Resource SS PU Good Cores

avarice

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Approved by chlo
OP adapted from this thread
Art by Kolohe



SS PU Good Cores


Welcome to the PU Good Cores thread, where you can post, discuss, and debate about an essential part of teambuilding: the synergy between certain Pokemon.

Using the cores posted below can make your team better in a lot of ways, either by helping the team with covering common threats, or by providing your team with strong offensive synergy. For example: Thievul can be built together with Pincurchin, since they make a good offensive core thanks to the electric terrain that allows activating thievul Unburden's ability that helps to make a good sweep with an NP.


How to post your core


The main objective of this thread is for any PU player to publish their cores to help other users in team building. The file will update every time a good kernel is added to the thread.

For posting your core, you NEED to:

Show the members of the core (with sprites, if possible);
Say what type of core it is, if it's defensive-, offensive-, or balance-based;
Provide an importable of the movesets that will be used in said core;
Give an explanation of how the core works together in the current meta.

Here have a example of SM PU Core:
Offense Volt-Turn
+

Scyther @ Eviolite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- U-turn
- Aerial Ace
- Roost

Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 40 HP / 140 Def / 208 SpD / 120 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Toxic

OR...

Lanturn @ Assault Vest
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 SpA / 132 SpD / 124 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Scyther and Lanturn have terrific type synergy as they cover each others weaknesses perfectly. Lanturn acts as the slow pivot allowing Scyther to come in for free off of a slow Volt Switch. Scyther is able to set up on opposing threats and works as a fantastic late game sweeper. These Pokemon cover each others weaknesses terrifically and are great for gaining Momentum on the opposing team.

Core Archive


Core Archive Archive

 
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gum

for the better
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
PU Leader
hi gonna drop some cores!! probably gonna edit this later idk

:ss/gourgeist:+:ss/falinks:
brooklyn baby (Gourgeist) @ Occa Berry
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Giga Drain
- Fire Blast

ultraviolence (Falinks) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- First Impression
- Throat Chop
- Poison Jab

im a really big fan of both nasty plot gourgeist and all-out attacker falinks, and together they happen to form a really solid offensive core; nasty plot gourgeist takes advantage of answers to falinks like musharna and mareanie while falinks deals with type: null, and can even offensively threaten faster threats that revenge kill gourgeist, such as choice scarf mr. rime. both of the sets are pretty standard - the speed on gourgeist allows it to outspeed jolly falinks, while an occa berry allows it to stay in against manectric and silvallies carrying flamethrower and colbur berry is an option depending on the team.

:sm/beheeyem:+:ss/hitmontop:
burn the witch (Beheeyem) @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Future Sight
- Shadow Ball
- Recover
- Teleport

ful stop (Hitmontop) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Close Combat
- Aerial Ace
- Mach Punch

another offensive core. hitmontop appreciates beheyeem safely bringing it against walls like type: null and dark-types like beheyeem and thievul. it also absolutely loves beheyeem's future sight so it can get past mareanie, gourgeist-xl, and even togetic, making it much more of an annoyance to face. not really that much else to say about the core, other than psychic is an option over future sight on beheyeem and going earthquake over rapid spin on hitmontop is also an option, but usually they work best together when running these sets.

also this is my 500th post, so thanks to everyone who made this experience enjoyable so far c:

first btw
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
hello guys,

here are 2 cores i thought about today and hopefully they will help other players to have a better understanding of the current metagame.
the first core is a rather offensive one with 2 threatening set-up sweepers like pawniard and musharana, which have a nice synergy together,
the second core is more of a balanced one with mawile helping to create setup-opportunities for fraxure with weakening the opposing team
with the stealth rock / knock off combination.

:ss/pawniard:
Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch

:ss/musharna:
Musharna @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Moonlight

:pawniard: & :musharna:
this is an offensive core with swords dance pawniard, which is able to break through numerous bulky threats and the many psychic-types in the current metagame. pawniard is also able to force the opposition into mind-games due to sucker punch and after a +2 a sucker punch is really deadly for many pokémon in the metagame.
pawniard can take on the likes of beheeyem, opposing musharna and is able to have a strong knock off against the many eviolite-users, whereas musharna can take on the bulky fighting-type threats like throh, hitmontop, falinks and grapploct; furthermore it can setup on its own due to calm mind and offers longevity with moonlight, it provides a good check against mareanie which can be troublesome for pawniard as it doesnt like possible scarld-burns as it hinders the breaking potential.

