Resource SM OU ULTRA Cores

[power]

banner by Bummer | hosted by sedertz and Eternam, OP mostly copied from Bloo

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A strong core is one of the single most valuable things to form when creating a new team. Cores are typically made up of a group of Pokémon that, when used together, work excellently toward accomplishing a specific goal, and any good player uses them, intentionally or not. The majority of cores have varying characteristics that allow them to triumph in different areas, and depending on your team, cores can be built to succeed offensively or defensively. An offensive core is a group of Pokémon that are both focused towards and designed to enable the team to break through most other team styles while being balanced for general play. A defensive core is a group of Pokémon chosen to give a team a solid set of resistances and the ability to switch into many of the common and threatening attacks in the metagame, allowing it to stick around long enough to win the match. Overall, cores function as a fantastic base or starting point for a wide range of teams and they are commonly used while teambuilding to achieve a specific goal.

Posting Guidelines

• Any person can post a core in this thread. The cores are broken down into four categories: offensive cores, balanced cores, defensive cores, and weather cores. When posting your core, please make sure to state which one of these categories your core falls under.
• Although the way your core works may be obvious to you, this may not be the case for others. As such, when posting a core, please make sure to explain how the core operates and any other details you think are important to include. The explanations don't have to be essays; as long as your post has some substance and conveys the main idea behind the core, it's all good. Here are some things you may like to include when explaining your core:
  • Offensive Core: Should your core be an offensive one, such as Kyurem-B + Tapu Koko, you could explain how those two Pokemon work together to break down their similar checks and any other synergistic traits. You could also mention any weaknesses the core has and any partners you believe work well with the core.
    • Here is a good example of what we look for taken from the ORAS iteration.
  • Defensive Core: Should your core be defensive, such as Landorus-T + Ferrothorn, you could explain their typing synergy allows them to cover problematic Pokemon for one another, or any other synergistic attributes you feel are relevant. You could also mention any weaknesses the core has and any partners you believe work well with the core.
    • Hereis a good example of what we look for taken from the ORAS iteration.
• This goes without saying, but do make sure your post includes the sets your core is using. In addition, please try to include an explanation of any EV spreads deviating from the standard 252 / 252. Replays are also very helpful and highly encouraged when posting cores.
• Please do not post a core that has more than 3 Pokemon because cores bigger than this can restrict building immensely.
• Please be respectful of the cores people post in this thread. If someone posts a core that you think is ineffective or just plain bad, there is no need to jump at their throats. With that said, constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged - simply be nice!

Core Selection Process

• This thread is being run by Eternam and sedertz. We will carefully monitor the cores posted in this thread. When the time comes, we will discuss the posted cores together and decide which ones will be featured in the archive.
• While the selection of good cores can often be subjective, we will take into consideration a variety of aspects before deciding which cores are featured in the archive. This includes quality of explanation, effectiveness of the core in the current metagame, and so on. We will carefully discuss everything and seek feedback from others to ensure the selected cores are of high quality.
• When we decide which cores will be featured in the archive, we will try to announce them and provide brief explanations behind why certain cores were selected and why certain cores weren't. This feedback can potentially help give people a clearer picture of what we are looking for.
• If a core is originally rejected from the archive, we can definitely provide some tips on how a set or spread can be tweaked so the core meets the standards we look for.

The "Standout Cores" Section

• Once a week, one of us will post a meta defining core with an explanation of it. These cores will be featured in a separate archived called "Standout Cores" in an effort to highlight extremely influential cores.
• Sometimes these cores will be ones that have recently become very influential, but other times they might be classic cores.
• If we notice a post that highlights a standout core with a strong explanation, we might add it to this section. We aren't only limiting ourselves to our own posts! With that said, this isn't a project or competition: we will (most likely) be mostly posting ourselves.
• Just like with anyone else who posts a core, please feel free to bring up any concerns you might have with our posts and/or the cores we select! However, please be sure to be polite, and if it is a simple question/concern, we'd prefer it being directed to us in a PM.

So, let's commence the Cores. (WORK IN PROGRESS)

Offensive Cores

Click to Open

Tapu Koko + Hawlucha

Tapu Koko + Kyurem-B

Landorus-T + Magearna

(

)
Tapu Bulu + Kartana (+ Magnezone)

Kartana + Tyranitar / Mega Tyranitar

Pelipper + Mega Swampert

Ash-Greninja + Landorus-T

Tapu Lele + Alakazam

Mega Latios + Magnezone

Mega Pinsir + Magnezone

Mega Medicham + Ash-Greninja

Tapu Koko + Heatran

Tapu Koko + Tornadus-T

Mega Medicham + Tornadus-T

Mega Medicham + Tapu Koko

Mamoswine + Magnezone

Tornadus-T + Zygarde

Kartana + Tornadus-T

Tapu Koko + Greninja

Greninja + Zygarde

Ash-Greninja + Zygarde

Mega Latios + Magearna

Mega Lopunny + Kartana

Mega Mawile + Zygarde

Tapu Lele + Hawlucha

Tapu Lele + Kartana

Hoopa-U + Magearna

Balanced / Defensive Cores

Click to Open

Ferrothorn + Landorus-T

Ferrothorn + Heatran + Clefable

Toxapex + Landorus-T

Toxapex + Ferrothorn

Tapu Bulu + Heatran

Clefable + Gliscor

Mega Scizor + Heatran

Toxapex + Celesteela

Toxapex + Gliscor + Mega Scizor

Zapdos + Ferrothorn

Chansey + Zapdos

Mega Latias + Toxapex

Zygarde + Toxapex

Tapu Bulu + Magearna

Gastrodon + Tornadus-T

 

[talah]

slime green paint


reserved

 

[power]

Reserved

 

[MANNAT]

Core

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze/Toxic
- Recover
- Toxic Spikes

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 124 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower

This is one of the best balance cores out there and something that definitely should be added. These two Pokemon play off of each other's strengths and weaknesses fantastically, having great defensive synergy. Toxapex tends to let in offensive Psychic-types like Tapu Lele and Latios in for relatively free, especially if it elects to run Haze over Toxic, and Celesteela can do a solid job checking these in addition to doing a great job dealing with non-Gravity Landorus-T, another Pokemon that Toxapex struggles with. Tspikes are broken + Tect + Regen is hella gay. This core needs to be paired with solid Electric immunities/resists like Mega Venusaur, Landorus-T, AV Tapu Bulu, etc. as both Pokemon are forced out by Tapu Koko. Run hazard removal so you don't get raped by Ash Gren. Dank core that never loses games bop.

