Introduction: In Gev V, you can expect to find a good variety of teams and a lot of different stategies, some which are viable, and most which are nothing more than gimmicks. One of these stategies is Shell Smash + Baton Pass, which involves the use of either Smeargle, Huntail or Gorebyss (Gorebyss is probably the best candidate to pull off this tactic). I first became aware of this stategy on the Round 3 Suspect Testing board on UT. So, I decided to pull up a team surrounding SS + BP Gorebyss, and so far, it looks pretty interesting. Who knows, maybe if I ladder enough, this team might get me into the range required for Round 3 with some improvement. That's where I need your help, people, and I'm not afraid to beg!
Team at a Glance
So, without further ado, I give you......
Deoxys-S @ Light Clay
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Taunt
- Psychic
Why Deoxys-S?
Pulling off Shell Smash + Baton Pass usually requires two good Pokemon who can set up both Light Screen and Reflect. Deoxy-S is a prime candidate for this. Being the fastest Pokemon in the entire game, it is guaranteed to set up at least one screen against a non-Prankster Pokemon. In a metagame where Speed becomes more and more important, Deoxys-S really shines.
EVs and Moves
Light Screen and Reflect, along with Light Clay, allows Gorebyss (and other members of my team) to sponge attacks easily, allowing them to set up without worry. Taunt is there to prevent other Pokemon from setting up while Deo-S erects the screens, although in my experience, most players attack Deoxys-S directly and attempt to kill it before both screens are up on my side. Finally, Psychic is there simply for a nice STAB option. Back in the ol' days, running Psychic for STAB was something many players laughed about, but with nearly a dozen fully-evolved Fighting-type Pokemon running around, it surprisingly becomes viable.
The EVs are straightforward. 252 EVs in Speed and a Timid nature sounds a bit odd for a fast Pokemon who's main job is to act as a supporter, but going any lower means that I will always lose against opposing Deoxys-S leads. 252 EVs in HP allows it to take hits easily. As mentioned in the above paragraph, Light Clay is essential to maximize the amount of time Light Screen and Reflect last.
How Do I Play With It?
Deoxys-S is usually my lead since it can set up on a wide variety of Pokemon. Entry hazard leads, scarf'd leads, stat boosting leads and Sturdy leads all attack instead of attacking for fear of Taunt/Magic Coat, allowing me to set up the appropriate screen first and then either switch, attack, or set up the other screen. Prankster leads play mind games with me. Sometimes they attack, and other times they abuse their priority Taunt. Speed ties against other Deo-S are annoying, as whoever lands Taunt first gain momentum. And before you even do that, you have to wonder if your opponent is running Magic Coat or not. Ugh, situations like these makes my head spin. Deoxys-S can also be useful outside of the lead position as well. Garchomp used Swords Dance? I'm faster, so set up Reflect, die, and send out Virizion. Togekiss used Nasty Plot? Light Screen, die and revenge with something else.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Deoxys-S is a very reliable mon, although I'm toying with the idea of MagicBounce Espeon as a replacement. Another option I'm considering is Magic Coat over Taunt.
** currently testing out Thundurus as a replacement**
Uxie @ Light Clay
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Yawn
- Memento
Why Uxie?
Uxie is a pretty under-rated 'mon, in my opinion. Just look at those massive defensive stats, made even higher with dual screens! Anyways, Deoxys-S is a fast albeit somewhat frail screener, so for my second choice, I decided to something that was slow but bulky and had plenty of options. I had great success with Uxie in the previous generation, and with all of these Fighting- and Psychic-type moves flying everywhere, Uxie appears to work even better. These qualities make it a great tank and supporter who can survive just about anything.
EVs and Moves
Reflect and Light Screen allows Gorebyss to use Shell Smash and Baton Pass with ease and makes it easier for the other 3 teammates to sweep. With the new sleep mechanics, Yawn is a dangerous move that I love using against offensive Pokemon, who have a tendency to switch in. Finally, we have Memento, a great last-minute-emergency move to use against offensive team. This attack is guaranteed to destroy any offensive Pokemon Uxie is facing (unless they are behind a sub, which is becoming more common the more I play), and has saved me a few times.
