available.
Electivire: This is my answer to Electivire if it lacks HP Grass. If it has it, Latias is the way to go.
Empoleon: As always, it's an issue. I can deal some heavy damage to it with Earthquake as long as it's taken prior damage, but otherwise it's hard to take down.
Flygon: The best counter for Flygon. It takes most of its attacks well, and can hit back with Ice Beam.
Gengar: I can take it as long as it has taken some damage and it doesn't have a Grass move.
Gliscor: Ice Beam kills it easily and Swampert walls it.
Gyarados: Trying to beat it with Ice Beam works while it charges DDs and Scizor can revenge kill. It can sometimes survive the Bullet Punch, so I'm thinking about stopping using Pursuit for Quick Attack.
Heatran: OHKO if it doesn't have a Shuca Berry with Earthquake. Otherwise, it can't really OHKO me.
Heracross: Swampert takes Heracross in the same way as Dugtrio. It's a generally easy time blocking it's moves and KOing before it can, but using Togekiss to heal is vital afterwards.
Infernape: Infernape is not for Swampert. Switching in Togekiss or Latias is my best way to take care of Infernape.
Jirachi: Only a threat to Swampert if it has Trick. Otherwise, this beast trumps it completely.
Kingdra: Can take the DD versions, but there are better options. Draco Meteor puts a dent in me though.
Latias: Draco Meteor hurts me big time, but Swampert doesn't need to take on Latias. Maybe to deal the weakening blow or the final hit, but it can't win 1-on-1 from what I've seen. If they carry Grass Knot, it could be different.
Lucario: Taken out by Earthquake, and can also survive it's attacks.
Machamp: I can try to fight it and weaken it a bit, but Confusing hax will beat me in the end. Togekiss and Latias are better equipt to fight it.
Magnezone: I kill this thing as long as it doesn't carry HP Grass or Magnet Rise. If it does, it might mean trouble. It's best to switch in Swampert when this is Paralyzed.
Mamoswine: Hydro Pump will beat it, and I can survive most of what it can do to me except Blizzard on a Hail team.
Metagross: Versions without Trick I beat with Earthquake. Explosion kinda sucks, but it isn't that big of a deal to lose Swampert for an opponent's Pokemon.
Ninjask: Setup SR and go to Togekiss for the Encore. Usually used as a lead so Togekiss takes good care of it.
Porygon-Z: Earthquake deals a number on it, and Scizor can attack with a CB Bullet Punch.
Rhyperior: Would be a problem, but isn't. I can keep it from hitting hard with Swampy then Revenge kill with Latias' Grass Knot or Scizor's Superpower or Bullet Punch.
Roserade: No. Swampert cannot fight against Roserade. It can however instigate the Leaf Storm to lower it's Special Attack, but whatever I switch in will be vulnerable to Sleep Powder.
Rotom: I can beat down all Rotom except for the variants that have RestTalking movesets. Will-o-Wisp isn't that horrible when fighting Rotom one-on-one since I'm not using Earthquake on a Levitating Pokemon. Breloom can stall them out with Leech Seed and Substitute, and Latias can Specs Draco Meteor it.
Salamence: Ice Beam takes it out, and Swampert can take an Outrage. Latias can also outspeed it and follow up with Draco Meteor.
Scizor: Earthquake hurts it and it's attacks don't hurt too bad.
Snorlax: Switch to Scizor. Superpower crushes it.
Starmie: Grass Knot hurts, but I can switch to Latias for the KO with TBolt or Grass Knot. Ice Beam doesn't do that much to Latias thanks to it's nice Special Defensive stats.
Suicune: Breloom is better overall as long as I get a Spore or Leech Seed in (on the switch). Latias also can hurt it with either Specs TBolt or Grass Knot.
Swampert: Not worried about it. Most of my team can handle Swampert minus Heatran.
Togekiss: Ice Beam it to weaken it or Earthquake on the Roost. Normally just switching to Scizor works to keep it from staying in and SR damage takes it over.
Tyranitar: Earthquake and Hydro Pump harm it for their STAB boosts, but Scizor scares it out of its mind.
