Some people might call me a “(BAN ME PLEASE)” for using both Scarfrachi and Togekiss on the same team.
I respond to them by saying this team is:
"FREAKISHLY AMAZINGLY GREAT"
This is one of my best OU teams and has served me quite well. On Smogon it got me to a 1483 CRE and it reached the top 10 of the Team Uber leaderboard. It also never lost in the Nonagon tournament and is the sole reason I reached the elite eight before never even getting past the second round of any other extended Smogon tourney. On the Suspect ladder I peaked at 1508 (#33 on the ladder) before running into a bazillion stall teams that I simply could not handle, nor could I tolerate a metagame without Salamence to keep stall down. This is also the team that earned me a spot on US Central for the WCOP.
Team building process:
As with most teams, I started out with my lead. After some intense theorymon I chose Celebi. Heatran automatically sprang up into my mind as a partner for Celebi, so it earned a spot. After seeing Hanke take down Earthworm in the ST6 final, I had an urge to use Kingdra. With the core settled in, I wanted a serve-all revenge killer, and after some calculations settled on Jirachi. Since my last OU team had a severe Blissey problem, I wanted a special sweeper that could take it on no questions asked. Rotom-H seemed like the best for the job. The last spot was hardest to fill. I initially went with Zapdos, but after testing I found out Togekiss did the paralyze-roost strategy and had better defenses and came with flinch hax. After testing, Gyarados performed Kingdra's role better and gave me another boost against stall.
The goal with this team was not to build the most a team built on “hax” to win, but rather after testing I found that this was an effective combination. I do not know if I am going to retire this team or not because I don’t think it’s a good ladder team because it relies on too much luck to win on a consistent basis. The biggest problem with this team is beating hard core stall/semi stall as is normally the problem for all of my teams once they reach 1450+ no matter what metagame I play in. I do have to admit, it is a pretty darned good tourney team, though.
And now for the team:
Celebi @ Focus Sash ***GLEE PIXIE***
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 40 HP/216 Spe/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Leaf Storm
- Earth Power
- Psychic
- Stealth Rock
Intro to the set: This is a twist on the normal lead Celebi set. I wanted to beat as many common leads as possible while still getting SR up most of the time. Psychic and Earth Power are the main attacking moves on this set as I don't want that special attack drop unless I am on my last attack. The speed Evs are designed to outspeed Gliscor so I can get rocks down before the taunt. Focus Sash is more beneficial than an Occa Berry because in both cases I only get one additional turn against Heatran and Infernape, but Sash lets me get SR in against more leads. The HP evs help me survive a Payback + Bullet Punch from Machamp.
Game Plan: Here I'll post what I do against the top 15 leads:
vs. Azelf: One of the harder leads to face off against. SR first and hope they don't taunt, otherwise switch to Heatran.
vs. Swampert: They'll switch right away (many times to Skarm) so SR on turn 1.
vs. Metagross: SR turn 1, Earth Power is a 2HKO against most lead sets since most Metas do not have lefties.
vs. Aerodactyl: Psychic both turns because it'll taunt and SR anyway which will KO it. It has a sash so there's no point in using Leaf Storm.
vs. Jirachi: SR first turn, take the scarf if he gives me one. U-Turn will leave me at 1% but at least I have rocks up.
vs. Infernape: If it uses Fake Out first turn, switch to Togekiss. Otherwise set up rocks and try to use Psychic.
vs. Roserade: Psychic is almost a OHKO but most have Sash here, too. Tspikes isn't that big of a deal except for Kingdra.
vs. Tyranitar: Get SR up first turn. There's no point in switching because of Pursuit. Celebi loses but I get to scout if it's scarfed or not.
vs. Ninjask: Psychic will break its subs. Switch to Togekiss to paralyze bp recipient.
vs. Gliscor: SR turn 1. Proceed with Psychic.
vs. Heatran: SR turn 1. If it's faster than me I switch to my own Heatran since it's obvious that it's scarfed. Otherwise Earth Power is a 2HKO after Shuca Berry.
vs. Smeargle: Switch to Togekiss to take Spore.
vs. Machamp: Celebi survives a Payback+Bullet Punch and Psychic is a 2HKO.
vs. Hippowdon: These switch to Skarmory more often than not. SR and switch to Heatran.
vs. Bronzong: SR, switch to Rotom/Togekiss.
