Project AG What're Their Lasts? [On Hiatus]

Geysers

not round
is a Community Contributoris a Team Rater Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
approved by Guard
OP stolen from Estarossa

Amazing art by HanSoloIndie!​
What're Their Lasts?
Back in generations 1-4, team preview did not exist, and as such it was vital to be able to discern what the opponents remaining Pokemon were. Even though we are now blessed with team preview, the ability to work out which Pokemon would be the best choice for the last teamslot(s) is a vital question during the teambuilding process.

In this project, every week, I will post a team that a player has built, but with two of the Pokemon missing. It is your goal to suggest which Pokemon would fit best in these last slots. There will be two stages each week, a nominations stage, where you will be able to submit your suggestion, and a voting phase. The person who receives the most votes will win the week, and be added to our hall of fame, along with their submission!

At the end of each week, I will also reveal what the original Pokemon were. Even if you did not guess these Pokemon however, this does not mean your choice was wrong. Teams may have multiple paths to fill their weaknesses, and you may have found an even better option than the original builder.

Hopefully this project will help any aspiring builders improve their teambuilding skills! If you would like to submit a team to be used in an upcoming week, please PM Geysers on Smogon, providing me with an import, and a short building process for your team! I can't promise your team will be featured, but it is worth trying!


Rules

  • Please only post viable Pokemon in the AG metagame. In general one can refer to the AG VR to get a general idea of this.
  • Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis if enough evidence is provided to support why your nomination is a viable choice, eg. overlooked Pokemon you believe to have a niche. Replays and calcs are highly advised in this scenario, on top of a detailed explanation.
  • For any other nomination, a small paragraph will suffice for a nomination. You may choose to add calcs and replays too to strengthen your arguement if you like however. One-liners should be avoided.
  • Do not post unviable sets. Alternative coverage options or items may be permitted if within reason, however they should not negatively affect a Pokemon in terms of other matchups greatly.
  • You may submit the same Pokemon as someone else, provided at least one of the sets are different. For instance, if someone has already submitted Necrozma-DM + Ferrothorn, you may still submit Necrozma-DM + Eternatus.
  • NO slashing is permitted. You may not have 5 moves, 2 abilities, 2 items etc. in a match, the same should be true here.
  • Reservations are permitted provided the post is complete within 24 hours. After this time limit, anyone may take your reservation freely. Please post your sets when posting a reservation, eg. Hone Claws Yveltal.
  • Each person may only submit once per round.
  • When choosing a Pokemon and set, try to analyse what the team is weak to or is unable to break before submitting. Don't just submit a random Pokemon for the sake of it.
  • You may not change any of the provided sets on the other 4 Pokemon in order to better fit a submission. You should instead submit based upon the given sets.
  • During the voting phase you may only vote for one person unless otherwise instructed. You may not vote for yourself.

Example of a What's Their Last Submission
:ss/necrozma-dusk-mane::ss/ferrothorn:
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Power Whip
- Protect
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Morning Sun
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Sunsteel Strike

Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn neatly patch up the team's Zacian-C and Kyogre weaknesses, while also providing invaluable hazard and Paralysis support to benefit Assurance Zacian-C and Zygarde-C. In addition, Ferrothorn greatly eases the matchup against opposing defensive Necrozma-DM, to which the team otherwise has no safe switch-ins.


Current team (Week 3)
:ss/lunala::ss/arceus-fairy::ss/yveltal::ss/arceus-poison:
Team by Fardin
Stepping back in time a bit, this week I’ve got a USUM AG team! This one is built around the deadly offensive core of CM ReRe Fairyceus alongside Choice Specs Lunala, which neatly cover each other’s checks with Fairyceus threatening dark types like Arceus-Dark, Yveltal, and Tyranitar, while Lunala breaks through Necrozma-DM and Primal Groudon. Defensive Yveltal helps to semi-reliably check Primal Groudon and Mega Rayquaza while also tearing stall teams to shreds. Arceus-Poison provides a reliable check for Marshadow and Xerneas, preventing them from ripping the team apart.
What’re my lasts?
 
