Yes, I know this is my first post...but I've been stalking this place for more than a year, and my recent success on ShoddyBattle has convinced me to take my team to the RMT board. This team has had plenty of high points and low points, but it has done better and better the more I use it, probably because I am starting to learn how to predict better. This team relies on heavy offense, as evidenced by a lack of support moves...still, it's been quite successful. Anywho, on to the team!
Metagross @ Lum Berry
Clear Body l Adamant
248 HP / 232 Atk / 28 Spe
- Earthquake
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Explosion
Metagross is far and away my favorite lead. Meteor Mash hits most everything hard, Earthquake hits Heatran and other steel types hard, and Bullet Punch hits for priority (mainly Focus Sash leads). Explosion is great when I predict a common Metagross switch-in like Zapdos, Swampert, or Gyarados. I'm not quite sure if I want Stealth Rock on my team or not, but I've been doing fine without it so far...besides, it's fun to attack the opponent's lead as the pathetically taunt away, expecting me to lay rocks.
Here's how Metagross does against common leads:
Azelf: Meteor Mash to Bullet Punch usually does them in, Fire Blast is scary but uncommon. I see many Azelf's switch to predict the incoming Bullet Punch and then I have to switch/attack accordingly. Not usually a problem.
Machamp: This Metagross is specifically designed to be able to take on Machamp leads. I Meteor Mash, take less than 50% from Dynamic Punch, and Meteor Mash again for the KO. Not a problem unless he switches.
Aerodactyl: Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch. Not a problem.
Metagross: Earthquake does more than 50 percent. If the opponent Stealth Rocks, then I Earthquake twice and KO. If it Earthquakes, I hope to outspeed to KO. If it's faster, I'll have to switch to Zapdos or Gengar. Not a problem.
Swampert: Honestly, it's a problem. I usually end up deciding to explode on it. I don't have much that take care of it and the switch ins have easily predicted attacks. Again, I usually explode on it.
Jirachi: Lead Jirachi's are problematic because they're so diverse. I don't know if they will Trick, Fire Punch, or U-Turn. I usually Earthquake and if they U-Turn, I'll switch to an appropriate counter.
Infernape: I've never faced a lead Infernape, but I think I would switch to Heatran for the Earth Power KO. Easily predictable but still workable.
Roserade: Meteor Mash to Bullet Punch. Toxic Spikes aren't a problem for the team.
Heatran: I'm scared of Heatrans. I'm not sure if I should Earthquake or switch. Even then, I'm not sure if it will use Fire Blast or Earth Power. It's a problem...but I'd be willing to Earthquake in case it decides to lay rocks or substitute. It's definitely a problem.
Ninjask: Hahahahahahahaha! Don't make me laugh. Bullet Punch kills it.
Hippowdon: It's a problem...definitely a problem...well, I tend to Explode on it (kills it more often than not) and if it lives, I'll just send something else to kill it. Seeing as how I don't have Grass Knot, Hydro Pump, or Surf, Hippowdon could wall me pretty heavily, so it might be best to sacrifice Metagross in order to get rid of Hippowdon.
Tyranitar: I Meteor Mash it and hope it doesn't Counter. I can usually survive Fire attacks from it and can Bullet Punch it if it lives. Not a problem, but Counter is painful.
Starmie: Starmie is a problem. I will survive most Hydro Pumps and Explode on it. It tends to be a problem and I would rather get rid of it right away.
Uxie: This is definitely a problem too. Yawn isn't a problem, but the fact that it can set up most anything disturbs me. So I explode on it. :D
Dragonite: I Meteor Mash it, see what it uses, and switch to an appropriate counter. Not a problem.
Smeargle: Meteor Mash it. Counter is a problem, Trick might be a problem, anything else is no problem as Bullet Punch will destroy Focus Sashers.
Bronzong: This is a problem. Definitely a problem. It's similar to Uxie, except it resists Explosion, meaning I have to either Meteor Mash and Explode or switch to Heatran for the Fire Blast. It can set up screens, rocks...whatever. Maybe the biggest problem.
Forretress: I'll have to switch to Heatran for this one. Forretress is a problem as it can get up whatever entry hazard it wants.
Crobat: Meteor Mash does a decent chunk to it. It can U-Turn to an appropriate counter, but otherwise it won't be doing much to Metagross.
