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

[BIG G CHOPPA]

Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Giga Drain
- Focus Blast
- Substitute

Threat: Mega Sceptile

Mega sceptile is easily able to outspeed both starmie and mega charizard x and able to OHKO them with giga drain and dragon pulse respectively. Assuming mega charizard x isn't boosted that is. It can't really switch in on either of them aside from an eq from zard x or a hydro / spin from starmie. Being able to offensively pressure them with its STAB attacks and can go for sub predicting a switch, making it a bit more scary overall.

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Starmie: 306-360 (118.1 - 138.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard X: 344-408 (115.8 - 137.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance

Partner: Breloom

Starmie is bothered by fat pink blobs like chansey which breloom can easily break past against. Along with some bulky waters if starmie lacks thunderbolt and opts for psychic. Mega charizard appreciates this too as bulky waters like slowbro, quagsire, alomomola could spread status via toxic and just stall it out somewhat. While quag could just curse alongside it without worrying too much. But yea this performs a basic but effectie fire water grass core ;p

 

[H.M.N.I.P]

Threats:
(Scarf Latios)

Latios @ Choice Scarf
Timid Nature | 252 Sp.Atk / 4 Sp.Def / 252 Spe.
• Draco Meteor
• Psyshock
• Thunderbolt / Defog
• Trick

• Scarf Latios is a the first huge threat for this core. Thanks to its item it can easily 1v1 both Charizard and Starmie whereas, in contrast, it can't switch in on them. Its 110 base speed let it outspeed both Starmie and Charizard at +1 (after a Dragon Dance), and its 130 base power brutal STAB can 1HKO both of them. In this case, the concept is pretty simple and clear.

(Sand Offense)

or

&

Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Relaxed Nature | 248 HP / 80 Def. / 180 Sp.Def
• Stealth Rock
• Stone Edge
• Pursuit
• Ice Beam / Thunder Wave

or

Hippodown @ Leftovers
Impish Nature | 252 HP / 144 Def. / 122 Sp.Def
• Stealth Rock
• Earthquake
• Slack Off
• Whirlwind

&

Excadrill @ Life Orb
Adamant Nature | 252 HP / 4 Def. / 252 Spe.
• Earthquake
• Iron Head
• Rock Slide
• Swords Dance

• Sand Offense is the another big issue for both Charizard and Starmie. While Tyranitar can tank at least 1 Life Orb Hydro Pump from Starmie and 1 Earthquake from +1 Charizard after a Dragon Dance, Excadrill can easily 1HKO both of these mons [(respectively 105.7 - 125.4% for Starmie and 147.8 - 174% for Charizard) Earthquake's calc]. Furthermore, if Sand has a more Balanced approach: Hippodown over Tyranitar for example, Charizard has even more problems, as it can be easily phazed out with Whirlwind or 2HKO'd from Hippo's EQ. (Also Scarf Tyranitar might be a problem as it can outspeed Charizard that hasn't danced yet and Starmie, and 1HKO both them thanks to his double STAB.)

 

[nameless90]

Partner: Serperior

Serperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power Fire
- Glare

or even​

Serperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 56 HP / 200 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power Fire
- Substitute
- Leech Seed

Charizard X threaten Grass-types for Serperior whereas Starmie pressures Poison types which checks Serperior (i.e. Mega Venusaur) while the Grass snake defeats bulky Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types for them. I like a lot Serperior's attacking set because it runs HP Fire to threaten Ferrothorn (to help Starmie from using Rapid Spin effectively).

This Grass-Fire-Water core seems very effective.

