Hey everyone, I'm back with another team for rating. I've been playing suspect for about a week now, and have hammered out some of the issues with this team, though there are still a few that remain. So let's get into it - its a wifi team, by the way.
It goes without saying that Manaphy is the focus of the team. I decided that I'd focus on the Tail Glow sweeper set, thanks to its combination of speed, power, and bulk. It has great STAB, too, which is a bonus. And while I wanted Manaphy to be the focus of my offensive-style team, I didn't want a rain team, so that wouldn't be an issue. My first task was to come up with a list of counters. I settled on Starmie, Latias, Gengar, Blissey, Celebi, Zapdos, Jolteon, and Magnezone as the primary threats, all capable of wielding powerful electric and grass attacks, and of course Blissey who could just sit there and wall (though not for long).
So the mandatory metal bug found its way onto the team. With an EV spread focusing more on special defense than general bulk, it would be able to trap and kill Starmie, Latias, Gengar, and Celebi. Its powerful physical attacks could spell Blissey's demise, while it could simply U-turn out of potential threats like Zapdos and Magnezone. Moreover, it and Manaphy can take grass and fire attacks for each other, respectively. But I needed an Electric resist.
So Flygon, one of my favorite pokemon, found its way onto the team. It could easily take electric attacks aimed at Manaphy and fire attacks aimed at Scizor, while using a U-Turn of its own to flee from ice and dragon attacks. I have both bulk and speed so far, but a revenger never hurts - Scarf Flygon it was, with powerful dual STAB at its disposal.
I realized that I was accumulating sweepers that hit hard from either end of the spectrum, but none of which could break walls without some considerable effort. At first I considered Salamence, but I didn't like the Stealth Rock weakness, and I felt that another Ice weakness could be a liability. I finally settled on Infernape - both of its most commonly preyed on weaknesses are resisted by at least one of my other pokemon, and it kept the offensive momentum with fast, hard-hitting special attacks. And consequently, it had little difficulty luring out the likes of Latias and Starmie, pokemon that could potentially cause Manaphy trouble. Its place was solidified on the team.
I felt that I had reached a happy medium between being able to take on stall and opposing offensive teams, as well as balanced teams. Manaphy and Scizor have the bulk to take hits, while Flygon and Infernape could assert their presence with wall-breaking moves and U-Turn. I could see that I was rapidly building a weakness to SDLuke (seems to happen with many of the teams I make, sadly), and I also felt like some extra insurance against stall could never go wrong. That's how I came to the conclusion of Gliscor, the stallbreaker set. Even better, it made my third U-Turner, and one that has great synergy with my other U-Turners at that, water being the only type that none of the three particularly like. So now all that was left was the lead. I needed a water resist, definitely, and also Stealth Rock. Since many teams rely on gaining the momentum with their leads, I felt that taking them down with ease was crucial. My choice was clear.
Empoleon provides me with the sheer force required to topple other leads, and at the same time gave me a reliable Stealth Rocker. Its bulk allows it to often come back in later in the game and fire off an attack or two before going down, which was a plus. Its effectiveness will be explained shortly.
Empoleon@Chople Berry
Modest; 156 HP / 252 SpA / 100 Spe
Aqua Jet
Grass Knot
Hydro Pump
Stealth Rock
Empoleon is more than capable of dealing with the majority of the Top 10 leads, setting up Stealth Rock as it does so. The speed EVs allow it to outpace the likes of Metagross, while the HP EVs give it considerable bulk. Maximum special attack allow it to punish foes with its Hydro Pump or Grass Knot. Because of its natural bulk, the only way it can be OHKOd by the top ten leads are with fighting attacks, making the Focus Sash redundant, and the Chople Berry ideal.
Top Ten Leads
Here is a list of how Empoleon fares against the Top 10 leads. Names in Green indicate a win, leads in Orange indicate troublesome pokemon, and leads in Red are highly problematic.
Gliscor@Leftovers
Jolly; 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Taunt
Roost
U-Turn
Earthquake
Stallbreaker Gliscor with a few attack EVs for good measure. It keeps the momentum flowing with its U-Turn, and has reliable recovery in the form of Roost. Earthquake is strong and staple as always, while Taunt decimates stall with little difficulty. It is my only fighting resist, although it does provide a secondary electric immunity for Manaphy and Empoleon. Speaking of, it has perfect synergy with Empoleon, the two resisting each of the other's attacks perfectly. It stands in the way of Lucario and Tyranitar, and has proved useful to me so far.
