Project RU Cores

Shaymin :D · May 6, 2014

approved by Molk
art by Sapphire.

Welcome to the RU Core thread, where you can post, discuss, and debate about an essential part of teambuilding: Cores, and the synergy between certain Pokemon.

Effective cores are very important in competitive Pokemon, and any good player uses them, intentionally or not. Defensive cores rely on covering a lot of attacking types and common threats within the core, while also offering team support, so that the core is useful even when walled. On the other hand, offensive cores still like having the common attacking types covered between its members, but offensive synergy is most important. Be it one member of the core attracting Pokemon that another member can easily switch into and force out, one member luring and weakening the checks and counters of another, or one member being able to beat the Pokemon that the other can't, those are the characteristics that are wanted from a good offensive core. Finally, there are mixed or balanced cores, as well as support and pivoting cores, which blend in into offensive and defensive cores. Support or pivoting elements in cores aim to either provide easier switch-in and set up chances to offensive Pokemon, or help to wall and stall out the opponent in the case of defensive cores.

The point of the project is to help teambuilders, newcomers, and other battlers to assist them in helping building their teams. Therefore, please don't post bad examples such as Electivire + Pelipper. Post cores that truly work and be ready to defend why.

I suppose I should post a core as an example:

Yanmega @ Choice Specs

Ability: Tinted Lens

EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 Atk / 252 Spd

Rash Nature

- Bug Buzz

- Air Slash

- U-turn

- Tailwind/Giga Drain

Rhyperior @ Leftovers

Ability: Solid Rock

EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef

Adamant Nature

- Stealth Rock

- Earthquake

- Stone Edge

- Roar/Toxic

A nice balanced core that focuses on allowing Yanmega to kill as many things as possible. Like I just said, Yanmega is the star of the show, being able to destroy most Stall teams with its Choice Spec's boosted attacks. Unlike most wallbreakers, however, Yanmega even blasts through resists with its amazing ability of Tinted Lens. Bug Buzz is the main STAB, hitting hard and being able to destroy SpDef Psychic types, namely Cresselia, Slowking, and Meloetta. Air Slash, thanks to Tinted Lens, has nice coverage and is an overall nice second STAB with a cool chance to flinch. U-turn is a nice pivoting move, letting Yanmega get out of sticky situations it does not want to deal with. Tailwind is mainly filler, but can be used to assist teammates when Yanmega is on its last breath.

However, Stall still has a few answers to Yanmega, namely SpDef Registeel, AV Escavalier, Togetic, and Jellicent. This is where Rhyperior comes in. Since it beats all those mons, except Jellicent (which loses to Giga Drain Yanmega), this is where you use U-turn should your opponent have one of those mons. You then switch into Rhyperior, ready to destroy things. Stealth Rock is a move Yanmega absolutely loves, being able to 2HKO walls it couldn't before, such as SpDef Aromatisse. Rhypeior just happens to be one of the best users of the move. EdgeQuake is as amazing as ever, and easily beats the afformentioned switch-ins to Yanmega. Roar and Toxic are 2 last viable options. Roar lets you phaze out a switch-out, as Yanmega switch-ins will most likely switch out fearing Rhyp's STAB. It also lets you get nice hazard damage. Toxic is another cool move that just whitters down walls, which is always nice.

Although Rhyperior might not be thea most offensive mon, its amazing ability to support and help Yanmegs sweep is very nice, and that's why it works. This core would be very effective on balance teams that have trouble with Stall. So, why not go out and try it?

So that's just an example. There are many, MANY more out there, so why don't you take a minute and help the community out? Who knows, your core might even appear here :]

Core Archives:

Offensive Cores:

Defensive Cores:

http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/#post-5434296 Golbat/Gastrodon core by Turtleye
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/#post-5435896 Cresselia/Skuntank core by Jonater
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/#post-5437180 Tangrowth/Lanturn/Cofagrigus core by Rob.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/page-2#post-5463500 Cresselia/Cofagrigus/Cobalion core by srcphoenix
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/page-2#post-5512781 Pelipper/Ferroseed/Regirock core by Sapphire.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/page-2#post-5570248 Cobalion/Aromatisse/Meloetta core by SixCatPower

Balance Cores:

http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/#post-5434129 Gastrodon/Rotom-Mow/Emboar core by DFB3636
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/#post-5434204 Amoongus/Slowking/Rhypeior core by galbia
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/#post-5434303 Escavalier/Aromatisse core by Billtodamax
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/page-2#post-5439860 M-Abomasnow/Alomomola core by The Leprechaun
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/page-2#post-5575581 Swellow/Magneton/Gligar core by Turtleye
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ru-cores.3506192/page-3#post-5631385 Registeel/Aromatisse/Druddigon core by EonX

Evilfaic · May 7, 2014

Balanced Core - Gastrodon/Rotom-Mow/Emboar

Gastrodon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam / Earth Power
- Recover
- Toxic

Rotom-Mow @ Choice Scarf / Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP (EVs completely different for Bulky set. Something like 252 HP, 252 SpD, 4 SpA. Speed investment is up to you to outspeed [insert Pokemon here])
Timid / Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Fire] / Will-O-Wisp
- Trick / Pain Split

