Introduction:
Hello, potential raters! I am a former Pokemon battler, and I've been competitive battling since Gen 3. However, I have taken a long break starting about halfway through the Gen 4 era of battling. I've gotten back into it and I've created a team that I hope all of you will enjoy and rate!
Team Building Process:
Well, I wanted to start off the team with something that I'm 100% in love with, Lucario. I've always gone with SD Luke, but this time around I'm going to use the Nasty Plot set.
Now, I began building the team around things that can take out Special Lucario. The first thing I thought was, of course, Salamence. I talked with my friend on how to take out Mence and he suggested CB Haxorus. I initially didn't think it was too bad, but I saw that Haxorus was slightly slower than Mence(still getting used to Gen 5 speed tiers :P), so I went with the more speedy Latios, now that I can use him in my OU teams.
Alright, now that I had a sort of "core", I spent a long time thinking of my third pokemon. I needed something that could check Gyarados, in case it tried to setup on Luke, and I also needed some general support on my team. Looking at the new OU tier, I saw the perfect candidate: Mew
Solid. Team's looking good... but I still need a lead and something to setup SR, otherwise I'm going to be in big trouble against a lot of threats. I was debating on whether or not to run a suicide lead, and after thinking, I decided to run a Jirachi, so that I could retain some tankiness on what is currently looking to be a pretty offensive team.
Alright, now all I needed was some physical damage to round out the team. I've always been a fan of choicers, and I always run 2-3 choicers on my team, so I knew at least one of them was GOING to be a choicer. Initially, wanting to get rid of my ground weakness while getting some fire resist, I was going to run Scarf Gyarados(it's as weird as it sounds) with a Landorus to take advantage of Tbolts coming Gyara's way. However, after looking at sets, I realized that setup Gyara with scarf Landorus would be superior for the pokemon, and I didn't want to do that. I still needed a physical choicer, and I WAS going to run Scizor, but my friend suggested Dragonite. Dragonite was an awesome choice, having many offensive choices that can be unexpected.
And, lastly, I needed a non-choice physical attacker. I forgot specifically why I chose Virizion, but I have found him invaluable to my team so far.
Through the Microscope:
Jirachi @ Leftovers Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SDef / 32 Spd
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Iron Head
- Body Slam
- Wish
Description: Super standard specially defensive Jirachi lead. I generally start off with stealth rock unless expecting a taunt. Unlike scarfrachi, flinch hax aren't as prevalent with this set, seeing as how it barely outspeeds anything worth flinching. However, this set does outspeed and 2HKO Jolly Tyranitar, while surviving EQuake. Body Slam is for parahax, while Wish is there for utility. I've been considering taking out Body Slam and replacing it with Thunderpunch, allowing me to free up a slot on Dragonite and have a more effective way of dealing with Gyarados(OHKO after SR on non-bulky, otherwise chance to OHKO).
Synergy: Fire goes to Latios and Dragonite. Ground goes to Latios and Dragonite.
Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Psyshock
Description: This pokemon is simply amazing. Not only does it have high revenge kill potential, it can switch into other choicers and nearly KO anything with its extremely high special attack. Draco Meteor is for obvious STAB benefits, taking out every single dragon that isn't named Latias. Surf is for things like Heatran and other steel types that resist Meteor. HP Ice is for Gliscor, who walls both of my sweepers. Psyshock beats Venusaur, who otherwise gives my team some trouble. In general, a very strong revenge killer, and it isn't outsped by anything. As always, I'm worried about Scizor, who just switches in on Draco Meteor and kills with Pursuit, but I can just setup on that extremely hard. Latios is basically a gateway for a Lucario setup many times. However, Latios itself checks many threats such as Starmie and Haxorus, things that don't always come to mind. Latios also outspeeds and OHKO's Scarf Landorus with HP Ice, which is always nice. I used to run HP Fire for Scizor and the like, but I decided that having Fire Punch on Dragonite is enough fire coverage.
Synergy: Dragon goes to Jirachi and occasionally Lucario. Dark goes to Lucario and Virizion. Bug goes to Lucario and Dragonite. Ghost goes to Lucario. Ice goes to Lucario and Jirachi.
Mew @ Leftovers Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Will-O-Wisp
- Psychic
- Taunt
- Softboiled
Description: This is not only my answer to stall teams, but also to almost every single physical threat in the entire game, sans Dark types. It can outspeed and burn a Lucario, surviving even and SD Crunch, sometimes even if there's Stealth Rocks up. It is my answer to Mamoswine, completely shutting it down, only taking 42-50% from LO EQuake. It survives +1 Payback and OHKO + Mach Punch even after Stealth Rock and, in return, 2HKO's with Psychic. Will-O-Wisp will also be shutting down things like Gyara(Taunt for DD variants) and Salamence. Scizor switching into Mew to Pursuit/U-turn will likewise be met with a burn. This Mew set cripples physical attackers and also serves as a way for me to break semi-stall teams. Perhaps Toxic would be superior in some situations to Taunt? Would like feedback on this. Toxic would solidify Mew's role as a supporting stall breaker, but Taunt also serves this role handily while shutting down non-Substitute sweepers. As a final note, Mew's psychic typing allows Lucario to setup and sweep things that come to kill it.
