Or, the team that I feel does...good(?) against opposing weather. Or better yet, the "I usually suck at making OU teams but surprisingly this team worked"...team. Anyways, to make a long story short, tier changes forced the conception of a new team, looked over October stats, and constructed a crude, yet effective team. So here goes!
Dragonite @ Lum Berry
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Dance
- Fire Punch
- Roost
*Thoughts: Dragonite was actually the last addition to the team. As I progressed through team building, I noticed I was favoring special attackers a bit too much, so I sought out something with good bulk that could dish back in reply. Bulky Dragon Dance with Multiscale made Dragonite a great choice and it has not disappointed. I went with Jolly to outspeed more foes after the boost; in any case, one Dragon Dance has been enough to tear through underprepared teams. It may not be my Garchomp, but still, Dragonite shows that orange = terror.
Deoxys-S @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 12 Atk / 244 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Psycho Boost
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Superpower
*Thoughts: When one sees Deoxys-S, they usually think entry hazards or dual screens. Therefore, LO Deoxys-S usually flies under the radar. With a blistering 504 Speed stat, it's basically like I cary a Scarf user, only with the freedom to choose whatever attack I wish. Psycho Boost is STAB move of choice to make up for the average attacking stats. BoltBeam combo is always welcome, taking care of Gyarados and the myriad of Dragon-types, while Superpower combats Tyranitar (though I need to weaken Chople Berry variants before using it due to EV investment).
Virizion @ Life Orb
Trait: Justified
EVs: 240 Atk / 16 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature (+Spd, -Def)
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Close Combat
- Giga Drain
- Work Up
*Thoughts: Another severely underrated set. Most people figure a Calm Mind set or Swords Dance set, but this thing takes the goods of both and makes an effective mixed attacker. One Work Up is enough to 2HKO a good amount of the metagame and surprisingly it is quite easy to set up. The standard ChopleTar falls to this set after one Work Up, showing the strength in the EV spread. Hidden Power Ice takes care of Gliscor and reliably KOs most variants of Dragonite after Multiscale is broken. Giga Drain was chosen over Leaf Blade to gain health back and to hit physically defensive oriented Pokemon, like Quagsire, harder. Hasty was chosen over Naive to keep that natural special bulk, which is great against Rain based teams.
Skarmory @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind
*Thoughts: 2nd Gen and I don't get along very nicely. I tried and I tried to enjoy Gold, but nooooooo...it just kept erasing on me! And the matter of the fact is...I'm not really fond of many of the Pokemon in this gen. Still, when a staple manages to stick around this long, why ignore it? Skarmory serves as my defensive wall, taking on a good portion of physical attackers and setting up Stealth Rock, which I felt this team needed in order to break through Volcarona and Multiscale Dragonite. With Whirlwind in tow, I can wear out foes by causing switches. Roost ensures ample health to keep Sturdy activated and Brave Bird is so Skarmory doesn't remain Taunt bait.
Volcarona @ Leftovers
Trait: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Substitute
*Thoughts: My first attempt at using Volcarona. Though I considered ChestoRest as a bulky means, I switched over to Substitute at the last second, since the sight of a Volcarona causes many switches. So, I Sub when they switch and depending on what they call in, I set up a Quiver Dance or attack accordingly. This particular set has become a favorite, as in one match, managed to get all six Quiver Dances up, KOed an opposing +6 CM Jirachi and did 87% damage to an Eviolite Chansey! The best thing is that Flame Body activates even through Sub, so any physical attacker trying to break the Sub with a contact move risks getting burned, allowing me to set up another Sub.
Tentacruel (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Ice Beam
*Thoughts: With Dragonite and especially Volcarona losing to Stealth Rock, I figured I'd need to have a way to get rid of entry hazards. Enter Tentacruel, who could soak up Toxic Spikes on the switch-in and set up its own. The importance of it though was to use Rapid Spin on entry hazards. Scald serves as my Water-type move and if I get the burn, it goes a long way in helping wall physical attackers. It was a toss up between Ice Beam and Protect, but Ice Beam helps against opposing Gliscor and the myriad of Dragon-types, particularly Multiscale Dragonite and Salamence. Liquid Ooze was chosen over Rain Dish because I figured it was a great way to punish Ferrothorn who would Leech Seed me. Also helps against Drain Punchers, like Conkledurr.
The threats:
Thoughts, concerns, suggestions?
Dragonite @ Lum Berry
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Dance
- Fire Punch
- Roost
*Thoughts: Dragonite was actually the last addition to the team. As I progressed through team building, I noticed I was favoring special attackers a bit too much, so I sought out something with good bulk that could dish back in reply. Bulky Dragon Dance with Multiscale made Dragonite a great choice and it has not disappointed. I went with Jolly to outspeed more foes after the boost; in any case, one Dragon Dance has been enough to tear through underprepared teams. It may not be my Garchomp, but still, Dragonite shows that orange = terror.
Deoxys-S @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 12 Atk / 244 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Psycho Boost
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Superpower
*Thoughts: When one sees Deoxys-S, they usually think entry hazards or dual screens. Therefore, LO Deoxys-S usually flies under the radar. With a blistering 504 Speed stat, it's basically like I cary a Scarf user, only with the freedom to choose whatever attack I wish. Psycho Boost is STAB move of choice to make up for the average attacking stats. BoltBeam combo is always welcome, taking care of Gyarados and the myriad of Dragon-types, while Superpower combats Tyranitar (though I need to weaken Chople Berry variants before using it due to EV investment).
