Resource USUM UU Cores v2

Stoward

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Shoutouts to Euphonos and Amaroq for most of the original OP, as well as dodmen and Calloflochie for hosting last generation's thread.
Approved by Kink and Hogg



Welcome to the USUM edition of the UU Cores thread! The purpose of this thread is for the community to post and discuss various cores that work well in the metagame.

As you all know, a core is a group of usually 2 or 3 Pokemon in the team that work together toward a specific goal. These goals include breaking through opposing teams (Offensive), covering each other's weaknesses while providing the team with a solid set of resistances (Defensive), and checking important threats in the UU metagame while exerting offensive pressure upon the opposing team (Balanced).

All cores are welcome in this thread, as long as they meet the following guidelines:

1. Cores posted here must be tested to ensure that they perform well in the metagame. Therefore, including replays is recommended to further support the validity of your core. Try to keep slashes to a minimum.

2. Include a short, concise description or explanation of the core, which should contain the following information:
- How the core functions
- How to use the core itself

Please follow the following format when presenting a core:

1. Provide the sprites and names of the Pokemon that make up your core.

2. Include the sets for your Pokemon (preferably in hide tags).

3. Write up a short description of how the core functions.

Here's an example of what a proper submission should look like:

Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- U-turn
- Pursuit

Manectric-Mega @ Manectite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Toxic


This is the most basic voltturn core there is. These two pokemon have great synergy with one another because of their ability to endlessly pivot between each other, tearing apart teams without much thought. Mega Manectric also lures Latias in, and as Manectric volt switches out into Scizor, it pursuit traps Latias. With Gliscor rising to OU, Mega Manectric has a lot more breathing room to use something other than HP Ice in the filler slot. Hp Grass, Toxic, and even Signal Beam are viable options to irritate defensive cores and common Mega Manectric answers a lot. Mega Manectric struggles with dragons, Scizor is a pretty good way of dealing with them, Scizor struggles with steels, which Mega Manectric can deal with pretty well.


USUM CORES ARCHIVE

:cobalion: + :krookodile: Cobalion + Krookodile by Scizorphobic
:porygon2: + :altaria-mega: Porygon2 + Mega Altaria by Scizorphobic
:beedrill-mega: + :rotom-mow: Mega Beedrill + Rotom-Mow by Scizorphobic

:mimikyu: + :bisharp: Mimikyu + Bisharp by SmallSmallRose
:bewear: + :latias: Choice Band Bewear + Calm Mind Latias by SmallSmallRose
:crawdaunt: + :beedrill: Choice Band Crawdaunt + Mega Beedrill by SmallSmallRose

+ Speed Boosting Nihilego + Latias by Daiyaga
+ Nihilego + Choice Band Swampert by Daiyaga
+Flyinium Z Moltres + Tsareena by Daiyaga

++ Mimikyu + Frosslass + Taunt Krookodile by Estarossa
+Nasty Plot Infernape + Assault Vest Bisharp by Estarossa
+Mega Blastoise + Nihelego by Estarossa

+Dragon Dance Mega Altaria + Choice Specs Volcanion by DonSalvatore
+Mega Houndoom + Psychium-Z Celebi by DonSalvatore

182952+ 182953Volcanion + Rotom-Mow by Scizorphobic
182951+ 212.pngMega Houndoom + Defensive SD Scizor by Scizorphobic

+ Latias + Scizor by Sickist
+ Choice Band Scizor + Swords Dance Crawdaunt by Sickist
+ Swords Dance Terrakion + Babiri Flamethrower Togekiss by Sickist
+Mega Altaria + Scizor by Sickist
+Roserade + Pursuit Mega Aerodactyl by Sickist

+ Swords Dance Cobalion + Hydreigon by SmallSmallRose
+ Screens Xatu + Feraligatr by Sickist
+ Scizor + Rotom-Heat by Sickist
+ + Diancie + Doublade + Hydreigon by Sickist
+ Scarf Krookodile + Flyinium Z Moltres by Sickist