 

[Sobi]

Kyurem-Black @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Outrage
- Fusion Bolt
- Iron Head

kyurem-b is a threat to this core, as it outspeeds both starmie and (an unboosted) mega charizard x with a choice scarf equipped and can take them both out with outrage. it can't really switch into mega charizard x because dragon claw has a chance to faint it (86.4 - 102.8%) but yeah, bringing it after a teammate has fainted or through slow voltturn ensure it is health enough to wreak havoc upon the core and its team.
- outrage on starmie: (104.9 - 124.1%)
- outrage on charizard: (147.4 - 173.7%)

Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Fire Punch
- Healing Wish

to help mitigate the core's weakness to kyurem-b, choice scarf jirachi is a nice partner to this core. it provides speed control in the form of choice scarf, invaluable healing support in healing wish to give mega charizard x another chance at wallbreaking, momentum-bringing support in the form of u-turn, as well as pure hax in the form of iron head; the core would not appreciate anything more than this. also, not only does jirachi take care of kyurem-b, it can also help against clefable, which annoys this core a bit, as well as support mega altaria.
- iron head on kyurem-b: (55.7 - 66.4%)
- kyurem-b's coverage against jirachi:

- ice beam: (17 - 20.2%)
- outrage: (34.8 - 41.3%)
- fusion bolt: (39 - 46%)
- dragon claw: (23.4 - 27.5%)​

- iron head on clefable: (58.3 - 69%)
- iron head on mega altaria: (70.1 - 82.4%)

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:
1)

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

Mega Lopunny outspeeds both Pokemon and can 2HKO both with the combination of Fake Out+STAB. If Starmie or Charizard has any prior damage, even a High Jump Kick or Return will OHKO.

2)

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

Mega Gyarados can set up a Dragon Dance on Starmie and then proceed to OHKO the core with boosted Crunch and Earthquake, respectively.

3)

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

Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
- Aqua Jet

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

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

Rain Offense seriously hinder this core as the Swift Swim sweepers all outspeed and OHKO the core with their STAB moves.

4)

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Recover

Gastrodon is not 2HKOed by any of the core's attacks and can hit back with Earthquake or inflict Toxic on the core. It can also Recover off health lost.

 

[Alfalfa]

Kyurem-Black @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Outrage
- Fusion Bolt
- Iron Head

kyurem-b is a threat to this core, as it outspeeds both starmie and mega charizard x with a choice scarf equipped and can take them both out with outrage. it can't really switch into mega charizard x because dragon claw has a chance to faint it (86.4 - 102.8%) but yeah, bringing it after a teammate has fainted or through slow voltturn ensure it is health enough to wreak havoc upon the core and its team.
- outrage on starmie: (104.9 - 124.1%)
- outrage on charizard: (147.4 - 173.7%)

Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Fire Punch
- Healing Wish

to help mitigate the core's weakness to kyurem-b, choice scarf jirachi is a nice partner to this core. it provides speed control in the form of choice scarf, invaluable healing support in healing wish to give mega charizard x another chance at wallbreaking, momentum-bringing support in the form of u-turn, as well as pure hax in the form of iron head; the core would not appreciate anything more than this. also, not only does jirachi take care of kyurem-b, it can also help against clefable, which annoys this core a bit, as well as support mega altaria.
- iron head on kyurem-b: (55.7 - 66.4%)
- kyurem-b's coverage against jirachi:

- ice beam: (17 - 20.2%)
- outrage: (34.8 - 41.3%)
- fusion bolt: (39 - 46%)
- dragon claw: (23.4 - 27.5%)​

- iron head on clefable: (58.3 - 69%)
- iron head on mega altaria: (70.1 - 82.4%)

Zard X is max speed Jolly so Choice Scarf Kyurem-B is not outrunning Zard X if Zard is at +1. You may want to reword this to state that Scarf Kyurem-B outruns an unboosted Zard X.

 

[Infernal]

Four submissions, two winners:

Serperior by nameless90 ~ Does a nice job threatening the various Water- and Ground-types Charizard-X has issues with, examples being Azu, Slowbro, Lando-T, and Hippo. Provides the core with an additional check to threats like Keld, which is useful considering Starmie is running LO and can be worn down quickly or trapped by common threats like Tar and Weavile. Serp also takes advantage of EQ Charizard-X's ability to kill Heatran, possibly sweeping after its removal. All in all a nice partner, working well offensively with the other two core members and completing a solid FWG.

