MY OFFICIAL SMOGON INTRODUCTION
Hi everyone! I'm Christian, also known as Chris, so feel free to call me that or just use my username haha. I'm from Spain, so please forgive any English typos or grammar mistakes in advance; I’ll do my best to keep my posts as clear and readable as possible. This is my very first time posting in such a prestigious competitive Pokémon community. I've been a huge fan of this amazing franchise since I was a kid, and I mostly play 6v6 Singles. However, I recently decided to push myself competitively in Restricted Sparring, largely thanks to all the help, advice, and teams from top players available on this forum. That's why I'm here today: to share all my personal records, which I've achieved with a lot of hard work over a long period of time. I won't be posting all 18 types, but I do have 14 of them ready. I decided to drop the types I struggle with the most or those where the team comps didn't fully convince me, even though I managed to break the 20-win barrier with every single type as a personal goal!
In some cases, I used teams from other top players or based my builds on theirs with a few modifications. I will always give credit where credit is due by tagging those players, and I won't go too deep into explaining their exact teams. Instead, I want to focus on interesting nuances, such as my personal experiences, tips to help others, speed tiers (what can outspeed your lead or sub-lead), and how to handle specific threats
Since posting on forums is completely new to me, I'm not entirely sure if I can post all 14 records together in a single thread (or even alongside this introduction), or if there is a character limit per post that requires me to split them into 14 separate messages to upload them one by one. I also don't know how to insert Pokémon sprites or formatting yet, so I apologize in advance for any formatting mistakes due to my lack of experience. I hope to learn the ropes quickly so I can get everything properly formatted and ready as soon as possible!
I am incredibly excited to finally have the chance to be featured in those leaderboards that I’ve spent years checking to learn from. I've always dreamed of seeing my name up there next to all the top players I admire and thank so much for their passive help. AND FINALLY, MY DREAM IS COMING TRUE!
STEEL
This is my streak of 84 wins in a row for Steel type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Kartanga (Kartana) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 244 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Razor Leaf
- Knock Off
- Aerial Ace
- Sacred Sword
Mágmame Esta (Heatran) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 116 SpA / 140 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Solar Beam
- Earth Power
- Rest
SilverKnight (Corviknight) (M) @ Bright Powder
Ability: Mirror Armor
Shiny: Yes
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 116 Def / 132 SpD / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Drill Peck
- Body Press
- Bulk Up
- Roost
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
I decided to use the team of
EightVelociraptors. But I chose to try Corviknight with the Gigantamax factor despite sacrificing Max Airstream and not having that potential speed boost, but with the option to break through Substitute or screens.
· LEAD'S TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Kartana (176): Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
FIRE
This is my streak of 48 wins in a row for Fire type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Lamine Yamal (Cinderace) (M) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Libero
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flame Charge
- Low Kick
- U-turn
- Zen Headbutt
Volcarroña (Volcarona) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flame Body
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 12 SpA / 28 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain
- Flamethrower
- Quiver Dance
Intimidoar (Incineroar) (M) @ Bright Powder
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 188 HP / 148 Atk / 164 Def / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Drain Punch
- Swords Dance
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
For this challenge I used a team that is based on the one from
sb879, but with some change of Pokémon as a personal nuance. I replaced her Salazzle with the Incineroar I learned from
SilverstarStream's new WR, as it feels more solid and easier to handle. It balances the team by providing the option to intimidate opponents, boost its own stats, knock off the rival's items, and use Rest to recover both HP and status conditions like paralysis or badly poisoned.
