Resource SS ZU Good Cores

[viet noa]

:ss/rotom: :ss/skuntank:
Rotom + Skuntank

Sets

Rotom @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Volt Switch

Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Sludge Bomb
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt / Corrosive Gas

Rotom has approached a fantastic, debatably bannable level of domincance. Its ability to bait checks like Rhydon and Piloswine into a crippling Wisp is too good to ignore. On top of this, Rotom's utility with hazard removal, status, and pivoting, facilitates setup sweepers greatly. Skuntank has always been a top-level threat, but it's known to struggle against Ground-types. With burns lowering the power of Earthquake, and with Hex doing considerable amounts thanks to Rotom, Skuntank is able to finish off weakened Ground-types and proceed to wreak havoc.
:ss/throh: :ss/cofagrigus:
Throh + Cofagrigus

Sets

Cofagrigus @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Body Press
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split

Throh (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 212 SpD / 44 Spe
Careful Nature
- Circle Throw
- Knock Off
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Cofagrigus and Throh are two Unovan walls that benefit from each other's presence greatly. Throh has risen up the ranks drastically as a result of its massive Special Defense. Furthermore, it's able to absorb attacks like U-Turn, Knock Off, and Will-O-Wisp. With utility moves like Circle Throw and Knock Off, Throh is able to put a complete halt on the momentum of opposing threats. Unfortunately, physical breakers can often overwhelm it due to its admittedly shaky recovery in RestTalk. This is where Cofagrigus comes in ~ as an insanely bulky physical wall, it can easily come into Pokémon like Sawk, Cinccino, and Kangaskhan. With access to Will-O-Wisp, Cofagrigus also makes it easier for Throh to sponge attacks, and the strength of Hex and Body Press can compensate for the occasionally passive moments Throh can have. Cofagrigus is mainly weak to Dark-type attackers, and Throh can easily take care of those Pokémon. This includes Silvally-Dark, Skuntank, and Thievul.

 

[Corthius]

Balance Core: Altaria | Rhydon | Wishiwashi
:ss/Altaria::ss/Rhydon::ss/Wishiwashi:

sets

Altaria @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Defog
- Hurricane / Flamethrower
- Toxic

Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance / Roar

Wishiwashi @ Leftovers
Ability: Schooling
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD ; 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- U-turn
- Scald
- Toxic / Rest
- Protect- / Sleep Talk

This is probably the most generic balance core I've used so far. The three work really nice together, covering each others weaknesses really well (not gonna explain the type chart here, everyone knows that). They also fit roles a solid balance likes to have in a team aka a rocker, defogger and bulky pivot/sponge. There are for sure moveset and EV tweaks that can be made, but that would go too far into the topic of building a whole with this core; I slashed some of the options tho for better understanding.

 

[Dr Ya Yeet]

Offensive core - ThwackTales
:ss/thwackey::ss/ninetales: ft.fish,budget rhyperior

sets

Thwackey @ Choice Band /Eviolite
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Knock Off
- Wood Hammer /Swords Dance
- U-turn

Ninetales @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Energy Ball
- Scorching Sands

this is a core i've been using since the dawn of time,and it has provided. :thwackey: and :ninetales: have amazing synergy together,because of 3 things - knock off,u-turn,and ninetales' power+ coverage. Thwackey u turns on stuff like tangela,all gourgeist,eldegoss,perrserker,alolaslash,klinklang etc to bring in nine,who can then boost up or just kill those mons. Thwackey also supports ninetales by knocking shared checks like altaria,rapidash etc,and then all you need are consistent rocks (provided by something like :rhydon:,who checks these 2 as well), and these are toast. Grassy terrain not only boosts energy ball's power allowing ninetales to break stuff like wishi better,but also weakens eq damage,notable in the case of something like eq altaria. It also passively heals ninetales,allowing it to be outside the range of being revenged killed by something like scarf rotom,as well as allowing it to be a more consistent alcremie check. In terms of partners,tbh just a rocker that can handle fires is enough,but if you want another offensive mon,then something like :basculin: can work well,maybe a lure set w/mystic water ice beam,although standard specs works well too. In terms of their own sets,ninetales is p much fixed,but thwackey can be eviolite or band,depends on your team. If you need speed control,band is the way,if you need a decent elec check,eviolite is better(tbh i prefer eviolite in this rotom meta coz it kinda checks it) (a bit)(who am i kidding there is no such thing as a rotom check)
have a great day everyone!! <3