Jirachi by Sobi ~ Jirachi is a nice choice on teams with this core because it's able to check numerous offensive threats this core opens you up to. For example, it's able to check Mega Altaria, Mega Diancie, Clefable, and Latios, and so on. Having a catchall glue to keep these threats and more at bay is invaluable for the core. Jirachi can even provide Charizard-X with a second chance to sweep/open holes thanks to Healing Wish, which is useful considering its tendency to get worn down quickly by recoil and other factors.

New core:

Thundurus @ Leftovers / Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying
- Focus Blast

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance / Focus Punch

Thund-I offensively checks Pokemon like Talon, Torn-T, and Mega Pinsir, all of which threaten Loom a ton. In addition, it's able to significantly weaken threats like Latios after a NP. This is useful because after eating a +2 HP Ice or Flying, Latios will either die or be placed in range for Loom's Mach Punch. Assuming it's packing HP Flying, Thund-I can also lure in and blow through Pokemon like Mega Venu, paving the way for Loom later on. Other Pokemon like Amoonguss can also be weakened by Thund-I, which Loom greatly appreciates. In return for the help, Loom aids Thund-I by taking down Pokemon like Gastro, Quag, and Hippo. Other nuisances to Thund-I, like Scarf Tar and Sand Rush Exca, can be checked by Loom as well. Overall, these two work well offensively. They do a good job overwhelming Pokemon like Clefable and other shared checks, helping one another sweep or clean up in the long run.

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.

 

[Martin]

Threat

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Overheat / Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Ice

Outpaces Thundy and deals huge damage with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch. Has Flamethower to maul Breloom and can weaken it's Mach Punches with Intimidate.

Partners

Landorus-Therian @ Yache Berry / Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance / U-turn
- Rock Polish / Knock Off (/ Stealth Rock (Yache+U-turn only))

Offensive Lando-T variants make for a good partner to this core for a few reasons. First and foremost, with Choice Scarf or Rock Polish, it is able to provide speed control (which the core immensely appreciates) and can also act as a nice offensive answer to Mega Manectric. In addition to this, Yache Berry variants are able to lure Weavile in to RK it after a Rock Polish with Ice Shard only to be able to take the hit with it's delicious Yache berry and OHKO, as otherwise Weave just mauls these two and gives them a headache. Finally, DD or SD variants add to the setup spam nicely.

Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Stone Edge / Toxic

Defensive Lando-T also makes for a good partner. It provides Stealth Rock support to help the core break through stuff, provides a slow U-turn to help get them in and provides an answer to offensive SD Talonflame ('cause Thundy just loses to that thing's Flare Blitz). It can check electrics nicely and it can take a hit from their HP Ice at full health in a pinch.

 

[HailFall]

is a threat
Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Low Kick / Swords Dance / Poison Jab

Weavile endangers Breloom greatly, dealing around 70-80% with Ice Shard which is an OHKO after only a few rounds of Life Orb recoil. In addition to this, Weavile outspeeds and OHKOes this Thundy set with Icicle Crash.

is a potential partner
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 32 Atk / 120 Def / 108 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Swords Dance
- Roost

Mega Scizor provides a solid Weavile counter along with a switchin to Latis, slow U-Turner to bring both of these mons in safely, Mega Gardevoir check, and Mega Lopunny check.

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:
1)

Starmie @ Life Orb
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Hydro Pump
- Psychic
- Ice Beam

Starmie outspeeds both Pokemon and resists Mach Punch. Then, it can OHKO Thundurus with Ice Beam and Breloom with Psychic respectively.

2)

Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power Fire

Mega Sceptile survives a Mach Punch and can OHKO Breloom with Dragon Pulse. It is also faster than Thundurus, immune to Thunder Wave and can KO it after Stealth Rock and a little prior damage.

