Hi all, thanks for clicking through. This is one of my first competitive teams and has undergone a number of adjustments already. I'll explain more below. Happy reading!
At a Glance:
The Team:
Ninetales @ Leftovers
Trait: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 Spd
Modest Nature
- Sunny Day
- Roar
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flamethrower
Unlike most people, I don't really see Ninetales as disposable and useless except for the permanent Sun, and this moveset helps me accomplish that. I don't always start with Ninetales because it is kind of predictable.
I use Sunny Day on Ninetales solely to win weather wars, and it works great. I previously ran Solarbeam over Roar and had Offensive EVs. Roar does work well for phazing and dealing with substitute-users who can't be WoW'd.
Many opponents will swap in Politoed and then go for the Scald/HydroPump, but then I outspeed him and use Sunny Day or predict the switch originally and then switch out to a counter. Even a HydroPump with Sun brings me low enough to switch out. Sometimes I just go for the WoW on Politoed or hope for a switch, and then back away. Scald makes me laugh in the sun. Against Hippowdon/Tyranitar I usually switch out or WoW.
I'm tempted to switch back to using SolarBeam and maybe even Hidden Power Ice (or other) over Will-o-Wisp. The accuracy on WoW is terrible but when it hits it really does help against some physical sweepers (mainly Dragons) who either 1 or 2HKO me.
I am tempted to use Flamethrower for accuracy and consistency, but I could be convinced to test Overheat...
Dragonite @ Choice Band
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Superpower
- Fire Punch
- ExtremeSpeed
Previously used a DragonDance set here, but I'm happier with the CB variant. I could be convinced to sub Outrage for Dragon Claw. Usually Outrage forces me to wait until endgame to bring out the STAB, which is a little tough, unless I want to attack through Steel-types like Forretress and Heatran. With full HP I'd usually survive anyway. I previously used a Bulky variant, but it lacked power. Very content with this Pokemon.
Superpower is there for Tyranitar, Blissey, Terrakion, and Balloon Heatran, among others. I could be convinced to switch it to Earthquake, but I just felt that it was not as useful since I have other users.
FirePunch in the filler slot provides nice and sometimes-unexpected coverage. FirePunch is super useful against Forretress and Skarmory, and is also just plain powerful in the sun against anything that doesn't resist it.
Venusaur @ Black Sludge
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 180 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 2 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Growth
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb provide great STAB. Venusaur isn't bad at taking a good hit here and there, and can 2HKO a great deal of dragons and fire types. This is where the speed boost obviously helps. If I predict a switch into Infernape for example, I'd use Sludge Bomb and then outspeed him for the 2HKO, taking a priority move when necessary. The poison effect is also great and I love it. Giga Drain is mostly for bulky waters and ground types who otherwise might wall this set. At least I'd get to absorb some HP!
Hidden Power Fire is probably my favorite move on this set. It's great when predicting switches to Ferrothorn or other Steel-types that think they can wall. Very useful.
I used to use Sunny Day over Growth in order to win weather wars (which worked GREAT). But I decided that I don't need to win the weather war to kill Politoed, and then just stuck Sunny Day on Heatran.
Heatran @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Sunny Day
- SolarBeam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Heatran's an interesting one. Definitely great at taking advantage of the sun and has enough SAtk to tear through teams. SolarBeam used to be Stealth Rock before my Spinner/Trapper were able to function in that way.
I love Magma Storm, it's a great move. Sometimes I don't even bother using the "Weather Trap" technique. But I usually can get a Sunny Day off when the team needs it most, which is important. Before using Sunny Day many opponents predict a more standard Heatran and may switch in something weak to SolarBeam.
I did try both Life Orb and Leftovers; I enjoyed both for different reasons. I ultimately went with Air Balloon to help just a little bit more with switching into Earthquakes, mostly from Hippowdon or Mamoswine, both of whom I have some difficulty with.
Dugtrio @ Focus Sash
Trait: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Reversal
- Sucker Punch
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
I was a little bit resistant to devoting a spot on the team to Dugtrio, but now I see why people make such a big stink about him on Sun Teams. He's great for trapping and killing Heatran, Tyranitar, Blissey, and others. Reversal is great and Sucker Punch is there just as filler. I recently put it on over Stealth Rock since Donphan also has Stealth Rock. Could be convinced to put SR back on if I took it off Donphan...
