Moral of the story: Never attempt to post thread on here if the site is having technical hiccups. I'm sorry if anyone thought I was trolling last night; I wasn't. Here's the original thing I intended to post up, and I would like to hear your thoughts on this team. ^_^
Hello, lovely people of Smogon! I've only just recently joined the Pokemon Online community, after previously just playing Pokemon on the DS whenever I had spare time. So apologies if this team I've put together is a little laughable, although it has got me to #700 in the ladder (somehow!). I mainly need help on EV spreads and coming up with new ideas to counter things this team is weak too, so any advice would be much appreciated. ^_^
Right, now onto the team: I've decided that I'm more of a sweeper player than a staller, since I don't really have the patience for the latter. I also like to use pokemon that are considered uncommon in the OU category; since I go by the principle that the more unexpected the pokemon is, the less likely that the opponent knows how to deal with it.
Anyways! Here is the team:
The Trouble Starter:
Alakazam
Item: Choice Specs
Timid nature
EV spread: 4 HP, 252 SpA, 252 Spe.
Inner Focus
Moves:
Psychic
Grass Knot
Focus Blast
Shadow Ball
A little bit of an odd choice for a lead, but underestimation is never a good thing. This set provides me with a powerful, but frail, lead which can tear into an opposing team if they aren't prepared. The combination of the EV spread and Choice Specs gives Alakazam everything it needs to make the most of its titanic power and speed. This is especially good for Machamp, Swampert (since on 80% of occasions, the other player was not expecting an OHKO Grass Knot ;D), and any other lead which is unscarfed bar Aerodactyl, Ninjask, Yanmega which uses Protect to obtain a speed boost and a few others. Its movepool allows it to hit the majority of the metagame hard, although it dislikes the thought of switches and getting locked into moves. It does have major issues with Scizor, since it's Bullet Punch/Pursuit makes Alakazam deadmeat. Apart from the drawbacks, I have never looked back using him as part of my team, as his monstrous special attack and speed stats make him a considerable threat if played correctly.
The Chancing Monkey:
Infernape
Item: Choice Scarf
Rash nature
EV spread: 224 Atk, 68 SpA, 216 Spe.
Blaze
Moves:
U-turn
Hidden Power (Ice)
Close Combat
Flare Blitz
Now, this is purely a scarf-mixnape (or however you want to call it) set, but I've changed a few things. Firstly, the EV spread is modified to make it a more physically based set, due to the introduction of Flare Blitz over Fire Blast/Overheat. This is purely down to the fact that I dislike the accuracy on both and the SpA drop on Overheat, plus I run Heat Wave on a Zapdos to make up for this (which will be looked at later). Close Combat is obvious for STAB; U-turn for fleeing, and Hidden Power (Ice) to surprise many Flygons, Gliscors and Dragonites with prior Stealth Rock/residual damage. And the Choice Scarf is essential for making the most of the speed in which Infernape can attack, which means it can outrun most of the metagame. It doesn't like a Stealth Rock and Spike setup which most of my team are vulnerable to, and paralysis and Dugtrio's Arena Trap can prove problematic. Despite this, it has saved my bacon in most battles, and can be quite an annoyance!
The Staller:
Vaporeon
Item: Leftovers
Bold nature
EV spread: 252 HP, 80 Def, 176 SpD.
Water Absorb
Moves:
Wish/Substitute
Protect
Toxic
Surf
Alright, so I had to include a staller in the end. Vaporeon seems like a perfect candidate for the slot; I have considered Suicune and Milotic instead but found that the Water Absorb ability is simply too good to get rid off. The EV spread and nature do seem a bit strange, but I really wanted to give Vaporeon's Defense stat a dose of "oompth" in an attempt to prevent OHKOs from the threats of Seedbomb, Thunderpunch and Wood Hammer. Although some help with this EV spread would be appreciated, because it isn't perfect. The moves: I like using the general WishProtect set, although I have dabbled with the use of Substitute as an alternative to Wish. Toxic for obvious reasons (I've got my eye on you other bulky water types ¬_¬), and Surf for STAB. Vaporeon is not without its troubles though - Taunt can be a nightmare (especially coming from a Gyarados) and status can also cripple the set. Starmie isn't exactly the nicest Pokemon ever either, and Choice Scarf tricking is just as nasty. But nonetheless, a combination of respectable defenses, foe poisoning and constant HP restoration can drive the opponent insane if they are a bit moody at the time of play.
The Unexpected Annoyer:
Drapion
Item: Black Sludge
Jolly nature
EV spread: 252 HP, 128 Def, 128 Spe.