 

[false]

greninja + excadrill

Greninja @ Focus Sash
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes

Excadrill @ Focus Sash
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock

this core was probably at its height of popularity about a month or two ago, but double lead ho is still somewhat of a popular style, and the core itself remains a noteworthy one. both set hazards, while also having the ability to deny opposing setters; greninja with taunt, and excadrill with rapid spin.
-------------

landorus-t + toxapex

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stealth Rock

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze
- Toxic Spikes
- Recover

the two best pokemon in ou actually work together to make a very stout defensive core. they cover almost all of each other's weaknesses, while also being two of the most self sufficient defensive pokemon in the tier. the toxapex set is really just a placeholder, other options like toxic or payapa berry are perfectly fine alternatives if the team requires it.
-------------

mega alakazam + tapu lele

Alakazam-Mega @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Psyshock

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Aromatherapy

numerous variants of this core have been around since early in sm, but the variant with choice scarf tapu lele seems to be the version of this core that has been most popular as of recently. tapu lele works fantastically to support mega alakazam thanks to its psychic surge ability, making mega alakazam more threatening as a breaker, while also preventing it from being revenge killed by priority moves like water shuriken or extremespeed.

 

[OverlordDerp]

Rain Offensive Core: Yawn M-Swampert + Rockium-Z Kabutops

Sets

Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Yawn

Kabutops @ Rockium Z
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Waterfall
- Superpower

Trosko used this core in this replay during snake draft (although we don't see Yawn used in it), and I think it's a viable step in making Kabutops a viable choice in Rain again. YawnPert gives you an interesting out when facing common switch-ins like Mantine, Ferro, PhysDef Tang, Tapu Bulu and defensive Pelipper to name a few. Most of these switch-ins play as pivots, so forcing them to switch at inopportune times or eating a sleep status can open up a potentially game-ending opportunity. Ferro and Bulu in particular are great to have asleep against a rain team, since they become almost deadweight when they can't spread status/knock off/break stuff. Trosko uses Jolly on his Swampert to outpace Scarf Keldeo (since even though Kabu outspeeds Keld in Rain, it's not exactly safe to switch in), though I suppose Adamant is also an option if you want more breaking power.

Kabutops, on the other hand, covers everything that Swampert can't do much damage to, such as Mantine and Ferro. Assuming these targets are asleep (or even if they're not), Kabutops has a very easy time tearing them to pieces. Swampert helps cover its weaknesses to things like Keldeo, Toxapex, and the rather rare defensive Garchomp. Jolly Kabutops also conveniently outspeeds Jolly Bulu and M-Hera outside of the rain, and outpaces Scarf Latios while in the rain.

Obvious partners here are Defensive Pelipper and Ferrothorn, as is custom with the vast majority of rain teams. Chople Ferro can be an option for a teammate - if you Yawn a Bulu on the switch and fear it'll Superpower your incoming Ferro instead of switching out, it could be worth a shot. Koko/Lucha and Lele/Lucha are also more offensive options for teammates to provide offensive pressure outside of the rain.

This core can be troubled by Celesteela, although it is possible to wear it down enough to bring it down with Continental Crush. To boot, poor prediction of an enemy Serp, Bulu, Grass Knot Koko or M-Venu's play can still easily OHKO either member of this team. Losing rain is also a death sentence for this core, as a +2 Kabu outside of rain is slow as balls against any credible offensive 'mon in the tier and will promptly die.

 

[paoisd]

Offensive Core: Hoopa U + Mega Mawile
This one doesn't really need explaining. You just press buttons with two giant monsters and there is no switch ins. But for real though, thise core is amazing. Hoopa breaks pex of course which can be problematic for mawile, and it just hits everything hard like skarmory which also helps for mawile. Hoopa also breaks lando and mega venu which always frees up mawile. Mawile supports hoopa by being able to clear ttars off of the other team and stuff like chansey. I'm sorry if I worded anything wrong as I am not the greatest at getting information out through text.

Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest/Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Psychic
- Dark Pulse
- Thunderbolt


Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Fang

 

[Marigold]

Rather standard core, but...
Zard X Bulky Offense Core

sets

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Roost

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip
- Knock Off

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Roost
- Toxic
- Defog

Zard X is a phenomenal breaker in the OU metagame, but needs a reliable defensive backbone to fall back on after being threatened by revenge killers. Enter Ferrothorn + Mantine, a defensive backbone which provides hazards to pressure Zard X switch-ins further, defogs away the rocks that Zard X dislikes, and can switch into threats like latios, lando-t, greninjas, keldeo, etc. This trio also has amazing type synergy, covering each other with a plethora of resistances and immunities while also completing a FWG core.

Good partners to add onto this would be a volt-turn core to bring in Zard X efficiently, and a Zygarde switch-in. Ferrothorn could be spikes, but I'm personally not a fan of hazard stack + defog. Watch out for psychic spam, a moderately broken archetype

Watch out for Naganadel, this pokemon can set up on all 3 members of this core. Stakataka is also a threat if it manages to get TR up, but it struggles to set it up vs this core safely. Blacephalon can also run through this core with specs shadow ball.

Edit: discussed new UB's as threats

 

[MANNAT]

Core 1

Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch

Greninja @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- Spikes

Here's another really cool offensive core that I like. Mega Medicham is a potent breaker right now, with Mew usage on the decline coupled with Mega Sableye usage being close to zero. These two breakers complement each other really well, with Mega Medicham threatening out defensive answers to Greninja such as: AV Tangrowth, AV Magearna, Chansey, etc. and Greninja setting down Spikes to wear away at Mega Medicham checks such as Mew, Mega Slowbro, etc as well as threatening these mons out with Choice Specs Dark Pulse. This core is fairly self sufficient, so it can be used to start off an offensive team and leaves you with a lot of room for flexibility.