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Geysers

not round
is a Community Contributoris a Team Rater Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Week 1
:ss/necrozma-dusk-mane::ss/calyrex-shadow::ss/groudon::ss/ditto:
team by Geysers
Necrozma-DM is obviously mandatory on a balance team, Ditto helps the offense matchup drastically, and subseed Calyrex-S beats most of its standard checks, forming a potent core. Offensive Groudon serves as a deadly lategame wincon, capable of easily mauling teams that have been picked apart by Calyrex-S. In addition, it effectively pressures non-Foul Play Yveltal, which threatens Calyrex-S, neatly covering each other!
What're my Lasts?
 

Yveltal @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 248 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Roost
- Foul Play
- Toxic
- Defog

The team posted seems to lack any check to calyrex-shadow other than ditto, this it can be automatically assumed that yveltal is in one if the last slots. Also none of the 4 mons posted have defog and yveltal the best defogger that also checks calyrex-shadow. It also provide the team a way to beat special attacking dynamax yveltal.

Eternatus @ Black Sludge
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpD / 16 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dynamax Cannon
- Recover
- Flamethrower
- Toxic

And with yveltal in the 5th slot we can see the team has no kyogre check which makes eternatus an obvious choice as well as removing toxic spikes, which team team seems pretty weak to overall with 3 pokemon that can get affected by it.
 
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aerobee

Pure Hackmons
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
Yveltal @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
IVs: 30 Spe
Careful Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Snarl
- U-turn

The team has no Calyrex-Shadow check, and as Necrozma-DM is on the team, Yveltal is one of the mons. Snarl can weaken special attackers like special Yveltal. Yveltal's an amazing Defogger, and U-Turn can put the user in a favorable position (it also can't be trapped and exploited by Gothitelle).

Ferrothorn @ Utility Umbrella
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bullet Seed
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Confide

The team is in serious need of a mon that checks Kyogre; Ferrothorn does exactly that. Utility Umbrella allows it to safely switch in to Choice Specs Kyogre, something not much else can do. Leech Seed can help to passively heal the bulkier mons and sweepers on the team, Necrozma-DM and Groudon in particular. Spikes proves to be an annoyance, and in emergencies this mon can act as a secondary Xerneas check.
 
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Pokemh

Banned deucer.
Yveltal @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Snarl
- U-turn
Yveltal walling ghost types and other ygod's to an extent making shed a mon dislikes calyrex and it's counters being meta. It also can chunk kyogre's hp with it's snarl set making it easier for other members like band sneak marsh or shed. Also being a slightly good swap in vs most of the meta. U turn isn't too great considering shed ygod isn't to offensive so toxic would be a good sub. With toxic it also forces ho oh into swapping out which this core really doesn't like. Since there's little amazing mons for this core toxic and wisp makes it overcome alot

Shedinja @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Wonder Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Sneak
- Will-O-Wisp
- Toxic
- Protect
Shed walls fairy types except ladder unset's like night slash xern or a amazing set assurance zacian but with mons like kyogre and zacian shed with protect scouts assurance and freely swaps in on zacian's that give the impression it does not have a dark move. It also fulfill's many spots that are needed on an ag team that isn't an HO team like an ogre wall like etern or ferro and walling zacian with a soft counter (too be safe) because of the potential sd Dark move zac. Aswell as being able to swap into irritating mons like t wave ndm making some mons not being able to toxic/wisp and winning vs shed. A mon that gives this core trouble is ferro, toxic ygod, and assurance zacian. These mons aren't really hard to check and considering this core only takes two slots it looks really good played well and with two boots users your free to use hazard stack mons while being able to swap on opponents possible traded hazards forcing them to waste a turn giving you a slight advantage. This core is fun to use with a band mon and pex because. of the mons it covers aswell as putting pressure and amazing synergy. No one likes putting a caly counter zac counter ogre counter on one team. because it takes to many slots which is why I personally think shed is amazing.
 
