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Project SS DOU Teambuilding Competition - Week 15: New Kids on the Block
- Thread starter tennisace
- Start date
- Status
I was hoping I wouldn't have to break the tie, but I'm going to give this one to talkingtree for the Rotom-Fan! Congrats etc etc.
This week: Revenge of the GMax
You need to build a team centered around one of the following effects:
GMax Wildfire - Fire + Grass Pledge
GMax Resonance - Aurora Veil
GMax Gravitas - Gravity
GMax Sandblast - Sand Tomb
GMax Centiferno - Fire Spin
GMax Meltdown - Torment
GMax Depletion - Spite
GMax Gold Rush - Pay Day
To clarify: you don't actually use the Gmax Pokemon, you build at team around the effect.
Building ends like idk next Tuesday, voting after that. Have fun!
This week: Revenge of the GMax
You need to build a team centered around one of the following effects:
GMax Wildfire - Fire + Grass Pledge
GMax Resonance - Aurora Veil
GMax Gravitas - Gravity
GMax Sandblast - Sand Tomb
GMax Centiferno - Fire Spin
GMax Meltdown - Torment
GMax Depletion - Spite
GMax Gold Rush - Pay Day
To clarify: you don't actually use the Gmax Pokemon, you build at team around the effect.
Building ends like idk next Tuesday, voting after that. Have fun!
Pretty simple yet very fun veil offense
Starting off, we’re using Ninetales-Alola for veil Because veil is stupid. Simple stuff
Next, I decided to add Kyurem. Kyurem is a pretty underrated mon that can add a ton of pressure to an opposing team if played correctly. Decided to go with Blizzard to take advantage of Hail because wynaut. Freeze Dry is to snipe down any water types like Rotom-W or to give the occasional rain team some Hell. Earth Power is for Melmetal because this team is super vulnerable to it. And lastly I decided to add Draco just for a hard hitting single target STAB option. Behind veil, this can tank Double Iron Bash from Adamant Melmetal and do at least 80% back to it with EP assuming its not the rare AV set.
Next, we add Incineroar, which is my personal favorite Pokémon of all time lel. This gives me an added Melmetal check as well as a check to things like Dragapult, Torkoal, and sand. Also gives me a nice pivot in case I’m in a bind or want to do some trapping shenanigans with Goth Fake out option also gives me a near assured Veil setup in quite a lot of cases now that Dynamax can’t screw me over
Next, we add Corviknight. Originally, I had Melmetal in this spot as I wanted a setup wincon that abused the forced veil. However, the team was extremely weak to Excadrill, Rhyperior, Conkeldurr, and Incineroar, all of which Melmetal REALLY doesn’t care to deal with. Corviknight however fits the bill perfectly and can comfortably handle all of these threats on top of granting me both a ground immunity and an Intimidate repellant, which is glorious. I do trade these advantages for an unfortunate Electric weakness, but my team can cover most Electrics pretty well so its not too big a deal. Melmetal may have stolen a lot of this bird’s luster, but Corv is still a bitch in its own right imo
The penultimate slot goes to jail Gothitelle purely because hard Trick Room can suck a fat one. ‘Nuff said
It also does give me an extra Fake Out option, let’s me set TR myself in case some Whimsicott shenanigans or an extremely HO team gets too out of hand, as well as allows me to trap things (which is broken, plz ban)
And finally we add Dragapult because I wanted an immediate fast option that also could give myself an added check to Melmetal. Plus, it just looks cool. That’s a good reason, right? :p
Next, I decided to add Kyurem. Kyurem is a pretty underrated mon that can add a ton of pressure to an opposing team if played correctly. Decided to go with Blizzard to take advantage of Hail because wynaut. Freeze Dry is to snipe down any water types like Rotom-W or to give the occasional rain team some Hell. Earth Power is for Melmetal because this team is super vulnerable to it. And lastly I decided to add Draco just for a hard hitting single target STAB option. Behind veil, this can tank Double Iron Bash from Adamant Melmetal and do at least 80% back to it with EP assuming its not the rare AV set.
