approved by Ksh13 and lucariojr
inspired by Doubles OU Framework thread
If you’re new to VGC 2016 or are just stuck for ideas on how to teambuild in this new format, you can check out this thread for how successful teams have been built. Please feel free to contribute to this thread if you have noticed any patterns from popular/successful teams for me to edit into this OP, or just if you want to comment on existing frameworks etc.
General team composition:
1st Restricted Legendary (Generally one of the Primal Trio)
The primals are some of the most powerful restricted legendaries introduced into this format.
They are also the only pokemon in the format able to set harsh sun, heavy rain and strong winds, which will allow you to sway the weather war in your favour:
2nd Restricted Legendary
Your second legendary should provide a form of offence, as well as potentially supporting a primal with speed control and alike (You can choose another primal if you wish):
If you're stuck for sets for any of these mons, here is a huge playlist of sample sets created by KyleCole
(The playlist may not function correctly if you're viewing on a mobile device)
3. Mega Evolution
- Mega evolutions are a secondary source of offense used on many teams to benefit the legendary core
- Some players choose to run two mega evolutions. This will give your team two sources of secondary offense for you to use against different popular pokemon in the format
- Mega Rayquaza/Mewtwo already count as a mega and a legendary
Examples:
4-6. 3 or 4 Supporting mons (depending on your choice of legendaries/megas)
Popular choices here usually have very supportive movepools containing moves such as: Trick Room, Follow me, Tailwind etc alongside useful abilities like prankster, or they just have a good matchup vs some of the top tier threats in the format:
Team Frameworks:
These frameworks are the skeletons for teams to be built upon. Of course team building is a completely personal thing, so these will be rough guidelines to what works best with a particular strategy
1. Xerneas - A Geomancy set up and sweep can control a game if handled correctly. However, this requires a lot of support, which can be supplied by the rest of the team.
2. Primal Groudon – Perfect Type synergy with Xerneas, handling poison/steel types with Fire/Ground STABs along with a way to change the weather
3. Mega – Usually mega number 1 is in the form of mega kangaskhan, who provides a lot of offensive presence with parental bond, as well as further support in fake out.
If you are looking for alternative megas in this spot aside from Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence and Mega Mawile both fit really well into teams like this
4. Redirection – Eases a geomancy set up, examples include: Smeargle, Amoonguss, Togekiss, Clefairy, Clefable, Parasect etc. Smeargle is the main candidate here, its low bulk allows for free switches and its access to dark void (as well as all other moves in the game, bar a few) gives it the ability to become a game changer. Other potential uses for Redirection support can be TR counters: Amoonguss, Clefairy and Clefable all learn After You
5. Support – usually has a form speed control, so tailwind, trick room and thunder wave are really appreciated in this spot; Tailwind allows certain pokemon to check opposing mons that they couldn't previously check because of speed etc, thus allowing bulkier sets to be run (examples in this framework: groudon in mirror match etc) . Taunt is also a great option for this spot. Examples: Cresselia, Crobat, Talonflame, Whimsicott, Gengar, Thundurus, Tornadus, Klefki, Meowstic-M etc
6. Secondary Mega/Support/Non-Restricted Counter to Top 4 – To round out the team a lot of players use this spot to counter common threats to this team style like the primals etc. Extra support/speed control is also appreciated. Examples: Salamence-Mega, Ferrothorn, Gengar-Mega, Cresselia etc
2. Primal Groudon – Perfect Type synergy with Xerneas, handling poison/steel types with Fire/Ground STABs along with a way to change the weather
3. Mega – Usually mega number 1 is in the form of mega kangaskhan, who provides a lot of offensive presence with parental bond, as well as further support in fake out.
If you are looking for alternative megas in this spot aside from Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence and Mega Mawile both fit really well into teams like this
4. Redirection – Eases a geomancy set up, examples include: Smeargle, Amoonguss, Togekiss, Clefairy, Clefable, Parasect etc. Smeargle is the main candidate here, its low bulk allows for free switches and its access to dark void (as well as all other moves in the game, bar a few) gives it the ability to become a game changer. Other potential uses for Redirection support can be TR counters: Amoonguss, Clefairy and Clefable all learn After You
5. Support – usually has a form speed control, so tailwind, trick room and thunder wave are really appreciated in this spot; Tailwind allows certain pokemon to check opposing mons that they couldn't previously check because of speed etc, thus allowing bulkier sets to be run (examples in this framework: groudon in mirror match etc) . Taunt is also a great option for this spot. Examples: Cresselia, Crobat, Talonflame, Whimsicott, Gengar, Thundurus, Tornadus, Klefki, Meowstic-M etc
6. Secondary Mega/Support/Non-Restricted Counter to Top 4 – To round out the team a lot of players use this spot to counter common threats to this team style like the primals etc. Extra support/speed control is also appreciated. Examples: Salamence-Mega, Ferrothorn, Gengar-Mega, Cresselia etc
'The Big 6' [Importable]
R Inanimate [Importable]
Serapis [Importable]
SamVGC's 2nd Place Madison Team [Report]
R Inanimate [Importable]
Serapis [Importable]
SamVGC's 2nd Place Madison Team [Report]
as suggested by Steven Stone
1. Kyogre
2. Xerneas
3. Ferrothorn check - Ferrothorn is one of the biggest threats to either xerneas and primal kyogre. To handle it, it is useful in this slot to use a pokemon with a fire type attack, such as Talonflame (probably your best bet) or Infernape. This slot should be able to OHKO Ferrothorn or even KO it after a Water Spout / Origin Pulse from kyogre. Fire Blast Mega Salamence and even Fire Fang Mega Mawile can work in this slot
4. Physical Groudon check - In all sample teams so far, mega salamence is used as a physical groudon check, as it provides extremely valuable intimidate support as well as being able to take primal groudon's STABs. It provides a form of spammable offense in hyper voice which can be used next to xerneas in a sweep, as well as a mega rayquaza counter. Mega salamence is also used in all sample teams as a ferrothorn counter, freeing up the last two slots.
