Mac3
im reminded theres no finer place to kiss
approved by EviGaro
SS:
Togekiss @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 212 HP / 44 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Grass Knot
- Roost
- Flamethrower / Aura Sphere
This set is cool right now as its able to beat a lot of Togekiss' checks in the long run such as Steelix. Aura Sphere hits Stakataka while Flamethrower hits Bronzong and Metagross. The special attack EVs allow it to kill 240 HP / 16+ Atk / 252 SpDef Rhyperior with Grass Knot after rocks and an Air Slash.
Hey there! This project is meant to serve as a place for inspiration when you're feeling stuck when building. Building Inspiration is a place where you can post underrated 'mons or cores within the meta, unlike heat thread the ideas should generally focus on interesting ways of taking advantage of the meta rather than just being fun. Additionally, you can post ideas for any past RU generation as well. It isn't super formal, but there are some rules that are to be followed when posting an idea:- Make sure to explain what the specific set or core does, for example if you post a specific EV spread make sure to explain what it does.
- Make sure to specify what generation you are posting for.
- We have the authority to delete your post if we feel that the idea isn't at all viable, for example bulky Cloyster. Generally though you're given the benefit of the doubt.
SS:
Togekiss @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 212 HP / 44 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Grass Knot
- Roost
- Flamethrower / Aura Sphere
This set is cool right now as its able to beat a lot of Togekiss' checks in the long run such as Steelix. Aura Sphere hits Stakataka while Flamethrower hits Bronzong and Metagross. The special attack EVs allow it to kill 240 HP / 16+ Atk / 252 SpDef Rhyperior with Grass Knot after rocks and an Air Slash.
Slurpuff @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 4 HP / 248 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Belly Drum
- Play Rough
- Drain Punch
- Facade
Reuniclus @ Eject Button
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Energy Ball
- Recover
Idea is to switch Reuni in on something that Slurpuff can set up like scarf Flygon or Noivern and then proceed to sweep with Slurpuff. The moves on Reuni are open to a lot of experimentation as they aren't the make or break for this idea. 4 def EVs on Slurpuff guarantees it lives Steelix heavy slam from full.
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 4 HP / 248 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Belly Drum
- Play Rough
- Drain Punch
- Facade
Reuniclus @ Eject Button
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Energy Ball
- Recover
Idea is to switch Reuni in on something that Slurpuff can set up like scarf Flygon or Noivern and then proceed to sweep with Slurpuff. The moves on Reuni are open to a lot of experimentation as they aren't the make or break for this idea. 4 def EVs on Slurpuff guarantees it lives Steelix heavy slam from full.
Noivern @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 240 HP / 76 SpA / 192 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Roost
- Flamethrower
Idea is to beat bulky steels like Regi or Zong that rely on passive damage from Toxic to 1v1 Noivern. Speed hits 363 (outspeeds Raikou) and spatk 2hkoes Rose with flamethrower. Removal of items from bulky steel or rock types is greatly appreciated.
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 240 HP / 76 SpA / 192 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Roost
- Flamethrower
Idea is to beat bulky steels like Regi or Zong that rely on passive damage from Toxic to 1v1 Noivern. Speed hits 363 (outspeeds Raikou) and spatk 2hkoes Rose with flamethrower. Removal of items from bulky steel or rock types is greatly appreciated.
Seismitoad @ Mystic Water
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Rain Dance
- Power Whip
Idea is to just have it as a solo sweeper on some team but i really never fully fleshed it out, or never got a team i'm satisfied with.
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Rain Dance
- Power Whip
Idea is to just have it as a solo sweeper on some team but i really never fully fleshed it out, or never got a team i'm satisfied with.
Regidrago @ Lum Berry
Ability: Dragon's Maw
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Thunder Fang
- Dragon Dance
- Substitute
Maximum Defense on Regidrago allows it to live Steelix's Earthquake with Substitute guaranteed and has some other practical uses like making it harder for Cobalion to revenge kill you, living Choice Scarf Flygon's Outrage, and making it more resliant against Darmanitan, which can be important for the hyper offense teams it thrives on.