Infernape@Life Orb
Timid; 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nasty Plot
Grass Knot
Focus Blast
Flamethrower
Infernape finds itself on the team due to its ability to break walls wide open. This is the classic set, with Focus Blast over Close Combat, and it really doesn't need too much explanation. The real utility of Infernape lies in its ability to lure out Latias, Gengar, Starmie, Jolteon...and similar pokemon that are checks to Manaphy. In the case of the first three, Scizor becomes an excellent choice, Pursuing them all to their graves. Jolteon can be dealth with by Scarf Flygon. With Focus Blast in its aresenal, Infernape is capable of OHKOing Manaphy and Vaporeon in addition to those things that it already KOs with Close Combat, while Grass Knot provides more reliable damage versus the likes of Swampert and Suicune.
Flygon@Choice Scarf
Jolly; 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
U-Turn
Outrage
Earthquake
Stone Edge
A fast revenge killer is always an asset to have on the team, and Flygon is no exception. Its excellent dual stabs allow it to inflict hefty damage on pokemon that may switch in, and potentially sweep late-game. U-Turn is great for scouting, and i find myself using it often alongside Gliscor and Scizor. Because Skarmory isn't an issue for Manaphy or Infernape, Stone Edge gets the nod of Fire Blast / Punch, as it allows me to revenge Gyarados and Zapdos without needing to rely on Outrage. Jolly is necessary to revenge the few boosted Salamence that don't run max speed, and to force a speed tie with those that due (luring it into outrage in the process). An added benefit to using Flygon is its resistance or immunity to all three variations of entry hazards, which is huge, since it switches in and out quite often. A valuable asset for any team.
Scizor@Choice Band
Adamant; 152 HP / 196 Atk / 160 SpD
U-Turn
Pursuit
Superpower
Bullet Punch
The typical CB Scizor, with a more specially defensive spread. It still allows Scizor to OHKO a fleeing Latias with Pursuit, but that same Latias has a mere .33% chance of 2HKOing Scizor with Thunderbolt, even if it holds a Life Orb. This allows Scizor to come in more easily to support Manaphy, although Gengar is more problematic. As per usual, U-Turn is the main move used here, while Bullet Punch helps me revenge the likes of DDMence.
Manaphy@Leftovers
Timid; 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Surf
Tail Glow
Ice Beam
HP Electric
Manaphy is the team's core, the star, the leader. The other members work to make sure that Manaphy can sweep by eliminating the things that threaten it, and then Manaphy can take care of the rest. Leftovers provide it with much more bulk than a LO version would, which compliments its typing and defenses. Surf, TG, and Ice Beam are self explanatory, the latter removing the likes of Celebi and Zapdos with ease. HP Electric was chosen over Grass Knot or Energy Ball because it provides the best coverage, OHKOing Gyarados like Grass Knot would, but still 2HKOing opposing Manaphy like Energy Ball would accomplish. However, I am considering using an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 80 SpA / 176 Spe. The additional bulk prevents Specs Latias from checking me with Draco Meteor, while I don't seem to lose any significant KOs. More testing will be required, I guess.
At A Glance
The Team-Building Process
It goes without saying that Manaphy is the focus of the team. I decided that I'd focus on the Tail Glow sweeper set, thanks to its combination of speed, power, and bulk. It has great STAB, too, which is a bonus. And while I wanted Manaphy to be the focus of my offensive-style team, I didn't want a rain team, so that wouldn't be an issue. My first task was to come up with a list of counters. I settled on Starmie, Latias, Gengar, Blissey, Celebi, Zapdos, Jolteon, and Magnezone as the primary threats, all capable of wielding powerful electric and grass attacks, and of course Blissey who could just sit there and wall (though not for long).
So the mandatory metal bug found its way onto the team. With an EV spread focusing more on special defense than general bulk, it would be able to trap and kill Starmie, Latias, Gengar, and Celebi. Its powerful physical attacks could spell Blissey's demise, while it could simply U-turn out of potential threats like Zapdos and Magnezone. Moreover, it and Manaphy can take grass and fire attacks for each other, respectively. But I needed an Electric resist.