Synergy: Bug goes to Lucario and Dragonite. Dark goes to Lucario and Virizion. Ghost goes to Lucario.
Lucario (F) @ Life Orb Trait: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Dark Pulse
- Vacuum Wave
Description: Here it is, the very reason I created this team. Special Lucario is a very interesting sweeper. The first advantage is has over SD Lucario is also the most obvious: Surprise factor. Imagine the look on their face when they burn you only to see "Lucario used Nasty Plot". Suddenly, things take a very different turn. The second advantage of NP Luke immunity to burn. SD Luke can get shut down very hard by Will-O-Wisp, Volcarona, or something silly like Flame Body Heatran. The point is, there are many burns going around, and NP Luke is completely immune to the crippling effects of -2 attack. Finally, not as an advantage over SD Luke, but in general, Lucario is completely immune to Toxic. This is completely obvious, but generally people try to wall sweepers with Toxic or (P)Hazing. Lucario is completely immune to the first, making him a wonderful choice. On to the gameplay of Lucario. He is the epitome of Ferrothorn counter. There is absolutely nothing Ferrothorn can do to Lucario, except Leech Seed him or something. Aura Sphere is a guaranteed OHKO after 1 Nasty Plot. Dark Pulse is for coverage, it can OHKO many things, such as Reunclus, Espeon(after surviving HP Fighting), and all but the tankiest Jellicent. Vacuum Wave is to give me priority in a pinch, but due to its weak base power, it has a hard time killing anything unless I have 3 Nasty Plots setup. Wonderful Poke.
Synergy: Fire goes to Latios and Dragonite. Fighting goes to Mew, Latios and Dragonite. Ground goes to Latios and Dragonite.
Dragonite (M) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Outrage
- Fire Punch
- ThunderPunch
- Earthquake
Description: Where do I even start with Dragonite? I remember it being pretty subpar in the previous two generations, but I have found a new love for it. Outspeeds and OHKO's bulky Gyara as well as Tornadus(after Stealth Rock). Life Orb Starmie also gets outsped and OHKO'd after Stealth Rock. This set is a check to a lot of threats that would otherwise pose huge problems, and the crux of it all is Dragonite's insane attack stat. Originally, I was going to run a Scarfed Gyarados here, but after playing around with Dragonite, the amount of pure damage and revenge potential he brings is just insane. Although, as mentioned earlier, I've been thinking about replacing Body Slam on Jirachi with Thunderpunch, and I was wondering what move I would replace on Dragonite if I were to do that. Possibly Extremespeed, but I feel that priority moves on Scarfers are silly. I really want suggestions on this. Thunderpunch is extremely subpar, and I literally run it just to kill Gyara, which would otherwise stomp all over Lucario. So to recap, Dragonite is an invaluable revenge killer that can wreck anything that it outspeeds.
Synergy: Ice goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Dragon goes to Jirachi and occasionally Lucario. Rock goes to Jirachi, Lucario and Virizion.
Virizion @ Life Orb Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Leaf Blade
- Stone Edge
Description: Alright guys, here it is. The final pokemon. Why do I run Virizion? It's because of its great speed stat. Although this poke creates a pretty nasty weakness to Fire, it's pretty worth it considering how good of a pokemon Virizion is. It can setup on choice users pretty handily. Close Combat and Leaf Blade for STAB, Stone Edge for more coverage. Honestly not a whole lot to say on this poke, just a very generic physical sweeper with great speed and special defense. Sorry for the short description on this one.
Synergy: Fire goes to Latios and Dragonite. Ice goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Poison goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Flying goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Psychic goes to Mew and Jirachi.
Final Thoughts:
Well, there you have it, readers, my modest team. Sorry about the short descriptions :( I feel like the team is pretty Starmie weak, but it is somewhat checked by Latios. I don't see any extremely glaring threats, because defensive threats get setup on by Luke/Virizion, and most offensive threats are outsped and revenge killed by Latios, OR if they're choiced, they get setup on as well. I used to run +damage natures, but recently changed to +speed, just because of how good speed compared to the damage you're getting. Mainly I want feedback on the Thunderpunch dilemma, as well as your thoughts on Virizion in my team. So far, it's been working out pretty well, but I would like to see your rates!
Thank you for reading!
