OU SM OU Good Cores




approved by Finchinator
banner by Bummer | hosted by Charmflash , OP mostly copied from Bloo/adapted from sedertz

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. 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. Overall, cores function as a fantastic base or starting point for a wide range of teams and they are commonly used while teambuilding to achieve a specific goal.


Posting Guidelines
  • Any person can post a core in this thread. The cores are broken down into four categories: offensive cores, balanced cores, defensive cores, and weather cores. When posting your core, please make sure to state which one of these categories your core falls under.
  • Although the way your core works may be obvious to you, this may not be the case for others. As such, when posting a core, please make sure to explain how the core operates and any other details you think are important to include. The explanations don't have to be essays; as long as your post has some substance and conveys the main idea behind the core, it's all good. Here are some things you may like to include when explaining your core:
    • Offensive Core: Should your core be an offensive one, such as Kyurem-B + Tapu Koko, you could explain how those two Pokemon work together to break down their similar checks and any other synergistic traits. You could also mention any weaknesses the core has and any partners you believe work well with the core.
      • Here is a good example of what we look for taken from the ORAS iteration.
    • Defensive Core: Should your core be defensive, such as Landorus-T + Magearna, you could explain their typing synergy allows them to cover problematic Pokemon for one another, or any other synergistic attributes you feel are relevant. You could also mention any weaknesses the core has and any partners you believe work well with the core.
      • Here is a good example of what we look for taken from the ORAS iteration.
  • This goes without saying, but do make sure your post includes the sets your core is using. In addition, please try to include an explanation of any EV spreads deviating from the standard 252 / 252. Replays are also very helpful and highly encouraged when posting cores.
  • Please do not post a core that has more than 3 Pokemon because cores bigger than this can restrict building immensely.
  • Please be respectful of the cores people post in this thread. If someone posts a core that you think is ineffective or just plain bad, there is no need to jump at their throats. With that said, constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged - simply be nice!

Core Selection Process
  • This thread is being run by Charmflash. We will carefully monitor the cores posted in this thread. When the time comes, we will discuss the posted cores together and decide which ones will be featured in the archive.
  • While the selection of good cores can often be subjective, we will take into consideration a variety of aspects before deciding which cores are featured in the archive. This includes quality of explanation, effectiveness of the core in the current metagame, and so on. We will carefully discuss everything and seek feedback from others to ensure the selected cores are of high quality.
  • When we decide which cores will be featured in the archive, we will try to announce them and provide brief explanations behind why certain cores were selected and why certain cores weren't. This feedback can potentially help give people a clearer picture of what we are looking for.
  • If a core is originally rejected from the archive, we can definitely provide some tips on how a set or spread can be tweaked so the core meets the standards we look for.
  • Just like with anyone else who posts a core, please feel free to bring up any concerns you might have with our posts and/or the cores we select! However, please be sure to be polite, and if it is a simple question/concern, we'd prefer it being directed to us in a PM.
So, let's commence the Cores. (WORK IN PROGRESS)
 
Cool thread Charm! I'll post a couple of cores I find to be reliable:

Balance

Core 1: :tapu fini: + :tornadus-therian: + :jirachi:

This core is pretty solid for balance teams that tend to lean into offense but still needs a solid defensive backbone. It carries double defog and so works well when paired with offensive sweepers & breakers that do not like taking stealth rock damage (think Charizard, Dragonite / Salamence, Volcarona ect).

Obviously, the three together check some of the most prevalent meta game threats:

- Fini checks Heatran, Greninja, Charizard-X, Hawlucha, Kommo-O & Mega Swampert (in a pinch);
- Tornadus checks Kartana, Medicham, Mega Pinsir & Serperior;
- Jirachi checks Tapu Lele, Alakazam, Magearna, Serperior, Kyurem-B & Tapu Koko (in a pinch)

In addition to containing 2 defoggers, it also contains stealth rocks, 2 u-turn users, healing wish support, and potentially the Z move user.

Replays:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1406590862 - Here the core provides enough defensively utility against the classic Psyspam + Scarf Kartana offensive core for the offensive components of the team to win.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1417011374-scnp4zxnscckiknww0mk2p9uioejmg0pw - Double defog against Sun allows for rocks to be kept off of my side long enough for Dragonite to break.

This core does not contain a ground type, is a little rain weak, has 0 chance against Charizard-Y, and does not have much offensive presence on its own; when building with it, try to keep these points in mind (in the games above, I am usually running some combination off offensive ground + Char-Y check with a mon that is decent vs rain). The core can also struggle vs Celesteela, see the game below:

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1302376425-aposf4zlr1o2x83hky4son5ofyk7hoopw

Defensive
Core 2: :tangrowth: + :gastrodon:

One of my favorite cores, these two work well together and are a menace for rain spam to overcome. Once again these two check a lot of common threats, with gastro being able to stomach powerful special attackers that would prey on tang, and tang stopping set up physical sweepers from abusing gastrodon;

- Tangrowth checks Mega-Swampert, Gliscor, Garchomp, Mawile, Kartana, Mega Lopunny and can be kitted to additionally check Bulu with sludge bomb.
- Gastrodon checks Greninja, Kindgra, (some) Manaphy, Blacephalon, Magearna, Tapu Koko, Kyurem-B (watch out for icium turns), Mega Diance, Magnezone, Rotom-W, Victini and Volcarona.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1459994018-oim3fbpbub3szd5zba5o2vuiuttsn8apw - Classic rain MU, the main abusers struggle to make progress vs Tang + Gastro.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1407243917 - Not a great game, but on preview Tang + Gastro wall every mon except Tapu Lele.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1200911124-etyav0svtsrki7wfe8n5bowvyjy91lxpw - These two make mincemeat out of Kart / Mawile / Greninja / Koko


Core 3: :slowbro: + :chansey:

An obvious pairing, Slowbro and Chansey together check most of the metagame, with the notable exception of Heatran and Kartana. I have been enjoying these two a lot lately on fatter balance builds, and their move-pools are quite flexible depending on what you want them to do. I don't think they really require too much of an in-depth discussion of what they check, but I can expand if you would like? Probably the key thing is that Slowbro + Chansey still check both Charizard formes, as does the Glisc + Pex core, but trades the ability to handle heatran for the ability to check medicham, and in my experience fitting checks for heatran is easier than fitting checks for medicham.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1460002001-207yfe1x3yw2c93tc9n7ou493dkypmdpw - Literally just queued a game, so not the most relevant, but Slowbro comes in clutch vs Hawlucha; the freeze was nice but two rounds of helmet chip would have been enough to wear 3 attack Hawlucha down, so sacking chansey + Venusaur would have given slowbro enogh HP to tank 2 acro's to take it out. Chansey walling Kyub was also nice.

Core 4: :skarmory: + :gastrodon-east: + :muk-alola:

In a meta where psyspam and rain are quite common, this core does an amiable job at keeping these more extreme play-styles in check, whilst remaining relevant in more traditional MU's. The star of this core is Muk, who completely bodies most psyspam by absorbing neutral attacks, and pursuit trapping Lele and Alakazam Mega. Skarmory functions as a physical catch all, and usually runs spikes in order to out-hazard teams that are light on hazards - keep in mind though, that gastrodon and muk do not like spike stacking wars, and spikes is generally an option, rather than necessity. Counter on Skarmory allows it to check powerful threats such as SD Kart, Garchomp, Bulu, Mawile, Scizor & Pinsir, that would otherwise throttle the other two, and does a better job of it than TornT or Zapdos. Finally, Gastrodon checks common special attackers, as listed in core 2 above, whilst acting as the cores electric immune.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1321831962-7bk14up1rbfhectpepim7zkbwrp3pzjpw - Here Muk bodies psyspam and skarmory staves off kartana.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1294178348 - Classic balance MU whereby the combination of skarm + gastro proves to be effective until the endgame.