So Flygon, one of my favorite pokemon, found its way onto the team. It could easily take electric attacks aimed at Manaphy and fire attacks aimed at Scizor, while using a U-Turn of its own to flee from ice and dragon attacks. I have both bulk and speed so far, but a revenger never hurts - Scarf Flygon it was, with powerful dual STAB at its disposal.
I realized that I was accumulating sweepers that hit hard from either end of the spectrum, but none of which could break walls without some considerable effort. At first I considered Salamence, but I didn't like the Stealth Rock weakness, and I felt that another Ice weakness could be a liability. I finally settled on Infernape - both of its most commonly preyed on weaknesses are resisted by at least one of my other pokemon, and it kept the offensive momentum with fast, hard-hitting special attacks. And consequently, it had little difficulty luring out the likes of Latias and Starmie, pokemon that could potentially cause Manaphy trouble. Its place was solidified on the team.
I felt that I had reached a happy medium between being able to take on stall and opposing offensive teams, as well as balanced teams. Manaphy and Scizor have the bulk to take hits, while Flygon and Infernape could assert their presence with wall-breaking moves and U-Turn. I could see that I was rapidly building a weakness to SDLuke (seems to happen with many of the teams I make, sadly), and I also felt like some extra insurance against stall could never go wrong. That's how I came to the conclusion of Gliscor, the stallbreaker set. Even better, it made my third U-Turner, and one that has great synergy with my other U-Turners at that, water being the only type that none of the three particularly like. So now all that was left was the lead. I needed a water resist, definitely, and also Stealth Rock. Since many teams rely on gaining the momentum with their leads, I felt that taking them down with ease was crucial. My choice was clear.
Empoleon provides me with the sheer force required to topple other leads, and at the same time gave me a reliable Stealth Rocker. Its bulk allows it to often come back in later in the game and fire off an attack or two before going down, which was a plus. Its effectiveness will be explained shortly.
Empoleon@Chople Berry
Modest; 156 HP / 252 SpA / 100 Spe
Empoleon is more than capable of dealing with the majority of the Top 10 leads, setting up Stealth Rock as it does so. The speed EVs allow it to outpace the likes of Metagross, while the HP EVs give it considerable bulk. Maximum special attack allow it to punish foes with its Hydro Pump or Grass Knot. Because of its natural bulk, the only way it can be OHKOd by the top ten leads are with fighting attacks, making the Focus Sash redundant, and the Chople Berry ideal.
Top Ten Leads
Here is a list of how Empoleon fares against the Top 10 leads. Names in Green indicate a win, leads in Orange indicate troublesome pokemon, and leads in Red are highly problematic.
- Azelf: Empoleon has little difficulty here, as well. If it taunts, it is knocked out by Hydro Pump + Aqua Jet, letting Empoleon live to fight another day and preventing their Stealth Rock. Should they set up rocks, the same outcome results, but they get rocks up.
- Metagross: Empoleon generally wins here, forcing the opponent to pick their poison. Should they set up Stealth Rock first, they are succinctly 2HKOd by a powerful Hydro Pump. If they Earthquake, Empoleon is reduced to Torrent range, causing Hydro Pump to reach upwards of 85% damage, and then being picked off by Aqua Jet.
- Swampert: Easy for Empoleon to deal with. It OHKOs with Grass Knot over 55% of the time, meaning that Swampert takes a large risk if it decides to stay in. I can easily set up Stealth Rock after the kill.
- Aerodactyl: Yet another victory. They know they will lose, so they set up rocks immediately and are killed by Hydro Pump + Aqua Jet. No issues here.
- Jirachi: Annoying, as usual. Trick means that I can either choose to 2HKO with Hydro Pump, or go for the Rocks immediately. I usually choose the latter.
- Infernape: Destroyed. Fake Out doesn't concern me, as I don't have a Sash anyway. Instead, the Chople Berry allows me to take the CC that follows, blast it with a Hydro Pump, and pick it off with priority of my own - Aqua Jet.
- Roserade: Very annoying, only because it puts Empoleon to sleep - not before I break its sash with Aqua Jet, though. Toxic Spikes are more of an issue for Infernape than anyone else, as they resist or are immune (save Manaphy, but it has leftovers). Usually, I'll just go to Infernape to pick it off with Fire Blast, Scizor to Bullet Punch, or Gliscor for Taunt.
- Heatran: Easily KOd by Hydro Pump, while it fails to KO back with Earth Power.