Emboar (M) @ Assault Vest / Choice Band
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake / Superpower
- Sucker Punch
- Wild Charge

Gastrodon is a great Defensive Pokemon with only one weakness: Grass. Gastro is definitely a lot more viable now that Shaymin is gone along with it's Seed Flare shenanigans. Gastro can eat up most Physical attacks with it's massive HP and reasonable Physical bulk if invested in. Scald hits stuff like Emboar, Delphox, and Rhyperior hard (although the previous two tend to carry Grass Knot specifically for Gastro), but the 30% (lol) Burn chance is very nice. Ice Beam hits things like Tangrowth on the switch-in, and EP hits Steels. Recover because reliable recovery, and Toxic to fend off set-up sweepers.

Rotom-Mow plays a lot like Rotom-W in OU and Rotom-H in UU. It can go a few routes Item/EV-wise; Scarf, Bulky Pain Split + WOW, etc. Volt Switch for some initiative and STAB damage. Leaf Storm hits Gastro, Rhyperior, and such. HP Ice/Fire for coverage of whatever you think you need coverage for or WOW to cripple Physical attackers. Trick to trick away a Scarf on a Scarf set, or Pain Split for recovery and annoyance. EVs are custom based on which set you use.

Emboar completes this core, forming a FWG core. AV or Band is your choice. Emboar is a slow attacker who packs a punch. Sucker Punch is the only form of priority on this core, so it's a must. Flare Blitz is also necessary for that 120 BP STAB move (massive recoil if you OHKO something though). Wild Charge is for coverage of Water-types that like to switch in to Emboar, and EQ or Superpower covers Steels. Choice of which to run is yours.

Gastrodon's only weakness in Grass is resisted by Rotom and Emboar. Rotom's weaknesses to Fire, Poison, Ice, and Bug, are all resisted by Gastrodon and Emboar collectively. FWG cores have amazing resistance synergy, and have a switch-in to many things. One good teammate for this core is Escavalier, who can Knock Off, has nice typing, and deals with Cresselia, something that threatens this core.

g · May 7, 2014

Balanced Core (this is a repost but w/e)

Amoonguss

Amoonguss @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Def / 116 SDef
Bold Nature
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Foul Play / Stun Spore

Amoonguss is an amazing pokemon right now. It switches into all grass and water types (bar slowking) without a coff and its good defensive stats and ability make him an awesome pivot and "scout" against a lot of weak attackers. Spore is one of the best moves in the game and it is very difficult to stop as any pokemon immune to hit can't do much back to Amoonguss. Foul Play is the preferred option in the last slot as it hits Escavalier harder than any move in the mushroom's arsenal (even than HP Fire) scoring a guaranteed 3HKO after rocks and, as Amoonguss is naturally faster if it has taken a bit of prior damage Amoonguss can 2HKO as it tries to take the Spore. Foul Play also hits a rising threat, Doublade for good damage and OHKOes Mega Banette even without Rocks. Regenerator is so good. Really.

Rhyperior

Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 244 SDef
Impish / Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast / Fire Punch
- Roar

Rhyperior is another important Pokemon. It takes on the Flying and Fire types that trouble Amonguss and sets up rock to punish every switch in. Roar>Dragon Tail because Cresselia is a major pain for every defensive core and not many Taunt users can freely do that against Rhyperior (think Drapion, Cobalion and Skuntank). Also 100% accuracy.
Rhyperior is an amazing tank able to take ridicolously strong physical hits (Jolly LO Reckless HJK from Hitmonlee) even without investment and having respectable special bulk along with sky high attack. Without Raikou and with Heliolisk and Rotom Mow gaining popularity it is not that effective in checking Electric types but there is Amoonguss for that.
Fire Punch is usable because fuck escavalier.

Slowking

Slowking @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Psychic / Psyshok
- Grass Knot
- Fire Blast

Slowking is the third member of the core. Arguably the best AV user in the tier (bar Escavalier) it gives me an answer to dangerous wallbreakers such as Delphox and Emboar (only the scarf set uses Wild Charge luckily) and has a lot of firepower and coverage. Scald and Psyshok are basic stabs that hit a lot of pokemon hard, Fire Blast roasts escavalier and Offensive Grass types and Grass Knot hits common switch-ins (such as gastrodon) hard. Regenerator and nice sinergy with Amonguss and Rhyperior make him an excellent glue taking on the few pokemons the rest of the core can't.

The core is a bit weak to Durant and Banded Escavalier as they can OHKO or 2HKO every single member so a scarf fire type like Moltres or Emboar is a good option to revenge kill it. Mega Banette and Cobalion work as well checking them both in virtue to Will o Wisp and their typing respectively.

astromund · May 7, 2014

Offensive core

Medicham

Medicham @ Life Orb
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- ThunderPunch
- Fake Out/Bullet Punch

Medicham hits with overwhelming force. His LO-boosted High Jump Kick tears down even the mightiest of walls in 2 hits, so long as they don't resist it. His helpful psychic STAB breaks past things like Amoonguss, Golbat and Aromatisse and serves as a safe middle when there are ghosts still in play. The biggest obstacles in Medi's life are Gligar, fast revenge killers, ghosts and bulky psychics like Reuniclus and Cresselia. Everything else just crumbles. Thunderpunch helps you get past things like Slowking and Sigilyph, who are easily knocked down to a range where Doublade can finish them with a shadow sneak.

