Project Core Analysis Workshop (Discussing Threats to and Partners for Garchomp + Landorus-T)

[dk]

Threat: Mega-Lopunny

Lopunny (F) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Return
- High Jump Kick
- Ice Punch

Just like literally every other relevant fighting type, Lopunny is a huge threat to Weavile and Bish. It handily OHKOs both with an HJK, resists dark, and outspeeds both with its excellent speed tier. Should Lop opt to run Quick Attack, Weavile is completely helpless vs. it, as Fake Out + Quick Attack does 78% minimum, meaning that Weavile is KO'd by double priority after one SR switchin and a round of Life Orb.

Partner: Gyarados

Gyarados (F) @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 72 HP / 188 Atk / 248 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Waterfall
- Bounce
- Dragon Dance
- Rest

DD Chesto + Rest Gyara is an amazing teammate for this core from my experience. It loves the pressure Weavile and Bisharp put on Rotom-W (one of the few decent defensive countermeasures to this set in OU), provides a crucial resistance to fighting, acts as an additional wincon, and scares out troublesome Mega-Scizors easily. It can also help out Bisharp with bulky grounds like Hippowdon, as Weavile's matchup vs. Hippowdon specifically is shaky at best given that Icicle Crash does only 67% min, while Hippo's EQ does 59-70%.

 

[BIG G CHOPPA]

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 248 HP / 152 Def / 108 Spe or 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flare Blitz / Fire Punch
- Roost
- Earthquake

Physically defensive mega charizard x is a threat due to how bulky it is on the physical side, 111 base defense is solid and access to wisp makes it quite annoying to bisharp and weavile. Plus the fact that it can just outright ohko them with physical fire stab, so they cant switch in nor even stay in as they risk getting killed. First spread allows mega charizard x to speed creep jolly bisharp, as it outspeeds by just 1 point. Hits 263 while jolly bisharp hits 262. 248 hp hits a rocks number and maximizes bulk and 152 defense is a dump in to make it reliably take hits from the like of weav and bisharp. Second spread is more tailored to be more bulky on the physically defensive spectrum. 16 speed allows it to speed creep adamant bisharp, as it outspeeds by 1 point again. Hits 240 while adamant bisharp hits 239. 248 hp hits a rocks number and maximizes on bulk while 244 defense is a dump in making it comfortably taking hits from the like of weavile and bisharp. I slashed fire punch due to flare blitz recoil but its w/e. Calcs below to demonstrate.

calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 248 HP / 152+ Def Mega Charizard X: 125-148 (34.8 - 41.2%) -- 57.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(only a 3 hit ko without rocks)

0 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Weavile: 372-440 (132.3 - 156.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 248 HP / 152+ Def Mega Charizard X: 121-144 (33.7 - 40.1%) -- 32% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(same as weavile, fails to 2 hit ko without rocks)

0 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Bisharp: 264-312 (97.4 - 115.1%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
(high chance to ohko, just need prior rocks damage or 1 round of LO recoil. But its fine if you opt for blitz which ohkoes regardless.)

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Mega Charizard X: 117-138 (32.5 - 38.4%) -- 4.7% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(high chance to 3 hit ko without rocks, maybe even a 4 hit ko if very low rolls)

252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Mega Charizard X: 122-146 (33.9 - 40.6%) -- 45.7% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(still below the 50% mark so all good)

 

[MANNAT]

Cobalion @ Chople Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 144 HP / 112 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Volt Switch
- Iron Head
- Taunt

Cobalion can tank any hit from either member of the core and respond by OHKOing both members with close combat with ease. Chople berry is just there to tank low kicks from weavile, but lefties can be added for the sake of passive recovery vs the core, although the item doesn't really matter since cobalion is really bulky.

 

[EpicDan01]

Threat

Bulky Mega Scizor with Superpower
Breloom
Conkeldurr
Infernape
Lucario

Do these need explaining?

Partner

Suicide Lead Scolipede

Scolipede @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 0 HP / 0 Def / 0 SpD
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes
- Pin Missile
- Endeavor

This can be used to get up Spikes early game, weakening bulkier Pokémon to be cleaned up later. You can pressure hazard removal with Defiant on Bisharp, and can trap Starmie if it spins hazards. Endeavour can also be used to bring something down to 1HP to be revenge killed by Sucker Punch or Ice Shard. 0 IV's in defensive stats are used to bring you down to your sash easier.

