Hey guys. As most people know, the VGC 2012 season started today (can't wait to see the Vids from regionals :D) So, i decided i'll post a RMT to help people who need help with their VGC teams, as well as get some advice on my own team. So, Let's get into the Team.
Zapdos @ Sitrus Berry
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 140 HP / 252 SAtk / 116 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Tailwind
At first, i used the Priority Tailwind users. However, I finally realized that using Tailwind and depending on it is not a good idea. So i changed my team from a Frail team that depends on Tailwind and used Bulky Offense instead. Tailwind is still appreciated tho, so i gave it a Bulky Pokemon with great Electric STAB and a nice Movepool. Zappy's Tailwind has saved me numbers times. So anyways, on to the set. the 116 Spd Evs are for me to outspeed neutral base 70's, the rest go into HP. Max Special Attack is crucial in ****ing **** up with his great coverage. Heat Wave is a great move in doubles, hitting Steels like Scizor and Metagross with at least 75 base power due to double mechanics. HP Grass is for pokes like Swampert and Gastro, even though i don't see them to much, whenever i do see them, they annoy me. The given spread outspeeds Adamant 252 Speed Mamoswine, Modest 252 Speed Chandelure, and Jolly 252 Speed Metagross, while retaining some good bulk. I may use a different one if i have a reason to.
Metagross @ Normal Gem
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Explosion
- Protect
Well, this thing is awesome. Metagross saved me in so much battle thanks to Explosion. Explosion gets 187.5 base power in Doubles (w/ 50% more power thanks to the gem) so only pokes that resist it/ bulky mons like Cress can survive this at full HP. It makes such a great finishing move for battles, and takes out things like Gyarados and Zappy. Meteor Mash is 100 Base Power STAB, though i might use Iron Head since accuracy is better. Bullet Punch is another great Finisher move, getting priority and finishing off most things, even 2HKO Abomasnow and Terrakion. And this set gives him the most bulk and attack power, and since i can boost his speed w/ Tailwind in a pinch, he's really helpful, so i just add the last 4 in Spd to outspeed other neutral no speed investment base 70's
Chandelure (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Trick Room
- Imprison
- Heat Wave
- Shadow Ball
Stopped TR in VGC 2011, and in VGC 2012 he works just as well. As you can see, my team isn't built around speed. So, when my opponent has a team that is based around speed, i can use TR to stop him cold. Or when they have a TR team, Imprision again stoops them cold. That, and as a Lead Immune to Fake Out with 145 Base Special attack, the highest allowed by a VGC Pokemon this meta, he is an awesome pokemon. However, the 2012 has been very cruel to him. Rain and Sand are very common, and they have STAB water and Rock/Ground Attacks, respectably, he has troubles vs those kind if teams. However, giving him a Sash allows him to take a attack and hit with very powerful STABs. Modest is used to get the most of his awesome special attack stat. That, and Fire helps him in the lead to take out the steels/Cress that can take a Draco Meteor from Latios. That, and when Metagross Explodes, he is immune, so i don't need to waste a turn Protecting. So, While he comes with his problems, his awesome synergy with my team makes him irresistible to me. I probably won't replace him, unless someone gives me a good reason to.
Hitmontop (M) @ White Herb
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Fake Out
- Close Combat
- Sucker Punch
- Detect
The other Intimidate pokemon on my team, and for good reason. Hitmontop is the only Fight pokemon with Intimidate (other than DW Scarfty, which may or may not replace this, i'd have to test if it comes out.) Not only that, he gets a good move pool containing Fake Out and Sucker Punch, two great priorities that Top can take advantage off. Fake Out is good for rendering a poke useless for 1 turn, while Sucker Punch can finish if the pokes i'll otherwise have problems with. Close Combat is great 120 base STAB, but throwing away his great defenses seemed to big a trade off for me. So, i tried out White Herb. Best. Idea. Ever. It also allows top to come out vs. another intimidate pokemon and be ok thanks to white herb. Yes, it only works once, it's still a great item and I recommend it to all people using Intimidate Top this VGC.