:ss/fraxure:
Fraxure @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Superpower
- Substitute / Poison Jab

:ss/mawile:
Mawile @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Play Rough
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch / Iron Head

:fraxure: & :mawile:
this is balanced core with dragon dance fraxure as the late-game-sweeper and mawile as its teampartner. mawile is here to check fairy-types and provides opportunities for fraxure to successfully accomplish its role as it helps with stealth rocks to wear down the opposing team and it can help with knock off to combat the many threats which have items for their longevity. fraxure can chose beteen outrage or dragon claw, if you feel unsafe with locking yourself into an outrage dragon claw is the best alternative and superpower guarantees, that fraxure can break through steel-types with ease. the last slot can be either substitute to make it more troublesome for the opponent to go up against fraxure and substitute can also be used to set-up 1 more dragon dance. poison jab can help against fairy-types like shiinotic, mr.mime and togetic.


i wish you loads of fun trying these 2 cores out and i hope they give you more ideas about the pu-metagame and can help you with the teambuilding process!
 
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glaceon.gif
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hitmontop.gif

Glaceon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Snow Cloak
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Freeze-Dry
- Shadow Ball
- Water Pulse

Hitmontop (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Close Combat
- Toxic
- Mach Punch

This is a balanced core with a classic wallbreaker in Choice Specs Glaceon and a defensive Hitmontop to support it. While Glaceon has a lot of power behind its attacks, it can struggle with beating very bulky special walls like Type: Null and Klang, while Stealth Rock makes it much harder for it to come onto the field. Hitmontop provides excellent support in both of these regards, as it can beat both of the aforementioned Pokemon with its STAB Close Combat and can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Glaceon provides excellent support for Hitmontop by blowing back the Ghost-types (Gourgeist, Trevenant, etc) that would hope to block its attempts at using Rapid Spin. This makes Hitmontop's job as a hazard remover a lot easier.
 

AllTerrainVen0moth

Banned deucer.
:ss/heatmor: + :ss/klang:
Heatmor @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain
- Scorching Sands
- Will-O-Wisp

Klang @ Eviolite
Ability: Plus
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Gear Grind
- Shift Gear
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
This is a Balanced Core with a defensive pokemon in Klang and a special Wallbreaker in Heatmor. One of Klang's most exploitable weaknesses is fire, with all of the pokemon running fire moves, such as Manectric and Silvally, it can have trouble dealing with those pokemon. That is where Heatmor comes in, it can check those pokemon and be immune to fire moves in general with Flash Fire. It finally got decent ground coverage with Scorching Sands, so it can check a whole host of new things, while Klang can check Rock and Water moves for Heatmor.
 
glaceon.gif
+
vibrava.gif


Glaceon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Snow Cloak
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Freeze-Dry
- Shadow Ball
- Water Pulse / Heal Bell

Vibrava @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Defog
- U-turn
- Scorching Sands / Earth Power
- Roost

This balanced core is mentioned in both Glaceon's and Vibrava's analyses, but currently, Vibrava is one of Glaceon's best partners and viceversa. Glaceon can be easily threatened by the likes of faster wallbreakers and sweepers like Stonjourner, Silvally-Rock and Manectric. Vibrava is able to act as a defensive check to primarily Rock- and Fire-type attacks and clear hazards with Defog reliably thanks to its immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes and its resistance to Stealth Rock, hazards which Glaceon is very susceptible to. Vibrava can then provide a slow U-Turn to bring Glaceon safely onto the field, which in turn threatens defensive pivots like Togetic, Tangela and Gloom as well as resisting Ice-type attacks from the likes of Galarian Mr. Mime and opposing Glaceon.

Glaceon can either run Water Pulse to specifically help its partner deal better with Carkol, or the more niche Heal Bell to cure status in a pinch, which is otherwise an effective strategy to wear both down. Vibrava can choose between Scorching Sands to cripple physical attackers with a 30% chance to burn the opponent, or Earth Power for the added damage, which allows it to OHKO Stonjourner and 2HKO physically defensive variants of Mawile.

EDIT: As of July 2nd, 2020, maybe this core isn't as effective anymore with the new drops... Regardless, Glaceon still builds good synergy with Vibrava by dealing with Appletun and Gourgeist formes while Vibrava can deal with Boltund not running Play Rough and tank hits from Klinklang and Lycanroc-Midnight, fishing for burns with Scorching Sands in return.
 
