Hey there everyone, and welcome to my RMT Thread. It's technically my second one (the first one died) and I did get some good CC on my old one while I had it. Anyways, as for this team, I wanted a team that could catch the opponent off-guard, and use that shock-value to my advantage. If anyone has played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, you understand the title reference. Now, what you all came here for... I introduce to you, Team NO RUSSIAN.
Changes will be in BOLDFACE BLUE
LEV/CELEBI - Occa Berry
Natural Cure
76 | 0 | 0 | 252 | 0 | 180
Nature: Modest
- Stealth Rock
- Leaf Storm
- Earth Power
- U-Turn
Generally, the reaction I get when I toss out Celebi as my lead is "OMGWTFBBQ?!?!" It's a rather uncommon lead, but it eats many of the other leads for breakfast. With Leaf Storm, it scores a nice OHKO on Swampert 100% of the time, and on Hippowdon about 95% of the time. With Metagross leads, the general plan is either U-Turn to do some scouting, or try an Earth Power because it will OHKO (or near enough) on any LeadGross with less than 100 Sp. Def. EVs. Earth Power will also OHKO Heatran, and usually a Jirachi that isn't expecting me to attack the first turn (a.k.a. Choice Switchers, which Celebi doesn't seem to mind :naughty:) On leads where my two primary attacks won't hit super effectively and/or isn't worth risking not doing at least 50% damage, I generally set up Rocks, then U-Turn out of there. Speaking of U-Turn, Azelf leads tend to not like U-Turn... Anyways, Celebi tends to do a good job leading off, and the Occa Berry is there to protect it from Flamethrowers from Infernape/Azelf Leads.
VIKTOR/FLYGON - Life Orb
Levitate
4 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 252
Nature: Jolly
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw
- Stone Edge
- Roost
With Salamence under the radar of the Uber-police, I really didn't want to leave my team without a Dragon if (when) Salamence gets booted out of the OU tiers, so my two options were Flygon and Dragonite. Both are very attractive Earthquake absorbers, and both are also fairly bulky... However, Flygon gets the special defense boost from the ever-common Tyranitar that Dragonite does not. EQ and Dragon Claw are there for primary STAB attacks, and both can take a huge dent out of much of the metagame. Stone Edge is there for the inevitable Gyarados switch-in, and Roost is to help shrug off some of the Life Orb recoil. This Flygon does fairly well as an unboosted sweeper, and can usually take down 2-3 pokemon fairly well before running into problems.
MAKAROV/GYARADOS - Leftovers
Intimidate
156 | 72 | 96 | 0 | 0 | 184
Nature: Adamant
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
The leader of the Ultranationalists. Gyarados poses a threat to any team that is not prepared for it, and even to those who are. The general plan is to switch in on something that I can set up on (I'm looking at you, Scizor!), get a Dance in on the switch, and kick it into overdrive. Waterfall is there for STAB, and even after only one DDance, it takes a huge dent out of most Pokemon who don't resist it. Earthquake is there for electrical switch-ins (and to scare away Infernape/Lucario), and Stone Edge makes Salamence/Dragonite/other Gyarados think twice about coming into play. Gyarados can also attempt to pseudo-wall some physical attackers, as it is a bulkier set.
ANATOLY/SCIZOR - Choice Band
Technician
248 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8
Nature: Adamant
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
- U-Turn
Standard CB Scizor. He comes in early in the game to scout out the other team, or on any/all Tyranitar switch-ins because Scizor makes Ttar hide in fear. Overall Scizor provides all around coverage, and if a Fire attack is aimed his way, Flygon takes it like a champ. He has good synergy with Gyarados as well, because Gyarados can come in on EQ aimed at Scizor and fire back with the appropriate attack (most of the time). From what I've seen, Scizor has earned his spot on this team and does a good job with what he's meant to do.
