Tier-Swapping Favorites Team

[Bone Cold Marowak Guy]

Hello there, Smogon community! It's me, BCMG, with my competitive team. Personal friends' help fine-tuned this machine to near perfection, and I'm relying on the experts [you guys] to finish the job. Feel free to absolutely rip this team to shreds! I want the help. (What, too obvious?)

Now, before we get started, allow me to say this. I like battling with cool Pokemon. Those Ferrocent wall, Volcarona Sweep teams just aren't for me. So... rather than just picking six Pokes from one tier that I wouldn't personally like, I chose some of my favorites. Most of the time I get my assets whooped. But, nix Reuniclus, it DOES make a boss UU team. That's what the "tier-swapping" part means. Slightly different rosters, potentially different tiers. Simple, right? IF Reuniclus is in the battle, it's OU. When it's in a PC, I have a UU team. The extras are just my other favorites.

WARNING: This team contains more than six members, which I swap with each other on occasion. Please, no "Nice counting to 6", people!

Let's get started now...

Drapion @ Scope Lens
Jolly Nature (+Speed, -Sp. Atk), Sniper
EV's: 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spd,
-Toxic Spikes
-Night Slash / Crunch (in testing)
-Earthquake
-Taunt

My cuddly (I promise) lead Drapion. Toxic Spikes sets up a Chansey-torturing entry hazard. How wonderful! Night Slash is a STAB that abuses Sniper, as well as Scope Lens. Taunt stops all types of setup, and is the reason this beast works so well. Earthquake covers stuff that dumb old Poison moves never could.

Synergy Check:
Ground: Tropius, Mandibuzz

Marowak @ Thick Club
Jolly, Lightningrod
EV's: 252 Atk, 252 Spd, 4 HP
-Bonemerang
-Stone Edge
-Fire Punch
-Swords Dance/Outrage

It doesn't have Rock Head. Wanna know why? It DOESN'T HAVE DOUBLE-EDGE! Enter Marowak. My pride and joy, tampered with ever since the ORIGINAL Blue. Bonemerang is a sub-breaking Earthquake. Stone Edge forms QuakeEdge. Fire Punch covers Grass-Types and, most importantly, Ferrothorn. Swords Dance sends his already impressive Attack skyrocketing, but with Outrage, ~68% of all Pokemon in existence take SE damage, the rest neutral.

Synergy Check:
Water: Kingdra, Tropius
Grass: Typhlosion, Tropius, Mandibuzz
Ice: Typhlosion, Aggron

Tropius @ Lum Berry
Adamant, Harvest
EV's: 252 HP, 128 Def, 128 Sp. Def
-Leech Seed / Toxic
-Rest
-Leaf Blade
-Swords Dance / Dragon Dance

Not only is this guy defensive, but Swords Dance HarvRest Tropius can pack a punch --- or should I say, slice. Rest abuses Harvest and Tropius' bulk. Toxic slowly wears down defensive walls Leaf Blade couldn't touch, sans Steel-Types, though Leech Seed is Toxic 2.0, utilizing 1/8 of your foe's health per turn. Swords Dance to boost attack and give Tropius something to do after Taunting. Dragon Dance can boost the way a sweeper wants, but it's not legal with Harvest yet. Leaf Blade to not be Taunt bait (you can tell what I want you to remember), and one H3ll of a STAB. With Lum recovery more likely than that of the ever-popular ShedRest, you're likely to set up 3 Swords Dances, stay bulky, and take 'em down.

Synergy Check:
Rock: Marowak, Aggron
Ice: Typhlosion, Aggron
Flying: Luxray
Fire: Kingdra, Marowak

Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Timid, Swift Swim
EV's: 4 HP, 252 Sp. Atk, 252 Spd.
-Surf
-Draco Meteor
-Ice Beam
-Signal Beam

A Kingdra that's apart from DrizzleToed? Yes. In fact, it's a COUNTER to the rain. A self-sufficient Kingdra. Surf and Draco Meteor offer STAB, with monstrous Base Power. Ice Beam covers things Water can't always get. Signal Beam is to obliterate Psychics and Darks. Hit hard, run away.