-Alien
Hello, potential raters! I am a former Pokemon battler, and I've been competitive battling since Gen 3. However, I have taken a long break starting about halfway through the Gen 4 era of battling. I've gotten back into it and I've created a team that I hope all of you will enjoy and rate!
Team Building Process:
Well, I wanted to start off the team with something that I'm 100% in love with, Lucario. I've always gone with SD Luke, but this time around I'm going to use the Nasty Plot set.
Now, I began building the team around things that can take out Special Lucario. The first thing I thought was, of course, Salamence. I talked with my friend on how to take out Mence and he suggested CB Haxorus. I initially didn't think it was too bad, but I saw that Haxorus was slightly slower than Mence(still getting used to Gen 5 speed tiers :P), so I went with the more speedy Latios, now that I can use him in my OU teams.
Alright, now that I had a sort of "core", I spent a long time thinking of my third pokemon. I needed something that could check Gyarados, in case it tried to setup on Luke, and I also needed some general support on my team. Looking at the new OU tier, I saw the perfect candidate: Mew
Solid. Team's looking good... but I still need a lead and something to setup SR, otherwise I'm going to be in big trouble against a lot of threats. I was debating on whether or not to run a suicide lead, and after thinking, I decided to run a Jirachi, so that I could retain some tankiness on what is currently looking to be a pretty offensive team.
Alright, now all I needed was some physical damage to round out the team. I've always been a fan of choicers, and I always run 2-3 choicers on my team, so I knew at least one of them was GOING to be a choicer. Initially, wanting to get rid of my ground weakness while getting some fire resist, I was going to run Scarf Gyarados(it's as weird as it sounds) with a Landorus to take advantage of Tbolts coming Gyara's way. However, after looking at sets, I realized that setup Gyara with scarf Landorus would be superior for the pokemon, and I didn't want to do that. I still needed a physical choicer, and I WAS going to run Scizor, but my friend suggested Dragonite. Dragonite was an awesome choice, having many offensive choices that can be unexpected.
And, lastly, I needed a non-choice physical attacker. I forgot specifically why I chose Virizion, but I have found him invaluable to my team so far.
Through the Microscope:
Jirachi @ Leftovers Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SDef / 32 Spd
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Iron Head
- Body Slam
- Wish
Description: Super standard specially defensive Jirachi lead. I generally start off with stealth rock unless expecting a taunt. Unlike scarfrachi, flinch hax aren't as prevalent with this set, seeing as how it barely outspeeds anything worth flinching. However, this set does outspeed and 2HKO Jolly Tyranitar, while surviving EQuake. Body Slam is for parahax, while Wish is there for utility. I've been considering taking out Body Slam and replacing it with Thunderpunch, allowing me to free up a slot on Dragonite and have a more effective way of dealing with Gyarados(OHKO after SR on non-bulky, otherwise chance to OHKO).
Synergy: Fire goes to Latios and Dragonite. Ground goes to Latios and Dragonite.
Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Psyshock
Description: This pokemon is simply amazing. Not only does it have high revenge kill potential, it can switch into other choicers and nearly KO anything with its extremely high special attack. Draco Meteor is for obvious STAB benefits, taking out every single dragon that isn't named Latias. Surf is for things like Heatran and other steel types that resist Meteor. HP Ice is for Gliscor, who walls both of my sweepers. Psyshock beats Venusaur, who otherwise gives my team some trouble. In general, a very strong revenge killer, and it isn't outsped by anything. As always, I'm worried about Scizor, who just switches in on Draco Meteor and kills with Pursuit, but I can just setup on that extremely hard. Latios is basically a gateway for a Lucario setup many times. However, Latios itself checks many threats such as Starmie and Haxorus, things that don't always come to mind. Latios also outspeeds and OHKO's Scarf Landorus with HP Ice, which is always nice. I used to run HP Fire for Scizor and the like, but I decided that having Fire Punch on Dragonite is enough fire coverage.
Synergy: Dragon goes to Jirachi and occasionally Lucario. Dark goes to Lucario and Virizion. Bug goes to Lucario and Dragonite. Ghost goes to Lucario. Ice goes to Lucario and Jirachi.
Mew @ Leftovers Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Will-O-Wisp
- Psychic
- Taunt
- Softboiled
Description: This is not only my answer to stall teams, but also to almost every single physical threat in the entire game, sans Dark types. It can outspeed and burn a Lucario, surviving even and SD Crunch, sometimes even if there's Stealth Rocks up. It is my answer to Mamoswine, completely shutting it down, only taking 42-50% from LO EQuake. It survives +1 Payback and OHKO + Mach Punch even after Stealth Rock and, in return, 2HKO's with Psychic. Will-O-Wisp will also be shutting down things like Gyara(Taunt for DD variants) and Salamence. Scizor switching into Mew to Pursuit/U-turn will likewise be met with a burn. This Mew set cripples physical attackers and also serves as a way for me to break semi-stall teams. Perhaps Toxic would be superior in some situations to Taunt? Would like feedback on this. Toxic would solidify Mew's role as a supporting stall breaker, but Taunt also serves this role handily while shutting down non-Substitute sweepers. As a final note, Mew's psychic typing allows Lucario to setup and sweep things that come to kill it.