 

[Infernal]

Just a few things:

EpicDan01 - Welcome, always try to give the sets for and explain why the threats you mention give the core trouble. The explanations don't have to be super long, and a simple one or two sentences will suffice. Additionally, it's preferred to only reserve 1-2 to threats. This is to stay fair and give everyone a chance to contribute equally, as reserving too many threats gives other people less options to choose from otherwise. Make sure the threats you reserve haven't been posted already too. For example, Breloom, Mega Scizor, Conkeldurr, Infernape, and Lucario were already mentioned by other posters above. If you have other threats in mind, feel free to edit them into your post. Otherwise, only mentioning partners is fine too. Not a big deal overall, but just something to be conscience of in the future.

Martin. - I can see the merits of using GK for Quagsire. However, I think it's too niche of an option to be slashed or mentioned, and is better used on AoA sets. With GK, you have to forgo another move, and all of them are pretty non-negotiable on Bisharp here. Sucker is likely the most expendable if you're looking to run GK without giving up SD (which would go against the core's original concept), but ditching the priority decreases Bisharp's overall effectiveness versus most other playstyles, particularly offense. The other moves (SD, Iron Head, Knock) can't be dropped for various reasons, mainly breaking purposes and having coverage versus certain Pokemon. Quagsire is threatening to the core, but I don't think it's worth running a specific move for.

As a general announcement, it'd be best to stick with submitting only 1-2 Pokemon for partners. This is the case for threats too, but with partners, winners are picked from the pool of submissions and put into the hall of fame. It's unfair for someone to reserve an entire 3 partners and decrease the options others have to choose from. This doesn't happen too often, but it's something to keep in mind since I've seen it every then and now. If you post 1-2 partners and see that the thread hasn't had much activity since you posted, I'm willing to allow people to make another submission after a few days.

Thanks for the posts so far everyone, keep them coming

 

[DennisEG]

Fighting types really hurt this core but at the same time are great partners so ill give an example of each one:

Threat:

Terrakion @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Toxic
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Able to threat both mons with STAB close combat, while gaining an attack boost if it hit it by any Dark move. With a choice scarf Terrak outspeed Weavile, only taking a bit of damage from Ice shard, just switch in if you predict a dark type move, because otherwise you would be HKO by Iron head's Bish or Low kick's Weav.

Partner:

Lopunny-Mega (F) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Return
- Power-Up Punch
This pokemon with this set make really good partners as both dark types weak bulky grounds or beat Psychic types, and even fairy types so Lop can clean up late game.

 

[Sun]

Alakazam-Mega @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Encore / Hidden power Fire

Mega zam is a great partner for dark spam, it helps these two to deal with fighting types as mega lop, keldeo, terrakion, infernape, conkeldurr, also is a great check to weather offense (sand and rain) which give trouble to the core, finally mega zam helps to beat certain walls as quagsire, another good option over encore is hidden power fire, useful to deal with mega Zor mainly.

 

[Ramses]

Partner

Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Unnerve
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aerial Ace
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge
- Fire Fang

Mega Aerodactyl is a really great partner for this core. If you take a simple look up the page, you'll notice it pretty much beats every single threat to this core 1v1 with ease due to it's great STAB combination and coverage. Aerial Ace can eliminate almost every Fighting-type threat to this core bar Terrakion who doesn't appreciate being used as a Flying-resist when facing against this core. It also lures in Mega Scizor with Fire Fang which otherwise gives the core massive headaches. Pursuit support is also wonderful support ironically, as it weakens a ton of slower threats that flee from it like Talonflame and Tornadus-T. All in all, Mega Aerodactyl is a wonderful partner for this core with the passive support it offers to accomplish the cores goal.

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat
1) Mega Gyarados

Set

Gyarados @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Waterfall
- Earthquake / Ice Fang

Gyarados can come in on Weavile, Intimidate it and set a Dragon Dance up. From there, it OHKOes both Pokemon and resists both forms of priority.

