We Are Serperior

[Straw Hat]

Hey Smogon, I'm Straw Hat (as you can obviously tell). This is the part where I tell you that I have been lurking around the site for a long time before deciding to make an account. So don't treat me like a complete noob. I have not been on the NU Ladder for quite that long, so I don't have an insanely high ranking, but this is probably the best team I have ever made in my entire career of Pokemon. Anyway, I made this team around the time the most recent tier changes happened. We lost some of our best mons to RU and quote

First, I'd like to extend my middle finger to RU in general, for taking all the good Spikers, Spinners, Bulky Water-types, and Steel-types and giving us... Victreebel. In case you missed it, we lost Dugtrio (to OU), Magneton, Rhydon, Lanturn, Slowking, Smeargle, Scolipede, Klinklang, Druddigon, and Roselia.

So I started looking around for another Pokemon to base a team around and I got bored. I started playing my Pokemon Black and I noticed how well my Serperior was doing. I decided to see if he had a strategy onsite and sure enough there was. And thus, this team was brought into existence. I go to a decent position on the ladder, but it started to fare worse against some of the better players, so I thought you guys could help out.

The Team At A Glance

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Teambuilding

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I started, quite obviously, with Serperior. I knew Serperior had trouble with the birds so I added a bulky Rock type: Regirock

Not only did Regirock counter the birds, he provided Stealth Rock and a lure for bulky Waters that Serperior could set up on. At that point, I wanted Spikes and maybe T-Spikes to help wear down Serperior's counters. Welcome Garbodor.

The Fighting resist Garbodor brought was immensely helpful, even though it couldn't switch into Sawk due to Earthquake. Now, I needed someone that could revenge kill the Gorebyss and Sawk that ran free through my team, so I added probably the best scarfer in the tier: Rotom-S

It was at this point that I decided to add a spinner and Cryogonal is one of the few so, meh.

Lastly, I decided to add a Pokemon that could lure in Serperior's counters and checks and cripple/outright kill them. Enter Absol.

This was the team version 1.0. After getting to a decent spot on the ladder, I realized that Regirock didn't have enough offensive pressure for my liking. So, I replaced him with Golem, and never looked back.

Team In Detail

changes in red

Absol(M)@ Lum Berry <-used to be Life Orb
Trait: Super Luck
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
-Sucker Punch
-Superpower
-Night Slash
-Zen Headbutt

Man, this Pokemon is a beast. Absol is the Pokemon I usually lead with, mostly because it puts offensive pressure on my opponent from the get go. I don't use Swords Dance mostly because I need all four slots. Sucker Punch is what makes Absol the beast it is. Hitting faster Pokemon before they can blink is awesome. Superpower is to hit everything that Sucker Punch doesn't. Night Slash is a reliable STAB that still hits pretty hard. Finally, Zen Headbutt is to hit Weezing and Fighting Types super effectively. Absol is usually doesn't live past the first turn unfortunately, mostly because I play him like a suicide lead. Unless I see a Psychic type on there team like Musharna on the opposing team that the team can't get by without him.

Cryogonal @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
-Rapid Spin
-Recover
-Ice Beam
-Toxic

Once I realized that my team was pretty weak to hazards, I added my favorite little snowflake, Cryogonal. Rapid Spin is to, you know, spin hazards away. Recover is what makes Cryogonal better than most other spinners in the tier, reliable instant recovery is a god send to a Pokemon like Cryogonal. Ice Beam is STAB that gives me a way to do something besides sit around and be a punching bag. It does decent damage to most of the frailer Pokemon too, Base 95 SpA isn't too shabby. Toxic is to weaken the defensive Pokemon that can shrug off an Ice Beam and proceed to do whatever the hell they want. I usually don't let Cryogonal come into the fray until the opposing hazard stacker is gone. Honestly, I would use a different spinner, but most of them don't have reliable instant recovery, and honestly, I think that is a necesity for a bulky spinner. Cryogonal is also a handy check to Gorebyss and Jynx after I sack something to Lovely Kiss.

Rotom-S @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
-Volt Switch
-Air Slash
-Thunderbolt
-Trick

Rotom-S is, in my opinion, the best scarfer in the entire tier. Not only does it hit a crucial base speed, it has super effective STAB moves on Gorebyss, Sawk, and many other Pokemon that Rotom-S out speeds. Volt Switch is for a reliable STAB that scouts at the same time. Air Slash is for a secondary STAB that has decent coverage with Volt Switch. Thunderbolt is for when the extra power is needed, for example against Braviary. Trick rounds off the set, crippling bulky Pokemon that rely on Leftovers for recovery and for ridding NFEs of their Eviolites. Rotom-S is my main counter for Pokemon such as Sawk and Gurdurr, being the only Pokemon on my team with a super effective STAB against them. Honesty, my team would probably fall apart without Rotom-S as a revenge killer to almost the entire tier. Unless you present a pretty damn good argument to replace Rotom-S, he is staying.