EVs are, once again, pretty simple. I made Uxie physically-oriented to switch into the likes of Excadrill, Garchomp, Salamence and Tyranitar. Light Clay extends the duration of both screens.
How Do I Play With It?
Uxie is used as a physical tank. I send it out against physically-oriented Pokemon, such as Tyranitar and Kojondo as a pivot. From there, I tend to use Yawn to screw-up whatever my opponent sends in. If I suspect that Uxie's current foe will not use Taunt or moves such as Spikes and Leech Seed, I attempt to set up Light Screen and Reflect, and switch. Memento is a last-ditch effort, and I don't use it too often, either because a) Uxie is at a very low health and dies before I use it, b) I don't need to use it, or c) I feel that setting up either Light Screen or Reflect will be more beneficial.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Uxie is a very important member of this team, so I probably will keep it. However, given that I don't use Memento too often, I'm willing to replace the attack with U-turn.
Gorebyss (F) @ White Herb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 HP / 44 SpD / 232 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Shell Smash
- Surf
- Baton Pass
- Ice Beam
Why Gorebyss?
Gorebyss is the centerpiece to this team. Smeargle is too frail and Huntail gets outclassed, so she seems like the best option to me. The chance to have a Pokemon with +2 in every offensive stat with a single move seems too good to pass up.
EVs and moves
Shell Smash is a godly move. Absolutely golden. She isn't meant for sweeping, though, but rather for passing off this lovely boost to my remaining three Pokemon. Any Gliscor and Garchomp switch-ins are swiftly dealt with Ice Beam, and anything else who is not named Ferrothorn can usually be taken care of Surf, provided that their health is at a low enough damage. In some cases, I actually attempt to late-game sweep with Gorebyss, but more often than not, though, she is simply a Baton Passer slave.
The Speed EVs ensure that Gorebyss outspeed Pokemon with a base speed of 130, even if they have a speed-boosting nature, after a Shell Smash. So, the only Pokemon I have to worry about are those with a Choice Scarf (who hopefully won't do much with dual screens on my side) and Deoxys-S, which is a pain but rare outside of the lead position. The rest goes into HP and Special Defense to buff her up. White Herb is mandatory to ensure that the defense drops are not passed to my sweepers.
How Do I Play With It?
Unfortunately, I can't simply do Dual Screen -> Gorebyss -> Shell Smash -> Baton Pass -> ??? -> Win. First of all, I have to determine which Pokemon on my opponent's teams pose a threat to Gorebyss, such as pHazers, extremely strong special sweepers, priority users like bulky SpD Scizor, and Prankster Pokemon. To do this, I send in Gorebyss early on in the game against a Pokemon who cannot harm it, and use Baton Pass to scout as they send out another Pokemon. For example, I can send her out against a CBMarril locked into Aqua Jet, and Baton Pass to Rotom-W as my opponent sends out Gyarados. I can safely conclude that this Gyarados is a pHazar and hopefully remove it. When these threats are gone, I can send in Gorebyss without fear.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Eh, not really. Substitute is useful against opposing Ferrothorn, who tends to Leech Seed or Thunder Wave instead of straight out attacking, but I find Ice Beam to be too valuable.
Virizion @ Lum Berry
Trait: Justice Heart
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature (+Spe, -SpD)
- Calm Mind
- Close Combat
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Why Virizion?
Virizion = anti-metagame. It doesn't really fear any priority attacks except for the somewhat-rare Ice Shard (even then, Reflect should help out) and can set up on a wide variety of Pokemon and teams. Virizion can also function without a Shell Smash boost, so if Gorebyss somehow dies I have this Pokemon to rely on. On a final note, Virizion takes care of Pokemon that would otherwise tear this team apart, such as Excadrill, Gliscor and Garchomp.
EVs and moves
Calm Mind enables Virizion to be both a receiver and a stand-alone sweeper. Close Combat seems a bit odd for a CM Virizion set, but I do have an explanation. First of all, I want Virizion to abuse the fact that ALL offensive stats are raised by +2, and Close Combat makes it a mixed sweeper. In addition, Focus Blast is a terrible move. Absolutely awful. No way am I going to rely on that move. Giga Drain allows Virizion to heal some damage and dish some out as well. Finally, HP Ice ensures that Salamence, Gliscor, Landorus and Garchomp do not wall it.