2) Swift Swimmers

Sets

Omastar @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Knock Off

Swampert @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Power-Up Punch

Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Scald
- Ice Beam

Mega Swampert and Omastar both live the priority moves and easily KO back with Rain-boosted Water STAB. Kingdra may be KOed by the combination of priority (it has a chance of survival) but can take out at least one member of the core.

Partner
Talonflame

Set

Talonflame @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz / Will-O-Wisp / Taunt
- Swords Dance / Will-O-Wisp / Taunt
- Roost

Talonflame easily revenges the Fighting-types and can pick off weakened sweepers such as Mega Gyarados and the Swift Swimmers. It also helps out against Steel-types which the core is not able to break easily,

 

[Infernal]

Top partners and more in hide tags below:

Hide

Top Partners: For this week they are Keldeo and Latias/Mega Latias by Martin. Keld is a great partner for this core for several reasons. It's able to check one of the core's biggest threats in Mega Sciz nicely, all while taking great advantage of the pressure Weav and Bisharp apply on Pokemon like Latios, Slowbro, and other bulky obstacles to Keld. Latias was chosen because of its ability to solidly check threats like Keld, Loom, and Terrak for this core. It's also able to benefit the core in several other ways with options like Defog and Healing Wish to clear hazards and provide secondary chances to sweep, respectively. Lastly, Latias can also be viably used with its mega forme alongside this core to provide an even sturdier response to the threats mentioned earlier. This varied and flexible support that Latias brings to the table make it a nice overall partner.

Why only 2 partners were picked instead of 3: I didn't feel the other partners filled the remaining holes as well as I'd have liked. To see what other people thought, I sought input from bludz and we agreed on a few things on the other partners posted (for reference, they are Mega Cham, Alakazam, Tran, Mega Pinsir, Gyara, Scolipede, Mega Lop, Mega Zam, Mega Aero). From this list, a few things are noticeable. A good portion of those partners make the core weaker to Mega Sciz and Talon especially. In addition to this, some of the partners stack either an additional weakness to fighting or SR, which is preferable to avoid with this core. Out of the partners mentioned, Tran was the closest thing to addressing the problems mentioned. However, the set posted for it could be improved to serve the core better, which is why I held off on it for now. A set like the one in this known team with Weav + Bisharp would be better suited.

Other partners to consider: Tank Chomp is a good partner to consider with this core. In addition to providing SR, it's able to check threats like Mega Sciz and offensive Talon too. Being able to check Pokemon like Loom, Terrak, and Mega Lop is also nice, especially with recoil to punish them for using their fighting attacks against either Weav or Bisharp. The recoil damage threats like Mega Lop take after hitting Chomp can put them in range to be killed by a +2 Bisharp's Sucker later on too. Rotom-W is another good choice on teams with this core to check Talon, Exca, and provide the core with the free switch in opportunities it loves.

Good job to everyone and thanks for the contributions as always. Picking partners isn't always easy, but always try to look at how your choice 1. patches up some of the major issues/problems/weaknesses with the core, 2. takes advantage of what the core provides, and 3. realistically fits on teams with the core. New core below:

Dugtrio @ Custap Berry
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Reversal
- Endure
- Stone Edge

Sableye-Mega @ Sablenite
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball
- Recover
- Will-O-Wisp

Custap Dug is a newer set and definitely a fun one to mess around with. Unlike Sash variants, this particular set isn't as reliant on having hazards off to trap what's necessary. As a partner for Mega Eye, Dug has the potential to trap annoying threats like Tran, Zard-X, Volcanion, and Mega Diancie. Being able to pick off weakened threats like Mega Gardevoir and trap Pokemon like Mega Lop through the combination of Endure + Reversal is also greatly appreciated by Mega Eye. Once these threats are eliminated by Dug, the road is paved for Mega Eye to sweep more easily. Aside from taking advantage of having these Pokemon trapped, Mega Eye does a good job supporting the various hazard weak Pokemon this core can be used with. Depending on your team and partner selections, Mega Eye's set can also be modified to a utility variant. For the purpose of this thread, CM was chosen for the sake of demonstrating how a win condition can benefit immensely from Dug's trapping capabilities.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute. Have fun!

