I have been utilizing this rather strange team to some success on the Smogon Server. I will be the first to admit it has plenty of problems; however it's still carried me to my personal high, 1565, on the Smogon ladder. Please rate and critique!
Team at a Glance
Electrode @ Focus Sash
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 Spd/252 SAtk/6 SDef
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Light Screen
- Taunt
---
To start things off: Electrode. The pokeball like monster lost his title of "fastest pokemon in OU" when Deoxys-S was moved down to OU; however he still has plenty of speed where it counts. Taunt helps me stop the plethora of Stealth Rock users; Thunder Wave provides a timely paralysis which can be crippling at crucial moments. Thunderbolt provides me with my only offensive move; its meant by and large for lead Gyarados (a lot of them stay in on Electrode!), Aerodactyl and Crobat. Light Screen provides a layer of protection for Donphan, who can then safely get Stealth Rocks up.
Two things:
1) I realize Electrode is properly outclassed by Deoxys-S. So why use him? Mostly because of noncompetitive sentimental reasons. However Electrode is not Pursuit weak, and Static provides me with a nice 30% paralysis chance against contact moves (which make up the majority of moves in this metagame). I've forgotten how many times a U-Turning Azelf or Crobat got hit by Static as they were getting out :naughty:
2) No Explosion, because Electrode needs a Life Orb to do serious damage to the likes of defensive walls.
Tyranitar (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/6 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge
---
CB Tar, what a monster. Works somewhat in tandem with Electrode; I usually taunt Lead Azelfs. They attempt to Psychic Electrode, but instead meet Tyranitar. Pursuit nets me the KO. Pursuit also works wonders on a fleeting Zapdos; the electric bird is OHKOd if Stealth Rocks are up after its been hit by Pursuit. Stone Edge is the epitome of power but also of unreliability. Crunch for a decent STAB move, and Equake for coverage (although mostly for hitting Heatran). Nothing unorthodox about the EV spread; it does allow me to be 3HKO'd by +Speed Heatran's Earth Power, making Tyranitar a relatively safe switch in against Heatran when Vaporeon is knocked out.
Vaporeon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/6 SAtk
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Wish
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Electric]
The one member of my team who can face the monster that is Gyarados (who can incidentally destroy this whole team with a DD under his belt, if it weren't for this water dog). My switch in to Kingdra, Swampert and friends. If Vaporeon falls, this team falls, as well. Surf and Ice Beam for decent type coverage; Vaporeon has enough bulk to sometimes survive a Shaymin-S's Seed Flare and KO back with Ice Beam. Hidden Power [Electric] provides me with a weapon against the aforementioned Gyarados. Wish allows me to pass health to an ailing team member, albeit with proper prediction. Usually what ends up happening is I Wish as the opponent switches to a Thunderbolt user; I predict an Electric attack against Vappy and switch to Donphan, who then gets health back (since he has no recovery move to call his own). Elementary, but works.
Lucario (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Extremespeed
- Ice Punch/Bullet Punch
Now that Garchomp is gone, there is stiff competititon as to who is newly crowned king of sweepers. Certainly pokemon like Tyranitar and Salamence are threatening, but close consideration must be given to Lucario. A beast with or without an SD under his belt. I normally use Close Combat when I first bring Lucario out to scout out their counter; sometimes I predict an Ice Punch versus an incoming Gliscor. I'm really thinking of scrapping Ice Punch, now that most Gliscor are EV'd to be faster than Luke anyways and OHKO back with Equake. As such, Lucario remains my main (and only) sweeper. I'm really thinking of replacing it with Bullet Punch, since a good Gengar user always manages to tear through this team.
Heatran (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 6 Atk/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Hasty nature (+Spd, -Def)
- Explosion
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Earth Power
Heatran is almost a necessity in this era where Shaymin-S, opposing Heatran and Celebi run rampant. Flamethrower > Fire Blast because I prefer the accuracy. Hasty to tie at worst with opposing Heatran. Not much to say here, I would say this pokemon is almost required on any team because of Shaymin-S.
Donphan (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP/6 Atk/252 Def
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Roar
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
The sturdy elephant of the GSC era is often passed up for Gliscor and Hippowdon in terms of physical walling; a natural assessment, since Donphan lacks an instant recovery move. However he does offer a valuable tool in Ice Shard, which helps me hit Shaymin S for around 50-60% (enough damage so the other members of my team can pick up the slack against the flying reindeer). Ice Shard also really helps me out against the Dragons and weakened Zapdos. Roar is a must since I don't have a pseudohazing move on any of my other pokes. The ubiquitousness of Stealth Rock means I don't have to explain how good of a move it is. With Light Screen support from Electrode I can usually get it up without fail.
Well thats my team. If youre still reading this wall of text, stick around for the Threat list!