EVs are pretty simple. Maximum Speed and Special Attack allows Virizion to outspeed many a Pokemon and dish out heavy blows. A Naive nature is used so that Close Combat does not receive a drop in power. Normally, Life Orb would be the preferred item. However, I quickly realized that many players attempted to cripple Virizion with moves like Thunder Wave and Toxic as Gorebyss used Baton Pass. Lum Berry prevents this from happening.
How Do I Play With It?
I quickly scan my opponent's team in Team Preview, and from there I decide on which Pokemon would be the best receiver. If Virizion fits the bill, I try to keep it away from action until Gorebyss is ready to do her job. If another Pokemon is suited for the job, I send Virizion against 'mons like Jellicient (Will-o-Wisp? Please bitch, check out my pimping Lum Berry) and Calm Mind. This usually happens during mid-game or late-game, where potential threats like ScarfChomp hopefully are removed.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
I'm not quite sure if this EV spread allows Virizion to survive a +2 X-scissor from Excadrill after SR + Sandstorm, but a more defensive spread that can survive that would be appreciated.
Rotom-W @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Hydro Pump
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Pain Split
Why Rotom-W?
Rotom-W can put the pain on a wide variety of Pokemon after a Shell Smash boost, and still is a threat if I make the receiver something else. Rotom-W is also a nifty cleaner and can take care of weakened 'mons and tear some holes early-game.
EVs and moves
Hydro Pump is a nifty and powerful STAB option, although it's accuracy is somewhat disappointing. Thunderbolt is another STAB option, and with Hydro Pump, has pretty decent coverage. Hidden Power Fire hits Ferrothorn and Obamasnow, who otherwise wall this set. Something interesting to note is that all three of these attacks hit every annoying Steel-type for at least neutral damage, which is a bonus. Pain Split, along with Leftovers, gives Rotom-W some bulk while the EVs still enable it to be an offensive threat. Pain Split is also my best option on Latios, although I do not plan on leaving it on him.
How Do I Play With It?
Water / Electric with Levitate enables Rotom-W to switch into a good deal of moves. Especially priority moves. Especially especially Bullet Punch from Scizor and Aqua Jet from Azumarril, who are dealt swiftly with either Thunderbolt or Will-o-wisp. Rotom-W is pretty good at removing priority users like them. Hydro Pump also hurts any Conkeldurr who does not invest deeply into Special Defense. Besides that, if I deem that Rotom-W should not be the receiver of Shell Smash, I either use it to soften up my opponent's team early-game or use it to clean up weakened Pokemon late-game.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Actually, yes. I'm toying with the idea of giving Choice Scarf to Rotom-W and replacing Will-o-Wisp with Trick (so I can trick Scarf away if I BP Shell Smash to it). This provides me with a "fail-safe" should anything go wrong. What are your opinions about this?
Garchomp (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature (+Atk, -SpD)
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Fire Blast
Why Garchomp?
Garchomp combines offense and defense into one. It possess great bulk, a monstrous Attack stat and a trolly Speed stat of 102. Garchomp is immune to Thunder Wave and can sweep on its own without a Shell Smash boost. In addition, Garchomp only fears Ice Shard, which, once again, is somewhat rare these days. These are the qualities that make a Pokemon a great receiver for a Shell Smash boost.
EVs and moves
Swords Dance raises Garchomp's already impressive attack stat to heart-pounding, astronomical levels. Earthquake is a neat and reliable STAB move. With Lum Berry, I can reliably spam Outrage with ease, as confusion will not be a problem. Fire Blast is there for Skarmory, who is OHKOd after rocks, and weakened Ferrothorn. Fire Blast is also nifty for hitting Levitating Steels, such as Bronzong and Pokemon like Balloon Excadrill, who would otherwise wall this set.
EVs are simple. Max Attack, max Speed and a Naughty nature (so Fire Blast will not suffer a drop in power) allows optimum conditions for sweeping. Lum Berry protects Garchomp from status and cures the confusion recoil from Outrage.
