Project OM-Wide Good Cores


Banner generously done by Swiffix
thread mainly copied from OU Good Cores
Approved by UT and Isaiah

OM_Cores 2.png
A strong core is one of the most valuable things to form when creating a new team. Cores are typically made up of a group of Pokémon that, when used together, work excellently toward accomplishing a specific goal, and any good player uses them, intentionally or not. The majority of cores have varying characteristics that allow them to triumph in different areas, and depending on your team, cores can be built to succeed offensively or defensively. An offensive core is a group of Pokémon that are both focused towards and designed to enable the team to break through most other team styles while being balanced for general play. A defensive core is a group of Pokémon chosen to give a team a solid set of resistances and the ability to switch into many of the common and threatening attacks in the metagame, allowing it to stick around long enough to win the match. A balanced core is typically a core composed of one wall and one offensive Pokémon, each supporting the other in some way ; although this category offers more flexibility than the others, as some Pokemon can be considered both offensive and defensive in different ways. Overall, cores function as a fantastic base or starting point for a wide range of teams and they are commonly used while teambuilding to achieve a specific goal.
:mew:Posting Guidelines
  • Any person can post a core in this thread. The cores are broken down into three categories: offensive cores, balanced cores and defensive cores. When posting your core, please make sure to state which one of these categories your core falls under and their respective OM.​
  • We are only accepting Good Cores from Metagames that have their own permanent ladder.
  • Although the way your core works may be obvious to you, this may not be the case for others. As such, when posting a core, please make sure to explain how the core operates and any other details you think are important to include. The explanations don't have to be essays; as long as your post has some substance and conveys the main idea behind the core, it's all good. Things you may want to include when explaining how your core works could be how your core breaks down their similar checks, how they cover each other's defensive weaknesses, what the core's weaknesses might be, and what some good partners for the core are.
    • Here's an example of a valid submission​
  • Make sure your post includes the sets your core is using. In addition, please try to include an explanation of any EV spreads deviating from the standard 252 / 252. Replays are also very helpful and highly encouraged when posting cores.​
  • Please do not post a core that has more than 3 Pokemon. Cores bigger than this restrict building immensely.​
  • Please be respectful of the cores people post in this thread. If someone posts a core that you think is ineffective or just plain bad, there is no need to jump at their throats. With that said, constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged - simply be nice!​
:politoed:Core Selection Process
  • This thread is being run by Reece and UT. We will carefully monitor the cores posted in this thread. When the time comes, we will discuss the posted cores together with notable members of each respective metagame and decide which ones will be featured in the archive.​
  • While the selection of good cores can often be subjective, we will take into consideration a variety of aspects before deciding which cores are featured in the archive. This includes quality of explanation, effectiveness of the core in the current metagame, and so on. We will carefully discuss everything and seek feedback from others to ensure the selected cores are of high quality.​
  • When we decide which cores will be featured in the archive, we will try to announce them and provide brief explanations behind why certain cores were selected and why certain cores weren't. This feedback can potentially help give people a clearer picture of what we are looking for.​
  • If a core is originally rejected from the archive, we can definitely provide some tips on how a set or spread can be tweaked so the core meets the standards we look for.​
  • Just like with anyone else who posts a core, please feel free to bring up any concerns you might have with our posts and/or the cores we select! However, please be sure to be polite, and if it is a simple question/concern, we'd prefer it being directed to us in a PM.​
Core Archive:

:politoed::kingdra:
:talonflame::CINDERACE:
:Kyurem-black::TOgekiss:
:Kyurem-Black::regieleki:
:tapu-fini::Genesect:
:landorus-therian::Celesteela:
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Outdated Cores:

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berry

what kind
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a member of the Battle Simulator Staff
Almost Any Ability: :Zapdos: and :Dhelmise:
Potential sets can be pretty malleable, but most follow this outline.
Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Ability: Primordial Sea
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder
- Hurricane
- U-turn / Weather Ball
- Roost / Weather Ball

Dhelmise @ Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Def
Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Poltergeist
- Swords Dance / Switcheroo / Knock Off / Synthesis
- Power Whip / Knock Off / Rapid Spin

Primordial Sea Zapdos and Grassy Terrain Dhelmise work together incredibly as a balanced offensive core in AAA. While Dhelmise is able to threaten large chunks of the metagame with terrain-boosted priority grassy glides, it is frequently walled by steel types like Heatran, Ferrothorn. This weakness is effectively covered by Zapdos, who can easily hunt these mons down with strong STAB Thunders and Hurricanes, as well as water-type weather ball pressuring fire and ground types. Additionally, Zapdos has access to incredible pivoting moves that allow Dhelmise to get in on an opponent's switch and start heavily damaging any switch ins.

This core was seen in OMPL semi-frequently, usually being combined with other very strong pivots, as is expected on an AAA team.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1554869793
:zapdos: :dhelmise: + :tapu-fini: :mienshao:
Avyrie combined Zapdos and Dhelmise with Mienshao, who has access to a fast pivot as well as moves like knock off to remove rocky helmets which may cause Dhelmise to take additional damage. Addtionally, mons like Tapu Fini can pressure dragons like Garchomp with a strong combination of water and fairy moves, as well as using trick utility (seen here) to stagnate defensive mons like Chansey or Ferrothorn with a choice scarf. Dhelmise has some item removal options by itself using knock off, but its moveset is usually pretty packed beyond its two lock-in moves of Grassy Glide and Poltergeist, so some may have to give up Knock Off if trying to fit in SD, spin, synthesis, or whip, so it may be better to outsource to mons with more longevity.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1550433476
:zapdos: :dhelmise: + :barraskewda: :blissey: :corviknight:
PandaDoux added a third piece of offense to this core with primsea Barraskewda, who has access to some of the strongest flip turns in the game, as well as being able to hunt down Heatran and catch mons like Ferrothorn off guard with its varied coverage moves. Blissey and Corviknight provided a solid defensive pivot core, allowing Panda to get in Zapdos on defensive mons that it might beat like Ferrothorn (see turns like 46 and others in a simlar sequence), as well as allowing Dhelmise's strong offensive pressure and priority to threaten mons like Terrakion out (see turn 7).

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1580421002
:zapdos: :dhelmise: + :mandibuzz: :salamence:
In MZ's game, Mandibuzz would have taken the place of another defensive pivot (if it wasn't killed early on). When paired with a mon like Garchomp, Dhelmise is constantly able to force Heatran in, allowing the pressure to be continued by Garchomp's strong bulky offensive pressure. In the end, this core was able to outcompete with Heatran and heavily chip dauntless Mew, allowing for a Salamence sweep.In all three games, this core was combined with strong dragons that benefited from repeated chip of defensive mons like Ferrothorn, Chansey, Mew, and Tapu Fini, but it is clearest here.

While neither Dhelmise or Zapdos have any mid-game sweeping or stopping power, Dhelmise (and priority in general) can be lethal in the endgame, especially with great STAB priority and the looming pressure of strong STAB flying type moves that generally pack a pretty heavy punch.
 
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Evie

Nobody gets me like you
is a Tiering Contributor
Submission for: 2v2

:SS/Victini: :SS/Indeedee-F:
Victini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 HP / 20 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blue Flare
- Glaciate / Trick
- Expanding Force
- Dazzling Gleam


Indeedee-F @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
Level: 99
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Expanding Force
- Follow Me
- Helping Hand
- Protect

Scarf Victini and Indeedee-F form a balanced core capable of beating most non-dark types. The idea is to use Indeedee’s Psychic terrain to boost Victini’s power while Indeedee supports Victini using Helping Hand or Follow Me. Psychic terrain also provides Victini with an immunity to priority like Fake Out, Aqua Jet or Sucker Punch. Scarf on Victini allows it to outspeed pokemon like Cinderace, Pheromosa and Zeraora
 

iapt

the unsuspecting victim of darkness in the valley
is a Tiering Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Mix and Mega: :zapdos-galar: + :entei:
Zapdos-Galar @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Thunderous Kick
- U-turn
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat

Entei @ Altarianite
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Double-Edge
- Sacred Fire
- Stone Edge

Two powerful physical breakers that share common checks in slowbro and other bulky water types. Over the course of a game, these checks can be quickly worn down by constant battering, especially gapdos' thunderous kick. Both are vulnerable to recoil and dislike taking any extra damage in the form of hazards, so reliable removal is a near necessity. Zapdos' ability to force progress on bulky cores with constant defense drops and entei finishing off weakened teams while dealing well with most common offensive threats makes this duo capable of breaking through most teams. Entei can opt for howl over double edge, although this sacrifices immediate damage output and is most commonly found on hyper offense teams. Zapdos can drop either U-turn or Close Combat for Throat Chop if desired.

Dont have any replays on hand but I can go hunting if need be.
 

Morgan

Morgius Sweep
is a Pre-Contributor
Hold up let me find my builder.

All submissions are for 2v2.

Kingdra + Politoed (Offensive)

Politoed @ Iron Ball
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Helping Hand
- Weather Ball
- Icy Wind / Ice Beam / Toxic / Rain Dance
- Protect

Kingdra @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Hurricane
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Protect

Tried and true rain core. Kingdra is the offensive Pokemon here. Politoed is the utility. Iron Ball so you can get Rain up against Tyranitar. Drizzle + Swift Swim is a classic combination, and works well in gen8 2v2 doubles.

Cottonee + Regidrago (Offensive)

Cottonee @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Encore
- Protect
- Dazzling Gleam / Leech Seed

Regidrago @ Life Orb
Ability: Dragon's Maw
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dragon Energy
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
- Hyper Beam

Make Regidrago go fast -> Win. Simple as can be. Regidrago is one of the hardest hitting Pokemon in the game with a Life Orb, and with its 150 base power spread move in Dragon Energy, can be incredibly threatening in 2v2. Cottonee provides Prankster Tailwind and Prankster Encore, which are both very very strong in 2v2.