Next, we add Incineroar, which is my personal favorite Pokémon of all time lel. This gives me an added Melmetal check as well as a check to things like Dragapult, Torkoal, and sand. Also gives me a nice pivot in case I’m in a bind or want to do some trapping shenanigans with Goth Fake out option also gives me a near assured Veil setup in quite a lot of cases now that Dynamax can’t screw me over
Next, we add Corviknight. Originally, I had Melmetal in this spot as I wanted a setup wincon that abused the forced veil. However, the team was extremely weak to Excadrill, Rhyperior, Conkeldurr, and Incineroar, all of which Melmetal REALLY doesn’t care to deal with. Corviknight however fits the bill perfectly and can comfortably handle all of these threats on top of granting me both a ground immunity and an Intimidate repellant, which is glorious. I do trade these advantages for an unfortunate Electric weakness, but my team can cover most Electrics pretty well so its not too big a deal. Melmetal may have stolen a lot of this bird’s luster, but Corv is still a bitch in its own right imo
The penultimate slot goes to jail Gothitelle purely because hard Trick Room can suck a fat one. ‘Nuff said
It also does give me an extra Fake Out option, let’s me set TR myself in case some Whimsicott shenanigans or an extremely HO team gets too out of hand, as well as allows me to trap things (which is broken, plz ban)
And finally we add Dragapult because I wanted an immediate fast option that also could give myself an added check to Melmetal. Plus, it just looks cool. That’s a good reason, right? :p
Lilly (Ninetales-Alola) (F) @ Light Clay
Ability: Snow Warning
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Aurora Veil
- Moonblast
- Blizzard
Kyurem @ Assault Vest
Ability: Pressure
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Earth Power
- Freeze-Dry
- Blizzard
Incineroar @ Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 136 SpD / 4 Spe
Careful Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Parting Shot
Corviknight @ Leftovers
Ability: Mirror Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 212 SpD / 40 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Body Press
- Bulk Up
- Roost
Ban Me Plz (Gothitelle) @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 SpD
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Imprison
Dragapult @ Life Orb
Ability: Clear Body
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Draco Meteor
Ability: Snow Warning
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Aurora Veil
- Moonblast
- Blizzard
Kyurem @ Assault Vest
Ability: Pressure
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Earth Power
- Freeze-Dry
- Blizzard
Incineroar @ Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 136 SpD / 4 Spe
Careful Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Parting Shot
Corviknight @ Leftovers
Ability: Mirror Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 212 SpD / 40 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Body Press
- Bulk Up
- Roost
Ban Me Plz (Gothitelle) @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 SpD
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Imprison
Dragapult @ Life Orb
Ability: Clear Body
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Draco Meteor
Oranguru @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 20 Spe
- Trick Room
- Gravity
- Instruct
- Psychic
Rhyperior @ Soft Sand
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 184 HP / 232 Atk / 4 Def / 88 SpD
Adamant Nature
IVs: 26 Spe
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Substitute
- Protect
Torkoal @ Charcoal
Ability: Drought
EVs: 176 HP / 244 SpA / 88 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 17 Spe
- Eruption
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Protect
Charizard @ Life Orb
Ability: Solar Power
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Focus Blast
- Tailwind
- Protect
Venusaur @ Focus Sash
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Energy Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Growth
- Protect
Zeraora @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 176 HP / 28 Atk / 8 Def / 44 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Plasma Fists
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 20 Spe
- Trick Room
- Gravity
- Instruct
- Psychic
Rhyperior @ Soft Sand
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 184 HP / 232 Atk / 4 Def / 88 SpD
Adamant Nature
IVs: 26 Spe
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Substitute
- Protect
Torkoal @ Charcoal
Ability: Drought
EVs: 176 HP / 244 SpA / 88 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 17 Spe
- Eruption
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Protect
Charizard @ Life Orb
Ability: Solar Power
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Focus Blast
- Tailwind
- Protect
Venusaur @ Focus Sash
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Energy Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Growth
- Protect
Zeraora @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 176 HP / 28 Atk / 8 Def / 44 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Plasma Fists
- Knock Off
- Taunt
I don't really have fun building Veil, and Gravity was pretty much the only other effect I could see doing something with. Gravity + Rhyperior is pretty potent, but I wanted to be able to use Earthquake for the spread and setting my own Gravity would remove the Ground immunities on my team too. Enter Telepathy Oranguru. Not only can it set Gravity and still avoid Rhyperior's Earthquake, but it can use Instruct to allow Rhyperior to use it *twice*. Gravity also fixes Stone Edge's accuracy issues. Torkoal is one of the best parts of any TR team, and gaining the ability to Earth Power Rotom-W or Rotom-H helps a lot with spreading sun. With Torkoal on the team already, I added a sun core, and Focus Blast Zard helped for handling Ttar with some of its accuracy issues potentially alleviated through Gravity. Fire/Fighting does leave it "walled" by Dragapult, but Tailwind is a better Pult check than any attack anyway. Zeraora plugged most of the holes left over; a fast mode outside of sun, Fake Out support for setting Tailwind/Substitute/Gravity/Growth, and something that could take out opposing Zard outside of Trick Room. Taunt is just generally nice to have and I try to fit it on most of my teams, though that meant I needed to change AV to another item and Shuca seemed alright.
