Hey guys, this is a team I've been refining for a long time now, and it works fantastically. The vast majority of threats are countered, however some threats require I predict correctly to counter them, such as Infernape. This team has a very good success rate against skilled opponents.
The team at a glance:
Metagross @ Occa Berry
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 220 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 24 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Explosion
For this team, Stealth Rock is particularly important. So, I chose Metagross to lay down Stealth Rock, seeing as he is one of the best. Most of the time, he can switch back in later on and be used as a revenge killer, item absorber (via Trick), and can Explode on a tank.
Here is a list of methods I use to deal with opposing leads:
Azelf - Stealth Rock is the best choice. I'm guaranteed to set it up on all but the Taunt variants. Against Taunt variants, Metagross can get in a Bullet Punch when Azelf uses Stealth Rock, Snorlax can switch in and wall the special attack, then Gengar/Metagross can be switched back in to Explosion. However, prediction must play its part for this to be successful.
Aerodactyl - Bullet Punch. Stealth Rock can be used when I predict him switching out of play.
Metagross - An investment of 24 speed EVs ensure I outspeed the vast majority of similar leads to mine for the 2HKO with Earthquake. After the first Earthquake, I will normally use Stealth Rock as the foe will most likely switch out. Against Trick variants, if they use Trick, my Earthquake will force them out of play. If they use Earthquake, then we both take damage, and I am on the advantageous side of things, and can switch in Gengar, getting to work with Hypnosis.
Jirachi - Earthquake on the Trick, forcing him out of play. I can then utilise the Scarf later on, as Metagross is fairly slow.
Heatran - He really isn't a problem unless he burn haxes me. Unless he uses Flamethrower first turn, I can deal with him by using Earthquake. Or, I can use Stealth Rock when he uses Flamethrower, using Snorlax to switch into his attacks. Although Explosion won't OHKO Snorlax, I have the option of predicting when to switch Gengar in when he booms.
Infernape - Earthquake, taking the Fire Blast with Occa Berry. Once on 1 HP, Bullet Punch finishes him off.
Empoleon - I'm guaranteed a Stealth Rock, as Hydro Pump won't OHKO. From here, Snorlax can switch in and get to work with Earthquake/Seed Bomb.
Gengar - The best move to use as far as the opponent is concerned is Hypnosis. As a result, Snorlax is able to switch in and wall 100% of the time. Even if Hypnosis was not selected, and even though with Earthquake, Snorlax won't be able to attack him, the opponent will assume I have Crunch or Fire Punch. This means I can use Body Slam to hit the next Pokemon trying to switch into Crunch. Also, as far as the opponent is concerned, they will think I was using Body Slam predicting a switch. They won't necessarily disregard the possibility that I am running Crunch/Fire Punch.
Yanmega - Sleep Talk Snorlax is the answer. Enough said.
Ninjask - On the Substitute/Protect, I get my Stealth Rock in. From here, Zapdos switches in on the Swords Dance, and uses Roar.
Dragonite - Metagross is guaranteed Stealth Rock, Snorlax is guaranteed to wall. Dragonite takes Stealth Rock damage when he switches back in later on.
Swampert - If I use Stealth Rock, then either I match his Stealth Rock, or I take his Earthquake and still survive. Later on, Metagross on low health still has his uses, and is able to revenge kill with Bullet Punch, or Explode on a tank. Swampert is not actually a bad lead, as he basically guarantees I get a Stealth Rock down.
Smeargle - Snorlax switches in and takes the Spore. Metagross then switches in and gets a Stealth Rock down, killing Smeargle in the process with a 2HKOing Bullet Punch.
Mamoswine - I'm fairly sure with no boosting items he can't OHKO my Metagross with Earthquake, so Bullet Punch is the best choice for an attack. Regardless of whether he uses Stealth Rock or Earthquake, I'm in the advantageous position as I have access to a STAB, super-effective priority attack.
Hippowdon - Explosion. The majority of the time, it will KO, preventing both of us from setting up Stealth Rock. If not, Scizor can switch in, and Pursuit will finish him off. Hippowdon is used on stall teams which both rarely carry flying threats such as Salamence, and utilise a Stealth Rock of their own much more than my team will utilise it. So, all in all, Explosion is the best choice.
