Hi everyone! So after leaving the RMT scene for a while, I decided to come back, and what better way to do so then by posting my most succesful team for some good, passionate rating? This is a team I put together myself, and have been using for the past month. I find that I almost always win, the only times that I dont being due to three things:
And we knew this was coming...
Threat List
------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerodactyl : As they are virtually always leads Jirachi can score a clean 2HKO with Iron Head (when factoring in Focus Sash), they are no problem.
---
Alakazam : I have two x4 resistences to Psychic and no weakness to it, so it is no problem to me at all.
---
Azelf : I have never seen one that isnt used as a lead, and they are 2HKOed with Jirachi's Iron Head.
---
Breloom : Not of concern to me, as Togekiss makes it wish it was never born, and Gengar gets a OHKO with Shadow Ball. Can be a bit of a pain if they manage to get a Sub up, but I never let them get that far.
---
Dragonite : A very uncommon Pokemon, Togekiss flicnes it to hell, Salamence OHKOes (after a Dragon Dance), and Magnezone gets an occasional OHKO with Hidden Power Ice. Not a problem.
---
Dugtrio : One of my three ground immunitys can come in on an Earthquake and force them out (as they are really almost always Choiced, it seems).
---
Electivire : Electivire can cause a bit of trouble if it gets a Motor Drive boost, but Metagross can usually come in, take the Flamethrower, and Earthquake it.
---
Empoleon : Magnezone can trap it and OHKO, but if it already has an Agility under its belt, then I might be in trouble.
---
Flygon : I have 3 immunities to ground. 'Nuff said.
---
Gengar : I can switch to Togekiss to take the Shadow Ball and Flinch it to death, but it can be a pain if it's Scarfed.
---
Gyarados : Magnezone and Gengar both get a OHKO on it with their respective Thunderbolts, so it isnt a problem.
---
Heatran : Ugh...the bane of my team. Heatran can sweep my whole team if Togekiss and Salamence are down, which is why I always try and keep them alive until I know my opponent's whole team.
---
Heracross : Starting to be more and more uncommon, Togekiss can score a OHKO with Air Slash.
---
Infernape : Jirachi and Togekiss both outspeed and OHKO, so no problem there.
---
Jirachi : If it is a lead, I just U-Turn out to my Magnezone, who kills it with Thunderbolt. As a Calm-Mind sweeper, I dont care about it, because Salamence can get a OHKO with Earthquake if it's below 80%.
---
Jolteon : Jirachi 2HKOes and flinches to death, and Gengar takes its shit and 2HKOs back with Shadow Ball.
---
Kingdra : Salamence outspeeds and OHKOes, and Jircahi and Togekiss Flinch to death.
---
Latias : After a Drsgon Dance, Salamece can OHKO, and Gengar can kill Scarfed versions when they fall below 80%. Metagross can also kill it, and takes next to nothing from its attacks.
---
Lucario : Gengar scores a OHKO with Focus Blast, Salamence and Metagross get a OHKO with Earthquake, and Togekiss and Jirachi make it its Flinch-Bitch.
---
Machamp : Togekiss and Air Slash screw it up pretty bad.
---
Magnezone: Enemy Magnezone are ridiculous if they come in and trap my Magnezone, it really is a stall war pain in the ass. However, Togekiss OHKOes with Fire Blast, and Gengar follows suit with Focus Blast.
---
Mamoswine : Yeah, Metagross OHKOes with Meteor Mash, and isn't OHKOed by its Earthquake.
---
Metagross : If they don't run speed EVs, Magnezone can come in and Thunderbolt it to death. If it gets in an Agility, however, I'm in a lot of trouble.
---
Porygon-Z : Gengar can come in on a Tri-Attack and force it out, and Metagross doesnt take shit from any of its attacks, then OHKOes with the awesome Meteor Mash.
---
Rhyperior : Really not a problem to any member of my team, they can all deal with it very well.
---
Salamence : Magnezone OHKOes (though has to be wary of Earthquake or Fire Blast) with Hidden Power Ice, and my two Flinchers give it no chances to attack.