Offence:

Core 5: :Greninja: + :grassium-z::heatran::grassium-z: + :lopunny-mega: / :medicham-mega:

This is another classic core that I still think is usable; the essential idea is to break the main checks to battle bond Greninja in order for it to clean. Grassium Z Heatran can threaten, trap and remove AV Tangrwoth, Toxapex, Tapu Fini, Rotom-w & Gastrodon, while Lopunny or Medicham threaten the likes of Chansey, Hydreigon and, more so in Medichams case, Kommo-o.

I do have some replays for this one lying around, but they are spread across quite a few accounts, so lmk if you would like some.

----------------------------------------------------

I might leave it at that for now so this post doesnt get too lengthy.
 

Rae

valiance and vigor
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This is a super good resource for people looking for strong backbones for their teams! Here's a few for Tornadus-T specifically because I've been loving him and some others miscellaneous ones!

Bird is the Word
:ss/Tangrowth: + :ss/Tornadus-therian:


A powerful Regenerator core that is seen on bulky offense teams, Tangrowth and Tornadus-T keep a lot of Pokemon in check. Tangrowth is able to take hits from Magearna, Tapu Koko, and Ash-Greninja, while Tornadus-T can remove entry hazards for it, preventing the chip damage from compromising its ability to check the aforementioned Pokemon, and can check offensive Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Kartana, which can potentially overwhelm Tangrowth, punish U-turn from Landorus-T or Mega Scizor with Rocky Helmet, and threaten Pokemon like Amoonguss, which wall Tangrowth. In return, Tangrowth can check Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko, both of which can easily outspeed and threaten Tornadus-T.

:ss/greninja-ash: + :ss/Tornadus-therian:


This core is quite a menace to deal with, having two powerful special wallbreakers that can reliably beat or weaken each other's checks. Ash-Greninja threatens Tornadus-T's checks in Steel- and Rock-types, while Tornadus-T annoys Grass-types with Knock Off and Hurricane, lures in Chansey, Magearna, and Toxapex and removes important items from them, and is able to beat the rare Kommo-o. In addition, Spikes from Greninja weakens opposing grounded shared checks in Assault Vest Magearna and Toxapex. Flyinium Z is great for weakening Pokemon, giving Greninja an easier time to finish them off without risking Hydro Pump. U-turn is a great move to allow Tornadus-T to pivot out of its checks like Heatran and Tyranitar and bring in Greninja to threaten them with Hydro Pump or lay down Spikes.


:ss/mawile-mega: + :ss/tornadus-therian:


This core exploits Tornadus-T's ability to lure out Heatran and weaken or remove it with All-Out Pummeling. When Heatran is removed, Mega Mawile is usually free to click Play Rough and blow holes in the opponent's team. It also appreciates Tornadus-T's ability to bring it in safely with a U-turn and remove entry hazards, preventing any unnecessary damage to Mega Mawile. Tornadus-T can threaten checks to Mega Mawile like Landorus-T; meanwhile, Mega Mawile can take advantage of bulky special walls like Chansey and Toxapex, which come in freely against Tornadus-T.

Offensive Cores


:ss/mawile-mega: + :ss/greninja-ash:


Ash-Greninja is a premier offensive threat in the metagame and a great partner for Mega Mawile. Its ability to set up Spikes early-game allows it to soften up common switch-ins to Mega Mawile like Heatran and Ferrothorn and put them in range of Mawile's Brick Break as well as punish switches in general. In return, Mega Mawile punishes common Ash-Greninja answers such as Toxapex, Tangrowth, and Tapu Bulu in order to facilitate a late-game sweep.


:ss/mawile-mega: + :ss/rotom-wash:


Rotom-W is an excellent partner for Mega Mawile for a number of reasons. For one, its Levitate ability allows it to switch into Ground-types like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor and either cripple them with Will-O-Wisp or knock them out with Hydro Pump. But what makes it such a good teammate is its access to Volt Switch in combination with it's ability to scare out Ground-types and draw in Grass-types like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn that Mawile has a field day against. Even though it lacks reliable recovery, Leftovers and Pain Split give it the longevity it needs to pivot around several times in a game and bring in Mega Mawile through Volt Switch as many times as possible.

:ss/greninja-ash: + :ss/landorus-therian:


These two work exceptionally well together, being able to make a solid hazard stack core thanks to Spikes and Stealth Rock respectively whilst being able to support each other fantastically. Landorus-T is able to pressure the likes of Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Magearna for Ash-Greninja, weakening them for it to clean up later. U-turn is also greatly appreciated, with Greninja not wanting to take a hit before it starts breaking and get it onto the field safely.


:ss/kartana: + :ss/tyranitar-mega:


A pretty common Sand core, with Tyranitar being our Sand setter and Kartana being a cleaner. Pursuit from Tyranitar is extremely useful for Kartana because it eliminates this set's biggest revenge killers on bulky offense and balance builds: Mega Latias, Mega Latios, Mega Alakazam, and Tornadus-T. Tyranitar's Stealth Rock also comes in handy for getting significant chip on a range of Kartana's checks like Tornadus-T and Zapdos.


Balanced/Defensive Cores


:ss/Landorus-Therian: + :ss/Heatran:


Despite this core's obvious Water-type weakness, it's very effective in the current metagame. Heatran is able to pressure stall a lot and remove Mega Sableye from the match, allowing Landorus-T to set up Stealth Rock against stall so Heatran can muscle through the opposing team. They also have solid type synergy, as Landorus-T can switch into Ground-type attacks, while in return Heatran can switch into Ice-type attacks.

:ss/tapu bulu: + :ss/heatran:


This core works very well on teams ranging from bulky offense to balance. Tapu Bulu and Heatran have very good type synergy, being a great start to a Fire / Water / Grass core and a Fairy / Dragon / Steel core. Grassy Surge sets up Grassy Terrain, which weakens Earthquake for Heatran and gives it extra passive recovery. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock, greatly supporting Tapu Bulu and allowing it to break through Pokémon like Zapdos and Tangrowth.


:ss/Scizor-Mega: + :ss/Rotom-Wash:


A classic bulky VoltTurn core, Rotom-Wash can take on Fire-, Water-, and Ground-types for Mega Scizor, as well as Rotom-Wash the majority of Flying-types very well. Rotom-Wash's Will-o-Wisp also makes it much easier for Mega Scizor to check physically offensive threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham and Garchomp. In return, Mega Scizor lays pressure on Grass-types such as Tapu Bulu and Kartana, which can try to take advantage of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's all for now, hope to see some more cores listed and added!
 