5. Primal Kyogre check - This slot should either be able to OHKO primal kyogre or do decent damage to it without taking much damage back. Examples include: Raichu (able to OHKO primal kyogre with zap plate (or otherwise) boosted volt tackle, Ferrothorn (OHKOs/2HKOs primal kyogre with power whip (depending on the spread) and amoonguss (able to 3HKO primal kyogre with grass knot: 0 SpA Amoonguss Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 60 SpD Primal Kyogre: 78-92 (37.6 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO)
6. Mega / Secondary Mega / Support - This slot (or two slots if you chose fire blast mega salamence) should ensure there are no gaps in the team surrounding what you want from supporting mons. Speed control, taunt, fake out, xerneas counters and redirection are all popular choices. Example mons: crobat, mega kangaskhan, mega mawile, scizor, togekiss and gengar.
1. Kyogre
2. Xerneas
3. Ferrothorn check - Ferrothorn is one of the biggest threats to either xerneas and primal kyogre. To handle it, it is useful in this slot to use a pokemon with a fire type attack, such as Talonflame (probably your best bet) or Infernape. This slot should be able to OHKO Ferrothorn or even KO it after a Water Spout / Origin Pulse from kyogre. Fire Blast Mega Salamence and even Fire Fang Mega Mawile can work in this slot
4. Physical Groudon check - In all sample teams so far, mega salamence is used as a physical groudon check, as it provides extremely valuable intimidate support as well as being able to take primal groudon's STABs. It provides a form of spammable offense in hyper voice which can be used next to xerneas in a sweep, as well as a mega rayquaza counter. Mega salamence is also used in all sample teams as a ferrothorn counter, freeing up the last two slots.
5. Primal Kyogre check - This slot should either be able to OHKO primal kyogre or do decent damage to it without taking much damage back. Examples include: Raichu (able to OHKO primal kyogre with zap plate (or otherwise) boosted volt tackle, Ferrothorn (OHKOs/2HKOs primal kyogre with power whip (depending on the spread) and amoonguss (able to 3HKO primal kyogre with grass knot: 0 SpA Amoonguss Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 60 SpD Primal Kyogre: 78-92 (37.6 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO)
6. Mega / Secondary Mega / Support - This slot (or two slots if you chose fire blast mega salamence) should ensure there are no gaps in the team surrounding what you want from supporting mons. Speed control, taunt, fake out, xerneas counters and redirection are all popular choices. Example mons: crobat, mega kangaskhan, mega mawile, scizor, togekiss and gengar.
Drew Novak's 1st Place Collinsville Team [Importable]
Aaron Zheng's Team
Justin Crubough's Team (3rd Place Madison)
Francisco Bernard's Team (4th Place Costa Rica)
Aaron Zheng's Team
Justin Crubough's Team (3rd Place Madison)
Francisco Bernard's Team (4th Place Costa Rica)
Thanks to Sardus21 and Psynergy
1. Xerneas
2. Mega Rayquaza - LO Draco Meteor to OHKO fast Groudon is a great pick here, Earth Power might work for hitting Steels too but Draco is just good and also hits Dragons for huge damage. Rayquaza checks Primals (especially Primal Groudon), and functions as an incredibly strong win condition. Checking both Xerneas and Rayquaza is pretty tricky in general though Steel-types tend to be annoying since Rayquaza typically wants Draco Meteor to hit Groudon on this archetype as opposed to Overheat (though Earth Power works too), and Waterfall isn't KOing Steels without like a flinch, which leads onto the next mon
3. Steel/Groudon check - Talonflame is amazing here, it offers: general support, TW + Quick Guard, Steel check, Xerneas check, functions fine in TR; it offers so much for this duo. Landorus-T is another great pick here, as it not only offers intimidate support for xerneas but it also checks groudon well and provides a check to steel types. It is really useful for allowing some flexibility and doesn't force you to bring and preserve Ray for every Groudon. The last point is super important.
4. Redirection/Xerneas Check - Xerneas is honestly a bit mediocre without redirection support, so this spot is essential to the team's success. Examples: Amoonguss primarily fills the redirection role, but also serves as a TR check since it tends to be good against TR teams despite Groudon existing now. It also provides an extra xerneas/kyogre check. Smeargle is a fantastic follow me user due to its low bulk+focus sash (which allows free switches) with extra access to moves like fake out, dark void, crafty shield and wide guard. Moody is a fantastic game changing ability that gives smeargle the edge over some other redirectors if RNG is in your favour. Xerneas checks also work really well in this spot, so steel types are appreciated here
5. TR check/Support - Trick Room also tends to be annoying for this pair so options against Trick Room fit nicely (which makes Talonflame especially good on this team), whether it's Ferrothorn, Taunts and Prankster mons, an anti-Trick Room user or just immense pressure from stuff like Fake Out to prevent Trick Room from actually going up
6. Support - This last spot is up to you. Having both landorus-t and talonflame on the same team is an excellent option as having both doesn't take away from this archetype's offensive/defensive presence. Other options include: Speed control users (crobat, whimsicott, thundurus etc), bulky water types to check groudon alongside rayquaza (gyarados/suicune etc) or just general support for whatever is missing
1. Xerneas
2. Mega Rayquaza - LO Draco Meteor to OHKO fast Groudon is a great pick here, Earth Power might work for hitting Steels too but Draco is just good and also hits Dragons for huge damage. Rayquaza checks Primals (especially Primal Groudon), and functions as an incredibly strong win condition. Checking both Xerneas and Rayquaza is pretty tricky in general though Steel-types tend to be annoying since Rayquaza typically wants Draco Meteor to hit Groudon on this archetype as opposed to Overheat (though Earth Power works too), and Waterfall isn't KOing Steels without like a flinch, which leads onto the next mon
3. Steel/Groudon check - Talonflame is amazing here, it offers: general support, TW + Quick Guard, Steel check, Xerneas check, functions fine in TR; it offers so much for this duo. Landorus-T is another great pick here, as it not only offers intimidate support for xerneas but it also checks groudon well and provides a check to steel types. It is really useful for allowing some flexibility and doesn't force you to bring and preserve Ray for every Groudon. The last point is super important.
