ORAS LC Good Cores Thread

Coconut

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original post by boltsandbombers
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description stolen from The Avalanches


ORAS LC Good Cores



A strong core is one of the single 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, while 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.

Here is an updated Good Cores thread, our last one was a tad outdated with some of the cores, but this one will be kept up to date. Post your cores with some reasoning and if the core is solid, it will be added to the OP. Please play with your core before you post it here, we are looking for cores that are generally proven to work. Otherwise, enjoy!

Please post your core in this format.

Diglett @ Life Orb
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Sucker Punch
- Substitute

Fletchling
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 92 Def / 100 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- U-turn

One of the most well-known offensive cores, the main goal of the core is the set up a Swords Dance with Fletchling and sweep the enemy team with the boosted power from itemless Acrobatics. The main job of Diglett is to trap and remove opposing threats that would wall Diglett. Earthquake generally hits Steel-Types, Rock-Types and Electric-Types, all of which threaten the ability for Fletchling to sweep.
 

Coconut

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Offensive Cores

Diglett @ Life Orb
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Sucker Punch
- Substitute

Fletchling
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 92 Def / 100 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- U-turn

One of the most well-known offensive cores, the main goal of the core is the set up a Swords Dance with Fletchling and sweep the enemy team with the boosted power from itemless Acrobatics. The main job of Diglett is to trap and remove opposing threats that would wall Diglett. Earthquake generally hits Steel-Types, Rock-Types and Electric-Types, all of which threaten the ability for Fletchling to sweep.



Snover @ Eviolite
Ability: Snow Warning
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 120 Def / 24 SpA / 120 SpD / 40 Spe
Bold Nature
- Blizzard
- Hidden Power [Fighting] / Hidden Power [Fire]
- Giga Drain
- Ice Shard

Carvanha @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 5
EVs: 36 Def / 236 SpA / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 HP
- Substitute
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Blizzard

Bulky Snover checks a bunch of stuff, notably Chinchou and Pumpkaboo, while having enough bulk to act as a reliable switch-in to a plethora of neutral attacks. The Hidden Power varies depending on whether you want to smack Pawniard switch-ins or get rid of Ferroseed, which significantly troubles Carvanha. Special Carvanha still packs a wallop with Hydro Pump and Dark Pulse, and Blizzard is a fantastic coverage move when paired with Snover's Snow Warning. Timid Nature and Substitute allow it to safely get a Speed boost and it can essentially nab a free hit on a possible switch-in. It also allows it to dodge annoying priority from Croagunk and Timburr, as well as status if that should become an issue.



Shellder @ Eviolite
Ability: Skill Link
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Icicle Spear
- Rock Blast
- Ice Shard
- Shell Smash

Diglett @ Life Orb
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Sucker Punch
- Substitute

sheldig is great, use it. shellder is one of the best cleaners in the meta being able to setup up on a lot and is stopped by really little (OHKOs standard mienfoo after rocks!). Simple to use, diglett is broken, shellder is useful even if it doesn't sweep, and is one of the few sweepers who isn't hindered by fletchling.



Zigzagoon @ Berry Juice
Ability: Pickup
Level: 5
EVs: 132 HP / 196 Atk / 108 Def / 28 SpD / 36 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Extreme Speed
- Seed Bomb / Thief
- Protect / Thief

Zorua @ Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 19 HP
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- U-turn
- Memento

OR

Zorua @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Illusion
Level: 5
EVs: 156 Atk / 116 SpA / 236 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
- Extrasensory / HP Fite
- U-turn / Memento

Everybody knows Ziggy is a threat, but like, what stops it?? Stuff like Gastly, Pawniard, Timburr, the likes. That's where Zorua comes in! Make Zorua pose as Ziggy, and the opponent will automatically send in their premier Ziggy Check™. Should you elect to use Life Orb Zorua, you can utilize such things as Sucker Punch and Memento to remove Gastly and allow Ziggy to set up on a -2 -2 opponent. On the other hand, the Choice Scarf set is guaranteed to demolish any Gastly, and can surprise mons like Timburr or Pawniard with appropriate coverage. Zorua is also generally good as a Dark-type attacker, and since it shares Fighting-type checks with Ziggy, it can wear them down. Just don't Memento on Pawn and you should be having a nifty lil time



Carvanha @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 9 HP
- Protect
- Waterfall
- Destiny Bond
- Crunch

Riolu @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 Spe
Impish Nature
- Copycat
- High Jump Kick
- Blaze Kick / Protect
- Toxic