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Katy

Banned deucer.
Regen Core (Defensive Core):

:toxapex: + :tangrowth:
Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze
- Recover
- Toxic

Tangrowth @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
Hidden Power: Ice
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Sludge Bomb
this core is a great core, as it covers most of the metagame. it covers ash greninja, volcarona, tyranitar, excadrill, landorus-t, and it can also help against garchomp, which are all threatening in their own rights. this core fits well on balanced team structures alongside celesteela, tornadus-t, or mega diancie. this core is pretty helpful and long-lasting and can help each other out with covering most weaknesses already naturally. haze by toxapex can remove boosts from the lieks of clefable and volcarona, whereas knock off on tangrowth is a great utility option to remove any item which arent a mega stone or z move. tangrowths giga drain also allow it to be a long-standing check to the aforementioned, dangerous pokemon in the metagame.


Clickin' and Kickin' (Offensive Core):

:medicham-mega: + :landorus-therian:
Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch
- Fake Out

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 244 Atk / 68 Def / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Explosion
- Defog
this core is a good core as mega medicham + landorus-t is a great fit together in offensive team structures. landorus-t can check mega pinsir, mega tyranitar, excadrill, and mega lopunny, furthermore landorus-t can check opposing mega medicham. landorus-t can also bring mega medicham in safely with u-turn or it can generate / keep momentum for the rest of the teammates. mega medicham is a great pokemon alongside it, as both have a great speed tier with landorus-t being faster than mega alakazam and mega medicham having the magical 100 benchmark, therefore they both have a great speed tier together. mega medicham can also easily break through most pokemon in the tier with its high ump kick and zen headbutt combination. landorus-t can also explode on zapdos to get rid off it for mega medicham, which mega medicham greatly appreciates.

Fire Moth and the Bullet Punch (Offensive Core):

:scizor-mega: + :volcarona:
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Roost

Volcarona @ Buginium Z
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Quiver Dance

mega scizor and volcarona make a great offensive core. mega scizor can check tapu lele in an offensive way and it is also able to overwhelm kartana and tapu bulu, whereas volcarona can also overwhelm these two grass-types. both can also handle mega tyranitar very well and knock off in general is a great move. with swords dance in its arsenal mega scizor is able to abuse pokemon like kartana, tapu bulu, and mega diancie as setup fodder if mega diancie doesnt run hp fire. volcarona appreciates mega scizor as knock off the item of chansey benefits it in hindsight, as chansey is one check to volcarona and with losing its eviolite volcarona has an easier time to break through in the late game. hidden power ground is for heatran, which otherwise can be a hard-stop to the moth and it also helps against pokemon such as mega charizard x.
 
:garchomp: + :greninja-ash:
I posted about this core in the National Dex OU cores thread, but the core remains effective here. Garchomp breaks through Toxapex and other special walls while Greninja pressures Garchomp's checks like Landorus-T and Slowbro. Both are also able to wear down each other's checks through Stealth Rock and Spikes. It's also worth noting that Mega Mawile is an exceptional partner for these two
 
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Marnie

Leap of Faith
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Offensive Cores:
PsySpam 2.0
:sm/tapu-lele::sm/medicham-mega:
:tapu-lele: + :medicham-mega:

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 1 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast / Shadow Ball / Thunderbolt

Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Ice Punch
- Zen Headbutt
Instead of the classic:alakazam-mega:approach,:medicham-mega:aids:tapu-lele:by being able to easily demolish most of its checks which includes: Steel- types like:scizor-mega:,:ferrothorn:, &:heatran:, Dark- types like:tyranitar-mega:&:assault-vest::tyranitar:, and specially defensive mons like:chansey:. In return,:tapu-lele:helps deal with:medicham-mega:'s biggest counter in:sableye-mega:, provides Speed control, and sets Psychic Terrain to boost its Zen Headbutt (The interaction with Fake Out can easily backfire, however). They are also able to overload bulky Psychic- types together.


Psychological Meltdown
:sm/tapu-lele::sm/charizard-mega-y:
:tapu-lele: + :charizard-mega-y:

Tapu Lele @ Choice Specs
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power Fire

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost
:tapu-lele:breaks down:toxapex:&:latias-mega:for:charizard-mega-y:, while it melts Steel- types like :scizor-mega:,:ferrothorn:,:celesteela:, Choice-locked:kartana:,:jirachi:, &:assault-vest::magearna:in return. Moreover, the Sun summoned by its Drought helps boost:tapu-lele:'s Hidden Power Fire, allowing it to smack its aforementioned checks by itself. Both of them can also easily overwhelm their shared checks in:chansey:,:tyranitar:,:tyranitar-mega:, &:heatran:.


Deep Waters
:sm/greninja-ash::sm/crawdaunt:
:greninja-ash: + :crawdaunt:

Greninja-Ash (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- Spikes

Crawdaunt @ Choice Band
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Crabhammer
- Aqua Jet
- Crunch
Both offensive mons take advantage of their hard-hitting STABS to break through their shared checks, doing so in both the physical and special side for the other.:Crawdaunt:can break early game (especially with Spikes support from:greninja-ash:) and remove items like:assault-vest:&:leftovers:from:magearna:,:tangrowth:,:kommo-o:,:tapu-bulu:,:toxapex:, &:tapu-fini: which allows:greninja-ash: to break them easily, either giving it easy transformation and/or sweep in the late game. Their access to strong priority moves also eases the matchup against opposing offense.


Greenhorn
:sm/heracross-mega::sm/tapu-bulu:
:heracross-mega: + :tapu-bulu:

Heracross-Mega @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Bullet Seed

Tapu Bulu @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 84 HP / 248 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Superpower / Megahorn
- Stone Edge / Megahorn
Aside from giving passive recovery,:tapu-bulu:'s Grassy Terrain allows:heracross-mega:to run a boosted Bullet Seed. Both of them can also overload their shared checks such as:tornadus-therian:,:zapdos:,:tangrowth:, &:skarmory: especially with their complementary coverage moves.


Scorching Serpent
:sm/charizard-mega-x::sm/serperior:
:charizard-mega-x: + :serperior:

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
- Roost / Dragon Claw

Serperior @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Glare
- Defog
- Knock Off
:charizard-mega-x:handles all of:serperior:'s checks in:chansey:and Steel- types like:scizor-mega:,:celesteela:, &:heatran:. Running a Dragon move also allows it to smack:latias-mega:. In return,:serperior:threatens bulky Water- types like:tapu-fini:&:rotom-wash:, revenge kill offensive ones like:swampert-mega:in rain &:greninja-ash:, and provides Defog support for it.


BirdSpam
:sm/pinsir-mega::sm/magnezone:
:pinsir-mega: + :magnezone:

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Close Combat

Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
Any offensive mon that hates the existence of Steel- types will always appreciate:magnezone:'s support, and:pinsir-mega:is no different. Aside from reliably trapping and remove:pinsir-mega:'s Steel- type checks like:skarmory:&:celesteela:,:magnezone:also helps in pressuring other roadblocks such as Electric-types in:tapu-koko:&:zapdos:due to its typing and overwhelms :landorus-therian:to prevent it from Intimidate-shuffling. It also lures in and Volt Switches on bulky Grass- types like:assault-vest::tangrowth:&:venusaur-mega:which:pinsir-mega:feasts on.