Threat List, straight from Jumpman's thread:
Tyranitar: Donphan handles physical variants. I have trouble with Tyraniboah and MixTar.
Gyarados: Vaporeon handles both Bulky and Life Orb varieties.
Infernape: Vaporeon handles all sets but the Choice Bander and sometimes the Swords Dancer
Azelf: Tyranitar is my switch in, since few Azelfs carry HP Fighting or Focus Blast.
Electivire: Donphan handles physical varieties. Mix ones can give me trouble.
Heracross: Donphan is my switch in; once I find out if its Banded or Scarfed, I'll send in Heatran or Vaporeon to finish it off, respectively.
Salamence: Donphan deals heavy damage with Ice Shard. Vaporeon has Ice Beam, Heatran has HP Ice. Late game DD'ers can mean GG, though.
Togekiss: I usually switch in Lucario, who deals a significant wallop with Close Combat. If it KO's Lucario I can revenge kill with Heatran or Donphan's Ice Shard.
Gengar: Damn I hate this thing : ( Rips my team to pieces. I'm forced to keep switching to avoid KO's. One of the known issues for this team, and making me seriously consider Bullet Punch for Lucario.
Shaymin-S: Ice Shard from Donphan, or revenge kill with Heatran.
Deoxys-S: See Gengar : ( Deoxys is a little easier to handle though. While the dual screen variants are trouble I manage to predict with the sweeper varieties (ie, switch to Tyranitar for an anticipated Ice Beam, switch to Donphan for the predicted Superpower, etc) But still provides me with difficulty.
Lucario: Donphan can stand up to physical variants and scare them away with Earthquake (SD Close Combat can't OHKO the elephant). Specs Luke is another can of worms, and can cause problems.
Starmie: Vaporeon has HP Electric. Tyranitar can handle its Surf. Luke's Extreme Speed, etc.
Weavile: Donphan is my switch in. Can revenge kill with Heatran.
Dugtrio: ...
PorygonZ: I switch in Tyranitar, hoping it won't have HP Fighting.
Machamp: Dynamicpunch is annoying : ( But Donphan is my switch in, and if he damages Machamp i can finish it with Luke's Close Combat.
Snorlax: Most choose to Curse off the bat; however Luke can OHKO even with two Curses, IIRC. Otherwise Donphan to pseudohaze.
Zapdos: Tyranitar...
Suicune: I have huge problem with the Timid 252 Speed CM Life Orb variant. Faster than Luke, who used to be a reliable revenge killer against a weakened slower Suicune : ( I just switch in Tyranitar when it Calm Minds and Crunch/Stone Edge.
Breloom: Another problem. No sleep absorber means I lose a poke each time Spore is used. Usually Electrode is chosen to be put to sleep, if he's still hanging around. Donphan can sort of handle it, but Seed Bomb gives me problems.
Ninjask: Electrode taunts. Donphan sets up Stealth Rock and Roars.
Metagross: Donphan is my primary switch in. Heatran can revenge kill, if need be.
Heatran: Vaporeon...if Vappy is down I send out Tyranitar. At worst I can attempt a speed tie with my own Heatran.
Celebi: Tyranitar. Most stay in, so Crunch; otherwise, Pursuit. Grass Knot is a 3HKO, and Thunder Wave doesn't hurt Tar that much since he's pretty slow anyways.
Jirachi: Usually they Substitute off the bat; Donphan roars them away. Tyranitar can handle variants which lack Grass Knot. Can be revenge killed by Heatran.
Dragonite: Donphan. Vaporeon.
Mamoswine: Donphan, although this is a risky switch in. Vaporeon can scare it away, while Heatran can revenge kill.
Gallade: The Hypnosis variants are trouble! That being said I try not to let it set up with Swords Dance. If it does and uses Close Combat I try to use Luke's Extreme Speed to KO it.
Yanmega: Another issue. Electrode tries to Taunt, but most protect on the first turn, so I end up picking Light Screen instead. Vaporeon can sponge with Light Screen support.
Kingdra: Vappy is my switch in. If it Outrages, Lucario or Heatran, though both take significant damage on the switch in.
Roserade: Electrode taunts against the starters. This gives me an easy switch in to Heatran.
Scizor: Donphan handles all variants, but can be revenge killed by Heatran.
Swampert: A major issue. Vaporeon is my switch in. But if Vaporeon is down the mud fish means trouble.
So to iterate, known issues: Gengar, Swampert, Life Orb/Timid Suicune and Deoxys-S. Sleep is also a major pain since I don't have a RestTalker : X Call me foolish, but IMO Sleep Talk is a risky move since you only have 50% chance of choosing an attack move. I've tried out Sleep Talking Heracross and Machamp and they didn't work out too well. So no Sleep Absorber!
Also in case you didn't notice, I have a HUGE Ground weak. But thanks to no Garchomp less Equakes are being thrown about. However it's still a huge problem.