Doublade

Doublade @ Eviolite
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Sneak
- Iron Head
- Sacred Sword

Doublade pairs up with Medicham to stop fast revenge killers with its sheer physical bulk and access to priority. Doublade puts a hard stop to threats like Swellow and Braviary, and his fantastic typing allows him to break past bulky psychic types lacking shadow ball/fire blast (most notably Cresselia) and check a number of offensive things. Speedy threats like Cinccino, Ambipom, Cobalion, Virizion, BD Slurpuff and Durant have little to no options against the pair o' swords while he's free to set up an SD or hit the switch-in unboosted for decent damage. Doublade also functions as an effective spinblocker should you choose to give this core hazard support, beating every spinner not named Torkoal or Claydol one-on-one in most situations.

Exploud

Exploud @ Choice Specs
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 SAtk / 220 HP / 36 Spd
Modest Nature
- Boomburst
- Fire Blast
- Surf
- Ice Beam

The pair shares a nasty ghost weakness that stops them from beating a lot of popular ghost-types in the tier like Mismagius, Cofagrigus, Spiritomb and Mega-Banette. Exploud patches up that weakness and makes ghosts think twice about clicking shadow ball while it's still alive and healthy. Giving a full-health Exploud a free switch-in is a death sentence, and the only ghosts in the tier who carry ghost/fighting coverage to hit it super-effectively once it's in are Golurk and Doublade, both of which are outsped and OHKOd. Medicham and Exploud do a nice job of breaking down opposing walls for one another, allowing for an easy cleanup by a teammate later in the game.

The trio greatly appreciates sticky web support from the likes of Leavanny or Shuckle. Webs open the door to several kills for Exploud and Medicham, alleviating Exploud's disappointing speed and making Medicham much stronger late game. Medicham becomes much harder to revenge outside of fliers and fast scarfers, many of which except for tinted lens Yanmega, Moltres, Rotom and Mismagius are swiftly dealt with by Doublade. The rest can be taken care of with a bit of team support, Archeops for example can set rocks, kill Moltres and Yanmega with stone edge and outspeed most scarfers once webs are down. It also does a nice job of cleaning up weakened teams if none of the other members of the core are still around.

One more quick note, the banning of Tornadus makes this core a lot better as it was the easiest way of stopping every member in it with just one mon.

Turtleye · May 7, 2014

Defensive core

Golbat @ Eviolite
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 Atk
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Toxic
- Roost
- Defog / Taunt / U-turn / Super Fang

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sticky Hold
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Toxic

I use this core on a few teams and so far it has worked beautifully. Gastrodon is a bulky monster that can go both Specially defensive and Physically defensive. I've chosen for Physically defensive Gastro because he's the ''punchbag'' and can sponge any hit reliably and recover it back. ~~It's also because Showdown suggested it~~
Recover is there for obvious reasons, Scald for egneral annoyance and STAB, Earth Power because it helped me out in a lot of situations, and Toxic for Walls you can't really touch like Alomomomomomola

Golbat on the other hand is my Specially defensive guy and my go-to mon when something like Moltres or Sceptile comes in, threatening Gastrodon with a 4x effective Grass move. Brave Bird because STAB and hitting things through sub is funny. Toxic is also used for passive damage and again, hits through sub (Fudge you SubCM Cress). Roost is for recovery which is awesome. The last slot can be a bit customized to your team's needs. If you run something like Yanmega, go with Defog. If hazards aren't your biggest concern, Taunt can be used to function as stallbreaker. Uturn is also a good option, getting your precious momentum back or escaping sticky situations. Super Fang is the last possibility, halfing the opponent's health is cool in conjunction with Toxic.

These two have amazing synergy. Golbat resist Gastro's greatest ~~nemesis~~ weakness; Grass, while Gastro in return is immune to Electric, resists Rock and is neutral to Psychic and Ice. You might also have noticed one wierd little thing: I run Sticky Hold over Storm drain on Gastro. This is because Golbat is, sadly, very reliant on his precious Evolite (well it can still function well without it but meh...). That way I can use him to sponge Knock Offs while still keeping it's own item. Also works for Scarfed/Specs/Banded mons who want to trick their item on Golbat.

This core isn't without faults. First of all it loses to 'mons that can hit Golbat SE and carry a Grass move. Think of Delphox, Emboar and ~~Raikou~~ Heliolisk. Second, Ice and Psychic types can get a bit problematic. A good third mon to complete this core even more is a steel type (Cobalion works quite well with this core)

newfren · May 7, 2014

Balanced Core

Escavalier

Escavalier @ Assault Vest
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Brave Nature
- Megahorn
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Drill Run / Pursuit

Escavalier is a great user of AV, allowing it to take on most of the tier's special attackers who don't have a fire move reasonably easily. Unfortunately he's prone to being worn down by repeated attacks or hazards, or crippled by burns. The buff to knock off gives him a great new move to spam, and the buff to drill run means he's not completely stopped by steel or fire types anymore. He's definitely one of the best mons in the tier. Escav takes all the poison and steel type moves aimed at aromatisse really well, which is like +1 for synergy right there.