Ability: Dragon's Maw
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Thunder Fang
- Dragon Dance
- Substitute
Maximum Defense on Regidrago allows it to live Steelix's Earthquake with Substitute guaranteed and has some other practical uses like making it harder for Cobalion to revenge kill you, living Choice Scarf Flygon's Outrage, and making it more resliant against Darmanitan, which can be important for the hyper offense teams it thrives on.
Guzzlord @ Choice Band
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Outrage
This one is simple, Choice Band Guzzlord is a pretty good wallbreaker with practical resistances against Pokemon like Celebi and Volcanion. It's difficult to wall since CB Outrage can 2HKO some of the tier's defensive Pokemon like Umbreon and bulky waters like Gastrodon or Milotic and it has the coverage for other stuff like Togekiss and Cobalion.
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Outrage
This one is simple, Choice Band Guzzlord is a pretty good wallbreaker with practical resistances against Pokemon like Celebi and Volcanion. It's difficult to wall since CB Outrage can 2HKO some of the tier's defensive Pokemon like Umbreon and bulky waters like Gastrodon or Milotic and it has the coverage for other stuff like Togekiss and Cobalion.
Weezing-Galar @ Black Sludge / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Strange Steam
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Taunt
Fairy + Poison + Fire is pretty good offensively, since Fire can slam the Steel-types which can take both poison and Fairy moves. With maximum investment pumped into SpA Weezing-G is a pretty decent wallbreaker, especially with Sludge Bomb's poison chance against bulkier foes like Milotic. Taunt could potentially stop Recovery from Pokemon like Milotic and Gastrodon. Now, this set doesn't really handle Crobat, so be sure to use it alongside a good Knock Off user like Heracross and the fourth moveslot could potentially be not Taunt, perhaps Will-O-Wisp or Corrosive Gas.
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Strange Steam
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Taunt
Fairy + Poison + Fire is pretty good offensively, since Fire can slam the Steel-types which can take both poison and Fairy moves. With maximum investment pumped into SpA Weezing-G is a pretty decent wallbreaker, especially with Sludge Bomb's poison chance against bulkier foes like Milotic. Taunt could potentially stop Recovery from Pokemon like Milotic and Gastrodon. Now, this set doesn't really handle Crobat, so be sure to use it alongside a good Knock Off user like Heracross and the fourth moveslot could potentially be not Taunt, perhaps Will-O-Wisp or Corrosive Gas.
Reuniclus @ Black Sludge
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Recover
- Trick
Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Leech Seed
- Knock Off
- Spikes
- Protect
These two pokemon are great at chipping down your opponent with Black Sludge, Leech, and Spikes and can be handy for hazard stack cores. The Reun spread punishes Defog Volcanion who can clear the spikes. You do have to be mindful as there is a bit of anti synergy with Knock ferro and TrickSludge but you just have to be mindful.
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Recover
- Trick
Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Leech Seed
- Knock Off
- Spikes
- Protect
These two pokemon are great at chipping down your opponent with Black Sludge, Leech, and Spikes and can be handy for hazard stack cores. The Reun spread punishes Defog Volcanion who can clear the spikes. You do have to be mindful as there is a bit of anti synergy with Knock ferro and TrickSludge but you just have to be mindful.
Slurpuff @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Belly Drum
- Play Rough
- Drain Punch
- Facade / Sticky Web
Zoroark @ Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
- Memento
Fun HO core that you can build off of with really anything you want. I prefer running Webs > Facade, even on a Belly Drum bc webs makes Cobalion slower, which is helpful for the Zora. I also like Memento on the Zoro as I don't find running an extra move all that necessary. Even if you were to run Focus Blast to hit darks, clicking Memento lets the Slurpuff set up, and that's just more reliable.
