ORAS OU The "Surprise Team"

[ShirakuHikao]

INTRODUCTION

So, I was bored of doing serious teams so I decided that I should try making a surprise team. I use some Pokémon that the opponent would never be ready for. Don`t know what I am talking about? You will see exactly what I am talking about :).

THE TEAM


There was no teambuilding proccess, I just picked Pokémon I thought would be funny to use, so here is the team for you:

Sawk @ Choice Band
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Rock Slide

Sawk is a very good Pokémon. Even in OU. With 295 speed, Mold Breaker, Choice Band and Earthquake, it wins Rotom-W very easily. As it is not used quite a lot in the OU tier, the opponent will not see Sawk as a top-tier counter to Rotom-W so he/she will likely stay in and get his Rotom-W to VERY low HP:

252 Atk Choice Band Mold Breaker Sawk Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 216+ Def Rotom-W: 226-266 (74.5 - 87.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Ferrothorn @ Life Orb
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- Gyro Ball
- Explosion

Ah, the old good defending Ferrothorn... wait... a Life Orb!?

Yes, it is a Life Orb Ferrothorn and it deals MASSIVE damage!

Instead of just saying words, I will show you what I mean:
252+ Atk Life Orb Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 248 HP / 216+ Def Rotom-W: 320-377 (105.6 - 124.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 292-344 (81.7 - 96.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 337-398 (112.7 - 133.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 24 Def Mega Gardevoir: 767-905 (276.8 - 326.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 92 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 541-640 (148.6 - 175.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Hoopa-Unbound @ Assault Vest
Ability: Magician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch
- Hyperspace Fury
- Zen Headbutt

So, Hoopa-U is becoming one of the most dangerous Pokémon in the OU tier (haven`t checked Ubers yet but I guess it would be the same).

Back when I first built a team with Hoopa-U, everyone were talking in the OU chat about Life Orb and Choice Scarf, but when I saw it`s AMAZING 130 base SpD. with it`s 160 base Atk., I figured it has a very high potential as an AV user and it turned out to be true.

Drain Punch is mainly to restore it`s HP and hit hard Dark/Ice Pokémon.

Ice Punch is to hit hard Dragonite, Salamence, Gliscor and Garchomp.

Hyperspace Fury works really well against... any Pokémon that doesn`t resist Dark. hehe.

Zen Headbutt helps very much in taking out defensive Mega Venusaur, so as other Fighting/Poison Pokémon.

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Crunch

So... I can`t really say that it suprises enemies if the Tyrantrum they are facing against is scarfed, but it hits very hard thanks to it`s Head Smash, and can sweep teams with it thanks to it`s Rock Head ability.

Earthquake is a very solid attack that hits hard lots of Pokémon.

Outrage takes out strong Dragon Types.

Crunch hits very hard Pokémon that resist to it such as Lati@s.

Latios-Mega @ Latiosite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Energy Ball
- Psyshock
- Roost

I haven`t seen Lati@s-Mega in the tier very much and I know why, but you can`t say it is not a very good Pokémon.

Who would guess that a Latios has an Energy Ball? Funny, ikr? Therefore it hits hard the Pokémon who wouldn`t wanna stay in if they knew that the Latios runs it.

Draco Meteor is a very strong attack, everyone here knows why I run it.

Psyshock is to ensure that Latios can knock out specially defensive Pokémon as well.

Roost is to heal up.

Rotom-Mow @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Leaf Storm
- Trick
- Will-O-Wisp

Rotom-M is a very good Pokémon. It hits hard a lot thanks to it`s scarf.

Thunderbolt and Leaf Storm are to wallbreak. It helped me a lot in lots of matches.

Trick is to trick foes like Garchomp, Ferrothorn and all these kind of hazard setters.

Will-O-Wisp is to slow down physical attackers.

ENDING WORDS

Thank y`all for reading this. I would be more than grateful if you also review my team, comment and improving me with raising my competitive battle skills :).

REPLAYS

If you have read the thread by far, you will probably wanna view some replays of the team... Here you go:

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-253808932
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-253807058
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-253830620
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-253877701
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-253878366
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-253882637
​

I screwed up with Ferrothorn`s attack in the replays but I fixed them.