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I had been trying for a few days to make aurora veil work to no success, bringing back my old hail tr team wasn't the brigthest idea, however the comeback of this gravity tr team was more succesful. This team will also provide the replay for the tsareena viability suspect, when someone tells me how you are meant to link the replays that is (;
P.S. If you were thinking, ''this guy only ever builds tr teams", you'd be right. Lmao.
Reuniclus and oranguru both set up tr and are threats on their own, or due to instruct respectively. The first recieves an accuracy boost to it's 'focus' blast, while the later provides it with gravity, Rhyperior also benefits to a lesser extent. Tsareena counters gastrodon and allows the team to forget about being faked out or prankster status. Melmetal and rhyperior are together, the two physical attacker and main recipients of instruct. Meanwhile incineroar, well, do I have to really explain, the only weird thing I added was taunt to prevent setup and status, mainly hypnosis milotic.
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Commander Beta
Commander Beta
Grand Empress
I'm going to call it here and break the tie in favor of Commander Beta. Congrats!
From now on, we're going to be running this every other week. Interest has been sort of waning and I'm running out of ideas, so hopefully running it every other week will help keep this going through DPL!
For a teaser, here's the next few competitions:
Week 12: The Lollipop Guild
Week 13: No Glove, All Love
Week 14: What's New, Pussycat?
Looking forward to continuing this Monday, April 27th!
From now on, we're going to be running this every other week. Interest has been sort of waning and I'm running out of ideas, so hopefully running it every other week will help keep this going through DPL!
For a teaser, here's the next few competitions:
Week 12: The Lollipop Guild
Week 13: No Glove, All Love
Week 14: What's New, Pussycat?
Looking forward to continuing this Monday, April 27th!
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Alright, we're BACK! Here's this week's competition:
Week 12: The Lollipop Guild
- Teams must have at least one Pokemon that is NFE (not fully evolved)
- The following Pokemon may be used on any team, but do not count as the 1 NFE mon: Clefairy, Dusclops, Gothorita, Torracat
- Edit: for clarification, Meltan and Slowpoke-Galar will be allowed as they "evolve" but for various reasons aren't allowed in LC
- also for clarification, Little Cup eligible Pokemon are allowed. The Pokemon just has to be able to evolve.
Deadline for building is Saturday, May 2nd. Voting will happen after. Have fun!
Week 12: The Lollipop Guild
- Teams must have at least one Pokemon that is NFE (not fully evolved)
- The following Pokemon may be used on any team, but do not count as the 1 NFE mon: Clefairy, Dusclops, Gothorita, Torracat
- Edit: for clarification, Meltan and Slowpoke-Galar will be allowed as they "evolve" but for various reasons aren't allowed in LC
- also for clarification, Little Cup eligible Pokemon are allowed. The Pokemon just has to be able to evolve.
Deadline for building is Saturday, May 2nd. Voting will happen after. Have fun!
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Wartortle seemed like a pretty safe pick to kick off this built. While slightly less optimal than its FE counterpart, Wartortle still does mighty fine as a Fake Out + Follow Me utility user thanks to Eviolite. Whereas Blastoise tries to still carry out some offensive option in the form of Scald or less commonly Body Press, I opted to make Wartortle a dedicated utility mon and also gave it Protect to increase the mindgames it can play.