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Belly Drum
- Play Rough
- Drain Punch
- Facade / Sticky Web
Zoroark @ Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
- Memento
Fun HO core that you can build off of with really anything you want. I prefer running Webs > Facade, even on a Belly Drum bc webs makes Cobalion slower, which is helpful for the Zora. I also like Memento on the Zoro as I don't find running an extra move all that necessary. Even if you were to run Focus Blast to hit darks, clicking Memento lets the Slurpuff set up, and that's just more reliable.
Incineroar @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Bulk Up
- Flame Charge
- Flare Blitz / Close Combat
- Darkest Lariat
Another HO set, though I'm sure on specific balance builds it can disguise itself pretty well. I really like this as +1 outspeeds Coba and Flygon, though you are slower than Starmie. CC > Flare Blitz is fine too if ur really worried abt Staka and don't want the recoil
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Bulk Up
- Flame Charge
- Flare Blitz / Close Combat
- Darkest Lariat
Another HO set, though I'm sure on specific balance builds it can disguise itself pretty well. I really like this as +1 outspeeds Coba and Flygon, though you are slower than Starmie. CC > Flare Blitz is fine too if ur really worried abt Staka and don't want the recoil
Raikou @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Thunderbolt
- Protect
- Substitute
Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Def / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Protect / Ice beam / Toxic
I remember getting owned by this duo on a UU tour and I was like, lemme try this out in RU, and seeing someone use a Entei + cune on SCL also made me interested in testing this, and it actually did decently, the fact that both can cripple each other checks or outstall some of them made this actually functional, Cune can also afford to tweak its moveset if necessary to cripple mons w either toxic or IB
ps: Scarf flyg can simply lose to raikou w this set, since it so often can just pp stall EQs pp w tect + Subs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Thunderbolt
- Protect
- Substitute
Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Def / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Protect / Ice beam / Toxic
I remember getting owned by this duo on a UU tour and I was like, lemme try this out in RU, and seeing someone use a Entei + cune on SCL also made me interested in testing this, and it actually did decently, the fact that both can cripple each other checks or outstall some of them made this actually functional, Cune can also afford to tweak its moveset if necessary to cripple mons w either toxic or IB
ps: Scarf flyg can simply lose to raikou w this set, since it so often can just pp stall EQs pp w tect + Subs
Sableye @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Taunt
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Defog
A really solid stall core though can be a bit tricky to implement (stall can be hard to build in general). I thought of it when I was looking for Pokemon that don't lose to either Toxic or Taunt Nidoqueen and found Articuno. Articuno also has great utility in Defog / Heal Bell and it's faster than Xurkitree and Togekiss. Sableye deals with a lot of obnoxious mons like CP Metagross, Reuniclus, Obstagoon, and Snorlax. You can see this core in action in Mace's RU Invitational match against EviGaro: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen8ru-610708
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Taunt
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Bell
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Defog
A really solid stall core though can be a bit tricky to implement (stall can be hard to build in general). I thought of it when I was looking for Pokemon that don't lose to either Toxic or Taunt Nidoqueen and found Articuno. Articuno also has great utility in Defog / Heal Bell and it's faster than Xurkitree and Togekiss. Sableye deals with a lot of obnoxious mons like CP Metagross, Reuniclus, Obstagoon, and Snorlax. You can see this core in action in Mace's RU Invitational match against EviGaro: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen8ru-610708
Talonflame @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- Roost
Talonflame is unique from the other birds as it can find a way past steel-types naturally and certain builds use steel-types as their only flying resist, making Brave Bird very free a lot of the time. It also has the speed to threaten electrics for damage, meaning they are not the safest switch-in either. Rhyperior and Diancie becoming popular is a negative for t-flame, but diancie usage is bound to drop with the likely Obstagoon ban. I like SD over u-turn to sweep, though im sure using t-flame as some sort of pivot on those rock-types also works. Flame Body is useful to punish opposing u-turn pivots.