What is the worst case scenario?: Of these leads, the worst are Azelf, Infernape, Tyranitar, Ninjask, and Smeargle. However, these last two are much less common once you play better opponents. The worst case is probably Celebi getting U-Turned into a Tyranitar/Hippowdon so I can't scout the set. Overall, it's a solid lead.
Worst case Scenario 1A:
Ninjask used Substitute!
Ninjask lost 25% of its health.
Celebi used Psychic!
The substitute took the attack for Ninjask!
Ninjask's substitute faded!
Ninjask's speed won't go any higher!
Ninjask used Baton Pass.
Lamebpteam sent out Part 2 (lvl 100 Metagross)
Celebi used Earth Power.
It's super effective!
A critical hit!
Metagross lost 100% of its health.
Lamebpteam's Part 2 fainted.
Lamebpteam has left the room.
toshimelonhead wins!
Ninjask lost 25% of its health.
Celebi used Psychic!
The substitute took the attack for Ninjask!
Ninjask's substitute faded!
Ninjask's speed won't go any higher!
Ninjask used Baton Pass.
Lamebpteam sent out Part 2 (lvl 100 Metagross)
Celebi used Earth Power.
It's super effective!
A critical hit!
Metagross lost 100% of its health.
Lamebpteam's Part 2 fainted.
Lamebpteam has left the room.
toshimelonhead wins!
Heatran (M) @ Life Orb ***ICELAND VOLCANO***
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spe/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Flamethrower
- Taunt
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Earth Power
Intro to the set:
This is the standard Life Orb Heatran set as seen from the Smogon Analysis page. Flamethrower and Earth Power provide nice STAB and can put a dent even if the attack is not super effective. Taunt is for Blissey because I can’t stand the thing. I decided on HP Grass over HP Ice because Jirachi already has Ice Punch and that Heatran outspeeds Swampert but not anyone worth killing with HP Ice. Life Orb was chosen for versatility because I didn’t see the point of being locked into a move when basically everyone switches on Heatran thinking it’s scarfed. A Timid nature outspeeds max speed Breloom and makes sure I guarantee a speed tie with other Heatran (unless they’re scarfed, which gives Rotom and Kingdra set up chances). I could run Hasty or Naïve if I really wanted to.
Game plan:
Find something that Celebi has trouble dealing with and clean up. With taking little to no Stealth Rock damage and resisting Toxic Spikes I can use Heatran recklessly if I want to. Most of the time Heatran is a wallbreaker so that my setup sweepers can do their jobs.
What is the worst case scenario?:
Heatran is one of my better weapons against stall. Worst case scenario is if my opponent has a Blissey alive but either uses Protect or switches to a ghost-type. Life Orb Electric attacks aren’t good either because I don’t have anyone else to take them.
Gyarados (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP/252 Atk/168 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Bounce
- Taunt
- Waterfall
This Gyarados is basically a better Kingdra. The Speed matches Kingdra's old set so that it outpaces Max Breloom. Taunt saves me against slower stall teams that this team sorely needed. I tried a bulkier spread, but it doesn't really save me against any KOs, so I went with maximum power. However, the only drawback is that I'm weaker to Jolteon, but otherwise this is an upgrade in my mind.
Kingdra (F) @ Lum Berry ***VUVUZELA***
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Waterfall
- Outrage
- Dragon Dance
(Does anyone else think that Kingdra’s nose looks like a vuvuzela too?)