 

[Corthius]

Too early for Hail cores? Idc!

:ss/vanilluxe: / :ss/Abomasnow::ss/Wishiwashi-School:

sets

Vanilluxe @ Choice Specs
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blizzard
- Freeze-Dry
- Water Pulse
- Flash Cannon

Abomasnow @ Choice Specs
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blizzard
- Leaf Storm
- Giga Drain / Focus Blast
- Earth Power

Wishiwashi @ Leftovers
Ability: Schooling
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- U-turn
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

As many know, the now usable Snow Warning makes Hail abuser (be it Slush Rush or running Blizzard) really scary to face. Vanilluxe is stupidly strong with its Choice Specs Blizzards, while Hail negates potential Leftovers which is huge versus a lot of common Ice resists like every Steel type and Wishiwashi. Freeze-Dry hits Water types, Flash Canon defensive Ice types, and Water Pulse Fire types, giving Vanilluxe nearly perfect coverage.
Similar to Vanilluxe, Abomasnow now has a place in the metagame again. Grass / Ice is an amazing offensive typing with only Steel and Fire types being annoying for the STABs and also gives it more defensive use, e.g. easier coming in on a potential Scald / Earthquake. Earth Power / Focus Blast covers the weaknesses against the Steel and Fire types, while Focus Blast can be used to run a bigger nuke versus potential rising SpD Steel types.
Wishiwashi is a really good partner, not only checking Steel and Fire types, which come in on the Ice types, but it can also gain momentum versus Grass and Dragon types which the Hail pokemon can take advantage of.

:ss/Vanilluxe::ss/ninetales:

sets

Vanilluxe @ Icy Rock
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Aurora Veil
- Blizzard
- Freeze-Dry
- Explosion

Ninetales @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Weather Ball
- Energy Ball

A fun core I really enjoyed before NU booted Hail for the first time. Vanilluxe is nothing crazy here, but gives Ninetales access to an Ice type Weather Ball. Ice type Weather Ball allows Ninetales to hit Dragon types like Appletun (even tho it has Thick Fat) and Altaria which are otherwise a big pain to deal with. While this set is really threatening in the right matchup, you do give up the ability to hit opposing Fire types with Scorching Sands, but the advantage here is that Vanilluxe (potentially) and Hail helps chipping those regardless while also reducing Rapidash's recovery Morning Sun.

Use the Hail core while they're usable! :>

 

[Corthius]

Double post, idc, fight me

:ss/Thwackey::ss/Klinklang:

sets

Thwackey @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Wood Hammer
- U-turn
- Knock Off

Klinklang @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Gear Grind
- Wild Charge
- Steel Roller
- Facade / Volt Switch

Fun offensive core I've been loving in this meta. Thwackey provides a ton of utility for its team overall, but especially for Klinklang. Grassy Terrain weakens annoying Earthquake making it overall easier to potentially stay in versus pokemon like Rhydon if they aren't in OHKO range yet. Additionally, Klinklang will be able to use Steel Roller, its strongest STAB move. The little recovery from Grassy Terrain is also appreciated to minimize the chip damage taken from Rocky Helmet.
Offensively, Thwackey lures a lot of pokemon which Klinklang can take advantage of like Altaria and Eldegoss while also knocking and breaking some shared checks together like Rapidash and Tangela.
Biggest drawback of the core is being so tempted to click Steel Roller, which of course is a big nuke, but also leaves you with having to switch out the next turn, giving your opponent the opportunity to basically do what ever he wants. So solid backbones are definitely appreciated.

