What's the first thing you think of when you think of the Fighting type? I mean besides the least-viable type in Mono right now (though that may soon change). Well, when I think fighting, I think physical attackers. Mons who like to get up close and personal. Which is usually a cue to switch into your physically defensive wall and absorb their hits.
With this in mind, Terrakion has sought out five Pokémon who would be able to hit from both the special and physical side. Though they have been through many struggles (and member changes), they are slowly coming upon a composition that will work. They are known as:
Terrakion's Troopers
Isabelle (Hawlucha) (F) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Substitute
- Flying Press
Let's start with something standard. Isabelle's strategy is nothing new. She sets up Substitutes, bringing herself to the point where she will consume her Figy Berry. From there, she outpaces and decimates the opponent with her Acrobatics and Flying Press. Why Flying Press? Three reasons. One, I heard it got a buff in Gen 7, and I wanted to test it out (it's been working quite well so far). Two, High Jump Kick can be a tad risky, especially since the Figy Berry isn't triggered at the same time the Sitrus Berry is. Three, I like signature moves. Judge me.
Ice Gym Shaolin (Medicham-Mega) (M) @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch
- Bullet Punch
Now that Medichamite has made it to Alola, the Ice Gym Shaolin has risen from his home in Sinnoh to join Terrakion's cause (seriously, why did the Ice Gym Leader have a Medicham?). This fellow has trained long and hard, utilizing only the most powerful of techniques. The fey folk (particularly Mimikyu) dread the Monkey Steals the Peach (Bullet Punch), while Flying types will contend with his Southern Fist (Ice Punch). However, he will have to be careful when using the Shadowless Kick (High Jump Kick), lest the opponent counters with Horse Drinking Water (Protect, switching to a Ghost type, getting lucky, etc.).
Now, I understand that there are some concerns of Mega Medicham making Psychic unbalanced, so as this mon has been working wonders for my team, he might need a replacement. I've been running an Assault Vest Gallade before Medichamite's release, and that was, okay. But I'm open to other suggestions.
Bob Marley (Kommo-o) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Autotomize
- Clanging Scales
- Flash Cannon
- Focus Blast
C'mon. Didn't you think this guy looked like Bob Marley when you first saw him in the trailers? No? Just me? Okay.
Anyway, anyone who has rated my teams before knows that I have some, personal problems with Life Orb attackers. They're meant to be wallbreakers, sure, but thanks to recoil, they don't have much survivability. A dedicated wall can tank their attacks and whittle them down, putting them in easy range for the next mon to revenge kill them.
Luckily, Bob Marley has a way around that. Once he sets up an Autotomize (or two, if he happens to be paralyzed), nothing outside of priority, Scarf users, or Surge Surfing Alolan Raichu will be able to touch him. He can dish out as much damage as he wants with very little fear of being revenge killed. Even Fairies don't frighten him as long as he has his Flash Cannon ready, and all else will fall to his Focus Blast or Clanging Scales.
Looker (Toxicroak) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Wave
- Vacuum Wave
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
Looker represents another exception I have to Life Orb. Life Orb attackers are on a timer, so they appreciate the option of putting a few more seconds on the clock. Enter Looker with his Dry Skin ability. Is the the most reliable form of recovery? Not really. But it's better than I can say for most Life Orb attackers out there who don't even bother.
As a Special attacker, Looker's strategy is usually to come in on a predicted Water attack and set up a Nasty Plot. From there, he's free to tackle his foes as he sees fit. Vacuum Wave offers him a handy form of priority, while Sludge Wave washes most Fairies away. Dark Pulse is a handy move for any Ghost and Psychic types who might have the bright idea of trying to wall his STAB.
Terrakion @ Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sacred Sword
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- X-Scissor
Of course, Terrakion's Troopers wouldn't be complete without the Sword of Justice itself. Terrakion's Choice Band allows it to his its foes hard, and EdgeQuake coverage is always desirable. Its Sacred Sword may not be as powerful as Close Combat, but on the flip side, it won't have to worry about defense drops and possibly getting OHKOed by a Bullet Punch. X-Scissor is really just a filler move for any Psychic or Grass types. I know some people run Iron Head, but really, is there any Fairy that walls EdgeQuake? They all take neutral damage, at least. And from a Choice Band, it has to hurt.
Monkey (Infernape) (F) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Vacuum Wave
- Overheat
- Taunt
Many foes learn the hard way that you don't mess with the Monkey. She's usually the one who goes out first, ready to set the stage for the rest of the team. Against opposing hazard setters, a well-placed Taunt stops them in their tracks. She can then take the opportunity to set up her own Rocks. Overheat provides for an excellent nuke against most pesky insects, and Vacuum Wave gives her priority over any foes who might somehow be faster.
Now, I know my EV spread choices are just baiting Trick Room teams to tear me apart, but seeing as they're not all that common, I haven't had much difficulty. My main concern right now is if Medichamite is banned from Monotype, who could possibly take Mega Medicham's place? I know Marshadow has been announced, but that's not the same thing as being released, know what I mean?