 

[blank]

Shedinja @ Focus Sash
Ability: Wonder Guard
EVs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Shadow Sneak
- Will-O-Wisp
- Baton Pass
- Protect

this is a pretty self explanatory one lol... shedinja as a partner. everyone knows about the wonder trio team that utilizes the core of shedinja / mega sableye / dugtrio; the team's really effective & hilarious to use. this is the team that sorta made people notice shed, proving this core's viability.

about the core itself: shedinja requires specific support in order to function effectively, and mega sableye and dugtrio do great jobs there. dugtrio helps with eliminating pursuit trappers (tyranitar) that seriously threaten shedinja, as well as heatran which threatens both shed and mega sableye. mega sableye provides hazard control for shed, so it doesn't die instantly lol. in return, shedinja helps mega sableye against threats like fairies with no fire coverage (clef w/ no flamethrower for example) and mega lopunny.

edit:

thanks Martin. ^^

 

[BIG G CHOPPA]

Togekiss @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Heal Bell
- Defog
- Roost

Ah the infamous wonder trio, regardless of togekiss being featured on that team i feel like its a good fit as it provides hazard control while being able to function as a cleric. Which is nice as the pressure isn't fully on mega sableye to keep rocks off the field and or spikes. Can easily come in on garchomp a very common rock setter and simply click defog on it while being able to take pretty much 0 from it and then air slash it to death. Can deal with some attackers like non banded azumarill and non specs keld as knock off /hp flying can deal with sheddy respectively.

 

[Sun]

Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Hidden Power [Grass]

this core lack a switch in for it, its really hard to beat;
some calcs:
252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 129-153 (39.9 - 47.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dugtrio: 632-746 (314.4 - 371.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Sableye: 237-280 (77.9 - 92.1%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Mega Sableye Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo: 84-99 (26 - 30.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:
1) SD Gliscor

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 248 HP / 24 Def / 164 SpD / 72 Spe
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Roost

Both Mega Sableye and Dugtrio are set-up fodder for Gliscor who can boost up and KO the core with Earthquake. Roost allows you to keep Gliscor healthy to pile pressure on the opponent.


2) CM Clefable

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Flamethrower

Clefable easily boosts up on Mega Sableye and isn't 2HKOed by Dugtrio. Soft-boiled helps to keep Clefable healthy while Flamethrower is a viable coverage move against Steel-types.

Partner:

Talonflame (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bulk Up
- Brave Bird
- Taunt
- Roost

Talonflame is used to check Clefable and Keldeo who can do a lot of damage to the team. If it's faced with unboosted Gliscor, it can avoid being OHKOed by Rock Slide or boost up and avoid the 2HKO at +1. However, you need to win a 50/50 to do this (Taunt the SD or Bulk Up on the Rock Slide) . Talonflame also benefits from Dugtrio removing Tyranitar and Mega Sableye discouraging Stealth Rock.

 

[DennisEG]

Partner:

Ferrothorn (M) @ Shed Shell
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip / Thunder Wave
- Gyro Ball / Iron Head
Ferrothorn make a lot of sense as partner, because can deal with setup water mons such as Manaphy and Mega Gyarados, as well as being a solid switch in against fairy types that completly destroy the core. Can also handle Clef with the combination of twave + Ihead. Provide a much needed hazards to wear down opposing teams and a recovery move for longevity which is crucial in passive teams.

 

[nameless90]

Threat: Manaphy

Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Timid Nature
- Tail Glow
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball

or even the HydraRest set if you want to have the ultimate counter to this core.​

+6 252 SpA Manaphy Scald vs. +2 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Sableye: 193-228 (63.4 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 0 SpA Mega Sableye Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 151-178 (44.2 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Manaphy: 118-139 (34.6 - 40.7%) -- 55.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Manaphy can simply overpower this core with the aid of Tail Glow-boosted attacks. Scald has even a chance to burn Dugtrio, in order to prevent its Endure from working (Endure is nice alongside Custap Berry to get rid of standard Mega Diancie).


Partner: Volcanion

Volcanion @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 148 Def / 112 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Haze
- Toxic
- Scald
- Will-O-Wisp

Seen this set here (http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/oras-good-cores.3549713/page-12#post-6765190) and I fell in love with it. This defensive Volcanion lures many Earthquake users and SRockers with WoW (Dugtrio isn't exactly immortal), provides a check to Water types and is able to cripple many Grass types.