Weavile: Swampert can take it with anything but Ice Beam. Swords Dance versions are KOd before too much damage is done.
Yanmega: Ice Beam beats it as long as it lacks a Grass move. Scizor revenge kills it.
Zapdos: Ice Beam and Earthquake on the Roost or switch to something else.
---
Scizor (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Pursuit / Quick Attack(?)
- Superpower
As we all know, Banded Scizor is a menace. There isn't really much explaining to be done for this one. It's moves cover most of the enemies my team has, so it's pretty important. I find myself U-Turning a lot with it so it stays alive a pretty long time. Bullet Punch beats those boosters when theyre weak, and Pursuit beats Pokemon who try to run when they see they're Paralyzed and can't take a Super Effective hit. However, I wonder if I shouldn't change Pursuit to Quick Attack because Scizor can't Revenge kill Gyara with Bullet Punch even when it's weak because it has a resistance to it. I need a little advice on that one.
Threat List Versus Scizor:
*Some of these will end up being one move answers. ;)
Azelf: Bullet Punch.
Breloom: Superpower and hope that I win the speed tie. Otherwise, Latias might be the better option.
Celebi: U-Turn, especially when it's Paralyzed.
Dugtrio: Bullet Punch.
Electivire: Superpower hits it hard but I'm usually slower. Swampert or Latias kills it better. Another reason to use Quick Attack over Pursuit.
Empoleon: Can setup on me after all those loses of Attack after Superpower. Still, I might be able to survive and KO it. Never fought it with Scizor one-on-one.
Flygon: Can switch in on Outrages and try to KO it before it can switch out. Heatran does a better job of switching in, though, to Will-O-Wisp it and cripple it.
Gengar: Bullet Punch.
Gliscor: Swampert and it's awesome Ice Beam! :D
Gyarados: This is why I want to switch Pursuit with Quick Attack. I use Swampert to beat on it until it charges up DD a couple times. It kills my team after those boosts, so I need a revenge killer. Latias if I see he hasn't boosted.
Heatran: Run to Swampert unless it's Paralyzed. Superpower KOs then.
Heracross: Another reason to use Quick Attack, although Swampert takes care of it well enough.
Infernape: Quick Attack is good here since it resists Bullet Punch x4. Otherwise, Superpower if it's Paralyzed.
Jirachi: Superpower hurts it, but if it uses Wish and Protect/Iron Head hax it can stall me out. Swampert does well against it.
Kingdra: Also resists Bullet Punch. Quick Attack again?
Latias: U-Turn on the switch or U-Turn on the Paralyzed one. Also resists Bullet Punch, but can manage to Revenge kill with it.
Lucario: Superpower can take it, although Swampert is better-off or even Breloom or Latias.
Machamp: Confusion will screw over Scizor. Using Togekiss or Latias works better.
Magnezone: Superpower on it when it's Paralyzed or too slow. Scarf versions beat me, though.
Mamoswine: Bullet Punch.
Metagross: U-Turn away to Swampert or Superpower.
Ninjask: Bullet Punch or Quick Attack.
Porygon-Z: Bullet Punch.
Rhyperior: Superpower and Bullet Punch take it, although I have better counters on my team.
Roserade: Fear the versions with HP Fire, KO the ones that don't. I think it resists Bullet Punch, so QA vote.
Rotom: Since his is the only thing keeping me from changing Pursuit to Quick Attack and I already have a couple counters to it, I think that's what I should do.
Salamence: Bullet Punch or Quick Attack.
Scizor: (lol) Superpower or switch to Swampert.
Snorlax: Superpower.
Starmie: Bullet Punch, U-Turn, Quick Attack...it all works well.
Suicune: Trying to attack will get me stalled out. U-Turning away to something else works best since Superpower gets stalled out.
Swampert: U-Turn out to Breloom to take the Earthquake or Surf/Hydro Pump. Latias works too.
Togekiss: Bullet Punch/Superpower or QA.
Tyranitar: Bullet Punch, Superpower, U-Turn. It's all good here.
Weavile: Bullet Punch easy kill.
Yanmega: Never fought one against Scizor that I can remember, but I'm sure a priority move will KO it after it's weakened.