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AllTerrainVen0moth

Banned deucer.
:ss/hippopotas: + :ss/stoutland:

Hippopotas @ Smooth Rock / Eviolite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind / Slack Off
- Yawn

Stoutland @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Strength
- Psychic Fangs
- Superpower
- elemental fang of choice
This Balanced Core is a new one, as it uses the new drop in Stoutland, but basically, its a Weather Core. Hippopotas sets rocks , phases / walls , and sets sleep, while Stoutland abuses the sand. Stoutland under sand cannot be outspeed without a boost, effectively having base 160 speed with sand.
 

AllTerrainVen0moth

Banned deucer.
:ss/heatmor: + :ss/klang:
Heatmor @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain
- Scorching Sands
- Will-O-Wisp

Klang @ Eviolite
Ability: Plus
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Gear Grind
- Shift Gear
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
This is a Balanced Core with a defensive pokemon in Klang and a special Wallbreaker in Heatmor. One of Klang's most exploitable weaknesses is fire, with all of the pokemon running fire moves, such as Manectric and Silvally, it can have trouble dealing with those pokemon. That is where Heatmor comes in, it can check those pokemon and be immune to fire moves in general with Flash Fire. It finally got decent ground coverage with Scorching Sands, so it can check a whole host of new things, while Klang can check Rock and Water moves for Heatmor.
Updated version:
:ss/heatmor: +:ss/klinklang:
Heatmor @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain
- Scorching Sands
- Will-O-Wisp

Klinklang @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Gear Grind
- Shift Gear
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
 
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MZ

And now for something completely different
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Still trying to drive some forum activity, plus new meta = building complicated for a little bit. Here's some balance cores I think should help people structure their teams and have an easier time making stuff.

:ss/Shiinotic: + :ss/Stunfisk:
Shiinotic @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet / No Item
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 248 HP / 176 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
- Spore
- Strength Sap / Synthesis
- Giga Drain
- Moonblast

Stunfisk @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Discharge
- Earth Power
- Toxic / Protect / Pain Split

Sets can be whatever as long as it's not like, specs on either. Point is this is a very underrated defensive core. You start out without being openly weak to too many major things, and you've already got some stuff like Thievul 50/50 creator when it needs to decide on Burning Jealousy vs Dark Pulse, 2 Pokemon that punish U-Turn spam (just through abilities but even moreso if either runs Rocky Helmet), Perrserker check, not being weak to Kangaskhan, Appletun check, etc. Obviously they do not cover everything but they blanket quite a bit quite well and they make the construction of a full team around them relatively simple and efficient.

:ss/Perrserker: + :ss/Exeggutor:
Perrserker @ Assault Vest
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 HP / 172 SpD / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Close Combat
- Seed Bomb
- U-turn

Exeggutor @ Colbur Berry / anything else really
Ability: Harvest
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Psychic
- Synthesis
- Giga Drain / Trick Room / Teleport / Leech Seed / Substitute

Pretty much every switchin Perrserker might U-Turn on, Exeggutor abuses fairly simply and easily. Mareanie, Stunfisk, Tangela, Pyukumuku, etc. Perrserker also might (depending on your set) check some things that annoy Exeggutor like Appletun, but this is more of a one-way street. Egg could also run Teleport for a VoltTurn core, but that's less the idea of what's going on here. Pretty basic offensive synergy.

:ss/Hattrem: + :ss/Pinsir:
Hattrem @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Mystical Fire
- Giga Drain
- Nuzzle / Healing Wish

Pinsir @ Focus Sash / Charti Berry / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Immediate hazard control domination with Magic Bounce + Mold Breaker Stealth Rock. They otherwise don't fit amazingly well together so this is more something you'll have to work into a team than base it around, but still worth a shout imo.

:ss/Kangaskhan: + :ss/Mr Rime: / :ss/Lilligant: / :ss/Musharna: / etc.
Kangaskhan @ Silk Scarf / Choice Band
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
- Fake Out / Hammer Arm
- Double-Edge
- Earthquake
- Sucker Punch

plus literally anything with Healing Wish

Assuming we don't ban her first, Kangaskhan + Healing Wish is incredibly potent and an easy way to break for whatever random gimmick you're looking to support. Or it can just back up a relatively standard sweeper like SD Lycanroc-Midnight or whatever, but Kangaskhan is so potent you can get away with that Curse Appletun or SubPunch Mr. Rime or whatever seemed like fun and still break teams anyway.
 