Thanks for taking the time to read this wall of words; critique as you see fit!
Team at a Glance
Electrode @ Focus Sash
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 Spd/252 SAtk/6 SDef
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Light Screen
- Taunt
---
To start things off: Electrode. The pokeball like monster lost his title of "fastest pokemon in OU" when Deoxys-S was moved down to OU; however he still has plenty of speed where it counts. Taunt helps me stop the plethora of Stealth Rock users; Thunder Wave provides a timely paralysis which can be crippling at crucial moments. Thunderbolt provides me with my only offensive move; its meant by and large for lead Gyarados (a lot of them stay in on Electrode!), Aerodactyl and Crobat. Light Screen provides a layer of protection for Donphan, who can then safely get Stealth Rocks up.
Two things:
1) I realize Electrode is properly outclassed by Deoxys-S. So why use him? Mostly because of noncompetitive sentimental reasons. However Electrode is not Pursuit weak, and Static provides me with a nice 30% paralysis chance against contact moves (which make up the majority of moves in this metagame). I've forgotten how many times a U-Turning Azelf or Crobat got hit by Static as they were getting out :naughty:
2) No Explosion, because Electrode needs a Life Orb to do serious damage to the likes of defensive walls.
Tyranitar (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/6 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge
---
CB Tar, what a monster. Works somewhat in tandem with Electrode; I usually taunt Lead Azelfs. They attempt to Psychic Electrode, but instead meet Tyranitar. Pursuit nets me the KO. Pursuit also works wonders on a fleeting Zapdos; the electric bird is OHKOd if Stealth Rocks are up after its been hit by Pursuit. Stone Edge is the epitome of power but also of unreliability. Crunch for a decent STAB move, and Equake for coverage (although mostly for hitting Heatran). Nothing unorthodox about the EV spread; it does allow me to be 3HKO'd by +Speed Heatran's Earth Power, making Tyranitar a relatively safe switch in against Heatran when Vaporeon is knocked out.
Vaporeon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/6 SAtk
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Wish
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Electric]
The one member of my team who can face the monster that is Gyarados (who can incidentally destroy this whole team with a DD under his belt, if it weren't for this water dog). My switch in to Kingdra, Swampert and friends. If Vaporeon falls, this team falls, as well. Surf and Ice Beam for decent type coverage; Vaporeon has enough bulk to sometimes survive a Shaymin-S's Seed Flare and KO back with Ice Beam. Hidden Power [Electric] provides me with a weapon against the aforementioned Gyarados. Wish allows me to pass health to an ailing team member, albeit with proper prediction. Usually what ends up happening is I Wish as the opponent switches to a Thunderbolt user; I predict an Electric attack against Vappy and switch to Donphan, who then gets health back (since he has no recovery move to call his own). Elementary, but works.
Lucario (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Extremespeed
- Ice Punch/Bullet Punch
Now that Garchomp is gone, there is stiff competititon as to who is newly crowned king of sweepers. Certainly pokemon like Tyranitar and Salamence are threatening, but close consideration must be given to Lucario. A beast with or without an SD under his belt. I normally use Close Combat when I first bring Lucario out to scout out their counter; sometimes I predict an Ice Punch versus an incoming Gliscor. I'm really thinking of scrapping Ice Punch, now that most Gliscor are EV'd to be faster than Luke anyways and OHKO back with Equake. As such, Lucario remains my main (and only) sweeper. I'm really thinking of replacing it with Bullet Punch, since a good Gengar user always manages to tear through this team.
Heatran (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 6 Atk/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Hasty nature (+Spd, -Def)
- Explosion
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Earth Power
Heatran is almost a necessity in this era where Shaymin-S, opposing Heatran and Celebi run rampant. Flamethrower > Fire Blast because I prefer the accuracy. Hasty to tie at worst with opposing Heatran. Not much to say here, I would say this pokemon is almost required on any team because of Shaymin-S.
Donphan (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP/6 Atk/252 Def
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Roar
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
The sturdy elephant of the GSC era is often passed up for Gliscor and Hippowdon in terms of physical walling; a natural assessment, since Donphan lacks an instant recovery move. However he does offer a valuable tool in Ice Shard, which helps me hit Shaymin S for around 50-60% (enough damage so the other members of my team can pick up the slack against the flying reindeer). Ice Shard also really helps me out against the Dragons and weakened Zapdos. Roar is a must since I don't have a pseudohazing move on any of my other pokes. The ubiquitousness of Stealth Rock means I don't have to explain how good of a move it is. With Light Screen support from Electrode I can usually get it up without fail.
Well thats my team. If youre still reading this wall of text, stick around for the Threat list!
Threat List, straight from Jumpman's thread:
Tyranitar: Donphan handles physical variants. I have trouble with Tyraniboah and MixTar.