Talonflame + Cinderace (Offensive)

Talonflame @ Life Orb
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Tailwind
- Protect

Cinderace @ Life Orb
Ability: Libero
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Pyro Ball / Assurance / Iron Head / Taunt / Sucker Punch
- High Jump Kick / Low Kick
- Gunk Shot
- Protect

Cinderace is a very strong and fast offensive Pokemon. On its own, it is a menace to society, but with Talonflame, it can become even more powerful. Cinderace’s wide coverage and access to Libero makes it a perfect Tailwind abuser. Fire Stab has never been necessary on Cinderace in 2v2, as HJK/Gunk Shot hit the vast majority of things Pyro Ball can, with a few exceptions like Metagross and Celesteela. Talonflame’s Priority Tailwind can increase Cinderace’s offensive pressure greatly, and can make up for not having Pyro Ball if you choose to run another option like Iron Head or Assurance.

Landorus-T + Celesteela (Defensive)

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- Knock Off

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Leech Seed
- Iron Defense
- Protect
- Heavy Slam

Landorus-T provides a lot for Celesteela, which is a Pokemon that under the right conditions can win on its own against both opposing pokemon. Landorus-T’s Intimidate and ability to beat electric type pokemon can give Celesteela a chance to use Iron Defense or Leech Seed more safely. Scarf Krookodile can also work in Landorus-T’s place.

Tapu Fini + Genesect (Balance)

Tapu Fini @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 64 SpA / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Protect
- Icy Wind
- Moonblast

Genesect @ Occa Berry
Ability: Download
EVs: 16 HP / 128 Def / 112 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Protect / Energy Ball

Genesect and Tapu Fini are strong pokemon on their own in 2v2 Doubles. However, they pair together very nicely. Tapu Fini is able to threaten Fire types like Incineroar and Victini for Genesect, and in return, Genesect can deal with Zeraora and Rillaboom for Fini. This is an example of two splashable pokemon working together well. Tapu Fini is invested to live hits from Zeraora, and Genesect is invested to survive a Life Orb Pheromosa Close Combat.

Kyurem-Black + Togekiss (Offensive)

Kyurem-Black @ Haban Berry / Life Orb / Chople Berry
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance / Iron Head
- Icicle Spear
- Fusion Bolt
- Protect

Togekiss @ Wacan Berry / Charti Berry / Babiri Berry
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash / Flamethrower
- Follow Me
- Protect
- Tailwind / Flamethrower / Roost / Thunder Wave

Kyurem-Black on its own is a very strong offensive Pokemon. With its 170 base attack, it can do a lot of damage to a lot of things. Togekiss provides a good redirector to deal with Kyurem-Black’s fighting weakness. This little bit of help can allow Kyurem-Black to muscle through tons of opponents.

Kyurem-Black + Regieleki (Offensive)

Kyurem-Black @ Haban Berry
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Freeze-Dry / Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Draco Meteor
- Protect

Regieleki @ Life Orb
Ability: Transistor
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Electro Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Electroweb
- Protect

Bolt Beam is a pokemon classic going back to Generation 1. Electric + Ice hits just so many things. Kyurem can be used here instead of Kyurem-Black in case you want the 10 extra Spa in return for not being able to bluff physical. Speed Control + Kyurem is an absolute menace with gen8’s changes to speed mechanics.
 

drampa's grandpa

cannonball
is a Community Contributoris a Community Leader Alumnus
STABmons
Here are some really basic cores to get us started!
:ss/ferrothorn::ss/toxapex:
Ferrothorn @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Strength Sap
- Spikes / Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Grav Apple / Body Press

Toxapex @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Flip Turn
- Knock Off
- Poison Fang / Scald
- Clear Smog / Whirlpool

This is a classic FerroPex core, one of the most basic defensive cores in STABmons. Ferrothorn and Toxapex work really well together, being able to work together to chip a wide variety of opponents down while being really, really, really annoying to take out if played properly. They have fantastic type synergy, and just generally a lot of defensive utility. This core fits well on Balance or Bulky Offense that appreciates a small but effective defensive core.

:ss/tyranitar::ss/excadrill::ss/dracozolt:

Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Accelerock
- Diamond Storm
- Knock Off
- Shore Up / Parting Shot / Stealth Rock / Spikes

Dracozolt @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Darts
- Bolt Beak
- Fire Fang / Fire Blast

Excadrill @ Life Orb / Metal Coat
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sunsteel Strike
- Earthquake / Thousand Waves
- Rapid Spin / Bullet Punch / Rock Slide

This is the standard sand core. The sets are rather fluid, so long as the Pokemon themselves and the abilities are in place. Dracozolt in sand is especially difficult to wall thanks to Bolt Beak doubling power when it moves first, which it almost always will. Tyranitar is the premier sand setter in the tier and consistently a contender for best Pokemon in STABmons, and is a necessity on any Sand team. Excadrill is the secondary sweeper, with an absurd speed tier and good STAB coverage. This core is a Hyper-Offensive weather core, and should be supported as such, although it can fit on more standard offenses as well, largely thanks to Tyranitar's flexibility.
 

UT

Roaring 20s, tossing pennies in the pool
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Team Rateris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Appeals + C&C Lead
Dr. Phd. BJ asked me to copy/paste this fsr, so here you go:


Got bored and made a good cores post for godly gift. I only used cores that feature 1 god + 1 inheritor, and cores that I have used or played against in tours/testing.
/
+
(SpA)

Kyurem-Black and Tapu Koko are really great together for many reasons. Kyurem-B is a very strong physical attacker with solid speed, but not too fast and can struggle finding optimal times to setup and attack due to its ice typing. On the other hand, Tapu Koko is a special attacker with a lot of speed that lures in ground types for Kyurem-B, as well as pivot support. In addition, Tapu Koko provides Kyurem-B with electric terrain, which makes Fusion Bolt much stronger vs fat waters and steels such as Vaporeon and Heatran. Kyurem-White is very similar, however the special attack that Tapu Koko receives is noticeably higher. Kyurem-W does not look to setup like Kyurem-B, but rather just click strong special attacks with its insane coverage. The core is centered around boltbeam coverage. The main difference between the cores is that Tapu Koko acts as an enabler for Kyurem-Black, whereas Kyurem-White acts more as an enabler for Tapu Koko. Depending on the Kyurem, the core can struggle vs Rotom-Heat, Ferrothorn, Magnezone, and Lunala.

+
(Spe)

Zamazenta has an amazing speed tier, great bulk and strong stabs. However the lack of immediate power and setup moves (lol @ howl) hold it back greatly. Crawdaunt is one of the hardest hitting breakers in the tier, but the lack of bulk and natural speed prevent it from seeing more use in standards. In the speed slot on Zamazenta builds, Crawdaunt becomes infinitely more difficult to check offensively. The best defensive answers to Crawdaunt (Tapu Fini, Tapu Bulu, Hydreigon, Ferrothorn) can be taken advantage of by Zamazenta. Overall, the two have really great synergy barring the fighting weakness that they share.


+
(SpA)

Yveltal is one of the best gods in the meta thanks to its amazing bst, versatility, and the ability to check psychics and ghosts with regularity. One thing Yveltal is not the best at is handling fairies. This is where Nidoking comes in. Nidoking is one of the strongest wall breakers in the tier, but this mon is not very self-sufficient and appreciates pivots. Yveltal lures in fairies and some steels such as Clefable, Klefki, and Heatran that Nidoking takes advantage of greatly. The few things Nidoking can struggle breaking include psychic types such as Lunala, Slowking, Slowbro, Reuniclus, and Latias. Yveltal checks almost all of them consistently. The two can struggle vs faster ice types, especially Weavile, as well as strong waters (Crawdaunt, Urshifu, Keldeo, Kyogre).

+
(SpA)

Mewtwo is a very strong special attacker with deceptively good bulk, amazing speed, and more than enough coverage. Mewtwo can struggle breaking past psychic types such as Lunala and Slowking, and depending on the coverage it can struggle vs the likes of Corviknight, Heatran, and some steels. Double dance Galar-Moltres specifically is a good win condition in standards, but unfortunately it only has 100 SpA and needs to rely on Nasty Plot + Agility. When paired with Mewtwo, Galar-Moltres is significantly stronger and can win after an agility without needing a Nasty Plot. Galar-Moltres rolls all of the psychic types that can check Mewtwo, and in addition the two can bully past steels together, especially if both are running Nasty Plot. The core can struggle with Klefki if the Mewtwo lacks fire coverage, which is something to keep in mind. Opting for no fighting coverage on Mewtwo means that the core will struggle to break Tyranitar and Heatran consistently. The two work really nicely together, and are threatening to every play style.

+
(HP)

Giratina and Skarmory are fat. Both have amazing type synergy and ridiculous bulk on both ends when factoring in Skarm's new 150 HP. The two are exclusively ran on stall together, and both are incredibly good in the hazard game. Not much to say, try to wall everything, control hazards, and phase setup sweepers out. Watch out for mons with Taunt, Switcheroo/Trick, Magnet Pull Magnezone, Status and mons that have good coverage vs the two (Blacephalon, Kyurems, Rayquaza, Galar-Moltres, Tapu Koko, etc.).