Synergy Check:
Dragon: Aggron

Reuniclus @ Life Orb
Bold, Magic Guard
EV's: 252 HP, 252 Sp. Atk, 4 Sp. Def
-Focus Blast
-Recover
-Psyshock
-Shadow Ball

It's a non-standard Reunicus! Preposterous, right? Recover to shake off what little damage you'll take, Psyshock for a Special, but Physical STAB, and Shadow ball covers Ghosts, and other Psychics. Focus Blast creats incredible-tastic coverage.

Synergy Check:
Dark: Mandibuzz, Drapion, Aggron
Ghost: Drapion, Mandibuzz, Aggron
Bug: Aggron

Typhlosion @ Choice Scarf
Rash, Blaze
EV's: 112 Atk, 144 Sp. Atk, 252 Spd
-Eruption
-Extrasensory
-Earthquake
-Wild Charge

The Scarfed, scar-leaving honey badger is here. Eruption is a freaking GOD with Scarf and STAB. Earthquake covers those pesky Rock-Types that would like to murder you. Extrasensory provides some extra coverage, against Fighting- and the likes of Conkeldurr and Machamp. Wild Charge beats the living crap out of Waters, like the ones that will switch in.
Testing is going underway to decide if focusing on one form of Attack is better or worsw than others.
Synergy Check:
Water: Kingdra, Tropius
Ground: Mandibuzz, Tropius
Rock: Marowak, Aggron

Now, here are the other Pokes. Not the main six, but occasional switch-ins.

@ Flame Orb
Jolly, Guts
EV's: 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spd
-Wild Charge
-Ice Fang
-Crunch
-Howl
The lion of doom. Wild Charge + Ice Fang = Pseudo BoltBeam. Not only that, Ice Fang covers Ground-Types. Crunch has really good coverage. BoltBeam + Crunch + Guts = Loads of power. Howl on the first turn to stall, wait for Guts-Orb to kick in, have super attack. Sweep. Look cool.
Synergy Check:
Ground: Tropius, Mandibuzz

@ Leftovers
Careful, Big Pecks
EV's: 252 HP, 128 Def, 128 Sp. Def
-Toxic
-U-Turn
-Taunt
-Roost

The bulky bird with moves that have short names. Taunt prevents any and all entry hazards, status, etc. Toxic whittles damage away. Roost to stall, and just in case there's a guaranteed Rock, Electric, or Ice move coming. Y'know, remove your Flying-Type for the turn? U-Turn if you're out-Taunted, or there's an un-Toxic-able Pokemon out.
Synergy Check:
Rock: Marowak, Aggron
Electric: Marowak
Ice: Typhlosion, Aggron

@ Chople Berry
Adamant, Rock Head
-Head Smash
-Autotomize / Metal Burst / Stealth Rock
-Earthquake
-Dragon Claw / Shadow Claw / Double-Edge
EV's: 252 Attack, 4 Def, 252 Speed

With a lot to say, I shall say a lot. There's reasoning behind it's Japanese name, you know. BOSS. GOD. ORA. I know he's a set-up sweeper, but I'm shooting for the revenge-killer kinda thing. With this many resistances, who needs weaknesses? Steel type grants a Poison immunity, but its 4x resistances to Normal and Flying moves are its most treasured, essentially acting like immunities. Additionally, you have Ice, Bug, Psychic, Rock, Ghost, Dragon and Dark resistances. That is A FREAKING LOT. Adamant nature? Why yes. With a single Autotomize (on a predicted move of the above types), this dude will be not only fast, but strong, too. If mid-battle, you need to strike back, Metal burst. That, and STAB Head Smash. AND Rock Head. Go ahead, beat that. Just try. Earthquake is for coverage, EdgeQuake coverage that is. The other move is a filler of sorts. Stealth Rock helps take care of opponents' HP, especially Charizard and Volcorona. Dragon Claw can help with coverage, I guess. Shadow Claw... maybe for a Super-effective hit on Gengar? Look, the movepool's not as deep as Gen. 4. Double-Edge with Rock Head? H3ll yeah! It's a Normal move (just in case nobody knew that *chuckles*) which naturally does cover a lot. The Berry helps with one of its 4x weaknesses.