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Katy

Banned deucer.
Defensive Core

:ss/tangela: & :ss/type null:

Tangela @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis / Sleep Powder / Sludge Bomb

Type: Null @ Eviolite
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- U-turn
- Crush Claw
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
this defensive core is built with tangela and type:null: tangela checks strong physical attackers like stoutland, sandslash, marowak and gourgeist with its strong physical defensive very well. furthermore it can check strong fighting-type pokémon such as hitmonchan and throh for type:null as type:nulls typing makes it vulnerable to these strong fighting-type pokémon. to add onto that tangela has the ability regenerator which strengthens its longevity to check these strong fighting-type pokémon and it can come in constantly on them. tangela can also check other strong physical wallbreakers and knock their items off or either crippling them with a sleep powder. tangela can also run synthesis which underlines its strong capabilities to check strong wallbreakers in the pu-tier.

type:null on the other hand checks strong special attackers as tangela lacks the special bulk to come into popkémon such as choice specs mr. mime (galarian), lapras, kadabra and also thievul which are all huge threats to tangela. type:null also offers itself as a momentum creator with the help of u-turn. with rest it is able to sustain longevity during the battle to check the above mentioned special attackers and with sleep talk it is able to dish out a damege move with either u-turn or its stab-option in crush claw.

in overall that specific core can check strong physical and strong special wallbreakers alike and it is able to counter out each others weaknesses and with eviolite it is tough to break for a lot of pokémon and with moves like synthesis / giga drain and rest these two pokémon are capable of maintain longevity during the battle. to add onto that both pokémon can be incredible annoying as tangela can provide help with knocking off items and leech seeding opposing pokémon whereas type:null is able to create momentum with u-turn.
 

LpZ

capy
is a Tiering Contributor
RUPL Champion


Fire-Water-Grass Offensive Core

Heatmor @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Overheat / Fire Blast
- Scorching Sands
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off / Flamethrower

Appletun @ Eject Pack
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Apple Acid
- Recover
- Recycle / Leech Seed

Drednaw @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Liquidation
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast / Superpower
This core is very simple and straight-forward, lure in a switch-in with Appletun such as Klinklang, Mr. Rime, Glaceon, Roselia, Silvally-Ice and click Draco Meteor and with Eject Pack Appletun is able to pivot to Heatmor or Drednaw, or in the case of Fairy-types such as Mawile, Gapidash, Shiinotic, Togetic and Wigglytuff you can double on them if you are confident enough or if in the case is needed. Heatmor basically explodes something with Specs Overheat common Appletun switch-ins and in PU you rarely see a consistent Fire switch-in (Fire-type pokemon are quite rare aswell). Drednaw complements the core with Speed control, being able to outspeed threatening pokemon like Gapidash, non-Scarf Unfezant, Boltund, Swoobat, Kadabra, non-Scarf Gourgeist and Stakeout Thievul. Appletun also serves as a check to opposing Fire-Water-Grass cores which is another neat attribute, that said it is important to have another pokemon to deal with opposing Appletun. I hope y'all like this core.
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
:ss/rapidash-galar: :ss/Klinklang:

Rapidash-Galar @ Life Orb
Ability: Pastel Veil
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Mystical Fire

- Morning Sun / Dazzling Gleam

Klinklang @ Leftovers

Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shift Gear
- Substitute
- Gear Grind

- Magnet Rise / Wild Charge

:rapidash-galar: & :klinklang:

this offensive core can demolish most of the top-tier threats in the pu-metagame as their typing allows it to also check each others weaknesses, galar-dash can check fighting-types which are threatening for klinklang and klinklang can check strong steel-types and poison-types as they are threatening for galar-dash. galar-dash has the offensive calm mind-set to break in a special fashion, means it can hit opposing steel-type with mystical fire like alolan dugtrio. it also hits a lot of the other targets in the tier like mr. rime, gourgeist, throh, mawile, falinks and hitmonchan. it can also deal with appletun which is a very good pokémon in the tier due to its wide variety of sets. klinklang on the other hand can deal with strong special / mixed walls like type:null, hattrem, lapras, shiinotic and togetic. in overall this core is an effective core as they help each other to break through most pokémon in the metagame with their not only offensively good typing but defensively good typing as well.​