Aromatisse

Aromatisse @ Leftovers
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SDef / 4 Spa or 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spa
Calm / Bold Nature
- Moonblast
- Aromatherapy
- Wish
- Protect

Aromatisse is basically florges, except fat and ugly. She does a great job of keeping escav healthy throughout the battle with wish passing and cleric support. I used to run her as specially defensive, but since the recent rises to uu there's basically no reason for me to keep doing so. Physically defensive takes on the fighting types in the tier reasonably well.

The main problem with this core is that fire is still a type that people use offensively. You'd probably want to pair this with something like a slowking or a rhyperior depending on the defense your aromatisse focuses on. The reason I'm running aromatisse over something like alomomomomola is because with aromatisse I can switch escavalier into scalds with reckless abandon and just heal off the burns later.

Lasagne · May 7, 2014

DFB3636 said:
Balanced* Core - Gastrodon/Rotom-Mow

*Balanced if you use Scarfed Rotom-Mow. If you use the Bulky set, it becomes more of a Defensive Core.

Gastrodon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam / Earth Power
- Recover
- Toxic

Rotom-Mow @ Choice Scarf / Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP (EVs completely different for Bulky set. Something like 252 HP, 252 SpD, 4 SpA. Speed investment is up to you to outspeed [insert Pokemon here])
Timid / Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Fire] / Will-O-Wisp
- Trick / Pain Split

Gastrodon is a great Defensive Pokemon with only one weakness: Grass. Gastro is definitely a lot more viable now that Shaymin is gone along with it's Seed Flare shenanigans. Gastro can eat up most Physical attacks with it's massive HP and reasonable Physical bulk if invested in. Scald hits stuff like Emboar, Delphox, and Rhyperior hard (although the previous two tend to carry Grass Knot specifically for Gastro), but the 30% (lol) Burn chance is very nice. Ice Beam hits things like Tangrowth on the switch-in, and EP hits Steels. Recover because reliable recovery, and Toxic to fend off set-up sweepers.

Rotom-Mow plays a lot like Rotom-W in OU and Rotom-H in UU. It can go a few routes Item/EV-wise; Scarf, Bulky Pain Split + WOW, etc. Volt Switch for some initiative and STAB damage. Leaf Storm hits Gastro, Rhyperior, and such. HP Ice/Fire for coverage of whatever you think you need coverage for or WOW to cripple Physical attackers. Trick to trick away a Scarf on a Scarf set, or Pain Split for recovery and annoyance. EVs are custom based on which set you use.

Gastrodon's only weakness in Grass is resisted by Rotom. Rotom's weaknesses to Fire and Poison, in turn, are both resisted by Gastrodon. Two things that aren't resisted by Gastro, however, are Rotom's weaknesses to Ice and Bug. A good teammate for this core would be something that resists Ice and Bug, like Emboar or Escavalier (which are both Physical attackers, which is good because of the Specially-based Gastro and Rotom). Ideally you want to have a switch-in to anything that is a huge threat to another member of the core, whether it be another core member or a teammate you choose. Emboar + this core form a neat balanced FWG core, so that's something to consider as well.

I don't really like this core, for one simple reason. You say that Rotom-C deals with Grass-types for Gastrodon, but really... it doesn't. While it does resists Grass, both of its STABs are also resisted by Grass-types. Hidden Power Ice and Fire both hit Grass for super effective damage, which would be nice if they weren't so piss poor weak. Any mildly bulky Grass-type (Amoonguss, Whimsicott, even opposing Rotom-C) will take your Hidden Power with ease and simply use their own move to hit back (Amoonguss can Sludge Bomb, Whimsicott can utilise the turns to support the team or just U-Turn, and opposing Rotom-C can do exactly the same as you). Also, many Grass-types have a secondary typing that resists Ice, such as Ferroseed or Abomasnow. They are also quite bulky, so can be annoying for the core to face if Rotom-C isn't carrying Hidden Power Fire.

You touched on it towards the end of your post, but pairing this core with Emboar, or almost any other Fire-type would be greatly beneficial, as it gives you a way to take care of the pesky Grass-types that otherwise run over this core. Not only that, it gives you a Fire/Water/Grass core to play with, and some nice resistances. Emboar also provides something else your core lacks (though it can be made up for by the other members) - a priority move in Sucker Punch. If you use a bulkier, slower Rotom-C this is definitely useful for picking off faster threats that can otherwise be an annoyance. I'd probably choose to use a bulkier set for Rotom-C with Will-O-Wisp, as that gives you a more solid switch in to many common threats in the tier which can be problems for your core. Will-O-Wisp lets you burn physical attackers like Escavalier, which is a threat to any team with its awesome strength, good bulk - especially with Assault Vest equipped - great coverage (thanks to Drill Run), and the ever-annoying Knock Off.

I think the core would be made significantly better with the simple addition of Emboar, as the most suited Fire-type to complete this FWG core. As it is currently, I don't think it's a good core to add to the database.

