Hey, Puzzle King here with another RMT. As usual, please leave your comments and suggestions down below. Constructive criticisms are always appreciated.
Anyways, let's begin with how are was inspired to build this team. Using my new and improved, Mega Heracross Sticky Webs team, I managed to ladder up to around 1630+ on the ladder. As I played there, I began to notice a recurring trend. Sand Teams. Being ever-so-curious, I did some research and decided to build and test a team. So, without futher ado, my Sandstorm Offence team.
1. The Sand Setter/First Physical Sweeper
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Dragon Dance
What's a sand team without Tyranitar? Tyranitar as mentioned, is my sand setter and first physical sweeper. Armed with an amazing 164 attack stat and decent 100/150/120 bulk. Mega T-tar is not something to be messed with. After one dragon dance, this monster has an insane 640 Attack and 397 Speed, making it one of the scariest mons in the game. Attacks are simple. Stone Edge is T-tar's main STAB, pretty much OHKOing the entire OU metagame that doesn't resist it, excluding some physical walls. Ice Punch is to take on Lando-T, Garchomp and Gliscor as T-tar can take one of whatever they want to do and OHKO them at +1. Earthquake is to cover steel types like Bisharp and Excadrill. The EVs are also self-explanatory. Fully invested in Speed and Attack so T-tar can abuse Dragon Dance. Jolly nature so I can outspeed most of the metagame at +1.
2. Second Physical Sweeper/Rapid Spinner/Revenge Killer
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
This thing. Excadrill was banned last gen. And with good reason. Not only does it have a monstrous attack stat, but with Sand Rush, its speed doubles in the sand, making this very scary to face. Its primary job is to sweep and clear hazards, but is also a decent revenge killer because of its blistering speed. Moves are simple Iron Head and EQ are good STAB moves to have, Rock Slide checks Bird Spam and Rapid Spin is for Hazard Control, so the rest of my team can come in without taking residual damage. Adamant over Jolly as I don't need the speed investments as Excadrill hits a insane 550 speed in the sand. Air Ballon is to negate Excadrill's ground weakness so it can switch into EQs and to win against Excadrill's one-on-one.
3. Special Revenge Killer/Coverage
Landorus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
Genie Spam!! Lando is my special revenge killer and it does its job very well. The Sheer Force-Life Orb combo is insane and allows Lando to do insane amounts of damage. Earth Power does a hell lot of damage after STAB and the Sheer Force-Life Orb boost. Psychic is the best way can hit Mega-Venusaur and Conkeldurr as well as allows Lando to do decent damage to Zapdos and Rotom-W. Focus Blast is for Chansey and Ferrothorn and Sludge Wave is fairies like Azumarill and Clefable. Timid Nature is to get as much speed as possible to revenge kill faster threats.
4. Special Wallbreaker/ First Special Sweeper
Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Thundurus is part 2 of Genie core. It is my special wallbreaker and first special sweeper. Prankster Thunder Wave instantly paralyzes nearly any non-Electric- or Ground-type threat, allowing Thundurus to check most boosted or naturally fast threats he comes across. Taunt allows me to stop set-up sweepers, walls and status users. Thunderbolt is Thundurus' my main move and those an insane amount of damage boosted by its 125 special attack, STAB and Life Orb. HP Ice provides important coverage in conjunction with Thunderbolt against certain Ground- and Dragon-type threats, especially Garchomp, Landorus, Gliscor, and Dragonite.
5. Water-type Check/Revenge Killer/Priorty User
Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
- Knock Off
My team is very weak to water, so I added Azumarill to switch into water moves. I also slapped an Assault Vest on it in case my opponent predicts my switch-in and goes for a grass move (as most are special moves). Aqua Jet is my mandatory priority to revenge kill, Waterfall and Play Rough are two amazing STAB moves which I can use to hit bulkier Pokemon. Knock Off is an amazing move (best move in XY, imo) which allows me to knock off items as well as hit the odd ghost and psychic types. The EVs are to allow Azumarill to tank hits while taking less damage from hazards.
6. Second Special Sweeper/Water-type Check
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Tail Glow
- Surf
Manaphy. Why is this thing BL again? This thing has one of the best set-up moves in the game in Tail Glow, allowing it to OHKO most of the metagame after one move. Surf is my STAB move of choice as it hits all the time, yet ensures that I do massive amounts of damage. Ice Beam covers pesky Dragon and Ground types, and Energy Ball takes on other Water types, particularly Rotom-Wash and Azumarill. The EV spread may seem weird but it allows Manaphy to outspeed several fasters threats and have some bulk at the same time.
So there's the team. Please leave your comments and suggestions down below. Your opinions are always appreciated.
Cheers!