The rest of this team is mostly just balanced goodstuffs, but Excadrill and Rotom both notably make good use of Wartortle's redirection support, being able to set up Swords Dance and Nasty Plot respectively.
I tossed G-Weezy in the last slot to give this team more of a leg up against weather teams, and in general I just think neutralizing gas is a great ability in this meta. It's also able to taunt all TR setters including Magic Bounce Hatterene, which is great insurance against fullroom.
The rest of this team is mostly just balanced goodstuffs, but Excadrill and Rotom both notably make good use of Wartortle's redirection support, being able to set up Swords Dance and Nasty Plot respectively.
I tossed G-Weezy in the last slot to give this team more of a leg up against weather teams, and in general I just think neutralizing gas is a great ability in this meta. It's also able to taunt all TR setters including Magic Bounce Hatterene, which is great insurance against fullroom.
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Honestly, it's just a pretty "standard" trick room team. Dusclops and monkey give me double Trick Room while Torracat replaces incin for this team due to the NFE theme and I wanted to use more than one even though two of them don't count. Krabby is actually a pretty strong Pokemon that can't be intimidated, unfortunately it doesn't get Wide Guard this gen but it still managed to keep Ally Switch for some surprises as well as haze to mess with opposing Melmetal. I've always liked using Machamp because it's a lot bulkier than people expect and Dynamic Punch confusion is never a bad thing to spread around.
now introducing: JET FUEL
Bronzor @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 SpA / 0 Spe
- Trick Room
- Stealth Rock
- Hypnosis
- Steel Beam
Rhyperior @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Rock Slide
- High Horsepower
- Substitute
- Protect
Torkoal @ Choice Specs
Ability: Drought
Level: 99
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Solar Beam
Hatterene (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Mystical Fire
- Trick Room
Indeedee-F (F) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Follow Me
- Light Screen
- Trick
Conkeldurr @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Mach Punch
- Detect
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 SpA / 0 Spe
- Trick Room
- Stealth Rock
- Hypnosis
- Steel Beam
Rhyperior @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Rock Slide
- High Horsepower
- Substitute
- Protect
Torkoal @ Choice Specs
Ability: Drought
Level: 99
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Solar Beam
Hatterene (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Mystical Fire
- Trick Room
Indeedee-F (F) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Follow Me
- Light Screen
- Trick
Conkeldurr @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Mach Punch
- Detect
Solving the Challenge
In coming up with an entry for this challenge, the primary question I wanted to answer was: what NFE Pokemon can do a specific task better than its fully evolved forme while still being a relatively good pick, power level-wise? Of course, the parameters of challenge itself makes answering this question difficult already; the good NFE mons are banned, and looking for a half-decent qualified Pokemon is a tall ask. Even more, it needs to be better than its evolved forme at a specific task; if not, then it simply becomes a team that's deliberately shooting itself in the foot just for the sake of this challenge. A good entry, in my opinion, needs to make it so that the NFE is actually better at a very specific niche than its evolved forme while not being "bad" (a relative term for this exercise), so that the team itself is, in a sense, its most "superior" version in accordance to the vision it was built with.
The answer I came up with was Bronzor. With the task being NFEs, the role the star mon would have to take is likely supportive. I checked the numbers and, with Eviolite, Bronzor has comparable bulk with Bronzong; base 57 HP is quite a small drop from 67, for starters, but if both are maxed out in Defense then Eviolite Bronzor is better at taking physical attacks (handy for checking / setting on Melmetal). Of course, Bronzong can simply run a berry (Sitrus or pinch) to make this comparison moot; however, there is something else to Bronzor that specifically makes it the better choice...
Its base 24 Special Attack! Bronzong, for the record, has 74 Special Attack. Why does this matter? Well, it's because Bronzor's specific niche on this team is running Steel Beam, which lets both activate Rhyperior's Weakness Policy while at the same time possibly letting it suicide onto another threat, which can prove quite key in aggressive FullRoom builds where momentum is premium and time is of the essence. This set does around 16 to 20 to Rhyperior with 0 IVs and -SpA nature; Bronzong would probably just hurt too much, but this amount is neglible enough. Even without -Spe, it just sits around slower than base 30s. It's very fucking epic, if I do say so myself.