Battle Armor
Moves:
Taunt
Confuse Ray
Night Slash
Toxic Spikes
When viewing this set, I'd imagine that two thoughts initially spring to mind - "What in the world?!" and "OMG HAXXXOR!". The latter - yeah, ok, I concede defeat. I've been a bit naughty with Confuse Ray. But then again, the whole purpose of this set is to annoy the opponent as much as conceivably possible, with a great chance of a critical hit Night Slash added into the mix. I like annoying. ^.^ With that cleared up, onto the rest of the analysis. I've put the above EVs into Def and HP purely for survivability, the rest into HP so I can effectively use Taunt. This is especially good, as it outruns a max Speed Breloom (which is one of my most hated pokemon! :@), and it can't spam Spore after a Taunt. And Toxic Spikes to round off the annoying set, for extra... annoyance. On the other hand, Drapion does have its downfalls - it hates special attackers and the 2 E's (Earthquake and Earth Power). Even though Night Slash is a STAB move, it isn't the best at taking on all types of pokemon. However, I consider it to be a most reliable pokemon at the best of times, and I would much love to hear your thoughts on it. :)
The Destroyer:
Zapdos
Item: Lum Berry
Timid nature
EV Spread: 4 Def, 252 SpA, 252 Spe.
Pressure
Moves:
Extrasensory
Heat Wave
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power (Grass)
I was reluctant to use a legendary in my team, and initially had a Dragonite in its place. But now, I've realised how great this electric bird can be. As you have hopefully gathered, I use an offensive set. Thunderbolt for STAB; Heat Wave to deal with the likes of Scizor, Metagross, Shaymin and Celebi; Hidden Power (Grass) to fry Swampert and Hippowdon in the emergency late game. The last slot is purely down to my choice; any people forget Zapdos's Extrasensory move, although it isn't the most powerful, it gives Machamp and Infernape a surprise! It counters these two in the absence of a proper Flying type STAB move, and Poison types will be brought down to their knees by it. Although, I'm wondering whether Roost is a better option; I have tried it but have rarely ever used it. Anywho, the Lum Berry gives the advantage of a free switch in if Vaporeon or Breloom (that's right, I REALLY hate that pokemon!) decide to spread status problems around my team. As I keep emphasising here, Stealth Rock is a very niggling problem for this team, especially Zapdos. Also, like Alakazam and Infernape, paralysis is a major burden on this bird, as well as the omnipresent Tyranitar dominating the OU tier. However, I do think it is of some use to this team, since its powerful stats can be used to its advantage whenever the opposing team is caught unprepared.
And finally... *drumroll*
The Steely Lump of Steel:
Steelix
Item: Muscle Band
Adamant nature
EV Spread: 252 HP, 156 Atk, 100 Def.
Sturdy
Moves:
Thunder Fang
Explosion
Earthquake
Stealth Rock
Yes, I am serious. I love it for it's immunity to paralysis and poisoning, as well as its ability to switch into electric moves used against Vaporeon. Even I was a little skeptical at first, and its low SpD and speed can be a real turn off. However, this lovely iron thing lures in Skarmorys and Forretress's alike, who think they can get a few turns of free set up. Wrong! This set has just enough physical power to bite back, and can really irritate the likes of Gyarados. For everything else (bar steel and rock types), it can explode at will if it seems to be struggling at any point, provided it can take a hit first. Stealth Rock is another thing I've thrown in this set, for hopefully obvious reasons. Like I stated before, the low SpD stat is very frowned upon, due to Heatran, Suicune and Starmie patrolling the OU category. The speed stat isn't up to scratch to compliment the physical damage that Steelix is capable of doing. I have tried running a Curse Gyro Ball moveset, and that has been successful in 2 out of 24 matches. So, I'll need a lot of convincing if this were to be recommended to me. On the whole, I think that Steelix is a very underrated pokemon for what it is; its colossal defense as well as its respectable offense and HP leaves Shuckle trembling in its jealous little shell.
So there you have it, my official team. I am aware that there is a lot of work to be done, but I've given my first try at a team my best shot. It's done well for me so far, although there have still been quite a lot of issues still.
- DDnite and Tar: Not the greatest news for my team, although I can try to make Steelix explode on the threat, especially if Nite gets locked in on Outrage. Apart from that though, there isn't much else I can do if the opponent did manage to set up.
- Those damn Brelooms: Still a problem. If Zapdos, Alakazam and Infernape are gone, then I'm in much trouble here. O_O Plus, they tend to be very well played, so anymore useful advice here to address this problem would be good.
- Heatran: Much like Brelooms, I really don't like them. They are SO overused, but I can deal with them for the most part. I just have a slight issue with the Scarf set - which can sweep my team out of the skies if I'm not careful.
And I think, that is pretty much it. Phew. I have written more for this than I have done for my assignment on schizophrenia. Oh well. Any help here, like I keep saying, is much appreciated. And please go easy on me. ^_^
Thanks guys!