4. Redirection/Xerneas Check - Xerneas is honestly a bit mediocre without redirection support, so this spot is essential to the team's success. Examples: Amoonguss primarily fills the redirection role, but also serves as a TR check since it tends to be good against TR teams despite Groudon existing now. It also provides an extra xerneas/kyogre check. Smeargle is a fantastic follow me user due to its low bulk+focus sash (which allows free switches) with extra access to moves like fake out, dark void, crafty shield and wide guard. Moody is a fantastic game changing ability that gives smeargle the edge over some other redirectors if RNG is in your favour. Xerneas checks also work really well in this spot, so steel types are appreciated here
5. TR check/Support - Trick Room also tends to be annoying for this pair so options against Trick Room fit nicely (which makes Talonflame especially good on this team), whether it's Ferrothorn, Taunts and Prankster mons, an anti-Trick Room user or just immense pressure from stuff like Fake Out to prevent Trick Room from actually going up
6. Support - This last spot is up to you. Having both landorus-t and talonflame on the same team is an excellent option as having both doesn't take away from this archetype's offensive/defensive presence. Other options include: Speed control users (crobat, whimsicott, thundurus etc), bulky water types to check groudon alongside rayquaza (gyarados/suicune etc) or just general support for whatever is missing
Psynergy's team
Javier Señorena's Team (1st Place Italy Nats)
Enosh Shacar's US Nats Team
Emanuel Guzman's 6th Place Argentina Team
Yi-Xuan Chen's 7th Place Singapore Team
Javier Señorena's Team (1st Place Italy Nats)
Enosh Shacar's US Nats Team
Emanuel Guzman's 6th Place Argentina Team
Yi-Xuan Chen's 7th Place Singapore Team
1. Mega Rayquaza
2. Primal Kyogre
3. Steel Type/Xerneas Counter – Since the legendary core is weak to a set up Xerneas, a powerful steel type is appreciated to deal big damage to Xerneas without taking much damage itself. Some good examples include: Ferrothorn, scizor, mawile-mega and aegislash
4. Support (Redirection/Intimidate/Fake Out/Top 4 Check/TR Check) - a lot of Rayquaza/Kyogre teams use Togekiss as a redirector, as rayquaza’s mega ability cancels out togekiss’ flying weaknesses, whilst Togekiss can provide speed control in Thunder Wave and Tailwind as well as drawing dangerous dragon type attacks from opposing mega Rayquaza/Salamence. Other examples include: Togetic, Clefairy, Smeargle and Amoonguss
Other support options i have seen usage of in this spot are intimidate users like Landorus-T and Mega Salamence etc and general support as mentioned in the title
5. Speed control – speed control isn’t something to be overlooked in this format. Tailwind, Thunder Wave, Trick Room and Icy wind are all examples of excellent speed control that can determine the order of pokemon attacks in battle. Some great examples are: Gengar, Thundurus, Crobat, Talonflame, Cresselia and Gothitelle
6. Fake Out/Go-To/Mega – This final pokemon is hard to define. Of the teams in the recent Glasgow regional, all four used a fake out user. However, each pokemon choice had an extra quality that individual trainers were drawn to, such as Intimidate, Swift Swim, were a Primal check etc. Some examples for this slot are: Mega Kangaskhan, Weavile, Raichu, Ludicolo, Hitmontop, Mienshao, Liepard etc
2. Primal Kyogre
3. Steel Type/Xerneas Counter – Since the legendary core is weak to a set up Xerneas, a powerful steel type is appreciated to deal big damage to Xerneas without taking much damage itself. Some good examples include: Ferrothorn, scizor, mawile-mega and aegislash
4. Support (Redirection/Intimidate/Fake Out/Top 4 Check/TR Check) - a lot of Rayquaza/Kyogre teams use Togekiss as a redirector, as rayquaza’s mega ability cancels out togekiss’ flying weaknesses, whilst Togekiss can provide speed control in Thunder Wave and Tailwind as well as drawing dangerous dragon type attacks from opposing mega Rayquaza/Salamence. Other examples include: Togetic, Clefairy, Smeargle and Amoonguss
Other support options i have seen usage of in this spot are intimidate users like Landorus-T and Mega Salamence etc and general support as mentioned in the title
5. Speed control – speed control isn’t something to be overlooked in this format. Tailwind, Thunder Wave, Trick Room and Icy wind are all examples of excellent speed control that can determine the order of pokemon attacks in battle. Some great examples are: Gengar, Thundurus, Crobat, Talonflame, Cresselia and Gothitelle
6. Fake Out/Go-To/Mega – This final pokemon is hard to define. Of the teams in the recent Glasgow regional, all four used a fake out user. However, each pokemon choice had an extra quality that individual trainers were drawn to, such as Intimidate, Swift Swim, were a Primal check etc. Some examples for this slot are: Mega Kangaskhan, Weavile, Raichu, Ludicolo, Hitmontop, Mienshao, Liepard etc