Virizion @ Life Orb
Trait: Justified
EVs: 240 Atk / 16 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature (+Spd, -Def)
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Close Combat
- Giga Drain
- Work Up
*Thoughts: Another severely underrated set. Most people figure a Calm Mind set or Swords Dance set, but this thing takes the goods of both and makes an effective mixed attacker. One Work Up is enough to 2HKO a good amount of the metagame and surprisingly it is quite easy to set up. The standard ChopleTar falls to this set after one Work Up, showing the strength in the EV spread. Hidden Power Ice takes care of Gliscor and reliably KOs most variants of Dragonite after Multiscale is broken. Giga Drain was chosen over Leaf Blade to gain health back and to hit physically defensive oriented Pokemon, like Quagsire, harder. Hasty was chosen over Naive to keep that natural special bulk, which is great against Rain based teams.
Skarmory @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind
*Thoughts: 2nd Gen and I don't get along very nicely. I tried and I tried to enjoy Gold, but nooooooo...it just kept erasing on me! And the matter of the fact is...I'm not really fond of many of the Pokemon in this gen. Still, when a staple manages to stick around this long, why ignore it? Skarmory serves as my defensive wall, taking on a good portion of physical attackers and setting up Stealth Rock, which I felt this team needed in order to break through Volcarona and Multiscale Dragonite. With Whirlwind in tow, I can wear out foes by causing switches. Roost ensures ample health to keep Sturdy activated and Brave Bird is so Skarmory doesn't remain Taunt bait.
Volcarona @ Leftovers
Trait: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Substitute
*Thoughts: My first attempt at using Volcarona. Though I considered ChestoRest as a bulky means, I switched over to Substitute at the last second, since the sight of a Volcarona causes many switches. So, I Sub when they switch and depending on what they call in, I set up a Quiver Dance or attack accordingly. This particular set has become a favorite, as in one match, managed to get all six Quiver Dances up, KOed an opposing +6 CM Jirachi and did 87% damage to an Eviolite Chansey! The best thing is that Flame Body activates even through Sub, so any physical attacker trying to break the Sub with a contact move risks getting burned, allowing me to set up another Sub.
Tentacruel (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Ice Beam
*Thoughts: With Dragonite and especially Volcarona losing to Stealth Rock, I figured I'd need to have a way to get rid of entry hazards. Enter Tentacruel, who could soak up Toxic Spikes on the switch-in and set up its own. The importance of it though was to use Rapid Spin on entry hazards. Scald serves as my Water-type move and if I get the burn, it goes a long way in helping wall physical attackers. It was a toss up between Ice Beam and Protect, but Ice Beam helps against opposing Gliscor and the myriad of Dragon-types, particularly Multiscale Dragonite and Salamence. Liquid Ooze was chosen over Rain Dish because I figured it was a great way to punish Ferrothorn who would Leech Seed me. Also helps against Drain Punchers, like Conkledurr.
The threats:
Code:
Offensive Threats
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/8/8a/Ani149MS.png[/IMG] Dragonite: Physical variants are not that big of a threat, since Skarmory takes the hits and wears them down with Whirlwind and Stealth Rock. Deoxys-S can also switch in on Dragon Dance variants when they do DD or Roost and outspeed a +1 Speed. Mixed and Parashuffler are a bit problematic.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/0/03/Ani485MS.png[/IMG] Heatran: Standard Heatran is a bit of a problem, since it can do a number against most of the team. Revenge killing is probably the best choice, but that means I'd have to protect Deoxys-S, Virizion, and Tentacruel.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/7/77/Ani385MS.png[/IMG] Jirachi: Regarding Substitute + Calm Mind / Wish + Calm Mind, Volcarona can set up right next to it and KO with STAB. Gotta Whirlwind it away otherwise. Dragonite is a risk. Can be problematic otherwise.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/6/65/Ani381MS.png[/IMG] Latios: Gotta wear it down or revenge kill Life Orb variants with Deoxys-S. Tentacruel helps wear it down in that aspect. For Choice Scarf / Specs - Skarmory can come in on the expected Draco Meteor and blow it away or wear it out using Brave Bird. If Dragonite is at full health, then it can take the first hit from a Dragon-type attack, set up Dragon Dance, and outspeed and KO a Calm Mind set.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/3/3b/Ani579MS.png[/IMG] Reuniclus: Calm Mind and Trick Room Sweepers give the team fits. Volcarona can do a number if it gets Quiver Dance up, but otherwise, this thing is a huge problem.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/9/90/Ani639MS.png[/IMG] Terrakion: Deoxys-S can outspeed non-Scarfed and non-boosted sets and KO with Psycho Boost. Virizion speed ties non-Scarfed and non-boosted sets and could KO with Close Combat or Giga Drain. Skarmory takes most hits fairly well and wears it down with Brave Bird / Roost. Best answer to Scarf and Band sets.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/0/08/Ani637MS.png[/IMG] Volcarona: Opposing Volcarona can be a problem if they set up. Gotta get Rocks up ASAP to ensure it doesn't become a major threat. If Rocks are up, Dragonite is the best answer.
Code:
Defensive Threats
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/d6/Ani479WMS.png[/IMG] Rotom-W: Dragonite deals upwards of 60.22 - 71.37% after one boost. With two, a surefire OHKO. Otherwise, a Work Up or two and Giga Drain KOs from Virizion.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/d3/Ani598MS.png[/IMG] Ferrothorn: Minor inconvinience if under the rain, but otherwise beatable.
[IMG]http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/0/03/Ani485MS.png[/IMG] Heatran: Despise defensive Heatran, particularly TormenTran. Possibly the best counter to this team, as Deoxys-S can't KO with Superpower, Tentacruel's Scald does absolutely nothing, Virizion risks getting burned, making Close Combat useless, Skarmory dies to it, Volcarona can't touch it, and Dragonite can't afford to set up on it.