Latios (M) @ Dragon Gem
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 4 Def/ 248 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Protect
If 5th Gen had something called "leads", Latios would be lead #1. Reason? Dragon Gem Draco Meteor wrecks just about anything that doesn't resist it, unless your name is Cress, Snorlax, T-Tar e.t.c. And with his 110 speed, only common pokemon that naturally Outspeed are Thudurus and Tornadus, both of which I can deal with w/ either Metagross/ a Draco Meteor to the face. Psychic hits Fight Types which takes care of Terrakion, Hitmontop, Meinshao, Harriyama, pretty much all fights except for Scarfty. HP Ground may look weird, but it hits Steels except for Ferro and Bronzong, even though they aren't common, even in Rain, which is common. This allows me to 2HKO Metagross, even in Rain. I will not use HP fire because of the fact it leaves me with 30 Spd IVs. making other base 110s to outspeed and KO me, so no, just no.
Gastrodon (M) @ Rindo Berry
Trait: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP/ 4 Def/ 252 SAtk
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Protect
The Oddball of the team, but he has been the best thing to fit in this slot. I needed something with Water STAB for Fire types, and i couldn't decide what to use. I tried Poliwrath because of the great coverage he gets, but 85 base is so BAD (why oh why isn't keldeo released, he would go great in this spot) So, taking Noxe's/Usatoday's advice, i used the sea slug here. He has been working out for now, but sometimes his speed lets me down (why must he be the best Storm Darin user.) Scald is STAB and has a chance for burn. Earth Power takes care of Metagross, the rare Heatran, and other Steel types i might see. Ice Beam is for Flyings and Dragons, and i guess the rare Ice Type. Rindo cuts the weakness of grass by half for one attack, giving me enough time to OHKO the Grass type with Ice Beam.
Closing Thoughts
This team went 89-9 on random matchup , a 91% win Percentage. It also went 1190 on the VGC Ladder, but the server is VERY haxy since 2012 rules came out, so i'm around 1104 when this RMT came out. This isn't the best team in the world, but if you're needing help for the VGC season, this team is a good place to start. If you have anything you want to add, i'll greatly appreciate it. So, thanks for reading and rating, hop you enjoy.
Battle Videos (Need WiFI and DS to view these)
Battle #1- 48-51073-46953
Battle #2- 16- 21089-17115
Battle #3- 37- 40962-34133
Battle #4- 67- 49391-67241
Battle #5- 27- 32190- 27695
Warstory
Achievements
X7
Random Matchup 110/11
Credit
ArceusAJ for Team Pose
Internet for Sprites
You for reading.
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 140 HP / 252 SAtk / 116 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Tailwind
At first, i used the Priority Tailwind users. However, I finally realized that using Tailwind and depending on it is not a good idea. So i changed my team from a Frail team that depends on Tailwind and used Bulky Offense instead. Tailwind is still appreciated tho, so i gave it a Bulky Pokemon with great Electric STAB and a nice Movepool. Zappy's Tailwind has saved me numbers times. So anyways, on to the set. the 116 Spd Evs are for me to outspeed neutral base 70's, the rest go into HP. Max Special Attack is crucial in ****ing **** up with his great coverage. Heat Wave is a great move in doubles, hitting Steels like Scizor and Metagross with at least 75 base power due to double mechanics. HP Grass is for pokes like Swampert and Gastro, even though i don't see them to much, whenever i do see them, they annoy me. The given spread outspeeds Adamant 252 Speed Mamoswine, Modest 252 Speed Chandelure, and Jolly 252 Speed Metagross, while retaining some good bulk. I may use a different one if i have a reason to.