---
Scizor : While my Gengar hates Scizor, the other members of my team love it, especially when two of them can use it as set-up fodder (Magnezone and Salamence).
---
Starmie : Togekiss and Jirachi kill it with Flinch, and its not like its a huge pain to me, as I dont set up entry hazards, anyway.
---
Togekiss : Metagross 2HKOes with Meteor Mash, and my Jirachi can slaughter it.
---
Tyranitar : Gengar can Foucs Blast when it comes in to attempt to Pursuit me, and if I miss, Togekiss can come in with Aura Sphere to pick up the slack.
---
Weavile : Gengar lures in Weavile like you wouldnt believe, but Jirachi OHKOes with Iron Head, and Metagross takes all of its attacks without breaking a sweat.
Defensive Threat List:
Blissey : Metagross OHKOes every time, Jirachi can flinch it to hell, and Salamence can 2HKO with D-Claw (though it doesnt like paralysis).
---
Bronzong : Togekiss and Salamence can both Fire Blast for a 2HKO.
---
Celebi : With three x4 resistences to Psychic, and all of my team members resisting Grass, Celebi cant scratch me.
---
Cresselia : If it lacks Ice Beam, Salamence uses it as set-up fodder. Metagross and Gengar also 2HKO with their respective STAB moves.
---
Donphan : Gengar and Togekiss both get 2HKOes on Donphan, and it cant really do much to me in return.
---
Forretress : Gengar, Salamence, and Togekiss all OHKO with their respective Fire move.
---
Gliscor : Hidden Power Ice is a OHKO, and Gengar 2HKOes with Shadow Ball. Plus, Togekiss is immune to Earthquake, and can Flinch-Slash for a solid 2HKO (on standard Gliscor).
---
Hippowdon : Togekiss and Gengar both 2HKO.
---
Skarmory : Fire Blast from Salamence and Togekiss OHKOes, and Hidden Power Fire from Gengar 2HKOes.
---
Snorlax : While CurseLax isnt particularly fun for me to deal with, Meteor Mash 2HKOes, even after a Curse.
---
Suicune: Magnezone can get up a Sub, then 2HKO with Thunderbolt (after a Calm Mind). Gengar also 2HKOes.
---
Swampert : It is flinched to no end by Jirachi and Togekiss, and it cant scratch Gengar, while Gengar 2HKOes.
---
Tentacruel : Salamence and Metagross both kill it with Earthquake.
---
Vaporeon : I dont like facing it while it is using Wish and Protect, but I can usually flich it until it is dead.
---
Zapdos : Not a concern to me, every member of my team handles it splendidly except for Togekiss.
(Props to iKitsune for the slammin' Threat List!)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
And, yes, that is my team. Here are just somethings that I would like you to touch on:
- My team hates status, so I am considering a Cleric.
- I might change Metagross to be AgilityGross.
And here are my team members that are not replacable:
- Jirachi
- Metagross
- Gengar
- Togekiss
- Salamence
..............so I guess that leaves Magnezone. I am in no hurry to get rid of him, but if someone better for my team crosses your mind, feel free to suggest. But please, rate anything that comes to mind! =)
Thanks!
Overprediction / Hax / ScarfTran
I would like you, the faithful raters of Smogon, to give me some nice advice, and please have fun in the process! =)
Team at a Glance
Now, with two flying types and three steel types, you might think that this team has a huge type-synergy problem. However, this isnt the case. All of my pokemon have a secondary type, and can cover for the weaknesses of the other quite magnificently. For instance, the ground weakness of my steels is covered by the other three members of my team being completely immune to ground. Ice and dragon attacks aimed at Salamence and Togakiss go my steels, electric attacks are handled by Magnezone, and Psychic attacks are handled by Jirachi and Metagross (steel really is a fabulousn Defensive type). Now.................