Gliscor: I hope it taunts, because I'm not setting up rocks. I Meteor Mash and will 2HKO if I get an attack boost. Otherwise, I'll Meteor Mash again and Bullet Punch for the KO. Not very popular, but could be a problem.
Skarmory: Skarmory is like Bronzong, but a little more predictable. Switch to Zapdos and Thunderbolt or Heat Wave.
In short, Metagross handles many popular leads, and I'm not afraid to explode on something that could end up being a problem. It's so fun to damage the opposing lead and then end up exploding on their Gyarados, Zapdos, or whatever switch-in. I love Metagross, and don't plan on replacing him anytime soon.
Heatran @ Passho Berry
Flash Fire l Timid
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Explosion
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Earth Power
Well, I now feel good about Heatran. Passho Berry allows it to take a Water attack and retaliate with...something else. Stealth Rock plays an important role on this team, and Heatran is certainly capable of laying it down on the predicted switch. Fire Blast and Earth Power provide great coverage. Exploding on Water types and normal special walls is so satisfying. A great member of the team.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Levitate l Timid
252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 Def
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Protect
Ah, Gengar. How I love you so. With 3 immunities, I find no problem brining this dude in. Shadow Ball hits almost everything hard and can OHKO most Rotom-A. Focus Blast KOs Heatran and Tyranitar and HP Fire gets Scizor and Forretress. Protect is an interesting move as it can help to scout the moves of opposing Scizor, Tyranitar, and Heatran. If Scizor uses Pursuit, I stay and HP Fire. If it Bullet Punches, I can assume it doesn't have Pursuit and I can switch to Heatran. If Tyranitar uses Pursuit, I Focus Blast. If it outspeeds me, I can assume it has Choice Scarf and help prediction. As great as Substitute would be to have, Protect's priority is necessary to predict priority attacks. It's doing a great job, and can expose special walls. It's doing it's jobs, and that's all that really matters.
Zapdos @ Leftovers
Pressure l Modest
252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 Def
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost
Zapdos is underrated. Seriously, it's not necessarily outclassed by Rotom-A. Thunderbolt hits most everything hard, Heat Wave has great coverage with Thunderbolt, and HP Ice hits Dragons. Zapdos has many resistances and can come in easily. He is an answer to Gyarados, Scizor, Flygon, Dragonite, Lucario, Infernape...the list goes on. The only thing I'm worried about is that I haven't found many opportunities to use Roost. Maybe it's just my playstyle... I could replace it with Toxic or Thunder Wave to get a status onto my team, or use Substitute to help tank hits more easily. Whichever one I choose, it will just help Zapdos become even more of a beast (if that's possible).
Weavile @ Choice Band
Pressure l Jolly
40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
- Ice Shard
- Pursuit
- Ice Punch
- Low Kick
Weavile is my revenge killer...oh, more description than that? Well, Ice Shard is a powerful priority move with Weavile, and will get rid of those nasty dragons who want to rain on my parade, along with being strong in general. Pursuit traps and kills major threats such as Rotom-A and Starmie. Ice Punch is super strong and Low Kick is for foes like Tyranitar who think it's cool to walk all over Weavile. Weavile has done a super terrific job for me and, along with Zapdos, does a great job at taking out the counters of my last member.
Infernape @ Black Belt
Blaze l Jolly
252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Fire Punch
- Mach Punch
Infernape is my prized late game sweeper. After the rest of the team draws in and eliminates it's strong counters, Infernape can sweep to the finish. I don't usually get to Swords Dance, but I can use it against stallers. I'm considering replacing it with something else like Stone Edge...but I don't know. Close Combat is REALLY powerful and Fire Punch has good coverage. I also chose Mach Punch because, in such a fast paced metagame, priority moves are golden, and I never want to miss a chance to pick off weak targets. Black Belt is used for survivability purposes.
So there's the team. Although it is easily susceptible to Spikes damage, I really like how I don't need to worry much about Toxic Spikes. I have plenty of resistances to common attacking types like grass and steel. I have a pretty good mix of physical and special attackers...but of course, each team has drawbacks. I have no water or electric resists, putting me at risk of a Jolteon sweep, or getting walled by a well-played Suicune or Vaporeon.