 

[5Dots]

:ss/Wishiwashi: :ss/Miltank: :ss/Altaria:

Sets

Altaria @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 80 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Roost
- Flamethrower
- Heal Bell

Wishiwashi @ Leftovers
Ability: Schooling
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Scald
- U-turn
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Miltank (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Milk Drink
- Stealth Rock
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic

:Wishiwashi:FEELIN’ A BIT WISHIWASHI :Wishiwashi:​

I’ve been extensively playing out a Wishiwashi/Miltank and Altaria core. Wishiwashi provides excellent pivoting capabilities, enabling offensive Pokemon like Choice Scarf Sawk, (any) Rotom, or Alolan Dugtrio to either wallbreak, pivot, or wear down pokemon respectively. All three of them are top-notch revenge killers and love coming on on pivoting support! Depending on the team’s needs, Wishiwashi can either run specially defensive to pivot out of threats like Alcremie, Skuntank, Ninetales, and Jynx, or be physically defensive and act as a decent offensive switch-in to threats like Scarf Sawk, Rhydon, and Klinklang.

:Miltank: Jumpin’ Over the Moon :Miltank:​

Miltank alleviates Wishiwashi’s vulnerability to being statused with Heal Bell and can effectively set up Stealth Rock, cripple defensive staples like Tangela, Eldegoss, and Stunfisk, and provide insurance as a versatile check to most unboosted threats. Miltank can run Sap Sipper to completely blank rising Grasses like Thwackey and Gourgeist, and block Sleep Powder from Tang and Eldegoss, further cementing its postitive matchup against most of them.

:Altaria: Imagine Dragons :Altaria:​

Altaria provides crucial hazard control with Defog, as well as providing a more reliable Sawk and Thwackey switch-in. With Flamethrower, Steels looking to exploit this like perrserker and Alolan Dugtrio will simply take massive damage, and with some prior damage, outright KOed. Hurricane is equally viable for it to more reliably scare away Gurdurr and Sawk, and provides a stronger hit against Eldegoss and Lurantis. Altaria can provide support as a secondary Toxic user should a Heal Bell/Rest user be present.

This core may struggle against offensive hazard setters like Rhydon and Qwilfish, as Rhydon can overwhelm Miltank and Altaria by forcing Wishi to use Rest much quicker with repeated Earthquakes, and Taunt prevents Miltank and Altaria from doing their walling jobs (though it doesn’t appreciate being burned by Scald). CM + Aromatherapy can be very annoying to deal with, as this core relies on offensive teammates/pressure to deter Alcremie from setting up.

PARTNERS IN TIME
:Dugtrio-Alola: :Sawk: :Rotom: :Silvally: :Jynx: :Thwackey:

These are all examples of teammates that benefit from the status support by Miltank, the pivoting brought by Miltank, and the hazard control provided by Altaria. In return, they provide offensive backbone and help round out most balance and bulky offense builds. Thwackey, Rotom, and Silvally formes help out by providing pivoting and cleaning late-game, while Sask and Jynx provide excellent value as early-game wallbreakers. Alolan Dugtrio operates as a strong revenge killer and SubToxic user, wearing down bulky foes that are equipped with cleric support.

Get out there and try it out!

​

 

[wooper]

Alolan Dugtrio operates as a strong revenge killer and SubToxic user, wearing down bulky foes that are equipped with cleric support.

Click to collapse...

i def wanna add on that duggy + miltank + alt is a great core to build with and annoying core to face. with the inclusion of toxic on duggy for a subtox set, either miltank or altaria is freed up to run heal bell over their own toxic and provide cleric support for the team. this definitely has come in handy in testing and allows you to play the long game vs a lot of common mons that love to spread status like opposing miltank and altaria, as well as support rapidash, eldegoss, stunfisk, gourgeist, and so many more. ive made a small handful of successful teams around this core (albeit without wishiwashi) and would recommend to those looking for some balance builds!