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- Roost
Talonflame is unique from the other birds as it can find a way past steel-types naturally and certain builds use steel-types as their only flying resist, making Brave Bird very free a lot of the time. It also has the speed to threaten electrics for damage, meaning they are not the safest switch-in either. Rhyperior and Diancie becoming popular is a negative for t-flame, but diancie usage is bound to drop with the likely Obstagoon ban. I like SD over u-turn to sweep, though im sure using t-flame as some sort of pivot on those rock-types also works. Flame Body is useful to punish opposing u-turn pivots.
Drapion @ Black Sludge / Shuca Berry
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Poison Jab / Ice Fang
- Earthquake
Drapion is very awkward for specific teams to handle due to the offensive synergy within its stabs, and this is boosted with the absence of Cobalion. Drapion also boasts only one weakness to ground, which can lure in Flygon to potentially hit with Ice Fang. STAB Knock Off, as proven with Obstagoon, is extremely difficult to handle. What sets it apart from Incineroar, which also has STAB Knock, is the base 95 speed, outspeeding the base 80s, Xurkitree and Timid Rose. Atm Obstagoon overshadows it, but with a likely ban coming in a week, drapion might become a more justified pick.
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Poison Jab / Ice Fang
- Earthquake
Drapion is very awkward for specific teams to handle due to the offensive synergy within its stabs, and this is boosted with the absence of Cobalion. Drapion also boasts only one weakness to ground, which can lure in Flygon to potentially hit with Ice Fang. STAB Knock Off, as proven with Obstagoon, is extremely difficult to handle. What sets it apart from Incineroar, which also has STAB Knock, is the base 95 speed, outspeeding the base 80s, Xurkitree and Timid Rose. Atm Obstagoon overshadows it, but with a likely ban coming in a week, drapion might become a more justified pick.
Seismitoad @ Choice Band
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
CB toad has been seen before, though was more relevant before it rose to UU, but it can still work now as the grass-types have changed from Zarude, to Celebi and Roserade, which don't have the same bulk. Toad still serves as a decent breaker that surprises those who expect the standard defensive set, unleashing powerful attacks that rip holes through teams. Something i also like is it's scald immunity, which can often plague some of the other niche CB users in the tier. 4 attacks without band can also work but it can lack the power that is probably necessary.
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
CB toad has been seen before, though was more relevant before it rose to UU, but it can still work now as the grass-types have changed from Zarude, to Celebi and Roserade, which don't have the same bulk. Toad still serves as a decent breaker that surprises those who expect the standard defensive set, unleashing powerful attacks that rip holes through teams. Something i also like is it's scald immunity, which can often plague some of the other niche CB users in the tier. 4 attacks without band can also work but it can lack the power that is probably necessary.
Sceptile-Mega (M) @ Sceptilite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Attract
- Protect
There are a LOT of female Pokemon in SM RU. Cresselia, Mandibuzz, Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Florges... so why not try and abuse it? Realistically, it will only work on Mandibuzz, but given how popular of a Pokemon it is surely its usable, right?
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Attract
- Protect
There are a LOT of female Pokemon in SM RU. Cresselia, Mandibuzz, Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Florges... so why not try and abuse it? Realistically, it will only work on Mandibuzz, but given how popular of a Pokemon it is surely its usable, right?
Arcanine @ Firium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Morning Sun
- Iron Head / Extreme Speed
arcanine is not used that often for fairly obvious reasons, but at the same time it's not really a bad breaker. pair this up with spikes / some mons that can punish bulky waters (and pdef donphan, variants without much defense can die to a fblitz + inferno overdrive even from full iirc) to make progress easier. i use iron head because fuck diancie, but extreme speed is probably better for late game shenanigans.
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Morning Sun
- Iron Head / Extreme Speed
arcanine is not used that often for fairly obvious reasons, but at the same time it's not really a bad breaker. pair this up with spikes / some mons that can punish bulky waters (and pdef donphan, variants without much defense can die to a fblitz + inferno overdrive even from full iirc) to make progress easier. i use iron head because fuck diancie, but extreme speed is probably better for late game shenanigans.
