Singles Break that Core (Week 17: Hippowdon + Lucario + Dragonite) ~ VOTING (post #395)

Rhyperior @ Assault Vest
Adamant Nature
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 SpD
- Stone Edge
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Horn Drill

There's not much to be said here. Simply switch in on either and beat them with either Stone Edge or Ice Punch. It can take at least two hits from either Volcarona or Salamence, and retaliate back with an OHKO. Super simple.
 

ethan06

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Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge/Rock Slide
- Dual Chop

Click Head Smash twice lol. Outrage works too if you don't like missing. Some Volcarona carry Sash; luckily, Tyrantrum can't be KOed by any of Volcarona's moves (252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyrantrum: 118-141 (75.1 - 89.8%)). Mega Salamence can be an issue if it has already accrued a Dragon Dance boost and carries Outrage; otherwise, Salamence can't KO, even with +1 Earthquake. Someone should grab Garchomp too while it's still around :]
 
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Rhyperior @ Assault Vest
Adamant Nature
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 SpD
- Stone Edge
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Horn Drill

There's not much to be said here. Simply switch in on either and beat them with either Stone Edge or Ice Punch. It can take at least two hits from either Volcarona or Salamence, and retaliate back with an OHKO. Super simple.
+1 252+ SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 252 SpD Assault Vest Solid Rock Rhyperior: 165-195 (86.8 - 102.6%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO

With 42% of Volcarona carrying giga drain (and with focus sash volcs 2nd most common item, life orb it's 3rd which guarantees the OHKO), not sure how strong a check Rhyperior is.. rock blast would also be a stronger option over stone edge to minimise the chance of missing/ guarantee to break the sash. Also

252 SpA Mega Salamence Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 252 SpD Assault Vest Solid Rock Rhyperior: 135-162 (71 - 85.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

(which would be common on the 8% of modest/ timid Mence, seriously on pokemon gl "other moves make up 40% of Sals options, this thing is versatile)
 
Since cores are allowed I nominate the politied kingdra rain. Politoed has the bulk movepool and ability to handle at least one of em while kingdra can smother the remaining. I'm sure lo kingdra can easily handle both in rain regardless of the politoed set but that just makes this core that much more potent as both put in work not just rain from one and sweep from other.

Expansion on politoed. Perish song the typical rain setter set can pseudohaze setup pokemon and with protect as well. Late game win con vs last stand mons. Drizzle powered stab scald to boot and ice beam/encore so kingdra gets free switch and /or attack turns or can simply run ice beam to slay dragons

the following are sets used by a proven team. I won't explain anything specific but if you think about it from various angles, you'll see how it'll beat this core pretty much every time (unless your third pokemon or their 3rd pokemon changes the landscape way too much):

Politoed @ Eject Button
Ability: Drizzle
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Surf
- Protect
- Perish Song
- Encore

Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 50
EVs: 60 HP / 252 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
- Dragon Pulse
- Draco Meteor

In a nutshell: Politoed can use encore on any of em so they can't set up or they will be forced to set up as they either must take a perish song next turn (guaranteed win if last mon remaining) or Kingdra can get a free switch in the rain allowing it to have fun. If politoed is attacked and faints or even if it doesn't faint, eject button will allow Kingdra to have a free switch to have fun.

Kingdra having fun: vs a Mega Salamence it can fire a specs dragon pulse that ohkos and 2hkos volcarona switch-ins effectively sealing the win.
vs Volcarona it can fire off a surf and based on volcarona's item, will either 2hko or ohko. a salamence switch in is 2hkod by specs rain stab surf unless it is a bulky variant in which case Hydro Pump can work based on your judgement as it will 2hko 252hp MSala.

Regardless, a surviving Politoed in the back will allow Kingdra to reset its locked move and can potentially guarantee win with a perish song. The speed evs on Kingdra allow it to outspeed plus 1 speed enhanced nature max speed Mega Salamence in rain
 
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Can eat up a +1 double edge from Mence and Ohko back and volc can only 3hko- can either trick it specs on a predicted quiver dance/ switch in, volt switch out for momentum (because volc will most likely switch) or spam thunderbolt for damage on anything.

