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

[DennisEG]

Threat:

Terrakion @ Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Substitute
Being Goodra so weak in the physical side and manaphy isnt exactly a sponge, a strong physical type attacker is able to destroy both mons. In this case i choose Terrakion because i've seen a lot lately, i think the ability of spam both STAB moves very easily make this pokemon an underrated threat.
252 Atk Life Orb Terrakion Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Goodra: 341-402 (89 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Terrakion Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Manaphy: 253-298 (74.1 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
As you can see after rocks Goodra goes down and Manaphy only need a bit of damage.

Partner:

Landorus-Therian @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
As i said before a great partner is a pokemon that is able to absorb physical hits, nor pivot around as well setting up rocks makes Goodra more threatning as it isnt than strong but with rocks up could ensure some 2hkos or hkos

 

[Aragorn the King]

Threat:

Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Close Combat
- Quick Attack

Pinsir destroys Medicham, easily one-shotting with Return and doing 85% minimum with Quick Attack, which is enough to OHKO assuming any prior damage, and can be relied on if you're worried about Bullet Punch (which isn't even on this set) picking you off. Definitely don't try to switch in, seeing as you're weak to Ice and Electric, but it is worth noting Pinsir is 4x weak to High Jump Kick and doesn't take that much from Fake Out. Versus Gliscor, a +2 Return has a 75% chance to OHKO with no prior damage, so assuming prior damage you're pretty much set. Don't try to switch in unless you're certain it's going to use EQ, because Stone Edge does between 87 and 103.3%.

Partner:

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

Jirachi has very nice revenge-killing abilities, due partially to its speed but mostly to its insane ability to hax its way out of troubling scenarios. Many threats to the core, including Latios, Mega Pinsir, Keldeo, Kyurem-B, Mega Gardevoir, and Tornadus-T can find Jirachi switching into their STAB moves and threatening to hax them to death, and seeing as Jirachi outspeeds all of them, they either switch out or bank on not getting flinched in order to land another attack on Jirachi. Regarding defensive synergy, Gliscor is capable of taking EQs meant to kill Jirachi, while Jirachi is capable of switching into moves such as Kyurem-B's Ice Beam aimed to take Gliscor out.

 

[Skarmx2]

maero as a threat and rotom-w as a partner

first off, minor nitpick Infernal doesnt 244 hp on gliscor hit a poison heal number? also Random Passerby hp ice could be slashed over taunt to OHKO gliscor from full.

180 SpA Life Orb Tornadus-T Hidden Power Ice vs. 244 HP / 0 SpD Gliscor: 364-432 (103.4 - 122.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Threat:

Aerodactyl-Mega @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aerial Ace
- Stone Edge
- Ice Fang
- Pursuit / Filler

While Mega Aero isn't the most common Pocket Monster around, it can still deal with this core rather convincingly. Ice Fang has a decent chance to OHKO Gliscor after rocks and Aerial Ace OHKOs Medicham.

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Ice Fang vs. 244 HP / 112 Def Gliscor: 288-340 (81.8 - 96.5%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Medicham: 300-354 (114.9 - 135.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Partner:

Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 29 Spe
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split

Rotom-W helps deal with Torn-T and Mega Aero as well as providing a slow pivot that can bring in Mega Medicham in safely.​

 

[Cresselia92]

The Unbreakable Threat, Mega Slowbro

Slowbro @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Slack Off

Thanks to its titanic Defense, Mega Slowbro can tank any blow thrown by the members of the core, and either straight out attack them or use them as setup fodder.

Mega Slowbro vs. The Core

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Mega Slowbro: 142-168 (36 - 42.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Mega Slowbro Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Medicham: 124-147 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 84% chance to 2HKO

Mega Medicham would need to use Fake Out and Thunder Punch twice to take down the pink tank. Meanwhile, Slowbro can either shrug off damage with Slack Off and cripple Mega Medicham with a Scald or use the latter as setup fodder.

0 Atk Gliscor Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Mega Slowbro: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possible 7HKO

+4 0 Atk Gliscor Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 80+ Def Mega Slowbro: 160-189 (40.6 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Mega Slowbro Scald vs. 244 HP / 200+ SpD Gliscor: 198-234 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal

Mega Slowbro is so bulky that even a +4 Earthquake doesn't faze it much. The shell creature can comfortably tank any hit from Gliscor before proceeding to 2HKO the scorpion with Scald.