· Fire Immunity (Flash Fire):
May have this or another ability: Centiskorch and Coalossal
· LEAD'S TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Cinderace (188): Beartic (Swift Swim in rain, speed tie), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
ELECTRIC
This is my streak of 48 wins in a row for Electric type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
TirasDeCable (Xurkitree) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rising Voltage
- Thunder Shock
- Grass Knot
- Volt Switch
Raikkonen (Raikou) @ Bright Powder
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Scald
- Calm Mind
- Rest
Zapdios (Zapdos) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 212 HP / 116 Def / 4 SpA / 84 SpD / 92 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rising Voltage
- Air Cutter
- Light Screen
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
For this challenge I used a team that is based on the one from
Jumpman16, but with some change of Pokémon as a personal nuance. Instead of Magnezone, I preferred to run a Special Attacker Raikou with its great Speed, Electric-type coverage for STAB, and Water-type coverage to cover its Ground weakness among other threats. It can also cause burns with a 30% chance to halve my opponent's Attack, along with the option to boost its stats with Calm Mind and recover HP and potential bad poisoning with Rest.
· Electric Immunity (Volt Absorb, Lightning Rod or Motor Drive):
May have this or another ability: Dedenne, Lanturn, Pikachu, Seaking and Emolga
PS: Rhyperior is already immune to Electric-type moves due to its Ground typing. However, it can possess the Lightning Rod ability. You should only worry about this in extremely niche scenarios, such as when using a team with Soak or attempting a Trick/Switcheroo strategy with a Ring Target; otherwise, you wouldn't be able to hit it with Electric-type moves anyway.
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Xurkitree (148): Rotom (speed tie), Zoroark, Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
· Raikou (183): Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
GROUND
This is my streak of 46 wins in a row for Ground type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Krookoloko (Krookodile) (M) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Bulldoze
- Aerial Ace
- Low Kick
Lando Norris (Landorus-Therian) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 16 Def / 196 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Fly
- Bulk Up
- Rest
Gastrodon-East (M) @ Bright Powder
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Recover
- Toxic
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
For this challenge I used a team that is based on the one from
sb879, but with some change of Pokémon as a personal nuance. In addition to giving Krookodile an Adamant nature to hit harder and ensure certain OHKOs without boosting—or even more with Moxie or Max Knuckle boosts, despite the risk of being outsped by faster threats—I also included the option to increase my Speed with Max Airstream. Furthermore, I decided to run Gastrodon to gain greater Special Defense bulk, even though I cannot heal upon switching into Water-type moves like Quagsire would.
· Ground Immunity (Levitate):
Always have the ability: Lunatone, Rotom and Solrock
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Krookodile (144): Comfey (speed tie), Volcarona (speed tie), Kommo-o (after a Clangoroul Soul), Rotom, Zoroark, Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
However, one of the risks of running an Adamant nature is that even at +1 Speed after an Airstream, you will still be outspeeded by a Cloyster that has used Shell Smash. Be very careful with that, because it will destroy your Krookodile otherwise!
If Cloyster switches in and you have enough HP to preserve your Dynamax while already at +1 Speed, the optimal play is to use another Max Airstream. This allows you to chip him down while reaching +2 Speed, ensuring you outspeed him even after his Shell Smash boost. From there, you can capitalize on his Defense drops and finish him off with a Fighting-type move, taking advantage of your own Attack boosts from previous Max Knuckles or Moxie (provided your stats haven't been lowered previously, of course).
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp, especially if you haven't boosted your Speed yet, as it outspeeds you.
· Landorus-Therian (136): Braviary (speed tie), Mandibuzz (speed tie), Passimian (speed tie), Sharpedo, Skuntank, Heracross, Kingdra, Lycanroc-M (after Salac Berry), Comfey, Volcarona, Kommo-o (after a Clangoroul Soul), Rotom, Zoroark, Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
Be careful if Passimian comes in and you haven't boosted your Speed with Max Airstream; it’s a Speed tie, and if it uses Fling with the Light Ball, you'll be paralyzed. Fortunately, you carry Rest in this moveset.