Rotom-h @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Hp / 4 Def / 108 SpA / 4 SpDef / 140 Spe
Modest Nature
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Ice
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch/ Trick

+1 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Rotom-H: 60-72 (38.2 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

+1 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Rotom-H: 102-120 (64.9 - 76.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
 

Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Stone Edge
- Dragon Claw

Garchomp can take this core on pretty well; with a Choice Scarf, Garchomp outspeeds both Pokemon (and +1 Volcarona), and can OHKO both with the appropriate move. Garchomp can even take a +1 Bug Buzz from Volcarona if needed. Unfortunately, Garchomp loses to +1 Mega Salamence, who can outspeed and OHKO it. The TankChomp set is an interesting alternative and can take hits from both mons while phazing them out with Dragon Tail, but it generally isn't as effective as the Choice Scarf set in this case.

Calcs

Garchomp vs. Volcarona

252 Atk Garchomp Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Volcarona: 412-488 (110.1 - 130.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 279-328 (84.8 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 259-306 (72.5 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 285-336 (79.8 - 94.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Garchomp vs. Mega Salamence

252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Salamence: 312-368 (94.2 - 111.1%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Return vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Garchomp: 246-289 (68.9 - 80.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Mega Salamence Outrage vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Garchomp: 440-522 (123.2 - 146.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Return vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Garchomp: 366-432 (102.5 - 121%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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Feliburn (Sceptile) (M) @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
Level: 50
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Slide
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
- Giga Drain

Why is Feliburn so OP omg
No special set ups or gimmicks needed, just straight up breaking. Although rock slide doesn't have perfect accuracy, it sure is high enough to rely on and guarantees a kill. The only down is that Mega Sceptile isn't the best switch to either one, so it's best to keep it as a lead or revenge killer. With a Usain Bolt base speed of 145, it's one of the fastest Pokemon in the meta and well over both Volcarona and Mega Salamence.

R.I.P calcs
vs.

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 170-204 (100 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
vs.

4 Atk Mega Sceptile Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 176-208 (109.3 - 129.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
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Since cores are allowed I nominate the politied kingdra rain. Politoed has the bulk movepool and ability to handle at least one of em while kingdra can smother the remaining. I'm sure lo kingdra can easily handle both in rain regardless of the politoed set but that just makes this core that much more potent as both put in work not just rain from one and sweep from other.

Expansion on politoed. Perish song the typical rain setter set can pseudohaze setup pokemon and with protect as well. Late game win con vs last stand mons. Drizzle powered stab scald to boot and ice beam/encore so kingdra gets free switch and /or attack turns or can simply run ice beam to slay dragons
Please include at least one set fren
 

cant say

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Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure (Tough Claws)
EVs: 20 HP / 244 Atk / 244 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Slide / Stone Edge
- Ice Fang
- Earthquake
- Aerial Ace / Hone Claws / Roost / Protect

Ok yeah so Aerodactyl resists both of Volcs STABs and Salamence's Flying STAB (and immune to his most common coverage move; Earthquake) so can tank a hit and then kill them both with the appropriate move. He's also fast as hell and can actually get away with an Adamant nature if you don't care about stuff like M-Lopunny / M-Scep / those other really fast things. Adamant (with 244 Spe EVs) outspeeds Mega Gengar still so there's that! The worst part about this is that if you have non-mega Salamence come in against Aerodactyl then it gets intimidated, which allows Mence to tank an Ice Fang and Dragon Dance and then outspeed. However, 20 HP EVs gives Adamant M-Mence only a 6.3% chance to OHKO at +1! Leaving you with a sliver of health as you OHKO him. The fourth moveslot is pretty much up for grabs, Aerial Ace is effectively a 90BP 100% accurate move for those stupid Minimizers, Hone Claws boosts Aero's attack and accuracy so you can spam Rock Slide (and Ice Fang) easier, Roost gives some health in the event that you need it (but Aero is pretty frail so will find it hard to use), and Protect can let him safely mega evolve if faced with something faster than base Aero forme (can't think of anything specific right now, Mega Gengar maybe?). Jolly is an option for outspeeding M-Manectric and M-Lopunny but you then rely on a damage toll to OHKO M-Mence...