Core 2

Tapu Lele @ Choice Specs
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- Focus Blast

Magnezone @ Electrium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

This is a fantastic offensive core that focuses on utilizing Electrium Z Magnezone to eliminate or heavily weaken the Steel-types that annoy Tapu Lele. This is a pretty straightforward core and can be a great start to hyper offensive and bulky offensive teams alike.

 

[Jordy]

sets

Keldeo @ Waterium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Taunt

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake

Tyranitar traps many of Keldeo's checks such as Latios and (Mega) Latias that prevent Keldeo from wall breaking properly. It can also heavily pressure Pokemon such as Mantine, Toxapex, and Mega Venusaur to stay healthy. In return Keldeo can use Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela to set up Calm Minds to start smashing holes into the opposing team, it can also pressure Ground-types, however, it can't switch into Ground-type attacks well.

sets

Tapu Bulu @ Rockium Z / Fightinium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Stone Edge / Wood Hammer

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic / Taunt
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power

Tapu Bulu can set up Grassy Terrain essentially giving Heatran extra recovery and weakening Earthquake, it can also beat Water- and Ground-types that really annoy Heatran. In return Heatran can annoy/break a lot of stuff that Tapu Bulu tends to struggle with despite its coverage such as Heatran,Blacephalon, Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, and Zapdos. Heatran can also set up Stealth Rock for Tapu Bulu which lets Tapu Bulu break through Mega Venusaur and Celesteela with a boosted Continental Crush.

sets

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Roost

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam

Tapu Koko can give Charizard-X an easy time coming in as Choice Specs Tapu Koko's main checks are Grass-types that Charizard-X can easily break, In return Tapu Koko can beat Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex which Charizard-X tends to struggle with, Tapu Koko also lures in Pokemon such as Zygarde, Landorus-T, and Garchomp to find themselves OHKOd by HP Ice.

 

[Leo]

Mega Pinsir + Magnezone

sets

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Frustration
- Earthquake
- Quick Attack

Magnezone @ Electrium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Mega Pinsir+Magnezone is an old classic taken from the old archive with a very simple premise: Magnezone traps Steel-types like Celesteela and Skarmory after losing its Shed Shell, which allows Mega Pinsir to become a huge threat to teams that rely on these Pokemon to check it. Since pretty much all Skarmorys pack Shed Shell these days you're going to need a Knock Off user that can lure Skarmory and remove it like Landorus-T.

Tapu Koko + Mega Scizor

sets

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Defog
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Roost

Another straight forward core from the old thread with updated sets. Mega Scizor and Tapu Koko form a very potent VoltTurn core due to the switches they force and are able to support a wide variety of offensive Pokemon that require pivots to get into the field such as Life Orb Kyurem-B and Hoopa-Unbound. Additionally, Mega Scizor provides crucial Defog support, which lets the duo pivot around without losing hp to hazards.

 

[Meliodafu7]

Offensive Core: Waterium Z Keldeo + Choice Scarf Tapu Lele

Keldeo and Tapu Lele have great sinergy: offensively and defensively forming a great core of a wallbreaker and cleaner. Waterium Z Keldeo allows this core have a great stall and balance matchup breaking nearly anything and taking out Heatran, Celesteela, Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor and Dark-types in the meta like Tyranitar, Weavile and Bisharp, can knock out Choice Scarf Blacephalon as Keldeo can live +1 Shadow Ball from it at +0 SpD and KO with Hydro Pump; Keldeo can even take advantage from Psychic Terrain to block M-Pinsir's QA and other priority moves. In the other hand, Tapu Lele gives this core a nice offense matchup, while checking common revenge killers of Keldeo like Choice Scarf Lati@s, Tapu Koko and other fast mon who non-scarf Keldeo can struggle against, provides useful support in the form of Nature's Madness wearing down bulky foes without reliable recovery like AV Magearna and Celesteela, making easier for Keldeo set up and break, or Aromatherapy if Keldeo or another member gets statused, and finally checking one of the most solid answers to this Keldeo set: M-Venusaur, moreover Lele provides a solid cleaner after Keldeo's wallbreaking dutties.
In term of partners, this core loves hazard support, so, mates here includes Ferrothorn, with the plus of checking Scarf Kartana who gives this core headaches, Landorus-T, Heatran and other mons, while Protean Greninja can provide Spikes Support having the benefit of luring in M-Venusaur with Life Orb Extransensory.

Sets/Calcs

Keldeo @ Waterium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Taunt

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power Fire
- Nature's Madness / Aromatherapy

 

[comma]

Offensive Core: Tyranitar+Volcarona

Pretty simple. Tyranitar to trap special walls like gastrodon, mantine, chansey, etc. for volc to sweep late game. Weavile could work here as a pursuit trapper but is generally inferior to tyranitar. Stealth rock MegaTar also works as a pursuit trapper with this core. (The sets and ev spreads for tyranitar don't really matter for this core and volcarona can run any qd set)

sets

Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Psychic
- Bug Buzz

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 72 HP / 252 Atk / 184 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Earthquake/Fire Punch

Offensive Core: Mega Medicham+Tapu Koko

Tapu koko gives electric terrain to power up medicham's thunder punch to 2hko medicham's common checks like mega sableye, mew (with chip), reuniclus and mega slowbro. Tapu koko is also great since it can u turn or volt switch on a lot of its switch-ins like tangrowth, av magearna, magnezone, chansey, SpDef Tran and ferrothorn to bring medicham in for a free kill or very heavy hit. However since Medicham doesn't have zen headbutt, the core does have trouble breaking mega venusaur. (Tapu Koko set doesn't matter as long as they have a pivoting move.)

sets

Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Thunder Punch
- Ice Punch
- Fake Out/Bullet Punch

Tapu Koko @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Roost
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Offensive core: Tapu Lele+Hawlucha