P.S. 3 UUs in an OU team rulez.
Hello, lovely people of Smogon! I've only just recently joined the Pokemon Online community, after previously just playing Pokemon on the DS whenever I had spare time. So apologies if this team I've put together is a little laughable, although it has got me to #700 in the ladder (somehow!). I mainly need help on EV spreads and coming up with new ideas to counter things this team is weak too, so any advice would be much appreciated. ^_^
Right, now onto the team: I've decided that I'm more of a sweeper player than a staller, since I don't really have the patience for the latter. I also like to use pokemon that are considered uncommon in the OU category; since I go by the principle that the more unexpected the pokemon is, the less likely that the opponent knows how to deal with it.
Anyways! Here is the team:
The Trouble Starter:
Alakazam
Item: Choice Specs
Timid nature
EV spread: 4 HP, 252 SpA, 252 Spe.
Inner Focus
Moves:
Psychic
Grass Knot
Focus Blast
Shadow Ball
A little bit of an odd choice for a lead, but underestimation is never a good thing. This set provides me with a powerful, but frail, lead which can tear into an opposing team if they aren't prepared. The combination of the EV spread and Choice Specs gives Alakazam everything it needs to make the most of its titanic power and speed. This is especially good for Machamp, Swampert (since on 80% of occasions, the other player was not expecting an OHKO Grass Knot ;D), and any other lead which is unscarfed bar Aerodactyl, Ninjask, Yanmega which uses Protect to obtain a speed boost and a few others. Its movepool allows it to hit the majority of the metagame hard, although it dislikes the thought of switches and getting locked into moves. It does have major issues with Scizor, since it's Bullet Punch/Pursuit makes Alakazam deadmeat. Apart from the drawbacks, I have never looked back using him as part of my team, as his monstrous special attack and speed stats make him a considerable threat if played correctly.
The Chancing Monkey:
Infernape
Item: Choice Scarf
Rash nature
EV spread: 224 Atk, 68 SpA, 216 Spe.
Blaze
Moves:
U-turn
Hidden Power (Ice)
Close Combat
Flare Blitz
Now, this is purely a scarf-mixnape (or however you want to call it) set, but I've changed a few things. Firstly, the EV spread is modified to make it a more physically based set, due to the introduction of Flare Blitz over Fire Blast/Overheat. This is purely down to the fact that I dislike the accuracy on both and the SpA drop on Overheat, plus I run Heat Wave on a Zapdos to make up for this (which will be looked at later). Close Combat is obvious for STAB; U-turn for fleeing, and Hidden Power (Ice) to surprise many Flygons, Gliscors and Dragonites with prior Stealth Rock/residual damage. And the Choice Scarf is essential for making the most of the speed in which Infernape can attack, which means it can outrun most of the metagame. It doesn't like a Stealth Rock and Spike setup which most of my team are vulnerable to, and paralysis and Dugtrio's Arena Trap can prove problematic. Despite this, it has saved my bacon in most battles, and can be quite an annoyance!
The Staller:
Vaporeon
Item: Leftovers
Bold nature
EV spread: 252 HP, 80 Def, 176 SpD.
Water Absorb
Moves:
Wish/Substitute
Protect
Toxic
Surf
Alright, so I had to include a staller in the end. Vaporeon seems like a perfect candidate for the slot; I have considered Suicune and Milotic instead but found that the Water Absorb ability is simply too good to get rid off. The EV spread and nature do seem a bit strange, but I really wanted to give Vaporeon's Defense stat a dose of "oompth" in an attempt to prevent OHKOs from the threats of Seedbomb, Thunderpunch and Wood Hammer. Although some help with this EV spread would be appreciated, because it isn't perfect. The moves: I like using the general WishProtect set, although I have dabbled with the use of Substitute as an alternative to Wish. Toxic for obvious reasons (I've got my eye on you other bulky water types ¬_¬), and Surf for STAB. Vaporeon is not without its troubles though - Taunt can be a nightmare (especially coming from a Gyarados) and status can also cripple the set. Starmie isn't exactly the nicest Pokemon ever either, and Choice Scarf tricking is just as nasty. But nonetheless, a combination of respectable defenses, foe poisoning and constant HP restoration can drive the opponent insane if they are a bit moody at the time of play.
The Unexpected Annoyer:
Drapion
Item: Black Sludge
Jolly nature
EV spread: 252 HP, 128 Def, 128 Spe.