Oh, and here are some replays of Terrakion's Troopers in action:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-559078165 Vs. Psychic
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-559474613 A very close match against Dark
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-516749771 An earlier iteration of the team Vs. Ghost (Toxicroak Sweep)
With this in mind, Terrakion has sought out five Pokémon who would be able to hit from both the special and physical side. Though they have been through many struggles (and member changes), they are slowly coming upon a composition that will work. They are known as:
Terrakion's Troopers
Isabelle (Hawlucha) (F) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Substitute
- Flying Press
Let's start with something standard. Isabelle's strategy is nothing new. She sets up Substitutes, bringing herself to the point where she will consume her Figy Berry. From there, she outpaces and decimates the opponent with her Acrobatics and Flying Press. Why Flying Press? Three reasons. One, I heard it got a buff in Gen 7, and I wanted to test it out (it's been working quite well so far). Two, High Jump Kick can be a tad risky, especially since the Figy Berry isn't triggered at the same time the Sitrus Berry is. Three, I like signature moves. Judge me.
Ice Gym Shaolin (Medicham-Mega) (M) @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch
- Bullet Punch
Now that Medichamite has made it to Alola, the Ice Gym Shaolin has risen from his home in Sinnoh to join Terrakion's cause (seriously, why did the Ice Gym Leader have a Medicham?). This fellow has trained long and hard, utilizing only the most powerful of techniques. The fey folk (particularly Mimikyu) dread the Monkey Steals the Peach (Bullet Punch), while Flying types will contend with his Southern Fist (Ice Punch). However, he will have to be careful when using the Shadowless Kick (High Jump Kick), lest the opponent counters with Horse Drinking Water (Protect, switching to a Ghost type, getting lucky, etc.).
Now, I understand that there are some concerns of Mega Medicham making Psychic unbalanced, so as this mon has been working wonders for my team, he might need a replacement. I've been running an Assault Vest Gallade before Medichamite's release, and that was, okay. But I'm open to other suggestions.
Bob Marley (Kommo-o) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Autotomize
- Clanging Scales
- Flash Cannon
- Focus Blast
C'mon. Didn't you think this guy looked like Bob Marley when you first saw him in the trailers? No? Just me? Okay.
Anyway, anyone who has rated my teams before knows that I have some, personal problems with Life Orb attackers. They're meant to be wallbreakers, sure, but thanks to recoil, they don't have much survivability. A dedicated wall can tank their attacks and whittle them down, putting them in easy range for the next mon to revenge kill them.
Luckily, Bob Marley has a way around that. Once he sets up an Autotomize (or two, if he happens to be paralyzed), nothing outside of priority, Scarf users, or Surge Surfing Alolan Raichu will be able to touch him. He can dish out as much damage as he wants with very little fear of being revenge killed. Even Fairies don't frighten him as long as he has his Flash Cannon ready, and all else will fall to his Focus Blast or Clanging Scales.
Looker (Toxicroak) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Wave
- Vacuum Wave
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
Looker represents another exception I have to Life Orb. Life Orb attackers are on a timer, so they appreciate the option of putting a few more seconds on the clock. Enter Looker with his Dry Skin ability. Is the the most reliable form of recovery? Not really. But it's better than I can say for most Life Orb attackers out there who don't even bother.
As a Special attacker, Looker's strategy is usually to come in on a predicted Water attack and set up a Nasty Plot. From there, he's free to tackle his foes as he sees fit. Vacuum Wave offers him a handy form of priority, while Sludge Wave washes most Fairies away. Dark Pulse is a handy move for any Ghost and Psychic types who might have the bright idea of trying to wall his STAB.
Terrakion @ Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Sacred Sword
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- X-Scissor
Of course, Terrakion's Troopers wouldn't be complete without the Sword of Justice itself. Terrakion's Choice Band allows it to his its foes hard, and EdgeQuake coverage is always desirable. Its Sacred Sword may not be as powerful as Close Combat, but on the flip side, it won't have to worry about defense drops and possibly getting OHKOed by a Bullet Punch. X-Scissor is really just a filler move for any Psychic or Grass types. I know some people run Iron Head, but really, is there any Fairy that walls EdgeQuake? They all take neutral damage, at least. And from a Choice Band, it has to hurt.
Monkey (Infernape) (F) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Vacuum Wave
- Overheat
- Taunt
Many foes learn the hard way that you don't mess with the Monkey. She's usually the one who goes out first, ready to set the stage for the rest of the team. Against opposing hazard setters, a well-placed Taunt stops them in their tracks. She can then take the opportunity to set up her own Rocks. Overheat provides for an excellent nuke against most pesky insects, and Vacuum Wave gives her priority over any foes who might somehow be faster.
Now, I know my EV spread choices are just baiting Trick Room teams to tear me apart, but seeing as they're not all that common, I haven't had much difficulty. My main concern right now is if Medichamite is banned from Monotype, who could possibly take Mega Medicham's place? I know Marshadow has been announced, but that's not the same thing as being released, know what I mean?
Oh, and here are some replays of Terrakion's Troopers in action:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-559078165 Vs. Psychic
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-559474613 A very close match against Dark
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-516749771 An earlier iteration of the team Vs. Ghost (Toxicroak Sweep)
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