 

[Ramses]

Partner: Volcanion

Volcanion @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 148 Def / 112 Spe
Impish Nature
- Haze
- Toxic
- Scald
- Will-O-Wisp

Seen this set here (http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/oras-good-cores.3549713/page-12#post-6765190) and I fell in love with it. This defensive Volcanion lures many Earthquake users and SRockers with WoW (Dugtrio isn't exactly immortal), provides a check to Water types and is able to cripple many Grass types.

I believe the nature you are looking for is Bold.

Threat

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Curse
- Earthquake
- Scald
- Recover

Curse Quagsire is able to negate Mega Sableye's Calm Mind boosts due to Unware, and Dugtrio is pitifully weak when facing off against this defensive behemoth. So it then turns the two into setup fodder where it can beat them after enough boosts + Scald burns

 

[Martin]

Threats

Talonflame @ Leftovers / None
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Will-O-Wisp / Taunt
- Roost
- Brave Bird / Acrobatics

Uses Sableye for setup fodder due to Bulk Up not allowing for Foul Play to get a damage boost and outpriorotises Custap Berry. It OHKOs Dugtrio without a boost regardless of whether you go Lefties+Brave Bird or itemless+Acrobatics, and without being able to fall back on Endure+Custap it is just kinda screwed.

Heatran @ Shuca Berry / Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Toxic / Stealth Rock
- Protect
- Taunt

Sableye can't do jack all to Heatran and is just bait for Magma Storm. It can take a Quake from Dugtrio with Shuca or Air Balloon and can't be beaten by Endure+Reversal shinanigans due to Magma Storm KOing through Endure.

Partner

Tyranitar @ Choice Band / Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe (Choice Band) OR 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe (Choice Scarf)
Adamant (Choice Band) / Jolly (Choice Scarf) Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Superpower / Aqua Tail / Ice Punch (Band only) / Ice Beam (Scarf only) / Fire Blast (Scarf only)

Having a Pursuit user is always nice even with Dugtrio, and being able to shit on Talonflame is also a huge part of why I have chosen Tyranitar over any other Pursuit user. Due to Dugtrio being immune to sandstorm, you don't need to worry about it being KOed by it through Endure. Defensively, it benefits from the Fighting-type immunity provided by Sableye, and in exchange it provides a Fire-type resistance which is useful given that Sableye loses to a lot of Fire-types.

 

[Random Passerby]

Reserving Talon as a partner

Partner:

Talonflame (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bulk Up
- Brave Bird
- Taunt
- Roost

Talonflame is used to check Clefable and Keldeo who can do a lot of damage to the team. If it's faced with unboosted Gliscor, it can avoid being OHKOed by Rock Slide or boost up and avoid the 2HKO at +1. However, you need to win a 50/50 to do this (Taunt the SD or Bulk Up on the Rock Slide) . Talonflame also benefits from Dugtrio removing Tyranitar and Mega Sableye discouraging Stealth Rock.

 

[Martin]

stuff

Oh mb I must have skimmed over it. Will change my reservation.

 

[BIG G CHOPPA]

Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower

This is a threat to the core. CB azu is very powerful and is definitely very threatening to the mega sableye + dugtrio core. Dugtrio's subpar bulk (well it has no bulk at all really), means it gets 1 shotted by any of azu's moves really but in this case you would prefer getting yourself locked into play rough and pick up some 2 easy ohko's (even if dugtrio goes for endure it's not doing anything back lol). Mega sableye is getting tossed by a CB play rough from azumarill for sure. Due to the effective STAB factor + super effectiveness along with a huge power and CB boost. Mega sableye cannot touch it really aside from a wisp but it gets 2 hit koed regardless.

calcs

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Mega Sableye: 332-392 (109.5 - 129.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Mega Sableye Shadow Ball vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Azumarill: 91-108 (23.6 - 28.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dugtrio: 601-708 (299 - 352.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 172 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 144-169 (37.5 - 44%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Infernal]

Top partners for this week below. I decided to make an exception this time and pick four because they all provide some very notable things for this core:

Talonflame by Random Passerby - Talon is a great partner here for various reasons. For starters, Talon loves having Pokemon like Tar, Tran, Mega Diancie, and Mega Manec trapped by Dug. Similarly, Mega Eye's ability to stop certain Pokemon from laying down SR proves helpful for Talon. Aside from this, Talon helps the core by checking fairies like Clefable and other problematic threats like Charizard-Y. Good partner overall for its ability to take advantage of the support provided by the core and help check some of its notable threats.