Intro to the set: Kingdra if it gets a chance to set up can work wonders against unprepared teams. This is the same SubDD set that is one of the more common sets that Kingdra uses. The Speed EVs put Kingdra at 264 speed so that she can outspeed max speed Breloom and get a sub up before the spore. I also outspeed Base 130s after a DD. I didn’t see a point in upgrading HP because Kingdra doesn’t survive a CB Bullet Punch from Scizor under a Sub without some major HP investment. Maxing out the speed made little sense other than to tie with other DD Kingdra.
Game plan: Kingdra has some trouble on this team finding action but tends to come in against opposing Water-types or those who use status that are slower than it like Blissey. I try to save her for mid to late game if at all possible for when most of the other team is already weakened to open sweeping opportunities.
What is the worst case scenario?: I faced a hardcore stall team that used a dual screener and a Vaporeon that had Roar, Wish, and Protect. Outrage after a single DD did only about 25 percent before it got roared out. Toxic Spikes can also be an issue because Kingdra can’t sustain a sweep as easily.
Worst Case Scenario 1A:
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Waterfall
- Outrage
- Dragon Dance
(Does anyone else think that Kingdra’s nose looks like a vuvuzela too?)
Intro to the set: Kingdra if it gets a chance to set up can work wonders against unprepared teams. This is the same SubDD set that is one of the more common sets that Kingdra uses. The Speed EVs put Kingdra at 264 speed so that she can outspeed max speed Breloom and get a sub up before the spore. I also outspeed Base 130s after a DD. I didn’t see a point in upgrading HP because Kingdra doesn’t survive a CB Bullet Punch from Scizor under a Sub without some major HP investment. Maxing out the speed made little sense other than to tie with other DD Kingdra.
Game plan: Kingdra has some trouble on this team finding action but tends to come in against opposing Water-types or those who use status that are slower than it like Blissey. I try to save her for mid to late game if at all possible for when most of the other team is already weakened to open sweeping opportunities.
What is the worst case scenario?: I faced a hardcore stall team that used a dual screener and a Vaporeon that had Roar, Wish, and Protect. Outrage after a single DD did only about 25 percent before it got roared out. Toxic Spikes can also be an issue because Kingdra can’t sustain a sweep as easily.
Worst Case Scenario 1A:
Kingdra used Outrage.
Kingdra went on a rampage!
Starmie lost 44% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy's Starmie fainted.
The sandstorm rages.
Kingdra is buffetted by the sandstorm!
Kingdra lost 6% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy switched in Lucario (lvl 100 Lucario ♂).
Pointed stones dug into Lucario.
Lucario lost 3% of its health.
Kingdra used Outrage.
It's not very effective...
A critical hit!
Lucario lost 97% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy's Lucario fainted.
Kingdra's rampage ended.
Kingdra became confused!
The sandstorm rages.
Kingdra is buffetted by the sandstorm!
Kingdra lost 6% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy: :-/
toshimelonhead: wow
Some suspect ladder guy: Hate crits.
toshimelonhead: I didn't know that was possible
Some suspect ladder guy switched in Hippowdon (lvl 100 Hippowdon ♂).
Hippowdon's Sand Stream whipped up a sandstorm!
Pointed stones dug into Hippowdon.
Hippowdon lost 6% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy: Yeah, that’s essentially game.
Kingdra went on a rampage!
Starmie lost 44% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy's Starmie fainted.
The sandstorm rages.
Kingdra is buffetted by the sandstorm!
Kingdra lost 6% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy switched in Lucario (lvl 100 Lucario ♂).
Pointed stones dug into Lucario.
Lucario lost 3% of its health.
Kingdra used Outrage.
It's not very effective...
A critical hit!
Lucario lost 97% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy's Lucario fainted.
Kingdra's rampage ended.
Kingdra became confused!
The sandstorm rages.
Kingdra is buffetted by the sandstorm!
