WON DIRECTION
+++
I assume you were expecting a team building process? Well here it is: I just threw 6 baddies together, knowing that of those baddies was gonna be Slowbro (which is in my opinion the premier bulky water) and Heracross (which is also in my opinion the best revenge killer/clean up sweeper). I was looking for a Stealth Rock user next, and although I'm not a fan of Gligar, I am a fan of his ability to hard counter Heracross. So into the team builder Gligar was typed.
I had the beginnings of a neat little defensive core going, and the threat that is Chandelure was on my mind, so I opted to round out the specially defensive side of my core and also check Chandelure via Snorlax. My team was becoming rather stall-like, so what better thing to do than throw in a Spikes user - Roserade! I had decided upon Roserade for several reasons. Firstly, it brought me close to a secondary semi-offensive F/W/G core that I was aiming for in the end, second it provided utility from it's poison typing alone. The team now looked rather slow, but that's alright, I can handle lack luster speed if I have sheer bulk on my side.
I needed something with fire power, literally. I thought about Chandelure, but I really didn't want a special attacker, I wanted something physical that could wipe out many Pokémon in 1 blow. Darmanitan was the strongest option, but not the fastest or bulkiest, and my last team slot was reserved for a mixture of speed, bulk, and power: Who but Victini? My team now looked none-too-shabby, although there were a couple of glaring hyper-offensive weaknesses I noticed, Chandelure for one.
I had the beginnings of a neat little defensive core going, and the threat that is Chandelure was on my mind, so I opted to round out the specially defensive side of my core and also check Chandelure via Snorlax. My team was becoming rather stall-like, so what better thing to do than throw in a Spikes user - Roserade! I had decided upon Roserade for several reasons. Firstly, it brought me close to a secondary semi-offensive F/W/G core that I was aiming for in the end, second it provided utility from it's poison typing alone. The team now looked rather slow, but that's alright, I can handle lack luster speed if I have sheer bulk on my side.
I needed something with fire power, literally. I thought about Chandelure, but I really didn't want a special attacker, I wanted something physical that could wipe out many Pokémon in 1 blow. Darmanitan was the strongest option, but not the fastest or bulkiest, and my last team slot was reserved for a mixture of speed, bulk, and power: Who but Victini? My team now looked none-too-shabby, although there were a couple of glaring hyper-offensive weaknesses I noticed, Chandelure for one.
***
Harry Styles (Roserade) @ Black Sludge
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 136 SDef / 120 Def
Calm Nature
- RestToxic Spikes
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Spikes
This set gives my team more of a semi-stall feel. I gave up Rest recently, as I was never using it, and Giga Drain and Black Sludge recovery are usually sufficient. Having both Spikes and Toxic Spikes is great for playing against both offensive and defensive teams alike, though I am partial to Sleep Powder over Toxic Spikes some days. Roserade is of utmost importance to the success of the team. 1 or 2 layers of Spikes or Toxic Spikes can be what changes the game. Without Roserade, bulky waters give this team a lot more trouble as well. I'm unhappy with the Def EVs, and have considered investing in speed, but I am unsure as to whether it would be beneficial or how many EVs would be needed to outspeed a couple of Pokémon (i'm not even sure which ones, haha) that are worth outspeeding.
Zayn Malik (Gligar) (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Immunity
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Spd / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Roost
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
I don't really like Gligar. He isn't an offensive presence and he only serves utility purposes next to monstrous defense. I suppose the later is good enough reason to use it, though. Stealth Rock being the second best reason. Without Stealth Rock I would hardly be able to touch Chandelure, who happens to be one of this team's greatest nemesis. Gligar does also bring to the table two useful immunities, and Toxic which is invaluable when dealing with the 1 Pokémon I put him on the team to counter: Heracross. I would change Gligar to Cofagrigus in a heartbeat if I could decide what Stealth Rock user I could swap out over-- Well, I can't actually afford to swap any out, atleast not from my viewpoint.
Liam Payne (Snorlax) @ Leftovers
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4Def
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Sleep Talk
Sometimes I wish I had Pursuit or Crunch over Whirlwind, just to take care of Chandelure, but then my hazard support wouldn't be as effective. I used to run the Smogon EV spread, but the special bulk just wasn't cutting it, and I was rarely ever taking a physical hit. My "improved" spread helps much more against things like Togekiss and Nasty Plot Mew. With Snorlax I stand a chance against most of UU's powerful special attackers. Without Snorlax I fall flat on my back. This big guy is my defensive MVP; my quarterback.
Simon Cowell (Slowking)(Slowbro) @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 Def / 248 HP / 12 Atk248 HP / 244 Def / 16 SpA
RelaxedBold Nature
- DragontailPsychock
- Thunder Wave
- Scald
- Slack Off
Simon is (almost) every physical attackers'/singers' worst nightmare. As you can see by yet another Smogon spread I am indeed a Smognazi, or Smogtard if you will. Whatever Slowbro's not crippling in speed and attack, he's racking up bits of damage on here and there. He used to be good, then he got Regenerator. Now I don't use RestTalk Milotic on teams anymore. Milotic also doesn't have those awesome dual STABs.
Niall Horan (Victini) @ Choice Band
Trait: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- V-create
- U-turn
- Bolt StrikeFusion Bolt
- Zen Headbutt
You don't mess with Niall Horan. He may look cute but he really knows how to use his head. You may be wondering: Why Adamant? Well, why not? That extra power nets surprise KOs (with SR) and allows me to 2HKO certain bulky waters with Fusion Bolt. However, I would consider running Jolly if I ever felt it was worth it to out speed non Scarfed Darmanitan 100% of the time. Nuff said, Choice Band V-Create wrecks.
Louis Tomlinson (Heracross) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
Louis Louis, oh no, said we gotta go (win the battle) . My offensive MVP and Scarf'mon, if you don't have atleast 2 checks or a counter, he'll probably end up sweeping you late game. He also functions as a magnificent revenge killer, provided Megahorn doesn't miss (it always does atleast once) .
---
Yeah, none yet, sorry. Perhaps you can recommend me threats (besides Chandelure) .
~~~
One Thing, there is nothing that makes this team Beautiful, so while this RMT is Young, I'd appreciate it if you dear raters could tweak all the Little Things to make it a team that can stay Up All battle.
EDITS: I have changed Slowking back to Slowbro for the ability to take physical moves all day. I mightconsider giving Slowbro SDef EVs instead. If that is I ever find a severe problem with Specs Kingdra.
Harry Styles (Roserade) @ Black Sludge
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SDef
Calm Nature
- Rest
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Spikes
Zayn Malik (Gligar) (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Immunity
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Roost
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
Liam Payne (Snorlax) @ Leftovers
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Sleep Talk
Simon Cowell (Slowbro) @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Psychock
- Thunder Wave
- Scald
- Slack Off
Niall Horan (Victini) @ Choice Band
Trait: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- V-create
- U-turn
- Bolt Strike
- Zen Headbutt
Louis Tomlinson (Heracross) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SDef
Calm Nature
- Rest
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Spikes
Zayn Malik (Gligar) (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Immunity
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Roost
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
Liam Payne (Snorlax) @ Leftovers
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Sleep Talk
Simon Cowell (Slowbro) @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Psychock
- Thunder Wave
- Scald
- Slack Off
Niall Horan (Victini) @ Choice Band
Trait: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- V-create
- U-turn
- Bolt Strike
- Zen Headbutt
Louis Tomlinson (Heracross) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