Necrocat219/Snow's RayOgre Team (Japanese Style) [Importable]
Akaba's Team (Peaked 1st Place on Battle Spot Special [Feb 28])
Edward Glover's 6th Place Virginia Regional Team [Importable]
Stephen Morioka's 8th Place Collinsville Regional Team [Importable]
Akaba's Team (Peaked 1st Place on Battle Spot Special [Feb 28])
Edward Glover's 6th Place Virginia Regional Team [Importable]
Stephen Morioka's 8th Place Collinsville Regional Team [Importable]
As suggested by Jibaku
1. Groudon - Usually slow and bulky for use in TR, although Chuppa's Team uses fast groudon as his team does not contain a trick room user
2. Kyogre - Usually Modest and bulky for use under both TR and tailwind, although fast kyogre does see some usage
3. Primal Support/Speed Control - This slot should aim to aid in the primal mirror, so moves such as skill swap see a lot of usage here. Speed control is very necessary for the primals because of their middling speed, so Trick Room, Thunder Wave or Tailwind support is really appreciated. Gravity support is also much appreciated due to precipice blades and origin pulse's low accuracy. Examples: Cresselia/Bronzong
4. Mega - As usual, this team needs a mega. Fake out support is appreciated if running TR, so Kangaskhan is really useful. Mega Mawile sees a lot of usage as it provides intimidate support as well as leverage against mega rayquaza and xerneas, and Mega Salamence also provides intimidate support and can help against rayquaza and primal groudon.
5. Set-up Support/Fast Mode/Secondary Mega - This can vary from team to team, although most top cut teams have seen use of Smeargle, who provides dark void pressure and set up support (both scarf and sash variants), Amoonguss, who again provides redirection support and Mega Salamence has also seen usage in top cut in 2 sample teams as a secondary mega, helping the matchup versus primal groudon and rayquaza further.
6. Speed Control (Tailwind/Thunder Wave)/Fast Mode/Offensive Support - The last slot is usually a secondary form of speed control, although other options are seldom included. Thundurus is an extremely splashable choice here, as a lead of groudon+thundurus can handle many leads from the standard big 6 archetype, bar kangaskhan+smeargle (if thundurus lacks protect), and kangaskhan+talonflame (if talonflame outspeeds thundurus and can OHKO it in sun w/ Flare Blitz). Other good choices here include talonflame, zapdos and even crobat.
Checklist for supporting mons:
Xerneas checks: x2 (TR/Taunt/Thunder Wave/Haze etc)
Groudon checks: x1 (including skill swap)
Kyogre checks: x1 (including skill swap)
Rayquaza checks: x1 (mawile/salamence/TR etc)
1. Groudon - Usually slow and bulky for use in TR, although Chuppa's Team uses fast groudon as his team does not contain a trick room user
2. Kyogre - Usually Modest and bulky for use under both TR and tailwind, although fast kyogre does see some usage
3. Primal Support/Speed Control - This slot should aim to aid in the primal mirror, so moves such as skill swap see a lot of usage here. Speed control is very necessary for the primals because of their middling speed, so Trick Room, Thunder Wave or Tailwind support is really appreciated. Gravity support is also much appreciated due to precipice blades and origin pulse's low accuracy. Examples: Cresselia/Bronzong
4. Mega - As usual, this team needs a mega. Fake out support is appreciated if running TR, so Kangaskhan is really useful. Mega Mawile sees a lot of usage as it provides intimidate support as well as leverage against mega rayquaza and xerneas, and Mega Salamence also provides intimidate support and can help against rayquaza and primal groudon.
5. Set-up Support/Fast Mode/Secondary Mega - This can vary from team to team, although most top cut teams have seen use of Smeargle, who provides dark void pressure and set up support (both scarf and sash variants), Amoonguss, who again provides redirection support and Mega Salamence has also seen usage in top cut in 2 sample teams as a secondary mega, helping the matchup versus primal groudon and rayquaza further.
6. Speed Control (Tailwind/Thunder Wave)/Fast Mode/Offensive Support - The last slot is usually a secondary form of speed control, although other options are seldom included. Thundurus is an extremely splashable choice here, as a lead of groudon+thundurus can handle many leads from the standard big 6 archetype, bar kangaskhan+smeargle (if thundurus lacks protect), and kangaskhan+talonflame (if talonflame outspeeds thundurus and can OHKO it in sun w/ Flare Blitz). Other good choices here include talonflame, zapdos and even crobat.