Kingdra lost 6% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy: :-/
toshimelonhead: wow
Some suspect ladder guy: Hate crits.
toshimelonhead: I didn't know that was possible
Some suspect ladder guy switched in Hippowdon (lvl 100 Hippowdon ♂).
Hippowdon's Sand Stream whipped up a sandstorm!
Pointed stones dug into Hippowdon.
Hippowdon lost 6% of its health.
Some suspect ladder guy: Yeah, that’s essentially game.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf ***HAXARACHI***
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Jolly nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Thunderpunch
- Iron Head
- Ice Punch
- Fire Punch
(He’s your greatest fan, he’ll flinch hax you until it’s gg, haxa, haxarachi!)
Intro to the set: Scarfrachi is amazing as it checks so many threats with not much effort at all. The Elemental Punches directly counter three of the top 5 threats in this metagame (Mence, Gyara, and Scizor), while Iron Punch is for STAB and flinchhax. The EVs are to ensure I at least get a tie on DDMence after one DD.
Game Plan: Jirachi is the cleaner on this team. If anything gets a DD up Jirachi is sent in to make sure it goes down. IMHO he’s the greatest revenge killer right now because he can take out basically anything if played correctly.
What is the worst case scenario?: Jirachi has great bulk for a Scarfer, but that is useless when I am stuck on Iron Head against someone that has recovery or Protect. Magnezone is also an issue for this Jirachi because I am stuck and can’t switch out. Heatran hard counters this set.
Note: I am keeping this set for now. CS Celebi is Pursuit weak and Flygon gives me 3 pokes with an Ice weakness. I find Fire Punch over Trick for if I think the opponent is switching to a Steel-type.
Worst Case Scenario 1A:
toshimelonhead sent out Paparachi (100 lvl Jirachi).
Paparachi used Iron Head!
It's not very effective...
A critical hit!
Heatran lost 8 percent of its health.
Heatran flinched!
(That was the sixth Iron Head flinch in a row)
some random person: P**O
some random person: F***ING HAXOR (had to censor so the little kids singing to Lady Gaga don't accidentally learn naughty words)
some random person has left the room.
Toshimelonhead wins!
Netbattle supremacy win streak of 15 in a row ended.
toshimelonhead sent out Paparachi (100 lvl Jirachi).
Paparachi used Iron Head!
It's not very effective...
A critical hit!
Heatran lost 8 percent of its health.
Heatran flinched!
(That was the sixth Iron Head flinch in a row)
some random person: P**O
some random person: F***ING HAXOR (had to censor so the little kids singing to Lady Gaga don't accidentally learn naughty words)
some random person has left the room.
Toshimelonhead wins!
Netbattle supremacy win streak of 15 in a row ended.
Rotom-h @ Leftovers ***SCROTOM***
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 64 HP/220 Spe/226 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Charge Beam
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Shadow Ball
Intro to the set: To fit with the “(BAN ME PLEASE)” theme, I tend to call this thing “Scrotom,” short for Sub Charge Rotom (What, you thought I was talking about something else? Shame on you.) As I said in my introduction, Rotom found a spot on the team as a setup sweeper that can handle Blissey without question. With Substitute, Charge Beam, and HP Fighting, Rotom can eventually take it down. Shadow Ball is for coverage. The EVs are designed so that Rotom can withstand an attack from Blissey under a Sub while outspeeding max speed Gyarados. Outside of Blissey, Rotom can tear through many unprepared teams with a Charge Beam boost and a Sub up. The big advantage Rotom has over subcharge sweepers is that it avoids poisoning from Toxic Spikes with Levitate. Lanturn cannot set up against standard ObiStall like Rotom can since I lack a spinner here.
Game Plan: Find a Blissey. Wait for an opportunity to come in without getting status. Set up and sweep. Otherwise try to set up against a Skarmory or come in on an Earthquake.