Overall, what do you think? I provided many alternatives in the description...what should I change/switch? Prediction plays a key part in my team...is there any way to help ease prediction further? Please review. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Metagross @ Lum Berry
Clear Body l Adamant
248 HP / 232 Atk / 28 Spe
- Earthquake
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Explosion
Metagross is far and away my favorite lead. Meteor Mash hits most everything hard, Earthquake hits Heatran and other steel types hard, and Bullet Punch hits for priority (mainly Focus Sash leads). Explosion is great when I predict a common Metagross switch-in like Zapdos, Swampert, or Gyarados. I'm not quite sure if I want Stealth Rock on my team or not, but I've been doing fine without it so far...besides, it's fun to attack the opponent's lead as the pathetically taunt away, expecting me to lay rocks.
Here's how Metagross does against common leads:
Azelf: Meteor Mash to Bullet Punch usually does them in, Fire Blast is scary but uncommon. I see many Azelf's switch to predict the incoming Bullet Punch and then I have to switch/attack accordingly. Not usually a problem.
Machamp: This Metagross is specifically designed to be able to take on Machamp leads. I Meteor Mash, take less than 50% from Dynamic Punch, and Meteor Mash again for the KO. Not a problem unless he switches.
Aerodactyl: Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch. Not a problem.
Metagross: Earthquake does more than 50 percent. If the opponent Stealth Rocks, then I Earthquake twice and KO. If it Earthquakes, I hope to outspeed to KO. If it's faster, I'll have to switch to Zapdos or Gengar. Not a problem.
Swampert: Honestly, it's a problem. I usually end up deciding to explode on it. I don't have much that take care of it and the switch ins have easily predicted attacks. Again, I usually explode on it.
Jirachi: Lead Jirachi's are problematic because they're so diverse. I don't know if they will Trick, Fire Punch, or U-Turn. I usually Earthquake and if they U-Turn, I'll switch to an appropriate counter.
Infernape: I've never faced a lead Infernape, but I think I would switch to Heatran for the Earth Power KO. Easily predictable but still workable.
Roserade: Meteor Mash to Bullet Punch. Toxic Spikes aren't a problem for the team.
Heatran: I'm scared of Heatrans. I'm not sure if I should Earthquake or switch. Even then, I'm not sure if it will use Fire Blast or Earth Power. It's a problem...but I'd be willing to Earthquake in case it decides to lay rocks or substitute. It's definitely a problem.
Ninjask: Hahahahahahahaha! Don't make me laugh. Bullet Punch kills it.
Hippowdon: It's a problem...definitely a problem...well, I tend to Explode on it (kills it more often than not) and if it lives, I'll just send something else to kill it. Seeing as how I don't have Grass Knot, Hydro Pump, or Surf, Hippowdon could wall me pretty heavily, so it might be best to sacrifice Metagross in order to get rid of Hippowdon.
Tyranitar: I Meteor Mash it and hope it doesn't Counter. I can usually survive Fire attacks from it and can Bullet Punch it if it lives. Not a problem, but Counter is painful.
Starmie: Starmie is a problem. I will survive most Hydro Pumps and Explode on it. It tends to be a problem and I would rather get rid of it right away.
Uxie: This is definitely a problem too. Yawn isn't a problem, but the fact that it can set up most anything disturbs me. So I explode on it. :D
Dragonite: I Meteor Mash it, see what it uses, and switch to an appropriate counter. Not a problem.
Smeargle: Meteor Mash it. Counter is a problem, Trick might be a problem, anything else is no problem as Bullet Punch will destroy Focus Sashers.
Bronzong: This is a problem. Definitely a problem. It's similar to Uxie, except it resists Explosion, meaning I have to either Meteor Mash and Explode or switch to Heatran for the Fire Blast. It can set up screens, rocks...whatever. Maybe the biggest problem.
Forretress: I'll have to switch to Heatran for this one. Forretress is a problem as it can get up whatever entry hazard it wants.
Crobat: Meteor Mash does a decent chunk to it. It can U-Turn to an appropriate counter, but otherwise it won't be doing much to Metagross.
Gliscor: I hope it taunts, because I'm not setting up rocks. I Meteor Mash and will 2HKO if I get an attack boost. Otherwise, I'll Meteor Mash again and Bullet Punch for the KO. Not very popular, but could be a problem.