Partner:

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Bullet Punch
- Pursuit

Mega Metagross gives the core a Fairy-type check so that Clefable and Mega Altaria don't bother the team too much. Zen Headbutt allows Metagross to muscle past Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur, although it will need Meteor Mash boosts to get past Tangrowth. Pursuit is a nice move to trap Lati@s so that Breloom and Thundurus can clean up late game. Bullet Punch helps the core to not get destroyed by Weavile and pick off weakened threats. Breloom and Thundurus also helps Mega Metagross by scaring out Slowbro, Lando-T and Hippowdon.

 

[nameless90]

Partner: Specs Volcanion

Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power

Specs Volcanion is a great offensive partner for both members of the core. Breeloom offers some help resisting EdgeQuake combo (which threatens Volcanion) and Spore allows us to neuter an opposite threat for 2 turns most of the time.
Volcanion has big issues wearing down opposing bulky waters and both Thundurus and Breloom do a great job of handling them.
STABs are mandatory; Sludge Wave is here to hit Fairies and bulky Grass hard and preferred over Sludge Bomb due its higher base power with Specs towards i.e. Support Mega Gardevoir. Earth Power to cover grounded Electric/Steel/Poison types.


A way to deal with fast Psychic types is mandatory.

 

[Infernal]

Winners:

Mega Metagross by Random Passerby ~ Mega Metagross fits well offensively with the core for various reasons. For starters, the core has a hard time with Grass types like Mega Venu, who walls Breloom and blocks Thund-I when it's lacking HP Flying. Mega Metagross addresses this issue and gives other Pokemon like Amoonguss a scare too. Further, Mega Metagross is able to eliminate Pokemon like Latios via Pursuit, which is greatly appreciated by both core members. In return for the help, the core does a good job threatening the things Mega Metagross dislikes, namely Slowbro, Hippo, and so on.

Mega Scizor by HailFall ~ Weavile is a big problem for the core, and Mega Sciz addresses this weakness nicely. The bulk Mega Scizor provides while still maintaining offensive presence is a really nice way for the core to keep threats like Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Lopunny, and so on, from being too threatening. Being able to provide the core members with free switch in opportunities via U-turn is also appreciated in a metagame where maintaining momentum is vital.

Landorus-T by Martin ~ From the sets mentioned, the Lando-T I think fits well with this core is Choice Scarf. I chose this particular variant as the winner because Mega Manec and offensive Electric types in general are problematic for the core. Lando-T can address this well offensively while providing some much needed speed control to help versus other threats like Mega Lop. The main thing to be careful with when choosing Lando-T is exaggerating the weakness this core has to ice. This can be covered with other potentials partners like Mega Sciz, as mentioned above.

New core:

Gyarados-Mega @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Waterfall
- Earthquake

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power Fire
- Roost

Although metagame trends haven't been favorable for Mega Gyara, it's still a relatively threatening Pokemon despite dropping to B+ in viability recently. Latios is here to cover a few problematic Pokemon for Mega Gyara, examples being: Keldeo, Breloom, and Mega Venu. Electric types can also be checked decently by Latios, which is appreciated by Mega Gyara prior to a DD. With HP Fire, it's also capable of luring in and eliminating Ferro, who would be a huge obstacle for the core otherwise. Shared checks to these two, such as Azu, can also be weakened by a Psyshock and placed in range to be killed by a +1 EQ from Mega Gyara afterwards. In return for all the help Latios provides, Mega Gyara gives back by being able to threaten or take advantage of things like Weavile, Tar, and Bisharp. These Dark types are all issues for Latios, and Mega Gyara can abuse their presence to DD up.

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.