Balanced Cores:
Crowned Moth - DiaVolc
:sm/diancie-mega::sm/volcarona:
:diancie-mega: + :volcarona:

Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Stealth Rock / Protect
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm / Protect
- Earth Power

Volcarona @ Firium Z / Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Hidden Power [Ground]
:diancie-mega:'s Magic Bounce helps provide a hazard control option to aid against:volcarona:'s crippling Stealth Rock weakness. This means it can switch onto the field more freely, taking advantage of its defensive typing (more relevant when running the bulky variants) to help check Steel- types that can be problematic for:diancie-mega:like:scizor-mega:,:celesteela:,:ferrothorn:,:jirachi:, &:choice-scarf::kartana:(especially if running Protect to scout for its Choice-locked move) either to punish them with a Flame Body burn or gain a free setup opportunity. In return,:diancie-mega:checks:tornadus-therian: & can help overwhelm :volcarona:'s other answers like:heatran:&:toxapex:with Earth Power (or:chansey:if running the cracked Endeavor set) for it to sweep easier.


Dewy Dragon
:sm/kyurem-black::sm/tapu-fini:
:kyurem-black: + :tapu-fini:

Kyurem-Black @ Icium Z
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Freeze Shock
- Fusion Bolt
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power / Substitute / Roost

Tapu Fini @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 40 SpD / 192 Spe
Calm Nature
- Defog
- Moonblast / Nature's Madness
- Scald / Nature's Madness
- Taunt
Forming a part of the fantasy FDS core,:kyurem-black:is a formidable wallbreaker capable of destroying fat builds which is heavily supported by:tapu-fini:. Access to Defog relieves the Stealth Rock pressure off of the dragon, & Misty Terrain allows it to switch into defensive staples like:toxapex:&:chansey:easily. Moreover,:tapu-fini:is able to chip down Steel- types like :scizor-mega:,:magearna:, &:heatran:(especially with Taunt to prevent recovery attempt by the former) to ease:kyurem-black:'s wallbreaking job easier.


Mistful Moth
:sm/volcarona::sm/tapu-fini:
:volcarona: + :tapu-fini:

Volcarona @ Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 148 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Flamethrower
- Bug Buzz
- Roost

Tapu Fini @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 40 SpD / 192 Spe
Calm Nature
- Defog
- Moonblast / Scald / Whirlpool
- Nature's Madness
- Taunt
Aside from being a classic case of a setup sweeper + Misty Terrain to block status attempts,:Tapu-fini:provides Defog support for:volcarona: while defensively checking offensive Water- types like:greninja-ash:&:gyarados-mega: as well as switching into:heatran: to potentially chip it down. The combination of Nature's Madness + Taunt allows it to stallbreak some of:volcarona:'s biggest roadblocks in:toxapex:&:chansey:(or running Whirlpool to dispose them easier). In return, bulky:volcarona:can take advantage of its decent defensive typing to check:kartana:,:tapu-bulu:, &:ferrothorn:for it.


Baneful Blob - ReuniPex
:sm/reuniclus::sm/toxapex:

:reuniclus: + :toxapex:

Reuniclus @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet / Psychium Z
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Acid Armor
- Psyshock
- Recover

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Haze
- Recover
- Toxic Spikes
Due to its inability to hit Dark- types, Toxic Spikes:toxapex:help chip down:reuniclus:'s grounded checks in:greninja:&:tyranitar:. They can help cover each other's weakness, with:reuniclus:checking:medicham-mega:while:toxapex:checks:greninja-ash:in return. Both of them fits in bulkier builds as well, taking advantage of accumulated chip damage on longer games to sweep with:reuniclus:.

Defensive Cores:
Jewelled Egg
:sm/sableye-mega::sm/chansey:

:sableye-mega: + :chansey:

Sableye-Mega @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Protect

Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock / Heal Bell
- Soft-Boiled
One way:chansey:is easily broken down is by stacking hazards against it by the likes of:greninja-ash:, which:sableye-mega:can block any attempts of it due to Magic Bounce. Moreover,:sableye-mega:absorbs item-removal attempts (Knock Off & Trick) looking to remove its valuable:eviolite:, handles most physical Fighting- type attacks by the likes of:medicham-mega:&:gallade-mega:, and switches into stallbreaker:heatran: for it, while:chansey: handles special Fairy- types like choice locked:tapu-lele:& Shift Gear:magearna:.


Wishing Frog
:sm/heatran::sm/clefable:

:heatran: + :clefable:

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 176 SpD / 80 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Protect
- Earth Power / Stealth Rock

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind / Heal Bell
- Moonblast
- Wish
- Protect
:heatran:'s defensive capabilities is greatly limited by its lack of reliable recovery, which is aided by:clefable:'s Wish support. They cover most of each other's weaknesses, specifically:clefable:checks physical attackers with Ground- and Fighting- type coverage like SD:garchomp:, non-Taunt:gliscor:, EQ:charizard-mega-x:,:heracross-mega:,:lopunny-mega:,:medicham-mega:, &:hawlucha:, while:heatran:checks Steel- & Fire- types like:mawile-mega:,:magearna:,:scizor-mega:,:victini:, & opposing:heatran:, possibly chipping them down which opens up a late-game sweep if:clefable:is running the CM variant.


Bamboo Blossom
:sm/venusaur-mega::sm/celesteela:

:venusaur-mega: + :celesteela:

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 68 SpD / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
- Leech Seed
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Fire
- Synthesis

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 232 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
:venusaur-mega:checks:tapu-koko:,:zapdos:, Thunder Punch:mawile-mega:, &:crawdaunt: for:celesteela: while it checks:tornadus-therian:,:tapu-lele:, &:alakazam-mega:in return, and both can overwhelm:heatran:together.:venusaur-mega:also helps relieve the pressure off of:celesteela:against GrassSpam [:tapu-bulu:+:kartana:] especially when they're paired with:magnezone:.


Some of the cores are pretty standard but regardless, I enjoyed writing these down even if it's like throwing stuff on the wall and see whatever sticks :psywoke:
 
Core 1: :tapu fini: + :tornadus-therian: + :jirachi:
Core 2: :tangrowth: + :gastrodon:
Core 3: :slowbro: + :chansey:
Core 4: :skarmory: + :gastrodon-east: + :muk-alola:
Core 5: :Greninja: + :grassium-z::heatran::grassium-z: + :lopunny-mega: / :medicham-mega:
Cores 1/2/3 got accepted. I particularly think Core 1 is really cool because of how it is able to use speed and bulk to it's advantage. Core 2 and 3 are tried and true defensive cores that can for sure be built with. As for Core 4 I am doubtful of Muk's viability overall. I think there is better Pokemon you can use even if your goal is to beat Psychics. Core 5 is simply a bit too all over the place. In case of a 3 mon core the synergy needs to be overwhelming and I dont think it is the case here.