The team takes advantage on these niches, and outside of that it can still perform normal Bronzong things like setting TR, put up Rocks, and being annoying with Hypnosis. Noteworthy is how it can set up on Melmetal with some level of ease while separately still being able to take a Specs Pult Shadow Ball, it's really epic.
In the end, is this a good Trick Room team? I don't know! But does Bronzor's fit make it do something that it's better at than Bronzong while not making the team absolute shit? Probably!
TLDR: Bronzor has bulk comparable to Bronzong while also being able to safely proc Rhyp's WP with Steel Beam, which is handy for suiciding to a safe switch to a threat in TR turns.
Teambuilding Process
This is a typical FullRoom build, it's not exactly rocket science, but I suppose I'll do it anyway for the uninitiated.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104727942
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104730270
In coming up with an entry for this challenge, the primary question I wanted to answer was: what NFE Pokemon can do a specific task better than its fully evolved forme while still being a relatively good pick, power level-wise? Of course, the parameters of challenge itself makes answering this question difficult already; the good NFE mons are banned, and looking for a half-decent qualified Pokemon is a tall ask. Even more, it needs to be better than its evolved forme at a specific task; if not, then it simply becomes a team that's deliberately shooting itself in the foot just for the sake of this challenge. A good entry, in my opinion, needs to make it so that the NFE is actually better at a very specific niche than its evolved forme while not being "bad" (a relative term for this exercise), so that the team itself is, in a sense, its most "superior" version in accordance to the vision it was built with.
The answer I came up with was Bronzor. With the task being NFEs, the role the star mon would have to take is likely supportive. I checked the numbers and, with Eviolite, Bronzor has comparable bulk with Bronzong; base 57 HP is quite a small drop from 67, for starters, but if both are maxed out in Defense then Eviolite Bronzor is better at taking physical attacks (handy for checking / setting on Melmetal). Of course, Bronzong can simply run a berry (Sitrus or pinch) to make this comparison moot; however, there is something else to Bronzor that specifically makes it the better choice...
Its base 24 Special Attack! Bronzong, for the record, has 74 Special Attack. Why does this matter? Well, it's because Bronzor's specific niche on this team is running Steel Beam, which lets both activate Rhyperior's Weakness Policy while at the same time possibly letting it suicide onto another threat, which can prove quite key in aggressive FullRoom builds where momentum is premium and time is of the essence. This set does around 16 to 20 to Rhyperior with 0 IVs and -SpA nature; Bronzong would probably just hurt too much, but this amount is neglible enough. Even without -Spe, it just sits around slower than base 30s. It's very fucking epic, if I do say so myself.
The team takes advantage on these niches, and outside of that it can still perform normal Bronzong things like setting TR, put up Rocks, and being annoying with Hypnosis. Noteworthy is how it can set up on Melmetal with some level of ease while separately still being able to take a Specs Pult Shadow Ball, it's really epic.
In the end, is this a good Trick Room team? I don't know! But does Bronzor's fit make it do something that it's better at than Bronzong while not making the team absolute shit? Probably!
TLDR: Bronzor has bulk comparable to Bronzong while also being able to safely proc Rhyp's WP with Steel Beam, which is handy for suiciding to a safe switch to a threat in TR turns.
Teambuilding Process
This is a typical FullRoom build, it's not exactly rocket science, but I suppose I'll do it anyway for the uninitiated.
- Bronzor and Rhyperior are stuff we wanted, done.
- Specs Torkoal is there because it's a strong Trick Room attacker and checks Melmetal, done.
- We need another Trick Room setter; I went with the Hat because it's offensive and doesn't give up too much room for Melmetal, done.
- Indeedee is there for Psychic Surge, handy for preventing Fake Out (less wasted TR turns) and boosting Hat, and also for FM (facilitates TR setting). Indeedee is TrickScarf because Milotic looks annoying as hell, might as well have something for it to think about (Scarf Light Screen is also nice).
