Rock 'n' Roll in the Rain (OU)

[Viashino_wizard]

First and foremost, I wanted a good OU team to use in my SoulSilver game. Because Kingdra and Kabutops are two of my favorite pokemon, and since stall and Sandstorm are rarer on WiFi, I decided to go with a rain team. The team I put together ended up turning out to be a lightly modified version of the sample OU team from the Rain Offense guide, but it's been working well for me on Shoddy. I want to get feedback from more experienced players/team-builders before I start breeding, though, so here it is!

Please note that since this will eventually be an in-game team, I'd like to avoid legendaries (one is going to be hard enough to get) and especially event pokemon (which I have no real chance of laying hands on).

THE TEAM

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MrBlueSky
Azelf @ Damp Rock
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/6 Atk/252 Spe
Jolly nature (+Spe, -SAtk)
- Rain Dance
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Explosion
---
Here's Mr. Blue Sky, a standard rain lead Azelf (but why did he hide away for so long?). His number one priority is to set up Stealth Rocks, since four other teammates can still set up rain if he somehow fails. Taunt to keep slower leads from setting down rocks of their own or trying to status, and explosion to give one of my sweepers a free switch-in and/or take out/weaken a problem pokemon on the opponent's team. The only lead he has real trouble with is Aerodactyl and other Azelf if he loses the speed tie. Both of these are usually a safe switch-in for either Scizor or Bronzong, unless Azelf carries flamethrower.

IronMaiden
Scizor (F) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Technician
EVs: 200 HP/58 Atk/252 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Rain Dance
- Roost
---
Another rain standard, this time support Scizor. She keeps rain going or sets it up if Azelf couldn't for some reason. Bullet Punch and U-Turn make her a good T-tar and Obamasnow counter if Tar isn't running Flamethrower. Roost lets her stay in the game and allows her to forgoe leftovers recovery in favor of Damp Rock. After setting up rain, she can use her slow U-Turn to give a sweeper a free switch-in.

HellsBells
Bronzong @ Damp Rock
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/128 Atk/130 Def
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Rain Dance
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Explosion
---
Bronzong serves a similar function to Scizor, setting up eight-turn rain and giving a free switch-in (in this case through explosion). It can also explode on problem pokemon like Azelf, though much slower. I'm currently using the dual-screen version from the guide, but I'm open to other suggestions. I'm considering Gyro Ball to give my team a secondary T-tar/Snow counter.

Hiway*Star
Kabutops (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 34 HP/252 Atk/20 Def/204 Spe
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet/X-Scissor
- Swords Dance
---
My first rain sweeper, Kabutops has massive speed and attack power in the rain, mostly outclassing Qwilfish offensively. I'm using the standard OU rain sweeper set: SD to boost attack, Waterfall/Stone Edge for STAB and Aqua Jet for priority. Since Celebi is a big threat to this team, I'm considering running X-Scissor instead of Jet in order to deal with her. However, since Kabutops is the only member of my team who can't set up his own rain, I'll miss the priority when rain cuts out before he can finish his sweep.

Bon Jovi
Ludicolo (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 62 HP/196 Spe/252 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Surf
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
---
THE Ludicolo sweeper set for OU. Rain lets him outspeed most threats and attack with a powerful rain-boosted Surf. Energy ball is for secondary STAB. Ice Beam gives Ludicolo coverage against grass-types, most notably Breloom, and lets him revenge kill most dragons. Ludicolo has the special bulk to set up Rain Dance, and he doesn't really have any other attacks to run that help his coverage more than the first three except Focus Bunch for Blissey, which isn't necessary as both his fellow sweepers are physical. Since Kingdra doesn't have Outrage anymore, I switched to Energy Ball to hit Vaporeon harder.

DeepPurple
Kingdra (M) @Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 144 Atk/166 Spe/200 SAtk
Rashnature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Waterfall
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
---
What kind of crazy person plays a Rain team outside UU without the best Swift Swimmer in the game? I've changed from the original Double Dance set to a mixed attacker, which reduces the set-up time needed for sweeping. Its wall-breaking power is very nice, though it does suffer from the inability to set up its own Rain at times. It's lack of a non-water attack outside Draco Meteor is also troubling. I might try Dragon Pulse instead of Surf.