Checklist for supporting mons:
Xerneas checks: x2 (TR/Taunt/Thunder Wave/Haze etc)
Groudon checks: x1 (including skill swap)
Kyogre checks: x1 (including skill swap)
Rayquaza checks: x1 (mawile/salamence/TR etc)
PokeAlex's Double Primal Team
Aaron Zheng's Double Primal Team [Importable]
Jamie Boyt's Double Primal Team [Analysis]
Aaron Zheng's Double Primal Team [Importable]
Jamie Boyt's Double Primal Team [Analysis]
Thanks to Size/Therazer456
1. Dialga - A great counter to the common RayOgre combo, dialga can take a hit from mega rayquaza with its great typing and OHKO back with a draco meteor/dragon pulse. It can also set up trick room which is a fantastic form of speed control for primal kyogre
2. Primal Kyogre - Can set up heavy rain thanks to its ability primordial sea, which benefits any fire weak mons added to the team (ferrothorn/amoonguss/mawile etc)
3. Mega/Fake Out Support - This slot should aim to either aid dialga in a TR set up or to provide offensive pressure on the team. Common megas on this team composition are Kangaskhan (who can provide fake out support), Salamence (provides intimidate support) and mega manectric (intimidate support)
4. Speed Control - Most Dialga/Kyogre teams like to heavily invest in their TR modes, so a TR setter is commonly seen in this spot. The most common of which is Cresselia, who also provides skill swap support for both dialga's and kyogre's matchup vs primal groudon. Tailwind/Thunder Wave users are also used in this spot if you are going for a less heavily TR-invested team, such as Wolfe Glick's Team, which uses Thundurus
5. Xerneas/Primal Kyogre Check - Ferrothorn sees a lot of usage here, as it provides a solid counter against not just these mons but against rayquaza as well, improving this build's RayOgre matchup further. Mawile also sees a lot of usage, as it provides intimidate support and can counter xerneas well. Amoonguss is also used in this spot if you want redirection support for a TR set up
6. Speed Control/Support/Groudon Check - To round out the team, most players run some form of offensive or defensive support to cover the rest of the team's weaknesses. Common pokemon in this slot include: Talonflame, Togekiss, Salamence-Mega and Landorus-T
1. Dialga - A great counter to the common RayOgre combo, dialga can take a hit from mega rayquaza with its great typing and OHKO back with a draco meteor/dragon pulse. It can also set up trick room which is a fantastic form of speed control for primal kyogre
2. Primal Kyogre - Can set up heavy rain thanks to its ability primordial sea, which benefits any fire weak mons added to the team (ferrothorn/amoonguss/mawile etc)
3. Mega/Fake Out Support - This slot should aim to either aid dialga in a TR set up or to provide offensive pressure on the team. Common megas on this team composition are Kangaskhan (who can provide fake out support), Salamence (provides intimidate support) and mega manectric (intimidate support)
4. Speed Control - Most Dialga/Kyogre teams like to heavily invest in their TR modes, so a TR setter is commonly seen in this spot. The most common of which is Cresselia, who also provides skill swap support for both dialga's and kyogre's matchup vs primal groudon. Tailwind/Thunder Wave users are also used in this spot if you are going for a less heavily TR-invested team, such as Wolfe Glick's Team, which uses Thundurus
5. Xerneas/Primal Kyogre Check - Ferrothorn sees a lot of usage here, as it provides a solid counter against not just these mons but against rayquaza as well, improving this build's RayOgre matchup further. Mawile also sees a lot of usage, as it provides intimidate support and can counter xerneas well. Amoonguss is also used in this spot if you want redirection support for a TR set up
6. Speed Control/Support/Groudon Check - To round out the team, most players run some form of offensive or defensive support to cover the rest of the team's weaknesses. Common pokemon in this slot include: Talonflame, Togekiss, Salamence-Mega and Landorus-T
Wolfe Glick's 1st Place Florida Regional Team [Importable]
Conan Thompson's 6th Place Oregon Regional Team [Importable]
Alex Underhill's 6th Place Collinsville Team [Importable]
Daryl Sprenger's 4th Place Innsbruck Team
Size's 1st Place Lenexa PC Team [Importable]
Size's 20th Place Collinsville Team [Importable]
Therazer456's Team [Importable]
Conan Thompson's 6th Place Oregon Regional Team [Importable]
Alex Underhill's 6th Place Collinsville Team [Importable]
Daryl Sprenger's 4th Place Innsbruck Team
Size's 1st Place Lenexa PC Team [Importable]
Size's 20th Place Collinsville Team [Importable]
Therazer456's Team [Importable]
Contributed by Steven Stone
1. Primal Kyogre
2. Ho-Oh. Ho-Oh acts as a Xerneas check, Special Primal Groudon counter and Bulky Grass-type check, which is specially appreciated by Primal Kyogre. If you want to, you can also run Tailwind on it so Ho-Oh performs as a Tailwind setter as well, and given its bulk it's easier to set up a Tailwind with it.
3. Physical Primal Groudon check. Special Primal Groudon variants are really easy to beat with this duo, not so much for those physical variants carrying a Rock-type move. Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Mega Salamence perform extremely well on this role thanks to Intimidate, bulk, and a typing that isn't bothered by Primal Groudon's Precipice Blades.
4. Bulky Grass-type. A Primal Kyogre check is more than needed on this build as everything can be either OHKOed or 2HKOed by Primal Kyogre. However, Grass-types are preferred as they don't make the core's matchup against Ferrothorn worse than what it already is. Ferrothorn is the preferred choice due to its typing and bulk, but Amoonguss can be used as well.
5. Support / Fighting-type. This slot is pretty open for any support Pokemon you might want to add. Whimsicott, Smeargle, Togekiss, Clefairy, and Liepard can perform really well in this build, but if you like you can add a more offensive support, you should ideally add a Fighting-type capable of doing massive damage to Ferrothorn as well as hitting Kangaskhan hard in the way. This includes Pokemon such as Infernape, Mienshao, and Terrakion.
6. Mega Evolution / Support. Even if you picked Mega Salamence, this slot is usually open for a Mega Evolution. Mega Gengar, Mega Mawile and Mega Kangaskhan do pretty well in this archetype, but if you don't have a clear way of beating Smeargle usually Mega Kangaskhan is the way to go. If you have picked Mega Salamence but you don't want to have a secondary Mega Evolution, another support Pokemon might do it. An alternative speed control method can be used, but players usually opt for a Fake Out user in this slot. Taunt users are also really good, regardless if you're a fast team (against Trick Room) or a slow team (against Smeargle). Pokemon such as Thundurus, Meowstic, Raichu, Sableye, and the aforementioned Fake Out users can work in this last slot.
