Titans, GO! [UU]

[floe]

First of all, big ups to flamewheeler, Thund, and franky for helping me make significant changes to the team.

This is basically an UU team inspired by my love of the Teen Titans series (which has recently come back on Cartoon Network :D). At first, the strategy was to set up a Curse Registeel sweep using Toxic Spikes, but upon further building the team, I decided to drop the whole strategy and focus on an offensively oriented one.

I'm really into themed teams, and I like to find niches that allow me to make the team as competetive as possible while also sticking to the theme. This team has served me well on many occasions. I don't ladder much, so don't expect a rating to prove this team's worth. I made this team not to be the best, but to build on my passion.

When there's trouble, you know who to call...

TEEN TITANS!

Raven (Honchkrow) (F) @ Life Orb/Lum Berry
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 108 Atk/112 Def/36 Spd/252 SAtk
Rash nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Superpower
- Dark Pulse
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit

This had to be a given. Raven starts out the team with her threatening dark presence, helping me set the pace of battle early on. Most leads are intimidated when they see her due to the obvious Sucker Punch and Pursuit.

I could probably use Donphan as the lead because of his ability to set up Stealth Rock immediately, but I prefer Honchkrow's ability to do massive damage early and pose a threat early-game.

Honchkrow usually wins against the popular Uxie lead, through the use of Dark Pulse followed by Pursuit. I switch from Life Orb to Lum Berry occassionally, mainly because I hate paralysis despite the fact that she has Sucker Punch.

I used Peachfuzz's Mixcrow EVs, while replacing Heat Wave with Pursuit. The EVs are great because Honchkrow doesn't become totally frail, and they help when dealing with things like Donphan Ice Shards. Also, I can save Honchkrow for later in the game, when I need priority.

Beast Boy (Azumarill) (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP/252 Atk/16 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Superpower
- Double-Edge

I decided to replace DD Feraligatr with Azumarril, as franky advised. This has proven to be a significant change to my team mainly because of the availability of power without having to set up. Azumarill is more threatening and more useful than Feraligatr for this team because of his bulk and power.

With STAB priority, threatening sweepers such as Blaziken don't completely worry me anymore. Double-Edge over Ice Punch for more neutral coverage, which helps against defensive walls that don't take much damage from the rest of my team such as Milotic.

Terra (Donphan) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 52 HP/252 Atk/204 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Shard/Assurance

Terra, of course, has the job of placing rocks around my opponent's team, while keeping the hazards off mine. She is an essential part of this team, being able to take a hit and hit back hard as well.

The EVs were suggested to me by flamewheeler, as I agreed with him that since Donphan isn't OU anymore, a massive EV investment in Defense isn't needed. Donphan is great because she is usually seen as only a wall, which in turn causes many people to underestimate her power. STAB Earthquake coming off of a 120 Attack stat is pretty cool.

Assurance or Ice Shard? I chose Ice Shard because I found myself not needing Assurance as much. I was also unable to do anything those who resist both Assurance and Earthquake, such as Honchkrow. The extra priority helped a lot in nabbing quick kills against weakened opponents too.

Robin (Houndoom) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Flamethrower
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt/Hidden Power [Grass]

What I enjoyed most about making this team was the versatility of assigning Titans to Pokemon, and how easy it was to make changes. At first, Drapion was in Houndoom's place as a Swords Dancer with Taunt, to combat ghosts such as Calm Minding Mismagius. Then, Thund suggested I replace him with Houndoom, as my team didn't have an answer to Fire moves. This has been an important change to my team ever since.

What Robin brings to the table is an answer to ghosts as well as Roserade, and of course, his massive power along with Nasty Plot. He beats Chansey one-on-one because of his ability to Taunt. After 2 Nasty Plots, she doesn't stand a chance. Really effective at combating stall.

I've been debating whether or not to remove Taunt for Hidden Power Grass, because of my aforementioned Milotic problem.

Surprised? Robin isn't a Bird Pokemon!

Starfire (Rotom) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Shadow Ball
- Trick
- Hidden Power [Ice]

I chose Rotom (despite not having a gender) to represent Starfire. Rotom serves as my Rapid Spin blocker of course, but it also helps revenge kill Pokemon such as Rock Polish Torterra, other Rotom, DD Feraligatr, and Rain Dance teams. The immunities to Fighting, Normal, and Ground are invaluable as well.

Max Speed because I wanted to be as fast as possible and not doubt that I wasn't going to outspeed things like Modest Rotom and Omastar in the rain. Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball for dual STAB, of course.

Just like Starfire, Rotom has those intense green eyes!