 

[Viashino_wizard]

NOTABLE THREATS:

Offensive:

: Offensive Azelf is generally outsped in the rain. Lead Azelf either loses speed tie to taunt or has to deal with Scizor.

: Troublesome. Ludicolo and Kingdra can take it out without a sub. With a sub, the best way is to set up rain with a supporter (if it's not out already) and break the sub with explosion/U-turn so that one of the aforementioned guys can come in.

: Explosion. Kingdra can try to outrage, and if Celebi's health is low Kabutops and Ludicolo can try with SE or Ice Beam. Scizor can also force a switch with the threat of U-turn.

: After a dragon dance, Kingdra can brute-force his way through Empoleon with Waterfall. Explosion can be used to soften him up.

: Ludicolo can revenge kill with Ice Beam. Only the fastest Scarf'd can hope to outspeed Kingdra, and if Kingdra has a DD under his belt he still wins.

: Usually outsped and taken down by any of the sweepers in the rain. Kabutops can also finish it with Aqua Jet and Scizor can take most of its attacks and Bullet Punch.

: Kingdra can power through with Waterfall or Outrage while Kabutops can destroy it with SE. Explosion is also possible.

: Kingdra can take any attack other than Dragon Pulse or Explosion. Heatran can't do much to stop a rain sweep already in progress with its neutered stab and water weakness.

: A tough cookie. The sweepers can hit him hard with rain-boosted STAB, and he can be exploded on to wear him down. Scizor and Bronzong can absorb paralysis, and if Azelf is faster it can Taunt. TrickScarf varients can be trouble.

: Explode with Bronzong or get my Kingdra set up first.

: Extremespeed bypasses my sweepers' speed, but Kabutops resists it and Luke can't take boosted water STAB.

: A notable problem. The best chance is to explode on him. A sweeper may be forced to sacrifice in order to get him in KO range for another.

: Scizor can U-Turn out, while Bronzong can set up and hopefully explode. After its taken some damage, the sweepers can hit it hard with boosted Water STAB.

: Ice Shard can't KO any of the sweepers, who can hit it with SE STAB water in return. Bronzong can explode while Scizor hits with Bullet Punch.

: More than half the team resists Meteor Mash. Bronzong can explode while the sweepers can hit it with boosted STAB.

: Wear it down with boosted water attacks until it's dead. A big thorn in the side if it burns Kabutops or Kingdra.

: Scizor and Bronzong can take Outrage and procede to set up, Roost or Explode. Ludicolo can revenge kill with Ice Beam and Kingdra can hit with Outrage.

: Kingdra and Ludicolo both resist BP and can hit with boosted STAB. Ludicolo has to watch out for bug attacks, however.

: Outsped by the sweepers in the rain and KO'd with secondary STAB. Can also be blown up on or threatened with U-turn.

: Explode on it if possible and try to muscle through with Kingdra's boosted Outrage or Ludicolo's Grass Knot.

: Scizor and Bronzong can switch in safely (barring Flamethrower) and get the rain back up or hit with BP/U-turn/Explosion. With a dragon dance, Kingdra destroys him. Switching into Ludicolo's STAB attacks isn't feasible unless its defensively invested.

: Ludicolo can hit with SE Ice Beam, Kabutops can SE and Kingdra can beat it down with boosted water STAB. Can also be exploded on.

: Once Rain is up, it's a sitting duck, especially to Ludicolo who can switch in on a resisted EQ.


Defensive (Not Repeating Pokemon Covered in Offensive):

: Explode on it or use Kingdra/Kabutops.

: Hit it with boosted water STAB, especially from Kabutops who resists the possible explosion.

: Best bet is to make sure rain is up before Exploding/U-Turning to a sweeper to finish it off.

: Generally outsped in the rain. Kabutops and Ludicolo can hit it SE.

: Can be a problem with its good defenses, immunity to Explosion and potential to burn the physical sweepers. Ludicolo is the best bet to muscle through with boosted Surf.