:SS/Ho-Oh: +
(Def/SpD)

Ho-Oh is amazing in gen 8 thanks to Regenerator and Heavy-Duty Boots. Ho-Oh gets forced out by strong water, rock, and electric attacks. Gastrodon can provide a water and electric immunity, as well as a resistance to rock. The two combine to blanket check almost every special attacker in the game, and both can spread status through Sacred Fire, Thunder Wave, Scald, and Toxic. Both also have the ability to shut down setup sweepers through the likes of Whirlwind and Clear Smog. This core can be used on bulky offense, semi-stall, and even stall builds. Sadly the Ho-Oh sprite won't upload ;-;
The two can struggle when getting statused, strong physical attackers (Crawdaunt, Urshifu), grass types that can pressure Ho-Oh (Stone Edge Tapu Bulu, Knock Off Rillaboom/Kartana + Stealth Rock, Dhelmise), and can struggle vs fat waters (Tapu Fini, Slowbro, Slowking).

+
(Atk)

For the final core, I decided to include Groudon + Victini. Groudon has a monstrous 150 Atk stat, and the ability Drought. Victini learns this fire move, it has 180 bp unboosted, I think it's called V-create? Pretty simple, Victini clicks funny fire move or U-turn. On the off chance the opponent has a fire immunity, let's say a Flash Fire Heatran, Groudon comes in and gets a free turn. This might be the woat shiny core tho ngl
This core can struggle with waters, Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, strong fast special attackers, and Rotom-W.

Just wanted to post these cores for people that are unfamiliar with the tier. There are many cores that are used that I did not list, and others that are unexplored. These cores should be a good start for beginners to look out for when building also can we ban Crawdant pls? xoxo
 

MAMP

MAMP!
A couple of offensive BH cores with Regigigas:

:ss/regigigas: :ss/xerneas:
Regigigas @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Facade
- Precipice Blades
- Spikes
- Dragon Dance

Xerneas @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Boomburst
- Rapid Spin
- Strength Sap
- V-create

A fairly typical version of RegiXern, a dangerous, flexible offensive core with a lot of longevity that has taken over as the dominant archetype in BH over the past few months. The synergy between these two is multi-faceted: Xerneas can come in on Core Enforcers aimed at Regigigas and threaten out common users like Giratina, and Xerneas is excellent at forcing Recovers to allow Regigigas in to heal up and take momentum. Both are checked by bulky Steel-types and have various tools to weaken them for the other. In particular, both are great users of Nuzzle and Spikes, and both find it far easier to break through teams with hazards up and Zamazenta-C paralysed. The specific sets are very adaptable: this variant of the core focuses on dominating the hazard game, but there are a ton of great alternative move choices. Swords Dance Regigigas is more effective at busting through bulky Steels for Xerneas, and it loves the free opportunities it can get from Volt Switch Xerneas, which can get it in safely to set up against special walls like Ho-oh and Ice Scales Eternatus.

This core fits well with Pokemon like Groudon and Ho-oh that can switch into Zamazenta-C and get momentum. Ice Scales Eternatus with Trick + Black Sludge is a good choice for Imposter-proofing Xerneas for many RegiXern teams, as it limits Imposter's Strength Sap recovery and can help to push through Steel-types by luring them in to give them the Sludge.

:ss/regigigas: :ss/zamazenta-crowned:
Regigigas @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Facade
- Swords Dance
- Precipice Blades
- Glacial Lance

Zamazenta-Crowned @ Expert Belt
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thunderous Kick
- Sunsteel Strike
- Fishious Rend
- Wicked Blow

Tough Claws Zamazenta-C is a breaker that has the speed, bulk, and typing to threaten most of the metagame. It struggles with not being quite powerful enough to get through dedicated physical walls. SD Regigigas excels at punching holes in defensive cores, which gives Zamazenta-C the room it needs to get kills. If Regigigas has Glacial Lance, Wicked Blow on Zamazenta-C is great for taking out Lunala, and Regigigas comes in freely on Nuzzles and Glares that would cripple Zamazenta-C.
 

Clas

My death was... greatly exaggerated
is a Tiering Contributor
+
(Spe)

Zamazenta has an amazing speed tier, great bulk and strong stabs. However the lack of immediate power and setup moves (lol @ howl) hold it back greatly. Crawdaunt is one of the hardest hitting breakers in the tier, but the lack of bulk and natural speed prevent it from seeing more use in standards. In the speed slot on Zamazenta builds, Crawdaunt becomes infinitely more difficult to check offensively. The best defensive answers to Crawdaunt (Tapu Fini, Tapu Bulu, Hydreigon, Ferrothorn) can be taken advantage of by Zamazenta. Overall, the two have really great synergy barring the fighting weakness that they share.
daunt banned now, just a heads up for reece
anyways

:ss/barraskewda: + :ss/zapdos: (MnM)
Barraskewda @ Lopunnite
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Close Combat
- Flip Turn
- Crunch / Aqua Jet / Psychic Fangs

Zapdos @ Lucarionite
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hurricane
- U-turn / Volt Switch
- Roost
Lopunnite Barraskewda is a great offensive pivot in the Mix and Mega metagame that has the capability to break staples like Landorus-Therian, Rhyperior, and Blissey, and stop defensive answers like Mew and Magearna from switching in. However, it struggles to break Water-types and Buzzwole, one of the physically bulkiest Pokemon in the entire meta, and cannot threaten Kartana. This is where Zapdos comes in. Lucarionite Zapdos is a strong Special breaker capable of taking down any physical wall except Groudon and even some Special staples like Ho-Oh and Milotic, but struggles against Rhyperior and Blissey. It also beats Kartana 1v1 and threatens it with Static, allowing for the possibility of Barraskewda beating it without the need for Zapdos to come in. This core fits best on VoltTurn teams, but struggles with Zeraora, Extreme Speed Pokemon, and Groudon and so answers like Landorus-Therian, Slowbro and Ho-Oh are appreciated along with status absorbers like Milotic, Slowbro and Blissey.

EDIT: shortened by 3x while still saying enough
 
Last edited:

Evie

Nobody gets me like you
is a Tiering Contributor
Submission for: 2v2

:SS/Cottonee: :SS/Regidrago: :SS/Cinderace:

Cottonee @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Encore
- Protect
- Leech Seed

Cinderace @ Life Orb
Ability: Libero
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pyro Ball
- Low Kick
- Gunk Shot
- Protect

Regidrago @ Life Orb
Ability: Dragon's Maw
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Dragon Energy
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Fang
- Protect

Cottonee, Regidrago and Cinderace form an offensive core. Cottonee’s Tailwind allows Cinderace and Regidrago to outspeed almost all mons. Cinderace helps Regidrago against Steel and Fairy mons that beat Regidrago. Regidrago helps Cinderace against threats like Scarf Zygarde, Landorus-T, Volcanion and Naganadel. Encore on Cottonee stops Protect and Fake Out.

 

berry

what kind
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a member of the Battle Simulator Staff
Almost Any Ability: :tapu-fini: and :heatran:
Potential sets are once again quite malleable, but follow this general outline.
Tapu Fini @ Rocky Helmet / Leftovers / Choice Scarf
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD OR 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Relaxed Nature / Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- Defog / Trick
- Knock Off / Scald
- Scald / Haze / Ice Beam

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Desolate Land / Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature / Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Solar Beam / Protect
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt / Toxic

Tapu Fini and Heatran work together as one of the most solid balanced cores in AAA, with both mons boasting wide offensive and defensive movepools and great typings and defensive stats that work together to out-check a large chunk of the offensive metagame. Tapu Fini's regenerator sets contain an incredibly wide range of utility, from tricking choice items to stagnate defensive switchins like Chansey or Ferrothorn, as well as having the potential to deal big damage to common dragons with a wide offensive movepool containing ice beam and STAB moonblast. Additionally, utility options like knock off and defog can assist hazards-weak sweepers to come in more easily. Heatran has two main sets in Desolate Land and Mold Breaker, and both of these pair with Fini well, offering important steel, grass, and poison resists. Balance-aligned Heatran sets allow the mon to set rocks and status opponents, weakening walls while still being able to take a few hits itself and maintain a large number of resists and immunities. Mold Breaker on Heatran allows the mon to more effectively pressure flash fires while giving it more lead utility with moves like stealth rock and taunt always passing Magic Bounce.

:tapu-fini: :heatran: + :zygarde-10:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559379979
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1553565579
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1565471007
Fini and Tran are very frequently seen paired with Zygarde-10%, a fast, heavy-hitting Ground type with access to Thousand Arrows, the most versatile ground type move in the game. Zydog additionally has the opportunity to run power construct instead of adaptability, bumping up its midgame versatility to the next level, being able to absorb strong electric type moves and neutral attacks more effectively. Additionally, Zygarde helps target bulky steel types that may run flash fire in an effort to outcompete heatran, such as Corviknight and Ferrothorn.

:tapu-fini: :heatran: + :dhelmise: :mienshao:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1554869793

Tapu Fini and Heatran supported strong offensive pressure in the form of Dhelmise and Mienshao, mons who beat two of the core's biggest switch ins, Fini itself and steel types like Ferrothorn. Pivots like Mienshao also give offensive Heatran sets more room to switch in, allowing the mon to fire off Desolate Land (and potentially choice specs boosted) Magma Storms.
 

berry

what kind
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a member of the Battle Simulator Staff
Almost Any Ability: :genesect: and :mew:

There are really too many good sets to count and a lot of the moveslots depend on the coverage you achieve with the rest of your team, but I'll do my best to give a solid-ish voltturn combo here.
Genesect @ Choice Scarf / Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Atk / 36 SpA / 156 Spe
Lonely Nature
- U-turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower

Mew @ Leftovers / Choice Scarf
Ability: Dauntless Shield / Magic Bounce / Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP you really need to figure the rest out yourself sorry
- U-turn / Flip Turn / Teleport / Volt Switch
- Body Press / Ice Beam
- Roost / Trick
- Spikes / Psychic

The essential offensive voltturn core in AAA. this combo has seen nearly a dozen of AAA matches this OMPL season, and for good reason- fast paced and with a wide range of offensive options, Genesect and Mew combine to make great usage of their phenomenal offensive and defensive stats and unpredictable coverage options. And it doesn't stop there- Mew's large (the largest) support movepool allows it to take on both defensive and offensive roles, supporting Genesect and the rest of the team with the looming threat of a boosting set.