Donphan @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Shard
Donphan is just great for this team. Before Donphan I didn't really have any great option to both take physical hits and dish out some good damage too. Pretty standard set, though Dugtrio can also learn Stealth Rock. I'm tempted to put Seed Bomb or Head Smash on this set and move SR to Dugtrio.
Donphan came to the team after trying both Forretress and Starmie as spinners, and I've been content. Spinning is fairly important for the team, because of Dragonite's Multiscale and Ninetales.
Previously used:
Sawsbuck @ Life Orb
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 112 HP / 248 Atk / 148 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Horn Leech
- Return
- Nature Power
- Swords Dance
Starmie @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 216 Spd / 46 Def
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 232 Spd / 24 HP
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Ice Shard
- Superpower
Forretress @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Gyro Ball
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch
- Spikes
Chandelure @ Life Orb
Trait: Flash Fire
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Sunny Day
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Ground]
Also Considered:
Charizard/Volcarona
Slowbro/Gastrodon
Gliscor
Froslass
Chandelure
Espeon/Xatu
Specific Ideas/Concerns/Issues for you to addrress:
Ninetales
Should I continue using Flamethrower? FireBlast and Overheat are obviously options.
Should I use Will-o-Wisp or switch to another support move? Could I benefit from Hidden Power?
Should I keep Roar over SolarBeam?
Venusaur
I would love to have Earthquake on this set because then Venusaur could take out Heatran. But I wouldn't remove anything for it...
Dragonite
Should I keep Superpower over Earthquake?
Should I try a Dragon Dance variant or keep Choice Band?
Dugtrio
Should it have Stealth Rock or some other move (like Sucker Punch, Memento, Aerial Ace, Toxic...)
Donphan
Should it have Stealth Rock or some other move (like Seed Bomb, Stone Edge, Head Smash...)
Heatran
Should I go back to Fire Blast over Magma Storm?
Should I switch HP Ice for Earth Power? I am happy with HP Ice.
Thank you in advance for your help and responses!
PS Can anyone tell me how to get the little sprites/icons things? Thanks! :D
At a Glance:
The Team:
Ninetales @ Leftovers
Trait: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 Spd
Modest Nature
- Sunny Day
- Roar
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flamethrower
Unlike most people, I don't really see Ninetales as disposable and useless except for the permanent Sun, and this moveset helps me accomplish that. I don't always start with Ninetales because it is kind of predictable.
I use Sunny Day on Ninetales solely to win weather wars, and it works great. I previously ran Solarbeam over Roar and had Offensive EVs. Roar does work well for phazing and dealing with substitute-users who can't be WoW'd.
Many opponents will swap in Politoed and then go for the Scald/HydroPump, but then I outspeed him and use Sunny Day or predict the switch originally and then switch out to a counter. Even a HydroPump with Sun brings me low enough to switch out. Sometimes I just go for the WoW on Politoed or hope for a switch, and then back away. Scald makes me laugh in the sun. Against Hippowdon/Tyranitar I usually switch out or WoW.
I'm tempted to switch back to using SolarBeam and maybe even Hidden Power Ice (or other) over Will-o-Wisp. The accuracy on WoW is terrible but when it hits it really does help against some physical sweepers (mainly Dragons) who either 1 or 2HKO me.
I am tempted to use Flamethrower for accuracy and consistency, but I could be convinced to test Overheat...
Dragonite @ Choice Band
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Superpower
- Fire Punch
- ExtremeSpeed
Previously used a DragonDance set here, but I'm happier with the CB variant. I could be convinced to sub Outrage for Dragon Claw. Usually Outrage forces me to wait until endgame to bring out the STAB, which is a little tough, unless I want to attack through Steel-types like Forretress and Heatran. With full HP I'd usually survive anyway. I previously used a Bulky variant, but it lacked power. Very content with this Pokemon.
Superpower is there for Tyranitar, Blissey, Terrakion, and Balloon Heatran, among others. I could be convinced to switch it to Earthquake, but I just felt that it was not as useful since I have other users.