This is something I've been playing around with, it's meant to be a dual cleaner core, mainly focusing on Riolu. Carvanha helps to lure in things that Riolu cannot deal with, like Foongus, Spritzee, Vullaby, etc while also managing to check Pokemon like Larvesta, Ponyta, etc. Meanwhile, Riolu helps deal with things like Ferroseed and can kill Fletchling. It also lures in Spritzee, and can beat Calm Mind Spritzee with Toxic. Blaze Kick can be used to deal some damage to Foongus, but I haven't found it to be too useful yet. It's also useful in being a psuedo-hazard setter and psuedo-hazard cleaner, due to Copycat. It's also pretty cool in that it can beat Abra, even more so due to how Abra has stopped running Protect. Obviously this core is nowhere near a defensive core, it can lose greatly if you lose offensive pressure, while also sometimes not providing as much offensive support as needed. Some cool teammates are things that can take care of Pokemon like Grass-types, like Foongus or Chespin. Archen is kinda cool to help, as it provides Stealth Rock or Defog so Riolu doesn't always have to Copycat and make the plays, while also beating some Fighting-types that the core can struggle with. Knock Off support can be good too, however it isn't as needed as Carvanha can Destiny Bond any key threat that Riolu or the team doesn't want to deal with, so I tend to sac it early unless Carvanha can actually clean. All in all this core is really cool just clean up with, as your options are actually suprisingly varying



Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 116 Def / 196 SpD
Impish Nature
- Baton Pass
- Knock Off / Substitute
- High Jump Kick
- Swords Dance

Carvanha @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 9 HP
- Aqua Jet
- Crunch
- Waterfall
- Protect
A tried and true core from who knows where, slow Baton Pass Mienfoo is a perfect partner for Carvanha. The Pokemon Mienfoo lures in tend to be bulkier Pokemon, such as Spritzee. This Mienfoo set can set up a Swords Dance or a Substitute on a predicted switch, and then take a hit and Baton Pass out to Carvanha. At +2 Attack, which isn't difficult to pass thanks to Mienfoo's bulk, Carvanha can terrorize opposing teams. Because of Regenerator, Mienfoo can even sometimes pass a second Attack boost to a teammate late-game after Carvanha is gone. The only downside to using this core is that at this point, many LCers will recognize that Mienfoo is Baton Pass when they see it with Carvanha in team preview, which takes some of the surprise factor out. This core struggles immensely with Cottonee, and with a few bulky Pokemon like Foongus, so counters to these mons are nice. Hazards are also cool for this core since they eliminate a lot of the rolls Carvanha faces (give it a reliable OHKO on Fletch with Aqua Jet, reliable OHKO on Foongus with Crunch, etc. etc.)



Aipom @ Life Orb
Ability: Skill Link
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Knock Off
- Fury Swipes
- Brick Break

Fletchling
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 252 Def / 36 SpA / 24 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Overheat
- Roost
This is a super fun Normal-spam core, and its super easy to use. Aipom and Fletchling have a huge amount of their checks in common, and many of these checks get worn down easily throughout a match. Nothing really enjoys switching into Aipom, since it hits crazy hard with Fury Swipes, and knock Evios and Berry Juices off of anything that resists Fury Swipes. After a match of being pressured by Aipom and other teammates, bulky Rock- and Steel-types are generally worn down enough that Fletchling can sweep fairly easily. Obviously this team appreciates Pokemon that help wear down these Rock- and Steel-types, as well as a good Chinchou counter. Hazards are nice because this core likes to wear things down. Heysup brought this core to SPL, and you can see his team with it here.

 
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Coconut

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Balance Cores

Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 36 Def / 196 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Fake Out / Taunt / High Jump Kick / Stone Edge

Foongus @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 124 HP / 160 Def / 160 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 1 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 30 Spe
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fighting] / Hidden Power [Fire] / Clear Smog
*if using Hidden Power Fire, change the Attack IV to 2, otherwise you'll end up with a different Hidden Power

This is a pretty standard core that I'm sure most people know about by now. The point of the core is to stay healthy throughout the game by using Regenerator to recover health. Both of these Pokemon can also place pressure on the opposing team, despite neither having any offensive investment. Mienfoo's Drain Punch is moderately powerful, and it has nearly perfect coverage between Drain Punch and Knock Off. Knock Off by itself isn't a bad move either, since it cripples both offensive and defensive teams. U-Turn is a great move on Mienfoo, since it allows it to both gain momentum and recover HP at the same time. The final move on Mienfoo is a bit of a toss-up and is really based on the rest of the team. Fake Out can be used to break Sturdies and provide chip damage. Taunt allows Mienfoo to check many setup sweepers and bulky Pokemon. High Jump Kick can be used for sheer power, especially since Mienfoo can recover most of the damage from a missed High Jump Kick with Regenerator. Stone Edge gives it the ability to hit Pokemon like Fletchling and Ponyta, both of which like switching into the core. Foongus provides pressure in a slightly different manner, using Spore to force switches. However, once Spore has been used, Foongus is not dead weight- its excellent typing lets it check Fighting types and Chinchou. Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb do reasonable damage, but are mainly there for the utility of recovering health and a chance to poison, respectively. The final move, once again, is really dependent on the rest of the team. Hidden Power Fighting lets it threaten Pawniard, who is very fond of switching in on Foongus. Hidden Power Fire lets it hit Pawniard, but not as hard, while covering Ferroseed better. Clear Smog can be used to stop setup sweepers, but Foongus' low Speed means it will have to take a hit before it clears the opponent's boosts. All in all, this is a very solid core that many people have had success with, and it's excellent for newer players since Regenerator makes it more forgiving if the player makes a mistake. Options to use with this core include checks to Fletchling and Abra, both of which hit both members of the core for super effective STAB damage.