Garbodor(M)@ Black Sludge
Trait: Stench
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)
-Spikes
-Toxic Spikes
-Gunk Shot
-Clear Smog

Serperior really enjoys Spikes of any kind, so Garbodor was a necessity. Not only can he set both Spikes, but he also adds another Fighting resist to the team. Spikes because Spikes. Residual damage of any kind is appreciated, so Spikes is the way to go. Toxic Spikes is yet another way to wear down the opposition. It also helps Serperior out stall the bulkier Pokemon that he faces. Gunk Shot is Garbodor's strongest STAB move, and when it hits it does massive damage. Clear Smog is mainly for setup sweepers that can destroy me. It also stops Baton Pass. Garbodor is my general switch in to any non Psychic or Ground Pokemon. He isn't the bulkiest Pokemon around, but he gets the job done. To be honest, I usually just fodder Garbodor if I think I can't get Spikes up this game. That is his only purpose besides good death fodder. I would use a different Spiker, but they all stack weaknesses. If you have another suggestion, please tell. Garbodor is feeling really replaceable right now.

Golem(M) @ Leftovers
Trait : Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
-Stealth Rock
-Rock Blast
-Earthquake
-Sucker Punch

Ah, Golem, my savior. If I had a nickel for every time that Golem saved my team from a rampaging threat, I would have a lot of nickels. Stealth Rock is for being the best move in the game. Rock Blast and Earthquake are the reasons I use him over any other Rock type. The ability to break Substitutes and STAB Earthquake are awesome and invaluable. Sucker Punch is great for hitting faster Pokemon that think they can out speed this slow ass Pokemon. Not. Now, this used to be Regirock, which was great because he checked Magmortar too but I decided that actual offensive pressure, Rock Blast, STAB Earthquake, and Sucker Punch out weighed me losing a Magmortar check. Golem is what stands in the face of the birds, Rotom-S (screw Trick), and many others. But if there is one aspect of Golem that defeats all, it's Sturdy. Being able to come in after a sack, survive with one hit point, and KO the opposing Pokemon is amazing. The fact that it doesn't check Magmortar sucks, since my team is kind of weak to it, but I still think Golem is the best Pokemon for the team in this slot.

Serperior(M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
-Substitute
-Coil
-Leaf Blade
-Dragon Tail


BOW DOWN TO ME! I AM THE MASTER OF THE NU TIER. SCREW THE USAGE STATS, I AM THE MASTERMIND OF IT ALL! Now that we got the theatrics out of the way, say hello to the star of the show, the sneaky serpent, Serperior. This team would not exist with out him. Substitute lets him scout for scout for switch ins. Wait, what? What's that? You think hiding behind dolls is for wussies? Bitch please, it's not hiding if I'm Serperior. Coil is to make him the god he is. Boosting Attack ,Defense, and Accuracy? Yes please. Leaf Blade is Serperior's STAB, and hits very hard after (and before) a few Coils. Dragon Tail is what differentiates Serperior from most other set up Pokemon. He can phaze him out before they can thanks to his amazing speed. What I usually do with him is bring him in after Garbodor and Golem have finished laying hazards and his checks/counters are crippled/gone. Then I proceed to sweep the team. In my entire Pokemon career I have never met a Pokemon as dangerous as Serperior.
​

 

[Straw Hat]

Offensive Threats

Black is no problem
Orange is a moderate threat
Red is a big threat

Absol: Garbodor is my usual switch in to Absol. If Gunk Shot decides to be stupid, then Golem is a decent check with Sturdy. It is a problem though.

Altaria: If it is the Dragon Dancer, then I switch to Garbodor and alternate between Clear Smog and Spikes/Toxic Spikes. If it is the Special Attacker, then I sack something and bring in Golem to kill with Rock Blast. Not to big of a problem.

Armaldo: I don't like any of the spinners to be honest. Serperior relies on Spikes and Armaldo can just snatch them away. He doesn't pose any threat otherwise though.

Banette: Absol can switch in on anything except Will-O-Wisp and destroy it. Easy

Basculin: Since all of the ones I have seen are Choice Band, I sack Garbodor. Then I bring in Rotom-S to revenge with Volt Switch/Thunderbolt. A mild issue since he can just keep switching in, killing something, and switching out.

Beartic: An issue since my only Ice resist is murdered by physical attacks. I usually sack Garbodor to whatever and revenge with Rotom-S

Beheeyem: Not a problem since I can switch Absol in and murder it. I just hope I don't get hit by HP Fighting on the switch.