KIRIL/RAIKOU - Choice Specs
Pressure
4 | 0 | 0 | 252 | 0 | 252
Nature: Timid
- Thunderbolt
- Extrasensory
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power (Grass)
Raikou... quite possibly the most underestimated electric-type in the OU metagame. And why? Because that stupid Jolteon attempts to steal its thunder (ha, pun). However, Raikou has two things going for it that Jolteon lacks: Pressure support and natural bulk. No team wants to have to deal with losing 2 PP instead of one, and Raikou can help deplete the opponent's movepool with its ability, and Raikou sacrifices a little speed to gain a higher Sp. Att. stat and more physical bulk. To me, that is totally worth scrapping Jolteon for Raikou, and I think that this fast-dasher will always be part of my team. PLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST A REPLACEMENT FOR RAIKOU, HE WILL BE STAYING. HP (Grass) is there to cover the incoming ground switch, and it will OHKO Swampert 100% of the time, and score a comfortable 75-80% damage on Hippowdon. HP (Grass) also makes Tyranitar think twice about switching in unless it's packing Choice Scarf, and even then it might still think again. Overall, I am happy with the beast and it gets its job done. However, being a choice-itemer, its tactic is a simple hit-and-run job, much like it does in the games.
JIRACHI/JIRACHI - Choice Scarf
Serene Grace
4 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 252
Nature: Jolly
- Iron Head
- Thunderpunch
- Fire Punch
- Zen Headbutt
I needed the Scarfer over the option of a Wish passer because LeadChamp destroys this team. With the EVs and nature, it will outspeed almost all other Choice users, while allowing it to do some serious damage. This team lacks serious recovery, but it is so durable that it usually gets the job done. Overall I really like this set up.
I wanted a Pokemon that caught people by surprise but still was effective enough to make them even a little nervous. With its unique access to Extrasensory, something Jolteon doesn't have, it makes the ever popular Gengar think twice about switching.
Next, I needed a Pokemon that could absorb Earthquakes for Raikou (because he's just asking for them) and return fire. Gyarados provided just the Pokemon.
With Gyarados running the LO set, she needed a way to recover some damage before Life Orb ended up taking her life... WishBliss was that answer. Yes, Gyarados would have to sacrifice its nice DDance boost to regain some health, but it will always have the opportunity to set it up again.
I needed a lead that wasn't going to get murdered by other common leads out there, but still was able to set up rocks and do some damage. I saw the article for the Celebi lead and I just had to have it. It resists/threatens many of the common leads, and it was just too good to pass up.
I needed a revenge killer, and who better than Jirachi? With its naturally defensive typing, above average speed, and great move pool and ability, Jirachi stood out amongst the others.
I needed a dragon not named Salamence (due to it being a Uber suspect), and it was between Flygon and Dragonite. Read above to figure out why I picked Flygon over Dragonite =)
Scizor was put in place of Blissey as per tab's suggestion. Blissey wasn't really effective for this team (as it is sort of a pseudo-HO team) so Jirachi took her spot and Scizor took the role of Bander. I've been experimenting with this team via Wi-fi and so far it has a win rate of about 80% (that's acceptable for me). I can't ask it to win every time, but it does what it's set out to do =)
:: THREAT LIST ::
Thanks everyone for your time. I really appreciate any constructive criticism you have, but please respect the time I put into creating this team and don't tell me that I've done everything wrong (even if I have). Only two things won't change about this team, and that's Raikou and Gyarados. Everything else is open for discussion, but seeing the results this team has given me in battles with my friends... Don't count on it. Thanks, and I can't wait to hear what the Smogon community has to say!
-Sora
Changes will be in BOLDFACE BLUE
:: AT A GLANCE ::
:: IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS ::
Effort Values will be in the order
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SPECIAL ATTACK | SPECIAL DEFENSE | SPEED
Effort Values will be in the order
HP | ATTACK | DEFENSE | SPECIAL ATTACK | SPECIAL DEFENSE | SPEED
LEV/CELEBI - Occa Berry
Natural Cure
76 | 0 | 0 | 252 | 0 | 180
Nature: Modest
- Stealth Rock
- Leaf Storm
- Earth Power
- U-Turn
Generally, the reaction I get when I toss out Celebi as my lead is "OMGWTFBBQ?!?!" It's a rather uncommon lead, but it eats many of the other leads for breakfast. With Leaf Storm, it scores a nice OHKO on Swampert 100% of the time, and on Hippowdon about 95% of the time. With Metagross leads, the general plan is either U-Turn to do some scouting, or try an Earth Power because it will OHKO (or near enough) on any LeadGross with less than 100 Sp. Def. EVs. Earth Power will also OHKO Heatran, and usually a Jirachi that isn't expecting me to attack the first turn (a.k.a. Choice Switchers, which Celebi doesn't seem to mind :naughty:) On leads where my two primary attacks won't hit super effectively and/or isn't worth risking not doing at least 50% damage, I generally set up Rocks, then U-Turn out of there. Speaking of U-Turn, Azelf leads tend to not like U-Turn... Anyways, Celebi tends to do a good job leading off, and the Occa Berry is there to protect it from Flamethrowers from Infernape/Azelf Leads.