Stunky @ Eviolite
Ability: Aftermath
Level: 5
EVs: 16 HP / 12 Atk / 224 Def / 68 SpA / 188 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Defog/Memento
- Sludge Bomb

Timburr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Def / 236 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Mach Punch

Aight so this Stunky/Timburr core is fairly straight forward. Gastly, Gothita, and in particular Abra give Timburr heaps of trouble, and even though people love pointing out that timburr can be bulky enough to live a psychic, it then is incapable of sweeping. Stunky's job is to remove those pesky mons through pursuit trapping (and to a lesser degree fairies through sludge bomb), and it can also provide Memento support to pave the way for a Bulk Up sweep.
 
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Coconut

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Defensive Cores

Spritzee @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 212 HP / 196 Def / 12 SpA / 76 SpD / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Wish
- Protect
- Moonblast

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 84 HP / 36 Atk / 188 Def / 148 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Bullet Seed
- Spikes/Stealth Rock
- Knock Off

FerroSpritz is a very common ORAS LC core, acting as a very good backbone for Stall, or even Balanced teams. Their synergy is very nice if you play correctly. Ferroseed provides your team with hazards, and a resistance to Steel and Poison, so Spritzee is gonna stay alive a lot more. Ferroseed gives you hazards, and resists all of Spritzee's weaknesses, pretty much. But what is Spritzee doing for Ferroseed? A lot. Spritzee takes most Fire-types in the tier when it's at a decent amount of HP,checks all fighting types that scare out Ferroseed (barring Croagod), then tops it off with Wish support, which helps Ferroseed SO MUCH because Leech Seed is the only viable recovery that Ferroseed has; which doesn't help it survive the entire battle.



Spritzee @ Eviolite
Ability: Aroma Veil
Level: 5
EVs: 212 HP / 196 Def / 12 SpA / 76 SpD / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
- Moonblast
- Heal Bell / Calm Mind
- Protect
- Wish

Chespin @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 68 HP / 28 Atk / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Seed Bomb
- Drain Punch
- Synthesis

Honedge @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 196 Atk / 116 Def / 140 SpD / 52 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Iron Head
- Sacred Sword
- Shadow Sneak

OR

Honedge @ Eviolite
Ability: No Guard
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 220 SpD / 52 Spe
Careful Nature
- Sacred Sword
- Iron Head
- Pursuit
- Shadow Sneak
 
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Carvanha @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 9 HP
- Protect
- Waterfall
- Destiny Bond
- Crunch


Riolu @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 116 Spe
Impish Nature
- Copycat
- High Jump Kick
- Blaze Kick / Protect
- Toxic

This is something I've been playing around with, it's meant to be a dual cleaner core, mainly focusing on Riolu. Carvanha helps to lure in things that Riolu cannot deal with, like Foongus, Spritzee, Vullaby, etc while also managing to check Pokemon like Larvesta, Ponyta, etc. Meanwhile, Riolu helps deal with things like Ferroseed and can kill Fletchling. It also lures in Spritzee, and can beat Calm Mind Spritzee with Toxic. Blaze Kick can be used to deal some damage to Foongus, but I haven't found it to be too useful yet. It's also useful in being a psuedo-hazard setter and psuedo-hazard cleaner, due to Copycat. It's also pretty cool in that it can beat Abra, even more so due to how Abra has stopped running Protect. ITS ALSO CUTE AS FUCK. Obviously this core is nowhere near a defensive core, it can lose greatly if you lose offensive pressure, while also sometimes not providing as much offensive support as needed. Some cool teammates are things that can take care of Pokemon like Grass-types, like Foongus or Chespin. Archen is kinda cool to help, as it provides Stealth Rock or Defog so Riolu doesn't always have to Copycat and make the plays, while also beating some Fighting-types that the core can struggle with. Knock Off support can be good too, however it isn't as needed as Carvanha can Destiny Bond any key threat that Riolu or the team doesn't want to deal with, so I tend to sac it early unless Carvanha can actually clean. All in all this core is really cool just clean up with, as your options are actually suprisingly varying
 