GHOST
This is my streak of 43 wins in a row for Ghost type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Mimikona (Mimikyu) (M) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Shadow Sneak
- Drain Punch
Gengar (F) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Cursed Body
Shiny: Yes
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Energy Ball
Corsola-Galar (M) @ Eviolite
Ability: Cursed Body
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Strength Sap
- Will-O-Wisp
- Curse
- Haze
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
The idea behind this team is to lead with Mimikyu, using its free Disguise turn to safely set up a Swords Dance or immediately Dynamax to apply pressure. I can boost my Attack with Max Knuckle, usually securing at least a 2HKO, or use Max Phantasm for STAB damage while dropping the opponent's Defense. Although it has less power than Shadow Claw, the advantage of using Shadow Sneak is having more PP and, most importantly, priority outside of Dynamax. This allows you to hit first regardless of the opponent's Speed or Trick Room. If you need priority while Dynamaxed, you can use Max Guard (via Swords Dance) to stall and return to your normal state. If Psychic Terrain is active, you can override it with Max Starfall to regain your priority. Additionally, Drain Punch provides recovery and essential Fighting-type coverage against Steel-types.
The team's bulk comes mainly from Galarian Corsola, which is an incredible physical wall thanks to Eviolite. The strategy is to drop the opponent's Attack with Strength Sap while healing, burn them with Will-O-Wisp, and use Curse to wear them down. Haze allows you to reset the opponent's boosts upon switching in or reset their Attack if it gets too low to get a decent heal from Strength Sap.
Finally, Gengar provides balance against special threats like Fairy-type moves (such as Misty Explosion from Alcremie or Slurpuff), which it tanks easily with the Assault Vest (AV). It serves as a great backup lead when Mimikyu isn't used. With its base 110 Speed, I chose a Modest nature to hit harder and be more lethal with Max Ooze boosts and its coverage moves. It can even slightly increase its longevity by setting up Grassy Terrain with Max Overgrowth, even if the healing is minimal.
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Mimikyu (162): Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Remember that you have access to priority with Shadow Sneak as long as you are not Dynamaxed and Psychic Terrain is not active!
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp. This is necessary if you haven't boosted your Speed and lack access to Shadow Sneak while at +2 Attack. Since Froslass outspeeds you, you need that +2 (from a Swords Dance or two Max Knuckles) to guarantee the OHKO with Shadow Sneak and avoid getting burned.
· Gengar (162): Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
POISON
This is my streak of 42 wins in a row for Poison type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Nihilerdo (Nihilego) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Grass Knot
- Acid
- Dazzling Gleam
Toxapeste (Toxapex) (F) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Knock Off
- Recover
- Haze
Dra 3´14 On (Drapion) (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 60 Def / 196 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Struggle Bug
- Iron Defense
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
I decided to use the team of
CuneH8sVappy.
· LEAD'S TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Nihilego (170): Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
ROCK
This is my streak of 42 wins in a row for Rock type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Nihilerdo (Nihilego) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Grass Knot
- Acid
- Dazzling Gleam
Purpledactyl (Aerodactyl) (M) @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Unnerve
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fly
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Hone Claws
Te La Muerdo (Drednaw) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Shell Armor
Shiny: Yes
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Iron Defense
- Body Press
- Crunch
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
For this challenge I used a team that is based on the one from
sb879, but with some change of Pokémon as a personal nuance. Using his incredible strategy of keeping Aerodactyl in the back holding a Sharp Beak: when the feared Barraskewda goes for an Earthquake against Nihilego (which is 4x effective), you can switch into Aerodactyl due to its Ground-type immunity. Since you outspeed it by 2 points—having 200 Speed while he has 198, likely due to 15 IVs or incomplete EV training—you can secure a OHKO with Fly thanks to the Sharp Beak, even without access to Dynamax. However, the creator of the strategy stated that if that 5% chance of missing the attack occurs, Barraskewda will automatically sweep your team 3-0. In his case, Coalossal takes 4x damage from a STAB Waterfall, but I decided to run a physically defensive Drednaw instead. Although it would still be heavily damaged by Close Combat in that situation, it provides great defensive balance by neutralizing several Rock-type weaknesses thanks to its Water typing, helping to save a streak in an emergency.
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU":
· Nihilego (170): Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand).