Whimsicott @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Def / 192 Spe
Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- U-turn
- Leech Seed
- Taunt
very, very, very annoying mon to deal with. the combination of leech seed + taunt + rh is very nice against fatter teams. obviously not on the higher end of good grass types in a tier where grass types are very good but it has a p particular niche that makes it a fun choice.
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Def / 192 Spe
Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- U-turn
- Leech Seed
- Taunt
very, very, very annoying mon to deal with. the combination of leech seed + taunt + rh is very nice against fatter teams. obviously not on the higher end of good grass types in a tier where grass types are very good but it has a p particular niche that makes it a fun choice.
Rotom-Mow @ Grassium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split / Hidden Power [Ice]
another niche grass. people loved to hate on this thing back in cg and it is p clunky, but grass + elec is never fun to really switch into, and wisp can make things annoying for viriz. hp ice obviously makes it so that you dont just Lose to sceptile
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split / Hidden Power [Ice]
another niche grass. people loved to hate on this thing back in cg and it is p clunky, but grass + elec is never fun to really switch into, and wisp can make things annoying for viriz. hp ice obviously makes it so that you dont just Lose to sceptile
Donphan @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Atk / 40 Def / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
- Rapid Spin
im not really sure how often this was used anymore, so maybe this is boring - it's listed in OO on the analysis so it was at least acknowledged, but i love gunk shot on donphan to punish virizion. you sacrifice ice shard obviously but virizion is such a big centerpiece of teams that i think you can afford it.
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Atk / 40 Def / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
- Rapid Spin
im not really sure how often this was used anymore, so maybe this is boring - it's listed in OO on the analysis so it was at least acknowledged, but i love gunk shot on donphan to punish virizion. you sacrifice ice shard obviously but virizion is such a big centerpiece of teams that i think you can afford it.
Absol @ Life Orb
Ability: Super Luck
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch/ Night Slash
- Play Rough
- Iron Tail
So first of all let's talk about Absol, I got the idea to play this Pokemon because I wanted a Pokemon abusing the Diancie/Donphan/Metagross/Golispopod core that was really played a lot. The advantage of Absol is that you could easily knock off everything including Donphan and Golispod's berries clearly reducing their staying power. Iron tail prevents diancie from being able to stay on it. Finally Play rough punishes mandibuzz here which also allows to have a very correct mu against RegiBroMandi. Small bonus ! in addition to his coverage, each move can be a critical move thanks to super luck. The main drawback is that it won't do much against fast teams but in a meta where the two cores I mentioned are very played the Pokémon has an excellent place.
Ability: Super Luck
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch/ Night Slash
- Play Rough
- Iron Tail
So first of all let's talk about Absol, I got the idea to play this Pokemon because I wanted a Pokemon abusing the Diancie/Donphan/Metagross/Golispopod core that was really played a lot. The advantage of Absol is that you could easily knock off everything including Donphan and Golispod's berries clearly reducing their staying power. Iron tail prevents diancie from being able to stay on it. Finally Play rough punishes mandibuzz here which also allows to have a very correct mu against RegiBroMandi. Small bonus ! in addition to his coverage, each move can be a critical move thanks to super luck. The main drawback is that it won't do much against fast teams but in a meta where the two cores I mentioned are very played the Pokémon has an excellent place.
Raichu-Alola @ Aloraichium Z
Ability: Surge Surfer
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Psyshock
- Protect
For Raichu Alola my initial thing was yoooo i need something cool to revenge kill virizion and it's why I think first about him. Raichu Alola is clearly a fishing mu Pokemon because he has some strong strenght but also a lot of weakness. First of all, This pokémon clearly needs several things to work, a pokémon that can knock off Registeel as well and a big ground resistance (for example Tsareena is a very good partner for him). You can also play a glare user (THE GOAT SERVINE ???) to be able to paralyze flygon scarf one of the pokémon that annoy him the most. Apart from its ability to revenge kill virizion, this pokemon easily destroys RegiBroMandibuzz once the registeel is knocked and it can be very dangerous against most offensive teams if it has spikes support.