Braviary: Golem. Superpower is an issue but Golem usually handles it fine. Rotom-S can revenge it too.

Butterfree: Sack Garbodor to Slep Powder and bring in either Golem or Rotom-S to kill. It sucks if it's the Double Status set and it paralyzes Rotom-S on the switch.

Cacturne: Garbodor is a pretty good counter, as it can tank the SD set and Clear Smog and tank the Spikes set and Gunk Shot. Cryogonal can spin Spikes without harm thanks to Leviate.

Camerupt: Camerupt's only niche is to counter Magmortar, which my team doesn't have. Being immune to Volt Switch is annoying though.

Carracosta: I switch to Golem or Rotom-S on the Smash. Golem survives with Sturdy and EQs, and Rotom-S out speeds (even after the Smash) and KOs.

Cinccino: A major issue, since nothing can switch in. Golem, my usual switch in to Normal attacks, is usually 2HKOed by Wake-Up Slap (and always KOed by Bullet Seed). I have to sack something to bring in Rotom-S. If Rotom-S is gone, I am screwed. That and I usually sack Garbodor to something else, because he is the only one not 2HKOed.

Dragonair: Garbodor can counter the Bulky Dancer, but the Offensive one is a problem because it 2HKOs Garbodor with SR. However, I usually switch to Rotom-S on the DD, Trick its Life Orb away, then bring in Garbodor to Clear Smog and Gunk Shot it to death.

Drifblim: Never seen one. But Absol can Sucker Punch the Acrobatics set and Night Slash the SubCM/Bulky sets.

Duosion: Absol can 2HKO with Night Slash or Sucker Punch.

Eelektross: For the Special Attacker set, I sack something then bring in Rotom-S to Trick its Life Orb away and lock it into one move. Coil, same thing.

Emboar:

Exeggutor:

Floatzel:

Fraxure:

Gardevoir:

Gigalith:

Glaceon:

Golem:

Gorebyss:

Haunter:

Huntail:

Jynx:

Kadabra:

Kangaskhan:

Leafeon:

Linoone:

Machoke:

Magmortar: Big issue. Nothing can switch in safely. Life Orb versions can be stalled out if I get Toxic Spikes on the field, but Scarf sets screw me since they outspeed my entire team. And I suck at predicting with Absol.

Marowak:

Mesprit:

Ninjask:

Persian:

Pinsir:

Raichu:

Rapidash:

Rotom-F:

Rotom-S:

Samurott: KOs my entire team after a SD. Rotom-S can't revenge because of Aqua Jet.

Sawk:

Serperior:

Slaking:

Skuntank:

Simisage:

Simisear

Simipour:

Swellow:

Tauros:

Torterra:

Ursaring:

Victreebel:

Zweilous:


Defensive Threats

Alomomola:

Altaria:

Amoonguss:

Articuno:

Audino:

Bastiodon:

Camerupt:

Cryogonal:

Flareon:

Garbodor:

Gurdurr:

Lapras:

Lairon:

Lickilicky:

Meganium:

Miltank:

Misdreavus:

Musharna:

Murkrow:

Probopass:

Quagsire:

Regice:

Regirock:

Rotom-S:

Tangela:

Torterra:

Throh:

Torkoal:

Vileplume:

Volbeat:

Wartortle:

Weezing:

 

[Straw Hat]

bump

 

[WhiteDMist]

You have a massive defensive weakness to Ice, especially physically. Jynx can also sleep one of your Pokes and set up. More importantly, you are extremely vulnerable to status in general. Maybe replace Life Orb on Absol with Lum Berry? It lets you handle Jynx most of the time, as well as sleep leads. You still 2HKO the things you need to in any case, so the extra power is less needed, especially if you tend to lead with it.

 

[Straw Hat]

thanks mist, i think i will try that. ive been wanting to change absol's item, but couldnt think of a good replacement. will try out, and i will post a change if i like it.

 

[WhiteDMist]

No probs! I also just saw that you have Jolly on Absol, so changing that to Adamant would make up for the loss of power (you don't outspeed too many important things regardless). Without making too many changes to your team, your best way of beating Magmortar and Cincinno is Rotom, but I feel like Golem can still do a lot of damage to them both with Earthquake and Sucker Punch, as does Absol. Another possible threat would probably be Scarf Braviary, since it had Superpower to handle Golem, and once it and Rotom are out of the way (sadly that's easy enough with Stealth Rock and priority), you have nothing that likes to take a hit from it. This probably makes Adamant Absol much more important.

 

[Straw Hat]

yeah, after posting the rmt, i realized that adamnt was nessesary and changed it immeiately. thanks for the rate.