Synergy Check
Ground: Tropius, Mandibuzz
Fighting: Tropius, Starmie, Reuniclus
Water: Kingdra, Tropius, Starmie

@ Focus Sash
Timid, Natural Cure
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Surf / Scald
- Ice Beam / Thunderbolt / Psyshock
EV's: 172 HP, 216 Spd, 120 SAtk

Lastly, my completely required Spinner. Rapid Spin will SAVE. FREAKING. LIVES. Especially against phazers. And with Natural Cure, Toxic Spikes is a problem of the past! Order right now, and we'll throw in Recover (which is how this thing switches into Stealth Rock) for free! Surf (or Scald) for STAB (and potential burn), Ice Beam because it's a Water-Type, (AND it covers Grass). Thunderbolt would help, and it's not an uncommon move choice, but Psyshock could make special walls crumble. Hmm...

Synergy Check:
Grass: Tropius, Typhlosion, Mandibuzz, Drapion
Electric: Marowak
Dark: Drapion, Mandibuzz, Aggron
Ghost: Mandibuzz, Drapion, Aggron
Bug: Aggron

Thanks for your help! Changes in red and italic.

Sprite credit goes to floatzel.net and pokemon.supercheats.com

 

[KorKonT]

Nice counting to 6.
Just kidding ;).
Wait- LightningRod Marowak? WHY? Marowak is immune to electricity already, so LightningRod does nothing. Double-Edge would help it tremendously.
-Having a swift swimmer for a rain counter is a unique idea rarely used, but it is also a bad one. If it's a sand or sun team, you are basically down a whole member. I would recommend Ferrothorn.

 

[shadowxevo]

Since you want to use your favorites, I'm not going to change any of the Pokemon; rather, I'm going to change the sets so you can keep them. However, be warned that your win rate will plummet (I doubt you care, so... XP)

On Drapion, Crunch would be a better option than Night Slash, since Crunch has the more consistent ability to lower the opponent's defense. If you want to go along this route, then I suggest either Life Orb or Leftovers.
Tropius and Marowak... For lack of a better set, they'll most likely stay the same.
On Kingdra, Draco Meteor over Dragon Pulse, due to Choice Specs having a more hit-and-run way, you shouldn't be staying in after that anyways, considering that your opponent will most likely set up on your weakened Dragon attacks. For more power (since you ARE running a Choice set), it would be either Surf for more consistent attacking, or Hydro Pump to hit like a truck. Reuniclus really wants Trick Room, especially with Marowak, which would go over Recover. Finally, you should either go one way or another with your Typhlosion. I would most likely go for a special set, but that's your choice.

Good luck!

 

[Bone Cold Marowak Guy]

Nice counting to 6.
Just kidding ;).

...

Wait- LightningRod Marowak? WHY? Marowak is immune to electricity already, so LightningRod does nothing. Double-Edge would help it tremendously.

I ran Double-Edge once, but it was screwed over by Scizor, Ferro and the like. I use Fire Punch for them.

-Having a swift swimmer for a rain counter is a unique idea rarely used, but it is also a bad one. If it's a sand or sun team, you are basically down a whole member. I would recommend Ferrothorn.

Huh... Well, I'm no fan of switching out... but if it's a weather team, I'll send out someone first accordingly. Ninetails? Typhlosion Earthquake. Politoed? Luxray Wild Charge/Kingdra Draco Meteor.

Since you want to use your favorites, I'm not going to change any of the Pokemon; rather, I'm going to change the sets so you can keep them. However, be warned that your win rate will plummet (I doubt you care, so... XP)

Yay for understanding!

On Drapion, Crunch would be a better option than Night Slash, since Crunch has the more consistent ability to lower the opponent's defense. If you want to go along this route, then I suggest either Life Orb or Leftovers.

As much of a good idea that is, I'm too freaking' cautionary; I mean, what if there's an Acid Armor user?

Tropius and Marowak... For lack of a better set, they'll most likely stay the same.

:nerd:

On Kingdra, Draco Meteor over Dragon Pulse, due to Choice Specs having a more hit-and-run way, you shouldn't be staying in after that anyways, considering that your opponent will most likely set up on your weakened Dragon attacks.

Heh... wow. I typed that WAY wrong. Silly me!