1. Primal Kyogre
2. Ho-Oh. Ho-Oh acts as a Xerneas check, Special Primal Groudon counter and Bulky Grass-type check, which is specially appreciated by Primal Kyogre. If you want to, you can also run Tailwind on it so Ho-Oh performs as a Tailwind setter as well, and given its bulk it's easier to set up a Tailwind with it.
3. Physical Primal Groudon check. Special Primal Groudon variants are really easy to beat with this duo, not so much for those physical variants carrying a Rock-type move. Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Mega Salamence perform extremely well on this role thanks to Intimidate, bulk, and a typing that isn't bothered by Primal Groudon's Precipice Blades.
4. Bulky Grass-type. A Primal Kyogre check is more than needed on this build as everything can be either OHKOed or 2HKOed by Primal Kyogre. However, Grass-types are preferred as they don't make the core's matchup against Ferrothorn worse than what it already is. Ferrothorn is the preferred choice due to its typing and bulk, but Amoonguss can be used as well.
5. Support / Fighting-type. This slot is pretty open for any support Pokemon you might want to add. Whimsicott, Smeargle, Togekiss, Clefairy, and Liepard can perform really well in this build, but if you like you can add a more offensive support, you should ideally add a Fighting-type capable of doing massive damage to Ferrothorn as well as hitting Kangaskhan hard in the way. This includes Pokemon such as Infernape, Mienshao, and Terrakion.
6. Mega Evolution / Support. Even if you picked Mega Salamence, this slot is usually open for a Mega Evolution. Mega Gengar, Mega Mawile and Mega Kangaskhan do pretty well in this archetype, but if you don't have a clear way of beating Smeargle usually Mega Kangaskhan is the way to go. If you have picked Mega Salamence but you don't want to have a secondary Mega Evolution, another support Pokemon might do it. An alternative speed control method can be used, but players usually opt for a Fake Out user in this slot. Taunt users are also really good, regardless if you're a fast team (against Trick Room) or a slow team (against Smeargle). Pokemon such as Thundurus, Meowstic, Raichu, Sableye, and the aforementioned Fake Out users can work in this last slot.
Haryz Izzudin's 1st Place Malaysia PC team [Importable]
Paolo Livella/Luca Lussignoli's 1st/2nd Place Calusco D'adda Team
Sam's Ho-Oh/Primal Kyogre Team
Jonas Yew Meng Chow's 7th Place Singapore Team
James Baek's Top 8 Kings Games PC Team
Paolo Livella/Luca Lussignoli's 1st/2nd Place Calusco D'adda Team
Sam's Ho-Oh/Primal Kyogre Team
Jonas Yew Meng Chow's 7th Place Singapore Team
James Baek's Top 8 Kings Games PC Team
As suggested by Namikaze
1. Ho-Oh
2. Primal Groudon
3. Weather Support / Kyogre Check: This legendary core has a massive weakness to primal kyogre under rain, so it needs patching up. Kyogre can't function against either of the duo whilst under harsh sun, so weather support is appreciated. This generally comes in the form of skill swap cresselia, however, skill swap bronzong/gengar and gimmicky role play liepard/thundurus have seen usage in this spot. Ferrothorn/amoonguss are also very viable picks that can directly counter primal kyogre with STAB grass type attacks whilst also being able to check xerneas
4. Speed Control - Whist Ho-Oh can carry tailwind, most sun teams carry a secondary form of speed control to ensure that the order of attacks in battle is in your favour. If you previously chose cresselia for the weather support slot, she can also provide trick room support for a semi TR mode that can seriously benefit matchups in some situations. The ability to check xerneas is also appreciated in this slot, so icy wind/taunt gengar is a great choice for the common smeargle xerneas lead. Other users include crobat and thundurus, who are also great xerneas/set up checks
5. Mega - This slot is really up to personal preference and how the rest of the team has been built. Mega Salamence can help out with the matchup against Rayquaza and Groudon, Mega Mawile helps vs Xerneas and Rayquaza and is great inside TR, and Mega Kangaskhan can provide Fake Out Support for any Tailwind/TR set ups you may want to utilise.
6. Support - This slot can be filled with whatever kind of support is missing from the team. Fake Out/Redirection/Intimidate support are all appreciated in this team build, so pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan as a secondary mega option, weavile and landorus-t all see usage in this spot.
1. Ho-Oh
2. Primal Groudon
3. Weather Support / Kyogre Check: This legendary core has a massive weakness to primal kyogre under rain, so it needs patching up. Kyogre can't function against either of the duo whilst under harsh sun, so weather support is appreciated. This generally comes in the form of skill swap cresselia, however, skill swap bronzong/gengar and gimmicky role play liepard/thundurus have seen usage in this spot. Ferrothorn/amoonguss are also very viable picks that can directly counter primal kyogre with STAB grass type attacks whilst also being able to check xerneas
4. Speed Control - Whist Ho-Oh can carry tailwind, most sun teams carry a secondary form of speed control to ensure that the order of attacks in battle is in your favour. If you previously chose cresselia for the weather support slot, she can also provide trick room support for a semi TR mode that can seriously benefit matchups in some situations. The ability to check xerneas is also appreciated in this slot, so icy wind/taunt gengar is a great choice for the common smeargle xerneas lead. Other users include crobat and thundurus, who are also great xerneas/set up checks
5. Mega - This slot is really up to personal preference and how the rest of the team has been built. Mega Salamence can help out with the matchup against Rayquaza and Groudon, Mega Mawile helps vs Xerneas and Rayquaza and is great inside TR, and Mega Kangaskhan can provide Fake Out Support for any Tailwind/TR set ups you may want to utilise.