· Aerodactyl (200): Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
WATER
This is my streak of 41 wins in a row for Water type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike (M) @ Muscle Band
Ability: Unseen Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Low Kick
- Waterfall
- Drain Punch
- Aerial Ace
Gyarasiete (Gyarados) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 44 HP / 180 Atk / 92 Def / 4 SpD / 188 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Dragon Dance
- Rest
Laura (Lanturn) (F) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Volt Absorb
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 84 Def / 140 SpA / 252 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Scald
- Eerie Impulse
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
I decided to use the team of
CuneH8sVappy.
· Water Immunity (Water Absorb, Storm Drain or Dry Skin):
Always has the ability: Mantine
May have this or another ability: Jellicent, Lanturn, Politoed, Quagsire, Seismitoad and Toxicroak
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Urshifu (163): Lopunny (speed tie), Mienshao (speed tie), Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp, especially if you haven't boosted your Speed yet, as it outspeeds you.
· Gyarados (137): Braviary, Mandibuzz, Passimian, Sharpedo, Skuntank, Heracross, Kingdra, Lycanroc-M (after Salac Berry), Comfey, Volcarona, Kommo-o (after a Clangoroul Soul), Rotom, Zoroark, Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp and avoid being forced to use Rest, especially if you haven't boosted your Speed yet, as it outspeeds you.
GRASS
This is my streak of 39 wins in a row for Grass type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Rillaboomer (Rillaboom) (M) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Grassy Surge
Shiny: Yes
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Branch Poke
- Low Kick
- Acrobatics
- Grassy Glide
Ludicolocao (Ludicolo) (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 12 HP / 4 Def / 236 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Solar Beam
Ferrothorn (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Bullet Seed
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
For this challenge I used a team that is based on the one from
Jumpman16, but with some change of Pokémon as a personal nuance. The difference is that instead of that highly defensive Appletun, I decided to try an offensive and fast Ludicolo. It has the option to heal while attacking with Giga Drain and tanks special hits better thanks to the Assault Vest, especially in battles where you Dynamax it to act as a provisional lead once Rillaboom is fainted. Furthermore, in that state, it can activate its ability to double its Speed by setting up Rain with Max Geyser. It also has excellent Ice-type coverage to take down Grass-type rivals or cover this monotype's weakness against Flying-types, among other utilities.
Pro-tip: if Talonflame hits the field, play smart by baiting switches between Ludicolo and Ferrothorn. The key is to switch into Ferrothorn when Talonflame uses Fly to resist the hit and chip away at its HP with Iron Barbs contact damage. Since the opponent will likely follow up with Overheat, switch back to Assault Vest Ludicolo to tank it easily thanks to its Water/Grass typing. This forces Talonflame to drop its Special Attack to -2. If it goes for Fly again and outspeeds you, don't panic: just bring Ferrothorn back in and repeat the cycle. By the time it goes for another Overheat and you switch to Ludicolo, its Special Attack will be at -4. This strategy allows you to gradually wear it down while minimizing the risk of getting swept by the bird that still brings back nightmares from Gen 6.
· Grass Immunity (Sap Sipper):
May have this or another ability: Azumarill, Bouffalant, Goodra and Miltank
· Special care with Azumarill, where you must secure with Max Airstream:
When using Gigantamax Rillaboom against Azumarill, I recommend using Max Airstream instead of G-Max Drum Solo. This secures the 2HKO and prevents it from setting up a Belly Drum, which would make it a massive threat. If it happens to have the Sap Sipper ability, using a Grass-type move would not only boost its Attack but also grant it a free turn to use Belly Drum. This is especially dangerous if your Gigantamax is about to end, as you won't be able to rely on Grassy Glide priority since Azumarill would be immune to Grass; if you are within range of being KOed by a +6 Aqua Jet, you would be exposing yourself to extreme danger: or even without priority, using Steel Roller or Body Slam; you will never be able to 2HKO it with a single Acrobatics, let alone with Low Kick, which is not very effective. Your Ludicolo wouldn't be able to win either since all its moves are not very effective, but the worst part is that this Ferrothorn set cannot touch it at all. In other words, Azumarill would sweep your entire team just because of one misplayed turn.