Tapu Lele sets up the terrain for Hawlucha who gets the free speed boost and spdef boost to set up. These two can be paired with Alakazam to complete the psychic spam core. The SpDef boost can help Hawlucha take a water shuriken from ash greninja and allows it to take nothing from defensive landorus hp ice. However, not having a PhysDef boost sucks against other mons like Celesteela and Mega Pinsir. Fini and Bulu can also be used but those pokemon are harder to pivot into Hawlucha from. Tapu Koko+Hawlucha is by far the best core but that was mentioned in a previous post. (Tapu Lele set doesn't matter and the last slot on hawlucha can be anything)

sets

Tapu Lele @ Choice Specs
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Hawlucha @ Psychic Seed
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 152 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Acrobatics
- High Jump Kick
- Drain Punch/Roost

Offensive Core: Bird+Magnezone

Magnezone traps skarm and steela for Landorus to break through everything without having to run smack down or gravity. Obviously you're going to need to pair this core with a mon to knock off skarmory's shed shell like kartana. Other birds like pinsir, hawlucha, gyarados, salamence and dragonite all benefit from magnezone support for the same reasons. Pinsir magnezone is by far the best core of all of these and it was mention in a previous post. (Any magnezoneset works here but the z-slot is taken)

sets

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Fly
- Stealth Rock

Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon

Offensive Core: Tapu Bulu + Magearna

Tapu Bulu provides some form of recovery for AV magearna, who has none while also weakening earthquakes for it. These two also cover each others weaknesses fairly well. You can pair heatran with bulu for the same reasons as magearna but that was mentioned in a previous post. (Tapu Bulu set doesn't matter but don't run dual AV with magearna)

sets

Tapu Bulu @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Zen Headbutt
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Wood Hammer

Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Fleur Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon

Offensive Core: Greninja+Zygarde/Suicune

This core is pretty well known. Greninja can reliably set up toxic spikes for Suicune and Zygarde to abuse with protect as they slowly set up. . Greninja's taunt can also prevent defogging of it's hazards. Toxapex is a more favorable toxic spike setter, but has a redundant role with suicune as a bulky water.

OR

sets

Greninja @ Focus Sash
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes
- Ice Beam
- Taunt

Zygarde @ Leftovers
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 188 HP / 140 Atk / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Protect
- Dragon Dance
- Thousand Waves

OR

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Protect
- Calm Mind
- Scald

Offensive Core: Tapu Bulu+Magnezone

Magnezone removes steel types like skarm, steela, ferrothorn and scizor for Tapu Bulu to break. Tapu Bulu sets all appreciate having steel types removed to allow them to spam their grass moves. Even with steel types removed, Tapu Bulu can have a tough time bulky grasses but it can break through most of them anyway. (Sets don't matter)

sets

Tapu Bulu @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Horn Leech
- Wood Hammer
- Superpower
- Zen Headbutt

Magnezone @ Electrium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt

Offensive Core: Grass Spam

At the time of writing this post, this core is probably the best in the metagame. Tapu Bulu's grassy terrain boosts Kartana's leaf blades to insane levels of power that become very hard to switch into. These two are usually paired with a magnezone to further reduce switch-ins to kartana. Kartana even knocks off skarmory shed shells for magnzeone to trap. (Sets don't matter but scarf kartana is preferred)

sets

Tapu Bulu @ Assault Vest
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 60 Atk / 56 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Horn Leech
- Wood Hammer
- Superpower
- Nature's Madness

Kartana @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sacred Sword
- Leaf Blade
- Defog
- Knock Off

Offensive core: Birdspam

The main goal is for one bird to wear down or take out common bird checks like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, Rotom, Skarmory, Landorus and Celesteela for another bird to clean up late game. Pinsir+Dragonite was popular during the SM OLT era but Pinsir+Hawlucha is much more popular and effective right now. Obviously, with this core you're going to need some form of hazard removal and a Tapu if you are running Hawlucha. Other birds like z-fly landorus, gyarados and salamence all work too. These pokemon all really benefit from magnezone but that is definitely harder to fit since Birdspam is on hyper offense teams for the most part. Earth Plate gravity landorus also works well with other birds since it can take out skarmory, celesteela, rotom and zapdos.

sets

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Return
- Quick Attack

Dragonite @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fly
- Dragon Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Fire Punch

Offensive Core: Fire Spam

Volcarona wears down fire checks like toxapex, tyranitar and heatran for scarf blace to sweep late game or specs blace to weaken the opponent's team for volcarona to sweep. (Volcarona can run any qd set but I prefer psychium with bug buzz in the last slot for ttar but hp ground for heatran is still really good)

sets

Blacephalon @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast
- Trick

Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Psychic
- Bug Buzz/Hidden Power [Ground]
- Quiver Dance

 

[Hugooo]

Offensive core

Diacie bounces rocks, that would otherwise threaten volcarona, and after a Rock polish it outspeeds common scarfers that would outspeed +1 volc and threatens them with moonblast. This allows volc tot sweep with more ease.
I like psychic over hp ground on volc, since diancie can run earth power over hp fire because volc runs fire blast.

Sets

Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Polish
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power

Calcs of diancie vs scarfers

Garchomp: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 416-492 (116.2 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Keldeo: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 396-468 (122.6 - 144.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Greninja: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Greninja: 534-630 (187.3 - 221%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Kartana: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kartana: 276-325 (106.5 - 125.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Latios: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 336-396 (111.6 - 131.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Terrakion: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion: 396-468 (122.6 - 144.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[The Hallows]

One of the nastiest offensive partnerships in the tier, Tapu Lele breaks extremely well for Ash Greninja to become ultra threatening in the late game.
Losing priority water shuriken at some points during games is a small price to pay for the offensive synergy that these two have, They share a few of the same switch ins such as av Magearna & Ferrothorn, but nothing can stand up to both of these throughout a game which is why the influx of av Magearna on every offense plays into this cores hands.

 

[AM]

wyattdev psychic terrain does not block priority on flying mons, hawlucha included.

