Hello all! My name's Draco Blue, but of course you can call me Draco. I've been lurking on Smogon and playing competitively since early DPP, but I've begun to post very sparingly as of late. I decided to post this RMT because so far I've seen a decent amount of success with the team, but of course there's always room for improvement. However, I've hit a roadblock recently, so that's where you all come in! :)
Overview
This team focuses on setting up for a SubSD Mega Gallade sweep. I was thrilled to see Mega Gallade get exactly the buffs Gallade, my favorite Pokemon, needed to succeed (plus the design is badass). I took an offensive approach to this, implementing a bit of a Volt-Turn strategy to keep the momentum up. Without further ado, here's the team!
Team
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
This is a standard defensive Landorus, and it usually functions as my lead. Sets Stealth Rock for the team, and takes physical hits like a champ. It also forms half of a Volt-Turn core with my Rotom-Wash. Its slow U-turn has come in handy quite a bit for predicting switches and getting in its teammates safely. Thanks to a meaty base Attack stat, it hits pretty well even uninvested, and EdgeQuake + U-turn is pretty great coverage. Awesome team player.
Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe
Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
I don't believe this is the most commonly used Rotom-Wash set, but it's my first time using it and has been a perfect fit for the team. It forms the second half of my Volt-Turn core with Landorus. Considering that Landorus takes physical hits so fabulously, and my team was wanting for something to take special hits well (Latias doesn't like to switch in and out as much), I decided to use a specially defensive spread, and it has not disappointed. Volt Switch and Hydro Pump offer decent coverage, and if I can't hit something well or predict a switch to a physical attacker then I usually just go for Will-O-Wisp. After the opponent has been burned Rotom becomes an exceptional mixed tank. Finally, if I am out of other moves to use, and/or the opponent is healthier than Rotom-Wash, then Pain Split can help to patch up its HP.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Gotta love the tried and true Choice Band Scizor. While I'm sure we're all very familiar with these moves, Scizor, as usual, is a great fit for the team. I needed something to take out Psychic-types, since I went with both of Gallade's STAB moves for the SubSD set. U-turn, in addition to KOing or frightening out said Psychic-types, makes for even more VoltTurn fun with its teammates, most often offering safe switch-ins similarly to Landorus. Bullet Punch is great priority and helps out with Fairy-types, which Gallade also likes out of the way. Superpower is for the blobs-who-shall-not-be-named, and if I predict a Heatran switch-in. Pursuit also helps with our Psychic-type problem, and with Ghost types, which Gallade appreciates removed.
I will say, this set has done well, but I've considered modifications simply because it takes more from entry hazards than the rest of the team bar Talonflame (who I almost NEVER switch in if Rocks are down anyway), and I've had a bit of trouble keeping it healthy. This could be remedied with a different item and Roost, but then I'd see a big power loss. Thoughts appreciated.
Talonflame @ Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Tailwind
Ohhhh, Talonflame. This little birdie (HA http://tinyurl.com/klseq63) is probably my MVP, besides Gallade of course. Max Attack and Speed for maximum hurt, with a Jolly nature because Talonflame just can't afford not to be as fast as possible, and should really mostly be trying to revenge kill rather than wallbreak. Its STABs in Brave Bird and Flare Blitz need no introduction, and of course I can't overstate how clutch Gale Wings makes priority Brave Bird. U-turn is great for predicted unfavorable switch-ins (nothing better than smacking Tyranitar's smug little face). Tailwind is used if Talonflame is just really about to bite the dust but its teammates can use speed more than extra damage, and thanks to its Flying-type it also receives priority.
Latias (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 72 HP / 184 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Defog
- Draco Meteor
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Roost
Latias is my much needed Defogger, since I need to keep Stealth Rock away from Talonflame at all times and I switch around a lot so hazards are generally undesirable. Draco Meteor hits hard, and Hidden Power Fire hits Steel-type switch-ins like Scizor. Roost is to keep her healthy to continue to come in and Defog throughout the match, especially since Talonflame is particularly capable of turning around potential losses late-game if the opponent's team is weak.
While by no means a bad team member, I do find that I often don't much know what to do with Latias, and she's probably the weakest link, despite good type synergy with the team. While Defog is necessary, it halts the team's momentum, and after a Draco Meteor she usually needs to switch out, with Hidden Power Fire doing a pittance against anything other than its intended targets. Furthermore, its EV spread is not quite as bulky as I would like, but I also certainly don't want to lose any power or speed, as Latias already halts momentum too often. Suggestions especially appreciated for this set.
Gallade (M) @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Drain Punch
- Zen Headbutt
- Substitute
And now, the star of our show, our gallant hero himself- Mega Gallade. This thing is wonderful. Like I mentioned earlier, I decided to use a Substitute and Swords Dance set, since I find that the thing Gallade hates most is status, and thanks to his offensive presence as well as the newfound Speed his Mega Evolution offers, getting a Substitute up is significantly easier than it used to be. Once the Substitute is safely up, it's Swords Dance to get his Attack to absurd levels and it's usually gg from there. Drain Punch offers much needed recovery, and in my opinion is far more syngergistic with Substitute than Close Combat, especially since Gallade does not suffer defense drops and sometimes the recovery can offer extra chances to throw up a Substitute if necessary. Zen Headbutt, despite its annoying accuracy, is a nice hard-hitting secondary STAB move. Fighting and Psychic offer good but not perfect coverage, and that's what the rest of the team has hopefully handled by the time Mega Gallade comes out to sweep. It is imperative that all Psychic-types and Sableye be fainted or significantly weakened, and preferable that Fairy-types and Flying-types are as well, but my team does a good job of that by keeping rocks up and Scizor and Talonflame offering excellent checks to the aforementioned types.