FirePunch in the filler slot provides nice and sometimes-unexpected coverage. FirePunch is super useful against Forretress and Skarmory, and is also just plain powerful in the sun against anything that doesn't resist it.
Venusaur @ Black Sludge
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 180 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 2 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Growth
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb provide great STAB. Venusaur isn't bad at taking a good hit here and there, and can 2HKO a great deal of dragons and fire types. This is where the speed boost obviously helps. If I predict a switch into Infernape for example, I'd use Sludge Bomb and then outspeed him for the 2HKO, taking a priority move when necessary. The poison effect is also great and I love it. Giga Drain is mostly for bulky waters and ground types who otherwise might wall this set. At least I'd get to absorb some HP!
Hidden Power Fire is probably my favorite move on this set. It's great when predicting switches to Ferrothorn or other Steel-types that think they can wall. Very useful.
I used to use Sunny Day over Growth in order to win weather wars (which worked GREAT). But I decided that I don't need to win the weather war to kill Politoed, and then just stuck Sunny Day on Heatran.
Heatran @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Sunny Day
- SolarBeam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Heatran's an interesting one. Definitely great at taking advantage of the sun and has enough SAtk to tear through teams. SolarBeam used to be Stealth Rock before my Spinner/Trapper were able to function in that way.
I love Magma Storm, it's a great move. Sometimes I don't even bother using the "Weather Trap" technique. But I usually can get a Sunny Day off when the team needs it most, which is important. Before using Sunny Day many opponents predict a more standard Heatran and may switch in something weak to SolarBeam.
I did try both Life Orb and Leftovers; I enjoyed both for different reasons. I ultimately went with Air Balloon to help just a little bit more with switching into Earthquakes, mostly from Hippowdon or Mamoswine, both of whom I have some difficulty with.
Dugtrio @ Focus Sash
Trait: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Reversal
- Sucker Punch
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
I was a little bit resistant to devoting a spot on the team to Dugtrio, but now I see why people make such a big stink about him on Sun Teams. He's great for trapping and killing Heatran, Tyranitar, Blissey, and others. Reversal is great and Sucker Punch is there just as filler. I recently put it on over Stealth Rock since Donphan also has Stealth Rock. Could be convinced to put SR back on if I took it off Donphan...
Donphan @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Shard
Donphan is just great for this team. Before Donphan I didn't really have any great option to both take physical hits and dish out some good damage too. Pretty standard set, though Dugtrio can also learn Stealth Rock. I'm tempted to put Seed Bomb or Head Smash on this set and move SR to Dugtrio.
Donphan came to the team after trying both Forretress and Starmie as spinners, and I've been content. Spinning is fairly important for the team, because of Dragonite's Multiscale and Ninetales.
Previously used:
Sawsbuck @ Life Orb
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 112 HP / 248 Atk / 148 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Horn Leech
- Return
- Nature Power
- Swords Dance
Starmie @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 216 Spd / 46 Def
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 232 Spd / 24 HP
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Ice Shard
- Superpower
Forretress @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Gyro Ball
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch
- Spikes
Chandelure @ Life Orb
Trait: Flash Fire
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Sunny Day
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Ground]
Also Considered:
Charizard/Volcarona
Slowbro/Gastrodon
Gliscor
Froslass
Chandelure
Espeon/Xatu
Specific Ideas/Concerns/Issues for you to addrress:
Ninetales
Should I continue using Flamethrower? FireBlast and Overheat are obviously options.
Should I use Will-o-Wisp or switch to another support move? Could I benefit from Hidden Power?
Should I keep Roar over SolarBeam?
Venusaur
I would love to have Earthquake on this set because then Venusaur could take out Heatran. But I wouldn't remove anything for it...
Dragonite
Should I keep Superpower over Earthquake?
Should I try a Dragon Dance variant or keep Choice Band?
Dugtrio
Should it have Stealth Rock or some other move (like Sucker Punch, Memento, Aerial Ace, Toxic...)
Donphan
Should it have Stealth Rock or some other move (like Seed Bomb, Stone Edge, Head Smash...)
Heatran
Should I go back to Fire Blast over Magma Storm?
Should I switch HP Ice for Earth Power? I am happy with HP Ice.
Thank you in advance for your help and responses!
PS Can anyone tell me how to get the little sprites/icons things? Thanks! :D