Durant · May 7, 2014

Posting a core I posted in the RU general discussion thread:

Whimsicott @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Encore
- U-turn
- Stun Spore / Taunt
- Memento

Omastar @ Mystic Water / Life Orb
Ability: Weak Armor
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Shell Smash
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Earth Power
- Ice Beam

So the goal of this core is to try and setup a Shell Smash with Omastar and try to sweep from there. Whimsicott gives Omastar the turns to set up a Shell Smash with the many trolling moves it has. So typing wise Omastar resists all of Whimsicott's weaknesses aside from steel while Whimsicott in return resists all of Omastar's weaknesses. The game plan is to try to annoy the opponent into oblivion with Whimsicott and then proceeding to set up a Shell Smash with Omastar. On Whimsocott's set Encore is one the main tools of the set. Being able to Encore opposing pokemon into useless moves helps Omastar to safely get up a Shell Smash. U Turn is so safely bring in Omastar on either a useless, weak or resisted move. For the third move you can either choose Stun Spore or Taunt. Stun spore is useful for shutting down fast sweepers like Delphox while Taunt helps against more defensive Pokemon like Cresselia or that damn Cresselia. Memento is probably the most important part of this set because it just works so damn well. You sacrifice yourself in order to give your opponent -2 attack and special attack. Unless it is something like Shaymin the opponent will almost always switch out while Omastar can Shell Smash on that turn.

Omastar his set is pretty standard Shell Smash boosting murderer stuff. Shell Smash is the most important part of the set as I mentioned it like 20 times in this post and it is just so good. Surf is the main STAB of choice as it is extremely strong after a Shell Smash and STAB but you can run Hydro Pump if you want a riskier but more powerful STAB. For the third slot you can either use Hidden Power Grass for Milotic, Gastrodon and other bulky water types or Earth Power for Raikou, Heliolisk and Toxicroak. The last slot goes to Ice Beam because it is generally good coverage with Surf and it hits pokemon like Togetic and Gligar hard.

Good teammates for this core include Fire types. Grass types aften switch in on Whimsicott, don't mind anything Whimsicott throws at them and Grass types give this core problems in general. Good Fire types include Emboar, Moltres and Delphox wince they can beat any grass type in the tier.

I have had quite alot of succes with this core and feel free to use it :)

EDIT: This is a bit outdated since there are still mentions of Raikou, Toxicroak and Shaymin

Evilfaic · May 7, 2014

Lasagne said:
I don't really like this core, for one simple reason. You say that Rotom-C deals with Grass-types for Gastrodon, but really... it doesn't. While it does resists Grass, both of its STABs are also resisted by Grass-types. Hidden Power Ice and Fire both hit Grass for super effective damage, which would be nice if they weren't so piss poor weak. Any mildly bulky Grass-type (Amoonguss, Whimsicott, even opposing Rotom-C) will take your Hidden Power with ease and simply use their own move to hit back (Amoonguss can Sludge Bomb, Whimsicott can utilise the turns to support the team or just U-Turn, and opposing Rotom-C can do exactly the same as you). Also, many Grass-types have a secondary typing that resists Ice, such as Ferroseed or Abomasnow. They are also quite bulky, so can be annoying for the core to face if Rotom-C isn't carrying Hidden Power Fire.

You touched on it towards the end of your post, but pairing this core with Emboar, or almost any other Fire-type would be greatly beneficial, as it gives you a way to take care of the pesky Grass-types that otherwise run over this core. Not only that, it gives you a Fire/Water/Grass core to play with, and some nice resistances. Emboar also provides something else your core lacks (though it can be made up for by the other members) - a priority move in Sucker Punch. If you use a bulkier, slower Rotom-C this is definitely useful for picking off faster threats that can otherwise be an annoyance. I'd probably choose to use a bulkier set for Rotom-C with Will-O-Wisp, as that gives you a more solid switch in to many common threats in the tier which can be problems for your core. Will-O-Wisp lets you burn physical attackers like Escavalier, which is a threat to any team with its awesome strength, good bulk - especially with Assault Vest equipped - great coverage (thanks to Drill Run), and the ever-annoying Knock Off.

I think the core would be made significantly better with the simple addition of Emboar, as the most suited Fire-type to complete this FWG core. As it is currently, I don't think it's a good core to add to the database.

Added a section on Emboar and updated the rest of the post.

Lavern · May 7, 2014

Warning: My grammar is f*cked up like a 60 years old b*tch

Zoroark @ Life Orb / Focus Sash / Expert Belt
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Focus Blast
- Flamethrower

Mismagius @ Life Orb / Expert Belt / Focus Sash
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam

Gothorita @ Eviolite
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Taunt
- Rest

This is a core that i found after i got wrecked by a Mismagius. This core is pretty simple. The opponent will never really know if that's a Zoroark or a Mismagius on the field and if he's guessing wrong, he has to handle with a +2 threat. Obviously a +2 Zoroark or Mismagius can't OHKO every wall and that's where Gothorita comes in play. As we all know, Gothorita has an awesome ability that gives it the chance to trap and beat almost every single wall in the metagame, giving Zoroark and Mismagius the opportunity for a sweep.