Cyborg (Registeel) @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP/40 Atk/216 SDef
Careful nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Curse
- Iron Head
- Rest
- Thunderpunch

Finally, the last member of my team (who also happens to be the first Pokemon I thought of when I began building the team).

Cyborg provides a reliable answer to Roserade, being immune to Poison and resisting Grass. While being incredibly strong defensively, Registeel has the ability to become a fearsome sweeper, thanks to Curse.

At first I had Sleep Talk over Thunderpunch, but upon finding out during testing that I had a DD Feraligatr weakness, I switched to Thunderpunch. Most people don't expect it and freely switch in Feraligatr to set up.

And there you have it!

I put a lot of effort into this team, and I hope to continue to do so with your help! Hopefully it can be changed to deal with stall better, as only one of my Pokemon is a mixed sweeper.

Thanks for reading! And again, special thanks to flamewheeler and Thund, and most recently, franky.

 

[floe]

Threat List (Taken from Dezkeh, hope you don't mind ^^;)

Roserade: Doesn't pose much of a threat, Honchkrow threatens with Sucker Punch/Pursuit, Donphan has Ice Shard, Houndoom/Rotom outspeed (though Rotom has trouble with defensive versions), Registeel sets up on her.

Registeel: Donphan is my #1 counter to Registeel, and doesn't allow Curse versions to set up due to Earthquake. Houndoom can beat it, Honchkrow can KO weakened ones, and Rotom can trick in an emergency.

Mismagius: Houndoom and Honchkrow counter any version. Rotom can revenge kill if needed. Registeel can set up if she doesn't have HP Fighting.

Milotic: Problem! Milotic is just like Slade to this team; he keeps coming back. Good defenses and Rest/Recover don't allow me to take advantage of anything I throw at him. Rotom can Thunderbolt (but can't switch into a Surf), and Registeel can set up against non-offensive versions.

Uxie: Uxie usually leads, so Honchkrow gladly takes care of it. Thunder Wave isn't enough to scare Honchkrow away. Houndoom provides as my back-up as well.

Yanmega: Honchkrow can severely weaken him with Sucker Punch, Donphan can Ice Shard, Registeel has Thunderpunch, Rotom resists (but won't last long) both STABs and can Thunderbolt. Only Registeel can switch safely into Yanmega, however.

Blaziken: I usually have to play around Blaziken. He can really be a threat to my team with Vacuum Wave and his dual STABs. Azumarill isn't afraid of him with Aqua Jet. Rotom can revenge kill or pick off weakened ones. Basically, weaken with priority and speed.

Hitmontop: Rotom shrugs off anything Hitmontop can throw at it. Donphan also does well against him.

Ambipom: Switch to Rotom to avoid Fake Out, then Thunderbolt. If he has Payback, I can switch to Donphan afterward. Registeel isn't hurt much by his Brick Breaks either. Honchkrow Sucker Punches.

Azumarill: Registeel takes the inevitable Aqua Jet or Waterfall, then I switch to Rotom to avoid Superpower, or Thunderpunch/Curse for Banded versions.

Rotom: Both Houndoom and Honchkrow take it on.

Drapion: Donphan is bulky enough to take its attacks and has STAB Earthquake.

Clefable: Honchkrow uses Superpower, Donphan is immune to Thunder Wave and hits back hard, Registeel can set up on it.

Spiritomb: Houndoom takes the Will-o-Wisp, Donphan hits it hard, Registeel can set up on it, and Rotom can Trick it if needed.

Arcanine: Houndoom can absorb the Fire move, but has to watch out for Extremespeed. Azumarill can take it on. Donphan can also take Physical versions.

Absol: Donphan can take it on. My other teammates can take it on as well but have to be careful, though, because of Swords Dance/Critical hits. A bit risky with Azumarill's Aqua Jet vs. Sucker Punch.

Steelix: Donphan and Houndoom can take it on. Registeel can Curse up on those without Choice Band.

Torterra: Rotom outspeeds +2 Spd Torterra and KOs with HP Ice. Houndoom threatens it, Donphan can weaken it with Ice Shard.

Slowbro: Honchkrow doesn't let it set up, as well as Houndoom. Rotom has Thunderbolt/Trick.

Toxicroak: Donphan checks Toxicroak, Registeel can take on special versions, as they usually have only Vacuum Wave as their Fighting move.

Claydol: Honchkrow, Azumarill, Rotom, and Houndoom threaten it.

Swellow: Donphan's Ice Shard, Rotom outspeeds and OHKOs with Thunderbolt.

Chansey: Everyone, I think...

Altaria: Donphan has Ice Shard, Rotom can weaken DD versions while priority from Honchkrow can finish him off.