Tyrunt @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 204 Atk / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Stone Edge
- Outrage
- Earthquake




Foongus @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 124 HP / 160 Def / 160 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]




Staryu @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Psychic
- Recover


Tyrunt is an amazing wallbreaker with two powerful STABS which are only resisted by Steel types, a type that has only 3 mons with high usage(Ferro,Pawn,Mag) in the meta, it also has the potential to be an annoying late game sweeper after a DD boost but for that it needs Fairies and Fightings types out of the way. Foongus checks both of these types and can spam Spore which allows Tyrunt to switch in and setup Dragon Dance, alternatively Tyrunt can also switch in and setup on Fletchling's acro, Foongus can also lure in Ferroseed and hit it with HP Fire which otherwise is very annoying for the core. Foongus is weak to fire types and while Tyrunt resists Fire types but wont like switching into a Wisp and Staryu doesnt minds either of them and helps get rid of entry hazards to keep Tyrunt's sturdy intact and can check Ground types such as Drilbur or Onix who threaten Tyrunt with their STAB Earthquake and also resists Steel type attacks which Tyrunt is also weak to and ohkoes Croagunk with Psychic, who can become annoying once Sleep Cause is activated. Scarf Pawniard is a good teammate as it traps Abra who is a huge threat for this core and provides Knock Off to weaken bulky mons, Fletchling benefits too as the core takes out most Fletchling checks.
 
So just a disclaimer before I start: I don't know if this counts as a core. But since my definition of core is "two mons who compliment each other and can together acheive a bigger goal," I felt this fit.


Vulpix @ Heat Rock
Level: 5
Ability: Drought
EVs: 52 HP / 196 SpA / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Energy Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Quick Attack

Bellsprout @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 36 HP / 76 Def / 196 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
- Solar Beam
- Sleep Powder
- Weather Ball
- Sludge Bomb

So if you ladder in LC, you have probably seen a team built around these mons, and for good reason: Bellsprout is a great sun sweeper. The goal is to sweep with Chlorophyll Sprout after setting up the sun with Drought Vulpix. Bellsprout makes such a good sun sweeper because of doubling its speed with Chlorophyll in the sun while using its powerful special attack stat and its 2 STAB moves: Sludge Bomb and Solar Beam. Also, in the sun Weather Ball is a fire attack that can defeat otherwise threats like Ferroseed or Pawniard. In its last slot, Sprout usually runs Sleep Powder to neutralize threats such as diglett who can live a hit with Focus Sash and respond by killing Sprout. But no Sprout could even outspeed a Bulbasaur without the support from Vulpix. Since Vulpix is also a compitent special attacker so giving it Fire Blast for STAB and Energy Ball for incoming Water or Rock types. Will-o-wisp is there to negate some physical sweepers' damage to itself and Sprout and potentially whitle down walls like Manatyke or Munchlax who are good special walls to counter this core. Finally, Quick Attack is there for priority and to revenge kill Abra after Sprout brings it down to Sash. All in all, this common core has been a staple in LC since madoka brought it into the spotlight (although it isn't as good as it once was) and can help a good player rise to the top of the ladder.

For more information on building a team around these mons check out:
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/shine-bright-like-a-vulpix.3532658/

Also since this is one of my first posts any feedback on my explanation is welcome via PM on Pokemon Showdown.
 
So, here's some I use:

Onix, DD Tyrunt and Gothita:

Tyrunt @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 204 Atk / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Stone Edge
- Outrage
- Earthquake

Onix @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Roar

Gothita @ Choice Scarf
Level: 5
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 36 Def / 236 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
- Psychic
- Hidden Power Fire
- Energy Ball
- Trick

Simply put, Onix sets rocks and then annoys the opponent and stuff. The opponent then usually switches in their Onix check, which also probably happens to be their main Thrust check to KO it, at which point Gothita can trap and destroy it. Tyrunt now gets an easier sweep. The end. This core benefits from a hazard remover for Tyrunts Sturdy-Juice and another Steel-Type check.

Offensive Porygon and Snubbull:

Porygon @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Download
EVs: 156 HP / 40 Def / 240 SpA / 40 Spe
Modest Nature
- Tri Attack
- Psychic
- Hidden Power Fire
- Recover

Snubbull @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Atk / 196 Def / 116 SpD / 116 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thief
- Play Rough
- Earthquake
- Thunder Wave

This duo has great type synergy and some great defensive and offensive skills. Both are quite bulky, whilst Snubbulls Thief and Thunder Wave can slow down and cripple many Pokemon, for Porygon to switch in on and boost.