+ Rockium Z Terrakion + Sash Lead Frosslass by Scizorphobic
+ Mega Pidgeot + Seismitoad by Smallsmallrose
:infernape:+Nasty Plot infernape + Choice Scarf Krookodile by Twilight
+ :infernape: Mega Aerodactyl + Nasty Plot or Choice Band Infernape by Twilight

+ Mega Aerodacytl + Moltres by Scizorphobic
+Psychium Z Celebi + Choice Scarf Infernape by Twilight
+Mega Manectric + Choice Band Scizor by Twilight
+ Sub Gengar + Choice Scarf Hydreigon by Twilight

+Crocune + Buginium Z Scizor by Smallsmallrose
+
Rockium Z Terrakion + Choice Band Swampert by Scizorphobic
+
+:nidoqueen: AV Mienshao + Mega Aerodactyl + Nidoqueen by Scizorphobic
+
Poisonium-Z Roserade + Choice Scarf Scizor by Scizorphobic
+
Refresh Mega Altaria + Electrium Z Latias by Sickist
+Choice Band Terrakion + Future Sight Slowbro by PapaBisexual
++Spikes Klefki + Mega Sharpedo + Mamoswine by pinkdragontamer
+Scarf Krookodile + Groundium Z Celebi by Gerbit
+Mega Pidgeot + Flyinium Z Moltres by Gerbit

+Grassium Z Rotom-Mow + Choice Specs Primarina by A Cake Wearing A Hat
+Choice Band Crawdaunt + Klefki by Darksafadao
+Choice Scarf Hydreigon + Substitute Nidoking by Amane Misa
+Volt Switch Zeraora + Mega Beedrill by Sneer
+Mega Altaria + Z Bounce Zeraora by Moutemoute
+Darkium Z Bisharp + Life Orb Gengar by Sneer
+Sticky Web Araquanid + Rocks Mamoswine by Sneer

+Mega Sceptile + U-Turn Scizor by Sneer
+Nasty Plot Lucario + Scarf Krookodile by Moutemoute
+SD Bisharp + SD Scizor by Moutemoute
+3 Attacks Mega Altaria + Defog Rotom-H by Sabbio
+Sticky Web Araquanid + SD Bisharp by Moutemoute
+Stealth Rock Aurorus + Aurora Veil Sandslash by Moutemoute

+Mega Aerodactyl + Nasty Plot Lucario by Scizorphobic
+DD Mega Altaria + Ghostium Z Celebi by Scizorphobic

+DD Mega Altaria + Magneton + Eject Button by Moutemoute
+SD Bisharp + SD Doublade by Moutemoute
+SD Cobalion + Choice Scarf Latias by Moutemoute

+Mega Blastoise + SD Talonflame by Scizorphobic

:mew: + :altaria-mega: Defensive Mew + Refresh Mega Altaria by Scizorphobic

:florges: + :volcanion: Florges + Volcanion by Scizorphobic

:steelix-mega: + :nihilego: Mega Steelix + Nihilego by Scizorphobic
+Choice Band Stakataka + Hippowdon by Daiyaga
++ Mega Aggron + Florges + Pallossand by Estarossa
++ Hippowdon + Facade Mega Altaria + Icium-Z Slowbro by Estarossa
+ + Hippowdon + Stoutland + Mega Aerodactyl by Estarossa
+ Mega Blastoise + Hippowdon by Estarossa