3/4/5/6/8/9/10 Have all been accepted. They are all well known cores and you did a good job presenting their case. I also liked your pursuit argument about 7 but I think that Weavile just does a better job at that point so I added the core with Weavile instead.
1 Tang+Torn have more overlap than synergy in my book. They both use Knock Off as their main way of making progress early on, act as Kartana checks / ground countermeasure / sponge. While u can put AV on one of them and Helmet on the other and certainly get some sort of synergy going I dislike how they dont have all that much synergy at all really besides Tang resisting electric.
2 While they are both good Pokemon, and they can be used on a team together, I dont think that they make an exceptionally great pair and your argumentatation doesn't convince either since Torn is hardly luring some of those in, and removing their items hardly even helps Greninja bcuz Chansey walls anyway, Toxapex pivots into pulse anyway, and Magearna takes pulse like a champ anyway
1:toxapex: + :tangrowth:
2:medicham-mega: + :landorus-therian:
3:scizor-mega: + :volcarona:
1 & 2 have been accepted due to them being very good and straight-forward defensive/offensive cores respectively. 3 is being declined due to the 2 sharing too many common checks (your posted sets for example are megawalled by bog standard pex) and some descriptions like Scizor being able to check Lele offensively were questionable since lele is immune to BP and can hit zor with hp fire. If anything Scizor can check Lele defensively if Lele lacks hp fire or is choice locked.
Adding this. I like your argument about both of them being able to set up a hazard to weaken eachother's checks on top of the typing synergy.
1:sm/tapu-lele::sm/medicham-mega:
2:sm/tapu-lele::sm/charizard-mega-y:
3:sm/greninja-ash::sm/crawdaunt:
4:sm/heracross-mega::sm/tapu-bulu:
5:sm/charizard-mega-x::sm/serperior:
6:sm/pinsir-mega::sm/magnezone:
7:sm/diancie-mega::sm/volcarona:
8:sm/kyurem-black::sm/tapu-fini:
9:sm/volcarona::sm/tapu-fini:
10:sm/reuniclus::sm/toxapex:
11:sm/sableye-mega::sm/chansey:
12:sm/heatran::sm/clefable:
13:sm/venusaur-mega::sm/celesteela:

1 is an interesting take on double Psychic. I am a fan but the Fake Out interaction is unfortunate. Added nonetheless. 2 seems insane you can barely fit one of those on a team, and you cant exactly make HO with them. Rejected. 3 is a fun "spam" idea but I dont believe in it due to similarly massive teambuilding restraints. 4 is a really cool core, I remember Indigo Plateau building a cool team with it. They certainly have offensive synergy, added them there. 5 is somewhat suspect but its as good as Zard X cores can really get so it cant hurt to have it as an example. 6 has pinsir on it which hasnt seen the light of day in half a century so that one is rejected for now. 7 is great but I would put it under offensive cores, especially if you change diancie to some lead set. 8 through 13 have all been accepted with flying colors. Well, except for 12 which has seen better days but old cores like that always make a strong comeback when you forget about them and they do have a lot of synergy.

Thank you all for the submissions. I've decided to remove sets from the cores because most of them are quite flexible and depend on the rest of the team. Keep them coming, we still got tons of good cores to explore here
:psynervous:
 
Defensive
Core 2: :tangrowth: + :gastrodon:

One of my favorite cores, these two work well together and are a menace for rain spam to overcome. Once again these two check a lot of common threats, with gastro being able to stomach powerful special attackers that would prey on tang, and tang stopping set up physical sweepers from abusing gastrodon;

- Tangrowth checks Mega-Swampert, Gliscor, Garchomp, Mawile, Kartana, Mega Lopunny and can be kitted to additionally check Bulu with sludge bomb.
- Gastrodon checks Greninja, Kindgra, (some) Manaphy, Blacephalon, Magearna, Tapu Koko, Kyurem-B (watch out for icium turns), Mega Diance, Magnezone, Rotom-W, Victini and Volcarona.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1459994018-oim3fbpbub3szd5zba5o2vuiuttsn8apw - Classic rain MU, the main abusers struggle to make progress vs Tang + Gastro.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1407243917 - Not a great game, but on preview Tang + Gastro wall every mon except Tapu Lele.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-1200911124-etyav0svtsrki7wfe8n5bowvyjy91lxpw - These two make mincemeat out of Kart / Mawile / Greninja / Koko
This is an amazing core I love it! The problem is they are both terrible as status absorbers, particularly not faring well against stall. Any recommendations for teammates with something like a SD gliscor/reuniclus?
 
This is an amazing core I love it! The problem is they are both terrible as status absorbers, particularly not faring well against stall. Any recommendations for teammates with something like a SD gliscor/reuniclus?
Yes that is definitely the biggest weakness of the core in practice; astute observation and thank you for calling attention to it - I forgot to mention it in my post.

You definitely need some way to absorb, or remove, status. Without this the core can quickly fall apart, no matter how well you play. Sometimes you cannot avoid Gastrodon taking a toxic from Heatran, for example.
One pick I am particularly fond of, as you can see in the replays, is Heal-Bell Mega-Altaria, as it checks both Mega-Charizard forms which otherwise destroy this core. This is more of a personal favorite pick though, and there are definitely more 'streamlined' (read: viable) picks.

I have had good success with classics, such as you mentioned: Gliscor, the Magic guard users (Clefable / Reuniclus), and on more offensive builds, the likes of Aromatherapy Tapu Lele.

As long as the build is strong I do not think it particularly matters how the weakness to status is alleviated, but it certainly does need to be addressed in the builder.
 
Offensives Cores

:SM/Latios-Mega: + :SM/Magnezone:

Description: Another usual "Magnezone + something that struggle against Steel-Type" core. Latios-Mega is a fearsome breaker with a lot coverage, making him a pain to check without huge special walls like Chansey or Gastrodon. Unfortunately, even with his coverage (especially when you can't have every coverage on him), Latios-Mega still struggle against common Steel-Type like Celesteela or Ferrothorn. Thus, Magnezone will be here to trap and remove them for Latios-Mega. Also, on the other side, Latios-Mega will greatly pressure Ground-Type like Gliscor for Magnezone while providing a decent fire-resist for Magnezone.

:SM/Charizard-Mega-Y: + :SM/Kyurem:

Description: Because Weavile is not the only way to use Charizard-Mega-Y, Kyurem will pressure a lot the most annoying pokemon for Charizard-Mega-Y (Latias-Mega, Kommo-o, Toxapex, Heatran, ...) while Charizard-Mega-Y can abuse a lot of steel-type in the tier. Also, Kyurem is able to drain PP of Chansey with his ability pressure, leading to open the path for both of them.

:SM/Alakazam-Mega: + :SM/Heatran:

Description: Pretty straighfoward core, Heatran is a wallbreaker which immensely pressure Steel-type and other special walls like Chansey, opening the way to let Alakazam-Mega clean the rest of the team once Heatran had done is job.

Defensives Cores

:SM/Scizor-Mega: + :SM/Tapu Fini: + :SM/Heatran:

Description: A common core around Scizor-Mega. Tapu Fini and Heatran will both cover the main fire-type pokemons of the tier (while providing a lot of utility). Not to say that Scizor-Mega and Heatran also cover the main grass-type pokemons for Tapu Fini. Finally, Scizor-Mega is a decent tool for a few ground-type like Landorus-Therian or Gliscor.

:SM/Scizor-Mega: + :SM/Toxapex: + :SM/Gliscor:

Description: Another good core around Scizor-Mega, but more on the Balance side. Toxapex and Gliscor cover the most annoying fire-type for Scizor-Mega while Scizor-Mega gives a solid psychic-resist for Toxapex. Toxapex also gives a good water-resist for Gliscor.

:SM/Garchomp: + :SM/Ferrothorn:

Description: Suited for offensive teams, Garchomp provide a decent fire-resist and, with his natural bulk, a blank check for multiple pokemon (Lopunny-Mega, Kartana, ...) while Ferrothorn will cover a good portion of the metagame. Both of them also provide a lot of supports.
 