Ferrothorn by DennisEG - This core needs some sort of SR setter, and Ferro is a good choice for the role. This is because of its ability to help the core handle threats like Manaphy and Mega Gyara, all while providing a crucial resistance to fairy to help deal with Pokemon like Mega Altaria.

Togekiss by Camilas - Even though Mega Eye can help with keeping SR off, it's not always able to this. Given how often SR weak Pokemon like Talon are paired with this core, it's important to have another method of hazard removal. Toge provides this and does a nice job helping the core handle threats like SD Chomp. Its ability to heal status conditions is also appreciated by Mega Eye, who can often find itself burned by a Scald or Lava Plume.

Shedinja by starry blanket - Shedinja is probably the first Pokemon you think of when you see "Mega Sableye + Dugtrio," and that's because of this well known team: Wonder Trio. The RMT does a nice job explaining why Shedinja works well with the core, and I think it's fitting to give Shedinja a place under top partners here given its association with the core.

New core:

Gyarados @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 72 HP / 188 Atk / 248 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Bounce
- Waterfall
- Rest

Heatran @ Power Herb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt
- Solar Beam

Normal Gyarados hasn't been featured in either Core Analysis thread so far. Chesto variants have seen some use here and there and make effective use of normal Gyarados due to the added staying power Rest + Chesto provides. Gyarados often find itself being worn down and placed in range to be revenge killed, and having Rest + Chesto to make this less of an issue/increase your number of setup opportunities is very helpful. This core was featured in this RMT, albeit with different EVs and moves on Heatran (who can be customized to your liking depending on your team). Gyarados' main obstacle is primarily Rotom-W, who Heatran lures effectively with Solar Beam. From there, Gyarados has an easier time sweeping. Heatran further helps by luring other nuisances like Quagsire and threatening the likes of Ferrothorn. In addition, Heatran draws in several things Gyarados can take advantage of to grab some DDs, such as ground types and choice-locked threats like Keldeo. These two possess nice typing/offensive synergy overall and work together nicely to pave the way for a Gyarados sweep.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute. Have fun!

 

[Martin]

Threats

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hidden Power [Electric]

Outpaces +1 Gyara and fires off a HP Electric. Comes in on Heatran if it uses anything other than Solar Beam and forces it out with the threat of either of its STABs.

252 SpA Keldeo Hidden Power Electric vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Gyarados: 264-312 (75.6 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk (/ 30 Def (HP Ice only))
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Grass Knot
- Focus Blast

Treatens Tran with Focus Blast, can take a +1 Waterfall from full and OHKO back with T-bolt, or it can stop a sweep when paired with something else that can take Gyara out with a last ditch Thunder Wave.

Partners

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Defog
- Roost
- Psyshock

Checks Keldeo, provides Defog support. It also generally helps with wallbreaking for Gyarados due to how stupidly hard it hits. Dragon/Water/Steel is good synergy.

Latias @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: Ultra team-specific
Timid Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic / Psyshock / Thunderbolt
- Roost
- Defog / Healing Wish

Same reasons as Latios, but exchange the wallbreaking potential for the much more consistent ability to defensively check stuff. Can provide Healing Wish over Defog to allow Gyara to set up multiple boosts while preserving its Chesto Berry, allowing it to use Rest before sweeping.

 

[Amane Misa]

Threat:

Medicham @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Ice Punch
- Thunder Punch
- High Jump Kick

Mega Medicham outspeeds both (except for Gyarados after a DD) and OHKOs both - High Jump Kick on Heatran and Thunder Punch on Gyarados.

 

[dk]

Threat:

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- U-turn

This is a pretty obvious threat to the core, as it has super-effective coverage on both and can gain momentum through U-turn. In addition to being able to revenge kill Gyara, Lando can also strip away Gyara's +1 bonuses to attack that come with each DD. I suppose it's worth noting that Stone Edge is actually surprisingly weak vs. 72 HP Gyara (roll is 55 - 64.7%%), but with the prevalence of priority, chip damage, and rocks, whittling Gyara into KO range shouldn't be particularly difficult.