1562222511194.png+184318 Curse Snorlax + Dragon Dance Altaria by Smallsmallrose
182983+182981 Amoonguss + Rhyperior by Scizorphobic
+ +SD Cobalion + Tentacruel + Mega Aerodactyl by Sickist
+ Seismitoad + Bulky Scizor by SmallSmallRose
+ Refresh Mega Blastoise + Cleric Sylveon by Scizorphobic
+ Bronzong + Defensive Mega Altaria by Sickist
+ +Mega Aggron + Sylveon + Hydreigon by Twilight
:rhyperior: + Rhyperior + Mantine by Scizorphobic
+ Bulky Primarina + Mega Steelix by itsjustdrew
+Alolan Muk + Calm Mind Mega Slowbro by Twilight
+ + Hippowdon + Support Sylveon + Mega Aerodactyl by Scizorphobic
+
Curse Mega Aggron + Block Slowbro by Sickist
++Bulky Primarina + Scarf Krookodile + Latias by pinkdragontamer
+Palossand + Stallbreaker Togekiss by BackAtYouBro
+Dragonium Z Hydreigon + Block Slowbro by Sneer
+Bulky Rotom-H + Defog Gligar by Sneer
+Stealth Rock Palossand + Curse Papalax by A Cake Wearing A Hat
+RestTalk Snorlax + Defog Empoleon by A Cake Wearing A Hat

++Defog Empoleon + Rocks Gligar + Chesnaught with 5 slashes by Eyan
+Jellicent + Mega Aerodactyl by Scizorphobic
+SubRoost Kyurem + Toxic Spikes Tentacruel by Scizorphobic
+Vincune + Toxic Spikes Tentacruel by Moutemoute
++Regen Slowbro + Regen Amoonguss + Regen AV Mienshao by Moutemoute



Outdated Cores


 
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Jade

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rhyperior.gif
venusaur-mega.gif


Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Synthesis

Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Atk / 240 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Fire Punch
- Stealth Rock

This core is pretty self-explanatory. Venusaur is a good mon, but one of the things it hates most is Flying types. What takes care of said Flying types? Rhyperior. It also provides rocks support to help wear down most Venu answers (Moltres, Latias, Crobat, etc) down faster. Most sets on Venu work here, but I decided on 3 attacks + Synth since that's my favorite set to use atm. Rhyperior set's pretty standard except for Fire Punch > Ice Punch due to Scizor (never found myself clicking Ice Punch with Gliscor gone tbh)
 

Freeroamer

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Crobat @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Taunt
- Roost

Heracross @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Facade
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance


2 pokemon that benefited big time from the recent shifts and from Diancie's recent ban, this is a pretty simple offensive core. Virtually everything that wants to come into Crobat is Heracross food, mostly Steels and Rocks but stuff like Alomomola can be taken advantage of too. I'm not going to elaborate huge amounts because this should be simple to understand and use, but stuff for good team partners would be hazards+removal, Pursuit and of course your usual checks to the big metagame threats. There isn't really much variety in the sets to run, Super Fang bat isn't needed here because Heracross is huge vs stall anyway and you want U-Turn to maximise opportunities for Heracross to come in. Megahorn over Knock Off might be good on Hera if Mega Slowbro stall becomes popular but Knock Off is definitely better in most matchups.
 
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Raidx

Banned deucer.


This core is something that's been appealing to me ever since Gliscor left. These two mons offensively cover each other pretty well. The common Blissey/Quag/Alo stall core folds to these two mons, and Terrakion handles Flying mons like Togekiss and Moltres (though Terrak can't exactly switch into Moltres) while Mega Venusaur handles things like Quag, Suicune, Alomomola, Scizor and a bunch of other mons for Terrak since it walls half the tier. With a Choice Band Terrakion isn't as reliant on Venu to handle said mons since they are 2HKOed by CB CC w Stealth Rock up, Venu is still a nice pair for it by virtue of it's typing and utility it provides. They're still very susceptible to mons like Latias as Starmie as they can't switch in and share a type weakness, but overall I feel these two form a very strong core and is one I'm very excited for.