For more power (since you ARE running a Choice set), it would be either Surf for more consistent attacking, or Hydro Pump to hit like a truck.

Alright. I'll give that a shot.

Reuniclus really wants Trick Room, especially with Marowak, which would go over Recover.

I had this at first, but ran into a problem. I'm hit with a Whirlwind. Oh, crap! It's base 110 Starmie... uh-oh!

Finally, you should either go one way or another with your Typhlosion. I would most likely go for a special set, but If not...that's your choice.

I'll test it out, and if that works, I'll update it.

Thanks for the help! Keep it coming!

 

[jessifer]

For your Starmie try:

Starmie @ Life Orb/Leftovers

Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Surf
- Thunderbolt/Ice Beam

The choice between Life Orb and Leftovers is up to you. So is the choice between Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. Thunderbolt can help against Jellicent, the number one spinblocker but Ice Beam can take down Dragon and Grass types.

 

[Tenodera]

On Aggron (excellent aesthetic taste there!), I'd suggest taking out many of the slashes and focusing the set. A more supportive variant with Sturdy does Stealth Rock, and Metal Burst better. If you opt for Rock Polish, Shadow or Dragon Claw are entirely useless and should probably be replaced by Ice Punch or Fire Punch. Head Smash will maim Gengar anyway lol.

I agree with shadowxevo in that Scald seems unusual on Specs SS Kingdra. The power from Surf might be more beneficial than the Burn chance. I think Dragon Pulse has its merits over Meteor, since SS Specs Kingdra could probably pull off a lategame Dragon Pulse sweep against some Rain teams. I think they both warrant testing.

 

[risenreturn]

kudos to you for using your favorites. I did that before, due to one of my favorites being OU, i was forced to get beaten down repeatedly(my favorites on the team consisted of Meganium, Misdreavus, Minun, and Swampert, all of which, except for swampert, performed phenomenally, although I still almost always lost)

However, in order to increase your chances of winning, I would move Luxray up to your main party and shift him with Tropius. Tropius can do wonders, but a solo-grass offense is pretty bad. Luxray can give your team a good offense even when TR is down. I would suggest Facade on Luxray also, because Guts-boosted, 2x powered Facade hurts, a lot. And, although I am unaware if he learns it, but if he does, I would suggest Flame Charge, because, honestly, Luxray's speed sucks. having increased speed will give you a better chance to attack first, which means more damage done.

If you do't want to move Luxray up to your main roster, try aggron, as if you can get its major checks down, it can run rampant. just get rid of Rocky helmet though. overall, there are tons of items better for aggron than rocky helmet.most are just standard things like Choice band/Life Orb, but you can feel free to experiment. Expert Belt could work decently, as many common pokemon are weak to Rock, or, even a Muscle band can work, as having that little extra damage output can mean the difference between winning and losing. Those failing, the Fighting/Ground resist berries are also a good idea, I don't know they're names off the top of my head however...

So, it's a good team IMO, but you can make some small changes that can make it better. Namely, Tropius > Backup roster, Starmie/Aggron/Luxray > Main roster.

 

[Adamant Zoroark]

For Typhlosion... I used this guy for a while in OU during the days when Excadrill was legal. I prefer this set:

Typhlosion @ Choice Specs
Timid Nature
Blaze
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spd
- Overheat
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Rock]

Fucks up some things that don't expect it. Be careful though, Overheat might end up making you complete set-up fodder for things like Terrakion. To fix that, I'd recommend swapping Marowak for Scizor. Set:

Scizor @ Choice Band
Adamant Nature
Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Pursuit

Simple: Terrakion comes in on your Typhlosion locked into Overheat, you switch in Scizor as it sets up and get rid of Terrakion! Pursuit makes it a great check to Latios, and Superpower is mostly for predicting switches to Heatran/Magnezone.

Also, for when you need to use Kingdra outside of countering rain, here's the set I am currently using:

Kingdra (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 40 Atk / 252 SAtk / 216 Spd
Mild Nature (+SAtk, -Def)
- Rain Dance
- Waterfall
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse

Works like a charm. Waterfall is to help a little against Blissey, who otherwise takes pitiful damage from Kingdra. Gives rain teams trouble once Ferrothorn's down - This can be accomplished by my provided Specs Typhlosion set, which OHKOs with Overheat even in the rain.