Zapdos: Quick Attack or switch-out to Latias.
---
Latias (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Trick / HP Fire / Surf / Dragon Pulse
- Thunderbolt
- Grass Knot
Latias makes for a good Specs user. It's fairly fast with a Timid Nature, and also carries STAB Draco Meteor, which murders mostly everything that doesn't resist it and even they take heavy damage from it. Grass Knot takes care of stuff Togekiss can't TWave, so it's kindof important to this set. Trick could be kicked out for Surf, Hidden Power Fire, or even Dragon Pulse. I really haven't used Trick but I know it can be useful at times. However, since my team tends to cause a ton of switches, it seems like I could put myself in a bad spot if a threat gets a hold of my Specs. Still, a great revenge killer for MixMence and MixApe.
Threat List Versus Latias:
Azelf: Although it can Explode on me, I can usually get in and KO it beforehand with Draco Meteor. Heatran also counters it as long as it lacks HP Ground.
Breloom: KO With Draco Meteor or Trick the Specs onto it (haven't tried, but could work)
Celebi: Draco Meteor kills it after it's weakened, or Scizor can take it with U-Turn after Paralysis.
Dugtrio: Grass Knot if it's dumb enough to Switch it. If it thinks it can Sucker Punch, I can switch into Breloom to start the SubSeed cycle.
Electivire: Draco Meteor. 'Nuff said.
Empoleon: Tbolt can take it and Choice Specs makes it unable to carry out it's strategy as well.
Flygon: Draco Meteor if it's slow enough, or switch-out to something more effective.
Gengar: DMeteor kills it. Make sure it doesn't get the Choice Specs!
Gliscor: Grass Knot or Draco Meteor take a toll on it, and Trick cripples it.
Gyarados: TBolt as long as it hasn't got a boost or Trick the Specs onto it.
Heatran: TBolt or Swampert.
Heracross: Swampert or Draco Meteor generally does it in. Pray you're faster and it lacks a scarf if you stay in.
Infernape: Survive the HP Ice and go for the Meteor KO.
Jirachi: Since it resists my moves minus TBolt, that's my only option. This is one reason I might use HP Fire.
Kingdra: Draco Meteor as long as it hasn't boosted. Then use Swampert or Heatran on the Outrage.
Latias: Heatran? Not sure. Just get it Paralyzed and it's taken out by Scizor.
Lucario: KO with TBolt after some damage, I think. Trick works too since Life Orb turns him into a normal LO Latias.
Machamp: Draco Meteor or Trick. This is basically my only sure-fire counter to Machamp.
Magnezone: Switch to Swampert or Heatran for a more effective kill. Another reason to carry HP Fire.
Mamoswine: Grass Knot after Ice Shard or go to something else.
Metagross: Trick or TBolt works, although Swampert, Breloom, or Heatran wins too.
Ninjask: Trick to ruin it. >:D TBolt harms it heavily, but it can then pass to a Ground type so not the best option.
Porygon-Z: Easy kill with Draco Meteor.
Rhyperior: Grass Knot.
Roserade: Draco Meteor or Heatran/Scizor.
Rotom: Draco Meteor pounds it down as long as it's taken prior damage.
Salamence: Revenge kill with Draco Meteor.
Scizor: HP Fire works here. Watch out for Revenge kills!
Snorlax: Draco Meteor or Trick.
Starmie: TBolt or anything other than Trick, really.
Suicune: Same as Starmie, although Trick works on the Rest.
Swampert: Grass Knot.
Togekiss: TBolt or Draco Meteor.
Tyranitar: Grass Knot or Trick if it's on the switch-in.
Weavile: Stay away from un-paralyzed versions and it'll be fine. KO otherwise.
Yanmega: Surprisingly a huge threat to Latias. It can only be KOd if it doesn't Protect on the first turn. It's a beast unless I can KO it with TBolt.
Zapdos: Draco Meteor after SR damage.