Skarmory: Skarmory is like Bronzong, but a little more predictable. Switch to Zapdos and Thunderbolt or Heat Wave.
In short, Metagross handles many popular leads, and I'm not afraid to explode on something that could end up being a problem. It's so fun to damage the opposing lead and then end up exploding on their Gyarados, Zapdos, or whatever switch-in. I love Metagross, and don't plan on replacing him anytime soon.
Heatran @ Passho Berry
Flash Fire l Timid
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Explosion
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Earth Power
Well, I now feel good about Heatran. Passho Berry allows it to take a Water attack and retaliate with...something else. Stealth Rock plays an important role on this team, and Heatran is certainly capable of laying it down on the predicted switch. Fire Blast and Earth Power provide great coverage. Exploding on Water types and normal special walls is so satisfying. A great member of the team.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Levitate l Timid
252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 Def
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Protect
Ah, Gengar. How I love you so. With 3 immunities, I find no problem brining this dude in. Shadow Ball hits almost everything hard and can OHKO most Rotom-A. Focus Blast KOs Heatran and Tyranitar and HP Fire gets Scizor and Forretress. Protect is an interesting move as it can help to scout the moves of opposing Scizor, Tyranitar, and Heatran. If Scizor uses Pursuit, I stay and HP Fire. If it Bullet Punches, I can assume it doesn't have Pursuit and I can switch to Heatran. If Tyranitar uses Pursuit, I Focus Blast. If it outspeeds me, I can assume it has Choice Scarf and help prediction. As great as Substitute would be to have, Protect's priority is necessary to predict priority attacks. It's doing a great job, and can expose special walls. It's doing it's jobs, and that's all that really matters.
Zapdos @ Leftovers
Pressure l Modest
252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 Def
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost
Zapdos is underrated. Seriously, it's not necessarily outclassed by Rotom-A. Thunderbolt hits most everything hard, Heat Wave has great coverage with Thunderbolt, and HP Ice hits Dragons. Zapdos has many resistances and can come in easily. He is an answer to Gyarados, Scizor, Flygon, Dragonite, Lucario, Infernape...the list goes on. The only thing I'm worried about is that I haven't found many opportunities to use Roost. Maybe it's just my playstyle... I could replace it with Toxic or Thunder Wave to get a status onto my team, or use Substitute to help tank hits more easily. Whichever one I choose, it will just help Zapdos become even more of a beast (if that's possible).
Weavile @ Choice Band
Pressure l Jolly
40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
- Ice Shard
- Pursuit
- Ice Punch
- Low Kick
Weavile is my revenge killer...oh, more description than that? Well, Ice Shard is a powerful priority move with Weavile, and will get rid of those nasty dragons who want to rain on my parade, along with being strong in general. Pursuit traps and kills major threats such as Rotom-A and Starmie. Ice Punch is super strong and Low Kick is for foes like Tyranitar who think it's cool to walk all over Weavile. Weavile has done a super terrific job for me and, along with Zapdos, does a great job at taking out the counters of my last member.
Infernape @ Black Belt
Blaze l Jolly
252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Fire Punch
- Mach Punch
Infernape is my prized late game sweeper. After the rest of the team draws in and eliminates it's strong counters, Infernape can sweep to the finish. I don't usually get to Swords Dance, but I can use it against stallers. I'm considering replacing it with something else like Stone Edge...but I don't know. Close Combat is REALLY powerful and Fire Punch has good coverage. I also chose Mach Punch because, in such a fast paced metagame, priority moves are golden, and I never want to miss a chance to pick off weak targets. Black Belt is used for survivability purposes.
So there's the team. Although it is easily susceptible to Spikes damage, I really like how I don't need to worry much about Toxic Spikes. I have plenty of resistances to common attacking types like grass and steel. I have a pretty good mix of physical and special attackers...but of course, each team has drawbacks. I have no water or electric resists, putting me at risk of a Jolteon sweep, or getting walled by a well-played Suicune or Vaporeon.
Overall, what do you think? I provided many alternatives in the description...what should I change/switch? Prediction plays a key part in my team...is there any way to help ease prediction further? Please review. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