The Lead
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant nature (+Attack, -Special Attack)
~ Trick
~ Iron Head
~ Zen Headbutt
~ U-Turn
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant nature (+Attack, -Special Attack)
~ Trick
~ Iron Head
~ Zen Headbutt
~ U-Turn
Why this Pokemon?
Jirachi is just amazing. Sometimes I wonder why it is allowed in OU, but hell, I'll use it as long as it is. Thanks to this little baby, my opponent almost never gets to set up Stealth Rock. Jirachi is probably the most important member of my team, as it sets the game off with me at an advantage; if I play intellegently, it will net me an average of about two KOes per match, usually without the opponent ever setting up Stealth Rock. Seeing as two members of my team take 25% upon switching from it, this is of huge importance. Really, Jirachi is the master of hax. Jirachi is also pretty bulky (base 100 / 100 / 100 defenses, for those who don't know), so if the other lead does manage to attack me, I usually will survive whatever they try and hit me with, anyway. Truly an amazing Pokemon, folks.
Why This Set?
Well, this is really just a deviation of the standard lead Jirachi, but it is extremely effective (Standard for a reason, people). The only difference is Zen Headbutt over Stealth Rock; I dont find Steath Rock to make a huge difference on my team, but Zen Headbutt does. Between Iron Head and Zen Headbutt, Jirachi can hit many things for at least neutral damage. Many Infernapes switch in, expecting a U-Turn or Iron Head, but instead eat a STAB super-effective Zen Headbutt (with a 60% flinch rate, no less). Also, it gives me a better weapon to hit Gyrados with. Trick is useful for giving something like Blissey a Choice Scarf (essentially ending its role in the game), although I find Jirachi to be much less effective without its Choice Scarf. U-Turn lets me get out against other lead Jirachi (to get in for some Magnezone trapping), and for pure, fun, U-Turn spamming (albeit with much more speed).
The Powerhouse
Metagross @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Hp / 232 Atk / 12 Def / 8 Spe
Adamant nature (+Attack, -Special Attack)
~ Meteor Mash
~ Explosion
~ Earthquake
~ Thunderpunch
Metagross @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Hp / 232 Atk / 12 Def / 8 Spe
Adamant nature (+Attack, -Special Attack)
~ Meteor Mash
~ Explosion
~ Earthquake
~ Thunderpunch
Why this Pokemon?
Metagross offers power like you wouldn't believe. It can do relatively anything. A strong defender, it takes boosted Dragon Claws from Salamence and Waterfalls from Gyarados like a champ, and threaten a OHKO back with the appropriate move. It only takes 6% from Stealth Rock, and since it is constantly switching around, this is very important. Through sheer attacking power, it can OHKO most of the pokemon in the current metagame. Meteor Mash OHKOes Latias (with no defensive EVs), 3HKOes Scizor (who really cant do shit in return), 2HKOes standard Cresselia, and Blissey...the fat nurse-whore doesn't even stand a chance; a clean OHKO every time, no matter the conditions. Even Gliscor is 2HKOed. Also, Metagross doesn't mind playing in the now more-and-more common Sandstorm, something that can make or break you in today's OU metagame.
Why this Set?
Choice Band Metagross is an absolute monster, and can deal obscene amounts of damage to any and all pokemon in OU (barring Skarmory). Meteor Mash is a necessity on Metagross, for very strong STAB, and immediate damage; not to mention, it also has the chance to raise my attack by one stage, essentially giving Metagross the equivelant of a Swords Dance (when factoring in Choice Band). Steel is also a phonomenal attacking type. Explosion is amazing, having an 100% chance of OHKOing even the defesive behemoth Hippowdon; it usually guarentees me one kill (provided it is neutral). Earthquake is my best weapon against Magnezone (what a pest), fellow Metagross, Jirachi, Lucario, and Heatran switch-ins. While Thunderpunch allows me to OHKO Gyarados (and 2HKO Vaporeon), I am likely to drop it for another option, so suggestions are appreciated.