I hope you all like the team! Thanks for reading and fire away!
Overview
This team focuses on setting up for a SubSD Mega Gallade sweep. I was thrilled to see Mega Gallade get exactly the buffs Gallade, my favorite Pokemon, needed to succeed (plus the design is badass). I took an offensive approach to this, implementing a bit of a Volt-Turn strategy to keep the momentum up. Without further ado, here's the team!
Team
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
This is a standard defensive Landorus, and it usually functions as my lead. Sets Stealth Rock for the team, and takes physical hits like a champ. It also forms half of a Volt-Turn core with my Rotom-Wash. Its slow U-turn has come in handy quite a bit for predicting switches and getting in its teammates safely. Thanks to a meaty base Attack stat, it hits pretty well even uninvested, and EdgeQuake + U-turn is pretty great coverage. Awesome team player.
Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe
Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
I don't believe this is the most commonly used Rotom-Wash set, but it's my first time using it and has been a perfect fit for the team. It forms the second half of my Volt-Turn core with Landorus. Considering that Landorus takes physical hits so fabulously, and my team was wanting for something to take special hits well (Latias doesn't like to switch in and out as much), I decided to use a specially defensive spread, and it has not disappointed. Volt Switch and Hydro Pump offer decent coverage, and if I can't hit something well or predict a switch to a physical attacker then I usually just go for Will-O-Wisp. After the opponent has been burned Rotom becomes an exceptional mixed tank. Finally, if I am out of other moves to use, and/or the opponent is healthier than Rotom-Wash, then Pain Split can help to patch up its HP.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Gotta love the tried and true Choice Band Scizor. While I'm sure we're all very familiar with these moves, Scizor, as usual, is a great fit for the team. I needed something to take out Psychic-types, since I went with both of Gallade's STAB moves for the SubSD set. U-turn, in addition to KOing or frightening out said Psychic-types, makes for even more VoltTurn fun with its teammates, most often offering safe switch-ins similarly to Landorus. Bullet Punch is great priority and helps out with Fairy-types, which Gallade also likes out of the way. Superpower is for the blobs-who-shall-not-be-named, and if I predict a Heatran switch-in. Pursuit also helps with our Psychic-type problem, and with Ghost types, which Gallade appreciates removed.
I will say, this set has done well, but I've considered modifications simply because it takes more from entry hazards than the rest of the team bar Talonflame (who I almost NEVER switch in if Rocks are down anyway), and I've had a bit of trouble keeping it healthy. This could be remedied with a different item and Roost, but then I'd see a big power loss. Thoughts appreciated.
Talonflame @ Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Tailwind
Ohhhh, Talonflame. This little birdie (HA http://tinyurl.com/klseq63) is probably my MVP, besides Gallade of course. Max Attack and Speed for maximum hurt, with a Jolly nature because Talonflame just can't afford not to be as fast as possible, and should really mostly be trying to revenge kill rather than wallbreak. Its STABs in Brave Bird and Flare Blitz need no introduction, and of course I can't overstate how clutch Gale Wings makes priority Brave Bird. U-turn is great for predicted unfavorable switch-ins (nothing better than smacking Tyranitar's smug little face). Tailwind is used if Talonflame is just really about to bite the dust but its teammates can use speed more than extra damage, and thanks to its Flying-type it also receives priority.
Latias (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 72 HP / 184 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Defog
- Draco Meteor
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Roost
Latias is my much needed Defogger, since I need to keep Stealth Rock away from Talonflame at all times and I switch around a lot so hazards are generally undesirable. Draco Meteor hits hard, and Hidden Power Fire hits Steel-type switch-ins like Scizor. Roost is to keep her healthy to continue to come in and Defog throughout the match, especially since Talonflame is particularly capable of turning around potential losses late-game if the opponent's team is weak.
While by no means a bad team member, I do find that I often don't much know what to do with Latias, and she's probably the weakest link, despite good type synergy with the team. While Defog is necessary, it halts the team's momentum, and after a Draco Meteor she usually needs to switch out, with Hidden Power Fire doing a pittance against anything other than its intended targets. Furthermore, its EV spread is not quite as bulky as I would like, but I also certainly don't want to lose any power or speed, as Latias already halts momentum too often. Suggestions especially appreciated for this set.
Gallade (M) @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Drain Punch
- Zen Headbutt
- Substitute
And now, the star of our show, our gallant hero himself- Mega Gallade. This thing is wonderful. Like I mentioned earlier, I decided to use a Substitute and Swords Dance set, since I find that the thing Gallade hates most is status, and thanks to his offensive presence as well as the newfound Speed his Mega Evolution offers, getting a Substitute up is significantly easier than it used to be. Once the Substitute is safely up, it's Swords Dance to get his Attack to absurd levels and it's usually gg from there. Drain Punch offers much needed recovery, and in my opinion is far more syngergistic with Substitute than Close Combat, especially since Gallade does not suffer defense drops and sometimes the recovery can offer extra chances to throw up a Substitute if necessary. Zen Headbutt, despite its annoying accuracy, is a nice hard-hitting secondary STAB move. Fighting and Psychic offer good but not perfect coverage, and that's what the rest of the team has hopefully handled by the time Mega Gallade comes out to sweep. It is imperative that all Psychic-types and Sableye be fainted or significantly weakened, and preferable that Fairy-types and Flying-types are as well, but my team does a good job of that by keeping rocks up and Scizor and Talonflame offering excellent checks to the aforementioned types.
I hope you all like the team! Thanks for reading and fire away!