-PK
Anyways, let's begin with how are was inspired to build this team. Using my new and improved, Mega Heracross Sticky Webs team, I managed to ladder up to around 1630+ on the ladder. As I played there, I began to notice a recurring trend. Sand Teams. Being ever-so-curious, I did some research and decided to build and test a team. So, without futher ado, my Sandstorm Offence team.
1. The Sand Setter/First Physical Sweeper
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Dragon Dance
What's a sand team without Tyranitar? Tyranitar as mentioned, is my sand setter and first physical sweeper. Armed with an amazing 164 attack stat and decent 100/150/120 bulk. Mega T-tar is not something to be messed with. After one dragon dance, this monster has an insane 640 Attack and 397 Speed, making it one of the scariest mons in the game. Attacks are simple. Stone Edge is T-tar's main STAB, pretty much OHKOing the entire OU metagame that doesn't resist it, excluding some physical walls. Ice Punch is to take on Lando-T, Garchomp and Gliscor as T-tar can take one of whatever they want to do and OHKO them at +1. Earthquake is to cover steel types like Bisharp and Excadrill. The EVs are also self-explanatory. Fully invested in Speed and Attack so T-tar can abuse Dragon Dance. Jolly nature so I can outspeed most of the metagame at +1.
+1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 136+ Def Mandibuzz: 446-528 (105.4 - 124.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 166-196 (49.7 - 58.6%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after sandstorm damage and Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 166-196 (49.7 - 58.6%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after sandstorm damage and Leftovers recovery
2. Second Physical Sweeper/Rapid Spinner/Revenge Killer
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
This thing. Excadrill was banned last gen. And with good reason. Not only does it have a monstrous attack stat, but with Sand Rush, its speed doubles in the sand, making this very scary to face. Its primary job is to sweep and clear hazards, but is also a decent revenge killer because of its blistering speed. Moves are simple Iron Head and EQ are good STAB moves to have, Rock Slide checks Bird Spam and Rapid Spin is for Hazard Control, so the rest of my team can come in without taking residual damage. Adamant over Jolly as I don't need the speed investments as Excadrill hits a insane 550 speed in the sand. Air Ballon is to negate Excadrill's ground weakness so it can switch into EQs and to win against Excadrill's one-on-one.
3. Special Revenge Killer/Coverage
Landorus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
Genie Spam!! Lando is my special revenge killer and it does its job very well. The Sheer Force-Life Orb combo is insane and allows Lando to do insane amounts of damage. Earth Power does a hell lot of damage after STAB and the Sheer Force-Life Orb boost. Psychic is the best way can hit Mega-Venusaur and Conkeldurr as well as allows Lando to do decent damage to Zapdos and Rotom-W. Focus Blast is for Chansey and Ferrothorn and Sludge Wave is fairies like Azumarill and Clefable. Timid Nature is to get as much speed as possible to revenge kill faster threats.
4. Special Wallbreaker/ First Special Sweeper
Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Thundurus is part 2 of Genie core. It is my special wallbreaker and first special sweeper. Prankster Thunder Wave instantly paralyzes nearly any non-Electric- or Ground-type threat, allowing Thundurus to check most boosted or naturally fast threats he comes across. Taunt allows me to stop set-up sweepers, walls and status users. Thunderbolt is Thundurus' my main move and those an insane amount of damage boosted by its 125 special attack, STAB and Life Orb. HP Ice provides important coverage in conjunction with Thunderbolt against certain Ground- and Dragon-type threats, especially Garchomp, Landorus, Gliscor, and Dragonite.
5. Water-type Check/Revenge Killer/Priorty User
Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
- Knock Off
My team is very weak to water, so I added Azumarill to switch into water moves. I also slapped an Assault Vest on it in case my opponent predicts my switch-in and goes for a grass move (as most are special moves). Aqua Jet is my mandatory priority to revenge kill, Waterfall and Play Rough are two amazing STAB moves which I can use to hit bulkier Pokemon. Knock Off is an amazing move (best move in XY, imo) which allows me to knock off items as well as hit the odd ghost and psychic types. The EVs are to allow Azumarill to tank hits while taking less damage from hazards.
6. Second Special Sweeper/Water-type Check
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Tail Glow
- Surf
Manaphy. Why is this thing BL again? This thing has one of the best set-up moves in the game in Tail Glow, allowing it to OHKO most of the metagame after one move. Surf is my STAB move of choice as it hits all the time, yet ensures that I do massive amounts of damage. Ice Beam covers pesky Dragon and Ground types, and Energy Ball takes on other Water types, particularly Rotom-Wash and Azumarill. The EV spread may seem weird but it allows Manaphy to outspeed several fasters threats and have some bulk at the same time.
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Dragon Dance
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
Landorus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
- Knock Off
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Tail Glow
- Surf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Dragon Dance
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
Landorus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
- Knock Off
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Tail Glow
- Surf
So there's the team. Please leave your comments and suggestions down below. Your opinions are always appreciated.
Cheers!
-PK
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