Gyarados: Vaporeon handles both Bulky and Life Orb varieties.
Infernape: Vaporeon handles all sets but the Choice Bander and sometimes the Swords Dancer
Azelf: Tyranitar is my switch in, since few Azelfs carry HP Fighting or Focus Blast.
Electivire: Donphan handles physical varieties. Mix ones can give me trouble.
Heracross: Donphan is my switch in; once I find out if its Banded or Scarfed, I'll send in Heatran or Vaporeon to finish it off, respectively.
Salamence: Donphan deals heavy damage with Ice Shard. Vaporeon has Ice Beam, Heatran has HP Ice. Late game DD'ers can mean GG, though.
Togekiss: I usually switch in Lucario, who deals a significant wallop with Close Combat. If it KO's Lucario I can revenge kill with Heatran or Donphan's Ice Shard.
Gengar: Damn I hate this thing : ( Rips my team to pieces. I'm forced to keep switching to avoid KO's. One of the known issues for this team, and making me seriously consider Bullet Punch for Lucario.
Shaymin-S: Ice Shard from Donphan, or revenge kill with Heatran.
Deoxys-S: See Gengar : ( Deoxys is a little easier to handle though. While the dual screen variants are trouble I manage to predict with the sweeper varieties (ie, switch to Tyranitar for an anticipated Ice Beam, switch to Donphan for the predicted Superpower, etc) But still provides me with difficulty.
Lucario: Donphan can stand up to physical variants and scare them away with Earthquake (SD Close Combat can't OHKO the elephant). Specs Luke is another can of worms, and can cause problems.
Starmie: Vaporeon has HP Electric. Tyranitar can handle its Surf. Luke's Extreme Speed, etc.
Weavile: Donphan is my switch in. Can revenge kill with Heatran.
Dugtrio: ...
PorygonZ: I switch in Tyranitar, hoping it won't have HP Fighting.
Machamp: Dynamicpunch is annoying : ( But Donphan is my switch in, and if he damages Machamp i can finish it with Luke's Close Combat.
Snorlax: Most choose to Curse off the bat; however Luke can OHKO even with two Curses, IIRC. Otherwise Donphan to pseudohaze.
Zapdos: Tyranitar...
Suicune: I have huge problem with the Timid 252 Speed CM Life Orb variant. Faster than Luke, who used to be a reliable revenge killer against a weakened slower Suicune : ( I just switch in Tyranitar when it Calm Minds and Crunch/Stone Edge.
Breloom: Another problem. No sleep absorber means I lose a poke each time Spore is used. Usually Electrode is chosen to be put to sleep, if he's still hanging around. Donphan can sort of handle it, but Seed Bomb gives me problems.
Ninjask: Electrode taunts. Donphan sets up Stealth Rock and Roars.
Metagross: Donphan is my primary switch in. Heatran can revenge kill, if need be.
Heatran: Vaporeon...if Vappy is down I send out Tyranitar. At worst I can attempt a speed tie with my own Heatran.
Celebi: Tyranitar. Most stay in, so Crunch; otherwise, Pursuit. Grass Knot is a 3HKO, and Thunder Wave doesn't hurt Tar that much since he's pretty slow anyways.
Jirachi: Usually they Substitute off the bat; Donphan roars them away. Tyranitar can handle variants which lack Grass Knot. Can be revenge killed by Heatran.
Dragonite: Donphan. Vaporeon.
Mamoswine: Donphan, although this is a risky switch in. Vaporeon can scare it away, while Heatran can revenge kill.
Gallade: The Hypnosis variants are trouble! That being said I try not to let it set up with Swords Dance. If it does and uses Close Combat I try to use Luke's Extreme Speed to KO it.
Yanmega: Another issue. Electrode tries to Taunt, but most protect on the first turn, so I end up picking Light Screen instead. Vaporeon can sponge with Light Screen support.
Kingdra: Vappy is my switch in. If it Outrages, Lucario or Heatran, though both take significant damage on the switch in.
Roserade: Electrode taunts against the starters. This gives me an easy switch in to Heatran.
Scizor: Donphan handles all variants, but can be revenge killed by Heatran.
Swampert: A major issue. Vaporeon is my switch in. But if Vaporeon is down the mud fish means trouble.
So to iterate, known issues: Gengar, Swampert, Life Orb/Timid Suicune and Deoxys-S. Sleep is also a major pain since I don't have a RestTalker : X Call me foolish, but IMO Sleep Talk is a risky move since you only have 50% chance of choosing an attack move. I've tried out Sleep Talking Heracross and Machamp and they didn't work out too well. So no Sleep Absorber!
Also in case you didn't notice, I have a HUGE Ground weak. But thanks to no Garchomp less Equakes are being thrown about. However it's still a huge problem.
Thanks for taking the time to read this wall of words; critique as you see fit!