Battle Armor
Moves:
Taunt
Confuse Ray
Night Slash
Toxic Spikes
When viewing this set, I'd imagine that two thoughts initially spring to mind - "What in the world?!" and "OMG HAXXXOR!". The latter - yeah, ok, I concede defeat. I've been a bit naughty with Confuse Ray. But then again, the whole purpose of this set is to annoy the opponent as much as conceivably possible, with a great chance of a critical hit Night Slash added into the mix. I like annoying. ^.^ With that cleared up, onto the rest of the analysis. I've put the above EVs into Def and HP purely for survivability, the rest into HP so I can effectively use Taunt. This is especially good, as it outruns a max Speed Breloom (which is one of my most hated pokemon! :@), and it can't spam Spore after a Taunt. And Toxic Spikes to round off the annoying set, for extra... annoyance. On the other hand, Drapion does have its downfalls - it hates special attackers and the 2 E's (Earthquake and Earth Power). Even though Night Slash is a STAB move, it isn't the best at taking on all types of pokemon. However, I consider it to be a most reliable pokemon at the best of times, and I would much love to hear your thoughts on it. :)
The Destroyer:
Zapdos
Item: Lum Berry
Timid nature
EV Spread: 4 Def, 252 SpA, 252 Spe.
Pressure
Moves:
Extrasensory
Heat Wave
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power (Grass)
I was reluctant to use a legendary in my team, and initially had a Dragonite in its place. But now, I've realised how great this electric bird can be. As you have hopefully gathered, I use an offensive set. Thunderbolt for STAB; Heat Wave to deal with the likes of Scizor, Metagross, Shaymin and Celebi; Hidden Power (Grass) to fry Swampert and Hippowdon in the emergency late game. The last slot is purely down to my choice; any people forget Zapdos's Extrasensory move, although it isn't the most powerful, it gives Machamp and Infernape a surprise! It counters these two in the absence of a proper Flying type STAB move, and Poison types will be brought down to their knees by it. Although, I'm wondering whether Roost is a better option; I have tried it but have rarely ever used it. Anywho, the Lum Berry gives the advantage of a free switch in if Vaporeon or Breloom (that's right, I REALLY hate that pokemon!) decide to spread status problems around my team. As I keep emphasising here, Stealth Rock is a very niggling problem for this team, especially Zapdos. Also, like Alakazam and Infernape, paralysis is a major burden on this bird, as well as the omnipresent Tyranitar dominating the OU tier. However, I do think it is of some use to this team, since its powerful stats can be used to its advantage whenever the opposing team is caught unprepared.
And finally... *drumroll*
The Steely Lump of Steel:
Steelix
Item: Muscle Band
Adamant nature
EV Spread: 252 HP, 156 Atk, 100 Def.
Sturdy
Moves:
Thunder Fang
Explosion
Earthquake
Stealth Rock
Yes, I am serious. I love it for it's immunity to paralysis and poisoning, as well as its ability to switch into electric moves used against Vaporeon. Even I was a little skeptical at first, and its low SpD and speed can be a real turn off. However, this lovely iron thing lures in Skarmorys and Forretress's alike, who think they can get a few turns of free set up. Wrong! This set has just enough physical power to bite back, and can really irritate the likes of Gyarados. For everything else (bar steel and rock types), it can explode at will if it seems to be struggling at any point, provided it can take a hit first. Stealth Rock is another thing I've thrown in this set, for hopefully obvious reasons. Like I stated before, the low SpD stat is very frowned upon, due to Heatran, Suicune and Starmie patrolling the OU category. The speed stat isn't up to scratch to compliment the physical damage that Steelix is capable of doing. I have tried running a Curse Gyro Ball moveset, and that has been successful in 2 out of 24 matches. So, I'll need a lot of convincing if this were to be recommended to me. On the whole, I think that Steelix is a very underrated pokemon for what it is; its colossal defense as well as its respectable offense and HP leaves Shuckle trembling in its jealous little shell.
So there you have it, my official team. I am aware that there is a lot of work to be done, but I've given my first try at a team my best shot. It's done well for me so far, although there have still been quite a lot of issues still.
- DDnite and Tar: Not the greatest news for my team, although I can try to make Steelix explode on the threat, especially if Nite gets locked in on Outrage. Apart from that though, there isn't much else I can do if the opponent did manage to set up.
- Those damn Brelooms: Still a problem. If Zapdos, Alakazam and Infernape are gone, then I'm in much trouble here. O_O Plus, they tend to be very well played, so anymore useful advice here to address this problem would be good.
- Heatran: Much like Brelooms, I really don't like them. They are SO overused, but I can deal with them for the most part. I just have a slight issue with the Scarf set - which can sweep my team out of the skies if I'm not careful.
And I think, that is pretty much it. Phew. I have written more for this than I have done for my assignment on schizophrenia. Oh well. Any help here, like I keep saying, is much appreciated. And please go easy on me. ^_^
Thanks guys!
P.S. 3 UUs in an OU team rulez.