Ability: Surge Surfer
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Psyshock
- Protect
For Raichu Alola my initial thing was yoooo i need something cool to revenge kill virizion and it's why I think first about him. Raichu Alola is clearly a fishing mu Pokemon because he has some strong strenght but also a lot of weakness. First of all, This pokémon clearly needs several things to work, a pokémon that can knock off Registeel as well and a big ground resistance (for example Tsareena is a very good partner for him). You can also play a glare user (THE GOAT SERVINE ???) to be able to paralyze flygon scarf one of the pokémon that annoy him the most. Apart from its ability to revenge kill virizion, this pokemon easily destroys RegiBroMandibuzz once the registeel is knocked and it can be very dangerous against most offensive teams if it has spikes support.
Eelektross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 216 HP / 40 SpA / 216 SpD / 36 Spe
Calm Nature
- Knock Off
- Volt Switch
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain
It's one of the only Pokemon who don't work really in tournament but Bouff mention him not long ago so I'll just explain its usefulness. I simply wanted a pivot that could knock off registeel while winning his duel against nidoqueen. His spread is made to have better rolls against him and he is a little bit speedcreep for people who don't put any speed on their donphan. If you ever use it I clearly advise you to have a good virizion check because he can abuse you easily.
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 216 HP / 40 SpA / 216 SpD / 36 Spe
Calm Nature
- Knock Off
- Volt Switch
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain
It's one of the only Pokemon who don't work really in tournament but Bouff mention him not long ago so I'll just explain its usefulness. I simply wanted a pivot that could knock off registeel while winning his duel against nidoqueen. His spread is made to have better rolls against him and he is a little bit speedcreep for people who don't put any speed on their donphan. If you ever use it I clearly advise you to have a good virizion check because he can abuse you easily.
Haunter @ Electrium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunder
- Substitute
Maybe the best Pokemon here to be honest Haunter deserve clearly a rank in the viabilty ranking but it's not the debate here. It may seem surprising but I was probably the first to build on haunter long before it was played in the Smogon Snake draft but my idea leaked. At first I wanted to play this at the major against Ajna but being afraid to play something weird I backed out at the last moment. Anyway, let's talk about haunter, it's literally a Pokémon that can destroy teams with Registeel by itslef. If registeel is on the field you just have to hard on it like an idiot and you have a free subs. From there you can literally do WHAT YOU WANT, if your opponent has a slow ground you can spam Thunder to paralyze registeel and inevitably win the duel with Shadow Ball, if your opponent goes on flygon you can just spam Shadow Ball, if your opponent goes on Mandibuzz you can Sludge Bomb and throw your Z move. You have to play the matchup well against pursuit trappers and not put it down like that, but if you are under a sub you are generally safe against most of them so it is not a dead matchup.
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunder
- Substitute
Maybe the best Pokemon here to be honest Haunter deserve clearly a rank in the viabilty ranking but it's not the debate here. It may seem surprising but I was probably the first to build on haunter long before it was played in the Smogon Snake draft but my idea leaked. At first I wanted to play this at the major against Ajna but being afraid to play something weird I backed out at the last moment. Anyway, let's talk about haunter, it's literally a Pokémon that can destroy teams with Registeel by itslef. If registeel is on the field you just have to hard on it like an idiot and you have a free subs. From there you can literally do WHAT YOU WANT, if your opponent has a slow ground you can spam Thunder to paralyze registeel and inevitably win the duel with Shadow Ball, if your opponent goes on flygon you can just spam Shadow Ball, if your opponent goes on Mandibuzz you can Sludge Bomb and throw your Z move. You have to play the matchup well against pursuit trappers and not put it down like that, but if you are under a sub you are generally safe against most of them so it is not a dead matchup.