 

[No Luck Involved]

Hi Straw Hat, I think Absol with Lum Berry is a great idea. With its new item I would change Zen Headbutt to Swords Dance because you can guarantee a 2HKO with +2 Night Slash on Weezing (with SR) and you're protected from Wisp so you'll win no matter what happens (and maybe start a sweep!). It doesn't really affect your strategy against Fighting types because I imagine you were predicting the Sawk switch in with Zen Headbutt and probably weren't staying in anyway so you can still do that with Superpower, while Absol was never winning against Gurdurr or Throh so nothing has changed there either. You have a great switch in to Fighting types in Garbodor and you have Pokemon available to take advantage of Earthquake.

The other change I'd suggest is swapping Cryogonal for Jynx. I think your team is quite offensive and I'm not sure Cryo is doing enough for the team and is probably compounding your Absol, Magmortar and Basculin weaknesses. The set I suggest is this:

Jynx (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Dry Skin
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
-Nasty Plot
-Ice Beam
-Psychic
-Lovely Kiss

It is a much more offensive check to Gorebyss, provides another switch in to Basculin (but watch out for Crunch!) and Jynx helps lure out Magmortar too which you can roast with +2 Psychic. Jynx can also serve as another last-ditch half check to Absol with Lovely Kiss too. You lose the spinning capabilities of Cryo but Garbodor soaks up TSpikes anyway which I think is more dangerous to this team than SR or Spikes. Jynx and Absol can punish opponents who spend too long Spiking up by setting themselves up so it's a different (and more in your face) answer to opponents setting up entry hazards.

 

[Straw Hat]

the thing is nli, i need a spinner since rotom-s and (if i take your suggestion) jynx. but, it would help against my samurrott weakness.i will try it out though. thanks.

 

[Straw Hat]

ok, i have been testing out jynx and i am not sure who to pick. while jynx patches up a lot of my team's weaknesses, i feel that i need cryogonal. what should i do? i am thinking of scarfing my jynx then replacing rotom-s with a non sr weak pokemon. that way, i can atill revenge sawk and gorebyss. thoughts?

 

[No Luck Involved]

I always find Jynx more effective as a sweeper because it has access to Nasty Plot and Lovely Kiss that can leave opponents in awkward situations. How about replacing Rotom with your own Scarf Sawk? You'll have to play more carefully against enemy Scarf Sawk because you only have a 50% check but it works great as a cleaner (better than Rotom imo). Or maybe a Scarf Haunter if you want to be safe and provides a ground immunity like before.

You could Scarf your Jynx and get in BU Gurdurr which can serve as a good cleaner too especially with hazards! It would provide more priority too.

 

[WhiteDMist]

The thing is, you don't really need too many sweepers. The main point of all your entry hazards is to force your opponent to switch around a lot, taking massive residual damage. It can mean a few things for you: you can have a strong offensive core to take advantage of the extra damage to guarantee OHKOs and 2HKOs, or you can have a powerful defensive core that can force switches. Since NLI has recommended an offensive core, I'll give you some possible defensive cores.

Erisia has been promoting his Defensive Luxray lately, and I can tell you from experience that it is a pain to take down with physical attacks, which your team seems to be weak to. You can replace Cryogonal with it, since it leaves you with only 1 Stealth Rock-weak Pokemon. It also has Roar to promote phazing and rack up residual damage.

Of course, this would leave you without a Special Wall, so you could also replace wither Absol or Rotom-S with another Pokemon like Lickilicky or Throh. Both have decent Special Defense and both can help shuffle with Dragon Tail and Circle Throw respectively. I would personally replace Absol with Throh since Absol seems to be the odd man out of your team. However Specially Defensive Camerupt may also help with your Magmortar weakness, as well as add another Roarer to your team. Hope this helps!

 

[Straw Hat]

grr, you guys confuse me. ok here's the plan: i make 2 new alts and test both the team with a defensive core and with an offensive core. i will change with preferences when i decide.

 

[Straw Hat]

bump ,come on guys have a heart.
also bumping to say that both teams are performing quite well: while i prefer the defensive one, the offensive one is doing slightly better.

 

[Straw Hat]

bump

 

[destinyunknown]

I think you should reconsider Absol's role on the team. I mean, you already have a spinner so there's no need to play it like a suicide lead to stop hazards being layed down. I also think you should give him back Swords Dance, to try to pull off a switch.

You may want to consider using Armaldo>Golem to spin hazards, check (a bit better, not really good but w/e) cinccino and still being able to lay Stealth Rock. With that change you can take No Luck Involved suggestion of using Jynx, over Cryogonal.
However, I would use the SubNP Jynx set, since it's overall more reliable than the Life Orb one.

Hope I helped!

 

[Straw Hat]

hmm, another suggestion.i like this one because it doesn't drastically change the way mt team plays. i will test it out, thanks destinyunknown

 

[Straw Hat]

bump