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:ss/yveltal: :ss/kyurem-white:
Yveltal @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Defog
- Roost

Kyurem-White @ Utility Umbrella
Ability: Turboblaze
EVs: 40 SpA / 216 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sheer Cold
- Freeze-Dry
- Fusion Flare
- Roost


Yveltal is required on almost every balance team, as it can prevent the highly dangerous Calyrex-S from being a massive threat. In addition, it can check specially offensive Yveltal lacking Taunt, as it also otherwise threatens the team under Dynamax, which a non-Dynaxmed Ditto cannot withstand. Defog is used in the third moveslot to serve as the team's entry hazard remover, receiving a way to get rid of Stealth Rock and other problematic hazards such as Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web. Finally, it can pivot in offensive teammates like SubSeed Calyrex-S and Groudon safely due to U-turn, while severely crippling Ho-Oh by removing its Heavy-Duty Boots due to Knock Off, which Nerozma-DM appreciates. Kyurem-W is a unique Kyogre check due to its very helpful typing against it, notably being immune to Sheer Cold variants which are surging in usage. On top of that, it can pressure switch-ins such as Blissey due to Sheer Cold, has access to reliable recovery, and utilizes Utility Umbrella to negate the effects of Kyogre's rain, which further enhances its role as a check to Kyogre. Freeze-Dry provides a reliable way to hit the likes of Zygarde-C, Yveltal. and Eternatus, while Fusion Flare nails Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and Zacian-C.
 
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Voting time! Post your favorite of the submitted cores:
You may not vote for yourself.
Sample vote:
Code:
Icemaster
Thank you for providing us a sample post on how to vote for a core; i.e. how to type out one individual's username into a textbox. This was an extremely helpful and necessary step, and I'm so fucking glad you took the time to tell us how to type out a username into a textbox.

Also I vote for Mbouchon
 

Geysers

not round
is a Community Contributoris a Team Rater Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Week 2
:ss/slurpuff::ss/yveltal::ss/calyrex-shadow::ss/xerneas:
by Geysers
This is a fun slurpuff webs build, taking advantage of broken puff to web on most of the meta and then cripple stuff, all while blocking Defog with misty explosion. Taunt Yveltal and Calyrex-S round out the hazard prevention by thwarting Yveltal, while being dangerous threats in their own rights. Xerneas is a standard addition, forcing out or just using a significant portion of the slower meta as setup fodder.
What're my lasts?
Submissions will remain open until midnight GMT on Tuesday the 16th.
 
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Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Sunsteel Strike
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Explosion
- Stealth Rock
The First Thing I noticed when I looked at the team was that it lacks a stealth rocks user, thus landorus therian fits in nicely. Swords dance allows landorus the pose a serious sweeping threat and explosion can prevent the opponent from defogging which is incredible utility on webs. The second thing I noticed is the core of Xern+Yveltal+Calyrex-Shadow almost imposterpoofs itself but has a major hole in if xerneas gets copied, ndm can check Xern which not only patches the team's xern weakness it also make the offensive core completely resistant to ditto.
Finished Team
:slurpuff::yveltal::calyrex-shadow::xerneas::necrozma-dusk-mane::landorus-therian:
 
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:ss/necrozma-dusk-mane: :ss/groudon:
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Sunsteel Strike
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Groudon @ Life Orb
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Precipice Blades
- Stone Edge
- Aerial Ace

Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM is a threatening physical setup sweeper that can particularly check the likes of Zacian-C and Xerneas thanks to its good bulk, typing, and Prism Armor, which is useful as they pose as huge threats to the team once set up. It can also KO Flying-types like Yveltal and Ho-Oh with Stone Edge, which Slurpuff appreciates being gone so its Sticky Web can successfully stay on the field. Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM is a decent user of Dynamax as well, being able to defeat a non-dynamaxed Ditto with ease by tanking a boosted Earthquake and retaliating with Max Quake. Groudon is a potent setup sweeper with Swords Dance, revenge killer with Max Airstream, and Dynamax user, being able to use defensive Pokemon such as Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and Tyranitar as setup fodder. It can also act as a check to Zekrom and Reshiram with Dynamax, which are very threatening to the team once set up with Dragon Dance. However, Groudon should be wary of Max Wyrmwind from the two, so teammates stalling out their Dynamax turns are generally appreciated. Finally, Groudon greatly appreciates the Sticky Web support from Slurpuff, as it can outspeed foes like Calyrex-S, Zacian-C, and Eternatus without relying on Max Airstream if a teammate like Life Orb Yveltal, Xerneas, or Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM has already used Dynamax.
 