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Synthesis

Terrakion @ Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Quick Attack
- Earthquake
 
A M-Venusaur Empoleon Moltres core

It’s a balanced core that takes advantage of the basic fire water grass core weakness coverage but adds more diversity with the additional flying steel and poison making them hard to counter with one mon

moltres - to counter prominent threats like sciz and amoon with flamethrower and Flyinium Z hurricane and uturn to quickly escape unfavorable matchups

Empoleon - for hazard removal and knock off as great utility and Defog for the hazard removal moltres desperately needs

M-Venusaur - to deal some mega damage and take care of the less specially defensive mons in the tier

DoubleOG (Venusaur-Mega) (M) @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 156 SpD / 16 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Synthesis

Queen Sophie II (Empoleon) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Defog
- Roar
- Knock Off

Marco (Moltres) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Flamethrower
- Roost
- U-Turn
 

justdrew

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Kommo-o @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Outrage
- Close Combat
- Poison Jab

Krookodile @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Crunch

Aggron-Mega @ Aggronite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Fire Punch
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave


This is a core I've been building with lately. Kommo-o acts as the sweeper using Dragonium Z to melt through teams. Kommo-o also runs Bullet Proof so if can easily set up on and take advantage of Mega Venusaur. Krookodile Pursuit traps Pokemon that revenge kill Kommo-o like Mega Pidgeot, Celebi, Latias, and more. Mega Aggron synergizes nicely with this core by walling many of the Pokemon that enjoy revenge killing Kommo- and Krookodile like Psychic, Grass, and Flying-types. Thunder Wave is also really nice for the offensive switch ins to Mega Aggron, works well with Gliscor gone. Kommo-o takes advantage of offensive threats being paralyzed.
 



Chandelure @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 232 SpA / 24 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Shadow Ball
- Flamethrower

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Synthesis

Snorlax @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Careful Nature
- Curse
- Frustration
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

This is a thick fat core that ive been messing with lately. They cover each others weaknesses both defensively and offensively. The spdef investment on Chandelure prevents max spa Venusaur to break your sub +1. The rest are common sets of the mons. Both Chandelure and Snorlax act as win conditions late game. A good addition to this core can be a flying resist. I think this is a great core to work with on Balance/BO teams.
 
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pdt

is a Past SCL Champion
PUPL Champion

Primarina @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Moonblast
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Latias @ Dragonium Z / Soul Dew
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic
- Recover
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Calm Mind

Krookodile @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge


This is a BO / Balance core that fits on a ton of teams, Krookodile is main speed control and Electric Immunity, providing Knock Off, Pursuit, and Intimidate support, Latias checks Mega Venusaur, and its set has a lot of flexibility, either able to run Soul Dew 3 atks or CM Dragonium Z which are my favorites rn. Defensive Primarina is able to check most all dragons, including Kommo-o which has been rising in popularity. This core isn't really something you would use to break the opponent's team, but it provides a shit ton of utility and is very flexible, able to be slapped onto most playstyles barring HO and Stall.
 

Palossand+Stallbreaker Toge Balance
This is a balance core that I made with implementing Palossand as my first priority. It actually has a niche in the meta and both of these two mons cover their weaknesses very well. Togekiss stops Krookodile and Hydreigon while Palossand hard counters Terrakion, Rhyperior, and Cobalion which the Kiss benefits from. But here are the sets:

Castle of Ash (Palossand) @ Colbur Berry/Leftovers
Ability: Water Compaction
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 124 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Shore Up
- Earth Power
- Toxic

FlyIntoTheFuture (Togekiss) @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Nasty Plot
- Roost
- Heal Bell

Palossand is of course my rocker and has Toxic to cripple any mons just in case (as ironic as it is Hippo, Palossand’s main competitor, gets PP stalled by Palossand with Toxic). I also have a Colbur Berry on it to make it less susceptible to Scizor, Krookodile, other Pursuit users etc. Togekiss is of course the stallbreaker set which is the best set in the current meta imo. The set should be pretty self-explanatory.

But yeah the sand castle is a decent nicehmon. Paired with Toge it forms a decent core.

Edit: Blame faded love for making Palo viable lol.
 
