Introduction
Hey guys and gals, starting to get back into battling on Showdown. I have a strong affinity for sand teams but I just struggle with the team building. I don't know how many ground/steel/rock types to actually have, what checks I need to focus on and what the team archetype should be (Balanced/HOffense/Stall) any advice would be appreciated. PS Not wanting to use legendaries just due to personal preference.
The Team
Hippowdon @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
Nature: Impish
EVs: 248 Hp / 252 Def / 8 SpD
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Slack Off
- Whirlwind
I feel Hippo is the better of the two sand setters, using smooth rock to prolong the sand. Using it as a physical wall over a mixed wall. Opted for whirlwind over coverage just so I can phase out anything i dont want blocking me.
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 Att / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Swords Dance
Pretty standard Excadrill set. Opted for SD over rapid spin as im running a Defog Mega-Scizor. Jolly just so give it the best chance of outrunning.
Serperior @ Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
Nature: Timid
IVs: 31 Hp / 0 Att / 31 Def / 30 SpA / 31 SpD / 30 Spe
EVs: 248 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power Fire
- Giga Drain
Chose Serperior for coverage of weaknesses. IVs chosen for Hidden Power Fire to take out opposing grass/bug types. Giga Drain to help it stay alive longer.
Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Calm
EVs: 252 Hp / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
Not 100% on this choice, I think I just like Rotom-W. Using it as a Special Wall but running it with WoW to obviously cut down physical attackers.
Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
Nature: Impish
EVs: 248 Hp / 8 Att / 252 Def
- Defog
- Roost
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
My utility. Running it with Light Metal to avoid it getting destroyed by Low Kick/Grass Knot. Which just turns into technician anyway after mega evolving. Choice to opt for Bug Bit as my other STAB to get the most out of his ability. Didn't try to give it any speed as I dont think its what you do with Scizor.
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 Att / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Superpower
- Crunch
Gave final spot to Scarf Ttar. Just seems to fit, covers with its Dark typing, Rock type so it benifits from its own sand, plus is another sand setter, I figure if its good as an attacker why not have another sand mon?
Conclusion
So obviously the biggest thing is I just want advice on what my team should be. As in what are the roles required? I know I have my setter, my sweeper, but do I need walls? Etc.