 

[Corthius]

I hate this valuable resource not being filled with proper examples; Lets change that!
With Frolass being our newcomer and quite a few metagame staples moving to PU, people might find themself overwhelmed by the new meta. I want to share some of the offensive and defensive cores I found really useful or look promising. I will provide spreads and sets for the pokemon (click on the sprites), but they may vary depending on when you read this and how the meta adapts/what becomes the most prominent sets.

:Froslass: + :Morpeko:
Losing Eldegoss really hurts fat Spikes teams but the addition of Froslass as a Spiker is phenomenal overall and thus I feel like we gained more than we lost for the archetype. Morpeko is the best offensive Rapid Spin user we have right now which also has the benefit of revengekilling non-Choice Scarf Jynx and discouraging the use of Psychic type moves. Removing hazards versus Taunt Froslass is almost impossible with the little hazard control we have which makes it a consistent Spikes setter. Many utility options, way to many to list them all, makes it tough to safely pivot into it. Morpeko also lures pokemon like Rhydon, Stunfisk and Tangela which a more offensive Froslass can threaten out.


:Froslass: + :Alcremie:
After Spikes, Choice Band is probably the second set people will be using the most. While in ZU, Gen 8 gave Froslass two strong physical STAB attacks in Poltergeist and Triple Axel. Its STAB combination is highly threatening and not a lot will want to switch into it. Filler options like Trick and Spikes weaken incoming threats and sets up hazards in favorable matchups. Ice Shard can be used to pick of weakened faster threats like Choice Scarf Gourgeist, Rotom and Sawk. Note that Froslass is pretty weak so you'd need a lot of chip damage. Alcremie benefits from Froslass weakening Dark types that switch into Poltergeist, hopefully removing them so DoubleDance Alcremie can win in the end. When opting for Dazzling Gleam, Alcremie acts as a wonderful check to said Dark types and forms a nice defensive backbone for Froslass.

:Klinklang: + :Silvally:(flying)
If you are tired of using my BirdSpam, I have a new Silvally-Flying core for you to try out! SubToxic Klinklang and Silvally-Flying share quite a few checks like Stunfisk, Coalossal and Rotom. The cores works after the basic formula of overwhelming the shared checks and trying to win with the one that has the better matchup. They also have decent type synergy in Klinklang checking Ice types like Jynx and Froslass to an extend and Silvally-Flying checking Fighting types like Sawk and Throh.
Also Klinklang just slaps at the moment.

:Miltank: + :Alcremie:
Is there something that screams Tuthur more than nascar Miltank + Alcremie? This core makes use of two of the best pokemon in the tier right now. Miltank being able to check common annoyances like Choice Band Thwackey and Alcremie being the best bulky wincon in the tier just makes this core really easy to use. Miltank also gives Alcremie the room to run Mystical Fire as coverage. The benefit of nascar Miltank with Rocky Helmet is that you can chip opposing pokemon as effective as possible allowing Alcremie to clean up a lot easier.

:Thwackey: + :Jynx:
Very punishing offensive core. They have great synergy in different aspects. Both can chip down Fire types, overwhelming them together and Thackey lures physdef walls like Altaria, Tangela and Shiinotic which Jynx can the abuse. Both sets can be different, SD Thwackey + CSpecs or double choiced can all work very effectively. Very simple concept but highly effective if executed properly.
Grassy Terrain also turns Galarian Stunfisk in something that Jynx beats.

:Lycanroc-Midnight: + :Sawk:
A pretty standard physical breaker + physical cleaner core. Sawk also provides Knock Off support vs Tangela which would otherwise be painful to deal with for Lycanroc-Midnight - Knock Off support in general is really useful, removing potential Leftovers/Heavy-Duty Boots. With access to a strong Close Combat, together they can also form a semi-Fighting spam core. Decent type synergy at least in Lycanroc abusing the Flying types Sawk draws in.