Hippo Plus Lileep:

Hippopotas @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 132 Def / 180 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Rock Tomb
- Whirlwind

Lileep @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 228 HP / 140 Def / 140 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Giga Drain
- Recover
- Ancient Power

Everybody's favourite LC Sandsetter is back. Essentially, this core sets sand to do chip damage and then walls stuff with ridiculous defences. Consider giving Hippo rocks over rock tomb and replacing Lileeps with Sandstorm for long stall matches.

Hippo Plus Vullaby:

Hippopotas @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 132 Def / 180 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind

Vullaby @ Eviolite
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Foul Play
- U-turn
- Roost
- Defog

This core is perfect for any stall-y team which wants a hard check to sun, as Sand Stream stops Vulpix's drought and Vullaby can beat the common sweepers such as Bellsprout which try to abuse it.

Fletch-Fish:

Barboach @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 36 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 28 SpD / 196 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Bounce

Fletchling
Level: 5
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 156 HP / 196 Atk / 92 Def / 52 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- U-turn
- Swords Dance
- Roost

Bulky grass types make Barboach a meh mon. What beats them? Fletching. Magnemite hard checks Fletching. Barboach completely walls it without HP Grass.

TadTyke:

Lotad @ Life Orb
Level: 5
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 116 Def / 196 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
- Surf
- Rain Dance
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam

Mantyke @ Life Orb
Level: 5
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 76 HP / 36 Def / 200 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Rain Dance
- Air Slash
- Hidden Power Ground

One likes rain. The other likes rain. One can consistently set rain. One needs rain to function cause it's bulks quite low. Mantyke can set rain for Lotad, Mantyke can attempt a sweep. If Mantyke is KOed and fails, Lotad can revenge with Swift Swim and destroy stuff. After rocks, Lotad will have a chance to 2HJO most of the meta but relies on this Rain as otherwise it's be KO'd easily.

ManChin:

Mantyke @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 156 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD / 36 Spe
Calm Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Scald
- Air Slash

Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Heal Bell

This synergy is ace. Both mins are stall-y. Both are crippled by their weaknesses to Electric and Ground moves, respectively. Both are immune to Ground and Electric moves, respectively. Not only that, but Mantyke can take almost every special attack since ever and when it eventually needs healing it can Rest then Chinchou can Heal Bell it and pivot it back in...You get the idea.

DrillTyke:

Mantyke @ Life Orb
Level: 5
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 76 HP / 36 Def / 200 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Rain Dance
- Air Slash
- Hidden Power Ground

Drilbur @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 36 HP / 76 Atk / 36 Def / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock

DrillTyke has one big reason to use. It supports a Mantyke sweep massively, as what more does Mantyke need than all hazards gone, rocks up and an electric immune mon to function? Also, Mantyke takes care of those pesky water types DrillTyke hates.

DigTyke:

Mantyke @ Life Orb
Level: 5
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 76 HP / 36 Def / 200 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Rain Dance
- Air Slash
- Hidden Power Ground

Diglett @ Life Orb
Level: 5
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Sucker Punch
- Stealth Rock

If offensive Mantyke teams float your boat, try this! Diglett supports a Mantyke sweep by switching in on and KOing annoying electric types, setting rocks and destroying the top threats to Mantyke like Chinchou and Pawniard. What does Mantyke do? I suppose it switches into those pesky water type attacks.

FerroTyke:

Mantyke @ Life Orb
Level: 5
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 76 HP / 36 Def / 200 SpA / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Rain Dance
- Air Slash
- Hidden Power Ground

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 84 HP / 36 Atk / 188 Def / 148 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bullet Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Spikes

If defensive Mantyke teams float your boat, try this! Because Mantyke easily KOs stuff when there's rocks and spikes up and they're paralysed. This core DESTROYS water types like Skrelp, so use them as rain setup fodder as they're no longer that big rain team risk.


That's it for now...
 
+

Frillish + Ferroseed
Defensive Core

I haven't played LC that much and to be honest I'm not even sure if I know enough to post this core but I guess I'll give it a whirl

Defensively, they go great together covering most of their weaknesses resistance wise having Ferroseed taking Electric and Grass type moves and Frillish taking Fire and Fighting type moves with ease. Steel typing from Ferroseed takes on fearful Toxics that might cripple Frillish as well. The purpose of this core is mainly for spike stacking with Ferroseed and having Frillish as the spinblocker. The two by itself are able to take on most of the tiers spinners and defoggers from probably the exception of Drifloon and Stunky w/ Fire Blast. They also do quite nicely outside of spike stacking considering the tools they're given, Cursed Body being an annoying ability towards pokemon like Fletching which solely depend on one move to beat them, Leech Seed for extra recovery towards Non-Grass types and Overcoat pokemon, Will-o-Wisp to cripple physical fighters, and Iron Barbs for chip-in damage. Overall I've had some fun with this core with fast sweepers like Inkay that benefited from spike stack and Ferroseed's ability to punish U-Turners with Iron Barbs

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
Level: 5
EVs: 84 HP / 36 Atk / 188 Def / 148 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bullet Seed
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Knock Off

Frillish @ Eviolite
Ability: Cursed Body
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 116 Def / 76 SpA / 76 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Shadow Ball
- Recover
- Will-O-Wisp


EV's are still a little foreign to me so I stuck with the analysis spreads for the both of them
 

Nineage

Pugnacious.
is a Programmeris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Thought I'd drop some cores because I first learned to build in LC by using the cores thread at that time, these threads can be really great resources!


Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 116 Def / 196 SpD
Impish Nature
- Baton Pass
- Knock Off / Substitute
- High Jump Kick
- Swords Dance

Carvanha @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 9 HP
- Aqua Jet
- Crunch
- Waterfall
- Protect

A tried and true core from who knows where, slow Baton Pass Mienfoo is a perfect partner for Carvanha. The Pokemon Mienfoo lures in tend to be bulkier Pokemon, such as Spritzee. This Mienfoo set can set up a Swords Dance or a Substitute on a predicted switch, and then take a hit and Baton Pass out to Carvanha. At +2 Attack, which isn't difficult to pass thanks to Mienfoo's bulk, Carvanha can terrorize opposing teams. Because of Regenerator, Mienfoo can even sometimes pass a second Attack boost to a teammate late-game after Carvanha is gone. The only downside to using this core is that at this point, many LCers will recognize that Mienfoo is Baton Pass when they see it with Carvanha in team preview, which takes some of the surprise factor out. This core struggles immensely with Cottonee, and with a few bulky Pokemon like Foongus, so counters to these mons are nice. Hazards are also cool for this core since they eliminate a lot of the rolls Carvanha faces (give it a reliable OHKO on Fletch with Aqua Jet, reliable OHKO on Foongus with Crunch, etc. etc.)


Aipom @ Life Orb
Ability: Skill Link
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Knock Off
- Fury Swipes
- Brick Break

Fletchling
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 252 Def / 36 SpA / 24 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Overheat
- Roost

This is a super fun Normal-spam core, and its super easy to use. Aipom and Fletchling have a huge amount of their checks in common, and many of these checks get worn down easily throughout a match. Nothing really enjoys switching into Aipom, since it hits crazy hard with Fury Swipes, and knock Evios and Berry Juices off of anything that resists Fury Swipes. After a match of being pressured by Aipom and other teammates, bulky Rock- and Steel-types are generally worn down enough that Fletchling can sweep fairly easily. Obviously this team appreciates Pokemon that help wear down these Rock- and Steel-types, as well as a good Chinchou counter. Hazards are nice because this core likes to wear things down. Heysup brought this core to SPL, and you can see his team with it here.


Drifloon @ Berry Juice
Ability: Unburden
Level: 5
EVs: 36 Atk / 164 Def / 84 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Substitute
- Recycle
- Acrobatics

Diglett @ Life Orb
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Memento
- Substitute
- Rock Slide

Arguably the most meta-defining core, DrifDig is monstrous to play against and is one of the major reasons for the second Dig suspect and a lot of the unrest about Floon. Basically, Wil-o Recycle Floon can successfully stall out and beat most of the metagame, but struggles with a few key Pokemon. Most of these Pokemon fall into one of two categories: Electric-types, and Fire-types. Enter Diglett, a Pokemon capable of trapping and eliminating pretty much every one of these Pokemon from the match. The only things that can really deal with this core are a few bulky Pokemon, and those which are literally run just to counter this core, like Larvitar and Amaura, so be sure to run something to deal with these. It's not broken, because you can use it too!


Ferroseed @ Berry Juice
Ability: Iron Barbs
Level: 5
EVs: 84 HP / 36 Atk / 108 Def / 228 SpD / 36 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Knock Off
- Bullet Seed

Drifloon @ Berry Juice
Ability: Unburden
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Atk / 84 Def / 84 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Acrobatics
- Recycle
- Substitute

This is a Heysup core, but he said I could post it here. Basically, pretty much everything that can stop Drifloon's Wil-o-Wisp shenanigans lets Ferroseed come in and set up layers of Spikes, which then wear teams down along with Drifloon's burns, allowing something to sweep late-game. Berry Juice Ferro is especially cool here because it can come in on resisted attacks more times, and get off more Spikes and Knock Offs to weaken opposing teams. This core really struggles with Fire-types, so something like Chinchou or Staryu goes well with it. Fighting checks are necessary too, since Ferroseed doesn't like Fighting attacks and Drifloon needs to be wary of Knock Off.


I might add some more if I have time tonight!
 