6. Support - This slot can be filled with whatever kind of support is missing from the team. Fake Out/Redirection/Intimidate support are all appreciated in this team build, so pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan as a secondary mega option, weavile and landorus-t all see usage in this spot.
Namikaze's Sun team
Tony's Sun Team (top 4 GooseCreek PC)
Sassan's Sun Team (1st place blaziken series #4 PC)
Ace Emerald's 18th Place Virginia Regional Sun Team
Tony's Sun Team (top 4 GooseCreek PC)
Sassan's Sun Team (1st place blaziken series #4 PC)
Ace Emerald's 18th Place Virginia Regional Sun Team
1. Groudon - Usually runs a slow and bulky TR sweeper set. Spread moves such as precipice blades and eruption see a lot of use, usually accompanied by single target fire moves such as flamethrower, fire blast, overheat and fire punch or a coverage move like rock slide. Earth power also sees a lot of use for handling opposing groudon
2. Palkia - Palkia is an excellent partner for primal groudon, as not only is it able to set up Trick Room (and gravity for that matter), it walls primal kyogre, one of the biggest threats to primal groudon. It is also a great answer to opposing primal groudon, as it can tank an eruption with its 4x resistance to fire and can answer back with an earth power
3. Speed Control - Most groudon + palkia teams will run TR, as both pokemon are slow and appreciate some form of speed control. 9/10 times this will come in the form of Cresselia, who also provides gravity support as well as the ability to skill swap levitate onto groudon for weather support and for the mirror versus opposing groudon. Crobat also sees some use here, as it is a fantastic Xerneas check which is appreciated by palkia, and it provides tailwind support, which is appreciated depending on the build of the rest of the team and the palkia spread (some like to run modest nature for semi TR teams)
4. Mega/Fake Out Support - Usually in the form of mega kangaskhan, this slot is reserved for your mega of choice. Bulky Kangaskhan is brilliant for fake out support, although Aaron Zheng runs a max speed kangaskhan for use in his fast mode. Mega Mawile is also brilliant if you're worried about xerneas/mega rayquaza. It also provides intimidate support which is crucial to a more bulky offensive playstyle.
5. Xerneas Counter - Usually in the form of Amoonguss/Ferrothorn/Mawile, this slot can also provide redirection support if you choose amoonguss, or intimidate support in mawile if you choose to run double mega. Amoonguss can also run clear smog, which is a brilliant utility move that removes all stat changes from the target (in this case it's xerneas)
6. Support - This slot is basically a filler for whatever support you are still missing. Speed Control users like talonflame or crobat are brilliant here as a fast mode, talonflame is less bothered by trick room out of the two because of its priority offense. Redirection is great here for aiding a TR set up, so smeargle and amoonguss are great here. Lastly, Intimidate Support is also appreciated here, as advertised by Aaron Zheng's Road to Ranked team with his landorus-t, which can help out greatly vs physical primal groudon.
2. Palkia - Palkia is an excellent partner for primal groudon, as not only is it able to set up Trick Room (and gravity for that matter), it walls primal kyogre, one of the biggest threats to primal groudon. It is also a great answer to opposing primal groudon, as it can tank an eruption with its 4x resistance to fire and can answer back with an earth power
3. Speed Control - Most groudon + palkia teams will run TR, as both pokemon are slow and appreciate some form of speed control. 9/10 times this will come in the form of Cresselia, who also provides gravity support as well as the ability to skill swap levitate onto groudon for weather support and for the mirror versus opposing groudon. Crobat also sees some use here, as it is a fantastic Xerneas check which is appreciated by palkia, and it provides tailwind support, which is appreciated depending on the build of the rest of the team and the palkia spread (some like to run modest nature for semi TR teams)
4. Mega/Fake Out Support - Usually in the form of mega kangaskhan, this slot is reserved for your mega of choice. Bulky Kangaskhan is brilliant for fake out support, although Aaron Zheng runs a max speed kangaskhan for use in his fast mode. Mega Mawile is also brilliant if you're worried about xerneas/mega rayquaza. It also provides intimidate support which is crucial to a more bulky offensive playstyle.
5. Xerneas Counter - Usually in the form of Amoonguss/Ferrothorn/Mawile, this slot can also provide redirection support if you choose amoonguss, or intimidate support in mawile if you choose to run double mega. Amoonguss can also run clear smog, which is a brilliant utility move that removes all stat changes from the target (in this case it's xerneas)
6. Support - This slot is basically a filler for whatever support you are still missing. Speed Control users like talonflame or crobat are brilliant here as a fast mode, talonflame is less bothered by trick room out of the two because of its priority offense. Redirection is great here for aiding a TR set up, so smeargle and amoonguss are great here. Lastly, Intimidate Support is also appreciated here, as advertised by Aaron Zheng's Road to Ranked team with his landorus-t, which can help out greatly vs physical primal groudon.