 

[ethanlol]

THREAT

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Focus Blast

Thundurus @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Focus Blast

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 68 Atk / 188 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Hidden Power Ice

So let me explain all 3 sets. If the goal of the core M-Gyarados and Latios is to sweep with M-Gyarados, then Prankster T-Wave threatens it and ultimately stops the core from effectively working. Nasty Plot allows it to beat both with super effective attacks (Latios needs a bit of prior damage. For the last set Gyara is beat with Thunderbolt and Latios is beat by Knock Off (i think prior damage is needed). Overall Thundurus puts immense pressure on the core.

 

[heritage]

Threat

Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Earthquake / Subsitute / Focus Blast
- Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast

Mega Sceptile might not be the most viable Pokemon in the current metagame for a variety of reasons (frailty, priority weakness, struggles to break past certain common walls, etc), but it's honestly really fun to use and thrives against offensively oriented cores like this one. Thanks to its blazing Speed tier, it is able to outspeed Latios, even before a Mega Evolution, and Mega Gyarados without a boost and OHKO both of them with Dragon Pulse and Leaf Storm, respectively (Even if Gyaraods does not Mega Evolve, Leaf Storm manages to OHKO after Stealth Rock damage on its base form). Once Mega Evolved, it also quad resists Mega Gyarados's Water-type STAB and Earthquake, although switching it to attacks directly can be pretty risky. Funnily enough, Mega Sceptile is one of the few Pokemon who is capable of outspeeding Adamant Mega Gyarados with a speed boost.

Partner

Klefki @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Spikes
- Thunder Wave
- Magnet Rise
- Flash Cannon

Klefki makes an excellent partner for this core (and most offensive cores in general). I can't stress how good Spikes support is for the two of them, as both Latios and Mega Gyarados highly appreciate the residual damage on walls such as Amoonguss, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Suicune. Thunder Wave support is also a plus, as Mega Gyarados isn't particularly fast without a Dragon Dance boost. With paralysis, Mega Gyarados is able to get an easier Mega Evolution against the likes of opposing Latios, Tornadus-T, and Serperior, as long as they are weakened beforehand. Flash Cannon also allows Klefki to defeat Mega Diancie, which can be a minor threat to the core under the right circumstances, and do at least decent damage to Clefable.

 

[nameless90]

Reserving Partner: Breloom

Breloom @ Fist Plate
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed
- Spore
- Swords Dance

Mega Gyarados pressures pretty much all of brelooms counter which are Celebi, Mega Venusaur and Tornadus-T after a single DD provided by Spore support. In return Breloom takes out bulky Water types for Mega Gyarados and Darks for Latios.

Latios provides useful offensive synergy with the two pokemons above while dishing out high damage with its offensive prowess enhanced by LO.

P.S. This core hates Fast fairy types (i.e. Mega Diancie and Mega Gardevoir); Electric types with the right coverage moves (such as Mega Manectric and Thundurus-T) also annoy this core pretty badly.

Reserving Partner: Serperior

Serperior @ Leftovers/Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power Fire
- Glare

Serperior is another fast and power attacker which is able to muscle through its checks with Leaf Storm's boosts. Glare support helps this core a lot towards many pokemon otherwise immune to Thunder Wave (i.e. Thundurus and Mega Sceptile). Solid way to get rid of bulky waters including Keldeo.

 

[Martin]

Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Fire Punch / Heart Stamp
- Healing Wish

ScarfRachi provides nice support to this core for a few reasons. It provides Healing Wish support for Gyarados, allowing it to play v. aggressively early on--maybe stay in on a Wisp/T-Wave or take a strong hit to break through something--and then allowing it to sweep later on in the game with no issues. Because it is Steel-type it is able to take on Latios (who otherwise dumps on this core due to HP Fire dropping your own Latios' speed IV) and it provides a way of offensively pressuring Low Kick Weavile if you have mega'd already as well as Mega Lopunny. It can help weaken things like Ferrothorn with Fire Punch, lessening the pressure put onto Latios to lure it out and allowing you to save yourself from being scouted out by Ferrotran--or alternatively helping as an offensive check to Keldeo in case your Latios comes in on Icy Wind while also not being complete Tar bait like Latios is due to it's ability to force a 50:50 between staying in expecting Iron Head/U-turn and switching out expecting a Heart Stamp when trying to RK Keldeo. In return, Latios handles whatever Jirachi's chosen coverage move doesn't hit and Mega Gyara deals nicely with Heatran. There are other things too but I'm forgetful/tired RIP.