Hippopotas @ Eviolite
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 5
EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 132 Def / 180 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Tomb/Whirlwind

Drilbur @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Poison Jab
- Brick Break

Pretty simple- Hippo sets up the sand late-game and LO Drilbur with doubled speed just crushes things like tin cans. Hippopotas' set is very simple. Earthquake is it's strongest STAB attack, while Slack Off provides desperately needed recovery.
Hippo also gets nice role compression, providing SR, as well as setting up sand (which also helps A LOT against sun teams), and potentially phazing opposing pokemon. Rock Tomb is the preferred option in the second slot, however, as it stop it from being completely walled by Flying Types.

Drilbur is incredibly strong with LO, and can function without the sand, albeit not as well. Earthquake is, again, it's strongest STAB, and combined with Rock Slide it gets almost perfect coverage. Poison Jab is it's best attack against Snivy and some other grass types, while Brick Break hits Ferroseed.

Together the pair make a pretty fun weather core, though it obviously needs a lot of team support since both Pokemon have exactly the same weaknesses.
 

ShuckleDeath

They call me the kign of typos
is a Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Offensive Core

Life Orb
+ Choice Scarf


LO Bunnelby's ability to 2HKO the majority of the tier works incredibly well with Scarf Pawn. Bunnelby breaks through a lot of of heavier walls like Hippopotas, Foongus, and Ferroseed to name a few. This leaves Scarf Pawniard's ability to clean rather simple. Pawniard on the other hand Threatens the ghost types that stop Bunnleby form spamming it's STAB and faster Pokemon that threaten Bunnelby, trapping a great deal of them.

Good Partners

/
- Basically showing that while this core is very potent offensively, they share a crippling weakness to fighting types so having a pivot to help deal with them helps a great deal.

- Helps again with fighting types while also appreciating the Walbreaking from Bunnelby and fast Knock Off support from Pawniard.



Pawniard @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch

Bunnelby @ Life Orb
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 5
EVs: 228 Atk / 52 Def / 220 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Earthquake
- Thief


I should also point out that changing Bunnelby out for other Pokemon like Aipom and Porygon theoretically work similarly, I just never got around to building and trying them, Hope you guys enjoy.
 
the blurbs are a bit short, tell me if you want them longer Coconut.

Skrelp @ Eviolite
Ability: Adaptability
Shiny: Yes
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 196 Def / 36 SpA / 116 SpD / 36 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Hydro Pump
- Sludge Wave
- Toxic Spikes / Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Psychic

Porygon @ Eviolite
Ability: Trace
Shiny: Yes
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 156 SpA / 156 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tri Attack / Ice Beam
- Psychic
- Recover
- Thunder Wave
This is one of my favorite balanced cores. Porygon's checks are mostly Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr, which are exactly what Skrelp beats. Skrelp, on the other hand, loses to Psychic- and Ground-types like Abra and Diglett, which Porygon beats. These two Pokemon can pivot very well between each other and also have great power that makes the core an offensive menace. This balanced core fits really easily on bulky offense, balanced, and semistall teams due to its utility, bulk, and offensive presence.


Drifloon @ Berry Juice
Ability: Unburden
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 36 HP / 164 Def / 84 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Recycle
- Will-O-Wisp
- Acrobatics
- Substitute

Trapinch @ Berry Juice
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 156 HP / 36 Atk / 236 Def / 76 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- Feint

Porygon @ Eviolite
Ability: Trace
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 196 Def / 156 SpA / 156 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tri Attack / Ice Beam
- Thunder Wave
- Psychic
- Recover
This is a simple core. SubFloon doesn't like Electric-, Rock-, Dark-, and bulky Normal-types. For this reason, you've got Trapinch, to beat most Electric-, Rock-, Dark-, and Normal-types. Unfortunately, Trapinch can't trap Pokemon like Archen and Vullaby due to their Flying-type and it has trouble dealing with Chinchou. This is where Porygon comes in. Porygon deals with Flying-types well due to its formidable bulk and is a hard counter to Chinchou. This offensive core works well on balanced and offensive teams. Good partners include slow Mienfoo, to get Trapinch inside safely, and Magnemite, to provide a harder check to Flying-types and lure Chinchou for Porygon. Other trappers like Gothita or Diglett can be used instead of Trapinch.


Gastly @ Berry Juice
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Def / 116 SpA / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Sludge Bomb

Drifloon @ Berry Juice
Ability: Unburden
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Atk / 84 Def / 84 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Recycle
- Will-O-Wisp
- Acrobatics
- Substitute
This is a core focused on breaking down the opponent with two very similar sets. You begin by using Gastly to wear down common Ghost-type checks with Will-O-Wisp and Hex, and when Gastly faints you can bring in Drifloon to take advantage of its work. Pretty simple. This offensive core fits nicely on offense and bulky offensive teams. It also doesn't need much, if any, team support. Fairy- or Fighting-types could be nice to use as switch-ins for Dark-types.