 
+

Morpeko @ Choice Band
Ability: Hunger Switch
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aura Wheel
- Crunch
- Psychic Fangs
- Parting Shot

Mr. Rime @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Screen Cleaner
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Rapid Spin / Nasty Plot / Slack Off


This is an offensive core with Morpeko generally abusing teams and Mr. Rime checking a majority of the things that can reliably take on Morpeko over the course of the game. The best things to handle Morpeko are bulky/defensive grass/ground/fighting types, and Mr. Rime has a positive matchup against almost all the ones we have in the tier right now. Morpeko can also check the ghosts that annoy Mr. Rime, but in most cases will be too frail to switch in repeatedly. Like most offensive cores, this one appreciates the chip damage spikes/toxic spikes can rack up over the course of a game, in addition to bulky pivots to help them get into play more safely. Bulky grass-types like Tangela help defensively check the things you'd rely on Mr. Rime to handle offensively, which can ease pressure to make correct predictions as Morpeko can be prediction reliant.
 
:ss/gigalith: :ss/scyther:

Gigalith @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Toxic

Scyther @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Swords Dance
- Dual Wingbeat
- Knock Off


To celebrate the reopening of this thread, I thought I’d drop off one of my favorite offensive cores. To start off, Giga and Scyther cover each other’s weaknesses terrifically, leaving only neutral types to deal good damage to them. Gigalith can either outright KO Scyther’s checks or cripple them with Toxic, while Scyther takes care of the Grass and Fighting-types and uses them for setup fodder. Access to U-turn is also nice, as it can get Giga in to make whatever Scyther check the opponent has squirm.
 
This thread is very inactive so I'm gonna leave a quick core
:ss/Vikavolt: + :ss/Virizion: offensive core
Vikavolt @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Bug Buzz
- Roost

Virizion @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Synthesis / Air Slash

Virizion complements very well Vikavolt's offensive capabilities because every common answer to it (Gigalith / Specially Defensive Togedemaru / Stunfisk-Galar / Lanturn) is mostly a free switch to Virizion (or Volt Switch if the answer is Gigalith). You can drop Energy Ball which now makes Palossand resist your stabs combination but this is yet another opportunity for Virizion. As for the Virizion set, I decided to choose mixed because is the most immediately threatening and I would recommend synthesis unless your team is really weak to Trevenant / Gourgeist and you don't want to give free turns for them. Also, this is where Vikavolt can help Virizion, if you face offensive grass types trying to switch into leaf storm, most of them will take too much, but if they are defensive this is a good opportunity to get Vikavolt in the field.
 
Hey everyone!! Hope you're having a fantabulous day!!
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Whimsicott @ Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- Energy Ball
- U-turn
- Psychic

Passimian @ Choice Band
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot/Rock slide

I wanted to shoutout this offensive turn-turn core of specs :Whimsicott: and banded :Passimian:. The idea behind this is pretty simple; Whimsicott destroys common passimian checks and counters such as Pallosand, Jellicent ,Claydol etc and even lures in and deals good damage to poisons like Weezing and Silvally-Poison , with psychic. Although it doesn't have the most advantageous mu against Pokemon like Vikavolt and Aromatisse, it's still viable.

In return, Passimian dismantles common Whimsicott answers like Silvally- Steel, Togedemaru,and jointly pressures poison types, to bring them in eventual range of Psychic. Rock slide is another option of coverage, since it does well against fire types like notably Centiscorch and Charizard ,who otherwise wall this core. However, Passimian can still just knock off their boots, and they start taking 50 from rocks, and hence can no longer check these two.

Overall, this core still struggles against defensive fire types, and faster Pokemon like Ribombee,but that can still be offset by team support in the form of defensive answers or naturally faster pokemon like Jolteon, who provides volt switch momentum as well.
It works wonders with Hazard Stack from pokemon like Garbodor, helping wear down checks and counters, but be sure to take a reliable Knock off pokemon in that case, as boots are quite common.
Some important calcs -

252 SpA Choice Specs Whimsicott Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing: 278-328 (83.2 - 98.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Whimsicott Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Silvally-Poison: 216-256 (54.8 - 64.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Whimsicott Moonblast vs. 76 HP / 0 SpD Vikavolt: 208-246 (66.2 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Whimsicott Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aromatisse: 180-213 (44.3 - 52.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Passimian Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aromatisse: 328-386 (80.7 - 95%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

That concludes it, thank you for reading, and have fun!!
 