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terrakion.png
slowbro.png


Terrakion @ Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Superpower / Earthquake / Rest
- Quick Attack / Sleep Talk

Slowbro-Mega @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Slack Off
- Future Sight

Terrakion + M-Slowbro
So Banded Terrak needs no intro, it basically 2hkoes everything bar a select few mons like Mega Slowbro, Doublade, and Pallosand, but other than Bro, the others pretty much don't exist at 1.67% and .19% respectively. It's a huge threat to all types of balance and stall, which is only amplified by the presence of Slowbro's Future Sight. Slowbro's attacks are chosen to maximise coverage, and max SpA for more offensive power and a stronger Future Sight.
Simple and fun offensive core that breaks things. Enjoy!

shamefully stealing this heat game from r1 of open
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7uu-386478
 
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pdt

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PUPL Champion

Klefki @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Spikes
- Thunder Wave / Toxic / Magnet Rise / Hidden Power Fire
- Magnet Rise / Toxic / Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Fire
- Play Rough / Dazzling Gleam

Sharpedo-Mega @ Sharpedonite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Psychic Fangs
- Ice Fang
- Protect

Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Icicle Crash
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard


Thought I'd post a general template for spike stacking offense that I found useful. Klefki provides the team's obligatory Lati and Hydreigon switch-in, but be careful of stuff like Fire Blast, and provides spikes support that Shark appreciates chipping its checks such as Cobalion, Bulky Scizor, Fairies, and Krookodile. It also provides speed control for stuff with Prankster Thunder Wave and can chip walls if you opt for Toxic, generally I like Magnet Rise to give more opportunities to Spike up, as well as being able to Spike on prominent ground types like Mamo, Krook, Hippowdon, and Swampert. You can use Hidden Power Fire and Dazzling Gleam if the team is weak to Scizor, but remember if you choose not to use Toxic you forego the ability to pressure/beat CM Latias. Sharpedo is one of the premier cleaners in the tier, using the chip from the hazards and Mamoswine's wallbreaking ability to effectively break/clean common Offense and Balances. Sharpedo + Hazard Support can break a lot of common Stall archetypes, mainly pressure Quagsire and Alomomola with Spikes until they can no longer switch in. Mamoswine gives an Electric immunity and with it a Mega Manectric check, as well as a rocker that puts immense pressure on the opponent, and it can wallbreak effectively for Sharpedo to clean up. Note that this is an offense core, so the core itself is generally designed to have offensive synergy rather than defensive synergy. The rest of the team would need to cover the glaring weakness you can see in the core, such as a Fighting Resist. This type of team is best played utilizing hazards and pressuring hazard removers to wear it down until you can break it with one of your Pokemon.
 
I thought I could post some common cores to benefit new players reading this resource.



Bewear @ Normalium Z
Ability: Fluffy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Double-Edge
- Drain Punch
- Earthquake

Altaria-Mega @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
- Roost
This balanced core maximizes Bewear's wallbreaking potential by pairing it with Altaria, who can take Fire- and Fighting-type moves directed to the bear. Bewear is a very good mon, huge versus fat and at the same time a good check to many strong physical attackers thanks to its ability. The Altaria spread is flexible, I chose to make sure to outspeed positive 60s and some Celebi and Blastoise spreads. This specific spread and nature lets Altaria hit hard too.



Krookodile @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang / Stone Edge

Celebi @ Groundium Z
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Giga Drain
- Earth Power
- Psychic
This is a common offensive core, as Krookodile and Celebi cover together most of the metagame, provide strong wallbreaking with lure Z-Earth Power and pursuit from the krok. The sets are quite straight forward, you could run dazzling gleam instead of Psychic on Celebi if you want to hit Hydreigon. A really strong duo overall, not for their raw power, but for their versatility.


Pidgeot-Mega @ Pidgeotite
Ability: Keen Eye
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- U-turn

Moltres @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Fire Blast
- Roost
- U-turn
This is a good Flying spam core. The offensive prowess of these two mons is often too much for the opponent team. The idea is that most teams don't run more than one Flying resist, which won't be enough to hold these two birds back. Your team will need a very safe defogger / rapid spinner (looking at you, Empoleon). You could replace this Pidgeot version with the stallbreaker variant (Work Up + Refresh) if your team needs one.
 

avarice

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Screenshot_288.png
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sorry (Blissey) @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Seismic Toss
- Soft-Boiled/Protect
- Heal Bell/Wish

sike (Alomomola) @ Rocky Helmet/Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Def / 216 SpD
Bold Nature
- Wish
- Knock Off/Toxic
- Scald/Knock Off
- Protect
not too much to say, blissey and alo are a well known defensive core for stall and semi stall. Blissey deals with the special attackers while alo handles the physical. both can spread status with toxic and wear down the opposing team.
 