Surskit @ Focus Sash
Ability: Swift Swim
Shiny: Yes
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 20 Def / 196 SpA / 20 SpD / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
- Sticky Web
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Protect

Elekid @ Life Orb
Ability: Static
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 240 SpA / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 1 HP / 1 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Psychic
- Volt Switch
This core focuses on speed control. Surskit is used to set up Sticky Web, and Elekid is used to beat the Pokemon that aren't affected by Sticky Web. It's very simple and very effective. This balanced core appreciates Pawniard and Fletchling checks.


Carvanha @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Aqua Jet / Zen Headbutt

Corphish @ Eviolite
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 5
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 Def / 156 SpD / 76 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower / Aerial Ace / Knock Off
This is an offensive core focused on breaking down the opponent's Water-type checks. Corphish or Carvanha can be used to break the opponent and the other can take advantage of the holes punched. Good partners include Electric-type immunities and Grass-type resists.
 

BIG G CHOPPA

Banned deucer.

Fairly original core but seems to work quite well honestly. Anyways abra seemed cool as first of all i dont think any abra cores have been posted in this thread. While being frail it merits the crazy ability to hit hard as well as being insanely fast. Allowing it to outspeed majority of the LC metagame and get some solid damage off. Due to magic guard and its focus sash, abra can function as a neat failsafe countermeasure to sweepers in the LC metagame. Although it lacks the power compared to its LO set, it still hits pretty damn hard. Next up we have mienfoo, who was added due to some dark types like pawn forcing a 50/50 with sucker punch and pursuit. In addition of being a bulky dark resist, it's a bulky pivot too! Meaning it can pivot in and out constantly throughout the match, while being able to provide abra some useful momentum in the form of u-turn. Also bulky normal types seem to be kind of annoying to abra so mienfoo can threaten munchlax and porygon without much fear. A fletchling check seemed to be needed so chinchou looks like a good fit as not only it is able to check fletchling but it can beat shellder who is one of the sweepers who abra cannot safely net against. Chinchou provides some useful momentum and performs a volt-turn core with mienfoo which is nice as bringing abra in safely without consuming the sash can be important and vital. Sets below are pretty self-explanatory oo.

Abra @ Focus Sash
Level: 5
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 36 Atk / 240 SpA / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power Fighting
- Energy Ball

Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
-High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Taunt

Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Ice beam / Hidden Power Ground
 

tcr

sage of six tabs
is a Tutor Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Gothita @ Eviolite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SpD
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Rest
- Substitute
- Calm Mind

Scraggy @ Eviolite
Ability: Shed Skin
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 212 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Knock Off
- Drain Punch
- High Jump Kick

this is my core and its dope, gothita sets up and removes fairy types like snubbull and spritzee and also removes Timburr, while Scraggy can set up and sweep the rest of the team. Team functions best with a Vullaby answer, smashers like Omanyte are really cool to have as well.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Shrug

is a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Past SCL Champion
LCPL Champion
Scarf Machop / pursuit pawn / zhb scraggy


If their fight check is spritzee dynamic punch makes it so they only have a 25% chance of ever recovering with wishtect as pawn comes in. If it's foongus Machop knows knock off. Fletch gets pursuited after sr I think. I'd prolly go this core foongus vulla and onix for a hot team but idk
 


Although I admit I didn't play LC very often, I'm just thinking about a defensive core that cover well each other: and these guys share amazing synergy type-wise.
However, take it carefully, as there may be major flaws I don't see because of my inexperience.

Onix @ Berry Juice
Level: 5
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt

Mantyke @ Eviolite
Level: 5
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 156 HP / 196 Def / 116 SpD / 36 Spe
Calm Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Scald
- Air Slash

So, here we have a standard SturdyJuice Lead Onix set, and a bulky RestTalk Mantyke set.
The main use of this core is simple: Onix makes for a good SR user with an amazing mix of Taunt and 70 Spe; however, Onix is totally crippled by Water/Fighting/Ground-types (notably Mold Breaker Drilbur), which are things Mantyke can easily hurt and use as Rest baits. In exchange, Onix can come in on any Electric- and Rock-type moves thanks to its Ground-typing.

While this core doesn't dish out loads of damage (Mantyke is uninvested, and Onix hits as hard as a 4-year old child), it can be quite effective as these two Pokémon boast some of the highest defensive stats in LC: Onix has the highest Def of all the tier, while Mantyke is an absolute monster in SpD.

Something to check Shell Shashers, namely Omanyte/Tirtouga and Shellder, are highly recommended, as both Onix and Mantyke fall to their STAB combination/coverage (Onix fears Icicle Spear from Shellder, and Mantyke fears Rock-type moves from the fossils).
 
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