: Hit it with boosted Water, preferably from Ludicolo who hits on its weaker defenses. Can be Taunted by Azelf and if neccesary exploded on.

: Ludicolo destroys it. Azelf can taunt it and Bronzong has little trouble setting up on it. Doesn't take Kabutops and Kingdra's rain boosted STAB so well either.

: Scizor can U-turn but fears boosted STAB. Bronzong can explode. Kingdra can outspeed and beat with Outrage, while Kabutops can try to SE (but fears grass attacks).

: Ludicolo's boosted Surf does a lot of damage, while it can't do much back without Brave Bird. Boosted Waterfall from Kingdra/Kabutops also hits hard.

: Ludicolo, full stop. Usually can't stop Kingdra or Kabutops after they've set up either.

: Kingdra and Kabutops can Outrage/SE respectively. Can be exploded on.

: Explode on it. If that doesn't work, try to muscle through it with Kingdra or possibly Kabutops.
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[Shizzle]

You seriously do not need Damp Rock on 3 pokemon >.>, 2 at most. And seriously, 5 pokemon with Rain Dance, are you crazy!
Also change Spd to Spe, makes it much easier to define Special Defense and Speed.
Ok, here is what I suggest.

For starters, take Damp rock and Rain Dance of Scizor, he is abusing Rain Dance, not setting it up! Change item to Leftovers or Life Orb, depending on how offensive you want him to be. Try this set.
Scizor @ Leftovers/Life Orb
Adamant - Technician
EVs: 92 HP / 220 Atk / 32 Def / 152 SpD / 12 Spe (Life Orb)
OR: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 88 SpD / 12 Spe (Leftovers)
Moves:
-Swords Dance
-Brick Break
-Bullet Punch
-Roost

This is the Uber EV Spread, mixed with my personal moveset. Basically not much is going to hurt you under rain, and you can easily set up an SD or two, only being weak to fire [and water], also being able to shrug off neutral hits and Roost + SD is great, especially against those who try to stall out Scizor.

The first EV spread Life Orb grants a +1 OHKO on Salamence like 99% of the time with +1 [Swords Dance - Intimidate], and will have enough power to sweep through teams. Also the HP EVs are to have minimum LO recoil. The second spread has maximum Leftovers recovery, but has slightly less attack, although still incredibly dangerous.

I am not so sure that Bronzong needs Attack EVs, IMO putting them into SpD will be much more useful, Explosion is going to kill things anyway, the extra SpD can mean getting off that Explosion or getting another screen up. Also you will want to always set up Light Screen [unless its an obvious flare blitz/fire punch] first, then Reflect, and then Rain before exploding. So I recommend changing Damp Rock to Light Clay, it will be better for the team in general.

Kingdra is nice, but once again you don't need a set up move really. Rain Dance is already on Azelf, Bronzong and Ludicolo. For maximum effectiveness run the Mix set, thats what I use, and boy is it powerful, its a one man Rain Dance user in my teams, and absolutely obliterates teams, and you could do with a Mixed Sweeper too.

Kingdra @ Life Orb
Naught - Swift Swim
Moves:
-Hidden Power [Electric] / Toxic
-Waterfall
-Hydro Pump
-Draco Meteor

This set will allow you to take care of Gyarados without soley relying on Rain Dance being up and Kabutops, and his other moves are all extremely powerful, Draco Meteor just rapes everything, and Hydro Pump is ridiculous in rain. Toxic is also an option so you can hurt really buff walls and bulky waters much better, sure Hidden Power [Electric] is nice, but it can really help against several foes.

Good luck with the team :)

 

[ginganinja]

Actually I disagree with large parts of Shizzles rate. There is nothing wrong with having 3 damp rock or having 5 pokemon with Rain Dance.

In fact, with Tyraitar becomming so common its worth having that many rain dancers so you can regain momentun and control the weather. By and large, if a rain team successfully controls the weather thoroughout the match then they stand a much better chance of winning.