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Explosion
- Protect
Well, this thing is awesome. Metagross saved me in so much battle thanks to Explosion. Explosion gets 187.5 base power in Doubles (w/ 50% more power thanks to the gem) so only pokes that resist it/ bulky mons like Cress can survive this at full HP. It makes such a great finishing move for battles, and takes out things like Gyarados and Zappy. Meteor Mash is 100 Base Power STAB, though i might use Iron Head since accuracy is better. Bullet Punch is another great Finisher move, getting priority and finishing off most things, even 2HKO Abomasnow and Terrakion. And this set gives him the most bulk and attack power, and since i can boost his speed w/ Tailwind in a pinch, he's really helpful, so i just add the last 4 in Spd to outspeed other neutral no speed investment base 70's
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Trick Room
- Imprison
- Heat Wave
- Shadow Ball
Stopped TR in VGC 2011, and in VGC 2012 he works just as well. As you can see, my team isn't built around speed. So, when my opponent has a team that is based around speed, i can use TR to stop him cold. Or when they have a TR team, Imprision again stoops them cold. That, and as a Lead Immune to Fake Out with 145 Base Special attack, the highest allowed by a VGC Pokemon this meta, he is an awesome pokemon. However, the 2012 has been very cruel to him. Rain and Sand are very common, and they have STAB water and Rock/Ground Attacks, respectably, he has troubles vs those kind if teams. However, giving him a Sash allows him to take a attack and hit with very powerful STABs. Modest is used to get the most of his awesome special attack stat. That, and Fire helps him in the lead to take out the steels/Cress that can take a Draco Meteor from Latios. That, and when Metagross Explodes, he is immune, so i don't need to waste a turn Protecting. So, While he comes with his problems, his awesome synergy with my team makes him irresistible to me. I probably won't replace him, unless someone gives me a good reason to.
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Fake Out
- Close Combat
- Sucker Punch
- Detect
The other Intimidate pokemon on my team, and for good reason. Hitmontop is the only Fight pokemon with Intimidate (other than DW Scarfty, which may or may not replace this, i'd have to test if it comes out.) Not only that, he gets a good move pool containing Fake Out and Sucker Punch, two great priorities that Top can take advantage off. Fake Out is good for rendering a poke useless for 1 turn, while Sucker Punch can finish if the pokes i'll otherwise have problems with. Close Combat is great 120 base STAB, but throwing away his great defenses seemed to big a trade off for me. So, i tried out White Herb. Best. Idea. Ever. It also allows top to come out vs. another intimidate pokemon and be ok thanks to white herb. Yes, it only works once, it's still a great item and I recommend it to all people using Intimidate Top this VGC.
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 4 Def/ 248 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Protect
If 5th Gen had something called "leads", Latios would be lead #1. Reason? Dragon Gem Draco Meteor wrecks just about anything that doesn't resist it, unless your name is Cress, Snorlax, T-Tar e.t.c. And with his 110 speed, only common pokemon that naturally Outspeed are Thudurus and Tornadus, both of which I can deal with w/ either Metagross/ a Draco Meteor to the face. Psychic hits Fight Types which takes care of Terrakion, Hitmontop, Meinshao, Harriyama, pretty much all fights except for Scarfty. HP Ground may look weird, but it hits Steels except for Ferro and Bronzong, even though they aren't common, even in Rain, which is common. This allows me to 2HKO Metagross, even in Rain. I will not use HP fire because of the fact it leaves me with 30 Spd IVs. making other base 110s to outspeed and KO me, so no, just no.
Trait: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP/ 4 Def/ 252 SAtk
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Protect
The Oddball of the team, but he has been the best thing to fit in this slot. I needed something with Water STAB for Fire types, and i couldn't decide what to use. I tried Poliwrath because of the great coverage he gets, but 85 base is so BAD (why oh why isn't keldeo released, he would go great in this spot) So, taking Noxe's/Usatoday's advice, i used the sea slug here. He has been working out for now, but sometimes his speed lets me down (why must he be the best Storm Darin user.) Scald is STAB and has a chance for burn. Earth Power takes care of Metagross, the rare Heatran, and other Steel types i might see. Ice Beam is for Flyings and Dragons, and i guess the rare Ice Type. Rindo cuts the weakness of grass by half for one attack, giving me enough time to OHKO the Grass type with Ice Beam.
Closing Thoughts
This team went 89-9 on random matchup , a 91% win Percentage. It also went 1190 on the VGC Ladder, but the server is VERY haxy since 2012 rules came out, so i'm around 1104 when this RMT came out. This isn't the best team in the world, but if you're needing help for the VGC season, this team is a good place to start. If you have anything you want to add, i'll greatly appreciate it. So, thanks for reading and rating, hop you enjoy.
Battle Videos (Need WiFI and DS to view these)
Battle #1- 48-51073-46953
Battle #2- 16- 21089-17115
Battle #3- 37- 40962-34133
Battle #4- 67- 49391-67241
Battle #5- 27- 32190- 27695
Warstory
Achievements
Random Matchup 110/11
Credit
ArceusAJ for Team Pose
Internet for Sprites
You for reading.