The main problem with this core is that both Zoroark and Mismagius can be easily revengekilled by basically everything that's faster or has priority. So because of that you need something like Escavalier for example, that can switch into attacks from faster pokemon. While it's not necessarily needed, both Zoroark and Mismagius appreciate cleric-support to get rid of status. At the time i tested this core, it worked pretty good against stallteams that don't have anything faster than Zoroark or Mismagius, but had problems with offense because most offensive teams have at least 2 mons that can easily outspeed and OHKO Zoroark and Mismagius.

Shaymin :D · May 7, 2014

Added some sets to the OP, thanks guys, and keep it up ^_^

Jonater · May 7, 2014

Defensive Core:

Cresselia (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Psychic / Moonblast
- Moonlight
- Thunder Wave
- Lunar Dance

Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 184 Spd / 252 Atk / 72 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Defog
- Poison Jab / Pursuit
- Taunt / Haze

This is a utility core designed to do various roles and to be a general backbone for a team. It could be described as a Balanced Core, but Skuntank's set is too much of a utility set to be described offensive. The EV spread on Skuntank is so you can outspeed and taunt Focus Sash Smeagle before it does anything. If its not needed it can run a more specially bulky set like the one I mentioned in the General Discussion thread which was EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SDef / 4 Def. Defensively, the synergy is sound. Cresselia's ability, Levitate, makes it immune to Skuntank's only weakness, Ground-Type, while in return, Skuntank's typing allow it to absorb Dark- and Ghost-Type moves, especially Knock Off. Both are can be sacrificed if needed. Skuntank can be foddered to activate the Aftermath ability while Cresselia can do Lunar Dance to restore a pokemon back to health. Overall it is a fun defensive core that certainly has a ton of options.

phantom · May 7, 2014

Roost > Shadow Claw by far. Aside from ghost sword, you aren't hitting anything with Shadow Claw that you aren't with the other moves. Scarf Braviary is honestly the way to go considering it's so fucking threatening with a +1 speed boost spamming a +2 Brave Bird, but if you're going to use LO, Roost should be used so you don't die in the span of 5 turns. It also helps so you can switch into weak attacks from Defog users a lot easier. For instance, SR + Possible LO and BB recoil + a BB from something like Golbat will otherwise wear it down fast and prevent it from discouraging Defog throughout the course of the match.

Peef Rimgar · May 7, 2014

Spirit said:
Roost > Shadow Claw by far. Aside from ghost sword, you aren't hitting anything with Shadow Claw that you aren't with the other moves. Scarf Braviary is honestly the way to go considering it's so fucking threatening with a +1 speed boost spamming a +2 Brave Bird, but if you're going to use LO, Roost should be used so you don't die in the span of 5 turns. It also helps so you can switch into weak attacks from Defog users a lot easier. For instance, SR + Possible LO and BB recoil + a BB from something like Golbat will otherwise wear it down fast and prevent it from discouraging Defog throughout the course of the match.

Edited.

Jonater · May 7, 2014

Peef Rimgar said:
OFFENSIVE CORE

Braviary (M) @ Choice Scarf / Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Brave Bird
- Superpower
- Return
- Shadow Claw / Roost

Froslass (F) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Timid Nature
- Destiny Bond
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Ice Beam

This core is, in essence, RU DeoSharp. With the ban of Tornadus, Braviary now faces no competition as RU's premier "Defog Blocker". The goal of the core is simple: Lead with Froslass, stack spikes, bait Golbat/other defogger, switch in Braviary, win. Normally cores of this type require a spinblocker, but Froslass already fills that role. You could run another ghost if you felt it necessary, but I don't feel it's relevant enough to put with the core itself.

You are quite weak to rock types, especially Rhyperior, who can take a superpower or two depending on Braviary's set and Rock Blast both of them to death. To remedy this, Omastar or Ferroseed could replace Froslass as they both deal with the rock types that this core struggles on, while also provides stealth rocks and spike support for Braviary. Also, Braviary could also run a SubBU set so it can set up on defoggers.

Peef Rimgar · May 7, 2014

Jonater said:
You are quite weak to rock types, especially Rhyperior, who can take a superpower or two depending on Braviary's set and Rock Blast both of them to death. To remedy this, Omastar or Ferroseed could replace Froslass as they both deal with the rock types that this core struggles on, while also provides stealth rocks and spike support for Braviary. Also, Braviary could also run a SubBU set so it can set up on defoggers.

Can you recommend an Omastar set? I don't have much experience with it, especially as a hazard lead. I was thinking:

Omastar @ Focus Sash
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Modest Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Surf
- Ice Beam

On a separate note, Braviary doesn't need any more boosts after +2. Kinda overkill at that point.

Evilfaic · May 7, 2014

Peef Rimgar said:
Can you recommend an Omastar set? I don't have much experience with it, especially as a hazard lead. I was thinking:

Omastar @ Focus Sash
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Modest Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes / Toxic Spikes
- Scald
- Ice Beam / Ancient Power

On a separate note, Braviary doesn't need any more boosts after +2. Kinda overkill at that point.

A few changes made, slashed some things, Scald > Surf since this is a less offensive set. I ran a lot of Omastar back in BW RU and I've used it a few times in XY RU. Never used it as a hazard lead, though, always as Shell Smasher with Surf/Ice Beam/Ancient Power/SS.

Peef Rimgar · May 7, 2014

DFB3636 said:
A few changes made, slashed some things, Scald > Surf since this is a less offensive set. I ran a lot of Omastar back in BW RU and I've used it a few times in XY RU. Never used it as a hazard lead, though, always as Shell Smasher with Surf/Ice Beam/Ancient Power/SS.

Fair enough about scald. Just did surf because it OHKOed Rhypherior w/o missing and i forgot scald was there.

phantom · May 7, 2014

Jonater said:
You are quite weak to rock types, especially Rhyperior, who can take a superpower or two depending on Braviary's set and Rock Blast both of them to death. To remedy this, Omastar or Ferroseed could replace Froslass as they both deal with the rock types that this core struggles on, while also provides stealth rocks and spike support for Braviary. Also, Braviary could also run a SubBU set so it can set up on defoggers.

No, that's not how you fix the core. Froslass is the premier Spikes user in the tier for a reason: it's damn effective and will always pull its weight unless you play like a fool. Replacing it with sub-par hazard leads just for the sake of synergy is the wrong way to approach it. Besides that, offensive teams need SR no matter what. So then, what offensive mon can provide Stealth Rock and fix some synergy issues? The answer is Cobalion.

Cobalion @ Lum Berry
Jolly Nature
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
-Stealth Rock
-Close Combat
-Iron Head
-Swords Dance

This is the set you should be using. It not only easily tanks rock moves, but it can lay Stealth Rock and set up Swords Dance to sweep. This right here is Cobalion's best set because it's so fucking effective on Froslass hyper offense. It's fast, bulky, has a lot of utility, and can set up Swords Dance to keep the pressure going. This is the Pokemon that aids the core and is what makes it so good. You use Lum Berry to set up on weak Scalds and so you won't get fucked over by random T-waves, the rest is pretty straightforward.

trc · May 8, 2014

I'm going to post a core here that has seen a decent amount of usage in early XY RU, due to its almost-guaranteed effectiveness. I'm talking about Memento Dugtrio + Belly Drum Slurpuff.

Slurpuff can be a devastating sweeper if given the right support, as it has both Belly Drum and Unburden, allowing it to go straight to +6 Attack, +2 Speed in one turn, at the cost of only a quarter of its health (with Sitrus Berry). However, it lacks setup opportunities and a way to get past Steel-types. Dugtrio gives both of these to Slurpuff. With Arena Trap and a Ground-type STAB move, Dugtrio can handily eliminate troublesome Steel-types such as Registeel, and can then use Memento to almost guarantee a turn of setup for Slurpuff, at which point it can sweep through a team, wallbreak, and even just punch some heavy holes, courtesy of its impressive power and heightened Speed.

Slurpuff @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Belly Drum
- Play Rough
- Return

Dugtrio @ Focus Sash
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Reversal
- Memento

To complement this core, a strong Fire-type such as Delphox, Moltres, or Emboar is very handy to take on Escavalier, which can be troublesome.

EonX · May 8, 2014

Reposting this core from a post I made in the np thread:

Offensive Core:

Zoroark @ Choice Specs
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
- Dark Pulse / Night Daze
- Flamethrower
- Grass Knot
- U-turn

Emboar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Wild Charge
- Earthquake

This core is really cool for offensive teams and exploits Zoroark's abilities as a special attacking wallbreaker. So, what gives Choice Scarf Emboar the most troubles? Bulky Water- and Rock-types. Hey, guess how you can lure them out super easy and nuke them? Specs Zoroark disguised as Scarf Emboar. They take the same damage from ALL entry hazards, making it nearly impossible for the opponent to discern that it's actually Zoroark instead of Emboar, thus meaning they'll have to respect Emboar's threat level and send out their check or counter to it. Dark Pulse deals with all of Slowking, Jellicent, Cresselia, Reuniclus, and Alomomola. You can use Night Daze for a little extra power, but it usually isn't worth the chance to miss (because you know you will at a bad time) Flamethrower is neat since it can sort of help feign a special Emboar set if that's needed early on and it can weaken down the likes of Bronzong and Registeel to ensure they can't tank out a Flare Blitz later and cripple Emboar. Grass Knot fucks Rhyperior, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon (sort of) to help Emboar spam Flare Blitz later. U-turn builds momentum, and although it gives away the Illusion, it can be useful for a setup sweeper you have on your team that benefits from certain walls coming in (like, say, Virizion with bulky Waters / Grounds)

As for Emboar, everyone knows this set from BW. Flare Blitz and Superpower are good STAB moves to use. Wild Charge beats bulky Waters. Although Zoroark will ideally lure them out and eliminate them, it's still a good idea to carry a move to beat them just in case Zoro can't finish them before it goes down. EQ is generally filler as Emboar has everything it needs in 3 moves and Sucker Punch is kinda pointless due to the Scarf.