 

[Indigo Plateau]

Sets

Camerupt @ Cameruptite
Ability: Magma Armor
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock

Tapu Koko @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Hidden Power Ice
- Taunt
- U-turn

Straightforward offensive core that abuses Koko's fast U-Turn to be able to bring Camerupt in safely. This core is especially effective at breaking balance builds, since cores like Venu/Steela/Pex get shit on by Camerupt and fatter special sponges like Chansey and whatnot are pressured heavily by Koko. Ideally, you'd want to pair this with a defogger and some kind of water/ground resist for things like Lando-T and Greninja.

Sets

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Toxic
- Earthquake

Defensive core with perfect type synergy that I've been using to hell lately. Most things that can break Gastrodon are easily handled by Celesteela (bar SD sets like SD Bulu), while Gastrodon helps check the likes of Koko, Heatran, and any water type. This core normally fits best on balance / BO build. You want to have something to still be able to clear TSpikes for Gastro and deal with shit like Volc, which can set up on Celesteela and be annoying in general.

Sets

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip
- Knock Off

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power

Textbook balance/defensive oriented core. Heatran and Ferro form an extremely solid double steel core that blanket check a ton of the current meta. Water types that can trouble Heatran and the likes of Koko/Lando-T are walled by Ferro, and Heatran can switch into the fire types/coverage, Kartana, or annoyances to Ferro like Celesteela.

 

[PQD]

Nasty Plot Naganadel + Keldeo (Offensive Core)

Naganadel is just a brainless Pokémon with a powerful special attack boostable with Nasty Plot, a really high speed, boostable with Beast Boost, and a really good double-typing, offensively or defensively. It would be so strooong with Dugtrio.. but it is fortunately banned, so I added Keldeo to beat Tyranitar, Heatran and Chansey for it. Naganadel beats Keldeo checks too, especially Grass-types and Fairy-types like Tangrowth, Tapu Fini and Tapu Bulu.

Dragonium Z used on Draco Meteor is really strong, because Naganadel can hit Fairy-types with Sludge Wave, and Steel-types with Fire Blast (exept Heatran ofc, that's why I run Keldeo..).
Firium Z used on Fire Blast is an option which permits to OHKO Assault Vest Magearna after a Nasty Plot boost, normal Fire Blast not killing, even with Life Orb (+2 252 SpA Life Orb Naganadel Fire Blast vs. 200 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 268-317 (76.3 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO).

Sets

Naganadel @ Dragonium Z / Firium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Sludge Wave
- Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
- Fire Blast

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Stone Edge / Scald

 

[Ramses]

hey, so it's been a while since you guys have heard anything from us, so I'm going to take the time to go through your posts and point some changes I'd like to see or whether or not your core has met the standards to be archived.

Core

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze/Toxic
- Recover
- Toxic Spikes

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 124 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower

.

this core is tried and true, it'd be nice to mention its weakness to naganadel and blacephelon.

greninja + excadrill

Greninja @ Focus Sash
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes

Excadrill @ Focus Sash
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock

this core was probably at its height of popularity about a month or two ago, but double lead ho is still somewhat of a popular style, and the core itself remains a noteworthy one. both set hazards, while also having the ability to deny opposing setters; greninja with taunt, and excadrill with rapid spin.
-------------

landorus-t + toxapex

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stealth Rock

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze
- Toxic Spikes
- Recover

the two best pokemon in ou actually work together to make a very stout defensive core. they cover almost all of each other's weaknesses, while also being two of the most self sufficient defensive pokemon in the tier. the toxapex set is really just a placeholder, other options like toxic or payapa berry are perfectly fine alternatives if the team requires it.
-------------

mega alakazam + tapu lele

Alakazam-Mega @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Psyshock

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Aromatherapy

numerous variants of this core have been around since early in sm, but the variant with choice scarf tapu lele seems to be the version of this core that has been most popular as of recently. tapu lele works fantastically to support mega alakazam thanks to its psychic surge ability, making mega alakazam more threatening as a breaker, while also preventing it from being revenge killed by priority moves like water shuriken or extremespeed.

these are all good, just be sure to mention in the new ultrabeasts as threats if applicable

Rain Offensive Core: Yawn M-Swampert + Rockium-Z Kabutops

Sets

Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Yawn

Kabutops @ Rockium Z
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Waterfall
- Superpower

I understand this was used in Snake and showed success, but in a practical sense, it's a bit sub-optimal considering how formulaic Rain is as a playstyle. Every team slot really counts. I'll discuss this with Sed though.

Offensive Core: Hoopa U + Mega Mawile
This one doesn't really need explaining. You just press buttons with two giant monsters and there is no switch ins. But for real though, thise core is amazing. Hoopa breaks pex of course which can be problematic for mawile, and it just hits everything hard like skarmory which also helps for mawile. Hoopa also breaks lando and mega venu which always frees up mawile. Mawile supports hoopa by being able to clear ttars off of the other team and stuff like chansey. I'm sorry if I worded anything wrong as I am not the greatest at getting information out through text.

Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest/Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Psychic
- Dark Pulse
- Thunderbolt


Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Fang

This isn't exactly a great core considering Mawile and Hoopa are both simple wallbreakers that don't really do anything for each other besides Hoopa hitting Mega Venusaur. Otherwise, both don't do much to account for their individual / shared weaknesses.

Rather standard core, but...
Zard X Bulky Offense Core

sets

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Roost

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip
- Knock Off

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Roost
- Toxic
- Defog

Zard X is a phenomenal breaker in the OU metagame, but needs a reliable defensive backbone to fall back on after being threatened by revenge killers. Enter Ferrothorn + Mantine, a defensive backbone which provides hazards to pressure Zard X switch-ins further, defogs away the rocks that Zard X dislikes, and can switch into threats like latios, lando-t, greninjas, keldeo, etc. This trio also has amazing type synergy, covering each other with a plethora of resistances and immunities while also completing a FWG core.