What is the worst case scenario?: The problem with this set is that it doesn’t always beat our big pink fat blob friend. Without a couple of Charge Beam boosts Rotom is in huge trouble. Outside of Blissey this set seems to have trouble with Jirachi and bulky Tyranitars who can withstand any of its attacks and set up.
Togekiss @ Leftovers ***EDWARD CULLEN***
Ability: Serene Grace
EVS: 252 HP/240 Def/16 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
-Thunder Wave
-Roost
-Air Slash
-Heal Bell
Intro to the set: I am sure this set seems standard to you, because it is. Thunder Wave and Roost allow Togekiss to become a regenerating tank, while Air Slash is my go to move for any non-Steel types. I picked Lefties for more recovery as Togekiss does not have the speed to use a Lum effectively. Franky's suggestion of Heal Bell is wonderful. It helps a lot against stall.
The main difference from the normal set is that Togekiss has more defensive Evs. People seem to forget that Togekiss has a 95 base defense and just make it as specially bulky as possible. Why? What is the point in that? Togekiss is not Blisseylite—it can't wall special attacks all day and expect to survive. People wouldn't use special attacks on Togekiss anyway if they have the choice, plus Togekiss can't wall boltbeam or get switched in as often due to Stealth Rock. I threw some in there to maximize the defenses according to X-Act's applet to maximize longevity.
Compared to a normal 252/4/252 Sdef Togekiss, which has 374 HP/227 Def/361 SDef, mine has 374/286/297.
Multiplying HP by each of the defenses leaves me with 84898, 135014 for the original and 106964, 111078. These numbers mean that my Togekiss has 25% more defense while only losing 17% of its Special Defense bulk. Hopefully I did this math right. If you spot an error, please let me know.
Game Plan: I try to get Togekiss in before Stealth Rock so that it doesn't have to take 25% damage. Once it's in, I try to paralyze as many of my opponent's pokes as possible. I don't switch this guy very much, if at all. If Ttar gets a DD up, I can't afford the switch to Scarfrachi right away. Togekiss works well early mid game as a litmus test and a scout for what my opponent has. Not a lot gets through it with one unboosted attack.
Togekiss serves as a pivot because my team is not bulky enough to switch into attacks. I switch him from everything to lead Azelf to DDMence and it normally can survive with the opponent getting paralyzed.
What is the worst case scenario?: A DD poke sets up multiple Dragon Dances outspeeding Scarfrachi and thus sweeping my entire team. Togekiss can be setup fodder if I don't play with it wisely. Rotom is also a problem as I have to switch to Heatran.
Worst Case Scenario 1A:
toshimelonhead sent out Edward Cullen (lvl 100 Togekiss).
Edward Cullen used Glare!
Bella Swan is paralyzed! It may be unable to move!
Bella Swan is paralyzed! It can't move!
Edward Cullen sucked Bella Swan's blood.
Edward Cullen gained 6% of its health.
Edward Cullen used Air Slash!
Bella Swan lost 33% of its health.
Bella Swan flinched!
Edward Cullen sucked Bella Swan's blood.
Edward Cullen gained 6% of its health.
Edward Cullen used Air Slash!
A Critical Hit!
Bella Swan lost 67% of its health.
Bella Swan fainted.
Team Jacob has left the room.
toshimelonhead wins!
(whoops, sorry Bella)
Edward Cullen used Glare!
Bella Swan is paralyzed! It may be unable to move!
Bella Swan is paralyzed! It can't move!
Edward Cullen sucked Bella Swan's blood.
Edward Cullen gained 6% of its health.
Edward Cullen used Air Slash!
Bella Swan lost 33% of its health.
Bella Swan flinched!
Edward Cullen sucked Bella Swan's blood.
Edward Cullen gained 6% of its health.
Edward Cullen used Air Slash!
A Critical Hit!
Bella Swan lost 67% of its health.
Bella Swan fainted.
Team Jacob has left the room.
toshimelonhead wins!