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Heatran (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP/16 SAtk/240 SDef
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Will-o-wisp
- Substitute
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
I really like this guy on my team for this one because he has plently of chances to switch in and sub since people fear a Scarfed version. Will-o-Wisp is very handy for eliminating offensive threats before they get too powerful on boosts or make MixSweepers resort to using more Special based moves, although my SDefense is pretty high. Earth Power and Fire Blast give decent coverage against the stuff I'll actually fight with Heatran. It's not a Pokemon I just freely switch in and out since it's a wall without any recovery moves. Only used on free or easy switches, generally.
Threat List Versus Heatran:
Azelf: Walled usually and Substitute blocks its Explosion. Fire Blast KOs, aswell.
Breloom: KO with Fire Blast if it's faster or Will-o-Wisp on the switch. It can trade Sub-breaking with me if that's what it wants to try.
Celebi: Substitute to block the status then Will-o-Wisp it or it's replacement. Fire Blast kills it.
Dugtrio: It's an immediate OHKO to me even when it's Burned. However, I get a free switch to Latias, Togekiss, or Breloom on the Earthquake.
Electivire: KO with Earth Power or taste it's Cross Chop attack. Swampert, again, kills it with Latias.
Empoleon: Stay in even though you might take a Surf. People try to Agility boost on me during the first turn with this but I can sub while they do that and make it so they're weak for when I revenge kill.
Flygon: Takes Outrage well and cripples it with Will-o-Wisp. Then switch to a better Pokemon to counter it.
Gengar: Fire Blast works to KO it or Sub until Focus Blast misses or I run him out of PP.
Gliscor: Swampert. Not Heatran's.
Gyarados: Will-o-Wisp on the switch, then Swampert can wittle down its health.
Heatran: Most Heatran are Scarfed with Earth Power, so try switching in Latias or Swampert depending on if it just got a boost or not with Flash Fire.
Heracross: Fire Blast. Burns only strengthen it.
Infernape: Earth Power on the switch or go to Latias.
Jirachi: Will-o-Wisp or Sub to block the TWave. Iron Head won't hurt you then and it's an easy kill and good time to heal.
Kingdra: Will-o-Wisp or bust.
Latias: Don't let Heatran fight this battle. Sure, you can Will-o-Wisp it. However, then you can't reduce it's speed with TWave. Scizor revenge kills it.
Lucario: Swampert or Latias.
Machamp: Burning it will make it much harder to kill if it has Guts. If not, Burns work a little. Switching to Latias is a better option.
Magnezone: Although trapped, Heatran can survive Thunderbolt and KO with Fire Blast or Earth Power. If it carries HP Ground, send in Breloom since it resists it's attacks.
Mamoswine: Heatran gets smashed by Mamoswine, so maybe get a Will-o-Wisp on the switch if you predict correctly and then switch-out.
Metagross: Switch out if it has Earthquake, stay in and Burn it if it doesn't. It could be useful for setting up Breloom.
Ninjask: Fire Blast it until it BPs, then let Swampert come in to sponge the hits of the attacker and setup Rocks to kill it when it comes back in.
Porygon-Z: Fire Blast can kill it, and as long as it doesn't have HP Ground or Fighting, it's easy to beat with all of Heatran's Special Defense.
Rhyperior: If you do Will-o-Wisp here, Rhyperior will feel it later. However, you're losing Heatran in the process. You can switch in Latias to kill it with Grass Knot, instead.
Roserade: Kills all non-HP Ground using version with Fire Blast and resists Toxic Spikes.
Rotom: It can beat Rotom one-on-one as long as it's not the washer form. Beware of Hydro Pump!
Salamence: Burn it after you switch into Outrage to cripple it physically, then switch out to maybe Swampert or Scizor for the KO.
Scizor: Hit it with Fire Blast if it's slow enough, but there's not much you can do if it's faster. Switching to Latias works if it's Banded in that case to absorb the Superpower.
Snorlax: Heatran can't do anything to the RestTalk versions. It's much better to use Breloom or Scizor to mash it down before it's too late.
Starmie: No.
Suicune: No.
Swampert: No. xD (Actually, you can burn Swampert on the switch and then go to something else. Al lthe others are Heatran's worst nightmares.)
Togekiss: If you can get a Sub up before it Paralyzes you, take it down one-on-one. If not, try Swampert.