Good partners to add onto this would be a volt-turn core to bring in Zard X efficiently, and a Zygarde switch-in. Ferrothorn could be spikes, but I'm personally not a fan of hazard stack + defog. Watch out for psychic spam, a moderately broken archetype

This is fine, just be sure to mention the new ultrabeasts as threats if applicable

Core 1

Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch

Greninja @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- Spikes

Here's another really cool offensive core that I like. Mega Medicham is a potent breaker right now, with Mew usage on the decline coupled with Mega Sableye usage being close to zero. These two breakers complement each other really well, with Mega Medicham threatening out defensive answers to Greninja such as: AV Tangrowth, AV Magearna, Chansey, etc. and Greninja setting down Spikes to wear away at Mega Medicham checks such as Mew, Mega Slowbro, etc as well as threatening these mons out with Choice Specs Dark Pulse. This core is fairly self sufficient, so it can be used to start off an offensive team and leaves you with a lot of room for flexibility.

Core 2

Tapu Lele @ Choice Specs
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- Focus Blast

Magnezone @ Electrium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

This is a fantastic offensive core that focuses on utilizing Electrium Z Magnezone to eliminate or heavily weaken the Steel-types that annoy Tapu Lele. This is a pretty straightforward core and can be a great start to hyper offensive and bulky offensive teams alike.

Same as I said for the previous core, nice.

sets

Keldeo @ Waterium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Taunt

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake

Tyranitar traps many of Keldeo's checks such as Latios and (Mega) Latias that prevent Keldeo from wall breaking properly. It can also heavily pressure Pokemon such as Mantine, Toxapex, and Mega Venusaur to stay healthy. In return Keldeo can use Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela to set up Calm Minds to start smashing holes into the opposing team, it can also pressure Ground-types, however, it can't switch into Ground-type attacks well.

sets

Tapu Bulu @ Rockium Z / Fightinium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Stone Edge / Wood Hammer

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power

Tapu Bulu can set up Grassy Terrain essentially giving Heatran extra recovery and weakening Earthquake, it can also beat Water- and Ground-types that really annoy Heatran. In return Heatran can annoy/break a lot of stuff that Tapu Bulu tends to struggle with despite its coverage such as Heatran, Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, and Zapdos. Heatran can also set up Stealth Rock for Tapu Bulu which lets Tapu Bulu break through Mega Venusaur and Celesteela with Continental Crush.

sets

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Roost

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam

Tapu Koko can give Charizard-X an easy time coming in as Choice Specs Tapu Koko's main checks are Grass-types that Charizard-X can easily break, In return Tapu Koko can beat Bulky Water-types such as Toxapex which Charizard-X tends to struggle with, Tapu Koko also lures in Pokemon such as Zygarde, Landorus-T, and Garchomp to find themselves get OHKOd.

All three are tried and true good cores, nice. Just mention the new ultrabeasts.

Mega Pinsir + Magnezone

sets

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Frustration
- Earthquake
- Quick Attack

Magnezone @ Electrium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Mega Pinsir+Magnezone is an old classic taken from the old archive with a very simple premise: Magnezone traps Steel-types like Celesteela and Skarmory after losing its Shed Shell, which allows Mega Pinsir to become a huge threat to teams that rely on these Pokemon to check it. Since pretty much all Skarmorys pack Shed Shell these days you're going to need a Knock Off user that can lure Skarmory and remove it like Landorus-T.

Tapu Koko + Mega Scizor

sets

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Defog
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Roost

Another straight forward core from the old thread with updated sets. Mega Scizor and Tapu Koko form a very potent VoltTurn core due to the switches they force and are able to support a wide variety of offensive Pokemon that require pivots to get into the field such as Life Orb Kyurem-B and Hoopa-Unbound. Additionally, Mega Scizor provides crucial Defog support, which lets the duo pivot around without losing hp to hazards.

Same as above.

 

[Ramses]

Offensive Core: Waterium Z Keldeo + Choice Scarf Tapu Lele

Keldeo and Tapu Lele have great sinergy: offensively and defensively forming a great core of a wallbreaker and cleaner. Waterium Z Keldeo allows this core have a great stall and balance matchup breaking nearly anything and taking out Heatran, Celesteela, Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor and Dark-types in the meta like Tyranitar, Weavile and Bisharp, and taking advantage from Psychic Terrain to block M-Pinsir's QA and other priority moves. In the other hand, Tapu Lele gives this core a nice offense matchup, while checking common revenge killers of Keldeo like Choice Scarf Lati@s, Tapu Koko and other fast mon who non-scarf Keldeo can struggle against, and checking one of the most solid answers to this Keldeo set: M-Venusaur, moreover Lele provides a solid cleaner after Keldeo's wallbreaking dutties.
In term of partners, this core loves hazard support, so, mates here includes Ferrothorn, with the plus of checking Scarf Kartana who gives this core headaches, Landorus-T, Heatran and other mons, while Protean Greninja can provide Spikes Support having the benefit of luring in M-Venusaur with Life Orb Extransensory.

Hide

Keldeo @ Waterium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Taunt

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power Fire
- Focus Blast / Thunderbolt

Nice core with a workable premise behind it. I'd be sure to mention the ultrabeasts and slash Nature's Madness and Aromatheraphy in the last slot rather than Thunderbolt. I'd honestly drop Focus Blast altogether tbh and just slash those two.

Got 6 pretty standard cores here with overexcessive slashing to show every single possibility.
Offensive Core: Tyranitar+Volcarona

Pretty simple. Tyranitar to trap special walls like gastrodon, mantine, chansey, etc. for volc to sweep late game. Tyranitar can be either choice band trapper or stealth rock+pursuit MegaTar. Weavile could work here as a pursuit trapper as well by tyranitar is better most of the time.

(Choice Band Trapper or Stealth Rock+Pursuit MegaTar) +

(Either QD set works here)

sets

Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Psychic
- Hidden Power [Ground]/Giga Drain

OR

Volcarona @ Buginium Z
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Substitute
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Superpower/Earthquake/Ice Punch/Fire Punch/Aqua Tail

OR

Tyranitar @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Pursuit
- Crunch/Stone Edge
- Fire Punch/Earthquake/Ice Beam

Offensive Core: Mega Medicham+Tapu Koko

This one is a classic. Tapu koko gives electric terrain to power up medicham's thunder punch to 2hko medicham's common checks like mega sableye, mew (with chip), reuniclus and mega slowbro. Tapu koko is also great since it can u turn or volt switch on a lot of its switch-ins like tangrowth, av magearna, magnezone, chansey, SpDef Tran and ferrothorn to bring medicham in for a free kill. You can pair these two with a venusaur lure like sd rockium z tapu bulu since medicham lacks zen headbutt. Thunder punch still isn't strong enough to break through some lesser seen mons like cresselia, cofagrigus and doublade.