 

[Random Passerby]

Threats:

1)

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Bug Bite

Mega Scizor survives a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados and can OHKO back with Bug Bite. It also has priority Bullet Punch to pick off Latios at +2.


2)

Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power Fire

Tangrowth shrugs off Mega Gyarados attacks and can dent it very hard with Leaf Storm. It also takes less than half from Draco Meteor, retaliate with Knock Off and recover off lost HP with Regenerator.

3)

Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Low Kick

Low Kick Weavile is hardly used anymore but it outspeeds both Pokemon and can OHKO both with Knock Off and Low Kick respectively.

Partner:

Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Bullet Punch / Iron Tail

Lucario is a nice Offensive partner to this core as it can help to further pressure Pokemon such as Mega Scizor and Mega Diancie which can be a threat under the right circumstances. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to bypass priority Thunder Wave and is strong enough to OHKO fast threats like Mega Sceptile, Talonflame and Thundurus at +2. Bullet Punch gives you insurance against Mega Diancie, Gengar and Weavile while Iron Tail can be used if you really hate Clefable.

 

[Ramses]

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 184 HP / 72 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt

Heatran is a pretty self-explanatory and great partner for this core for numerous reasons. First off, it alleviates the pressure behind Latios to wear down Steel-types for Gyarados to make room for a sweep by it and it functions as a hard check to numerous problematic Grass-types for this core. Next, it's a much needed Fairy and Dragon resist so this core isn't ran over by Mega Diancie, Clefable, and opposing Dragons such as Latios. Mega Diancie, however, needs a much better check since 252 Atk variants are increasingly becoming common. Finally, it does wonders against most stall teams with the infamous ToxicTaunt combination, which is especially helpful considering Gyarados doesn't have Sub / Taunt and Latios isn't CM or Heal Block. Overall, Heatran is a standard issue partner for the core and a useful one at that.

 

[Mana]

Threat

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Thunder Wave
- Soft-Boiled
- Calm Mind

Clefable is a big threat to Mega Gyarados and Latios. Although you have to watch out for Waterfall flinches, it's able to switch in on both Pokemon and is then able to proceed with a Moonblast or a Thunder Wave, either damaging the opposing Pokemon or reducing it's Speed. It can sustain itself with Soft-Boiled, and it can set up with Calm Minds as well.

Calcs

Clefable vs Latios
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 153-181 (38.8 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 182-216 (60.8 - 72.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
You can come in and beat Latios pretty reliably, it can't 2HKO while you 2HKO back.

Clefable vs Gyarados / Mega Gyarados
252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 171-202 (43.4 - 51.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 135-159 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- 40.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 201-237 (51 - 60.1%) -- 88.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252 Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 333-393 (84.5 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gyarados: 99-117 (29.9 - 35.3%) -- 19.8% chance to 3HKO
0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gyarados: 156-186 (47.1 - 56.1%) -- 76.6% chance to 2HKO
Versus Gyarados, it's generally advised to Thunder Wave first, neutralising it's Speed, which allows Clefable to outspeed and Moonblast / Soft-Boiled, while also preventing Waterfall flinches.