Anyway here's calcs:
Mega Salamence:

Offensive:
  • (Adamant) 244+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Ice Fang vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 180-212 (105.2 - 123.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • (Jolly) 244 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Ice Fang vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 160-192 (93.5 - 112.2%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
  • (Adamant with Intimidate) -1 244+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Ice Fang vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 120-144 (70.1 - 84.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • (Jolly with Intimidate) -1 244 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Ice Fang vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 112-132 (65.4 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Defensive:
  • 252+ Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 20 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 90-107 (56.9 - 67.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • (After a DD) +1 252+ Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 20 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 135-159 (85.4 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
  • (Just in case) 252+ SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 121-144 (76.5 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
If intimidated, Mence could potentially try to Roost stall for an Ice Fang miss and be at full health while it +1 DE's you, but you have a better chance of freezing him (10%) than missing (5%)...

Volcarona:

Offensive:
  • Rock Slide does like 10000% trust me (yes even at -1)
Defensive:
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 55-66 (34.8 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 45-54 (28.4 - 34.1%) -- 1.3% chance to 3HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ice vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 82-98 (51.8 - 62%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 67-80 (42.4 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO
  • +1 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 67-80 (42.4 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO
  • +1 252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ice vs. 20 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 122-144 (77.2 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
So as you can see, Aero can even live a +1 HP Ice from Volc, so if it switches into a Quicer Dancing Volc it can tank the hit on the next turn and KO. If Mega Salamence hasn't evolved yet and comes in it could be tricky since you'd be at ~10% health and at -1 attack.. Try and lure Mence out first so you can beat it with Aero and then just kill Volc later
 

Feliburn (Sceptile) (M) @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
Level: 50
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Slide
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
- Giga Drain

Why is Feliburn so OP omg
No special set ups or gimmicks needed, just straight up breaking. Although rock slide doesn't have perfect accuracy, it sure is high enough to rely on and guarantees a kill. The only down is that Mega Sceptile isn't the best switch to either one, so it's best to keep it as a lead or revenge killer. With a Usain Bolt base speed of 145, it's one of the fastest Pokemon in the meta and well over both Volcarona and Mega Salamence.

R.I.P calcs
vs.

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 170-204 (100 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
vs.

4 Atk Mega Sceptile Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 176-208 (109.3 - 129.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Oh man that's swag. But if either of them has setup, then RIP Sceptile. If it was previously in there before either Mon came out, then yeah, it destroys the core. But otherwise, no.
 
Oh man that's swag. But if either of them has setup, then RIP Sceptile. If it was previously in there before either Mon came out, then yeah, it destroys the core. But otherwise, no.
I'm pretty sure Mega Mence destroys and outspeeds most of the pokemon nominated this round if it sets up, I mean look at the darn thing's stats and STAB! u_u
 
Thundurus @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt
- Fly

heh, doing thundurus again. this time i got a meme set. weird mixed spdef thund. lives mence DE even at +1, after DE recoil hp ice will usually kill. and not only can it take hits and dish out se damage, it can para both when they set up (lum volc can get funky but you can twave twice if at full health). stealth rock es no bueno for thund tho :(

calcerinos:
+1 252+ Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Thundurus: 156-184 (83.8 - 98.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

0 SpA Thundurus Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 120-144 (70.1 - 84.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 252+ SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Thundurus: 132-156 (70.9 - 83.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

0 Atk Thundurus Brave Bird vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 162-192 (100.6 - 119.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

^^^ this is with Fly base power, they dont have fly in the calc :(
 

DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
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Voting time! What do you think is the best answer for the deadly setup duo? Make sure to put your votes in bold.