Oricorio-Sensu @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Dancer
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Revelation Dance
- Hurricane
For finish I close this thread with one of the Pokémon in my favorite SMRU team. Oricorio Sensu is very similar to Haunter, you clearly want to abuse Registeel but you need a little more support (like a pokémon that can u turn on registeel) but it has a bigger carry potential. Im going to describe it less because it really does the same thing as haunter but you have to think that being able to set up on registeel and having a Z that can't really be blocked since generally the steel type is the ONLY flying resist makes the pokémon really interesting.
Ability: Dancer
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Revelation Dance
- Hurricane
For finish I close this thread with one of the Pokémon in my favorite SMRU team. Oricorio Sensu is very similar to Haunter, you clearly want to abuse Registeel but you need a little more support (like a pokémon that can u turn on registeel) but it has a bigger carry potential. Im going to describe it less because it really does the same thing as haunter but you have to think that being able to set up on registeel and having a Z that can't really be blocked since generally the steel type is the ONLY flying resist makes the pokémon really interesting.
Articuno @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Heal Bell
- Freeze-Dry
- Defog
Articuno is able to pull its weight in so many matchups due to the fact it beats nearly all stealth rockers and also through the fact it has access to freeze dry. Articuno is especially nice as it beats the everpresent Venu, Flygon and Registeel while not being super prone to being pursuit trapped. Another boon that Articuno offers is that it pairs very well withh Alomomola as it has access to heal bell which helps in the 12.5% burn gen.
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Heal Bell
- Freeze-Dry
- Defog
Articuno is able to pull its weight in so many matchups due to the fact it beats nearly all stealth rockers and also through the fact it has access to freeze dry. Articuno is especially nice as it beats the everpresent Venu, Flygon and Registeel while not being super prone to being pursuit trapped. Another boon that Articuno offers is that it pairs very well withh Alomomola as it has access to heal bell which helps in the 12.5% burn gen.
Venusaur (F) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 248 HP / 24 SpA / 220 SpD / 16 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis
- Growth
Tangela @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
- Hidden Power [Flying]
- Synthesis
This core is mainly built on the fact that Tangela beats Virizion and knocks steels and poisons which frees up Venusaur to run a spdef growth set which is super potent lategame. Furthermore, you are able to absorb scald burns with Tangela to allow Venusaur the passive recovery that it so desperately wants.
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 248 HP / 24 SpA / 220 SpD / 16 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis
- Growth
Tangela @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
- Hidden Power [Flying]
- Synthesis
This core is mainly built on the fact that Tangela beats Virizion and knocks steels and poisons which frees up Venusaur to run a spdef growth set which is super potent lategame. Furthermore, you are able to absorb scald burns with Tangela to allow Venusaur the passive recovery that it so desperately wants.
Musharna @ Tanga Berry
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Baton Pass
- Moonlight
- Psychic
Musharna is basically just an attempt at taking advantage of bp being allowed in bw ru. Tanga berry is so that you can potentially pass to a Magneton and trap Durant/Escavalier if they decide to go for a bug-type move, especially in Durant's case.
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Baton Pass
- Moonlight
- Psychic
Musharna is basically just an attempt at taking advantage of bp being allowed in bw ru. Tanga berry is so that you can potentially pass to a Magneton and trap Durant/Escavalier if they decide to go for a bug-type move, especially in Durant's case.
Sigilyph @ Flame Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Cosmic Power
- Roost
- Psycho Shift
- Stored Power
In a generation with so few viable darks and burn being so broken and the nonexistance of knockoff psycho shift sigilyph is really quite cool. Cosmic power is awful aesthetically but it works so I don't think there is any reason to switch to Calm Mind, especially not with all the Aerodactyls flying around threatening with Stone Edge.
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Cosmic Power
- Roost
- Psycho Shift
- Stored Power
In a generation with so few viable darks and burn being so broken and the nonexistance of knockoff psycho shift sigilyph is really quite cool. Cosmic power is awful aesthetically but it works so I don't think there is any reason to switch to Calm Mind, especially not with all the Aerodactyls flying around threatening with Stone Edge.
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