Bronzong - I really have to take a stab in the dark, but so do all lead Metagross users. I will first use Stealth Rock. If he matches my Stealth Rock, then I will explode, and Scizor with Pursuit will finish him off. If he uses Hypnosis and it misses, then I can still Explode and finish him off with Scizor's Pursuit. The worst case scenario is if he uses Hypnosis and it hits. However, I still get Stealth Rock in play, which is very effectively utilised by my team members for the remainder of the match.
Kingdra (M) @ Chesto Berry ** Maelstrom
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Def / 152 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Rest
- Outrage
- Waterfall
The sole Pokemon this team was built around. The idea is to keep Kingdra hidden until late game, where he is switched in at the perfect moment and guaranteed Dragon Dances. From here, he can finish the game off. Chesto Rest works amazingly well here, guaranteeing a few things: 1) Setup on status users 2) An extra Dragon Dance on all Pokemon that cannot 2HKO, 3) Toxic Spikes will not take him down, and 4) Survival against priority revenge killers such as Scizor and Mamoswine (as my health will be near full after Chesto Rest). He sits at 244 speed, allowing him to outspeed the 'Timid Starmie' tier and below after one Dragon Dance. The extra bulk is worth it, and normally allows me to get a second Dragon Dance in so I can outspeed the entire metagame bar priority and Choice Scarf. All in all, the key to his success is choosing when to switch him in late-game so he is guaranteed Dragon Dances.
One last thing worthy of mention - Mixed Kingdra on Rain Dance teams can be countered with this Kingdra. I can outspeed him with the 152 EVs and Swift Swim, OHKOing with Outrage.
Scizor (F) @ Choice Band ** The Divider
Trait: Technician
EVs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 48 Def / 8 Spd / 104 SDef
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Pursuit
- Superpower
You all know how good CBzor is in general, so I'll cut the crap and explain his usefulness in regards to this team. Firstly, he helps Metagross counter various leads including Bronzong and Hippowdon. Secondly, Pursuit can clear away some of Kingdra's counters. Thirdly, U-Turn can help me discover the opponent's team, so I am able to predict when to switch Kingdra in play. Finally, this team heavily relies on revenge killers (I'm using this Scizor, Metagross and Gengar) to clear the way for Kingdra, and obviously, Scizor is one of the best revenge killers in the game.
Zapdos @ Leftovers ** Livewire
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Roost
- Thunderbolt
- Toxic
- Roar
An essential physical wall and covers for various threats ranging from Scizor to Lucario. Zapdos is a great Pokemon for luring in defensive Pokemon succeptible to Toxic, such as bulky grounds, Electivire, Tyranitar and more. Toxic can effectively stall out Electivire if I poison him on the switch, and will allow me to stall out bulky grounds provided I predict when to use Roost (avoiding Earthquakes). Roar is uncommon, and can be used to scout and counter stat-boosters such as Ninjask and others.
Gengar (M) @ Choice Scarf ** Exmortis
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Hypnosis
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Trick
The following are essential for this team to succeed:
1) Stealth Rock
2) Securing a sweep for Kingdra
3) Revenge Killers
As a result, I chose this Gengar, who is incredibly effective at achieving the above three points listed. He can switch into Rapid Spin, can use Hypnosis, Trick and his powerful special attacks to secure a sweep for Kingdra, and can revenge kill with his 478 speed stat. To make things better, he counters stall quite well, using Hypnosis to immobilise one Pokemon, and Trick to cripple Blissey after the foe has witnessed Hypnosis (the foe will discard the fact that Gengar is utilising Trick after witnessing Hypnosis earlier on in the match). If that wasn't enough, he can easily revenge kill Naughty DDmence after one DD, Gyarados after one DD, and a whole bunch of other very powerful offensive threats.
Snorlax (F) @ Leftovers ** Dozer
Trait: Immunity
EVs: 144 HP / 176 Atk / 44 Def / 144 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Body Slam
- Earthquake/Seed Bomb
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
An essential special wall and status absorber. He is my counter to specific Pokemon which includes, but is not limited to, Yanmega, Starmie, Togekiss and Zapdos. He is utilising Immunity so Toxic Spikes does not force him to Rest. You may argue he has both Rest and Sleep Talk, so Toxic Spikes is not a problem. But trust me, it is. Snorlax is given a huge, huge responsibility for my team, so immunity is the better choice. Thick Fat as far as I'm concerned is a luxury.