How Do I Play With It?
I play with Garchomp in the same manner that I play Virizion with.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Not really.
So that's my team in a nutshell. Feel free to comment, rate and criticize!
Team at a Glance
So, without further ado, I give you......
~~TEAM SHELL SMASHERS~~
Deoxys-S @ Light Clay
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Taunt
- Psychic
Why Deoxys-S?
Pulling off Shell Smash + Baton Pass usually requires two good Pokemon who can set up both Light Screen and Reflect. Deoxy-S is a prime candidate for this. Being the fastest Pokemon in the entire game, it is guaranteed to set up at least one screen against a non-Prankster Pokemon. In a metagame where Speed becomes more and more important, Deoxys-S really shines.
EVs and Moves
Light Screen and Reflect, along with Light Clay, allows Gorebyss (and other members of my team) to sponge attacks easily, allowing them to set up without worry. Taunt is there to prevent other Pokemon from setting up while Deo-S erects the screens, although in my experience, most players attack Deoxys-S directly and attempt to kill it before both screens are up on my side. Finally, Psychic is there simply for a nice STAB option. Back in the ol' days, running Psychic for STAB was something many players laughed about, but with nearly a dozen fully-evolved Fighting-type Pokemon running around, it surprisingly becomes viable.
The EVs are straightforward. 252 EVs in Speed and a Timid nature sounds a bit odd for a fast Pokemon who's main job is to act as a supporter, but going any lower means that I will always lose against opposing Deoxys-S leads. 252 EVs in HP allows it to take hits easily. As mentioned in the above paragraph, Light Clay is essential to maximize the amount of time Light Screen and Reflect last.
How Do I Play With It?
Deoxys-S is usually my lead since it can set up on a wide variety of Pokemon. Entry hazard leads, scarf'd leads, stat boosting leads and Sturdy leads all attack instead of attacking for fear of Taunt/Magic Coat, allowing me to set up the appropriate screen first and then either switch, attack, or set up the other screen. Prankster leads play mind games with me. Sometimes they attack, and other times they abuse their priority Taunt. Speed ties against other Deo-S are annoying, as whoever lands Taunt first gain momentum. And before you even do that, you have to wonder if your opponent is running Magic Coat or not. Ugh, situations like these makes my head spin. Deoxys-S can also be useful outside of the lead position as well. Garchomp used Swords Dance? I'm faster, so set up Reflect, die, and send out Virizion. Togekiss used Nasty Plot? Light Screen, die and revenge with something else.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Deoxys-S is a very reliable mon, although I'm toying with the idea of MagicBounce Espeon as a replacement. Another option I'm considering is Magic Coat over Taunt.
** currently testing out Thundurus as a replacement**
Uxie @ Light Clay
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Yawn
- Memento
Why Uxie?
Uxie is a pretty under-rated 'mon, in my opinion. Just look at those massive defensive stats, made even higher with dual screens! Anyways, Deoxys-S is a fast albeit somewhat frail screener, so for my second choice, I decided to something that was slow but bulky and had plenty of options. I had great success with Uxie in the previous generation, and with all of these Fighting- and Psychic-type moves flying everywhere, Uxie appears to work even better. These qualities make it a great tank and supporter who can survive just about anything.
EVs and Moves
Reflect and Light Screen allows Gorebyss to use Shell Smash and Baton Pass with ease and makes it easier for the other 3 teammates to sweep. With the new sleep mechanics, Yawn is a dangerous move that I love using against offensive Pokemon, who have a tendency to switch in. Finally, we have Memento, a great last-minute-emergency move to use against offensive team. This attack is guaranteed to destroy any offensive Pokemon Uxie is facing (unless they are behind a sub, which is becoming more common the more I play), and has saved me a few times.
EVs are, once again, pretty simple. I made Uxie physically-oriented to switch into the likes of Excadrill, Garchomp, Salamence and Tyranitar. Light Clay extends the duration of both screens.
How Do I Play With It?