VIKTOR/FLYGON - Life Orb
Levitate
4 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 252
Nature: Jolly
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw
- Stone Edge
- Roost
With Salamence under the radar of the Uber-police, I really didn't want to leave my team without a Dragon if (when) Salamence gets booted out of the OU tiers, so my two options were Flygon and Dragonite. Both are very attractive Earthquake absorbers, and both are also fairly bulky... However, Flygon gets the special defense boost from the ever-common Tyranitar that Dragonite does not. EQ and Dragon Claw are there for primary STAB attacks, and both can take a huge dent out of much of the metagame. Stone Edge is there for the inevitable Gyarados switch-in, and Roost is to help shrug off some of the Life Orb recoil. This Flygon does fairly well as an unboosted sweeper, and can usually take down 2-3 pokemon fairly well before running into problems.
MAKAROV/GYARADOS - Leftovers
Intimidate
156 | 72 | 96 | 0 | 0 | 184
Nature: Adamant
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
The leader of the Ultranationalists. Gyarados poses a threat to any team that is not prepared for it, and even to those who are. The general plan is to switch in on something that I can set up on (I'm looking at you, Scizor!), get a Dance in on the switch, and kick it into overdrive. Waterfall is there for STAB, and even after only one DDance, it takes a huge dent out of most Pokemon who don't resist it. Earthquake is there for electrical switch-ins (and to scare away Infernape/Lucario), and Stone Edge makes Salamence/Dragonite/other Gyarados think twice about coming into play. Gyarados can also attempt to pseudo-wall some physical attackers, as it is a bulkier set.
ANATOLY/SCIZOR - Choice Band
Technician
248 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8
Nature: Adamant
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
- U-Turn
Standard CB Scizor. He comes in early in the game to scout out the other team, or on any/all Tyranitar switch-ins because Scizor makes Ttar hide in fear. Overall Scizor provides all around coverage, and if a Fire attack is aimed his way, Flygon takes it like a champ. He has good synergy with Gyarados as well, because Gyarados can come in on EQ aimed at Scizor and fire back with the appropriate attack (most of the time). From what I've seen, Scizor has earned his spot on this team and does a good job with what he's meant to do.
KIRIL/RAIKOU - Choice Specs
Pressure
4 | 0 | 0 | 252 | 0 | 252
Nature: Timid
- Thunderbolt
- Extrasensory
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power (Grass)
Raikou... quite possibly the most underestimated electric-type in the OU metagame. And why? Because that stupid Jolteon attempts to steal its thunder (ha, pun). However, Raikou has two things going for it that Jolteon lacks: Pressure support and natural bulk. No team wants to have to deal with losing 2 PP instead of one, and Raikou can help deplete the opponent's movepool with its ability, and Raikou sacrifices a little speed to gain a higher Sp. Att. stat and more physical bulk. To me, that is totally worth scrapping Jolteon for Raikou, and I think that this fast-dasher will always be part of my team. PLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST A REPLACEMENT FOR RAIKOU, HE WILL BE STAYING. HP (Grass) is there to cover the incoming ground switch, and it will OHKO Swampert 100% of the time, and score a comfortable 75-80% damage on Hippowdon. HP (Grass) also makes Tyranitar think twice about switching in unless it's packing Choice Scarf, and even then it might still think again. Overall, I am happy with the beast and it gets its job done. However, being a choice-itemer, its tactic is a simple hit-and-run job, much like it does in the games.