(Any Koko set)+

(T-Punch Medicham)

sets

Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Thunder Punch
- Ice Punch
- Fake Out/Bullet Punch

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]/Hidden Power [Ice]

OR

Tapu Koko @ /Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- U -Turn
- Taunt/Roost
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Offensive core: Tapu Lele+Hawlucha

Tapu Lele sets up the terrain for Hawlucha who gets the free speed boost and spdef boost to set up. These two can be paired with Alakazam to complete the psychic spam core. You can use bulk up roost hawlucha to set up on landorus but that set it hot garbage.

(Psychic Seed)+

(Any Lele Set)

sets

Tapu Lele @ Choice Specs/Choice Scarf/Life Orb/Psychium Z
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Psyshock/Thunderbolt/Calm Mind
- Focus Blast/Hidden Power [Fire]

Hawlucha @ Psychic Seed
Ability: Limber
EVs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 152 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance/Bulk Up
- Acrobatics
- High Jump Kick
- Drain Punch/Stone Edge/Poison Jab/Substitute/Roost

Offensive Core: Landorus+Magnezone

Magnezone traps skarm and steela for Landorus to break through everything without having to run smack down or gravity. Obviously you're going to need to pair this core with a mon to knock off or trick away skarmory's shed shell. Scarf and specs magnezone could work here if they were actually good sets, but since they aren't and the z-slot is taken by Landorus, AV is usually the option.

(Flyinium Z)+

(Any Magnezone)

sets

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Fly
- Stealth Rock

Magnezone @ Assault Vest
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 136 HP / 192 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon

OR

Magnezone @ Choice Specs/Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon

Offensive Core: Tapu Bulu+Magearna/Magnezone

Tapu Bulu provides some form of recovery for AV magearna, who has none while also weakening earthquakes for it. These two also cover each others weaknesses fairly well. In theory any Bulu set could work here but SD is the only good set. You can pair heatran with bulu for the same reasons as magearna but that was mentioned in a previous post. However, even better than magearna or heatran is av magnezone. Magnezone appreciates recovery and weakened earthquakes but also traps bulky steels giving bulu more freedom to run grassium z or life orb.

(Assault Vest)/

(Assault Vest)+

(Swords Dance)

sets

Tapu Bulu @ Rockium Z/Grassium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Stone Edge

Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Fleur Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]/Ice Beam
- Volt Switch
- Iron Head/Flash Cannon

OR

Magnezone @ Assault Vest
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 136 HP / 192 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon

Offensive Core: Greninja+Zygarde/Suicune

This core is pretty well known. Greninja can reliably set up toxic spikes for Suicune and Zygarde to abuse with protect as they slowly set up. EV spreads both to have 404 hp for substitutes that can't be broken by seismic toss. Zygarde has enough speed EVs to outspeed base 130s at +1 and Suicune has enough speed to outspeed adamant mimikyu. However, speed EVs can be adjusted to anyone's personal preferences.

(sash lead)+

(SubDD)/

(SubCM)

sets

Greninja @ Focus Sash
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes/Extrasensory
- Ice Beam
- Taunt

Zygarde @ Leftovers
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 188 HP / 140 Atk / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Protect
- Dragon Dance
- Thousand Waves

OR

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 16 SpD / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Protect
- Calm Mind
- Scald

The only qualms I have with this post is some of your spreads are pretty eccentric and you have a ton of slashes. I'd prefer if Tyranitar was using a speedier spread, in fact, make sure every core you have posted is using standard spreads. Drastically reduce the amount of slashes you have in the post and change Hawlucha's ability to Unburden.

Offensive core

Diacie bounces rocks, that would otherwise threaten volcarona, and after a Rock polish it outspeeds common scarfers that would outspeed +1 volc and threatens them with moonblast. This allows volc tot sweep with more ease.
I like psychic over hp ground on volc, since diancie can run earth power over hp fire because volc runs fire blast.

Sets

Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Polish
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power

Calcs of diancie vs scarfers

Garchomp: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 416-492 (116.2 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Keldeo: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 396-468 (122.6 - 144.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Greninja: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Greninja: 534-630 (187.3 - 221%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Kartana: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kartana: 276-325 (106.5 - 125.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Latios: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 336-396 (111.6 - 131.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Terrakion: 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion: 396-468 (122.6 - 144.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Standard core, but I don't agree with Rock Polish Mega Diancie. AoA or Stealth Rock would be better

One of the nastiest offensive partnerships in the tier, Tapu Lele breaks extremely well for Ash Greninja to become ultra threatening in the late game.
Losing priority water shuriken at some points during games is a small price to pay for the offensive synergy that these two have, They share a few of the same switch ins such as av Magearna & Ferrothorn, but nothing can stand up to both of these throughout a game which is why the influx of av Magearna on every offense plays into this cores hands.

Sets would be nice bro.

Sets

Camerupt @ Cameruptite
Ability: Magma Armor
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock

Tapu Koko @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Hidden Power Ice
- Taunt
- U-turn

Straightforward offensive core that abuses Koko's fast U-Turn to be able to bring Camerupt in safely. This core is especially effective at breaking balance builds, since cores like Venu/Steela/Pex get shit on by Camerupt and fatter special sponges like Chansey and whatnot are pressured heavily by Koko. Ideally, you'd want to pair this with a defogger and some kind of water/ground resist for things like Lando-T and Greninja.

Sets

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Toxic
- Earthquake

Defensive core with perfect type synergy that I've been using to hell lately. Most things that can break Gastrodon are easily handled by Celesteela (bar SD sets like SD Bulu), while Gastrodon helps check the likes of Koko, Heatran, and any water type. This core normally fits best on balance / HO build. You want to have something to still be able to clear TSpikes for Gastro and deal with shit like Volc, which can set up on Celesteela and be annoying in general.