Reuniclus would like Trick Room > Recover.

Now, Drapion would like Crunch > Night Slash and Whirlwind > Taunt. Also, use a spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpDef with a Careful nature.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bone Cold Marowak Guy]

Before I start, allow me to say that there is no difference in usage between Main Roster and switch-ins. I just added the last four later on. ...OK, back to constructive criticism!

For your Starmie try:

Starmie @ Life Orb/Leftovers

Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Surf
- Thunderbolt/Ice Beam

The choice between Life Orb and Leftovers is up to you. So is the choice between Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. Thunderbolt can help against Jellicent, the number one spinblocker but Ice Beam can take down Dragon and Grass types.

On Aggron, I'd suggest focusing the set. A more supportive variant with Sturdy does Stealth Rock, and Metal Burst better. If you opt for Rock Polish, Shadow or Dragon Claw are entirely useless and should probably be replaced by Ice Punch or Fire Punch. Head Smash will maim Gengar anyway lol.

Testing has begun!

I agree with shadowxevo in that Scald seems unusual on Specs SS Kingdra. The power from Surf might be more beneficial than the Burn chance. I think Dragon Pulse has its merits over Meteor, since SS Specs Kingdra could probably pull off a lategame Dragon Pulse sweep against some Rain teams. I think they both warrant testing.

I had meant to change this, but forgot to save. *facepalm* But yes, I find both Dragon Pulse and Draco Meteor to have their pros and cons.

I would move Luxray up to your main party and shift him with Tropius.

Thanks , but the swtch-ins aren't particularly different. I won't hang this over your head, however, due to the fact that the lack of understanding was my fault to begin with.

I would suggest Facade on Luxray also, because Guts-boosted, 2x powered Facade hurts, a lot.

People have said that, but I prefer Dark's coverage to Normal.

Although I am unaware if he learns it, but if he does, I would suggest Flame Charge.

He doesn't.

Aggron... get rid of Rocky helmet. overall, there are tons of items better for aggron than rocky helmet.most are just standard things like Choice band/Life Orb, but you can feel free to experiment. Expert Belt could work decently, as many common pokemon are weak to Rock, or, even a Muscle band can work, as having that little extra damage output can mean the difference between winning and losing. Those failing, the Fighting/Ground resist berries are also a good idea, I don't know they're names off the top of my head however...

I'll experiment with the items. I always thought that Rocky Helmet would compliment that base 180 defense, but then again, I'm one of those left-handed-can-opener kind of people. Just as functional as the right-handed counterparts, but seldom used.

For Typhlosion... I used this guy for a while in OU during the days when Excadrill was legal. I prefer this set:

Typhlosion @ Choice Specs
Timid Nature
Blaze
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spd
- Overheat
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Rock]

Wait, what? Overheat AND Fire Blast?!?

Be careful though, Overheat might end up making you complete set-up fodder for things like Terrakion. To fix that, I'd recommend swapping Marowak for Scizor.

NO! I-I mean... uh... as functional as Scizor is, I'm making a favorites team here, and Scizor just isn't my kind of Pokemon.

Also, for when you need to use Kingdra outside of countering rain, here's the set I am currently using:

Kingdra (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 40 Atk / 252 SAtk / 216 Spd
Mild Nature (+SAtk, -Def)
- Rain Dance
- Waterfall
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse

Works like a charm. Waterfall is to help a little against Blissey, who otherwise takes pitiful damage from Kingdra. Gives rain teams trouble once Ferrothorn's down - This can be accomplished by my provided Specs Typhlosion set, which OHKOs with Overheat even in the rain.

I just think the two Water STABs, even with Blisseys running loose, repetitive. There's barely any EV's!

Reuniclus would like Trick Room > Recover.

Base 110 Starmie, and base 90 Mandibuzz would not. See my problem?

Now, Drapion would like Crunch > Night Slash and Whirlwind > Taunt. Also, use a spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpDef with a Careful nature.

Meh... I'm testing Crunch vs. Night Slash, but the rest seems improbable. Drapion's got good offense going to waste, here. I believe my current set can manage, without sacrificing too much bulk, or power.

Thanks for the help!