The only miraculous way for Ludicolo to win is if the first Scald burns Azumarill with that 30% chance to cut its attack in half and the following happens: Azumarill drops to 103 HP from Belly Drum, and without
Huge Power due to the burn, its
Body Slam only deals 47% damage. Since Ludicolo is faster, its resisted
Scald (17% damage) combined with the passive burn chip drains Azumarill's remaining health so quickly that Ludicolo wins on Turn 3 with a final hit before Azumarill can secure the 2HKO.
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Rillaboom (150): Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Remember that you have access to priority with Grassy Glide as long as you are not Gigantamaxed and keep Grassy Terrain active! And take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp. This is crucial if you haven't boosted your Speed yet and lack access to Grassy Glide priority under Grassy Terrain—especially without at least one Attack boost to guarantee the OHKO—since it outspeeds you.
· Ludicolo (122): Seaking, Gallade, Goodra, Lycanroc, Scolipede, Stoutland, Talonflame, Butterfree, Flapple, Mr. Rime, Pinsir, Toxicroak, Meowstic-M, Lilligant, Pikachu, Porygon-Z, Thievul, Vanilluxe, Braviary, Mandibuzz, Passimian, Sharpedo, Skuntank, Heracross, Kingdra, Lycanroc-M (after Salac Berry), Comfey, Volcarona, Kommo-o (after a Clangoroul Soul), Rotom, Zoroark, Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Remember that you are twice as fast under Rain and you can set it up yourself with Max Geyser while Dynamaxed to become the fastest Pokémon on the field!
If Passimian comes in and you haven't set up the rain with Max Geyser yet, switch immediately to Ferrothorn to absorb the paralysis from the Light Ball or to tank an Acrobatics and punish it with contact damage. If it pressures you with Drain Punch, you will still win the 1v1 through Leech Seed and Iron Barbs damage; it’s a 3HKO, and you can stay healthy with Leftovers and Protect while draining its HP every turn as it wears itself down.
FIGHTING
This is my streak of 38 wins in a row for Fighting type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Pheromosa @ Shell Bell
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Brick Break
- Lunge
- Poison Jab
- Throat Chop
Ilia Topuria (Urshifu-Rapid-Strike) @ Muscle Band
Ability: Unseen Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Low Kick
- Waterfall
- Drain Punch
- Aerial Ace
Adama Traoré (Buzzwole) @ Bright Powder
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Roost
- Drain Punch
- Thunder Punch
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
To be honest, this was a rather crazy and risky team that I devised during my early testing, and I was satisfied with the result. It’s simple to use and follows a 'do or die' philosophy. My lead is Pheromosa because it is incredibly fast and hits very hard. It takes advantage of its dual STAB moves, great coverage, Beast Boost with an Adamant nature, and Max Knuckle to significantly boost its Attack, becoming a lethal and almost unstoppable beast. The only safe switch-in is Golurk, as Urshifu serves as the backup lead. This Urshifu is based on the Water-type World Record lead I learned from CuneH8sVappy; it can heal with Drain Punch, boost its power with Max Knuckle (utilizing the high PP of Low Kick to spam it), set up Rain with Max Geyser to increase its Water-type damage, and boost its Speed with Max Airstream.
The final Pokémon, Buzzwole, is a Special Tank that can increase its physical bulk and power with Bulk Up. It heals and hits hard, covering its 4x Flying-type weakness with Thunder Punch. However, I would highly recommend Ice Punch instead; otherwise, you might suffer the nightmare I did: being left alone with Buzzwole against a Golurk. In that scenario, you literally cannot touch it with Fighting or Electric moves, and you're finished. In contrast, there are no immunities to Ice, providing much more security in those situations.
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Pheromosa (203): Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
· Urshifu (163): Lopunny (speed tie), Mienshao (speed tie), Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp, especially if you haven't boosted your Speed yet, as it outspeeds you.