:genesect: :mew: + :landorus-therian: :zapdos-galar: :volcanion:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1549585878
MZ runs a whole voltturn team here, with strong uturners in Landorus and Gapdos. Volcanion nicely covers Gensect's fire weakness and adds valuable fire and water coverage, being the perfect target to send in after a pivot on bulky steels like Jirachi.
more volcanion from pdt: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559884295-cdtf4z2oh2927b7sf2rbxejp35cocodpw

:genesect: :mew: + :moltres: :toxapex:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1550400359
Dauntless pivot mew allows for a strong physically defensive set, checking Garchomp who would normally have a field day hunting down Toxapex. Desoland moltres fills in the slight fire weakness, as well as adding another u-turn mon with the threat of a sun boosted weather ball.

:genesect: :mew: + :zygarde-10: :tapu-koko:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950
Pixilate Koko and Zydog are the offensive switches of choice here as MZ chooses to run a slower Mew set, aiming to trick a choice scarf on Chansey to restrict its support moveset while setting spikes.

:genesect: :mew: + :zarude:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1570412372
Physical mew and a slow pivot combine with grassy terrain zarude to outpace fini and Zapdos, two strong defensive mons. Mew especially shows its wide movepool with the use of triple axel being sued to break Zapdos' sub repeatedly, giving Desoland cinderace a chance to come in and deal massive damage.

:genesect: :mew: + :mamoswine: :cinderace: OR :garchomp: :heatran:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1580367499
In this genemew ditto, both users race to see who can get the most kills by pivoting into their ground and fire types. While Beka chose the more fluid route allowing for Cinderace to uturn as well as switch hazards around, strong edgequake garchomp and levitate heatran as an anti-ground (and mamo) set was able to outpace flash fire celesteela.
 

berry

what kind
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a member of the Battle Simulator Staff
last one for today unless someone gives me ideas

Almost Any Ability: :mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp:
Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Prankster / Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Knock Off / Toxic Spikes
- Scald / Toxic Spikes
- Haze
- Recover

Mandibuzz (F) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dauntless Shield / Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 152 Def / 108 SpD
Impish Nature
- Foul Play
- Defog / Brave Bird
- Roost
- U-turn

Garchomp @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe
Careful Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock

For everyone's least favorite trio to see on preview, Mandibuzz, Toxapex, and Garchomp bring incredible bulk, great typings, and deep utility to the table. Mandibuzz offers a great switch in to non mold-breaker boosters with Unaware, as well as a great slow pivot, longevity from roost, and the potential to do a ton of damage with foul play. Additionaly, dauntless shield seems to be growing in popularity due to its instant utility rather than the conditional utility of unaware. Toxapex is equally as simple, boasting great typing, prankster haze and recovery, and some of the most spammable options in scald and knock off. Finally, Garchomp's great typing offers a much needed electric immunity, as well as the potential to set hazards and switch opponents around with dragon tail. Pair this with some of the best defensive abilities in AAA, regenerator and magic bounce, and you've got yourself a solid defensive core that can shrug off most hits like it's nothing.

:mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp: + :jirachi:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1549585878
Alongside regenvest rachi, this core is able to pivot in and out maintaining high HP until pixilate Tapu Koko comes in and cleans up the game. Pay special attention to the sequence early in the game where Pex's health is prioritized and there is constant healing in the face of Earth Power volcanion, as well as how regen rachi was used to help mitigate damage taken by Mandibuzz from iron head Genesect.
another one: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564038018-3vo2betk12nw7c6wcj40s794iw1n3hqpw

:mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp: + :ferrothorn: :chansey:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559884295-cdtf4z2oh2927b7sf2rbxejp35cocodpw
It seems that a bulky steel is super important on the defensive side of this core, as it is able to effectively absorb attacks that Garchomp may not feel comfortable eating. Additionally, blobs like chansey make the matchup against hard hitting special attackers like Volcanion much easier.
no chansey here but ferro + mew is a little busted too https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950
ferro chansey AND mew lol https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950

:mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp: + :mew:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559679845
This game runs slightly odd sets, but we can see strong synergy in the combination of fast pivot mew and magic bounce toxapex, specifically the turn where pex is switched in for kommo-o mitigation. The choice of infestation pex to force Corviknight out and get TNM another knock is useful (if mz didn't have no item kommo lol). While it isn't active in this replay, spikes mew is a great choice when it comes to defensively pressuring opponents, combined with the potential for phasing with whirlwind and dragon tail.
 
Almost Any Ability: :Zapdos: and :Dhelmise:
Potential sets can be pretty malleable, but most follow this outline.
Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Ability: Primordial Sea
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder
- Hurricane
- U-turn / Weather Ball
- Roost / Weather Ball

Dhelmise @ Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Def
Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Poltergeist
- Swords Dance / Switcheroo / Knock Off / Synthesis
- Power Whip / Knock Off / Rapid Spin
Primordial Sea Zapdos and Grassy Terrain Dhelmise work together incredibly as a balanced offensive core in AAA. While Dhelmise is able to threaten large chunks of the metagame with terrain-boosted priority grassy glides, it is frequently walled by steel types like Heatran, Ferrothorn. This weakness is effectively covered by Zapdos, who can easily hunt these mons down with strong STAB Thunders and Hurricanes, as well as water-type weather ball pressuring fire and ground types. Additionally, Zapdos has access to incredible pivoting moves that allow Dhelmise to get in on an opponent's switch and start heavily damaging any switch ins.
Accepted!
Submission for: 2v2

:SS/Victini: :SS/Indeedee-F:
Victini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 HP / 20 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blue Flare
- Glaciate / Trick
- Expanding Force
- Dazzling Gleam


Indeedee-F @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
Level: 99
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Expanding Force
- Follow Me
- Helping Hand
- Protect
Scarf Victini and Indeedee-F form a balanced core capable of beating most non-dark types. The idea is to use Indeedee’s Psychic terrain to boost Victini’s power while Indeedee supports Victini using Helping Hand or Follow Me. Psychic terrain also provides Victini with an immunity to priority like Fake Out, Aqua Jet or Sucker Punch. Scarf on Victini allows it to outspeed pokemon like Cinderace, Pheromosa and Zeraora
undefined
Gonna have to unfortunately decline this core. It is a phenomenal pairing do not get me wrong, however, the set you have specified is quite obscure with Victini as you would usually see a an offensive Life Orb set that abuses the fact that it can too Protect to burn out Pokemons Protect such as Metagross, Celesteela, etc. Dazzling Gleam is unfortunately unviable as you do not need to hit Dark-types if you pair with teammates like Gapdos or Diancie. Feel free to post this core again at another point, just ensure it is more specific and viable set to run!
Mix and Mega: :zapdos-galar: + :entei:
Zapdos-Galar @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Thunderous Kick
- U-turn
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat

Entei @ Altarianite
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Double-Edge
- Sacred Fire
- Stone Edge
Two powerful physical breakers that share common checks in slowbro and other bulky water types. Over the course of a game, these checks can be quickly worn down by constant battering, especially gapdos' thunderous kick. Both are vulnerable to recoil and dislike taking any extra damage in the form of hazards, so reliable removal is a near necessity. Zapdos' ability to force progress on bulky cores with constant defense drops and entei finishing off weakened teams while dealing well with most common offensive threats makes this duo capable of breaking through most teams. Entei can opt for howl over double edge, although this sacrifices immediate damage output and is most commonly found on hyper offense teams. Zapdos can drop either U-turn or Close Combat for Throat Chop if desired.
Accepted!
Hold up let me find my builder.

All submissions are for 2v2.

Kingdra + Politoed (Offensive)

Politoed @ Iron Ball
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Helping Hand
- Weather Ball
- Icy Wind / Ice Beam / Toxic / Rain Dance
- Protect

Kingdra @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Hurricane
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Protect
Tried and true rain core. Kingdra is the offensive Pokemon here. Politoed is the utility. Iron Ball so you can get Rain up against Tyranitar. Drizzle + Swift Swim is a classic combination, and works well in gen8 2v2 doubles.

Cottonee + Regidrago (Offensive)

Cottonee @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Encore
- Protect
- Dazzling Gleam / Leech Seed

Regidrago @ Life Orb
Ability: Dragon's Maw
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dragon Energy
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
- Hyper Beam
Make Regidrago go fast -> Win. Simple as can be. Regidrago is one of the hardest hitting Pokemon in the game with a Life Orb, and with its 150 base power spread move in Dragon Energy, can be incredibly threatening in 2v2. Cottonee provides Prankster Tailwind and Prankster Encore, which are both very very strong in 2v2.

Talonflame + Cinderace (Offensive)

Talonflame @ Life Orb
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Tailwind
- Protect

Cinderace @ Life Orb
Ability: Libero
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Pyro Ball / Assurance / Iron Head / Taunt / Sucker Punch
- High Jump Kick / Low Kick
- Gunk Shot
- Protect
Cinderace is a very strong and fast offensive Pokemon. On its own, it is a menace to society, but with Talonflame, it can become even more powerful. Cinderace’s wide coverage and access to Libero makes it a perfect Tailwind abuser. Fire Stab has never been necessary on Cinderace in 2v2, as HJK/Gunk Shot hit the vast majority of things Pyro Ball can, with a few exceptions like Metagross and Celesteela. Talonflame’s Priority Tailwind can increase Cinderace’s offensive pressure greatly, and can make up for not having Pyro Ball if you choose to run another option like Iron Head or Assurance.