Empoleon @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Defog
- Toxic
- Protect

Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Toxic / Whirlwind

No one posted this yet SOOOOO, one of the most solid defensive cores right now. Empoleon and Hippowdon are great together, as they can cover each others weaknesses [for the most part] while also being able to set up rocks and defog. Not much to be said about this as the two are great together.
 

avarice

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Hydreigon @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Dark Pulse
- Roost
- Taunt

Slowbro @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Toxic
- Block
- Rest

This has been more common (and it's effective) so might as well post it. Taunt hydra is a pain for fat teams and block bro and cripple the opposing team by trapping members like Blissey, Alo, non-whirlwind Hippo, etc. They cover each other's weaknesses well aside from bug, which can be covered by a mon like M-Steelix. Though, if you don't have a mega CM Mega Bro can work with CM>Toxic. Overall these two can really improve a team's matchup against slower teams.
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7uu-796762106
 
OR

Hydreigon @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt/Defog
- Roost
- Draco Meteor
- Dark Pulse

Florges @ Leftovers
Ability: Flower Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Wish
- Synthesis
- Defog / Aromatherapy / Hidden Power Fire

Steelix-Mega @ Steelixite
Ability: Sand Force
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Toxic / Roar

OR

Aggron-Mega @ Aggronite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Heavy Slam
- Fire Punch
- Toxic / Roar

So, classic fairy dragon steel core. This core has been on A LOT of my teams recently and honestly they're great together. It makes an amazing balance core that can compress so many roles into 3 slots depending on the moves chosen. Hydreigon is quickly becoming one of the best pokemon along with latias and scizor, and a bulky steel like steelix or aggron+ a wish passer is a classic combination for balance teams. These three just compliment each other so well and thats pretty much it. Steelix if you dont have a ground type yet, and its a better latias check. Generally my choice would be steelix for this. Black glasses are an option on drei if you already have a z user. sets are pretty customizable to what you need.
 

avarice

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1537917053814.png1537917087923.png(balanced core)
hallelujah (Rotom-Heat) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 236 HP / 24 SpA / 248 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Overheat
- Volt Switch
- Thunder Wave
- Pain Split

miracle (Gligar) @ Eviolite
Ability: Immunity
EVs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 104 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Defog
- Toxic
These two form a nice volturn core for balance builds, both members of the duo can cripple the dragons that like switching in. The spreads are pretty customizable and rotom-h in particular and can be mixed up a lot. Since both can be bothered by knockoff, a justified mon can always be a nice addition.
 
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A Cake Wearing A Hat

moist and crusty
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I've been meaning to submit a few cores for a while now so I decided to get to it while I'm not busy for once.


(Defensive/balanced core)
Palossand @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Compaction
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shore Up
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Earth Power

Snorlax @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Careful Nature
- Curse
- Facade
- Recycle
- Fire Punch

(or)

Snorlax @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Careful Nature
- Curse
- Return
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Empoleon @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Defog
- Toxic
- Protect

This is a balance core that I've seen and used a decent amount lately; Snorlax's biggest threat is Terrakion, and Palossand is an excellent Terrakion answer. Pair this with Empoleon for Defog support and you've got a solid defensive core that supports Snorlax excellently as a bulky setup sweeper.

(Offensive core)
Rotom-Mow @ Grassium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Leaf Storm
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Primarina @ Choice Specs
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- Sparkling Aria

Rotom-Mow gives Primarina opportunities to come in and break shit thanks to Volt Switch and can pressure Pokemon like Empoleon and non-sludge bomb Tentacruel. Primarina, in return, serves as a hard answer to Hydreigon and Poison Jabless Kommo-o, two Pokemon that Rotom-Mow really dislikes, as well as be a bit of a softer check to some of UU's Fire-types and the other Dragon-types. Rotom-Heat can also function here; though it's not really a check to Empoleon, it serves as a better check to Scizor, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-Mow, all of which can force a weakened Primarina out.