DARK
This is my streak of 36 wins in a row for Dark type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Krookoloko (Krookodile) (M) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Bulldoze
- Aerial Ace
- Low Kick
Moltres-Galar @ Leftovers
Ability: Berserk
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 68 SpA / 4 SpD / 108 Spe
Modest Nature
- Air Slash
- Dark Pulse
- Rest
- Nasty Plot
Dra 3´14 On (Drapion) (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 60 Def / 196 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Struggle Bug
- Iron Defense
- Rest
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
I decided to use the team of
SilverstarStream.
· LEAD'S TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Krookodile (144): Comfey (speed tie), Volcarona (speed tie), Kommo-o (after a Clangoroul Soul), Rotom, Zoroark, Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
However, one of the risks of running an Adamant nature is that even at +1 Speed after an Airstream, you will still be outspeeded by a Cloyster that has used Shell Smash. Be very careful with that, because it will destroy your Krookodile otherwise!
If Cloyster switches in and you have enough HP to preserve your Dynamax while already at +1 Speed, the optimal play is to use another Max Airstream. This allows you to chip him down while reaching +2 Speed, ensuring you outspeed him even after his Shell Smash boost. From there, you can capitalize on his Defense drops and finish him off with a Fighting-type move, taking advantage of your own Attack boosts from previous Max Knuckles or Moxie (provided your stats haven't been lowered previously, of course).
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp, especially if you haven't boosted your Speed yet, as it outspeeds you.
FLYING
This is my streak of 35 wins in a row for Flying type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Thundurus-Therian @ Shell Bell
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 24 SpD / 228 Spe
Mild Nature
- Rising Voltage
- Grass Knot
- Fly
- Volt Switch
Tornadus-Therian @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 36 HP / 20 Def / 204 SpA / 20 SpD / 228 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Air Slash
- Dark Pulse
- Rest
SilverKnight (Corviknight) (M) @ Bright Powder
Ability: Mirror Armor
Shiny: Yes
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 116 Def / 132 SpD / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Bulk Up
- Roost
- Body Press
- Drill Peck
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
I decided to use the team of
CuneH8sVappy. But I chose to try Corviknight with the Gigantamax factor despite sacrificing Max Airstream and not having that potential speed boost, but with the option to break through Substitute or screens; and I distributed its EVs like the steel-type WR of
EightVelociraptors.
· LEAD AND BACKUP LEAD TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Thundurus-Therian (150): Drapion, Obstagoon, Dedenne, Emolga, Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
· Tornadus-Therian (187): Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Take advantage of the fact that you can boost your Speed by one stage every time you use Max Airstream while Dynamaxed!
PSYCHIC
This is my streak of 29 wins in a row for Psychic type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Maripo Sagrá (Tapu Lele) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Psychic Surge
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Extrasensory
- Moonblast
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
Nobita (Slowking-Galar) (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Slack Off
- Sludge Bomb
- Flamethrower
EmiliaMernes (Cresselia) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moonlight
- Stored Power
- Moonblast
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
The lead of this team is Tapu Lele because it has decent Speed and hits hard on the special side. Additionally, it sets up Psychic Terrain upon entering, which benefits the entire monotype team. It deals great damage with its dual STAB moves; I run Extrasensory because it has more PP than Psychic, and both reach 130 power when Dynamaxed. It also covers its Ghost-type weakness with Shadow Ball and provides further coverage with Thunderbolt.
Galarian Slowking is a fantastic and reliable Special Wall that can tank almost anything thrown at it from that category. It can boost its stats, heal, and attack with its secondary Poison-type STAB, while also having good Fire-type coverage against Steel-types that resist Psychic moves. Its main weakness is the inability to boost its Physical Defense and its low Speed; however, if you are within range of being knocked out and cannot afford to use Slack Off, having a safe switch-in like Cresselia allows you to trigger Regenerator to recover HP. Cresselia has higher Physical Defense but can also become more resilient and powerful on the special side with Calm Mind, dealing massive damage with Stored Power while covering its Dark-type weakness with Moonlight—keeping in mind that Dark-types are immune to this monotype's primary type. It can also heal itself, of course, and serves as an excellent switch-in for Galarian Slowking since its Ground-type weakness is perfectly covered by Cresselia’s Levitate ability on the switch.