IMPORTABLE

Sawk @ Choice Band[/SIZE][/CENTER][/SIZE][/CENTER]
[SIZE=3]
[CENTER][SIZE=3]
[CENTER]Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Rock Slide

Ferrothorn @ Life Orb
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- Gyro Ball
- Explosion

Hoopa-Unbound @ Assault Vest
Ability: Magician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch
- Hyperspace Fury
- Zen Headbutt

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Crunch

Latios-Mega @ Latiosite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Energy Ball
- Psyshock
- Roost

Rotom-Mow @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Leaf Storm
- Trick
- Will-O-Wisp

​

- ShirakuHikao​

 

[temp]

Hello ShirakuHikao ! Pretty interesting team there, but onto the rate:

Your team really doesn't fair well against the likes of Scizor. Be it mega or even choice band, I can see the team struggling against it a lot. And a lot of the Pokemon you have here are either out classed or are just picks that make me go "why?" The terminology you have when describing Sawk is a bit off, as you said it "counters" Rotom-Wash. It would actually check it, as it wouldn't really appreciate a burn. Counter means it can switch in and force it out / beat it, and Sawk can't really do that. A better "counter" to Rotom-Wash would be Conkeldurr, as it has the ability Guts. That means it can take advantage of the burn. And with the Assault Vest, it can get enough SpDef to shrug off Rotom's attacks. Another threat I feel I should point out is Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn is really only stopped by Sawk, so you would have to conserve it and bring it in at the right time (like on a double switch or just predicting Ferro to come out).

Now, I'll list some ways to deal with these threats a bit easier.

Scizor -

1. Consider a way to get up hazards. This would likely mean the use of Stealth Rocks or Spikes on your Ferrothorn. Scizor won't really be able to switch in as much, as it'll only be racking up damage.

2. Some fire type coverage moves such as Fire Punch on Hoopa or Hidden Power Fire on Latios could be used. This way, Scizor can't really switch in on these Pokemon.

Ferrothorn -

1. Same thing as number 2 for Scizor, packing the right coverage for this would help a lot.

Sawk is a pretty interesting pick here. However it is fairly outclassed as a fighting type physical attacker by the likes of Medicham-Mega, Gallade-Mega, Breloom, Conkeldurr, etc. And you said this was your "Rotom-W counter." It doesn't appreciate burns, so I would advise you go for Conkeldurr. It can easily switch in against Rotom, being able to take burns and being able to take special hits thanks to Assault Vest. If you meant Sawk was a check to Rotom-W, then I think Breloom would work here even more. It can Bullet Seed and KO Rotom and even provides some priority. The set I was thinking of was the technician attacker set.

Conkeldurr and Breloom Sets

Conkeldurr @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Ice Punch / Knock Off
- Poison Jab / Stone Edge / Knock Off

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance / Focus Punch / Rock Tomb

Ferrothorn is a good option here. The set? Not very much... If you truly wanted a steel type to deal damage, I would go for Scizor. But really, I think you should make this more defensive. Your team currently lacks Stealth Rocks / Spikes or any sort of defensive presence.

Defensive Ferrothorn Set

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball / Power Whip
- Power Whip / Protect / Thunder Wave

There isn't much wrong here, but I think you should consider running Fire Punch > Ice Punch. It provides better coverage against Ferrothorn and Scizor, which your team struggles against. Also Hyperspace Fury hits the Pokemon you listed hard enough anyways.

Tyrantrum fits well here I'd say. However, I think you should run Superpower > Crunch. Outrage hits Lati@s for super effective damage already lol. And anything Crunch would hit, Head Smash / Outrage can hit harder. While Superpower on the other hand, OHKOs Bisharp and Excadrill. Fire Fang could be used to 2HKO Ferrothorn, but it has relatively low power and you will miss out on KOing other targets.

Mega Latios is pretty much a waste of a mega slot. Normal Latios with a Life Orb hits harder than it.

Normal Latios Set

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power Fire / Earthquake / Roost
- Defog / Roost

Considering that you don't really have a mega anymore, I think you may want one. In that case, why not Mega Manectric? It has the proper coverage to deal with bulky waters, Ferrothorn / Scizor, Gliscor, etc. It also has utility in Intimidate which could be pretty beneficial.