Tyranitar: Just like Swampert. Burn and run.
Weavile: Easily beaten if it's locked into a non-super effective attack. Otherwise, you can try and take the Brick Break and risk dying for the KO with Fire Blast or the burn cripple.
Yanmega: Versions with HP Ground win, those without it get torn to pieces.
Zapdos: Watch out for HP Ground and you can beat it with Fire Blast and Earth Power on the Roost.
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Breloom (M) @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 44 HP/248 Atk/218 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Leech Seed
- Spore
- Focus Punch
And finally, my mushroom headed menace. It's a beast if it can switch in on a paralyzed foe and Sub until it gets the Paralysis hax to Seed opponents and break open any chances my opponent to attack. It uses the Strategy quite well, and its Focus Punch can be utilized on foes who are locked into a stat-boosting move. Spore also can hit those slow Ground types that TWave can't touch. It also can get in on several Pokemon thanks to a couple resistances. I'm glad I swithed out Gyarados for this now that I've tested it. Gyara just couldn't function thanks to it's weakness to SR. In my opinion, he's beaten fairly easily without team support.
Threat List Versus Breloom:
* I got REALLY lazy on this one. :P
Azelf: I can beat it if it switched in on Spore or is Paralyzed. Otherwise, Heatran is better.
Breloom: I added the extra 4 EVs from Attack into Speed to outrun other standard Breloom by 1 speed value. Focus Punch can then beat it first.
Celebi: It resists Focus Punch, cannot be Seeded, and can switch out of Spore. It beats Breloom entirely.
Dugtrio: It resists all attacks from Dugtrio except Aerial Ace. Switch into any other Choice Banded attack and setup the SubSeeding technique.
Electivire: Only beatable after it switches in on Spore. Otherwise, use the usual strategy I've been using for it.
Empoleon: Same as Electivire.
Flygon: Just switch into it's Choice Earthquake and go for the Spore attack. Then SubSeed.
Gengar: It beats me completely if I can't hit it with Spore or Leech Seed.
Gliscor: Beatable if it lacks Ice Fang. Check with a Substitute.
Gyarados: Not really sure. Intimidate blocks out my chances of beating it, especially if it carries Taunt.
Heatran: Beaten on the switch with Focus Punch. Otherwise, Paralysis hax and Focus Punch behind a Sub.
Heracross: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Infernape: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Jirachi: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Kingdra: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Latias: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. I can't beat it otherwise.
Lucario: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed.
Machamp: Spore beats it as long as I'm not dealing with the RestTalk version.
Magnezone: Not the best Pokemon to take on Magnezone with, but it could work if it lacks Substitute.
Mamoswine: Not Breloom's fight since Ice Shard beats Substitute speed-wise.
Metagross: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed.
Ninjask: Ninjask setup fairly easily on Breloom. I can hopefully beat the switchin with Focus Punch, and if not, it could be bad.
Porygon-Z: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. Focus Punch can also bust it up pretty bad.
Rhyperior: Spore it then Focus Punch under a Sub.
Roserade: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. Beware of its Natural Cure.
Rotom: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed. Focus Punch won't work on it.
Salamence: Same as most of the others. Spore on the switch, then SubSeed.
Scizor: Resists its BP attack fairly well, so I can start the strategy on it.
Snorlax: Beats all versions without Fire Punch unless I sleep them.
Starmie: It can switch out of Spore, and can beat me with Ice Beam. It poses a true threat to Breloom.
Suicune: Beaten as long as it's out of a Sub. Encoring it on the boosts with Togekiss always works on it.
Swampert: They usually run fearing Seed Bomb, so it's a good candidate for starting the SubSeed strategy.
Togekiss: Beaten by it any way you look at it unless I can Spore it.
Tyranitar: Get up a Sub after outrunning it and it's all done for it after that with Focus Punch.
Weavile: KOd by Ice Punch, although Focus Punch can kill it if it's under a Sub.
Yanmega: No.
Zapdos: Not Breloom's battle, but SubSeeding can beat it.
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So that's it! :D Make sure you've read my important notes because that's what is "going on with this team, atm." Comment, Rate, and Steal! :naughty:
