I've always loved Sandstorm teams, but I also always have trouble building a rock-solid team around them... Yes, again my puns fail, I know =P
Anyway. After a lot of test battles, I came down to the following team, but it only wins on a 50/50 basis. Which I want to increase ofcourse, but I don't know how. So that's where you guys come in (I hope)! After a lot of testing, I know WHAT has to be done, but I just don't know HOW it can be done. So help is much appreciated.
First I will give a quick look, followed by the threats that need to be eliminated somehow and then the in-depth description of the team!
---
Alright, now get ready for the in-depth analysis of the team!
Changes in Blue
- EatMyDust
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Impish
Ability: Sand Stream
HP 252 | ATK - | DEF 168 | SATK - | SDEF 88 | SPEED -
- Earthquake
- Ice Fang
- Stealth Rock
- Slack Off
Strategy:
In my opinion, the best lead for a Sandstorm team. Sets up the Sandstorm immediatly and actually has a good chance at setting up SR as well. I have been thinking to put a Lum Berry over Leftovers to ensure the set up of them Rocks, but I tend to use Hippowdon as Physical Wall later on in the game a lot. It's also one of the best counters to Salamence, something that must defenitly not be overlooked. Hence why it carries Ice Fang and not Roar (which I usually use), but this team has no other way of dealing with Salamences and it's also the only Ice-move on this team.
I couldn't think of any specific EV spread, so I just went with the Smogon-standard, and it does pretty well. Since it's a good stop to DDMence like this.
- Shredder
Hold Item: Choice Scarf
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Levitate
HP 4 | ATK 252 | DEF - | SATK - | SDEF - | SPEED 252
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-Turn
Strategy:
Flygon functions as the Steel-type lurer who I then trap with Magnezone via U-Turn. It also functions as a great Gyara check, as long as said Gyara DD's up on the switch and not some kind of CBWaterfall...
Real standard and real solid to say the least. It functions great in the sand due to it's typing and has that very useful Ground immunity, something that this team highly appreciates since it's the only resistance to it.
-Ragnarock
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Careful
Ability: Clear Body
HP 252 | ATK - | DEF 4 | SATK - | SDEF 252 | SPEED -
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Curse
- Rest
Strategy:
Probably the main star on this team. Most team members were added to take on the counters for this beast. Regirock is also the sole reason I love sandstorm so much. It's just a cool looking Pokémon who becomes a top threat to be reckoned with in the sand. Outside the sand, Regirock suffers from a typing that doesn't go well with his low Special Defense, since most attacks that hit Rock for Super Effective are special (Water & Grass mainly). But in the sand, the Rock can actually sponge these attacks reasonbly well and retaliate with a powerful STAB boosted Stone Edge coming from a solid 100 attack.
The Cursing is usually done after Regirock switched in on something that it forces to switch out (like ScarfTran). And Regirock only needs 2 Curses to become an offensive threat, thanks to that base 100 attack -again-.
All in all, Regirock is a powerhouse in both the defense and attack department when used in the sand. There are but a few Pokémons that can fully counter it and those are being handled by my other team mates.
- A-T: Bro
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
Ability: Own Tempo
HP 252 | ATK - | DEF 252 | SATK - | SDEF 4 | SPEED -
- Surf
- Thunder Wave
- Calm Mind
- Slack Off
Strategy:
My main Physical Wall and one of the core members of the "Anti-Regirock counters" squad. Slowbro takes many Pokémons that otherwise not only severly hurt Regirock, also severly hurt this entire team in general. Most notably: Infernape, Machamp and Scizor (gotta watch out for those CB U-Turns though). It can also function as a quick Mence-crippler if Hippo went down. It may not be able to beat it 1 on 1, but it can T-Wave it to leave it crippled enough for anything else on my team to take it down.
I never thought I would use Slowbro in the competetive metagame again after R/B/Y, but it's just amazing at how the old beloved Bro handles things that this team used to fear!
- Magna Zone
Hold Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
Ability: Magnet Pull
HP 4 | ATK - | DEF - | SATK 252 | SDEF - | SPEED 252
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Flash Cannon
- Signal Beam
Strategy:
The other member of the "Anti-Regirock counters" squad. Regirock can't get past certain Steels, like Skarmory, Metagross and Scizor. Magnezone takes care of all of them. And thankfully, the only Steel-type Magnezone can't beat, isn't a counter to Regirock either; Heatran.
People use to think that Scizor can beat Magnezone if it predicts a switch and uses Superpower, however, I plan to bring out Magnezone 80% of the time with a U-Turn from Flygon. And boy, is that a good combo! Magnezone and Flygon cover each others weaknesses perfectly and Flygon lures a lot of Steels who want to sponge that Outrage. And after Magnezone has dealt with them, it is one counter less for Regirock. It is also unlikely that a Heatran would switch in on a Flygon, meaning there's very little chance for Magnezone not to net a kill on a Steel-type.
Signal Beam is solely for Celebi, who otherwise takes a field day on my team if it is a CMVersion.
HP Grass was chosen over HP Ice due to the fact that I already have a solid Dragon-counter in Hippowdon and even a revenger in Scizor and Swampert tends to be problematic for Regirock as well.
Timid to outspeed Scizor and most other Steels, Specs for the extra oomph. Lack of move choice hurts, but it's a price I'm more then willing to pay.
- Panzerfist
Hold Item: Life Orb
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Technician
HP 32 | ATK 252 | DEF - | SATK - | SDEF - | SPEED 224
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Strategy:
This is just a solid sweeper who doesn't bother the Life Orb due to the resistance to the sand. It also packs a handful of useful resistances, most notably Grass.
Other then that it's real standard. It doesn't counter anything, but it gives this team the extra firepower that it needs because this isn't a Stall-Sandstorm team.
---
Anyway. After a lot of test battles, I came down to the following team, but it only wins on a 50/50 basis. Which I want to increase ofcourse, but I don't know how. So that's where you guys come in (I hope)! After a lot of testing, I know WHAT has to be done, but I just don't know HOW it can be done. So help is much appreciated.
First I will give a quick look, followed by the threats that need to be eliminated somehow and then the in-depth description of the team!
---
A quick look:
Weakness & Resistance Chart
Biggest threats:
1. Offensive teams
2. SubPetaya Empoleon
3. Starmie
4. Most Grass-types like Shaymin
5. Probably more stuff, but I haven't encountered them yet...
---Biggest threats:
1. Offensive teams
2. SubPetaya Empoleon
3. Starmie
4. Most Grass-types like Shaymin
5. Probably more stuff, but I haven't encountered them yet...
Alright, now get ready for the in-depth analysis of the team!
Changes in Blue
- EatMyDustHold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Impish
Ability: Sand Stream
HP 252 | ATK - | DEF 168 | SATK - | SDEF 88 | SPEED -
- Earthquake
- Ice Fang
- Stealth Rock
- Slack Off
Strategy:
In my opinion, the best lead for a Sandstorm team. Sets up the Sandstorm immediatly and actually has a good chance at setting up SR as well. I have been thinking to put a Lum Berry over Leftovers to ensure the set up of them Rocks, but I tend to use Hippowdon as Physical Wall later on in the game a lot. It's also one of the best counters to Salamence, something that must defenitly not be overlooked. Hence why it carries Ice Fang and not Roar (which I usually use), but this team has no other way of dealing with Salamences and it's also the only Ice-move on this team.
I couldn't think of any specific EV spread, so I just went with the Smogon-standard, and it does pretty well. Since it's a good stop to DDMence like this.
Hold Item: Choice Scarf
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Levitate
HP 4 | ATK 252 | DEF - | SATK - | SDEF - | SPEED 252
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-Turn
Strategy:
Flygon functions as the Steel-type lurer who I then trap with Magnezone via U-Turn. It also functions as a great Gyara check, as long as said Gyara DD's up on the switch and not some kind of CBWaterfall...
Real standard and real solid to say the least. It functions great in the sand due to it's typing and has that very useful Ground immunity, something that this team highly appreciates since it's the only resistance to it.
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Careful
Ability: Clear Body
HP 252 | ATK - | DEF 4 | SATK - | SDEF 252 | SPEED -
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Curse
- Rest
Strategy:
Probably the main star on this team. Most team members were added to take on the counters for this beast. Regirock is also the sole reason I love sandstorm so much. It's just a cool looking Pokémon who becomes a top threat to be reckoned with in the sand. Outside the sand, Regirock suffers from a typing that doesn't go well with his low Special Defense, since most attacks that hit Rock for Super Effective are special (Water & Grass mainly). But in the sand, the Rock can actually sponge these attacks reasonbly well and retaliate with a powerful STAB boosted Stone Edge coming from a solid 100 attack.
The Cursing is usually done after Regirock switched in on something that it forces to switch out (like ScarfTran). And Regirock only needs 2 Curses to become an offensive threat, thanks to that base 100 attack -again-.
All in all, Regirock is a powerhouse in both the defense and attack department when used in the sand. There are but a few Pokémons that can fully counter it and those are being handled by my other team mates.
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
Ability: Own Tempo
HP 252 | ATK - | DEF 252 | SATK - | SDEF 4 | SPEED -
- Surf
- Thunder Wave
- Calm Mind
- Slack Off
Strategy:
My main Physical Wall and one of the core members of the "Anti-Regirock counters" squad. Slowbro takes many Pokémons that otherwise not only severly hurt Regirock, also severly hurt this entire team in general. Most notably: Infernape, Machamp and Scizor (gotta watch out for those CB U-Turns though). It can also function as a quick Mence-crippler if Hippo went down. It may not be able to beat it 1 on 1, but it can T-Wave it to leave it crippled enough for anything else on my team to take it down.
I never thought I would use Slowbro in the competetive metagame again after R/B/Y, but it's just amazing at how the old beloved Bro handles things that this team used to fear!
Hold Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
Ability: Magnet Pull
HP 4 | ATK - | DEF - | SATK 252 | SDEF - | SPEED 252
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Flash Cannon
- Signal Beam
Strategy:
The other member of the "Anti-Regirock counters" squad. Regirock can't get past certain Steels, like Skarmory, Metagross and Scizor. Magnezone takes care of all of them. And thankfully, the only Steel-type Magnezone can't beat, isn't a counter to Regirock either; Heatran.
People use to think that Scizor can beat Magnezone if it predicts a switch and uses Superpower, however, I plan to bring out Magnezone 80% of the time with a U-Turn from Flygon. And boy, is that a good combo! Magnezone and Flygon cover each others weaknesses perfectly and Flygon lures a lot of Steels who want to sponge that Outrage. And after Magnezone has dealt with them, it is one counter less for Regirock. It is also unlikely that a Heatran would switch in on a Flygon, meaning there's very little chance for Magnezone not to net a kill on a Steel-type.
Signal Beam is solely for Celebi, who otherwise takes a field day on my team if it is a CMVersion.
HP Grass was chosen over HP Ice due to the fact that I already have a solid Dragon-counter in Hippowdon and even a revenger in Scizor and Swampert tends to be problematic for Regirock as well.
Timid to outspeed Scizor and most other Steels, Specs for the extra oomph. Lack of move choice hurts, but it's a price I'm more then willing to pay.
Hold Item: Life Orb
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Technician
HP 32 | ATK 252 | DEF - | SATK - | SDEF - | SPEED 224
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Strategy:
This is just a solid sweeper who doesn't bother the Life Orb due to the resistance to the sand. It also packs a handful of useful resistances, most notably Grass.
Other then that it's real standard. It doesn't counter anything, but it gives this team the extra firepower that it needs because this isn't a Stall-Sandstorm team.
---
Overall Strategy:
Regirock is the #1 on this team. All members give synergy to give this beast of a rock the oppurtunity to clean and sweep.
---
Points of note:
Threat List: "From A - Z" ...almost...
Big threats in Red.
Abomasnow: Magnezone and Scizor. The fact that it removes my Sand really hurts though.
Aerodactyl: Slowbro, hands down. Scizor also does a more then decent job.
Azelf: Regirock. Not a single set Azelf runs can hurt my Rock. Because of the high Special Defense even Grass Knot doesn't hurt a whole lot (a 3HKO on average).
Blissey: Regirock. Blissey is just set-up fodder for my Rock. Even if it Toxics me, I can just do 1 or 2 Curses and then Rest off the damage. Obviously, I won't do this if my opponent still has a solid counter for Regirock, in which scenario I will most likely send out something like Flygon and U-Turn out to Scizor. Since no Blissey would T-Wave a Flygon and Toxic doesn't hurt Scizor. I also don't think any Blissey would Flamethrower against Flygon.
Breloom: Spore aside, Hippowdon and Scizor both make solid checks against it. But it is still something that can certainly run over my team if my members are weakened.
Celebi: Magnezone thanks to Signal Beam. A sweeping set with HP Fire hurts, but if it is a sweeping set, Scizor can pick it off more easily with Bullet Punch.
Cresselia: Cresselia is nothing more then set up fodder for Regirock. I have seen some Trick-variants ruin my Rock, so that's why I'm always scouting it's item first now. But luckily, 95% of the time, it has Leftovers, which is immediatly visable thanks to the Stealth Rock and Sandstorm. Magnezone also laughs at it thanks to Signal Beam. Scizor can also come in on it and try to set up.
Dugtrio: Really depends on what it switches in on. In theory it is a good counter to Regirock, but since I always go for at least 1 Curse first, it can't do a whole lot to me and I just EQ it for the kill. The only Pokémon it can come in on and get a succesful kill is Magnezone. So it doesn't really hurt my team at all.
Empoleon: Major threat to my team! Nothing can stop it after it set up that Sub and Agilities up. I can only hope for Flygon to break it's sub and let Regirock kill it afterwards. But Regirock takes between 297 and 350 damage from a STAB, Petaya, Torrented Surf. A OHKO if it is a Hydro Pump that hits. I HAVE to find a counter to this thing.
Flygon: Hippowdon, Slowbro, Scizor (can pick off weakened versions) and even Regirock if said Flygon doesn't use EQ. And if it isn't a Scarfed or a Banded version, it won't have the firepower to do anything to my team.
Forretress: Magnezone. Slowbro also fairs pretty good since it can just set up some Calm Minds on it. Sure, it might get 3 layers of Spikes and Stealth Rock up, but Explosion doesn't really hurt that much. And I wouldn't never attempt a set-up if I know he has something like CBScizor in the back. But Slowbro aside, Regirock can also attempt set ups against it, since Curse will minimalize the damage it takes from Gyro Ball and it resists Explosion. And -as I said a few times already- after 2 Curses, Regirock already becomes a beast, so if the Forretress tries to be greedy, it's a GG for my opponent (bar crithax).
Gengar: Scizor and Magnezone come to mind at first. But if it's a non-Scarf version, Flygon can revenge kill it with ease.
Gliscor: Slowbro and Hippowdon handle it good enough. They can both handle the SD-versions too.
Gyarados: Flygon can come in on a DD and scare it off with Stone Edge, racking up Stealth Rock damage as it goes. Slowbro does a good job at sponging it's attacks and crippling it with a T-Wave as well. Regirock can severly hurt it with a Stone Edge as well.
Heatran: Regirock. Even SpecsTran can't 2HKO me with Earth Power.
Heracross: In theory it should be an incredible pain in the butt, but in reality, it is easily played around. I do consider it a top threat though, even though it never actually swept me.
Hippowdon: LOL. Ok, serious time is serious. Slowbro and anything else that isn't Magnezone.
Infernape: Slowbro. Even SD ThunderPunch fails to OHKO and I can cripple it with Twave or just go for a kill with Surf. And you'd be surprised at how well Regirock takes it's Close Combats too (non-SD or -CB versions though). Hippowdon also does a really good job if it lacks HP Ice.
Jirachi: Magnezone. Slowbro. Regirock, if it isn't some kind of ParaFlinch version. Flygon can revenge it rather easily too.
Jolteon: Regirock. Magnezone. Flygon is an easy revenger once again.
Kingdra: For the fact that Kingdras are usually used in Rain Dance teams, I'd have to say: a big threat. But only because Regirock can't sponge it's attacks due to no Sandstorm. If there is a Sandstorm going, Kingdra can't touch me. Slowbro can try to paralyze it, although it has to watch out for those Draco Meteors.
Latias: Regirock. Scizor also still does a good job, even though it can't Pursuit it on the switch. Again, Flygon makes for a good revenger and can even use U-Turn in case my opponents goes to a Steel for the predicted Outrage (in which case Magnezone says Hi). And it still hurts Latias if it is bold enough to stay in.
Lucario: Hippowdon. But it has to be at full health to do so. Since after Luke gets that SD up, my team can't really defend against it anymore. The only option would be Slowbro with a Thunder Wave if it lacks Crunch. This is also the prominent sweeper on offensive teams that my team has so much trouble dealing with.
Machamp: Slowbro. Hence, Slowbro was initially added to counter this beast. Bar confusion, Hippowdon actually fairs decently as well. And -you guessed it- Flygon can revenge it easily. As does Scizor if it's weakened enough.
Magnezone: Regirock. Especially since I also resist it's Explosions. A SubRise set would hurt though, since it means I'd have to Stone Edge it to death. But because Magnezone can't hurt me, I can just get 6 Curses with ease.
Mamoswine: Slowbro. Although a CB Earthquake would hurt, but then I'd just switch to Flygon. I have Mamoswine on the verge of becoming a top threat, but because it is still an Ice-type that is weak to Steel (read: Bullet Punch), it is easily revenged and doesn't tend to cause me much problems.
Metagross: A bit of a toughy and highly dependant on the situation. If I have to switch in, I'd probably use Flygon and U-Turn to Magnezone. Unless I already know it's not going to Earthquake, then I'd just go to Magnezone straight away. Because Flygon doesn't tend to like them Mashes. Slowbro also does a really good job, but must watch out for CB ThunderPunches. If it is not a Mixed Gross, Hippowdon can also come in and severly hurt it.
Porygon2: Magnezone takes anything it tries to throw at me, but doesn't like the paralysis. Scizor takes all his attacks pretty well, but also has to watch out for Thunder Wave. Regirock has got to watch out for Toxic and luckily not a single P2 carries both T-Wave and Toxic (although most carry Discharge and Toxic, which could still be a problem if my opponent gets lucky).
Porygon-Z: Regirock. Magnezone. Scizor.
Raikou: Regirock. Magnezone.
Rhyperior: Slowbro. It's a real let down that Slowbro is slower then Rhyperior though, which means it risks a Megahorn. This is the reason it's a top threat to my team. Hippowdon can take a hit, but usually fails to KO the beast. It also gets a Special Defense boost from my own Sandstorm, which isn't funny at all...
Rotom (all formes): Regirock. Only Trick fucks this over, since I can just Rest off any Burn they try to inflict. They are hard to take down, but they can't do much in return. Magnezone also likes to come in on them, although this time, it is Magnezone who can't do a whole lot in return. Signal Beam would be the best option. On the verge of becoming a top threat, but since I have the sandstorm active, they won't be able to heal their HP with Lefties. And as long as I have Regirock, they'll have to switch out, racking up SR damage each time they switch in and take hits from whatever they switch in on.
Shaymin: Another large threat if it is a LO sweeper with Seed Flare and HP Fire. Magnezone can hope to live an HP Fire if it is at full health, and Signal Beam for the KO, but Magnezone usually isn't at full health... Flygon can U-Turn for massive damage, but fails to OHKO or even kill semi-hurt ones. It will have to be below 50% to get that KO. Have to find something to cure this...
Skarmory: Magnezone. Main reason Magnezone was added in this team in the first place. Slowbro can hit it on it's weaker side, but fails to attempt a set-up due to Whirlwind.
Snorlax: Regirock handles it extremly well and Slowbro can sponge some of it's attacks, racking up damage and going to Scizor as it rests up. Hippowdon can also take it's attacks and hurt it down to Rest-health.
Starmie: This one isn't mentioned for nothing in my "Biggest threats" list on top. Only Magnezone can try to kill it, but it takes a shit load from Surf/Hydro Pump and Starmie can just switch out if it wants to. Regirock can take a few hits (about 2 or so before it dies) but usually fails to KO in return. Unless the Starmie switches in on my own Regirock who then gets it's Curse. But that isn't the scenario we're discussing here.
Swampert: Flygon -> Magnezone combo again. It can switch out, but from what I've seen, most people risk Magnezone not to have HP Grass and try to EQ it. A bitch to take down, but can't do much in return. It does hit most of my Pokés for Super Effective damage with it's dual STAB though, which hurts, but at least it isn't a sweeping beast. Slowbro can usually CM up against it as well (if it lacks Roar).
Salamence: I never made a team where Mence wasn't a top threat, but this is the first team that doesn't fear Salamence. In my opinion, Hippowdon is the best Mence-counter after P2. I also have Flygon who lures Mence into Outrage after which I can revenge it with Magnezone and/or Scizor. Regirock does surprisingly well too, because of it's amazing Defense and STAB Stone Edge.
Scizor: Hippowdon takes it's attacks really well and Magnezone can trap any Scizor not planning on using Superpower (or U-Turn) on the switch. Magnezone has a 50% of killing the bulkies of all standard Scizors if it switches in on Stealth Rock (248 HP, 0 Sdef). A guaranteed OHKO if Scizor has taken ANY form of previous damage (like a U-Turn from Flygon). Slowbro fairs pretty well against SDsets, since they usually only run Steel/Fighting moves on them. CB U-Turn hurts Slowbro though.
Slowbro: Magnezone and Regirock both fair well against it. It usually needs time in order to be really hurting, in which I will have hurt it so much it stops becoming fearsome. Flygon also has a Super Effective U-Turn, but it won't do more then 50%.
Suicune: Magnezone. It OHKO's a standard Suicune and only barely fails to OHKO it after it has a CM. Meaning it is OHKO-able after SR and other minor damage. If needed, Flygons Outrages can pick off weakened versions, but I tend to spare Outrage until really late game when all Steels have been eliminated. But it is a last resort nontheless.
Togekiss: Regirock. Aura Sphere does nothing and Air Slash does less. I would only fear some kind of Water Pulse/Air Slash/Thunder Wave/Roost set, but that seems just like the kind of set that Slowbro likes setting up CMs against. As a matter of fact, Slowbro also takes the standard Air Slash/Aura Sphere set. And can T-Wave in return, meaning Togekiss will have to worry about not being paralyzed itself.
Tyranitar: LOL. Again, Sandstorm teams vs. Sandstorm teams are funny. But mine has the edge because I have 3 Pokés who have access to Earthquake. I also have a Scizor with Bullet Punch, so no, TTar is not a problem at all.
Yanmega: Regirock. Sponges any attack it throws (bar Reversal, but that's nothing more then novelty anyway and I think I will take even that reasonbly well due to Rock's amazing Defense) and has a STAB ×4 Super Effective 100 base attack in it's arsenal.
Zapdos: Regirock.
Regirock is the #1 on this team. All members give synergy to give this beast of a rock the oppurtunity to clean and sweep.
---
Points of note:
- Scizor seems like the death-weight on this team, but his firepower is highly wanted...
- Having only 1 Ice-move, which also happens to be one of the weakest out there, has proven to hurt a lot. So another Ice-move somewhere else would be a great help.
Threat List: "From A - Z" ...almost...
Big threats in Red.
Abomasnow: Magnezone and Scizor. The fact that it removes my Sand really hurts though.
Aerodactyl: Slowbro, hands down. Scizor also does a more then decent job.
Azelf: Regirock. Not a single set Azelf runs can hurt my Rock. Because of the high Special Defense even Grass Knot doesn't hurt a whole lot (a 3HKO on average).
Blissey: Regirock. Blissey is just set-up fodder for my Rock. Even if it Toxics me, I can just do 1 or 2 Curses and then Rest off the damage. Obviously, I won't do this if my opponent still has a solid counter for Regirock, in which scenario I will most likely send out something like Flygon and U-Turn out to Scizor. Since no Blissey would T-Wave a Flygon and Toxic doesn't hurt Scizor. I also don't think any Blissey would Flamethrower against Flygon.
Breloom: Spore aside, Hippowdon and Scizor both make solid checks against it. But it is still something that can certainly run over my team if my members are weakened.
Celebi: Magnezone thanks to Signal Beam. A sweeping set with HP Fire hurts, but if it is a sweeping set, Scizor can pick it off more easily with Bullet Punch.
Cresselia: Cresselia is nothing more then set up fodder for Regirock. I have seen some Trick-variants ruin my Rock, so that's why I'm always scouting it's item first now. But luckily, 95% of the time, it has Leftovers, which is immediatly visable thanks to the Stealth Rock and Sandstorm. Magnezone also laughs at it thanks to Signal Beam. Scizor can also come in on it and try to set up.
Dugtrio: Really depends on what it switches in on. In theory it is a good counter to Regirock, but since I always go for at least 1 Curse first, it can't do a whole lot to me and I just EQ it for the kill. The only Pokémon it can come in on and get a succesful kill is Magnezone. So it doesn't really hurt my team at all.
Empoleon: Major threat to my team! Nothing can stop it after it set up that Sub and Agilities up. I can only hope for Flygon to break it's sub and let Regirock kill it afterwards. But Regirock takes between 297 and 350 damage from a STAB, Petaya, Torrented Surf. A OHKO if it is a Hydro Pump that hits. I HAVE to find a counter to this thing.
Flygon: Hippowdon, Slowbro, Scizor (can pick off weakened versions) and even Regirock if said Flygon doesn't use EQ. And if it isn't a Scarfed or a Banded version, it won't have the firepower to do anything to my team.