(whoops, sorry Bella)
Overall team problems that need fixing: This team’s biggest problems are hardcore stall, Jolteon/Raikou, Infernape, and Empoleon at end game. Overall though, this is a solid team that doesn’t need extensive overhaul. What do you guys think? Rate, hate, steal, whatever. Thanks for reading!
Threat list:
Scizor: Heatran can switch on any move barring Superpower. Jirachi revenge kills it. Togekiss can survive a CB Bullet Punch taking less than 50 percent damage and Roost.
Salamence: An issue. I normally switch in Togekiss to try to Thunder Wave it. Jirachi can revenge kill most DD versions.
Rotom-A: Heatran is a good check here. Celebi can revenge kill it if it’s still alive.
Tyranitar: Jirachi can revenge kill it. I assume most of these are scarfed now, so I try to send in Togekiss for T-Wave spamming first.
Latias: Switch in Jirachi most of the time. Rotom works OK if paralyzed. Glad she's gone!
Heatran: Kingdra works here for setting up. Togekiss can T-Wave it if it needs to.
Gyarados: I switch in ScarfRachi here for Thunderbolt. Rotom with a Charge Beam outspeeds it if it doesn’t have DD. Togekiss works ok at full health.
Metagross: Rotom-H is the first switch in. Heatran comes in on a revenge kill. Like most teams, if Meta gets an Agility I am in big trouble if it gets past Rotom. Togekiss can T-Wave it.
Jirachi: Heatran, Rotom-H, Togekiss
Infernape: The biggest problem for this team. Kingdra can revenge kill it but Nape KOs it with Close Combat+Bullet Punch. Switch to Togekiss.
Gengar: Scarfrachi. Heatran is OK but watch for Focus Blast.
Swampert: Celebi OHKOs, as does Heatran. Togekiss can survive all attacks and flinchhax to death.
Starmie: switch in Kingdra first. Jirachi revenge kills.
Blissey: Rotom-H can set up on it but Blissey is a struggle no matter what pokemon I use because I play offensively. Kingdra can switch but can’t take on the Skarmory coming.
Azelf: Celebi struggles against this lead more times than not. Otherwise Heatran resists the main sets.
Gliscor: Celebi, Kingdra, Rotom if it doesn’t have Taunt (but most do now)
Magnezone: Celebi and Heatran both have Earth Power. Trapping Jirachi can be a problem so when I revenge kill something early on I use Fire Punch to avoid Zone setting up.
Skarmory: Heatran can switch, but Skarm is an issue because it can whirlwind Rotom-H and Kingdra from setting up. Scarfrachi fails to 2HKO it.
Machamp: Celebi can take it on but can’t switch on it. Ditto for Rotom-H, Kingdra, and Togekiss. Ironically if Machamp doesn’t use DynamicPunch first I do just fine.
Vaporeon: Celebi, Jirachi, Kingdra sets up, Heatran explodes or uses HP Grass.
Breloom: I need someone other than Celebi to take the spore and then Rotom-H can take it out. Togekiss also can take it out.
Dragonite: A problem but just a weaker Mence imo. Jirachi has Ice Punch in case and Togekiss can survive anything. Rotom-H outspeeds without a DD.
Togekiss: Rotom-H is first switch in. Heatran can take it on at full health.
Flygon: Rotom-H is first switch in. Jirachi revenge kills it.
Kingdra: Togekiss for the first switch in for T-Wave. Celebi and Jirachi can revenge kill.
Celebi: Heatran or Togekiss, Rotom-H might work if I know the moveset
Suicune: Celebi. Jirachi or Rotom-H can come in on it. I do have trouble with CM sets though.
Jolteon: Celebi at full health, Heatran the same, Jirachi for revenge kill (switch to Zen Headbutt for Jolt and Nape?)
Empoleon: Celebi, Jirachi, Rotom-H can all take it on.