The Blistering Partner, Raikou

Raikou @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Ice
- Shadow Ball / Extrasensory

With its stellar Speed and special stats, Raikou can threaten many fast menaces which could take advantage of the core, as well as giving pivoting support with its Volt Switch.

Raikou vs. The Threats

0 SpA Mega Slowbro Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 136-162 (42.3 - 50.4%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 176 SpD Mega Slowbro: 398-470 (101 - 119.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 0 SpA Mega Slowbro Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 204-241 (63.5 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Thunderbolt vs. +1 252 HP / 176 SpD Mega Slowbro: 266-314 (67.5 - 79.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Raikou outspeeds Mega Slowbro and can switch into a move in a pinch, but it must be careful to not switch in directly if Mega Slowbro has managed to set up.

---

252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 203-239 (63.2 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gengar: 304-358 (117.3 - 138.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

---

76 Atk Life Orb Tornadus-T Superpower vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 153-181 (47.6 - 56.3%) -- 84% chance to 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Tornadus-T: 384-452 (128.4 - 151.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Raikou can take a Superpower and take down Tornadus-T with just a Volt Switch, but beware of Hurricane.

---

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 268-316 (83.4 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo: 344-408 (106.5 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Raikou can barely avoid the OHKO from Keldeo and OHKO it back, but watch out from hazards.

---

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 277-328 (86.2 - 102.1%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 222-262 (74.2 - 87.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Extremely risky matchup. Your best bet would be to revenge kill Latios with Shadow Ball.

---

252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 61-72 (19 - 22.4%) -- possible 5HKO

+2 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 123-144 (38.3 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Mega Pinsir Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 188-222 (58.5 - 69.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Pinsir: 344-408 (126.9 - 150.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Raikou surpasses Mega Pinsir in speed and OHKOes it, but make sure that the latter doesn't set up. Otherwise, Close Combat can cleanly destroy the tiger.

---

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 211-250 (65.7 - 77.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 330-390 (109.6 - 129.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Another risky matchup, but Raikou is capable to tank one single Stone Edge and OHKO Mega Aerodactyl back with a Volt Switch.
---

232 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 226-267 (70.4 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Thunderbolt vs. 16 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 156-184 (55.5 - 65.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Raikou Shadow Ball vs. 16 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 186-220 (66.1 - 78.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Yet another risky matchup. Make sure to keep Raikou in tiptoe shape, in order to strike Mega Gardevoir down with the tiger's superior speed.

 

[Sun]

Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
This fantastic Wallbreaker and eliminates easily outpaced this core, going by speed tier with mega Medicham (if you use jolly) but lately we're seeing run Adamant nature to strike the balance toughest teams;
232 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 244 HP / 200+ SpD Gliscor: 205-243 (58.2 - 69%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal
232 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Medicham: 518-612 (198.4 - 234.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
As you can see from these calculations, just use H.voice to smash in two this core.

Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Atk / 96 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Earthquake

Av Metagross is a very good partner for this core, its steel type allows you to control the fairies as Gardevoir mega Clefable and also has a very useful Pursuit user, which helps to trap annoying latios also has good synergy with Gliscor, which is immune to ground, and a counter for Gengar good, Metagross instead helps against Kyurem-b and Weavile (using bullet punch in this case)

Good evening all :)

 

[Infernal]

Skarmx2, I'll modify the EVs to reflect what you said about Gliscor. Top partners for this week are as follows:

Tornadus-T by HailFall - Torn-T is known to pair well with Mega Cham, and it's a good choice with this core to contribute some much needed speed to help deal with a few troublesome threats. Examples include Gengar, Serperior, and Keldeo, all of which are faster than the core and threaten to dismantle each member with their strong attacks. It's also able to bring Mega Cham in for free with U-turn, which is great support to have when using it. All in all a nice partner.