- Smeargle: Annoying as usual. It often carries Spore regardless of Sash or Scarf, so Aqua Jet is the way to go, then react accordingly.
- Hippowdon: Hydro Pump makes it all to easy to deal with, as it can't OHKO with Earthquake.
Gliscor@Leftovers
Jolly; 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Stallbreaker Gliscor with a few attack EVs for good measure. It keeps the momentum flowing with its U-Turn, and has reliable recovery in the form of Roost. Earthquake is strong and staple as always, while Taunt decimates stall with little difficulty. It is my only fighting resist, although it does provide a secondary electric immunity for Manaphy and Empoleon. Speaking of, it has perfect synergy with Empoleon, the two resisting each of the other's attacks perfectly. It stands in the way of Lucario and Tyranitar, and has proved useful to me so far.
Infernape@Life Orb
Timid; 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Infernape finds itself on the team due to its ability to break walls wide open. This is the classic set, with Focus Blast over Close Combat, and it really doesn't need too much explanation. The real utility of Infernape lies in its ability to lure out Latias, Gengar, Starmie, Jolteon...and similar pokemon that are checks to Manaphy. In the case of the first three, Scizor becomes an excellent choice, Pursuing them all to their graves. Jolteon can be dealth with by Scarf Flygon. With Focus Blast in its aresenal, Infernape is capable of OHKOing Manaphy and Vaporeon in addition to those things that it already KOs with Close Combat, while Grass Knot provides more reliable damage versus the likes of Swampert and Suicune.
Flygon@Choice Scarf
Jolly; 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
A fast revenge killer is always an asset to have on the team, and Flygon is no exception. Its excellent dual stabs allow it to inflict hefty damage on pokemon that may switch in, and potentially sweep late-game. U-Turn is great for scouting, and i find myself using it often alongside Gliscor and Scizor. Because Skarmory isn't an issue for Manaphy or Infernape, Stone Edge gets the nod of Fire Blast / Punch, as it allows me to revenge Gyarados and Zapdos without needing to rely on Outrage. Jolly is necessary to revenge the few boosted Salamence that don't run max speed, and to force a speed tie with those that due (luring it into outrage in the process). An added benefit to using Flygon is its resistance or immunity to all three variations of entry hazards, which is huge, since it switches in and out quite often. A valuable asset for any team.
Scizor@Choice Band
Adamant; 152 HP / 196 Atk / 160 SpD
The typical CB Scizor, with a more specially defensive spread. It still allows Scizor to OHKO a fleeing Latias with Pursuit, but that same Latias has a mere .33% chance of 2HKOing Scizor with Thunderbolt, even if it holds a Life Orb. This allows Scizor to come in more easily to support Manaphy, although Gengar is more problematic. As per usual, U-Turn is the main move used here, while Bullet Punch helps me revenge the likes of DDMence.
Manaphy@Leftovers
Timid; 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Manaphy is the team's core, the star, the leader. The other members work to make sure that Manaphy can sweep by eliminating the things that threaten it, and then Manaphy can take care of the rest. Leftovers provide it with much more bulk than a LO version would, which compliments its typing and defenses. Surf, TG, and Ice Beam are self explanatory, the latter removing the likes of Celebi and Zapdos with ease. HP Electric was chosen over Grass Knot or Energy Ball because it provides the best coverage, OHKOing Gyarados like Grass Knot would, but still 2HKOing opposing Manaphy like Energy Ball would accomplish. However, I am considering using an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 80 SpA / 176 Spe. The additional bulk prevents Specs Latias from checking me with Draco Meteor, while I don't seem to lose any significant KOs. More testing will be required, I guess.
Miscellaneous
- Entry hazards are not too much of a concern for the team. 2 of my 6 pokemon resist it, and the other 4 take neutral damage. Toxic Spikes only affect 2 of my 6 pokemon, while spikes doesn't affect 2 of them.
- The team has a good combination between bulk and speed, while all of the pokemon can hit relatively hard (except for maybe Gliscor, but its more utility than anything else).
- While I feel that I have the large majority of threats covered, I might be a bit underprepared against Manaphy. Although I've generally been able to deal with it thanks to my own Manaphy and Scarf Flygon, I'm concerned about whether or not I need an extra check.
- Credit goes to http://www.serebiiforums.com for the front sprites and PMD headshots, while http://www.gtsplus.net gets the credit for the sugimori are and type signs.