- Conkeldurr is there for another attacker, but specifically for sniping Tar and Exca + sends Rotom-W and Incin packing too. Mach also gives me room for plays in the mid-game reset as it can pin down what would otherwise be threats.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104727942
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104730270
Double the challenge
Corsola-Galar @ Eviolite
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Night Shade
- Will-O-Wisp
- Strength Sap
- Protect
Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 204 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Stockpile
- Toxic Spikes
- Recover
Togekiss @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Dazzling Gleam
- Follow Me
- Life Dew
Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Careful Nature
- Rock Slide
- High Horsepower
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Incineroar @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 12 SpA / 88 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Fake Out
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Overheat
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 72 Def / 144 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Body Press
- Power Whip
- Leech Seed
- Protect
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Night Shade
- Will-O-Wisp
- Strength Sap
- Protect
Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 204 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Stockpile
- Toxic Spikes
- Recover
Togekiss @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Dazzling Gleam
- Follow Me
- Life Dew
Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Careful Nature
- Rock Slide
- High Horsepower
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Incineroar @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 12 SpA / 88 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Fake Out
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Overheat
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 72 Def / 144 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Body Press
- Power Whip
- Leech Seed
- Protect
Stall seems like a viable playstyle after dmax ban and so I started building with corsola galar, a pokemon that made it to the vr on the very early ss stage and hasn't seen usage since then. Corsola is a decent melmetal check and can be pretty annoying to deal with, specially when paired with toxic spikes. Wow might seem not that useful when paired with toxic spikes but it helps to deal with excadrill (most ev spreads on this team are made to improve sand matchup anyways). Safety googles togekiss checks venusaur and dragapult. Electric type attacks seemed annoying so lightning rod rhydon looked like a pretty good option at this point, and since I can run sr on rhydon I could afford to run protect on corsola. Ferrothorn also made it to the team for being a reliable rotom-wash and excadrill check. For some specific matchups rotom-mow would be a decent option for this slot as well. Incineroar completes the team being a valuable ghost resist and sun check, and offering intimidate support.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104835723-5r938px75zocz0cq2bjg902vaik775jpw vs ladder trick room
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104833120-vyrr66affc4itupgo4y0uj7kimyqgscpw vs dracovish sunroom ._.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104835723-5r938px75zocz0cq2bjg902vaik775jpw vs ladder trick room
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104833120-vyrr66affc4itupgo4y0uj7kimyqgscpw vs dracovish sunroom ._.
Darmanitan-Galar @ Choice Band
Ability: Gorilla Tactics
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Ice Punch
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- U-turn
Darumaka @ Choice Band
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Rock Slide
- U-turn
Dracovish @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Strong Jaw
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fishious Rend
- Sleep Talk
Melmetal @ Lum Berry
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 20 HP / 36 Atk / 24 Def / 252 SpD / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Double Iron Bash
- Body Press
- Acid Armor
- Protect
Whimsicott @ Focus Sash
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Encore
- Taunt
- Tailwind
Corviknight @ Leftovers
Ability: Mirror Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Body Press
- Iron Defense
- Tailwind
- Roost
Ability: Gorilla Tactics
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Ice Punch
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- U-turn
Darumaka @ Choice Band
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Rock Slide
- U-turn
Dracovish @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Strong Jaw
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fishious Rend
- Sleep Talk
Melmetal @ Lum Berry
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 20 HP / 36 Atk / 24 Def / 252 SpD / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Double Iron Bash
- Body Press
- Acid Armor
- Protect
Whimsicott @ Focus Sash
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Encore
- Taunt
- Tailwind
Corviknight @ Leftovers
Ability: Mirror Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Body Press
- Iron Defense
- Tailwind
- Roost
dont miss with darumaka and click strong moves in tailwind
Pelipper @ Focus Sash
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Hurricane
- Tailwind
- Protect
Dracovish @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Strong Jaw
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fishious Rend
- Rock Slide
- Psychic Fangs
- Low Kick
Zeraora @ Assault Vest
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Plasma Fists
- Play Rough
- Volt Switch
Ludicolo @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fake Out
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Muddy Water
Indeedee-F @ Eject Button
Ability: Psychic Surge
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Follow Me
- Helping Hand
- Psychic
- Protect
Wartortle @ Mystic Water
Ability: Torrent
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Water Spout
- Scald
- Shell Smash
- Protect
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Hurricane
- Tailwind
- Protect
Dracovish @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Strong Jaw
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fishious Rend
- Rock Slide
- Psychic Fangs
- Low Kick
Zeraora @ Assault Vest
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Plasma Fists
- Play Rough
- Volt Switch
Ludicolo @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fake Out
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Muddy Water
Indeedee-F @ Eject Button
Ability: Psychic Surge
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Follow Me
- Helping Hand
- Psychic
- Protect
Wartortle @ Mystic Water
Ability: Torrent
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Water Spout
- Scald
- Shell Smash
- Protect
Watch the replays
- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104674748 Wartortle explodes onto the ladder with a mono-bug splattering! Even at 36% HP, Water Spout still OHKOs the terrifying vikavolt!
- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104678487 When Wartortle hits the field, this opponent is presumably paralyzed with fear and cannot continue. Sad!
- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104677293 not even Dawoblefet's cronies are a match for +6 Wartortle!
- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104683621 An extremely tactical self-KO on my part enables Wartortle to clean up in the endgame! Inspiring stuff.
Sextuple the challenge
Trapinch @ Focus Sash
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Earthquake
- First Impression
- Superpower
- Protect
Duosion @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Psychic
- Helping Hand
- Trick Room
- Protect
Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- High Horsepower
- Rock Slide
- Swords Dance
- Protect
Wartortle @ Eviolite
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Fake Out
- Follow Me
- Yawn
- Life Dew
Type: Null @ Eviolite
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Facade
- Swords Dance
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Spritzee @ Eviolite
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Endeavor
- Trick Room
- Encore
- Protect
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Earthquake
- First Impression
- Superpower
- Protect
Duosion @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Psychic
- Helping Hand
- Trick Room
- Protect
Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- High Horsepower
- Rock Slide
- Swords Dance
- Protect
Wartortle @ Eviolite
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Fake Out
- Follow Me
- Yawn
- Life Dew
Type: Null @ Eviolite
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Facade
- Swords Dance
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Spritzee @ Eviolite
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Endeavor
- Trick Room
- Encore
- Protect
I was going to build something semi serious but instead I built this and it won its first and only game on the ladder so here it is. Trapinch, Rhydon and Duosion are some of the only NFEs that can do some damage so I built a fullroom core around them. Type:Null has excellent bulk and can check offensive Togekiss with Battle Armor and also be a potential wincon. Wartortle is one of the few NFEs that can check Melmetal and is basically required to get Trick Room up. Spritzee sucks but I needed a Trick Room setter not weak to Dark. It has no offences so I had to go with Endeavor over a real move. Encore is actually kinda decent on it though.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104757539
Is this the new Litwick memenow introducing: JET FUEL
Bronzor @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 SpA / 0 Spe
- Trick Room
- Stealth Rock
- Hypnosis
- Steel Beam
Rhyperior @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Rock Slide
- High Horsepower
- Substitute
- Protect
Torkoal @ Choice Specs
Ability: Drought
Level: 99
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Solar Beam
Hatterene (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Mystical Fire
- Trick Room
Indeedee-F (F) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Follow Me
- Light Screen
- Trick
Conkeldurr @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Mach Punch
- DetectSolving the Challenge
In coming up with an entry for this challenge, the primary question I wanted to answer was: what NFE Pokemon can do a specific task better than its fully evolved forme while still being a relatively good pick, power level-wise? Of course, the parameters of challenge itself makes answering this question difficult already; the good NFE mons are banned, and looking for a half-decent qualified Pokemon is a tall ask. Even more, it needs to be better than its evolved forme at a specific task; if not, then it simply becomes a team that's deliberately shooting itself in the foot just for the sake of this challenge. A good entry, in my opinion, needs to make it so that the NFE is actually better at a very specific niche than its evolved forme while not being "bad" (a relative term for this exercise), so that the team itself is, in a sense, its most "superior" version in accordance to the vision it was built with.
The answer I came up with was Bronzor. With the task being NFEs, the role the star mon would have to take is likely supportive. I checked the numbers and, with Eviolite, Bronzor has comparable bulk with Bronzong; base 57 HP is quite a small drop from 67, for starters, but if both are maxed out in Defense then Eviolite Bronzor is better at taking physical attacks (handy for checking / setting on Melmetal). Of course, Bronzong can simply run a berry (Sitrus or pinch) to make this comparison moot; however, there is something else to Bronzor that specifically makes it the better choice...