An investment of 176 attack EVs sets him to 300 attack, so he is able to pack quite a punch. As for his second attack, I have two choices. Earthquake allows me to deal with Heatran and Jirachi more effectively, and has a higher base power. However, Seed Bomb can hit the Rotom appliances, Gengar (won't do lots of damage to him but can still hit him nevertheless), and can still nail Tyranitar hard with his 300 attacks stat. However, it clearly has a lower base power. I have tried both attacks and have found Earthquake to be the better choice. But Seed Bomb still has its merits, mainly against the Rotom appliances.
The last thing worthy of mention, is this Snorlax can effectively check all forms of Mence with Stealth Rock in play bar the Choice Band set (which is uncommon when compared to DDmence and Mixmence). Here is how:
DDmence: Snorlax will switch into Dragon Dance. From here, he will survive all attacks bar Outrage. If Outrage is not selected, Mence will be put at <25% HP with Body Slam, and will potentially be paralysed. If he is paralysed by Body Slam, then Mence is put in a checkmate position, as he will die from Stealth Rock if he switches out, and will die from Body Slam if he stays in. If he selects Outrage, then CBzor can switch in and finish him off with Bullet Punch.
Mixmence/SpecsMence: Both variants don't pack enough power to take down Snorlax effectively. Snorlax can switch in and use Body Slam, either hitting Salamence hard if he stays in, or forcing him out of play, which will essentially get him to take Stealth Rock damage when he switches in again. Mixmence will also take Life Orb damage.
As mentioned, the Rotom appliances can be problematic if Snorlax doesn't have Seed Bomb. Electivire cuts holes in my team if he gains a Motor Drive boost from Zapdos, but this is rarely a problem as I ALWAYS use Toxic as my first attack. And as previously explained, Zapdos can stall out Electivire easily after he is poisoned with Roost. Life Orb Mamoswine can be problematic if he switches into the correct Pokemon. Scizor can switch into all attacks bar Earthquake, and Gengar + Zapdos are nailed with Ice Shard + Stone Edge. However, Mamoswine is checked easily with Scizor and Metagross. The Choice Band Mamo set is not a problem provided I predict correctly. I can use Ice Shard as a chance for Scizor to get some scouting going with U-Turn, Stone Edge as a chance for Metagross to switch in and use Stealth Rock if he hasn't already used it (or Explode on the switch), and Earthquake as a chance to switch Gengar in and start using Hypnosis, Trick, Shadow Ball and Thunderbolt.
So there you have it :). This team works very well if you predict every move correctly. Thanks for reading this, and please suggest improvements :).
The team at a glance:
Metagross @ Occa Berry
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 220 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 24 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Explosion
For this team, Stealth Rock is particularly important. So, I chose Metagross to lay down Stealth Rock, seeing as he is one of the best. Most of the time, he can switch back in later on and be used as a revenge killer, item absorber (via Trick), and can Explode on a tank.
Here is a list of methods I use to deal with opposing leads:
Azelf - Stealth Rock is the best choice. I'm guaranteed to set it up on all but the Taunt variants. Against Taunt variants, Metagross can get in a Bullet Punch when Azelf uses Stealth Rock, Snorlax can switch in and wall the special attack, then Gengar/Metagross can be switched back in to Explosion. However, prediction must play its part for this to be successful.
Aerodactyl - Bullet Punch. Stealth Rock can be used when I predict him switching out of play.
Metagross - An investment of 24 speed EVs ensure I outspeed the vast majority of similar leads to mine for the 2HKO with Earthquake. After the first Earthquake, I will normally use Stealth Rock as the foe will most likely switch out. Against Trick variants, if they use Trick, my Earthquake will force them out of play. If they use Earthquake, then we both take damage, and I am on the advantageous side of things, and can switch in Gengar, getting to work with Hypnosis.
Jirachi - Earthquake on the Trick, forcing him out of play. I can then utilise the Scarf later on, as Metagross is fairly slow.
Heatran - He really isn't a problem unless he burn haxes me. Unless he uses Flamethrower first turn, I can deal with him by using Earthquake. Or, I can use Stealth Rock when he uses Flamethrower, using Snorlax to switch into his attacks. Although Explosion won't OHKO Snorlax, I have the option of predicting when to switch Gengar in when he booms.
Infernape - Earthquake, taking the Fire Blast with Occa Berry. Once on 1 HP, Bullet Punch finishes him off.
Empoleon - I'm guaranteed a Stealth Rock, as Hydro Pump won't OHKO. From here, Snorlax can switch in and get to work with Earthquake/Seed Bomb.