rob. · May 8, 2014

Defensive Core

Tangrowth @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Relaxed Nature
- Knock Off
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Earthquake

Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 228 Def / 40 HP / 240 SDef
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Ice Beam/ Thunder Wave

Cofagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 8 SDef / 248 HP / 252 Def
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Haze
- Shadow Ball

Tangrowth is a premiere defensive Pokemon in rarelyused, that can be easily countered by a number of premiere offensive threats in the meta. Like both Moltres and Escavalier who are its biggest counters (in my opinion). Lanturn resist almost all of Tangrowth's five weaknesses (fire, ice, flying, bug, poison). Making it able to take on most of Tangrowth's counters and checks. Lanturn also has the capability to remove status ailments through Heal Bell that would otherwise wear Tangrowth down over the course of a match. Lanturn reliably checks Moltres because it resist both Moltres stabs. And many Moltres lack hidden power grass so it can also soft wall it. You just have to be wary of a HP grass. The same thing with Tangrowth. It resist both of Lanturns weaknesses (ground, grass). And can wall many of Lanturns counters. The only downside to this core is it's weakness to bug. Lanturn cannot check Excavalier or any other competitive bug type in the tier. Here's where Confagrigus comes into play. It plugs up the weaknesses to poison and bug types by hard walling Escavalier and most of the tiers bug and poison types. Effectively crippling them with will-o-wisp. Its limited recovery with leftovers and pain split is a bit annoying but it's still a great pokemon to use. All in all every pokemon in the core compliments each other well and you can switch back and forth between them, wearing down both the opponents Pokemon and patience.

Peef Rimgar · May 8, 2014

Spirit said:
No, that's not how you fix the core. Froslass is the premier Spikes user in the tier for a reason: it's damn effective and will always pull its weight unless you play like a fool. Replacing it with sub-par hazard leads just for the sake of synergy is the wrong way to approach it. Besides that, offensive teams need SR no matter what. So then, what offensive mon can provide Stealth Rock and fix some synergy issues? The answer is Cobalion.

Cobalion @ Lum Berry
Jolly Nature
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
-Stealth Rock
-Close Combat
-Iron Head
-Swords Dance

This is the set you should be using. It not only easily tanks rock moves, but it can lay Stealth Rock and set up Swords Dance to sweep. This right here is Cobalion's best set because it's so fucking effective on Froslass hyper offense. It's fast, bulky, has a lot of utility, and can set up Swords Dance to keep the pressure going. This is the Pokemon that aids the core and is what makes it so good. You use Lum Berry to set up on weak Scalds and so you won't get fucked over by random T-waves, the rest is pretty straightforward.

Honestly in playtesting Omastar is far from Sub-Par. He hits everything it really needs to. I'm gonna try this on the origional Froslass/Braviary core as well and see what results I get and if its worth the switch

atomicllamas · May 8, 2014

Offense Core I guess (maybe balance?)

Mismagius @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Dazzling Gleam
- Destiny Bond

Reuniclus @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Psyshock
- Shadow Ball

This is a core designed to lure in and dispose of Shadow Ball Reuniclus's counters. Mismagius is the lure in this case, with Nasty Plot and Dazzling Gleam working to get rid of the Dark Types that can be a problem for Reuniclus. However, neither NP Mismagius nor CM Reuniclus are gonna be able to get past certain Pokemon such as Escavalier, Drapion, or Skuntank, due to their decent SpD, typing, and super effective STAB moves on Reuniclus. This is where Destiny Bond comes in to clear the path for Reuniclus to finish the opposing team as without Escavalier / Dark-types, most teams are straight up unable to deal with Reuniclus. This does need some support though, as multiple Dark-types can be threatening, as well as the ever common Knock Off being thrown around, so Pokemon that don't mind taking a Knock Off and can deal with Ghosts to some extent are helpful (though Mismagius deals with most opposing Ghost-types). Psychic / Ghost spam was a pretty good strategy in BW, and it is still pretty good in XY RU.

The Leprechaun · May 9, 2014

Really nice balance core that i've had huge success with on the ladder.

Abomasnow @ Abomasite
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 HP / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Blizzard
- Earthquake
- Giga Drain
- Ice Shard

Alomomola @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Scald
- Toxic

Mega-Abomasnow has super-effective coverage for almost all of the tiers defensive pokes making it a fantastic wallbreaker but a big problem of his is its low speed, weakness to rocks + all other hazards and many weaknesses means that it's prone to taking a lot of damage and rarely stays around for long enough to be effective. This is where Alomomola comes in. Big fish lures in a ton of pokes that aboma can switch in on safely to receive a wish from. on top of this, the hail that aboma provides adds extra residual damage to help alom stall out opposing pokes faster.

Project RU Cores

Shaymin :D

Evilfaic

g

astromund

Turtleye

newfren

Lasagne

Durant

Evilfaic

Lavern

Shaymin :D

Jonater

phantom

Banned deucer.

Peef Rimgar

Jonater

Peef Rimgar

Evilfaic

Peef Rimgar

phantom

Banned deucer.

trc

EonX

Battle Soul

rob.

Peef Rimgar

atomicllamas

but then what's left of me?

The Leprechaun

wear nike not fila