Sets

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip
- Knock Off

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power

Textbook balance/defensive oriented core. Heatran and Ferro form an extremely solid double steel core that blanket check a ton of the current meta. Water types that can trouble Heatran and the likes of Koko/Lando-T are walled by Ferro, and Heatran can switch into the fire types/coverage, Kartana, or annoyances to Ferro like Celesteela.

Great cores, just make note of the new ultrabeasts.

As a general announcement, hold off from posting USUM cores until Monday. If I rejected your core, don't let it keep you from posting! We appreciate the support this thread gets and it'd be a shame to discourage posters. Have fun with the new toys in the meanwhile!

 

[weirdo faye]

Mega venusaur + Spd heatran

sets

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 248 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Earthquake
- Synthesis

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt
- Toxic

calcs

252 SpA Naganadel Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Venusaur-Mega: 144-169 (39.6 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Venusaur-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Naganadel: 186-220 (64.8 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 208+ SpD Heatran: 224-264 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Venusaur-Mega: 150-177 (41.3 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Venusaur-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Blacephalon: 238-280 (96.3 - 113.3%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
+1 252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 208+ SpD Heatran: 157-186 (40.7 - 48.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 198-234 (80.1 - 94.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

If anyone wants to consider building a more balanced/bo team, these 2 are the best to start with right now imo. All other defensive mons get shredded by naganadel.

• It gets fire blast which makes ferrothorn invalid. Tangrowth obviously isn't an answer to it. AV Magearna does handle it relatively well but it has no recovery and it can only switch in that many times.
• It's poison typing along with nasty plot means it turns toxapex and mantine both into complete setup fodder unless you want to spam haze 24/7 which isn't an option. It can also muscle chansey if there's really a need.
• It's beast boost gives it a +1 speed with its base 121 speed which allows it to function as a both a wallbreaker and a late game cleaner. It's difficult to revenge kill it unless you have a very fast scarfer.

Fuck ban naganadel.

 

[GrantMJC]

Mega Pinsir + Zygarde

Importable

Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Outrage
- Extreme Speed
- Toxic

Explanation

This core is pretty straightforward. Mega Pinsir and Zygarde are two of the best wallbreakers in OU, and for good reason. Both of them are capable of firing off extremely powerful attacks. This core is based on dealing absurd amounts of damage to the opponent. Two two have incredible offensive synergy as well. Mega Pinsir's return deals super-effective damage to any type that resists Thousand Arrows, and Thousand Arrows deals super-effective damage to any type that resists Return. What this means is that there is no one Pokemon that can resist both moves, creating a very potent offense. Mega Pinsir wears down Pokemon such as Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu which allows Zygarde to spam Thousand Arrows. Zygarde wears down Pokemon such as Skarmory and Magearna which allows Mega Pinsir to spam Return. That being said, this core struggles against fast special attackers such as Tapu Koko, Greninja, and Mega Diancie, as well as certain defensive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Landorus-T. These weaknesses can be somewhat mitigated with proper support, but it is important to keep in mind. Another point of note is that these sets are not final. Variations of these Pokemon may also work, these are simply the sets that fit my teams and playsytle better, hence the strange EV spread on Zygarde. SD Mega Pinsir + ODD Zygarde seems very good on paper if you are looking for another option.

Update

12/9/2017
It's been a while since I posted this set, so it's time to add some edits to this post.
A new game came out and Zygarde was nerfed pretty badly. It no longer can deal with threats like Skarmory or Zapdos as well. That being said, Zygarde is in no way neutered against what it once dealt with flawlessly. It is still able to take on what it needed to and fill an important role for the team. In the original post I mentioned the possibility of using the Offensive DD set for Zygarde. Since US/UM, I have been using the following set.
Zygarde @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 192 HP / 152 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Outrage
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
This set works quite well on Zygarde. Devestating Drake is such a powerful nuke that Zygarde can get away with using it as his primary source of damage, especially after a Dragon Dance. The speed on Zygarde allows it to outspeed Tapu Koko after a Dragon Dance. The HP is so that it's sub can tank a Seismic toss and so that Zygarde can use Substitute 4 times. The rest in put into attack to maximize damage output. Substitute may seem weird but it came in handy more than Extreme Speed did. While the core may be slightly outdated, it still works very well.

 

[INSULT]

Naganadel + Tyranitar

/

Basic offensive type core here abusing the new UB. You got Ttar to trap stuff like scarf gren and tran, eq to catch other ttars running around. With these special walls/scarf threats gone you can safely set up and sweep with nagandel (chutney guzzler).

sets

Naganadel @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Wave
- Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower
- Nasty Plot

Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 24 Atk / 68 Def / 52 SpA / 72 SpD / 44 Spe
Brave Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Beam
- Earthquake
- Pursuit

OR

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake

 

[Halcyon.]

+

Naganadel and Koko pair really well together simply because they can wear down each others' checks pretty easily. If the opponent switches in their Ferro/Tangrwoth/Venusaur on Tapu Koko, you Volt Switch out and can either set up or fire of a strong hit. Naga breaks through pretty much everything people use to check Koko, and Koko can get Naga in easily by forcing switches and Volt Switching out. Scarf Naga with U-turn and a Timid Nature with 172 EVs in Speed can work here too if you would rather Naga function as a cleaner.

Import

Naganadel @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Sludge Bomb
- Heat Wave
- Nasty Plot

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Volt Switch

 

[DKM]

+

explanation

SD bulu + Ghostium z Burst work together, beating eacher others counters. Burst beats bulky steels like Celesteela and Ferrothorn for Bulu, and Bulu beats sp.def walls like Ttar, Toxapex to an extent and Mantine (barring scald burn). Bulu also helps beat Zygarde, and has Zen headbutt to beat Venu. Grassy terrain is helpful for Burst to recover some health while behind a sub.
A good partner for this core would be AV ttar. Being able to take on things like Heatran and Naganadel.

importable

Blacephalon @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Calm Mind

Tapu Bulu @ Life Orb
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Zen Headbutt