 

[viet noa]

:ss/silvally-electric: :ss/poliwrath:
"Shock-Wrath" (Silvally-Electric + Poliwrath)

Sets

Silvally-Electric @ Electric Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Work Up
- Multi-Attack
- Surf
- Ice Beam

Poliwrath @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Focus Blast
- Ice Beam
- Vacuum Wave

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the recent metagame changes is Silvally-Electric. With bulky Steel-types almost completely gone, the necessity to run Flamethrower has almost entirely disappeared. Thus, after a Work Up boost, Silvally-Electric's coverage becomes borderline uncontestable defensively. I think Silvally-Electric is an absolutely terrifying late game sweeper, as very few defensive measures can be taken to fully halt it. Its main issue, however, is it being prone to revenge killing. This is where Poliwrath comes in, as it has the defensive profile to switch into Pokémon like Rapidash and Froslass. It then can seriously threaten the opponent with its Specs attacks, that give Silvally-Electric a chance to break through against checks like Stunfisk and Throh. Poliwrath's wallbreaking capabilities, alongside its positive matchup against Silvally-Electric's strongest opponents, enable Silvally-Electric to sweep in the endgame.
:ss/miltank: :ss/gourgeist-super:
"Super-Cow" (Miltank + Gourgeist-Super)

Sets

Miltank @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 240 SpD / 16 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell / Stealth Rock
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic
- Milk Drink

Gourgeist-Super
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Power Whip
- Will-O-Wisp
- Synthesis
- Foul Play

It's no secret that right now, Miltank is one of the most defining defensive Pokémon right now. However, it does get overwhelmed by some physical attackers. Excessive hits from breakers like Sawk, Lycanroc-Midnight, and Thwackey eventually wear it out. Gourgeist-Super has its inconsistencies, but as purely a physical wall, it can really thrive in the right situations. Gourgeist-Super loves how Miltank takes hits from Ice-type and Fire-type attackers, as well as being immune to Shadow Ball. It also loves Heal Bell, giving it great longevity throughout the game. In return, Gourgeist-Super's relatively amazing physical bulk lets it check the aforementioned physical wallbreakers that exhaust Miltank after a while. In a tier full of powerful breakers, Gourgeist-Super can give a top tier like Miltank some breathing room.

 

[viet noa]

:ss/froslass: :ss/manectric:
"Fros-Mane" (Manectric + Froslass)

Sets

Froslass (F) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Triple Axel
- Poltergeist
- Taunt
- Spikes

Manectric @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Switcheroo
- Toxic

In terms of offense, BoltBeam partners typically fare extremely well in any given metagame. SS ZU has a variety of options for this offensive combination, but I particularly like how Froslass and Manectric complement each other. Froslass has quickly proven to be a massive threat, with its STAB combination being quite strong. This lets it easily set up Spikes on the switch, as well as using Taunt versus passive defensive checks like Miltank. What makes this great for Manectric is that its fast pivoting really benefits from Spikes. There are a few different sets you can use with Manectric, and I really like ToxText Manectric, but Choice Scarf lets it revenge kill Alolan Persian (and other Scarfers). With how spammable Volt Switch is, Toxic can be used over Thunderbolt to lure switch-ins like Stunfisk. This also preserves more utility once it uses Switcheroo on another switch-in. Pivot spam, Toxic luring, and Spikes all come together to make this fast BoltBeam duo wear down the opponent.
:ss/klinklang::ss/clefairy:
"Klink-Clef" (Klinklang + Clefairy)

Sets

Klinklang @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Shift Gear
- Gear Grind
- Toxic / Wild Charge

Clefairy @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Soft-Boiled
- Mooblast
- Toxic
- Knock Off / Stealth Rock

Klinklang's status as a sweeper is pretty well-defined, but it also works decently as a Pokémon capable of switching into attacks. The type synergy between it and Clefairy is extremely good, as the Fairy-Steel combination has notoriously been solid. Clefairy is able to spam Toxic to cripple Klinklang's counters, like Stunfisk and Rapidash. This gives Klinklang an easier opening to sweep, and it also takes the Steel and Poison-type attacks that threaten Clefairy. As a late-game cleaner that can utilize its defensive profile, Klinklang loves how Clefairy's bulk and movepool provides lots of facilitation.