The Trapping Whore
Magnezone @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 172 Hp / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
Modest nature (+Special Attack, -Attack)
~ Thunderbolt
~ Substitute
~ Magnet Rise
~ Hidden Power Ice
Magnezone @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 172 Hp / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
Modest nature (+Special Attack, -Attack)
~ Thunderbolt
~ Substitute
~ Magnet Rise
~ Hidden Power Ice
Why This Pokemon?
I chose Magnezone for my team for his ability to flawlessly counter Choice Band Scizor. In all my time using this team, I have never lost my Magnezone to Choice Band Scizor. Scizor usually comes in to kill something like Salamence with Bullet Punch, so I just switch out, and go to Magnezone. Magnezone takes a pathetic 10% from Choice Band Bullet Punch, and can get a clean 2HKO on Scizor with Thunderbolt (assuming it is at full health). Also, Magnezone can set up a Sub on every steel-type that doesnt carry Earthquake (including fellow Magnezone). Magnezone is also a powerful Special Attacker in its own right, with a 130 base Special Attack stat. Thunderbolt is a 2HKO on standard Suicune, and can OHKO most of the frail pokemon that switch into it (i.e. Infernape, Lucario, Gengar, etc.).
Why This Set?
This is the most common Magnezone set, specifically designed for murdering steels. Thunderbolt is your powerful STAB weapon, capable of scoring neutral damage on most steel types found in OU. Substitute lets me set up on Scizor's Bullet Punch, making Magnezone into a long-term threat. Magnet Rise helps him cancel out his dreadful x4 weakness to Ground...and Hidden Power Ice is his weapon for hitting Ground types OHKOing Gliscor most of the time, and 2HKOing standard Hippowdon occasionally. You may flame me for lack of originality, but this IS standard Magnezone set for a reason.
The Revenge Killer (Mark 2)
Togekiss @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest nature (+Special Attack, -Attack)
~ Air Slash
~ Aura Sphere
~ Fire Blast
~ Tri-Attack
Togekiss @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest nature (+Special Attack, -Attack)
~ Air Slash
~ Aura Sphere
~ Fire Blast
~ Tri-Attack
Why this Pokemon?
Much like Jirachi, Togekiss is one of the most notorious hax abusers in the game. Couple this with the fact that Togekiss has a base 120 Special Attack stat (compared to Jirachi's 100 Attack), and you have a Pokemon that can both hit hard and flinch well. Togekiss is also a very sturdy pokemon in it's own right, boasting base 85 Hp, base 95 Defense, and Base 115 Special Defense. It is also my best answer to Choice Scarf Heatran, coming in after my pokemon is KOed, outspeeding, and 2HKOing with Aura Sphere (Fire Blast does not OHKO it). Togekiss fits well on most any OU team, and it has great synergy with my teammates, all of whom can deal with Togekiss's most common counters very well.
Why This Set?
The reason I chose Choice Scarf Togekiss? Well, I orginally had a Scarfed Rotom-H in here, but he didnt really cut it, so I asked for advice on the Smogon forums. A lot of people suggested Choice Scarf Flygon or ScarfTran, but I kinda wanted to go outside the norm...so in the end, I decided on this set. Air Slash is diabolical, hitting many pokemon ridiculously hard (372 Special Attack hurts), and flinching them 60% percent of the time. Aura Sphere hits rocks, steels, and normal types hard (cough Lucario), and Tri-Attack is my best bet against Electric types (plus I get more STAB). Fire Blast is awesome, allowing me to score a revenge kill on standard Magnezone after they trap and kill one of my steel type Pokemon. Modest nature gives Togekiss a lot more power to hit with than a Timid nature would, so I prefer it.
The Late-Game Finisher
Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature (+Speed, -Attack)
~ Shadow Ball
~ Thunderbolt
~ Hidden Power Fire
~ Focus Blast
Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature (+Speed, -Attack)
~ Shadow Ball
~ Thunderbolt
~ Hidden Power Fire
~ Focus Blast
Why This Pokemon?