(Offensive core)
Raikou @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Shadow Ball

Nihilego @ Life Orb
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot
- Thunderbolt

Hydreigon @ Dread Plate
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Roost
- Draco Meteor / Fire Blast
- Dark Pulse

This is an offensive Toxic Spikes core revolving around Nihilego setting Toxic Spikes to support Raikou and Hydreigon. Taunt + Roost Hydreigon, with Toxic Spikes support, is excellent versus bulkier playstyles, and it can help check threats like Krookodile and switch into other Ground-type attacks in a pinch. Nihilego can use Grass Knot to further weaken Ground-types to assist Raikou's sweep attempts. Raikou itself, thanks to the support of Nihilego and Hydreigon, can freely run HP Ice to threaten Gligar and non-Lati Dragon-types, and it can help break past Latias, which'd otherwise be a threat to the core, with Never-Ending Nightmare.

Thanks for hosting this thread, vivalospride, i really appreciate it!
 

Amane Misa

Bring Them Home Now!
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Hydreigon @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dark Pulse
- U-turn
- Fire Blast

Nidoking @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
- Substitute

Hydreigon lures in Fairy-types it can U-turn on and bring in Nidoking safely. From thereon, Nidoking is free to set up a Substitute or just attack. Hydreigon also patches up Nidoking's below average Speed and is able to switch into Pokemon that threaten it, including Krookodile and Celebi.
 

Moutemoute

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Altaria-Mega (F) @ Altarianite
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Roost
- Return / Facade
- Earthquake / Refresh

Zeraora @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Bulk Up
- Plasma Fists
- Close Combat
- Bounce


Bulk Up Z-Bounce Zeraora is a nasty lure that can bait and OHKO Amoonguss which is a counter to DD Altaria-Mega. Furthermore, it puts a lot of pressure on water types like Tentacruel, Empoleon or Suicune which helps Altaria-Mega to sweep. In the other hand, Altaria-Mega is one of the best answer to Krookodile which is a pain in the ass for Zeraora.
 

avarice

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RoAPL Champion
btTylAr.pngzeraora.png(offensive core)
Zeraora @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 68 Atk / 188 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Plasma Fists
- Close Combat
- Volt Switch
- Grass Knot

Beedrill @ Beedrillite
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Poison Jab
- Drill Run
- Knock Off/Pursuit

Pretty simple volturn. Beedrill and Zeraora is are both fast threats in the metagame that synergize well. Zeraora is a frequent volt absorber and beedrill can pick it off with ease. With opposing zeraora gone, yours can volt around more freely. Iapapa berry > life orb prevents zeraora being completely worn down by hazards. Beedrill may be bothered by hazards too, but not to the degree a life orb set of zera's would be. Zeraora being more specially invested allows it to better take on hippo. Knock off has great utility on bee, but pursuit is also a nice option since it can trap and kill nonscarf latias, one of the mons that can wall zeraora. Being able to nail malt, one of the most common zera answers, with poison jab is nice too.
 
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justdrew

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PUPL Champion


Slowbro-Mega @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Rest
- Scald
- Calm Mind

Hydreigon @ Dragonium Z / Firium Z / Steelium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Dark Pulse / Fire Blast / Iron Tail
- Roost
- Draco Meteor / Fire Blast / Iron Tail

Nihilego @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 104 HP / 172 SpA / 232 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Pain Split
- Power Gem
- Sludge Wave

Stall is all about not losing to common stall breakers. This is a core concocted to that effect. Mega Slowbro is the check/counter to Heracross and Terrakion. Hydreigon is the check/counter to Crawdaunt that has the ability to use a variety of Z moves. Dragonium just does a lot to any non Fairy-type, Firium hits Klefki, and Steelium hits Fairy-types like Togekiss, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Florges. Nihilego checks/counters Togekiss, Mega Pidgeot, Chandelure, revenge kills Celebi, and checks/counters Substitute Gengar. That is the core, it doesn't take care of all stall breakers but it handles quite of a few. Thanks for reading!
 