Uxie is used as a physical tank. I send it out against physically-oriented Pokemon, such as Tyranitar and Kojondo as a pivot. From there, I tend to use Yawn to screw-up whatever my opponent sends in. If I suspect that Uxie's current foe will not use Taunt or moves such as Spikes and Leech Seed, I attempt to set up Light Screen and Reflect, and switch. Memento is a last-ditch effort, and I don't use it too often, either because a) Uxie is at a very low health and dies before I use it, b) I don't need to use it, or c) I feel that setting up either Light Screen or Reflect will be more beneficial.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Uxie is a very important member of this team, so I probably will keep it. However, given that I don't use Memento too often, I'm willing to replace the attack with U-turn.
Gorebyss (F) @ White Herb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 HP / 44 SpD / 232 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Shell Smash
- Surf
- Baton Pass
- Ice Beam
Why Gorebyss?
Gorebyss is the centerpiece to this team. Smeargle is too frail and Huntail gets outclassed, so she seems like the best option to me. The chance to have a Pokemon with +2 in every offensive stat with a single move seems too good to pass up.
EVs and moves
Shell Smash is a godly move. Absolutely golden. She isn't meant for sweeping, though, but rather for passing off this lovely boost to my remaining three Pokemon. Any Gliscor and Garchomp switch-ins are swiftly dealt with Ice Beam, and anything else who is not named Ferrothorn can usually be taken care of Surf, provided that their health is at a low enough damage. In some cases, I actually attempt to late-game sweep with Gorebyss, but more often than not, though, she is simply a Baton Passer slave.
The Speed EVs ensure that Gorebyss outspeed Pokemon with a base speed of 130, even if they have a speed-boosting nature, after a Shell Smash. So, the only Pokemon I have to worry about are those with a Choice Scarf (who hopefully won't do much with dual screens on my side) and Deoxys-S, which is a pain but rare outside of the lead position. The rest goes into HP and Special Defense to buff her up. White Herb is mandatory to ensure that the defense drops are not passed to my sweepers.
How Do I Play With It?
Unfortunately, I can't simply do Dual Screen -> Gorebyss -> Shell Smash -> Baton Pass -> ??? -> Win. First of all, I have to determine which Pokemon on my opponent's teams pose a threat to Gorebyss, such as pHazers, extremely strong special sweepers, priority users like bulky SpD Scizor, and Prankster Pokemon. To do this, I send in Gorebyss early on in the game against a Pokemon who cannot harm it, and use Baton Pass to scout as they send out another Pokemon. For example, I can send her out against a CBMarril locked into Aqua Jet, and Baton Pass to Rotom-W as my opponent sends out Gyarados. I can safely conclude that this Gyarados is a pHazar and hopefully remove it. When these threats are gone, I can send in Gorebyss without fear.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Eh, not really. Substitute is useful against opposing Ferrothorn, who tends to Leech Seed or Thunder Wave instead of straight out attacking, but I find Ice Beam to be too valuable.
Virizion @ Lum Berry
Trait: Justice Heart
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature (+Spe, -SpD)
- Calm Mind
- Close Combat
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Why Virizion?
Virizion = anti-metagame. It doesn't really fear any priority attacks except for the somewhat-rare Ice Shard (even then, Reflect should help out) and can set up on a wide variety of Pokemon and teams. Virizion can also function without a Shell Smash boost, so if Gorebyss somehow dies I have this Pokemon to rely on. On a final note, Virizion takes care of Pokemon that would otherwise tear this team apart, such as Excadrill, Gliscor and Garchomp.
EVs and moves
Calm Mind enables Virizion to be both a receiver and a stand-alone sweeper. Close Combat seems a bit odd for a CM Virizion set, but I do have an explanation. First of all, I want Virizion to abuse the fact that ALL offensive stats are raised by +2, and Close Combat makes it a mixed sweeper. In addition, Focus Blast is a terrible move. Absolutely awful. No way am I going to rely on that move. Giga Drain allows Virizion to heal some damage and dish some out as well. Finally, HP Ice ensures that Salamence, Gliscor, Landorus and Garchomp do not wall it.