· LEAD'S TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Tapu Lele (161): Emolga (speed tie), Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
FAIRY
This is my streak of 29 wins in a row for Fairy type in Restricted Sparring.
· TEAMBUILDING:
Mimikona (Mimikyu) (M) @ Shell Bell
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Shadow Sneak
- Drain Punch
Flatulencias (Weezing-Galar) (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Clear Smog
- Strange Steam
1 + 1 son 7 (Clefable) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 244 HP / 196 Def / 68 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Soft-Boiled
- Stored Power
- Moonblast
· EXPLANATION OF THE TEAM AND MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS:
The idea behind this team is to lead with Mimikyu, using its free Disguise turn to safely set up a Swords Dance or immediately Dynamax to apply pressure. I can boost my Attack with Max Knuckle, usually securing at least a 2HKO, or use Max Phantasm for STAB damage while dropping the opponent's Defense. Although it has less power than Shadow Claw, the advantage of using Shadow Sneak is having more PP and, most importantly, priority outside of Dynamax. This allows you to hit first regardless of the opponent's Speed or Trick Room. If you need priority while Dynamaxed, you can use Max Guard (via Swords Dance) to stall and return to your normal state. If Psychic Terrain is active, you can override it with Max Starfall to regain your priority. Additionally, Drain Punch provides recovery and essential Fighting-type coverage against Steel-types.
With Galarian Weezing, you can tank hits, especially on the physical side, with the option to burn opponents with Will-O-Wisp, clear their boosts with Clear Smog, and heal while wearing them down with Pain Split. This is why you run low HP and focus your EVs on being a mixed wall. Furthermore, it can Dynamax to better withstand hits, maximize Black Sludge recovery by using Max Guard in a pinch, boost its Special Attack with Max Ooze, or set up Misty Terrain with Max Starfall.
Clefable is a life insurance policy thanks to Unaware, as it isn't affected by the opponent's Attack or Special Attack boosts. Fortunately, no opponent has Mold Breaker to ignore this ability, except for Pinsir, which doesn't carry boosting moves like Swords Dance. This Clefable has good Physical Defense and can boost its Special Attack and Special Defense to become difficult to take down, eventually sweeping rivals with those boosts and Stored Power, alongside its main Fairy-type STAB. It is also very versatile if you face annoying Pokémon that boost their Evasiveness, such as Drapion or Barraskewda when they get lucky with Acupressure.
· LEAD'S TOTAL SPEED AT LEVEL 50 AND WHAT OUTSPEEDS YOU:
· Mimikyu (162): Lopunny, Mienshao, Mantine (Swift Swim in rain), Froslass, Tauros, Whiscash (after a Dragon Dance), Swoobat, Cinccino, Starmie, Garbodor (after Blunder Policy), Kingler (after Agility), Salazzle, Alakazam, Boltund, Ribombee, Weavile, Scolipede (after a Speed Boost), Beartic (Swift Swim in rain), Barraskewda, Lilligant (after a Quiver Dance), Klinklang (after a Shift Gear), Accelgor, Sharpedo (after a Speed Boost), Cloyster (after a Shell Smash) and Sandslash (Sand Rush in sand)
Remember that you have access to priority with Shadow Sneak as long as you are not Dynamaxed and Psychic Terrain is not active!
Switch to your most reliable defensive Pokémon or a special attacker if you don't want Froslass to burn you with Will-O-Wisp. This is necessary if you have lack access to Shadow Sneak while at +2 Attack. Since Froslass outspeeds you, you need that +2 (from a Swords Dance or two Max Knuckle) to guarantee the OHKO with Shadow Sneak and avoid getting burned.
@ Life Orb 
@ Choice Specs 
(M) @ Focus Sash 