Future Sight has become one of the biggest talking points in the PU metagame as of late, controversial stances and otherwise! Here I wanted to rejuvenate you all with this very topic by showcasing cores involving this strategy that I believe are worth using. I also talk about the Future Sight users themselves, and explains what makes them good, as well as a lot of teammate EV spread/set suggestions in the hyperlink on the table below. On wallbreakers, I wasn't really sure if that was necessary as I've found that they are pretty interchangeable and intuitive, and they primarily reap the benefits of Future Sight itself more than anything. Shoutouts to tlenit, as the off-kilter team you've brought to your PUPL match and the battle itself stood out the most to me.

Future Sight Users
(Major credit to Skankovich for building with this!)​
  • The most ubiquitous and viable of the Future Sight users thus far
  • Competitve makes it one of the best Defog deterrents, making hazard stacking, phazing, and Knock Off partners great supplementary tools for teams
  • Fastest of the viable Future Sight users, while having Flying- STAB to threaten a popular absorber in Scrafty
  • Most well-rounded bulk of the three with access to Recovery, x4 Fighting resist and neutrality to U-turn gives it more play on the field without risking momentum loss
  • While Articuno-G is considered more viable, Exeggutor edges out in set versatility
  • One of Choice Specs's defining traits is being one of the few Special Attackers that can outright KO Specially Defensive Gigalith with Leaf Storm, while using Psyshock to shatter special walls
  • Lum Berry sets (credit to 2xTheTap for a team they've recently built with its use, alongside Red Card Quagsire!) can comfortably pivot into defensive Pokemon with status like Lanturn, Sandaconda, and Druddigon, while Eject Pack can create its own momentum with its powerful nuking tool in Leaf Storm
  • More room for important role compression than the others, having access to Stealth Rock and being a reliable Charizard answer
  • Unexpected power in its offense lets it fend off a lot of hazard removers with its boosted Power Gem, and can even opt for Moonblast to threaten Scrafty for its Future Sight use


Future Sight Strategy
Teammates
FS + Wallbreaker
Misc.
(Soak -- Tap and asa have mentioned building with this on the chat about a week ago and I'd love to see what they come up with. At any rate, Soak Lanturn + Eggy in particular is amazing!)
 

wooper

heavy booty-doots
is a Forum Moderator
just wanted to take a sec few minutes to post about my one of my favorite defensive cores atm and for the past few months tbqh. this duo has made it on so many of my balance teams because of how well they synergize with one another and how well they round out balance teams in the meta. make way for none other than...
regirock.gif
&
togedemaru.gif
Regirock @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 16 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Body Press
- Toxic / Thunder Wave / Iron Defense

Togedemaru @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots / Rocky Helmet / Itemless
Ability: Lightning Rod / Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 248 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Spiky Shield
- Iron Head
- U-turn

pretty straightforward imo. :regirock: provides rocks for the team and either can spread status (i usually go toxic, but t wave is cool for some speed control) or boost its already titanic (pun intended) defense stat to aid in a cool sweep. rock blast and body press are its typical attacking moves in this generation, able to deal with tier staples like :charizard:, :ferroseed:, and :scrafty:. the hp and defense evs are standard, allowing you to avoid the 2hko from jolly max attack :tsareena:'s power whip and adamant max attack banded :aggron:'s head smash. i run 8 speed evs just to get a slight jump on other base 50s when uninvested like :audino:, defensive :aggron:, and opposing :regirock:; the 16 evs in spdef are just the remainder. clear body and lefties are the best ability and item; the former blocks stat drops from things like sticky web and even halts parting shot users from pivoting, while the latter offers passive recovery.