Rotom-W by Skarmx2 - From my experience with using Mega Cham + Gliscor, Rotom-W is definitely one of the better partners and bulky waters to use alongside this core. Its resistance to flying is invaluable to help check threats like Torn-T and Mega Pinsir, both of which Mega Cham invites in. Weavile is also an issue for this core, and Rotom-W's resistance to Icicle Crash can prove helpful in this regard. Providing a secondary check to Talon and Exca is also nice to alleviate some pressure from Gliscor. Like Torn-T, it's also able to provide Mega Cham with free switch in opportunities, which is very much appreciated.

Jirachi by Aragorn the King - Most of the threats to this core have been covered by the above to members, and Jirachi rounds things off by providing a check to Pokemon like Latios, Kyurem-B, and Mega Gardevoir. With Scarf, it's also able to check a few of the other threats mentioned above, such as Serperior, Gengar, and Keldeo. In line with the theme of providing Mega Cham with chances to come in for free, Jirachi brings this to the table too with U-turn. The added speed and useful resistances are very helpful here in general and make Jirachi a good partner.

New core:

Heracross-Mega @ Heracronite
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 240 HP / 136 Atk / 132 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Pin Missile
- Rock Blast
- Substitute / Swords Dance

Raikou @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Volt Switch / Substitute

I've been wanting to feature bulky Mega Hera in this thread for a while, so here we are! We all know how scary this thing is, threatening stall and defensive teams in general like no other, all while being able to live hits as powerful as Latios' LO Psyshock from full. In terms of problematic Pokemon, threats like Talon, Torn-T, and Mega Pinsir are all issues for Mega Hera. Raikou helps check these threats and can provide Mega Hera with free switch in opportunities thanks to Volt Switch. This is noteworthy because Raikou draws in a bunch of Pokemon that Mega Hera takes advantage of easily, such as Chansey, Ferro, Mega Venu, Amoonguss, and Tar. Mega Hera can also heavily pressure a few other things Raikou has a hard time with, namely Hippo, Gastro, and Quag. These threats are all frequently found on the teams Raikou struggles most with, and Mega Hera's ability to thrive versus those builds is very helpful here.

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. Have fun!

 

[Amane Misa]

Reserving Mega Alakazam as threat

 

[Sun]

Reserving CB azu as threat and scarf Ttar as partner

 

[Martin]

Threats

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 8 Def / 200 SpD / 56 Spe
Careful Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Acrobatics
- Roost

2HKOs Hera with an unboosted Acrobatics if it hasn't eaten a KOff, OHKOs if it has. Outpaces and only 3HKOed by unboosted Rock Blast after Poison Heal, allowing it to play Roost mindgames if need be. Can take 1 unboosted HP Ice from Raikou and almost OHKOs with EQ, meaning that after a little chip damage it can easily take it out provided no sub.

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

Switches in on both of Hera's STABs and OHKOs with Brave Bird. Outpaces and OHKOs Raikou with +2 Flare Blitz. Can't switch in on Rai tho.

Partner

Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 32 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish / Relaxed Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock / Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stone Edge
- U-turn

Landorus-Therian makes for a good partner because it beats both of the above 'mons if it runs HP Ice while still pressuring Talon if it doesn't. Relaxed+HP Ice is a fun configuration I've been running a little recently on builds which have a hard time with Gliscor, and it is just effective on the basis that it provides a slow U-turn while actually beating HP Ice's key targets unlike Impish. 8 speed should be used regardless of nature; on impish it beats timid Mag whereas on relaxed it beats things that creep uninvested 80s (although u should prolly run more in this instance to creep at least 16 speed base 80s unless u wanna get of U-turns after Venusaur attacks).

 

[nameless90]

Partner: Rotom-W

Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split

Thanks to both ability and typing, the washing machine checks well Talonflame (which murders Heracross and revenge kills Raikou quite well) alongside M-Pinsir, Tornadus-T and many other threats. Not only that, but it helps to deal with many stuff drown in by Raikou. WoW is always useful to soften switch-ins into opponent's physical attackers and, at worst, it helps to stack damage even on its supposed checks i.e. Mega Venusaur.
A slow Volt Switch is always appreciated to bring in Heracross and Pain Split helps to deal with Chansey without relying on physical moves.

It also form a nice double Electric core with Raikou + a Volt Switch core. I want just to point out that most Ground types (which stop Volt Switch just switching-in) are hindered by WoW.