Mega Manectric Set

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Ice

That's all I have for the team. Good luck and have fun!

 

[ShirakuHikao]

Hello ShirakuHikao ! Pretty interesting team there, but onto the rate:

Your team really doesn't fair well against the likes of Scizor. Be it mega or even choice band, I can see the team struggling against it a lot. And a lot of the Pokemon you have here are either out classed or are just picks that make me go "why?" The terminology you have when describing Sawk is a bit off, as you said it "counters" Rotom-Wash. It would actually check it, as it wouldn't really appreciate a burn. Counter means it can switch in and force it out / beat it, and Sawk can't really do that. A better "counter" to Rotom-Wash would be Conkeldurr, as it has the ability Guts. That means it can take advantage of the burn. And with the Assault Vest, it can get enough SpDef to shrug off Rotom's attacks. Another threat I feel I should point out is Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn is really only stopped by Sawk, so you would have to conserve it and bring it in at the right time (like on a double switch or just predicting Ferro to come out).

Now, I'll list some ways to deal with these threats a bit easier.

Scizor -

1. Consider a way to get up hazards. This would likely mean the use of Stealth Rocks or Spikes on your Ferrothorn. Scizor won't really be able to switch in as much, as it'll only be racking up damage.

2. Some fire type coverage moves such as Fire Punch on Hoopa or Hidden Power Fire on Latios could be used. This way, Scizor can't really switch in on these Pokemon.

Ferrothorn -

1. Same thing as number 2 for Scizor, packing the right coverage for this would help a lot.

Sawk is a pretty interesting pick here. However it is fairly outclassed as a fighting type physical attacker by the likes of Medicham-Mega, Gallade-Mega, Breloom, Conkeldurr, etc. And you said this was your "Rotom-W counter." It doesn't appreciate burns, so I would advise you go for Conkeldurr. It can easily switch in against Rotom, being able to take burns and being able to take special hits thanks to Assault Vest. If you meant Sawk was a check to Rotom-W, then I think Breloom would work here even more. It can Bullet Seed and KO Rotom and even provides some priority. The set I was thinking of was the technician attacker set.

Conkeldurr and Breloom Sets

Conkeldurr @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Ice Punch / Knock Off
- Poison Jab / Stone Edge / Knock Off

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance / Focus Punch / Rock Tomb

Ferrothorn is a good option here. The set? Not very much... If you truly wanted a steel type to deal damage, I would go for Scizor. But really, I think you should make this more defensive. Your team currently lacks Stealth Rocks / Spikes or any sort of defensive presence.

Defensive Ferrothorn Set

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball / Power Whip
- Power Whip / Protect / Thunder Wave

There isn't much wrong here, but I think you should consider running Fire Punch > Ice Punch. It provides better coverage against Ferrothorn and Scizor, which your team struggles against. Also Hyperspace Fury hits the Pokemon you listed hard enough anyways.

Tyrantrum fits well here I'd say. However, I think you should run Superpower > Crunch. Outrage hits Lati@s for super effective damage already lol. And anything Crunch would hit, Head Smash / Outrage can hit harder. While Superpower on the other hand, OHKOs Bisharp and Excadrill. Fire Fang could be used to 2HKO Ferrothorn, but it has relatively low power and you will miss out on KOing other targets.

Mega Latios is pretty much a waste of a mega slot. Normal Latios with a Life Orb hits harder than it.

Normal Latios Set

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power Fire / Earthquake / Roost
- Defog / Roost

Considering that you don't really have a mega anymore, I think you may want one. In that case, why not Mega Manectric? It has the proper coverage to deal with bulky waters, Ferrothorn / Scizor, Gliscor, etc. It also has utility in Intimidate which could be pretty beneficial.

Mega Manectric Set

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Ice

That's all I have for the team. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for the offers. I will review them, but I really wanted to make this team a bit troll-ish, and use stuff that people would not expect. However, I will 100% take your advices against Scizor.

Thanks again!

EDIT:

I was testing your team on another slot and it pretty good!

Here is a replay:
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-253920011

Accidently I chose Thunder instead of Thunderbolt and I forgot to change Tyrantrum`s Crunch to Superpower.