 

[kay]

:klinklang: :sawk:

Steel + Fighting type of choice such as Sawk or Gurdurr is an extremely good core right now as Klinklang is able to use its steel typing to wall out all the fairy types trying to switch into the fighting type of choice and in return your fighting type is an excellent option to double back on against the plenty of Klinklang answers that teams are forced into such as Stunfisk and Rapidash. This core generally is very easy to make progress with and feels very smooth and forgiving to play


:stunfisk: :articuno:

Very common defensive core that covers pretty much the entire meta outside a few outliers like Alcremie or a fighting resist that you'll patch up along the way while covering the basics that most teams are looking for like a Rocker, Defogger, and in some cases momentum depending on how you end up building it if you want to opt for U-turn Articuno. In most cases you'll generally go Toxic as teams that use this core tend to play at a slower pace, but the option is there if it fits for a specific team.


:stunfisk: :miltank:

Is another variation of the above. The main flaw of rocks Miltank is that your team lacks a volt immunity which is why you can opt to throw rocks on Stunfisk to shore up that weakness and replace rocks on Miltank for Heal Bell which gives your team alot of staying power and makes it so Stunfisk can reliably trade toxics with other pokemon and come out on top in the long run.


:tangela: :rapidash:

Tangdash. This core has such a colorful history in ZU but I haven't seen it posted here so it felt wrong not to include it. Tangela blanket covers physical attackers and in return Rapidash targets a lot of the common answers to Tangela such as Skuntank, taking Thwacky knock offs and threatening burns, Klinklang, and Ninetales to name a few. Amazing core.


:rotom: :Skuntank:

This core aims to use the breaking power of Specs or Hex Rotom in order to break the ground types such as Rhydon and Stunfisk to ease Skuntank ranges needed to kill at +2 which can just break apart under prepared balance teams. Skuntank also comes with its own set of handy resists that gives the team alot of room to come in and do what it needs to do to get this scary core off the ground and putting pressure down.

 

[Corthius]

:Sableye: + :Alcremie:

Sets

I LOVE LEAN (Sableye) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off / Seismic Toss / Foul Play / Night Shade
- Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
- Encore / Taunt
- Recover

LEAN (Alcremie-Ruby-Cream) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Recover / Rest
- Dazzling Gleam / (Stored Power; really only useful if you use smth like Night Shade or Seismic Toss on Sableye to somewhat 'lure' Dark types and pressure the opposing team with being annoying to anything you can use Prankster versus - also has different synergy but thats beyond the point)
- Aromatherapy / Acid Armor

This core has been incredible in my LT runs so far. I adore Sableye a lot, I've always been a huge fan of the pokemon and what it offers for your team. It annoys almost any physical threat to Alcremie that isn't a Dark type, mainly Klinklang (be vary of Toxic), Silvally-Poison and Qwilfish. It also has the benefit of spreading burn which is really helpful for Calm Mind Alcremie which can potentially still be overwhelmed by neutral physical threats like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc-Midnight.
In return, Alcremie offers a real wincon that also helps with some of Sableyes poor matchups like Silvally-Dark (w/o Iron Head) and Malamar (technically not that bad but it does make it easier in the long run). Additionally, Alcremie uses Aromatherapy mainly for itself but can also heal potential Toxic aimed at Sableye and cure it from them. The two share a good synergy but obviously need support from the team regardless.