Landorus-T + Celesteela (Defensive)

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- Knock Off

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Leech Seed
- Iron Defense
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
Landorus-T provides a lot for Celesteela, which is a Pokemon that under the right conditions can win on its own against both opposing pokemon. Landorus-T’s Intimidate and ability to beat electric type pokemon can give Celesteela a chance to use Iron Defense or Leech Seed more safely. Scarf Krookodile can also work in Landorus-T’s place.

Tapu Fini + Genesect (Balance)

Tapu Fini @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 64 SpA / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Protect
- Icy Wind
- Moonblast

Genesect @ Occa Berry
Ability: Download
EVs: 16 HP / 128 Def / 112 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Protect / Energy Ball
Genesect and Tapu Fini are strong pokemon on their own in 2v2 Doubles. However, they pair together very nicely. Tapu Fini is able to threaten Fire types like Incineroar and Victini for Genesect, and in return, Genesect can deal with Zeraora and Rillaboom for Fini. This is an example of two splashable pokemon working together well. Tapu Fini is invested to live hits from Zeraora, and Genesect is invested to survive a Life Orb Pheromosa Close Combat.

Kyurem-Black + Togekiss (Offensive)

Kyurem-Black @ Haban Berry / Life Orb / Chople Berry
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance / Iron Head
- Icicle Spear
- Fusion Bolt
- Protect

Togekiss @ Wacan Berry / Charti Berry / Babiri Berry
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash / Flamethrower
- Follow Me
- Protect
- Tailwind / Flamethrower / Roost / Thunder Wave
Kyurem-Black on its own is a very strong offensive Pokemon. With its 170 base attack, it can do a lot of damage to a lot of things. Togekiss provides a good redirector to deal with Kyurem-Black’s fighting weakness. This little bit of help can allow Kyurem-Black to muscle through tons of opponents.

Kyurem-Black + Regieleki (Offensive)

Kyurem-Black @ Haban Berry
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Freeze-Dry / Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Draco Meteor
- Protect

Regieleki @ Life Orb
Ability: Transistor
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Electro Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Electroweb
- Protect
Bolt Beam is a pokemon classic going back to Generation 1. Electric + Ice hits just so many things. Kyurem can be used here instead of Kyurem-Black in case you want the 10 extra Spa in return for not being able to bluff physical. Speed Control + Kyurem is an absolute menace with gen8’s changes to speed mechanics.
Accepted all but wanted to change the Politoad set to this:
Politoed @ Leftovers
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Weather Ball
- Helping Hand
- Icy Wind / Rain Dance
- Protect
Allows you to live Timid Lilligant Leaf Storm. Underspeeding Tyranitar is a rare thing as bulky sets are kinda garbage as of right now and Trick Room isn't the best either.
STABmons
Here are some really basic cores to get us started!
:ss/ferrothorn::ss/toxapex:
Ferrothorn @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Strength Sap
- Spikes / Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Grav Apple / Body Press

Toxapex @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Flip Turn
- Knock Off
- Poison Fang / Scald
- Clear Smog / Whirlpool

This is a classic FerroPex core, one of the most basic defensive cores in STABmons. Ferrothorn and Toxapex work really well together, being able to work together to chip a wide variety of opponents down while being really, really, really annoying to take out if played properly. They have fantastic type synergy, and just generally a lot of defensive utility. This core fits well on Balance or Bulky Offense that appreciates a small but effective defensive core.

:ss/tyranitar::ss/excadrill::ss/dracozolt:

Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Accelerock
- Diamond Storm
- Knock Off
- Shore Up / Parting Shot / Stealth Rock / Spikes

Dracozolt @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Darts
- Bolt Beak
- Fire Fang / Fire Blast

Excadrill @ Life Orb / Metal Coat
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sunsteel Strike
- Earthquake / Thousand Waves
- Rapid Spin / Bullet Punch / Rock Slide

This is the standard sand core. The sets are rather fluid, so long as the Pokemon themselves and the abilities are in place. Dracozolt in sand is especially difficult to wall thanks to Bolt Beak doubling power when it moves first, which it almost always will. Tyranitar is the premier sand setter in the tier and consistently a contender for best Pokemon in STABmons, and is a necessity on any Sand team. Excadrill is the secondary sweeper, with an absurd speed tier and good STAB coverage. This core is a Hyper-Offensive weather core, and should be supported as such, although it can fit on more standard offenses as well, largely thanks to Tyranitar's flexibility.
Accepted!
Dr. Phd. BJ asked me to copy/paste this fsr, so here you go:


Got bored and made a good cores post for godly gift. I only used cores that feature 1 god + 1 inheritor, and cores that I have used or played against in tours/testing.
/
+
(SpA)

Kyurem-Black and Tapu Koko are really great together for many reasons. Kyurem-B is a very strong physical attacker with solid speed, but not too fast and can struggle finding optimal times to setup and attack due to its ice typing. On the other hand, Tapu Koko is a special attacker with a lot of speed that lures in ground types for Kyurem-B, as well as pivot support. In addition, Tapu Koko provides Kyurem-B with electric terrain, which makes Fusion Bolt much stronger vs fat waters and steels such as Vaporeon and Heatran. Kyurem-White is very similar, however the special attack that Tapu Koko receives is noticeably higher. Kyurem-W does not look to setup like Kyurem-B, but rather just click strong special attacks with its insane coverage. The core is centered around boltbeam coverage. The main difference between the cores is that Tapu Koko acts as an enabler for Kyurem-Black, whereas Kyurem-White acts more as an enabler for Tapu Koko. Depending on the Kyurem, the core can struggle vs Rotom-Heat, Ferrothorn, Magnezone, and Lunala.



+
(SpA)

Yveltal is one of the best gods in the meta thanks to its amazing bst, versatility, and the ability to check psychics and ghosts with regularity. One thing Yveltal is not the best at is handling fairies. This is where Nidoking comes in. Nidoking is one of the strongest wall breakers in the tier, but this mon is not very self-sufficient and appreciates pivots. Yveltal lures in fairies and some steels such as Clefable, Klefki, and Heatran that Nidoking takes advantage of greatly. The few things Nidoking can struggle breaking include psychic types such as Lunala, Slowking, Slowbro, Reuniclus, and Latias. Yveltal checks almost all of them consistently. The two can struggle vs faster ice types, especially Weavile, as well as strong waters (Crawdaunt, Urshifu, Keldeo, Kyogre).

+
(SpA)

Mewtwo is a very strong special attacker with deceptively good bulk, amazing speed, and more than enough coverage. Mewtwo can struggle breaking past psychic types such as Lunala and Slowking, and depending on the coverage it can struggle vs the likes of Corviknight, Heatran, and some steels. Double dance Galar-Moltres specifically is a good win condition in standards, but unfortunately it only has 100 SpA and needs to rely on Nasty Plot + Agility. When paired with Mewtwo, Galar-Moltres is significantly stronger and can win after an agility without needing a Nasty Plot. Galar-Moltres rolls all of the psychic types that can check Mewtwo, and in addition the two can bully past steels together, especially if both are running Nasty Plot. The core can struggle with Klefki if the Mewtwo lacks fire coverage, which is something to keep in mind. Opting for no fighting coverage on Mewtwo means that the core will struggle to break Tyranitar and Heatran consistently. The two work really nicely together, and are threatening to every play style.

+
(HP)

Giratina and Skarmory are fat. Both have amazing type synergy and ridiculous bulk on both ends when factoring in Skarm's new 150 HP. The two are exclusively ran on stall together, and both are incredibly good in the hazard game. Not much to say, try to wall everything, control hazards, and phase setup sweepers out. Watch out for mons with Taunt, Switcheroo/Trick, Magnet Pull Magnezone, Status and mons that have good coverage vs the two (Blacephalon, Kyurems, Rayquaza, Galar-Moltres, Tapu Koko, etc.).

:SS/Ho-Oh: +
(Def/SpD)

Ho-Oh is amazing in gen 8 thanks to Regenerator and Heavy-Duty Boots. Ho-Oh gets forced out by strong water, rock, and electric attacks. Gastrodon can provide a water and electric immunity, as well as a resistance to rock. The two combine to blanket check almost every special attacker in the game, and both can spread status through Sacred Fire, Thunder Wave, Scald, and Toxic. Both also have the ability to shut down setup sweepers through the likes of Whirlwind and Clear Smog. This core can be used on bulky offense, semi-stall, and even stall builds. Sadly the Ho-Oh sprite won't upload ;-;
The two can struggle when getting statused, strong physical attackers (Crawdaunt, Urshifu), grass types that can pressure Ho-Oh (Stone Edge Tapu Bulu, Knock Off Rillaboom/Kartana + Stealth Rock, Dhelmise), and can struggle vs fat waters (Tapu Fini, Slowbro, Slowking).

+
(Atk)

For the final core, I decided to include Groudon + Victini. Groudon has a monstrous 150 Atk stat, and the ability Drought. Victini learns this fire move, it has 180 bp unboosted, I think it's called V-create? Pretty simple, Victini clicks funny fire move or U-turn. On the off chance the opponent has a fire immunity, let's say a Flash Fire Heatran, Groudon comes in and gets a free turn. This might be the woat shiny core tho ngl
This core can struggle with waters, Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, strong fast special attackers, and Rotom-W.