Synergy: Bug goes to Lucario and Dragonite. Dark goes to Lucario and Virizion. Ghost goes to Lucario.
Lucario (F) @ Life Orb Trait: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Dark Pulse
- Vacuum Wave
Description: Here it is, the very reason I created this team. Special Lucario is a very interesting sweeper. The first advantage is has over SD Lucario is also the most obvious: Surprise factor. Imagine the look on their face when they burn you only to see "Lucario used Nasty Plot". Suddenly, things take a very different turn. The second advantage of NP Luke immunity to burn. SD Luke can get shut down very hard by Will-O-Wisp, Volcarona, or something silly like Flame Body Heatran. The point is, there are many burns going around, and NP Luke is completely immune to the crippling effects of -2 attack. Finally, not as an advantage over SD Luke, but in general, Lucario is completely immune to Toxic. This is completely obvious, but generally people try to wall sweepers with Toxic or (P)Hazing. Lucario is completely immune to the first, making him a wonderful choice. On to the gameplay of Lucario. He is the epitome of Ferrothorn counter. There is absolutely nothing Ferrothorn can do to Lucario, except Leech Seed him or something. Aura Sphere is a guaranteed OHKO after 1 Nasty Plot. Dark Pulse is for coverage, it can OHKO many things, such as Reunclus, Espeon(after surviving HP Fighting), and all but the tankiest Jellicent. Vacuum Wave is to give me priority in a pinch, but due to its weak base power, it has a hard time killing anything unless I have 3 Nasty Plots setup. Wonderful Poke.
Synergy: Fire goes to Latios and Dragonite. Fighting goes to Mew, Latios and Dragonite. Ground goes to Latios and Dragonite.
Dragonite (M) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Outrage
- Fire Punch
- ThunderPunch
- Earthquake
Description: Where do I even start with Dragonite? I remember it being pretty subpar in the previous two generations, but I have found a new love for it. Outspeeds and OHKO's bulky Gyara as well as Tornadus(after Stealth Rock). Life Orb Starmie also gets outsped and OHKO'd after Stealth Rock. This set is a check to a lot of threats that would otherwise pose huge problems, and the crux of it all is Dragonite's insane attack stat. Originally, I was going to run a Scarfed Gyarados here, but after playing around with Dragonite, the amount of pure damage and revenge potential he brings is just insane. Although, as mentioned earlier, I've been thinking about replacing Body Slam on Jirachi with Thunderpunch, and I was wondering what move I would replace on Dragonite if I were to do that. Possibly Extremespeed, but I feel that priority moves on Scarfers are silly. I really want suggestions on this. Thunderpunch is extremely subpar, and I literally run it just to kill Gyara, which would otherwise stomp all over Lucario. So to recap, Dragonite is an invaluable revenge killer that can wreck anything that it outspeeds.
Synergy: Ice goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Dragon goes to Jirachi and occasionally Lucario. Rock goes to Jirachi, Lucario and Virizion.
Virizion @ Life Orb Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Leaf Blade
- Stone Edge
Description: Alright guys, here it is. The final pokemon. Why do I run Virizion? It's because of its great speed stat. Although this poke creates a pretty nasty weakness to Fire, it's pretty worth it considering how good of a pokemon Virizion is. It can setup on choice users pretty handily. Close Combat and Leaf Blade for STAB, Stone Edge for more coverage. Honestly not a whole lot to say on this poke, just a very generic physical sweeper with great speed and special defense. Sorry for the short description on this one.
Synergy: Fire goes to Latios and Dragonite. Ice goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Poison goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Flying goes to Jirachi and Lucario. Psychic goes to Mew and Jirachi.
Final Thoughts:
Well, there you have it, readers, my modest team. Sorry about the short descriptions :( I feel like the team is pretty Starmie weak, but it is somewhat checked by Latios. I don't see any extremely glaring threats, because defensive threats get setup on by Luke/Virizion, and most offensive threats are outsped and revenge killed by Latios, OR if they're choiced, they get setup on as well. I used to run +damage natures, but recently changed to +speed, just because of how good speed compared to the damage you're getting. Mainly I want feedback on the Thunderpunch dilemma, as well as your thoughts on Virizion in my team. So far, it's been working out pretty well, but I would like to see your rates!
Thank you for reading!
-Alien