EVs are pretty simple. Maximum Speed and Special Attack allows Virizion to outspeed many a Pokemon and dish out heavy blows. A Naive nature is used so that Close Combat does not receive a drop in power. Normally, Life Orb would be the preferred item. However, I quickly realized that many players attempted to cripple Virizion with moves like Thunder Wave and Toxic as Gorebyss used Baton Pass. Lum Berry prevents this from happening.
How Do I Play With It?
I quickly scan my opponent's team in Team Preview, and from there I decide on which Pokemon would be the best receiver. If Virizion fits the bill, I try to keep it away from action until Gorebyss is ready to do her job. If another Pokemon is suited for the job, I send Virizion against 'mons like Jellicient (Will-o-Wisp? Please bitch, check out my pimping Lum Berry) and Calm Mind. This usually happens during mid-game or late-game, where potential threats like ScarfChomp hopefully are removed.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
I'm not quite sure if this EV spread allows Virizion to survive a +2 X-scissor from Excadrill after SR + Sandstorm, but a more defensive spread that can survive that would be appreciated.
Rotom-W @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Hydro Pump
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Pain Split
Why Rotom-W?
Rotom-W can put the pain on a wide variety of Pokemon after a Shell Smash boost, and still is a threat if I make the receiver something else. Rotom-W is also a nifty cleaner and can take care of weakened 'mons and tear some holes early-game.
EVs and moves
Hydro Pump is a nifty and powerful STAB option, although it's accuracy is somewhat disappointing. Thunderbolt is another STAB option, and with Hydro Pump, has pretty decent coverage. Hidden Power Fire hits Ferrothorn and Obamasnow, who otherwise wall this set. Something interesting to note is that all three of these attacks hit every annoying Steel-type for at least neutral damage, which is a bonus. Pain Split, along with Leftovers, gives Rotom-W some bulk while the EVs still enable it to be an offensive threat. Pain Split is also my best option on Latios, although I do not plan on leaving it on him.
How Do I Play With It?
Water / Electric with Levitate enables Rotom-W to switch into a good deal of moves. Especially priority moves. Especially especially Bullet Punch from Scizor and Aqua Jet from Azumarril, who are dealt swiftly with either Thunderbolt or Will-o-wisp. Rotom-W is pretty good at removing priority users like them. Hydro Pump also hurts any Conkeldurr who does not invest deeply into Special Defense. Besides that, if I deem that Rotom-W should not be the receiver of Shell Smash, I either use it to soften up my opponent's team early-game or use it to clean up weakened Pokemon late-game.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Actually, yes. I'm toying with the idea of giving Choice Scarf to Rotom-W and replacing Will-o-Wisp with Trick (so I can trick Scarf away if I BP Shell Smash to it). This provides me with a "fail-safe" should anything go wrong. What are your opinions about this?
Garchomp (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature (+Atk, -SpD)
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Fire Blast
Why Garchomp?
Garchomp combines offense and defense into one. It possess great bulk, a monstrous Attack stat and a trolly Speed stat of 102. Garchomp is immune to Thunder Wave and can sweep on its own without a Shell Smash boost. In addition, Garchomp only fears Ice Shard, which, once again, is somewhat rare these days. These are the qualities that make a Pokemon a great receiver for a Shell Smash boost.
EVs and moves
Swords Dance raises Garchomp's already impressive attack stat to heart-pounding, astronomical levels. Earthquake is a neat and reliable STAB move. With Lum Berry, I can reliably spam Outrage with ease, as confusion will not be a problem. Fire Blast is there for Skarmory, who is OHKOd after rocks, and weakened Ferrothorn. Fire Blast is also nifty for hitting Levitating Steels, such as Bronzong and Pokemon like Balloon Excadrill, who would otherwise wall this set.
EVs are simple. Max Attack, max Speed and a Naughty nature (so Fire Blast will not suffer a drop in power) allows optimum conditions for sweeping. Lum Berry protects Garchomp from status and cures the confusion recoil from Outrage.
How Do I Play With It?
I play with Garchomp in the same manner that I play Virizion with.
Any problems or changes I'm willing to consider?
Not really.
So that's my team in a nutshell. Feel free to comment, rate and criticize!