Goodbye & Thanks

Thrown in a fire?
I know that Landorus-T + Magearna is already listed as a balanced core, but I was wondering if it would be worth expanding it to Landorus-T + Magearna + Rotom-Wash? Three of the current seven offense sample teams utilize that core and it's a very common defensive backbone used on bulky offenses to pivot into breakers like Mega Medicham or maybe Mega Mawile. All of those pokemon can run several different viable sets but these are my favorites:


Landorus-Therian @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 108 Def / 148 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stealth Rock

Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Volt Switch
- Fleur Cannon / Ice Beam
- Iron Head
- Explosion / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire

Rotom-Wash @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Defog

I feel like the big selling point of this core is that all three of these pokemon can regain momentum by slow-pivoting out against whatever they've switched into. Between Landorus-T and Rotom-W, you have Stealth Rock and Defog covered, and together they can check plenty of the physical attackers in the tier. I feel like they work well in conjunction because Rotom can switch into Ice and Water attacks from things like Weavile, Mamoswine, Mega Swampert, Z Gyarados, and Aqua Jet from Crawdaunt that threaten Landorus, while Landorus can check things like Kartana (not extremely reliably but Lando still helps against Kart), Excadrill, and Mega Gyarados that scare Rotom. One particular part of this pairing that I like is the ability for Rotom to switch into Ice coverage from things like Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny without fearing getting knocked out by subsequent attacks since Landorus's Intimidate put the attacker at -1; I like running pinch berries on both Rotom and Lando as well to assist with/further benefit from this Intimidate shuffling.

AV Magearna is one of the best switch-ins to special attackers in the tier while still offering a way to regain momentum and rounds out the defensive backbone nicely. I feel like the inclusion of Rotom also benefits Magearna because Rotom can switch into Heatran. Rotom isn't always the most reliable Heatran switch in because of Toxic and the relatively rare Bloom Doom but Rotom usually does a good enough job of switching into Heatran and threatening it out to bring in one of your breakers. Having Rotom-Wash alongside AV Mag can also be nice to help out against Greninja. Battle Bond Grens tend to be hesitant to click Dark Pulse when AV Mag is an obvious switch in so they are more likely to go for something like Hydro Pump or a Spike, both of which Rotom can switch into (particularly a Spike because Rotom can just Defog it). Rotom also handles Protean Gren pretty well which can threaten AV Mag, especially if it's Z Dig Gren.

:landorus-therian:
Z Fly or maybe Rocky Helmet Lando can work nicely with this core as well, but I just prefer Iapapa. The 148 Speed EVs are to speed-creep other pokemon that hang out at 254 Speed like defensive Jirachi, Zapdos, other Landos, and some Gliscor. I think HP Ice is important for things like Garchomp, other Landos, and Hawlucha, but I could see Knock Off or Toxic working as well.

:magearna:
Magearna can obviously run a ton of different sets but I'm going to just focus on Assault Vest Mag here, for simplicity. The 44 Speed EVs on Magearna are to speed-creep uninvested Tyranitar (mainly AV) and other AV Magearna, as well as Clefable, like the usual AV Mag spread does. It can be nice to outrun all of those, especially with the Iron Head flinch chance. I feel like Volt Switch is mandatory to recapture momentum and Iron Head probably is too for CM users like Clef, Lele, and Zam, but the other two move slots are pretty versatile. I like Fleur Cannon because it generally hits most things hard but Ice Beam is nice for better catching Landos and Gliscors that try to switch into Volt Switch; Ice Beam always OHKOs Lando and it can OHKO and even the most SpDef invested Gliscor if Rocks are up. I like Explosion in the last slot because this core can struggle heavily with both Zard-Y and Volcarona; AV Mag can live a hit from Zard-Y in the sun or a +1 Volc, provided that Mag is still pretty healthy, and do a large chunk of damage back. This puts both Zard-Y and offensive Volc into range of being picked off by a Mega Medicham Fake Out, for example. Using Explosion for Zard-Y and Volc is obviously a last resort but I think that having the option is worth it, given how badly they tend to threaten teams relying on this defensive backbone. Focus Blast can be used instead to hit common switch-ins to AV Mag like Tran, Ferro, and Excadrill, while HP Fire is an option as well for better accuracy against things like Ferro and Mawile while also preventing Mega Scizor from setting up.

:rotom-wash:
There isn't as much to say about Rotom - I feel like Hydro Pump, Volt Switch, and Wisp are all pretty mandatory. A more offensive set with Waterium or Electrium Z can work but I prefer the reliability of the more defensive set. Pain Split is nice if you're able to fit Defog elsewhere but that's not easy to do and I feel like part of the appeal of adding Rotom to the Landorus-Magearna core is that you're able to cover hazard removal. The 60 Speed EVs are just to creep things that are at 222 Speed like some Mega Scizors, some Landos, defensive Heatran, and Buzzwole.

Replay 1 - Empo vs. Blunder - From SPL X so it's a few years old but the matchup with rain is still very relevant so I don't think it's an outdated example.

Replay 2 - Obviously a less impressive example and just me playing on the ladder, but I think it demonstrates the core nicely. I'm able to repeatedly utilize the core to pivot out of things like Heatran and Tangrowth and bring in Mega Medicham and Volcarona, which breaks through my opponent's team.

Replay 3 - Also just me playing on the ladder on a different alt but again, I think the core functions well here. I particularly like how Rotom was able to switch into Gren going for Spikes and then pivot back into Medicham on the Chansey switch. I guess that Mag could have done the same thing but if my opponent still had their Lando, it wouldn't have been as easy to click Volt Switch since it would have been easier for my opponent to go Landorus on the Mag than switching Lando into Rotom. My opponent also could have possibly gone into Charizard or Kartana if I brought in my Magearna when the Gren went for Spikes, but it's harder to bring them in against Rotom.

All of those replays are using the same team (Empo's team, to be clear) but it really is a very commonly used core, so I'm sure that I could find other replays involving different teams if I looked more. Empo also used a slightly different version of that team against SoulWind in the finals of Smogon Tour 30 and SoulWind's team also featured the Landorus-T + Magearna + Rotom-W core, but Empo's Medicham just kind of blows through everything and I didn't think it was as instructive of a replay regarding the core. Here it is though for anyone who wants to see it.
So in conclusion, I would understand if it was deemed unnecessary to add Rotom-Wash to the Landorus-T + Magearna core since other pokemon can fulfill a similar role alongside of them, but I feel like it's worth consideration because of how well Rotom checks some threats to Landorus and Magearna while also adding additional support with pivoting, Defog, and Will-O-Wisp. If nothing else, I hope I did an alright job of articulating why Landorus and Magearna is a good core.
 
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WinstonRed

I COULD BE BANNED!
I know there's one with those 2 + Ferro in the original post, but I think this core deserves an individual mention as a balanced core as well:


MZor and Ditto just work insane together, even without Ferro. Uturning into Ditto to scout movesets/z-moves, countertrap Zone if it's weakened and/or you have HP Ground over Fire on Ditto, infinite PP if adding a Regenerator mon, etc.

Movesets are also relatively flexible. Some options are:

- Different HPs on Ditto
- Pursuit on MZor to trap CM Psychics that Ditto can't properly RK unless they have Psyshock as well
- Curse on MZor to force opponents to set up multiple times, which in return makes the Ditto copy even better
- Knock Off on MZor to potentially catch Scarfs to prevent having to rely on speed ties later

They also have insane synergy with many other Balance staples like Gliscor, Toxapex, Torn, the aforementioned Ferrothorn, Clef, etc.