Just wanted to post these cores for people that are unfamiliar with the tier. There are many cores that are used that I did not list, and others that are unexplored. These cores should be a good start for beginners to look out for when building also can we ban Crawdant pls? xoxo
Accepted all minus the Crawdaunt pair! However i've set one to only to Kyurem-W as Kyurem-B limits you offensively against Magnezone, Ferrothorn etc
A couple of offensive BH cores with Regigigas:

:ss/regigigas: :ss/xerneas:
Regigigas @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Facade
- Precipice Blades
- Spikes
- Dragon Dance

Xerneas @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Boomburst
- Rapid Spin
- Strength Sap
- V-create

A fairly typical version of RegiXern, a dangerous, flexible offensive core with a lot of longevity that has taken over as the dominant archetype in BH over the past few months. The synergy between these two is multi-faceted: Xerneas can come in on Core Enforcers aimed at Regigigas and threaten out common users like Giratina, and Xerneas is excellent at forcing Recovers to allow Regigigas in to heal up and take momentum. Both are checked by bulky Steel-types and have various tools to weaken them for the other. In particular, both are great users of Nuzzle and Spikes, and both find it far easier to break through teams with hazards up and Zamazenta-C paralysed. The specific sets are very adaptable: this variant of the core focuses on dominating the hazard game, but there are a ton of great alternative move choices. Swords Dance Regigigas is more effective at busting through bulky Steels for Xerneas, and it loves the free opportunities it can get from Volt Switch Xerneas, which can get it in safely to set up against special walls like Ho-oh and Ice Scales Eternatus.

This core fits well with Pokemon like Groudon and Ho-oh that can switch into Zamazenta-C and get momentum. Ice Scales Eternatus with Trick + Black Sludge is a good choice for Imposter-proofing Xerneas for many RegiXern teams, as it limits Imposter's Strength Sap recovery and can help to push through Steel-types by luring them in to give them the Sludge.

:ss/regigigas: :ss/zamazenta-crowned:
Regigigas @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Facade
- Swords Dance
- Precipice Blades
- Glacial Lance

Zamazenta-Crowned @ Expert Belt
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thunderous Kick
- Sunsteel Strike
- Fishious Rend
- Wicked Blow

Tough Claws Zamazenta-C is a breaker that has the speed, bulk, and typing to threaten most of the metagame. It struggles with not being quite powerful enough to get through dedicated physical walls. SD Regigigas excels at punching holes in defensive cores, which gives Zamazenta-C the room it needs to get kills. If Regigigas has Glacial Lance, Wicked Blow on Zamazenta-C is great for taking out Lunala, and Regigigas comes in freely on Nuzzles and Glares that would cripple Zamazenta-C.
Accepted!
Submission for: 2v2

:SS/Cottonee: :SS/Regidrago: :SS/Cinderace:

Cottonee @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Encore
- Protect
- Leech Seed

Cinderace @ Life Orb
Ability: Libero
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pyro Ball
- Low Kick
- Gunk Shot
- Protect

Regidrago @ Life Orb
Ability: Dragon's Maw
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Dragon Energy
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Fang
- Protect
Cottonee, Regidrago and Cinderace form an offensive core. Cottonee’s Tailwind allows Cinderace and Regidrago to outspeed almost all mons. Cinderace helps Regidrago against Steel and Fairy mons that beat Regidrago. Regidrago helps Cinderace against threats like Scarf Zygarde, Landorus-T, Volcanion and Naganadel. Encore on Cottonee stops Protect and Fake Out.

undefined
Morgan had already made a similar post which i've accepted, feel free to come back and make some more though!
Almost Any Ability: :genesect: and :mew:

There are really too many good sets to count and a lot of the moveslots depend on the coverage you achieve with the rest of your team, but I'll do my best to give a solid-ish voltturn combo here.
Genesect @ Choice Scarf / Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Atk / 36 SpA / 156 Spe
Lonely Nature
- U-turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower

Mew @ Leftovers / Choice Scarf
Ability: Dauntless Shield / Magic Bounce / Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP you really need to figure the rest out yourself sorry
- U-turn / Flip Turn / Teleport / Volt Switch
- Body Press / Ice Beam
- Roost / Trick
- Spikes / Psychic
The essential offensive voltturn core in AAA. this combo has seen nearly a dozen of AAA matches this OMPL season, and for good reason- fast paced and with a wide range of offensive options, Genesect and Mew combine to make great usage of their phenomenal offensive and defensive stats and unpredictable coverage options. And it doesn't stop there- Mew's large (the largest) support movepool allows it to take on both defensive and offensive roles, supporting Genesect and the rest of the team with the looming threat of a boosting set.

:genesect: :mew: + :landorus-therian: :zapdos-galar: :volcanion:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1549585878
MZ runs a whole voltturn team here, with strong uturners in Landorus and Gapdos. Volcanion nicely covers Gensect's fire weakness and adds valuable fire and water coverage, being the perfect target to send in after a pivot on bulky steels like Jirachi.
more volcanion from pdt: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559884295-cdtf4z2oh2927b7sf2rbxejp35cocodpw

:genesect: :mew: + :moltres: :toxapex:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1550400359
Dauntless pivot mew allows for a strong physically defensive set, checking Garchomp who would normally have a field day hunting down Toxapex. Desoland moltres fills in the slight fire weakness, as well as adding another u-turn mon with the threat of a sun boosted weather ball.

:genesect: :mew: + :zygarde-10: :tapu-koko:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950
Pixilate Koko and Zydog are the offensive switches of choice here as MZ chooses to run a slower Mew set, aiming to trick a choice scarf on Chansey to restrict its support moveset while setting spikes.

:genesect: :mew: + :zarude:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1570412372
Physical mew and a slow pivot combine with grassy terrain zarude to outpace fini and Zapdos, two strong defensive mons. Mew especially shows its wide movepool with the use of triple axel being sued to break Zapdos' sub repeatedly, giving Desoland cinderace a chance to come in and deal massive damage.

:genesect: :mew: + :mamoswine: :cinderace: OR :garchomp: :heatran:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1580367499
In this genemew ditto, both users race to see who can get the most kills by pivoting into their ground and fire types. While Beka chose the more fluid route allowing for Cinderace to uturn as well as switch hazards around, strong edgequake garchomp and levitate heatran as an anti-ground (and mamo) set was able to outpace flash fire celesteela.
Gonna have to deny this. You can definitely resubmit with this same core, but just ensure the Mew is more specifically tailored to the core and how it helps Genesect! Looking for an EV spread which flaunts Mews viability as a physical wall to solidify it's place as a core here as the idea is great but it just needs a little bit more specificity for transparency for any new players looking into the format!
Almost Any Ability: :tapu-fini: and :heatran:
Potential sets are once again quite malleable, but follow this general outline.
Tapu Fini @ Rocky Helmet / Leftovers / Choice Scarf
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD OR 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Relaxed Nature / Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- Defog / Trick
- Knock Off / Scald
- Scald / Haze / Ice Beam

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Desolate Land / Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature / Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Solar Beam / Protect
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt / Toxic

Tapu Fini and Heatran work together as one of the most solid balanced cores in AAA, with both mons boasting wide offensive and defensive movepools and great typings and defensive stats that work together to out-check a large chunk of the offensive metagame. Tapu Fini's regenerator sets contain an incredibly wide range of utility, from tricking choice items to stagnate defensive switchins like Chansey or Ferrothorn, as well as having the potential to deal big damage to common dragons with a wide offensive movepool containing ice beam and STAB moonblast. Additionally, utility options like knock off and defog can assist hazards-weak sweepers to come in more easily. Heatran has two main sets in Desolate Land and Mold Breaker, and both of these pair with Fini well, offering important steel, grass, and poison resists. Balance-aligned Heatran sets allow the mon to set rocks and status opponents, weakening walls while still being able to take a few hits itself and maintain a large number of resists and immunities. Mold Breaker on Heatran allows the mon to more effectively pressure flash fires while giving it more lead utility with moves like stealth rock and taunt always passing Magic Bounce.

:tapu-fini: :heatran: + :zygarde-10:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559379979
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1553565579
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1565471007
Fini and Tran are very frequently seen paired with Zygarde-10%, a fast, heavy-hitting Ground type with access to Thousand Arrows, the most versatile ground type move in the game. Zydog additionally has the opportunity to run power construct instead of adaptability, bumping up its midgame versatility to the next level, being able to absorb strong electric type moves and neutral attacks more effectively. Additionally, Zygarde helps target bulky steel types that may run flash fire in an effort to outcompete heatran, such as Corviknight and Ferrothorn.

:tapu-fini: :heatran: + :dhelmise: :mienshao:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1554869793

Tapu Fini and Heatran supported strong offensive pressure in the form of Dhelmise and Mienshao, mons who beat two of the core's biggest switch ins, Fini itself and steel types like Ferrothorn. Pivots like Mienshao also give offensive Heatran sets more room to switch in, allowing the mon to fire off Desolate Land (and potentially choice specs boosted) Magma Storms.
Accepted! Just removing scarf Fini from here as it's too different once talked over with UT
last one for today unless someone gives me ideas

Almost Any Ability: :mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp:
Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Prankster / Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Knock Off / Toxic Spikes
- Scald / Toxic Spikes
- Haze
- Recover

Mandibuzz (F) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dauntless Shield / Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 152 Def / 108 SpD
Impish Nature
- Foul Play
- Defog / Brave Bird
- Roost
- U-turn

Garchomp @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe
Careful Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock

For everyone's least favorite trio to see on preview, Mandibuzz, Toxapex, and Garchomp bring incredible bulk, great typings, and deep utility to the table. Mandibuzz offers a great switch in to non mold-breaker boosters with Unaware, as well as a great slow pivot, longevity from roost, and the potential to do a ton of damage with foul play. Additionaly, dauntless shield seems to be growing in popularity due to its instant utility rather than the conditional utility of unaware. Toxapex is equally as simple, boasting great typing, prankster haze and recovery, and some of the most spammable options in scald and knock off. Finally, Garchomp's great typing offers a much needed electric immunity, as well as the potential to set hazards and switch opponents around with dragon tail. Pair this with some of the best defensive abilities in AAA, regenerator and magic bounce, and you've got yourself a solid defensive core that can shrug off most hits like it's nothing.

:mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp: + :jirachi:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1549585878
Alongside regenvest rachi, this core is able to pivot in and out maintaining high HP until pixilate Tapu Koko comes in and cleans up the game. Pay special attention to the sequence early in the game where Pex's health is prioritized and there is constant healing in the face of Earth Power volcanion, as well as how regen rachi was used to help mitigate damage taken by Mandibuzz from iron head Genesect.
another one: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564038018-3vo2betk12nw7c6wcj40s794iw1n3hqpw

:mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp: + :ferrothorn: :chansey:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559884295-cdtf4z2oh2927b7sf2rbxejp35cocodpw
It seems that a bulky steel is super important on the defensive side of this core, as it is able to effectively absorb attacks that Garchomp may not feel comfortable eating. Additionally, blobs like chansey make the matchup against hard hitting special attackers like Volcanion much easier.
no chansey here but ferro + mew is a little busted too https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950
ferro chansey AND mew lol https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950

:mandibuzz: :toxapex: :garchomp: + :mew:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559679845
This game runs slightly odd sets, but we can see strong synergy in the combination of fast pivot mew and magic bounce toxapex, specifically the turn where pex is switched in for kommo-o mitigation. The choice of infestation pex to force Corviknight out and get TNM another knock is useful (if mz didn't have no item kommo lol). While it isn't active in this replay, spikes mew is a great choice when it comes to defensively pressuring opponents, combined with the potential for phasing with whirlwind and dragon tail.
Accepted!

Whilst we are here, 2v2 Doubles offensive core

:tsareena: :Victini:
Tsareena (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Queenly Majesty
EVs: 56 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Power Whip
- Feint
- Low Kick / Triple Axle
- Protect

Victini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 16 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
- V-create
- Bolt Strike
- Zen Headbutt
- Glaciate

Tsareena spread is so that it can outspeed Naganadel -1, 4SpD for Download purposes, rest dumped into HP. Victini outspeeds Pheromosa. Now to the core, Tsareena circumvents Fake Out, Tapu Fini, Blastoise, and Stakataka while Victini is able to punch through Metagross and Celesteela. Feint is especially great for OHKOing unsuspecting foes inconjunction with Choice Scarf Victini. Fast Glaciate advocates for Latios so Tsareena can KO it. The core is extremely offensively pressuring and completely punishes passive scouts and frail builds that rely on non scarfers for speed control from Zeraora or Pheromosa.
 

pannu

THE GONG OF KNOCKOUT
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Ferrothorn @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Strength Sap
- Spikes / Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Grav Apple / Body Press

Toxapex @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Flip Turn
- Knock Off
- Poison Fang / Scald
- Clear Smog / Whirlpool
My brother in christ the name of the thread is "good cores" why on earth are you posting AV pex on a balance core


good stab cores:

:tyranitar: + :toxapex:

Im not gonna name specific sets cuz literally any mix of these 2 are good but TTar + Pex is a very competent core in stab. Notably Pex can safely switch into an overwhelming majority of pokemon that either:
A. switch into Tar (Corv, opposing Pex, Celesteela, among others.)
B. switch into a lot of pokemon that revenge kill / force out ttar (Offtorn, Cinderace, etc), as well as fighting moves in general
C. Switch into mons that do both (Urshi-RS, Keld, Buzz)
While also providing flip turn support to safely get it in and being able to toxic the likes of Seismitoad, Buzz, and Tangrowth, to help tyranitar be able to break through and outlast them.

Tyranitar on the other hand is able to handle most of the pokemon that annoy Pex, notably Kyurem, Reuniclus, and Thundurus-T, while also being able to supply hazard support and priority. depending on what set Tyranitar is running this core is also a passable check to certain offensive threats in the tier like Gengar, Aerodactyl, and Gyarados.

:corviknight: + :seismitoad:

Another very sound Defensive core. This one covers most of the things in the meta rn, notably pairing these two up let u check every ttar set, Aerodactyl, and Excadrill. Corviknight is able to Pressure stall opposing defog users to let Seis' hazards stay up. While seismitoad checks fire- and electric-types for Corv. Anchor shot corv is also lit with seis cuz it hinders cm clef which otherwise uses seis as set up fodder

:clefable: + :ferrothorn:

sets dont rlly matter here that than clef has spin and ferros got spikes. I really like this core cuz fsr clef gets spin and that means that for spikestack teams it can clear its side of hazards but let your own hazards stay up. Ferro is the most consistent spiker in the tier IMO so the synergy here is sorta obvious. Defensively speaking, Clef is able to handle certain fighting-moves directed towards ferro while ferro can pivot into overwhelming Water- or Electric-type moves for it.

:tornadus-therian: + :kyurem:
(torn doesnt have to be AV for this to work, just happened to be so on the team i used this core on. The important part is U-turn and its wide movepool.)

Alot of the things that Switch into Torn-T such as Toxapex, Rotom-W, Seismitoad and Corviknight, alot are total bait for Kyurem, which lets Tornadus get free U-turns and safely bring in Kyurem. Furthermore, its got a very wide movepool to support Kyurem, being able to Defog away hazards, lure Steel-types and Tyranitar with Superpower, and Knock Off Corviknight, Rotom-H, Blissey, and Clefable.

wanted to add more n do some for gg as well so might double post / do one later this wekeend
 

Tea Guzzler

forever searching for a 10p freddo
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:ss/xerneas::ss/regigigas::ss/zygarde-complete:
balanced core (i don't know if this counts just because regixern is already there, but it plays differently to mamp's ver)
Regigigas @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Facade
- Knock Off
- Spikes
- Flip Turn

Zygarde-Complete @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Thousand Waves
- Volt Switch
- Core Enforcer
- Roost

Xerneas @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Boomburst
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch
- Strength Sap
RegiXern is all-around an excellent core in BH due to both mons' immense durability and offensive presence. The sets listed above are a slower, hazard-stacking core that aim to win long term against the enemy - Regigigas can easily set Spikes and use Nuzzle as a tool to punish any Spin attempts / faster threats like Zamazenta-C and Eternatus. Flip Turn turns slow, passive Magic Bounce users into free momentum (it helps that these tend to be Dragon-types like Zygarde-C and Giratina, giving free entry to Xerneas). Zygarde-C is here to provide general Bounce support and a Regigigas check, Imposter-proofs both itself and Regigigas, and minimizes how passive it is with Volt Switch. Boots Xerneas is general-purpose hazard control that fits on basically every team and adores how freely it can get in via pivoting moves, whilst also providing an avenue to clean up late game.

This core isn't focused on immediate power; a wallbreaker like Kyurem-Black can be used to massively exploit all the pivoting being thrown about, though these 3 alone are capable of winning long-term and the rest of the team can focus mostly on defensive counterplay. Allies like Imposter Chansey and Melmetal are useful for Imposter-proofing Xerneas, whereas offensive teammates like Groudon and Eternatus can accelerate the push against Steel-types.

offensive core
:ss/lunala::ss/xerneas:
Lunala @ Focus Sash
Ability: Simple
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- No Retreat
- Stored Power
- Astral Barrage
- Final Gambit

Xerneas @ Life Orb
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Boomburst
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Fishious Rend
Simple + No Retreat Lunala is one of BH's strongest sweepers - it's massive sweeping potential comes off of a +2, 220BP STAB Stored Power that can OHKO the majority of the metagame. Despite this sheer power, Lunala often finds itself unable to break past targets like Ice Scales and RegenVest users - this is where Xerneas comes in, as it's absurd mixed attacking power allow it to blast clean through these and make sweeping with Lunala easier. In addition, Xerneas has multiple options for coverage which can be used to disrupt and overwhelm checks, such as Blue Flare to break Melmetal or Explosion to smash any one target and give Lunala a free switch. Quiver Dance can even be used to attempt a sweep of it's own if Lunala manages to connect Final Gambit into the enemy's Prankster user.

These 2 sets lack any longevity (and most variants of both will be sacking themselves), so are best used on Hyper Offensive structures where this isn't a factor. Other setup sweepers like Kyurem-Black can abuse the holes left by these 2 to run away with the game. Yveltal is able to Imposter-proof Lunala whilst still posing an offensive threat, and Shift Gear Ho-Oh works as a great tool for Imposter-proofing Xerneas and setting up in it's face (Desolate Land can be used if running Fishious Rend Xerneas).
 

drampa's grandpa

cannonball
is a Community Contributoris a Community Leader Alumnus
:ss/volcarona::ss/latios:
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Blue Flare
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic

Latios (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dragon Energy
- Psystrike
- Memento / Healing Wish
- Aura Sphere

Excellent offensive STAB core. Latios brings in Tyranitar, Blissey, Slowthings, etc. as checks and rips them apart thanks to its huge initial power. All of these, most notably Tyranitar, are stumbling blocks for Volcarona sweeps. Aura Sphere is chosen specifically for Tyranitar, which Dragon Energy cannot reliably deal with due to sand chip, and is the main target of this set.

Lategame Memento can be used to give Volcarona an opportunity to set up. Alternatively Healing Wish can give Volcarona a second chance if it gets statused or excessively chipped.