Gengar @ Leftovers
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast

Primarina @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Moonblast
- Rest
- Sleep Talk


Gengarina. If something goes wrong with my Sub Wisp Gengar, I can always use my Primarina to deal with the Hydreigon or whatever else that’s the Gengar switchin. Will-o-Wisp also increases Primarina’s Defenses even farther to let it tank more hits. Overall, Primarina is a good backbone for Gengar.
 

Darksafadao

best of the second options

Crawdaunt @ Choice Band
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet
- Crunch

Klefki @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Play Rough
- Spikes
- Magnet Rise

Crawdaunt and Klefki have good synergy between them due to a few factors: First, Spikes+Banded Aqua Jet is a very fearsome wincon, and Klefki get to sets those up on common Daunt switchins such as some Hydreigon sets, mainly choice locked. Daunt can also abuse some Ground-types that like to come into Klefki as well as Defoggers, such as Hippowdon and Empoleon. Such Defoggers will have to pick between giving Daunt a free switchin as they defog or not take the Spikes away and try to prevent Daunt from coming in, which is already a good spot to be in. Another great teamwork they execute together is how Klefki spreading paralysis makes Crawdaunt way more fearsome, making them slower (and a lot of the time easily revenge killed) by Daunt.
 

avarice

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RoAPL Champion
bisharp.gif
gengar.gif

Bisharp @ Darkinium Z
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Low Kick

Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
With bisharp being back and here to stay, may as well post a core with the new threat. Bisharp and Gengar are both powerful mons, that's nothing new. Together, though, they block hazard removal with ease. Gengar can prevent hazard removal with Taunt, and can spinblock with its ghost typing. Bisharp deters defog as it'll gain a devastating +2 boost. That being said, these two do best with a hazardstacking team or webs. LO or Dread Plate can be ran on bisharp, as well as ghostium on gengar, but Bisharp can utilize the z more typically since it can boost up with SD or through defiant. Not to mention the ability to take random knock offs for gengar. Low Kick is used over Knock Off to effectively lure in mons like Cobalion, Mlix, and MAggron, which is appreciated given the riskiness of relying on focus miss blast. Overall, due to their offensive pressure and abilities, these two are more than capable of preventing hazard removal. Credit to viv, doubt I would've used this core if it wasn't used on his req webs team.

araquanid.gif
mamoswine-f.gif

Araquanid @ Wave Incense
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sticky Web
- Liquidation
- Leech Life
- Magic Coat

Mamoswine @ Focus Sash
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Earthquake
Sticky Web/Webs teams haven't had the best track record in UU. Mainly due to the presence of Serperior and the amount of defoggers available, making it easy to fit hazard removal on a team, when webs were able to be used they didn't always stick around. Araquanid and Mamoswine are a good way to get started when building any webs team, though. Araquanid is probably the most viable web user in the tier since it can actually do damage without relying on shit like endeavor (@ slurpuff). Also, it has a decent bulk and can take hits on the special side particularly well. Mamoswine is a scary mon that can abuse the webs to get the jump on mons like terrakion and kill. STAB Ice shard nailing a majority of the floaty mons is a great plus too. But most importantly it can set up rocks if Araq can't do it with Magic Coat. Waterium can be ran on Araq but someone on a webs team will likely appreciate it more. Mamo can run LO for more power however the safeness that comes with sash will be missed, particularly hitting zeraora with an earthquake. This is an offensive core of course since it's made for webs but Araq can take some things targeted at mamo such as scalds, Coba's STABs, etc. In conclusion, Araq and Mamo are a great start to the making of a webs team and are really solid with new abuser bisharp in the tier owo (though that may be the opposing bisharp abusing the boost if you aren't careful).
 
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