:togedemaru: is a very potent wishpasser for the tier. this set allows it to heal up :regirock: and other teammates, which is especially good when the former's only source of recovery is its leftovers. additionally, its typing allows it to take on grass-type pokemon like :tsareena: lacking high jump kick and :whimsicott: that can take advantage of :regirock:, and is also good for the strong special attacking fairy-types, like :ribombee: and the aforementioned :whimsicott:. in return, :regirock: handles the tier's most prominent fire-type in :charizard: and its other wallbreakers in :centiskorch: and :magmortar: (just watch out for the former's power whip and the latter's focus blasts and scorching sands). both lightning rod and iron barbs are good abilities for :togedemaru: and it comes down to preference imo. lightning rod is great for hard walling :galvantula:, :jolteon: (watch out for spdef drops from bug buzz, energy ball, and shadow ball though!), and scarf :togedemaru:, but iron barbs racks up some great damage over the course of a match, again versus mons like :togedemaru:. as for items, lefties pairs great with wishtect, boots is nice for your ability to pivot, helmet adds even more chip to the equation, and going itemless is a neat tech for absorbing knock off and poltergeist, the latter particularly allowing you to hard counter offensive :trevenant: without eq or drain punch and :gourgeist: altogether, should your team be needing a switch-in.

together, this duo shares a weakness to fighting and ground, and :togedemaru: doubly (quadruply?) so, so it's important to round out your team with ways of dealing with moves of those types. there are plenty of viable mons sporting resistances and immunities to both in the tier, including :articuno-galar:, :charizard:, :mesprit:, :ribombee:, and :whimsicott:. the pair also struggles to break through physically defensive mons like :jellicent:, :quagsire:, and :weezing:, so having avenues to deal with them like strong special attackers are key to make the core work optimally.

as always, this took longer than i realized it was going to take but i had fun writing it regardless!
 
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Thread's dead, lets revive it.

:ss/ninjask: + :ss/gallade:
Ninjask @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dual Wingbeat
- U-turn
- Leech Life

Gallade @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Zen Headbutt
- Leaf Blade
As it turns out, Ninjask + big scary breaker is pretty good. Who knew? Jokes aside, this is a pretty simple offensive core: Jask pivots into Gallade upon facing a Rock/Steel mon and Gallade smashes them into pieces. Or, in reverse, Gallade breaks down the opposing team enough for Ninjask to clean afterwards. As alluded to above, this core can be replicated by other breakers such as Specs Jellicent/Espeon/Perrserker, but Gallade is chosen because it's broken lol very strong and represents the potential of Ninjask cores in this stage of the meta.

:ss/eldegoss: + :ss/regirock:
Eldegoss @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 32 SpA / 128 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder / Leech Seed
- Aromatherapy

Regirock @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Body Press
- Toxic / Thunder Wave
Regirock sets rocks, while Eldegoss spins away hazards. Regirock checks Fire, Bug and Ice-types, while Elde checks Water, Grass, and Ground-types. Eldegoss can cure any status that Regi may acquire during a match and better check Toxic Charizard, yadda yadda yadda. I'm sure I've made my point that Regirock and Elde compliment each other pretty well and form a decent defensive core as a result. The reasoning behind Eldegoss' EV spread can be found here but TLDR; it outspeeds 0 speed Sandaconda while having the power to 3HKO defensive Jellicent.
:ss/ribombee: +:ss/jellicent: + :ss/gigalith:
Ribombee @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Shield Dust
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Moonblast
- Aromatherapy
- Roost

Gigalith @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Protect / Toxic

Jellicent @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex / Scald
Finishing this post with a balanced core, and what do you know? It's my favorite core in this post. Jellicent checks Rock & Ground-types that would otherwise take care of Bee while simultaneously denying hazards and spreading burns. In return, Gigalith blanket checks threatening special attackers, such as Charizard & Espeon, along with many others and sets rocks. Finally, Ribombee serves as the breaker of this core, being able to punch holes in the opposing team after setting up with QD, whilst also taking advantage of all the chip damage Giga and Jelli provide in order to apply further pressure, as many of its checks and counters are susceptible to chip damage. Being a Grass and additional Fighting resist doesn't hurt as well.
 