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aerobee

Pure Hackmons
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Excadrill
necrozma-duskmane.gif
excadrill.gif

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Sunsteel Strike
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake

Excadrill @ Focus Sash
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Tomb


One thing this team appears to lack is an Xerneas check that also threatens Zacian on webs, and Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM does exactly that. With a scary Attack stat, a great defensive ability and respectable defensive stats, as well as decent coverage in Earthquake and Rock Blast, it can threaten nearly every defensive Pokemon, with the only ones being able to wall it being Lunala and defensive Zygarde. Weakness Policy discourages opposing Pokemon to hit Necrozma super effectively.

As for Excadrill, it is an excellent Stealth Rock user, with a desirable characteristic in being able to Spin hazards away. In addition, it has Mold Breaker, allowing it to make some niche Pokemon, such as Bronzong, vulnerable. It can also lower the opposing Pokemon's Speed with Rock Tomb, as well as attack with STAB Earthquake. This helps to remove Focus Sashes, and can further complicate the opponent's defensive strategy, as a combination of chip, lowering Speed, and losing a possible safety net in Focus Sash can ensure that the HO-user can steamroll through the opposing team.
 
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Pokemh

Banned deucer.
Aerodactyl @ Focus Sash
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Tomb
- Taunt
- Tailwind
- Stealth Rock

Celesteela @ Life Orb
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Steel Beam
- Air Slash
- Meteor Beam
- Flamethrower


Jolly aero is a fast rocks user that let’s slow celesteela get special attack boosts and speed boosts from tailwind+airstream. Although rock slide is not a special move it threatens ho oh swaps and you really don’t have much for a 4th slot. Has a moveset to go through common galar cores.

+1 252 SpA Life Orb Celesteela Max Steelspike vs. 240 HP / 252 SpD Eternatus: 317-374 (65.9 - 77.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery. Even special walls like etern really don’t want to take a hit and can’t swap in safely bc of aero’s rocks.
0 Atk Life Orb Celesteela Max Rockfall vs. 248 HP / 208+ Def Ho-Oh: 395-468 (95.1 - 112.7%) -- 75% chance to OHKO Ho oh also risks the OHKO
+1 252 SpA Life Orb Celesteela Max Airstream vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 270-320 (79.1 - 93.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO You also cripple Kyogre’s boosting it’s speed forcing them to sacc or giving you free special attack boosts.
+1 252 SpA Life Orb Celesteela Max Steelspike vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Groudon: 425-500 (62.3 - 73.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO You also force groudon to dmax and lose 80ish of the opposing don’s health after LO recoil and steelspike.
+1 252 SpA Life Orb Celesteela Max Flare vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Zacian-Crowned: 426-504 (65.3 - 77.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO Unfortunately the zac calcs are horrible.
You pressure teams on the bulkier side bc this mon isn’t a mon commonly used and can easily get off boosts bc of lack of knowledge of celesteela’s moveset.
Most calcs don’t need rocks up as well as still keeping plus 1 max flare vs zac a 2HKO. Especially with tailwind, webs support, and potential airstreams steela unironically becomes slightly viable.
+1 252 SpA Life Orb Celesteela Max Flare vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Prism Armor Dynamax Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 333-394 (41.8 - 49.4%) -- 22.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock As for most mons they can’t really swap into steela as well as providing pressure bc it has rocks up ideally tailwind and a few speed/special attack boosts.
 
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