Aaron Zheng's Team
William Bassolino's 6th Place Preganziol team
Flavo del Pidio's 1st Place Rome Team
Domenico Vaccariello's 3rd Place Novara Team
William Bassolino's 6th Place Preganziol team
Flavo del Pidio's 1st Place Rome Team
Domenico Vaccariello's 3rd Place Novara Team
1. Kyurem-White - Runs range of sets, can be slow for use in TR or can be fast (e.g scarf) as used in SalaMenace/Eakes' team, as prankster gravity + fast blizzard can be devastating
2. Groudon-Primal - Again this runs a range of sets, usually slow for TR, or can be run fast if TR is not on the team (e.g TheSaxLad's team)
3. Gravity Setter - Gravity support will allow blizzard and precipice blades to hit much more consistently, and this spot should aim to provide general team support. Examples: Cresselia: Gravity/TR/Skill Swap; Meowstic: PRANKSTER Gravity/TR/Safeguard/Swagger; Sableye: PRANKSTER Gravity/Fake Out/Feint/Magic Coat/Taunt/Confuse Ray/Quash etc
4. Mega - Kangaskhan/Gengar are two exemplar megas here, the former allowing TR to be set up against hard matchups e.g taunt users (bar crobat etc) and the latter benefiting from gravity support with moves like hypnosis etc
5-6. Support - Speed Control/Set-up Support/Intimidate/Status/Fast Mode/Top 4 Check etc. These spots are free for whatever the team needs. Examples: Whimsicott: Forms a gravity-benefiting duo with gengar (disable/encore + grass whistle etc); Liligant: Chlorophyll assisted After You with groudon forms an effective fast mode out of TR (will synergise well with all fast/slow groudon sets); Smeargle: Slow Dark Void with TR/gravity support is terrifying late game, can also Transform into groudon/kyurem for a late-game sweep (can also provide free turns for a TR set up with follow me/fake out support)
2. Groudon-Primal - Again this runs a range of sets, usually slow for TR, or can be run fast if TR is not on the team (e.g TheSaxLad's team)
3. Gravity Setter - Gravity support will allow blizzard and precipice blades to hit much more consistently, and this spot should aim to provide general team support. Examples: Cresselia: Gravity/TR/Skill Swap; Meowstic: PRANKSTER Gravity/TR/Safeguard/Swagger; Sableye: PRANKSTER Gravity/Fake Out/Feint/Magic Coat/Taunt/Confuse Ray/Quash etc
4. Mega - Kangaskhan/Gengar are two exemplar megas here, the former allowing TR to be set up against hard matchups e.g taunt users (bar crobat etc) and the latter benefiting from gravity support with moves like hypnosis etc
5-6. Support - Speed Control/Set-up Support/Intimidate/Status/Fast Mode/Top 4 Check etc. These spots are free for whatever the team needs. Examples: Whimsicott: Forms a gravity-benefiting duo with gengar (disable/encore + grass whistle etc); Liligant: Chlorophyll assisted After You with groudon forms an effective fast mode out of TR (will synergise well with all fast/slow groudon sets); Smeargle: Slow Dark Void with TR/gravity support is terrifying late game, can also Transform into groudon/kyurem for a late-game sweep (can also provide free turns for a TR set up with follow me/fake out support)
SalaMenace/Eakes' 2nd Place/Top 16 Anaheim Regionals team [Importable]
Baz Anderson/TheSaxLad's 4th Place Dublin Regionals Team [Analysis]
My 'Hybrid' Gravity Team [Team Showcase]
Baz Anderson/TheSaxLad's 4th Place Dublin Regionals Team [Analysis]
My 'Hybrid' Gravity Team [Team Showcase]
1. Yveltal
2. Kyogre
3. Mega - Mega Mawile sees a lot of usage here, able to check yveltal and xerneas, as well as many other common threats, such as salamence. Mega manectric also sees a lot of usage, given its ability to absorb electric attacks predominantly from thundurus. Mega Manectric also works well as a RayOgre check, which is important to consider. Other things to think about for this slot are use of intimidate and using a suitable kyogre check
4. Kyogre Check - All teams have a reliable way of beating kyogre, be this in the form of a lightning rod user like raichu, or a powerful grass type like ferrothorn. Choice Band wild charge Arcanine also saw usage on Alvin Mo's Anaheim team
5. Xerneas Check/Speed Control - These teams need a way to beat big 6 a little more reliably, so support from bronzong, crobat and gengar can be very useful to better the team's matchup. A late game TR Kyogre can be a nightmare for any big 6 team.
6. Necessary Support - Again, the team needs a final pokemon to round out the matchup against difficult opponents, so use of groudon counters such as landorus-t is useful here. Dark Aura abusers can also be seen on these teams, so weavile (who is also a great thundurus check) and liepard have seen usage on teams like this
2. Kyogre
3. Mega - Mega Mawile sees a lot of usage here, able to check yveltal and xerneas, as well as many other common threats, such as salamence. Mega manectric also sees a lot of usage, given its ability to absorb electric attacks predominantly from thundurus. Mega Manectric also works well as a RayOgre check, which is important to consider. Other things to think about for this slot are use of intimidate and using a suitable kyogre check
4. Kyogre Check - All teams have a reliable way of beating kyogre, be this in the form of a lightning rod user like raichu, or a powerful grass type like ferrothorn. Choice Band wild charge Arcanine also saw usage on Alvin Mo's Anaheim team
5. Xerneas Check/Speed Control - These teams need a way to beat big 6 a little more reliably, so support from bronzong, crobat and gengar can be very useful to better the team's matchup. A late game TR Kyogre can be a nightmare for any big 6 team.
6. Necessary Support - Again, the team needs a final pokemon to round out the matchup against difficult opponents, so use of groudon counters such as landorus-t is useful here. Dark Aura abusers can also be seen on these teams, so weavile (who is also a great thundurus check) and liepard have seen usage on teams like this
Necrocat219's Team [Analysis]
Christopher Kugeler's Team
Christopher Arthur's Team
Alvin Mo's 5th Place Anaheim Team [Importable]
Christopher Kugeler's Team
Christopher Arthur's Team
Alvin Mo's 5th Place Anaheim Team [Importable]
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