Gengar - The best move to use as far as the opponent is concerned is Hypnosis. As a result, Snorlax is able to switch in and wall 100% of the time. Even if Hypnosis was not selected, and even though with Earthquake, Snorlax won't be able to attack him, the opponent will assume I have Crunch or Fire Punch. This means I can use Body Slam to hit the next Pokemon trying to switch into Crunch. Also, as far as the opponent is concerned, they will think I was using Body Slam predicting a switch. They won't necessarily disregard the possibility that I am running Crunch/Fire Punch.
Yanmega - Sleep Talk Snorlax is the answer. Enough said.
Ninjask - On the Substitute/Protect, I get my Stealth Rock in. From here, Zapdos switches in on the Swords Dance, and uses Roar.
Dragonite - Metagross is guaranteed Stealth Rock, Snorlax is guaranteed to wall. Dragonite takes Stealth Rock damage when he switches back in later on.
Swampert - If I use Stealth Rock, then either I match his Stealth Rock, or I take his Earthquake and still survive. Later on, Metagross on low health still has his uses, and is able to revenge kill with Bullet Punch, or Explode on a tank. Swampert is not actually a bad lead, as he basically guarantees I get a Stealth Rock down.
Smeargle - Snorlax switches in and takes the Spore. Metagross then switches in and gets a Stealth Rock down, killing Smeargle in the process with a 2HKOing Bullet Punch.
Mamoswine - I'm fairly sure with no boosting items he can't OHKO my Metagross with Earthquake, so Bullet Punch is the best choice for an attack. Regardless of whether he uses Stealth Rock or Earthquake, I'm in the advantageous position as I have access to a STAB, super-effective priority attack.
Hippowdon - Explosion. The majority of the time, it will KO, preventing both of us from setting up Stealth Rock. If not, Scizor can switch in, and Pursuit will finish him off. Hippowdon is used on stall teams which both rarely carry flying threats such as Salamence, and utilise a Stealth Rock of their own much more than my team will utilise it. So, all in all, Explosion is the best choice.
Bronzong - I really have to take a stab in the dark, but so do all lead Metagross users. I will first use Stealth Rock. If he matches my Stealth Rock, then I will explode, and Scizor with Pursuit will finish him off. If he uses Hypnosis and it misses, then I can still Explode and finish him off with Scizor's Pursuit. The worst case scenario is if he uses Hypnosis and it hits. However, I still get Stealth Rock in play, which is very effectively utilised by my team members for the remainder of the match.
Kingdra (M) @ Chesto Berry ** Maelstrom
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Def / 152 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Rest
- Outrage
- Waterfall
The sole Pokemon this team was built around. The idea is to keep Kingdra hidden until late game, where he is switched in at the perfect moment and guaranteed Dragon Dances. From here, he can finish the game off. Chesto Rest works amazingly well here, guaranteeing a few things: 1) Setup on status users 2) An extra Dragon Dance on all Pokemon that cannot 2HKO, 3) Toxic Spikes will not take him down, and 4) Survival against priority revenge killers such as Scizor and Mamoswine (as my health will be near full after Chesto Rest). He sits at 244 speed, allowing him to outspeed the 'Timid Starmie' tier and below after one Dragon Dance. The extra bulk is worth it, and normally allows me to get a second Dragon Dance in so I can outspeed the entire metagame bar priority and Choice Scarf. All in all, the key to his success is choosing when to switch him in late-game so he is guaranteed Dragon Dances.
One last thing worthy of mention - Mixed Kingdra on Rain Dance teams can be countered with this Kingdra. I can outspeed him with the 152 EVs and Swift Swim, OHKOing with Outrage.
Scizor (F) @ Choice Band ** The Divider
Trait: Technician
EVs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 48 Def / 8 Spd / 104 SDef
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Pursuit
- Superpower
You all know how good CBzor is in general, so I'll cut the crap and explain his usefulness in regards to this team. Firstly, he helps Metagross counter various leads including Bronzong and Hippowdon. Secondly, Pursuit can clear away some of Kingdra's counters. Thirdly, U-Turn can help me discover the opponent's team, so I am able to predict when to switch Kingdra in play. Finally, this team heavily relies on revenge killers (I'm using this Scizor, Metagross and Gengar) to clear the way for Kingdra, and obviously, Scizor is one of the best revenge killers in the game.