Ah, Gengar, I love you so. Gengar is one of the best late-game sweepers in OU, capable offpicking of both weakened threats, and ones at full health. While Gengar may not have good defenses, the simple fact that it is immune to three types is enough to earn it a spot on ANY team in my opinion. Coupled with the fact that it has base 130 Special Attack and base 110 Speed, and you have a truly destructive Pokemon on your team. Great at sweeping teams, Gengar can come in when my opponent least expects it, and go apeshit on them.
Why This Set?
I chose the "classic" Life Orb set for my Gengar because of its ability to OHKO many things, and 2HKO almost everything (except that fucker Blissey, who is 3HKOed by Focus Blast). Shadow Ball is obvious for strong STAB, occasionally scoring a 2HKO on standard Zapdos, always 2HKOing Gliscor, Salamence and friends, and picking off many pokemon that have fallen below 70% health. Thunderbolt helps me OHKO Gyarados without fail (even that damned BulkyDos), and get an occasional 2HKO on Togekiss. Hidden Power Fire hits Foretress, Scizor switch-ins, Metagross, and Jirachi, while Focus Blast picks up the slack, OHKOing Empoleon, Magnezone, Lucario, and basically anything weak to it. To my knowlege, no Pokemon in the game is safe from the type coverage that this set provides. It is truly a force to be reckoned with.
The Set-up Sweeper
Salamence @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 232 Atk / 252 Spe / 24 SpA
Lonely nature (+Attack, -Defense)
~ Dragon Claw
~ Earthquake
~ Fire Blast
~ Dragon Dance
Salamence @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 232 Atk / 252 Spe / 24 SpA
Lonely nature (+Attack, -Defense)
~ Dragon Claw
~ Earthquake
~ Fire Blast
~ Dragon Dance
Why This Pokemon?
By now, you should know the drill. Salamence is a staple of the OU enviornment, used by at least every 1 in 3 teams. It is an extremely powerful and dangerous pokemon, and that enough earns it a spot on my team any day. But no, it doesn't stop there. I really wanted a Pokemon that could switch in on a ScarfTran Fire Blast, and Salamence is able to do so, while only losing 40% of its health in the process. Then, Heatran switches, essentially giving me a free Dragon Dance. If I manage to sneak in another Dance, then its pretty much "gg" for my opponent. Salamence is also a useful Pokemon as it causes a bunch of switches with the Intimidate drop. For instance, after CB Scizor comes in and Pursuits my Gengar dead, I can just switch in Salamence. Now, having lost its boost from Choice Band (courtesy of Intimidate), and being locked into a paltry 40 base power Pursuit, what Scizor wouldn't switch (not to mention the threat of a Fire Blast)? Another free Dragon Dance. Another switch.
Why This Set?
I chose the Dragon Dancing set over the more popular MixMence because of the power that it provides. Dragon Claw gives me strong, solid STAB to work with; I find that being trapped in and locked into Outrage very unappealing, not to mention the confusion that comes with it. Earthquake lets me hit cocky Heatran, and other steel types among him. Fire Blast is my best weapon against Bronzong and Skarmory, scoring a 2HKO and a OHKO respectively. And you know why I chose Dragon Dance...it is phonomenal to have a move that boosts the two stats that you really need for Physical Sweeping in one turn, with virtually no drawback. While some don't like the recoil from Life Orb, it really is useful, providing extra power to hit hard with.
And we knew this was coming...
Threat List
------------------------------------------------------------------
- Green means they are not a problem for me.
- Orange means they can cause a bit of trouble.
- Red means they are very difficult to take down.
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Defensive Threat List:
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
(Props to iKitsune for the slammin' Threat List!)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
And, yes, that is my team. Here are just somethings that I would like you to touch on:
- My team hates status, so I am considering a Cleric.
- I might change Metagross to be AgilityGross.
And here are my team members that are not replacable:
- Jirachi
- Metagross
- Gengar
- Togekiss
- Salamence
..............so I guess that leaves Magnezone. I am in no hurry to get rid of him, but if someone better for my team crosses your mind, feel free to suggest. But please, rate anything that comes to mind! =)
Thanks!