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avarice

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gasppp a new post

:bw/gigalith: :bw/ferroseed:
Gigalith @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Protect / Toxic

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Spikes
- Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
- Protect
This core is beyond standard and has been seen a ton in tournaments. With hazard removal being quite dire in PU, hazard stacking cores can really thrive. Gigalith and Ferroseed have solid typing synery with Gigalith beating the best Fire-type (Charizard) and Ferroseed serving as a Water- and Grass-type resist. Jellicent, Charizard, Ribombee, etc. all can patch up the Fighting-type weakness and take advantage of the hazards. Jellicent in particular is great as a spinblocker.
:bw/audino: :bw/quagsire:
Audino @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Knock Off
- Heal Bell / Toxic

Quagsire @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Curse / Toxic / Haze
Audino and Quagsire are some of the most sturdy Pokemon in the tier. Audino handles the special attackers like Charizard, while Quagsire can keep a plethora of foes such as Swords Dance Silvally, Scyther, and Archeops at bay. They can fit on balance or full stall quite nicely. These two are vulnerable to breakers like Gallade and Choice Specs Jellicent so it's important to not over rely on them alone to glue a team together.
:bw/jellicent: :bw/charizard:
Jellicent @ Colbur Berry / Heavy-Duty Boots / No Item
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
- Hex

Charizard @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Roost
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane / Toxic
- Toxic / Defog
These two are amazing in PU, between their solid typings and having recovery its hard to go wrong including these on a team. Jellicent is able to stop most of the defensive Pokemon in the tier with Taunt. Charizard is able to check a majority of the wallbreakers and counters Ribombee. Jellicent shutting down hazards is great should Charizard be caught by Knock Off Audino, Corrosive Gas Garbodor, etc. as well.
:bw/gigalith: :bw/sandslash:
Gigalith @ Leftovers / Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Protect / Toxic

Sandslash @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Knock Off / Rapid Spin
Sand Offense is not the most consistent thing, but it can certainly mess up offensive builds and Sandslash appreciates Garbodor taking over some of Weezing's previous presence. Gigalith is mandatory with Sandslash and remains a defensive staple in the tier anyhow. Fitting Sand Rush Lycanroc is an option too, but having no defensive utility can be rough especially since it can still struggle to break past foes like Regirock, Weezing, and Palossand.
:bw/scrafty: :bw/garbodor:
Scrafty @ Leftovers
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Knock Off
- Drain Punch
- Rest

Garbodor @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Gunk Shot
- Stomping Tantrum
- Pain Split / Corrosive Gas / Toxic
Scrafty has great staying power with Rest + Shed Skin and can easily spam Knock Off throughout the game. With Heavy-Duty Boots out of the way, Garbodor is able to become much more useful with its Spikes support. They do a good job sponging special and physical attacks respectively as well. Garbodor is a valuable Fairy- and Fighting-resist too.
 

Chloe

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NUPL Champion
:ss/wishiwashi-school:+:ss/aggron:
Wishiwashi-School @ Leftovers
Ability: Schooling
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- U-turn
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Aggron @ Leftovers
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 HP / 240 SpD / 16 Spe
Careful Nature
- Head Smash
- Body Press
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
wishi & aggron in tandem cover the majority of special attackers in the tier, wishi is better suited for charizard, aggron is better suited for ribombee & psychics (galarian articuno & mesprit). wishiwashi can also switch into water spout from jellicent and other water-type attackers well that force aggron out. mixed bulk allows wishi to adequately switch into physical pokemon like sandaconda and perrserker repeatedly which also force aggron out. you can alternatively opt for max special bulk instead if you'd rather check hurricane charizard more efficiently and already have effective counterplay for stuff like conda/perrs/opposing aggron.

:ss/jellicent:+:ss/hattrem:
Jellicent @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Water Spout
- Surf
- Shadow Ball
- Trick

Hattrem (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Giga Drain
- Aromatherapy
- Healing Wish
specs jellicent is amazing atm but it relies on max hp and effective removal for max power spouts, so preventing hazards from ever going up makes it just that much easier to use. it also benefits immensely from healing wish support if it does get low. hattrem fills both these roles, preventing hazards against ferroseed, sandaconda, regirock, etc. there's not that much to it!

:ss/perrserker:+:ss/gigalith:+:ss/tangela:
Perrserker @ Leftovers
Ability: Steely Spirit
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Iron Head
- Seed Bomb

Gigalith @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Protect

Tangela @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Knock Off
- Sleep Powder
subsd perr abuses the abundance of passive defensive mons that see usage e.g. wish toge, ferro, audino and breaks through the majority of builds without zard without much hassle. gigalith is one of charizard's most prominent checks and also sets sr to deal with it. tangela rounds this out by switching into the fightings (gallade/sawk) and grounds (sandaconda) that threaten the pair + jellicent +it knocks off charizard's boots. the three compliment each other very well.
 

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