JIRACHI/JIRACHI - Choice Scarf
Serene Grace
4 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 252
Nature: Jolly
- Iron Head
- Thunderpunch
- Fire Punch
- Zen Headbutt
I needed the Scarfer over the option of a Wish passer because LeadChamp destroys this team. With the EVs and nature, it will outspeed almost all other Choice users, while allowing it to do some serious damage. This team lacks serious recovery, but it is so durable that it usually gets the job done. Overall I really like this set up.
:: TEAM BUILDING PROCESS ::
I wanted a Pokemon that caught people by surprise but still was effective enough to make them even a little nervous. With its unique access to Extrasensory, something Jolteon doesn't have, it makes the ever popular Gengar think twice about switching.
Next, I needed a Pokemon that could absorb Earthquakes for Raikou (because he's just asking for them) and return fire. Gyarados provided just the Pokemon.
With Gyarados running the LO set, she needed a way to recover some damage before Life Orb ended up taking her life... WishBliss was that answer. Yes, Gyarados would have to sacrifice its nice DDance boost to regain some health, but it will always have the opportunity to set it up again.
I needed a lead that wasn't going to get murdered by other common leads out there, but still was able to set up rocks and do some damage. I saw the article for the Celebi lead and I just had to have it. It resists/threatens many of the common leads, and it was just too good to pass up.
I needed a revenge killer, and who better than Jirachi? With its naturally defensive typing, above average speed, and great move pool and ability, Jirachi stood out amongst the others.
I needed a dragon not named Salamence (due to it being a Uber suspect), and it was between Flygon and Dragonite. Read above to figure out why I picked Flygon over Dragonite =)
Scizor was put in place of Blissey as per tab's suggestion. Blissey wasn't really effective for this team (as it is sort of a pseudo-HO team) so Jirachi took her spot and Scizor took the role of Bander. I've been experimenting with this team via Wi-fi and so far it has a win rate of about 80% (that's acceptable for me). I can't ask it to win every time, but it does what it's set out to do =)
:: THREAT LIST ::
Azelf: U-Turn from Jirachi
Breloom: Flygon/Gyarados can set up on it all day, and either Celebi/Blissey can absorb the Spore
Celebi: U-Turn from Jirachi
Dugtrio: Gyarados, STAB Waterfall OHKOs and it isn't effected by Arena Trap
Electivire: Flygon shuts his ass down, unless its packing Ice Punch, in which case Raikou can switch in and fire off Extrasensory/Shadow Ball
Empoleon: +1 Earthquake from Gyarados will do enough damage to Empoleon that it won't matter if it gets an agility up, its cannon fodder
Flygon: Ice Punch from Jirachi, or if he's dead I can attempt a Dragon Claw from Flygon
Gengar: Raikou, Extrasensory/Shadow Ball
Gliscor: Ice Punch from Jirachi
Gyarados: Raikou, STAB Thunderbolt will OHKO, or my Gyarados can switch in... Most Gyarados don't like to be Intimidated
Heatran: Flygon eats Heatran for breakfast
Heracross: Fire Punch from Jirachi
Infernape: Don't make me laugh. Gyarados's STAB Waterfall OHKOs even at neutral
Jirachi: Jirachi/Flygon/Gyarados
Kingdra: This one poses a puzzler, but I generally just let Raikou unload STAB Thunderbolts at it
Lucario: Fire Punch from Jirachi
Machamp: Extrasensory from Raikou. Raikou outspeeds, and Machamp usually falls to one Extrasensory with the Specs boost
Magnezone: They usually switch in on Jirachi (he's my only steel to kill) so either Fire Punch from him, or I'll toss out Celebi and Earth Power away
Mamoswine: Gyarados resists all of its STAB attacks, and EQs it away
Metagross: Usually either Fire Punch from Jirachi or Earth Power from Celebi
Ninjask: Scarf Jirachi outspeeds it at +1, so if the opponent tosses him out I usually send out Jirachi and Fire Punch it away since its quite frail. +1 Gyarados w/ Stone Edge works wonders too if it is brought out later in the game
Porygon-Z: Blissey totally walls most variants, and my sweepers don't usually mind dealing with him
Rhyperior: STAB Waterfall from Gyarados
Roserade: U-Turn from Jirachi, and then if its not dead at that point, Gyarados can finish her off
Rotom-A: Shadow Ball from Raikou
Salamence: is now Uber, so it is no longer a threat
Scizor: Fire Punch rapes it
Snorlax: I usually have a little trouble with this guy, but I don't see him too often either, so that's a plus
Starmie: Tends not to like U-Turn from Jirachi or STAB Thunderbolt/HP Grass from Raikou
Suicune: Really hates Raikou
Togekiss: Jirachi is faster and therefore attempts to FlinchHax it =D
Tyranitar: Doesn't like Jirachi. Like at all.