Forretress: Magnezone. Slowbro also fairs pretty good since it can just set up some Calm Minds on it. Sure, it might get 3 layers of Spikes and Stealth Rock up, but Explosion doesn't really hurt that much. And I wouldn't never attempt a set-up if I know he has something like CBScizor in the back. But Slowbro aside, Regirock can also attempt set ups against it, since Curse will minimalize the damage it takes from Gyro Ball and it resists Explosion. And -as I said a few times already- after 2 Curses, Regirock already becomes a beast, so if the Forretress tries to be greedy, it's a GG for my opponent (bar crithax).
Gengar: Scizor and Magnezone come to mind at first. But if it's a non-Scarf version, Flygon can revenge kill it with ease.
Gliscor: Slowbro and Hippowdon handle it good enough. They can both handle the SD-versions too.
Gyarados: Flygon can come in on a DD and scare it off with Stone Edge, racking up Stealth Rock damage as it goes. Slowbro does a good job at sponging it's attacks and crippling it with a T-Wave as well. Regirock can severly hurt it with a Stone Edge as well.
Heatran: Regirock. Even SpecsTran can't 2HKO me with Earth Power.
Heracross: In theory it should be an incredible pain in the butt, but in reality, it is easily played around. I do consider it a top threat though, even though it never actually swept me.
Hippowdon: LOL. Ok, serious time is serious. Slowbro and anything else that isn't Magnezone.
Infernape: Slowbro. Even SD ThunderPunch fails to OHKO and I can cripple it with Twave or just go for a kill with Surf. And you'd be surprised at how well Regirock takes it's Close Combats too (non-SD or -CB versions though). Hippowdon also does a really good job if it lacks HP Ice.
Jirachi: Magnezone. Slowbro. Regirock, if it isn't some kind of ParaFlinch version. Flygon can revenge it rather easily too.
Jolteon: Regirock. Magnezone. Flygon is an easy revenger once again.
Kingdra: For the fact that Kingdras are usually used in Rain Dance teams, I'd have to say: a big threat. But only because Regirock can't sponge it's attacks due to no Sandstorm. If there is a Sandstorm going, Kingdra can't touch me. Slowbro can try to paralyze it, although it has to watch out for those Draco Meteors.
Latias: Regirock. Scizor also still does a good job, even though it can't Pursuit it on the switch. Again, Flygon makes for a good revenger and can even use U-Turn in case my opponents goes to a Steel for the predicted Outrage (in which case Magnezone says Hi). And it still hurts Latias if it is bold enough to stay in.
Lucario: Hippowdon. But it has to be at full health to do so. Since after Luke gets that SD up, my team can't really defend against it anymore. The only option would be Slowbro with a Thunder Wave if it lacks Crunch. This is also the prominent sweeper on offensive teams that my team has so much trouble dealing with.
Machamp: Slowbro. Hence, Slowbro was initially added to counter this beast. Bar confusion, Hippowdon actually fairs decently as well. And -you guessed it- Flygon can revenge it easily. As does Scizor if it's weakened enough.
Magnezone: Regirock. Especially since I also resist it's Explosions. A SubRise set would hurt though, since it means I'd have to Stone Edge it to death. But because Magnezone can't hurt me, I can just get 6 Curses with ease.
Mamoswine: Slowbro. Although a CB Earthquake would hurt, but then I'd just switch to Flygon. I have Mamoswine on the verge of becoming a top threat, but because it is still an Ice-type that is weak to Steel (read: Bullet Punch), it is easily revenged and doesn't tend to cause me much problems.
Metagross: A bit of a toughy and highly dependant on the situation. If I have to switch in, I'd probably use Flygon and U-Turn to Magnezone. Unless I already know it's not going to Earthquake, then I'd just go to Magnezone straight away. Because Flygon doesn't tend to like them Mashes. Slowbro also does a really good job, but must watch out for CB ThunderPunches. If it is not a Mixed Gross, Hippowdon can also come in and severly hurt it.
Porygon2: Magnezone takes anything it tries to throw at me, but doesn't like the paralysis. Scizor takes all his attacks pretty well, but also has to watch out for Thunder Wave. Regirock has got to watch out for Toxic and luckily not a single P2 carries both T-Wave and Toxic (although most carry Discharge and Toxic, which could still be a problem if my opponent gets lucky).
Porygon-Z: Regirock. Magnezone. Scizor.
Raikou: Regirock. Magnezone.
Rhyperior: Slowbro. It's a real let down that Slowbro is slower then Rhyperior though, which means it risks a Megahorn. This is the reason it's a top threat to my team. Hippowdon can take a hit, but usually fails to KO the beast. It also gets a Special Defense boost from my own Sandstorm, which isn't funny at all...