Scizor is also best how it is, it can scare out T-tar (the primary reason for it being on a reain team imo) and if it runs Damp rock it can set up Rain for another 7 turns. while T-tar is forced to switch out.

I think however, that a MixKingdra works slightly better than your current one at handling Empoleon and co. Use shizzles set.

The team is pretty much perfect anyway, Well done

Have a Nice Day!

 

[Viashino_wizard]

Thanks, I'll try out Mixed Kingdra! What EV spread should I use with that?

 

[Shizzle]

Kingdra @ Life Orb
Naughty - Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 240 SpA / 16 Spe
Moves:
-Hidden Power [Electric] / Toxic
-Waterfall
-Hydro Pump
-Draco Meteor

 

[Super Mario Bro]

I have actually had a lot of success with this Mixed Kingdra set:

Kingdra @ Life Orb
Rash Nature
EVs: 144 Atk/200 SpA/164 Spe
-Surf
-Dragon Pulse/Draco Meteor
-Waterfall
-Signal Beam/Hydro Pump

Running 16 Speed EVs is dumb because any Choice Scarf Base 100 (specifically Flygon) can out-speed you, proceed to mess you up, and, thus, halting your momentum. 164 Speed EVs prevents that.

HP electric is also a waste, as Dragon Pulse/Draco Meteor does just about as much to every Water type, except for Gyarados, who is not really threatening anyway. (He is 2HKOed by Hydro Pump, Dragon Pulse, or Draco Meteor.)

144 Attack EVs is just enough to guarantee a 2HKO (with Waterfall) against Blissey switching in.

The second and fourth slots are preference based. In the second slot, Draco Meteor gives you an effective wall-breaking move that hurts any non-steel, but gives you the disadvantage of lowering your SpA two stages. In the final slot, Signal Beam kills off Celebi hoping to paralyze you, but Hydro Pump kills bulky Pokemon like Rotom, Skarmory, and some Jirachi.

I have swept countless times with this set, and it's by far the most effective Kingdra set that I have tested (in the rain, of course).

Good luck!

 

[Viashino_wizard]

Thanks, I'll try that out. The main target for HP Electric is Empoleon, who resists pretty much all of my team. Signal Beam would be very welcome addition though, since it would give me an almost certain KO on Celebi without Kabutops having to give up Aqua Jet. Plus I wouldn't have to breed for a hidden power... *shudder*

 

[Super Mario Bro]

Hm, I see the recent edit you have made to Kingdra. I disagree with the addition of HP electric, as it serves little purpose outside of hitting Empoleon a tiny bit harder. Empoleon is 3HKO'd and 2HKO'd by Surf and Hydro Pump, respectively, in the rain, and is not really threatening.

Also, I think you would benefit greatly by outspeeding more things like Scarf Flygon or Jirachi.

Those are just my two cents. Good luck in whatever path you decide to choose!

P.S. If you are running a Naive Nature, my EV spread outclasses that spread in almost every single way, except you have a slightly more powerful Waterfall, which secures no KOs that mine already does. You aren't going to be using Waterfall for anything other than Blissey, so what's the point?

 

[Viashino_wizard]

I'm still testing yours. I just wanted to show that I'm using a mixed set.

 

[Viashino_wizard]

Bump!

Okay, I changed my Mixdra set and changed Ludicolo's Grass STAB to hit Vaporeon harder since Kingdra can only Draco Meteor her now.

I'm wondering whether I should run Dragon Pulse over Surf (or maybe Hydro Pump, though I'm loathe to lose such a powerful attack). I'm also a little disappointed with Ludicolo being outsped in certain situations (Scarfgon, for example), and I'd like some feedback on whether it's worth moving some or all of those HP EVs into speed.

 

[199 Lives]

Pretty decent Rain team however I see 2 things that can be changed.
Firstly drop Energy Ball on Ludicolo and put Grass Knot, you still 2HKO Vaporeon after SR and you hit the rest of OU much harder.
Next because you seem to have a bit of a Celebi weakness I would replace Surf or Hydro Pump for Outrage on Kingdra, as a Draco Meteor followed up by and Outrage will always kill defensive Celebi after SR.