Weavile: Also doesn't like Jirachi.
Yanmega: Fire Punch from Jirachi or Stone Edge from Gyarados
Zapdos: Flygon makes Zapdos hide in terror
Breloom: Flygon/Gyarados can set up on it all day, and either Celebi/Blissey can absorb the Spore
Celebi: U-Turn from Jirachi
Dugtrio: Gyarados, STAB Waterfall OHKOs and it isn't effected by Arena Trap
Electivire: Flygon shuts his ass down, unless its packing Ice Punch, in which case Raikou can switch in and fire off Extrasensory/Shadow Ball
Empoleon: +1 Earthquake from Gyarados will do enough damage to Empoleon that it won't matter if it gets an agility up, its cannon fodder
Flygon: Ice Punch from Jirachi, or if he's dead I can attempt a Dragon Claw from Flygon
Gengar: Raikou, Extrasensory/Shadow Ball
Gliscor: Ice Punch from Jirachi
Gyarados: Raikou, STAB Thunderbolt will OHKO, or my Gyarados can switch in... Most Gyarados don't like to be Intimidated
Heatran: Flygon eats Heatran for breakfast
Heracross: Fire Punch from Jirachi
Infernape: Don't make me laugh. Gyarados's STAB Waterfall OHKOs even at neutral
Jirachi: Jirachi/Flygon/Gyarados
Kingdra: This one poses a puzzler, but I generally just let Raikou unload STAB Thunderbolts at it
Lucario: Fire Punch from Jirachi
Machamp: Extrasensory from Raikou. Raikou outspeeds, and Machamp usually falls to one Extrasensory with the Specs boost
Magnezone: They usually switch in on Jirachi (he's my only steel to kill) so either Fire Punch from him, or I'll toss out Celebi and Earth Power away
Mamoswine: Gyarados resists all of its STAB attacks, and EQs it away
Metagross: Usually either Fire Punch from Jirachi or Earth Power from Celebi
Ninjask: Scarf Jirachi outspeeds it at +1, so if the opponent tosses him out I usually send out Jirachi and Fire Punch it away since its quite frail. +1 Gyarados w/ Stone Edge works wonders too if it is brought out later in the game
Porygon-Z: Blissey totally walls most variants, and my sweepers don't usually mind dealing with him
Rhyperior: STAB Waterfall from Gyarados
Roserade: U-Turn from Jirachi, and then if its not dead at that point, Gyarados can finish her off
Rotom-A: Shadow Ball from Raikou
Salamence: is now Uber, so it is no longer a threat
Scizor: Fire Punch rapes it
Snorlax: I usually have a little trouble with this guy, but I don't see him too often either, so that's a plus
Starmie: Tends not to like U-Turn from Jirachi or STAB Thunderbolt/HP Grass from Raikou
Suicune: Really hates Raikou
Togekiss: Jirachi is faster and therefore attempts to FlinchHax it =D
Tyranitar: Doesn't like Jirachi. Like at all.
Weavile: Also doesn't like Jirachi.
Yanmega: Fire Punch from Jirachi or Stone Edge from Gyarados
Zapdos: Flygon makes Zapdos hide in terror
**************************
Thanks everyone for your time. I really appreciate any constructive criticism you have, but please respect the time I put into creating this team and don't tell me that I've done everything wrong (even if I have). Only two things won't change about this team, and that's Raikou and Gyarados. Everything else is open for discussion, but seeing the results this team has given me in battles with my friends... Don't count on it. Thanks, and I can't wait to hear what the Smogon community has to say!
-Sora