Edit: Could also potentially replace the Ditto/Zor/Ferro core in the original post. Maybe I'm overlooking something, but it looks as if you'd suggest that it'd only work if you add Ferro as well
 
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Marnie

Leap of Faith
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Back with another post c:
Here to make some more noms, with some of them based on the meta trends we've seen now that SPL is about to end:

Meta trends from SPL:
Balanced Core
:gliscor: + :weavile:
Anybody who has paid attention to SPL will notice how Gliscor has skyrocketed in both usage and viability. The potency of its SD set can be supported by Weavile, a Pursuit trapper that deals with the Mega Lati twins which would otherwise stop Gliscor from sweeping. However, Gliscor can also go the utility route and provide U-turn and Defog support for Weavile to enter the field safely. Moreover, Gliscor's defensive profile helps cover Weavile's frailty and hatred of status, switching into the likes of Heatran and Toxapex. This core can be seen A TON throughout the season as well.
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 244 SpD / 20 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Earthquake
- Facade

Weavile @ Choice Band
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Pursuit

:gliscor: + :tyranitar-mega: + :tapu-bulu:
Another variation of SD Gliscor + Pursuit trapper, but this time taking advantage of the bulkier Mega Tyranitar. Mega Tyranitar helps Pursuit trap Mega Lati twins and Tornadus-T for both SD-ers. Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain help give Mega Tyranitar a much needed recovery as well as weakening Earthquake from the likes of Landorus-T and opposing Gliscor. They can take advantage of their typing and bulk to help cover each other's weaknesses as well: Tapu Bulu checks waters like Ash Greninja and Mega Swampert, Mega Tyranitar covers fires like Volcarona, and Gliscor can absorb status for them. A certified core by z0m!!
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 244 SpD / 20 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Earthquake
- Facade

Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch / Ice Punch / Crunch

Tapu Bulu @ Fightinium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 236 HP / 144 Atk / 32 SpD / 96 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Stone Edge

:serperior: + :volcarona:
Serperior has been the forefront of offense lately (thing is at #5 usage). Aside from threatening bulky waters like Tapu Fini and Gastrodon, its utility is insanely huge which also perfectly support Volcarona: it can either Defog to remove Stealth Rock, Taunt to break down SpDef walls like Chansey and Toxapex, Sub+Seed to overwhelm Heatran (or straight up smack it with HP Ground), or spread Glare shenanigans. In return, Volcarona melts steels for Serperior (especially when not running HP Fire) like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as well as Mega Lati twins.
This core has seen usage in various HOs alongside Mega Charizard X (g1 g2) and Mega Diancie (g3 g4), all of which are verified cores in their own right (Mega Charizard X + Serperior, and Mega Diancie + Volcarona)
Serperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power Ground
- Defog
- Taunt / Glare

Volcarona @ Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Hidden Power Ground

Non-SPL noms:
Balanced Core
:scizor-mega: + :heatran:
Heatran covers Mega Scizor's sole fire weakness by checking Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y, while it checks grounds like Landorus-T and Gliscor in return. With Mega Scizor taking the role of a defensive steel to check Tapu Lele and Mega Alakazam, Heatran has more freedom to run an offensive set. This means it can pressure opposing steels like Skarmory and Celesteela much more easily, and running the Magma Trapper set means it can trap and remove Toxapex. Moreover, it has freedom to run various Z-Crystals, notably breaking through Rotom-W (and Quagsire lol) with Grassium Z. All of this is appreciated by SD variant of Mega Scizor, allowing it to sweep late-game once these checks are dealt with.
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 244 SpD
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- Knock Off / U-turn

Heatran @ Grassium Z / Steelium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Solar Beam / Flash Cannon
- Taunt / Stealth Rock

Offensive Core
:tyranitar-mega: + :excadrill:
A sand core, with Mega Tyranitar setting up sand for Excadrill's Sand Rush. Thanks to Mega Tyranitar colorful offensive movepool, it can run either Ice Beam or Ice Punch to lure in Landorus-T, overwhelm steels like Celesteela and Mega Scizor with Fire Punch, and pressures Zapdos, all of which opens up an Excadrill sweep. Both also provide entry hazard control with both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin.
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch / Ice Punch

Excadrill @ Steelium Z
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
:tyranitar: + :excadrill: + :garchomp-mega:
Another similar sand core, albeit using the more niche Mega Garchomp. Additional pressure from Mega Garchomp thanks to Sand Force and Swords Dance helps wallbreak the likes of Skarmory and Celesteela or it can potentially run special moves like Fire Blast and Draco Meteor to lure in Tangrowth and Rotom-W. Plus you can utilize the wack Sand Veil on standard Garchomp pre-Mega to cheese games I guess. However it's kinda hard to build a team with these 3 together though due to how demanding sand teams are defensively, as to not lose to the likes of Ash-Greninja & Kartana, so yeaaahhh.. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

:Tapu-bulu: + :kartana:
A GrassSpam offense core. Grassy Terrain boosts their grass STABs to even higher levels. They can overwhelm their shared checks, especially with their complementary coverage moves and set versatility.
Tapu Bulu @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 84 HP / 248 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Superpower / Zen Headbutt / Megahorn
- Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt / Megahorn

Kartana @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Leaf Blade
- Sacred Sword
- Smart Strike
- Knock Off

:tapu-koko: + :victini:
An offensive Voltturn core. They take advantage of each other's checks which keeps the vortex going: Tapu Koko invites bulky grasses like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn, while Victini invites in bulky waters like Toxapex and Slowbro. Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain also boosts Victini's Bolt Strike, allowing it to potentially break through the bulky waters on its own. They overwhelm the grounds like Landorus-T and Garchomp together, and notably breaks down the infamous Landorus-T + Heatran core for each other.
Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam / Grass Knot

Victini @ Choice Band
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- Bolt Strike
- U-turn
- Brick Break / Trick

:medicham-mega: + :weavile:
Weavile's rise in the current metagame as a potent Pursuit trapper can give birth to more cores that appreciate its niche. In this case, it can heavily chip or outright remove the bulky psychics that is tasked to take on Mega Medicham due to their bulk and resistance to its dual STABs such as Slowbro, Reuniclus, and Mega Lati twins. Though rare, it also removes the ghosts like Blacephalon and Gengar looking to force the mind game with HJKs. Both mons also fit nicely together on the voltturn BOs that can give them easy entry to wallbreak.
Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Ice Punch
- Zen Headbutt

Weavile @ Choice Band
Ability: Pickpocket
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Pursuit
 

DIYUSI

formerly KaiserKaiba
is a Team Rater Alumnus
Is this thread still alive? Anw, I will post some cores that I really enjoy lately (they are prob not the best, but they are worth to try at least).

Offensives cores:

:kyurem: + :kartana: (click for sets)

Surprising core tbh. Kartana Defog pairs really well with Kyurem: not only it provides hazards removal, Kartana can abuse pokemons that annoy a lot Kyurem (Garchomp, Tapu Fini, Ferrothorn, Landorus-Therian, ...). In return, Kyurem will be able to abuse certain Kartana's checks like Zapdos. Good core in Balance imo.

:Diancie-Mega: + :Serperior: (click for sets)

This is a core that got some usages during big tournament. Diancie-Mega and Serperior can both bait similar checks: Serperior can bait Chansey with Knock Off and Ferrothorn/Scizor-Mega with HP Fire; Diancie-Mega can bait Heatran with Earth Power. Great core that fit in BO and Balance.

:Lopunny-Mega: + :Victini: + :Greninja: (click for the sets)

My favorite Lopunny Offense core atm. Lopunny-Mega + Any Breaker makes a lot of sense obviously, but here Z-Groundium Protean Greninja increase a lot the MU against any Toxapex builds (opening the way for both Victini and Lopunny-Mega).