teamjohto : Life Orb Mix Greninja
6tennis : Assault Vest Rhyperior
ethan06 : Choice Scarf Tyrantrum
GroudonEmpire : Politoed Kingdra Rain
Flamedood : Choice Specs Rotom-H
Rollout Shuckle : Choice Scarf Garchomp
PikachuCandyツ : Rock Slide Mega Sceptile
cant say : Mega Aerodactyl
NOVED : Sitrus Berry Thundurus (again)

My vote this week goes to GroudonEmpire. Basically by sending in Politoed you're guaranteed to get a free switch in to Kingdra in the rain, which can use hydro or dpulse to OHKO what's in front of it and 2HKO what's behind. A little nitpick with the nature of Kingdra though as Modest cannot outspeed +1 252+ Mega Salamence even in the rain, but Timid works just as well to destroy this core.

Happy voting!
 

bobochan

slow mo my bobo
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I cant say why I’m voting for Aerodactyl.
Jk, best case scenario Aerodactyl can come in on Volcarona and possibly set up Hone Claws for some perfect accuracy Stone Edge (those who stay in would hope for a Stone Miss).
Aerodactyl is one of the faster ones to be nominated so taking a Toxic from Mega Sala is okay and cannot be stalled out using SubRoost (a rather common set on Sala).
Worst case scenario Aerodactyl falls to an uncommon +1 Outrage (but so does everything else except Rhyperior who falls easily to Giga Drain).
Stone Edge + Ice Fang is kinda overkill which hits popular mons such as Chomper and Talonflame~
 

cant say

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Voting for ethan06's Tyrantrum. Scarf Head Smash is hilarious.

Surprised no one nominated Regirock! I was doing calcs and he beasts these guys
 
Teamjohto
Vote because gren is the only nomination in smash bros and smogon ubers. It can even take out swampert, a pokemon that used to be these guys' common partner

don't be an idiot
 
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Voting for ethan06. Scarf Head Smash owns both of these two and it can actually somewhat switch into both of them surprisingly. Doesn't require a mega slot and is useful against other mons in this meta as a revenge killer.
 
Voting for GroudonEmpire (y)

Timid Kingdra + Drizzle Politoed can destroy this core.
Under rain, Kingra can use Hydro Pump and Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor) for destroy this two Pokémon.
Ah, Timid Kingdra for outspeed Salamanece 252+ after a Dragon Dance.
 
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ethan06

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Vote #1 cant say. Aero is a really awesome and underrated mega that trashes a bunch of other threatening Pokémon like Talonflame and Mega Lopunny. It's a shame I don't see it around more tbh.
 

DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
is a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Make sure you guys give some reasoning relative to this core along with your votes . Don't choose something because it's funny or a playable character on SSB4. I'll discount votes if I have to.
 
Voting for Flamedood on this one, Rotom-H is a very effective check to this core and also manages to compress several roles into one teamslot (resist to Fire, Flying, and Electric, Volt Switch, and wall crippler with Trick) while just having some nice offensive and defensive presence overall.
 
I vote for ethan06

Tyrantrum resists all of Volcaronas moves and Dragon v Dragon is hype

I'm surprised nobody suggested this

Cloyster @ Focus Sash
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Shell Smash
- Icicle Spear
- Rock Blast
- Ice Shard
 

DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
is a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Congrats to ethan06 for winning this week's nomination with his choice scarf Tyrantrum set! Hulk Smash? More like Head Smash amirite? Sorry not sorry.

Since we've been focusing mainly on offensive cores ever since the beginning, let's take a breather and break defensive cores this week. What better core can we ask for than the fattest special sponge and the fattest physical sponge paired together? That's right, please welcome this week's core Chansey and Slowbro!



This pink duo will give you a real headache if you don't have ways of breaking through them, and will gradually scrape away your team while they keep smiling (just look at those sadistic faces). What is your best answer to this core?

Happy posting!
 
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