 

[Infernal]

by nameless90 (link) ~ Loom is a nice partner for this core offensively. After a DD, Mega Gyara can weaken a few Grass types Loom struggles with, such as Amoonguss and Mega Venu. On the flip side, Loom can pressure things like Ferro and Tang after a SD, weakening them for Mega Gyara later on. Other checks to these two, like Skarm, can also be weakened by either Pokemon after a DD or SD respectively. Loom's ability to Spore Skarm and other threats like Clefable is also helpful for Mega Gyara. Our other core member, Latios, appreciates Loom's ability to threaten Dark types like Tar and gives back by checking the various Pokemon it's checked by (Grass types, offensive Electric types, etc).

by Martin. (link) ~ The core has a glaring weakness to Fairy types, and Jira is a nice choice to patch this up offensively by checking threats like Mega Diancie and Mega Gard. Jira fits the offensive flow of this core well and can keep momentum up with U-turn. Healing Wish is also beneficial for Mega Gyara, who always appreciates second chances to sweep given its tendency to be worn down quickly after setting up once.

by -Magic- (link) ~ Like Jira, Tran also provides a necessary check to Fairy types in a more defensive capacity. Although it's unable to check threats like Mega Diancie and Mega Gard as nicely as Jira can, Tran is a much better answer to other threats like Mega Sciz and Ferro here. Tran's ability to help Mega Gyara by handling obstacles like Mega Venu is also appreciated here and relieves some pressure from a Pursuit-vulnerable Latios. Serving as a nice SR setter and check to other threats like Talon are additional things Tran contributes to the teams with this core.

Before introducing a new core, congratulations to nameless90 and -Magic- for entering the Hall of Fame with five entries! Good job you two :)

Houndoom-Mega @ Houndoominite
Ability: Solar Power
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Dark Pulse
- Will-O-Wisp

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

Although it's not the greatest of Pokemon in OU, Mega Doom is certainly fun to toy around with and can be dangerous with a proper team covering its back. Azu is here to help Mega Doom in a few ways, namely by offensively covering its weaknesses. Azu does this by checking threats like Tar, Keld, Mega Diancie, Terrak, Exca, and so on. In return for the help, Mega Doom can take advantage of the Grass types Azu often finds itself struggling with, examples being Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Further, Mega Doom can threaten Steel types like Mega Sciz and Skarm, which is nice considering they can be nuisances for Azu. Simple premise behind the core overall, possessing your typical Fire + Water offensive synergy.

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.

 

[ethanlol]

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance
- Spore

Breloom is capable of revenge killing/pressuring Houndoom and prevents it from potentially sweeping with a 75% chance to OHKO Houndoom with Mach Punch. It also outspeeds and OHKOs Azumarill with Bullet Seed while resisting priority Aqua Jet.

 

[Amane Misa]

THREAT

Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 30 HP / 1 Atk / 30 SpA
- Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Wave / Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Grass]


Volcanion is able to come in on both Azumarill and Mega Houndoom. It 2HKOs Azumarill with Sludge Wave or Sludge Bomb and OHKOs Mega Houndoom with Steam Eruption. A thing that's worth mentioning is that Volcanion doesn't die to a +2 Dark Pulse.
+2 252 SpA Mega Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Volcanion: 301-355 (82.9 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

PARTNER

Latias @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 72 HP / 184 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Healing Wish / Roost
- Defog

Latias can switch into Volcanion. It also provides a way to remove Stealth Rocks which Houndoom is weak to, and hazards in general.

Latias also checks fighting types like Keldeo and Breloom. Keldeo threatens both with an OHKO on Houndoom and a potential burn on Azu making it not safe. (thanks ethanlol)

(hope it is ok i added latias a bit later)

 

[heritage]

Reserving Toxicroak as a partner

Edit: I'm bad sorry I'm on my phone, go ahead and keep latias ,_,
I'll do toxicroak then!

 

[ethanlol]

Reserving Latias as a partner

:( the post above you fren

Amane Misa latias also checks fighting types like Keldeo and Breloom. Keldeo threatens both with an OHKO on Houndoom and a potential burn on Azu making it not safe.

 

[Amane Misa]

Reserving Latias as a partner

I edited my post and added Latias there. I edited it before you posted your message but if you want I can just erase it because I DID add Latias after my main post. Your choice :)