Zapdos @ Leftovers ** Livewire
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Roost
- Thunderbolt
- Toxic
- Roar
An essential physical wall and covers for various threats ranging from Scizor to Lucario. Zapdos is a great Pokemon for luring in defensive Pokemon succeptible to Toxic, such as bulky grounds, Electivire, Tyranitar and more. Toxic can effectively stall out Electivire if I poison him on the switch, and will allow me to stall out bulky grounds provided I predict when to use Roost (avoiding Earthquakes). Roar is uncommon, and can be used to scout and counter stat-boosters such as Ninjask and others.
Gengar (M) @ Choice Scarf ** Exmortis
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Hypnosis
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Trick
The following are essential for this team to succeed:
1) Stealth Rock
2) Securing a sweep for Kingdra
3) Revenge Killers
As a result, I chose this Gengar, who is incredibly effective at achieving the above three points listed. He can switch into Rapid Spin, can use Hypnosis, Trick and his powerful special attacks to secure a sweep for Kingdra, and can revenge kill with his 478 speed stat. To make things better, he counters stall quite well, using Hypnosis to immobilise one Pokemon, and Trick to cripple Blissey after the foe has witnessed Hypnosis (the foe will discard the fact that Gengar is utilising Trick after witnessing Hypnosis earlier on in the match). If that wasn't enough, he can easily revenge kill Naughty DDmence after one DD, Gyarados after one DD, and a whole bunch of other very powerful offensive threats.
Snorlax (F) @ Leftovers ** Dozer
Trait: Immunity
EVs: 144 HP / 176 Atk / 44 Def / 144 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Body Slam
- Earthquake/Seed Bomb
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
An essential special wall and status absorber. He is my counter to specific Pokemon which includes, but is not limited to, Yanmega, Starmie, Togekiss and Zapdos. He is utilising Immunity so Toxic Spikes does not force him to Rest. You may argue he has both Rest and Sleep Talk, so Toxic Spikes is not a problem. But trust me, it is. Snorlax is given a huge, huge responsibility for my team, so immunity is the better choice. Thick Fat as far as I'm concerned is a luxury.
An investment of 176 attack EVs sets him to 300 attack, so he is able to pack quite a punch. As for his second attack, I have two choices. Earthquake allows me to deal with Heatran and Jirachi more effectively, and has a higher base power. However, Seed Bomb can hit the Rotom appliances, Gengar (won't do lots of damage to him but can still hit him nevertheless), and can still nail Tyranitar hard with his 300 attacks stat. However, it clearly has a lower base power. I have tried both attacks and have found Earthquake to be the better choice. But Seed Bomb still has its merits, mainly against the Rotom appliances.
The last thing worthy of mention, is this Snorlax can effectively check all forms of Mence with Stealth Rock in play bar the Choice Band set (which is uncommon when compared to DDmence and Mixmence). Here is how:
DDmence: Snorlax will switch into Dragon Dance. From here, he will survive all attacks bar Outrage. If Outrage is not selected, Mence will be put at <25% HP with Body Slam, and will potentially be paralysed. If he is paralysed by Body Slam, then Mence is put in a checkmate position, as he will die from Stealth Rock if he switches out, and will die from Body Slam if he stays in. If he selects Outrage, then CBzor can switch in and finish him off with Bullet Punch.
Mixmence/SpecsMence: Both variants don't pack enough power to take down Snorlax effectively. Snorlax can switch in and use Body Slam, either hitting Salamence hard if he stays in, or forcing him out of play, which will essentially get him to take Stealth Rock damage when he switches in again. Mixmence will also take Life Orb damage.
As mentioned, the Rotom appliances can be problematic if Snorlax doesn't have Seed Bomb. Electivire cuts holes in my team if he gains a Motor Drive boost from Zapdos, but this is rarely a problem as I ALWAYS use Toxic as my first attack. And as previously explained, Zapdos can stall out Electivire easily after he is poisoned with Roost. Life Orb Mamoswine can be problematic if he switches into the correct Pokemon. Scizor can switch into all attacks bar Earthquake, and Gengar + Zapdos are nailed with Ice Shard + Stone Edge. However, Mamoswine is checked easily with Scizor and Metagross. The Choice Band Mamo set is not a problem provided I predict correctly. I can use Ice Shard as a chance for Scizor to get some scouting going with U-Turn, Stone Edge as a chance for Metagross to switch in and use Stealth Rock if he hasn't already used it (or Explode on the switch), and Earthquake as a chance to switch Gengar in and start using Hypnosis, Trick, Shadow Ball and Thunderbolt.
So there you have it :). This team works very well if you predict every move correctly. Thanks for reading this, and please suggest improvements :).