Defensives cores:

:Slowbro: + :Ferrothorn: (click for the sets)

Good Balance core. Slowbro + Ferrothorn covers almost every Offensive Waters of the tier. Moreover, they both cover each other weakness (Slowbro will check Medicham-Mega, Lopunny-Mega, Victini, Charizard-Mega and Hawlucha for Ferrothorn, where Ferrothorn will cover Greninja, Serperior, kind of Kartana, Tapu Koko and Rotom-Wash).

:Zapdos: + :Jirachi: + :Tapu Fini: (click for the sets)

Classic core for Offense. Each of them will compress a lot of mandatory elements to a team: Zadpos will provide Ground-Immunity, Fly-Resist and check a lot of things; Jirachi will provide Speed Control, Momentum and a Short-Term Defensive Steel-Type; Tapu Fini will provide Hazards Removal and a solid Water-Resist and Fire-Resist.
 
Offensive core:



Lando/mag/water type defogger is already one of the most powerful offensive cores, giving you a great backbone for the rest of your team.

Using kommo offers a lot of similarities to the waters defensively (checking fire and water types mainly) while also:
-matching up far better into the grasses that bother lando/mag/water (kartana/ferro/serp)
-providing rocks, so landorus is free to be a defogger (or a scarfed defogger)
-overlapping defensive profile with other members of the core, making it harder for darkspam, mega lop, etc to overwhelm you
-checking blace

Although kommo is weak to status, the ability of landomag to absorb it well mitigates this weakness to an extent. Kommo is pretty versatile and can function in this core as physdef, spdef, or as an offensive z move user.

Since kommo can't volt, I prefer this trio on teams that do a good job of capitalizing instantly on the momentum generated by landomag with pokemon like ashgren, m-mawile, lele, bandkart, or hoopa-u instead of relying on an extended loop. I also prefer to bring a secondary hawlucha answer of some sort because kommo, unlike the waters, cannot stop its sweep.

Kommo works fine in a very similar balance/B.O. core with gliscor replacing landorus as well.
 
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Offensive Core:
:charizard-mega-x:+:greninja-ash:
I really find this core threatening, Charizard x melting grass and steels while greninja takes on grounds. Having mutual checks like Tapu Fini is great, as one will weaken it for the other to break. Spikes support from Ash-greninja is also a nice help for Charizard X's job and priority water shuriken can lead to a free endgame after all the damage done by Charizard X.

:charizard-mega-x:+:kartana:
In the same vein, this core can just break everything as it will overwhelm any defensive walls. Charizard X takes care of bulky steel and grass types while Kartana slices through waters and grounds. Kartana's set is customizable which is a great way to not straight up reveal your set: scarf, band or z can all be used IMO.

:charizard-mega-y:+:Tapu-koko:
Another Charizard core, but this time Y. Same with Charizard, it destroys grass mons and melts grounds daring to stay in form of it. Z wild charge Koko will in return lure Chansey and remove Toxapex, two huge counters for Charizard Y. The pivoting capability of Koko is also nice to get Charizard on the field. The only defensive answers are mons like Lati@s that can all be removed by a pursuit teammate.

:garchomp:+:serperior:
I love this core for BO. While both are offensively oriented, they have a ton of utility for a team and help each other in their role. Garchomp can switch on fire moves, remove steels and crush flying types bothering Serperior. Serperior helps this scenario with glare and can act as a temporary check against Kartana or water types.

Balance core:
:charizard-mega-x:+:tapu-fini:
Tapu Fini is without question one of the best partners for Charizard x. Its access to defog, misty terrain preventing status, taunt shutting down recovery from potential defensive answers and a nice complementary typing make it a great support for the black dragon. Charizard X can in exchange get rid of grass types threatening Tapu Fini.

:buzzwole:+:diancie-mega:
Buzzwole is slept on IMO and after testing it, I came up with this core. Diancie and Buzzwole have an excellent synergy. Buzzwole can switch on grass/ground attacks and dent annoying steel types for Diancie. Diancie can pressure fire and flying types as well as the few physical attackers that can overcome Buzzwole's enormous defensive capacities like Mega Medicham (if no bullet punch). Moreover, Diancie prevents hazards that can give some trouble to Buzzwole, in the long run, thanks to magic bounce. Also keep in mind that Buzzwole can win most of its duels vs Mega Swampert in rain which is ridiculous (if no flinch or toxic+sub variant).

:magnezone:+:alakazam-mega:/:latios-mega: (or any psychic):
I'm surprised this core wasn't already accepted, especially when teams without Chansey as their psychic blanket fold to it (in theory). It is pretty straightforward to understand how it works, magnezone traps and removes steels like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Mega Scizor for the psychic mega to freely break the opposition.

Defensive Core:
:kommo-o:+:heatran:
Kommo-o is fantastic at completing defensive cores. Kommo-o with Heatran seems like something that can check a large panel of the tier. Heatran checks fire, psychic and fairy, while Kommo-o tanks water attacks, ash greninja mainly and Volcarona. I love this core vs Volcarona particularly: if Volcarona is Psychium Z there is a great probability that it does not have hidden power ground....so heatran walls it, and if it is regular Buginium Z Kommo-o wins the duel. (for those daring to play no bug buzz on Volcarona with qd-fire-hp ground-psychic I really hate you).
 

Cdijk16

Cdijk21 on PS!
is a Pre-Contributor
Defensive Cores
1. Gastrodon + Skarmory
:sm/gastrodon: + :sm/skarmory:
Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Clear Smog
- Recover

Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spikes
- Counter
- Roost
- Whirlwind
These two mons have excellent defensive synergy. Gastrdon walls threatening electric types like Tapu Koko, reliably blocks Volt Switch and checks special attackers like Heatran and Ash-Greninja which threaten Skamory. Skarmory in return switches into offensive grass types like Tapu Bulu and Kartana and other physical attackers which threaten it. This core is very popular on hazard-stacking Semi Stall teams.
Balanced cores
1. Mega Lopunny + Reuniclus
:sm/lopunny-mega: :sm/reuniclus:
Lopunny-Mega @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
Shiny: Yes
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 0 SpA
- Fake Out
- Frustration
- High Jump Kick
- Quick Attack

Reuniclus @ Psychium Z
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 160 HP / 252 Def / 52 SpA / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Thunder
- Calm Mind
- Recover
This core aims to divide matchups: Reuniclus is big threat to defensive and balanced teams and Mega Lopunny heavily pressure offensive teams. Both of the pokemon also greatly appreciate entry hazard support. This core fits well on hazard-stacking balance teams.
Offensive cores
1. Mega Mawile + Rocky Helmet Serperior
:sm/mawile-mega: :sm/serperior:
Mysdibule (Mawile-Mega) @ Mawilite
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off

Majaspic (Serperior) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 232 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Glare
- Synthesis
Serperior and Mawile can wear down Heatran for each other. Serperior can use Glare to paralyze Heatran, allowing Mawile to outspeed it. It can also pressure Heatran with SubSeed sets. Serp's paralysis support also helps Mawile outspeed opponents and more easily setup with SD. Serperior can also switch into Ground-type moves aimed at Mawile from pokemon like Landorus-Therian and Mega Swampert. This core works well alonside Ash-Greninja on Volt Turn offense teams as well.
 
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