This core wants good hazard removal. Rocks being up really hurts Latios' power, and while Volcarona has Boots, if it loses those it becomes the infamously rock weak bug we know it is.
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Dragon Energy (150 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Slowbro: 441-520 (112.2 - 132.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Dragon Energy (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 247-292 (62.6 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Dragon Energy (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 166-196 (42.1 - 49.7%) -- 88.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Dragon Energy (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 177-208 (43.8 - 51.4%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 252-300 (62.3 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Blissey: 444-523 (62.1 - 73.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 216-255 (54.8 - 64.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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berry

what kind
is a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a member of the Battle Simulator Staff
Almost Any Ability: :genesect: and :mew:

There are really too many good sets to count and a lot of the moveslots depend on the coverage you achieve with the rest of your team, but I'll do my best to give a solid-ish voltturn combo here.
Genesect @ Choice Scarf / Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Atk / 36 SpA / 156 Spe
Lonely Nature
- U-turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower

Mew @ Leftovers / Choice Scarf
Ability: Dauntless Shield / Magic Bounce / Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP you really need to figure the rest out yourself sorry
- U-turn / Flip Turn / Teleport / Volt Switch
- Body Press / Ice Beam
- Roost / Trick
- Spikes / Psychic

The essential offensive voltturn core in AAA. this combo has seen nearly a dozen of AAA matches this OMPL season, and for good reason- fast paced and with a wide range of offensive options, Genesect and Mew combine to make great usage of their phenomenal offensive and defensive stats and unpredictable coverage options. And it doesn't stop there- Mew's large (the largest) support movepool allows it to take on both defensive and offensive roles, supporting Genesect and the rest of the team with the looming threat of a boosting set.

:genesect: :mew: + :landorus-therian: :zapdos-galar: :volcanion:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1549585878
MZ runs a whole voltturn team here, with strong uturners in Landorus and Gapdos. Volcanion nicely covers Gensect's fire weakness and adds valuable fire and water coverage, being the perfect target to send in after a pivot on bulky steels like Jirachi.
more volcanion from pdt: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559884295-cdtf4z2oh2927b7sf2rbxejp35cocodpw

:genesect: :mew: + :moltres: :toxapex:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1550400359
Dauntless pivot mew allows for a strong physically defensive set, checking Garchomp who would normally have a field day hunting down Toxapex. Desoland moltres fills in the slight fire weakness, as well as adding another u-turn mon with the threat of a sun boosted weather ball.

:genesect: :mew: + :zygarde-10: :tapu-koko:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950
Pixilate Koko and Zydog are the offensive switches of choice here as MZ chooses to run a slower Mew set, aiming to trick a choice scarf on Chansey to restrict its support moveset while setting spikes.

:genesect: :mew: + :zarude:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1570412372
Physical mew and a slow pivot combine with grassy terrain zarude to outpace fini and Zapdos, two strong defensive mons. Mew especially shows its wide movepool with the use of triple axel being sued to break Zapdos' sub repeatedly, giving Desoland cinderace a chance to come in and deal massive damage.

:genesect: :mew: + :mamoswine: :cinderace: OR :garchomp: :heatran:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1580367499
In this genemew ditto, both users race to see who can get the most kills by pivoting into their ground and fire types. While Beka chose the more fluid route allowing for Cinderace to uturn as well as switch hazards around, strong edgequake garchomp and levitate heatran as an anti-ground (and mamo) set was able to outpace flash fire celesteela.
redoing this core with an actual mew set
Almost Any Ability: :genesect: and :mew:

Genesect @ Choice Scarf / Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Atk / 36 SpA / 156 Spe
Lonely Nature
- U-turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Dauntless Shield / Magic Bounce
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- U-turn / Teleport
- Body Press / Ice Beam
- Roost
- Spikes / Psychic

The essential offensive voltturn core in AAA. this combo has seen nearly a dozen of AAA matches this OMPL season, and for good reason- fast paced and with a wide range of offensive options, Genesect and Mew combine to make great usage of their phenomenal offensive and defensive stats and unpredictable coverage options. And it doesn't stop there- Mew's large (the largest) support movepool allows it to take on both defensive and offensive roles, supporting Genesect and the rest of the team with the looming threat of a boosting set.

:genesect: :mew: + :landorus-therian: :zapdos-galar: :volcanion:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1549585878
MZ runs a whole voltturn team here, with strong uturners in Landorus and Gapdos. Volcanion nicely covers Gensect's fire weakness and adds valuable fire and water coverage, being the perfect target to send in after a pivot on bulky steels like Jirachi.
more volcanion from pdt: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1559884295-cdtf4z2oh2927b7sf2rbxejp35cocodpw

:genesect: :mew: + :moltres: :toxapex:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1550400359
Dauntless pivot mew allows for a strong physically defensive set, checking Garchomp who would normally have a field day hunting down Toxapex. Desoland moltres fills in the slight fire weakness, as well as adding another u-turn mon with the threat of a sun boosted weather ball.

:genesect: :mew: + :zygarde-10: :tapu-koko:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1564765950
Pixilate Koko and Zydog are the offensive switches of choice here as MZ chooses to run a slower Mew set, aiming to trick a choice scarf on Chansey to restrict its support moveset while setting spikes.

:genesect: :mew: + :zarude:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1570412372
Physical mew and a slow pivot combine with grassy terrain zarude to outpace fini and Zapdos, two strong defensive mons. Mew especially shows its wide movepool with the use of triple axel being sued to break Zapdos' sub repeatedly, giving Desoland cinderace a chance to come in and deal massive damage.

:genesect: :mew: + :mamoswine: :cinderace: OR :garchomp: :heatran:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8almostanyability-1580367499
In this genemew ditto, both users race to see who can get the most kills by pivoting into their ground and fire types. While Beka chose the more fluid route allowing for Cinderace to uturn as well as switch hazards around, strong edgequake garchomp and levitate heatran as an anti-ground (and mamo) set was able to outpace flash fire celesteela.
 
BH Core:
:ss/giratina: + :ss/tapu fini: + :ss/chansey: / :ss/blissey:
Giratina @ Griseous Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
IVs: 0 Spe
- Teleport
- Spectral Thief / Knock Off / Nuzzle
- Core Enforcer / Entrainment
- Shore Up

Tapu Fini @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Defog / Rapid Spin / Spikes
- Scald / Will-O-Wisp
- Flip Turn / Teleport
- Baneful Bunker

Chansey / Blissey @ Eviolite / Shed Shell / Toxic Orb
Ability: Imposter
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Spikes / Will-O-Wisp / Haze
- Rapid Spin / Defog
- Jungle Healing / Aromatherapy
- Soft Boiled
Giratina, Tapu Fini, and Imposter form a powerful defensive core on stall teams in BH, as they each shut down each other's counters. Giratina and Tapu Fini keep off hazards and block item removal for Imposter. Tapu Fini walls Glacial Lance and Core Enforcer for Giratina and Nuzzle for both teammates. Giratina shuts down Regigigas, which beats Tapu Fini and non Toxic Orb Imposter. Imposter threatens setup sweepers looking to exploit Giratina and Tapu Fini's passivity and, if holding Toxic Orb, beats Poison Heal mons that Giratina and Tapu Fini struggle to wear down. Tapu Fini and Imposter can stay keep themselves healthy without expending PP in longer games.
 
Gonna post an AAA Offensive core here real quick.

:ss/zarude: + :sm/tapu-lele:

Zarude @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- U-turn
- Close Combat
- Darkest Lariat

Tapu Lele @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt

I've been playing around with a team that uses this core, and from what I've seen, it works really well. The main idea is to overwhelm the other's checks, and catch frailer, faster Pokemon with Grassy Glide, such as Barraskewda. For Example: Lele struggles to break past RegenVest Jirachi, while Zarude struggles vs PhysDef Corviknight. Lele can use Thunderbolt to blow away non-Volt Absorb variants of the bird, while Darkest Lariat absolutely packs Jirachi. Zarude being a physical attacker and Lele being a special attacker helps walls be broken down more easily.

Helpful Teammates:

:ss/cinderace: :xy/heatran:

Offensive and Defensive Fire Types such as Cinderace and Heatran provide good counters to Genesect, and they're able to revenge kill it or answer it defensively. Zarude specifically can U-turn out of Genesect and bring in Cinderace.


:xy/terrakion:

Terrakion + Zarude + Tapu Lele form a very potent offensive trio, and can help vs other Pokemon. Specifically, Terrakion scares faster threats like Talonflame from coming in to beat down Zarude + Lele. The three also form a Fighting/Psychic/Dark core to overwhelm many defensive Pokemon in the metagame.
 
:ss/Zapdos-Galar: + :ss/Tapu Koko:

WIPE YOUR NOSE (Zapdos-Galar) @ Choice Band
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Thunderous Kick

LOOK AT ME (Tapu Koko) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt / Discharge / Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- U-turn / Nature’s Madness
- Roost

6137938C-F1BD-45FD-95B2-121341A48FB3.jpeg


This core is the most button clicky thing I have ever seen. Mglo koko is walled by Tran, Ferro, Lando, Blissey, Chansey, VA Corv, VA Moltres, VA Skarm, VA Pex, and Swampert. While TC adamant banded GZap is walled by…revenge killers. These two form a very potent volt-turn core with GZap taking out or chunking any of Tapu Kokos checks / counters and Tapu Koko helping check the revenge killers that take out GZap such as Tflame, Zapdos, jolly GZap, scarf GZap and some others I’m probably forgetting. Moral of the story: strong core that go button clicky and no need brain think so make happy.
 
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