Rotom (all formes): Regirock. Only Trick fucks this over, since I can just Rest off any Burn they try to inflict. They are hard to take down, but they can't do much in return. Magnezone also likes to come in on them, although this time, it is Magnezone who can't do a whole lot in return. Signal Beam would be the best option. On the verge of becoming a top threat, but since I have the sandstorm active, they won't be able to heal their HP with Lefties. And as long as I have Regirock, they'll have to switch out, racking up SR damage each time they switch in and take hits from whatever they switch in on.
Shaymin: Another large threat if it is a LO sweeper with Seed Flare and HP Fire. Magnezone can hope to live an HP Fire if it is at full health, and Signal Beam for the KO, but Magnezone usually isn't at full health... Flygon can U-Turn for massive damage, but fails to OHKO or even kill semi-hurt ones. It will have to be below 50% to get that KO. Have to find something to cure this...
Skarmory: Magnezone. Main reason Magnezone was added in this team in the first place. Slowbro can hit it on it's weaker side, but fails to attempt a set-up due to Whirlwind.
Snorlax: Regirock handles it extremly well and Slowbro can sponge some of it's attacks, racking up damage and going to Scizor as it rests up. Hippowdon can also take it's attacks and hurt it down to Rest-health.
Starmie: This one isn't mentioned for nothing in my "Biggest threats" list on top. Only Magnezone can try to kill it, but it takes a shit load from Surf/Hydro Pump and Starmie can just switch out if it wants to. Regirock can take a few hits (about 2 or so before it dies) but usually fails to KO in return. Unless the Starmie switches in on my own Regirock who then gets it's Curse. But that isn't the scenario we're discussing here.
Swampert: Flygon -> Magnezone combo again. It can switch out, but from what I've seen, most people risk Magnezone not to have HP Grass and try to EQ it. A bitch to take down, but can't do much in return. It does hit most of my Pokés for Super Effective damage with it's dual STAB though, which hurts, but at least it isn't a sweeping beast. Slowbro can usually CM up against it as well (if it lacks Roar).
Salamence: I never made a team where Mence wasn't a top threat, but this is the first team that doesn't fear Salamence. In my opinion, Hippowdon is the best Mence-counter after P2. I also have Flygon who lures Mence into Outrage after which I can revenge it with Magnezone and/or Scizor. Regirock does surprisingly well too, because of it's amazing Defense and STAB Stone Edge.
Scizor: Hippowdon takes it's attacks really well and Magnezone can trap any Scizor not planning on using Superpower (or U-Turn) on the switch. Magnezone has a 50% of killing the bulkies of all standard Scizors if it switches in on Stealth Rock (248 HP, 0 Sdef). A guaranteed OHKO if Scizor has taken ANY form of previous damage (like a U-Turn from Flygon). Slowbro fairs pretty well against SDsets, since they usually only run Steel/Fighting moves on them. CB U-Turn hurts Slowbro though.
Slowbro: Magnezone and Regirock both fair well against it. It usually needs time in order to be really hurting, in which I will have hurt it so much it stops becoming fearsome. Flygon also has a Super Effective U-Turn, but it won't do more then 50%.
Suicune: Magnezone. It OHKO's a standard Suicune and only barely fails to OHKO it after it has a CM. Meaning it is OHKO-able after SR and other minor damage. If needed, Flygons Outrages can pick off weakened versions, but I tend to spare Outrage until really late game when all Steels have been eliminated. But it is a last resort nontheless.
Togekiss: Regirock. Aura Sphere does nothing and Air Slash does less. I would only fear some kind of Water Pulse/Air Slash/Thunder Wave/Roost set, but that seems just like the kind of set that Slowbro likes setting up CMs against. As a matter of fact, Slowbro also takes the standard Air Slash/Aura Sphere set. And can T-Wave in return, meaning Togekiss will have to worry about not being paralyzed itself.
Tyranitar: LOL. Again, Sandstorm teams vs. Sandstorm teams are funny. But mine has the edge because I have 3 Pokés who have access to Earthquake. I also have a Scizor with Bullet Punch, so no, TTar is not a problem at all.
Yanmega: Regirock. Sponges any attack it throws (bar Reversal, but that's nothing more then novelty anyway and I think I will take even that reasonbly well due to Rock's amazing Defense) and has a STAB ×4 Super Effective 100 base attack in it's arsenal.
Zapdos: Regirock.