Moltres: Potentially a problem. I usually hit it as much as I can with Honchkrow, Azumarill, or Houndoom, then use Rotom to finish it off.

Espeon: With Honchkrow and Houndoom, Espeon doesn't pose much of a threat. Azumarill hits hard with Aqua Jet.

Sceptile: Donphan can use Ice Shard, Rotom can use HP Ice. SubSeed versions may be a problem, however.

Venusaur: All my Pokemon can prevent him from setting up by breaking his Subs. In any case, I can still take him on regardless.

Hitmonlee: For Choiced versions, I use Rotom. Donphan checks him as well.

Houndoom: Hmm, I haven't thought much of Houndoom, but now I realize all I can do to prevent a major hit is switch to Houndoom, then try and weaken him from there, with priority/Stealth Rock. Azumarill takes it on.

Feraligatr: I switch in Rotom immediately to prevent DD Feraligatrs from using it more than once. If I'm feeling gutsy, I can take him on with Registeel, weakening him at least with Thunderpunch.

Weezing: Honchkrow, Rotom, and Houndoom hit him hard with STAB, special attacks.

Dugtrio: Not as threatening has he seems, except against Houndoom. The rest of my team can take him on or set up on him.

Regirock: Donphan is my first answer to Regirock, taking its attacks with ease. Rotom can Trick if need be. Azumarill hits it hard with Waterfall.

Hariyama: Rotom can take it on, and if Hariyama has Payback/Curse, I can Trick it. Donphan can sponge its hits.

Lanturn: Registeel can set up on it due to its high Special Defense.

Blastoise: Rotom blocks its attempts to Rapid Spin and has Thunderbolt. Registeel can set up on it.

Tangrowth: Houndoom threatens it, Honchkrow is immune to Sleep Powder and has STAB Dark Pulse. Rotom can Trick.

Donphan: Houndoom OHKOs with +2 anything, Rotom also takes it on (if it doesn't switch in in Assurance). Honchkrow can 2HKO with Dark Pulse on the switch in. Azumarill hits it hard.

Mesprit: Houndoom counters it as well as Honchkrow. Rotom can take Trick versions.

Miltank: Registeel can set up on it, Rotom can Trick it. Houndoom threatens non-Thick Fat Versions.

Nidoking: Donphan takes on physical versions, while special versions don't pose much of a threat.

Typhlosion: Houndoom switches in on Choiced Fire moves, Honchkrow can weaken him with Sucker Punch to decrease Eruption's power. Azumarill has Aqua Jet.

 

[franky]

Hey I like this team because its themed with Teen Titans, one of my favorite shows when I was a little kid. Well anyways, the team is great and with a little help from a good uu player, i guess this won't need much changes. I will make little changes to make it better. First things first, you don't need Ice Shard on Donphan as it checks Rock Polish Torterra and Altaria mainly, which is already checked by Scarf Rotom. Assurance is a sweet move when you want to 2HKO Rotom and Stall Breaker Mismagius, who tend to load up more defense. Ice Shard can't touch it.

For Houndoom, go for Hidden power Grass as most Chansey tend to stay away from Np Houndoom, as suppose to Milotic who is a more common switch-in. Grass gets 140 BP as supposed to a STAB Dark Pulse which only gets 120. The more damage the better, so defenitley try that because it catches weakened Milotic. Milotic is a huge defensive threat to the team, checking almost everyone on your team, so its advised that you throw in more damage on the water snake.

As for other options, I think you might enjoy CB Azumarill for Feraligatr just for the extra bulk and ensurance vs. Mix Blaziken who really troubles this team. Fire-types in general are touch to budge, and Feraligatr is a decent check. Azumarill has more bulk and can threaten with STAB Aqua Jet. I don't know if its me, I've always prefered 252 Spe Azumarill to outpace Milotic. Milotic gets 2HKO'd by 2 Double-Edges and since most Milotic tend to stay in, you remove an early threat in the match. This last suggestion is just for testing, but the others I think you should implement it. overall gl.

 

[floe]

Thanks for the rates!

I'm currently trying out the changes you suggested, franky, with HP Grass on Houndoom and Assurance on Donphan, along with Azumarril (who's Banded, by the way). I'm going with 240 HP/252 Atk/16 Spd for now, and I'll see how that works out, taking Flamewheeler's advice.

 

[floe]

Alright, I decided to replace Feraligatr with Azumarill, which helped lots in dealing with Pokemon that were previously massive threats to the team such as Blaziken. Also replaced Taunt on Houndoom with HP Grass to take on Milotic easier. The Assurance vs. Ice Shard conflict still stands, however. Against Pokemon like Roserade, I don't want to have to switch Donphan out for Rotom to take a STABed attack.

Any more rates?