Its base 24 Special Attack! Bronzong, for the record, has 74 Special Attack. Why does this matter? Well, it's because Bronzor's specific niche on this team is running Steel Beam, which lets both activate Rhyperior's Weakness Policy while at the same time possibly letting it suicide onto another threat, which can prove quite key in aggressive FullRoom builds where momentum is premium and time is of the essence. This set does around 16 to 20 to Rhyperior with 0 IVs and -SpA nature; Bronzong would probably just hurt too much, but this amount is neglible enough. Even without -Spe, it just sits around slower than base 30s. It's very fucking epic, if I do say so myself.
The team takes advantage on these niches, and outside of that it can still perform normal Bronzong things like setting TR, put up Rocks, and being annoying with Hypnosis. Noteworthy is how it can set up on Melmetal with some level of ease while separately still being able to take a Specs Pult Shadow Ball, it's really epic.
In the end, is this a good Trick Room team? I don't know! But does Bronzor's fit make it do something that it's better at than Bronzong while not making the team absolute shit? Probably!
TLDR: Bronzor has bulk comparable to Bronzong while also being able to safely proc Rhyp's WP with Steel Beam, which is handy for suiciding to a safe switch to a threat in TR turns.
Teambuilding Process
This is a typical FullRoom build, it's not exactly rocket science, but I suppose I'll do it anyway for the uninitiated.
The Zard matchup is funny so watch out! It's probably OK at doing FullRoom things otherwise i guess!
- Bronzor and Rhyperior are stuff we wanted, done.
- Specs Torkoal is there because it's a strong Trick Room attacker and checks Melmetal, done.
- We need another Trick Room setter; I went with the Hat because it's offensive and doesn't give up too much room for Melmetal, done.
- Indeedee is there for Psychic Surge, handy for preventing Fake Out (less wasted TR turns) and boosting Hat, and also for FM (facilitates TR setting). Indeedee is TrickScarf because Milotic looks annoying as hell, might as well have something for it to think about (Scarf Light Screen is also nice).
- Conkeldurr is there for another attacker, but specifically for sniping Tar and Exca + sends Rotom-W and Incin packing too. Mach also gives me room for plays in the mid-game reset as it can pin down what would otherwise be threats.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104727942
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8doublesou-1104730270
Mr. Mime-Galar @ Focus Sash
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Freeze-Dry
- Focus Blast
- Protect
Blastoise @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Scald
- Follow Me
- Yawn
Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Horsepower
- Rock Slide
- Iron Head
- Shadow Claw
Dragapult @ Life Orb
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast
- Protect
Incineroar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Parting Shot
Whimsicott @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Moonblast
- Fake Tears
- Protect
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Freeze-Dry
- Focus Blast
- Protect
Blastoise @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Scald
- Follow Me
- Yawn
Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Horsepower
- Rock Slide
- Iron Head
- Shadow Claw
Dragapult @ Life Orb
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast
- Protect
Incineroar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Parting Shot
Whimsicott @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Moonblast
- Fake Tears
- Protect
I was feeling really fed up with facing Coil Milotic, so NP Galarian Mime was my pick to represent the lollipop guild. Vital Spirit means you're immune to Hypno / Sleep Powder, but nobody seems to expect it so you end up getting a free turn lots of the time. With Nasty Plot and a decent speed tier, Freeze Dry/Fighting coverage can be really threatening to almost everything. Blastoise is the best redirector for Mr. Mime, and with Incineroar as a second Fake Out Mr. Mime's much more likely to get off a Nasty Plot. In case you aren't able to set up, Fake Tears Whimsicott pulls off a similar goal and sets TW for the few things that do outrun Mime in this meta. Excadrill hits Zard and has Shadow Claw because I couldn't really think of a fourth move and critting down a Goth/Necrozma/Pult seemed decent. I've never clicked it though so you could go with Scarf Rocks or something if you want. Pult was mostly just because I already had a Fake Tears Whims, but it also offers an offensive answer to Melmetal and a threatening way to clean up after Mime breaks stuff.
- Status