 

[Amane Misa]

Threat:

Alakazam @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Encore

Alakazam OHKOs Heracross with Psychic 81.3% of the time from full, and that's not a risk you want to take. It 2HKOs Raikou and survives any hit from it, even at +1. It can also Encore Raikou into Calm Mind and proceed to beat it.

252 SpA Mega Alakazam Psychic vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 184-217 (57.3 - 67.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Mega Alakazam Psychic vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Mega Heracross: 354-416 (98 - 115.2%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO

Partner:

Tornadus-Therian @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 96 HP / 160 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- U-turn
- Knock Off

Tornadus-T can take hits from Mega Alakazam and freely U-turn on it.

 

[Ramses]

Threat

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Calm Mind / Defog
- Roost

Latios is a big threat to this team. Mega Heracross faces the threat of being outsped and KOed by Psyshock if it takes the slightest chip damage whatsoever. Raikou is used as either Calm Mind or Defog fodder since it's Hidden Power Ice is relatively easy to tank and Psyshock always break it's Sub.

Partners

Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Atk / 96 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake / Zen Headbutt
- Bullet Punch

AV Metagross is a cool partner since it takes on a bevy of threats toward this team such as Mega Gardevoir, Mega Diancie, and the aforementioned Latios. Specifically, it functions as a nice Pursuit Trapper towards the likes of Latios and other Psychic-types such as Jirachi to weaken or remove them to ease Raikou and Mega Heracross' time during the battle.

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

Jirachi is an alternative partner that offers similar role compression like Metagross, bar Pursuit Trapping. What it offers is another solid source of Speed and a method of pivoting through U-turn, which completes a VolTurn core with Raikou. Lastly, if has Healing Wish which is excellent support for both Raikou and Heracross as it gives them a second chance to threaten the opposition.

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Roost

Charizard outspeeds Heracross and OHKOes it with Flare Blitz. It also takes very little from Raikou and can set up on it.

Kyurem-Black @ Choice Specs
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Ice Beam
- Draco Meteor
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power Fire

Kyurem-B outspeeds Heracross and OHKOes it with Draco Meteor. It also takes very little from Raikou and can KO back with Ice Beam or Draco Meteor.

 

[Mega-Pokebattlerz]

Eh, still not as good as ThundurCross.

Threat:

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

Defensive Landorus-T walls Heracross and hits Raikou hard. It needs to watch out for HP Ice from the latter, but that's only if Raikou already has a CM up. If either member of the core hasn't set up yet, they're not going to do shit. It also OHKO's Raikou with Earthquake (something Thundurus doesn't have to worry about).

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

Weavile checks the many Dragon- and Ground-type Pokemon that threaten this core, and it can Pursuit-trap MegaZam and Latios. It can't take a hit, so it appreciates Volt Switch support from Raikou, and it also likes Heracross for its ability to check Steel-types that resist Ice Shard.

 

[Cheryl.]

Threat

Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Will-O-Wisp

While it's not quite capable of switching into these two, Mega Gardevoir still terrorizes this core once it's in safely as it OHKOs Mega Heracross, even through Sub thanks to Hyper Voice, and 2HKOs Raikou with Psyshock or Hyper Voice. However, it is capable of getting worn down by Volt Switches from Raikou, and partners such as AV Metagross or Jirachi can check it.

 

[Random Passerby]

Clefable as a partner

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

BoltBeam Clefable is a very nice partner for this core because it helps to lure in Pokemon like Gliscor and Talonflame and dent them hard with Ice Beam and Thunderbolt respectively. It is also a good switch-in against certain threats like Latios, Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B (if you predict Draco Meteor).

 

[Sun]

Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off
Azumarill is a dangerous threat to this core, since no member may get out of his blows, to beat him, you can only revenge kill it.
some calcs:
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 339-399 (105.6 - 124.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raikou: 151-178 (47 - 55.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery ( so you can't switch when azu is even locked with jet)
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 240 HP / 4 Def Mega Heracross: 474-560 (131.3 - 155.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Ice Beam
- Stone Edge
Given that this core is missing an answer to latios, and SD talon, scarf ttar seems an excellent partner, which traps easily latios / Latias, and doing massive damage to Talonflame (also against BU), ice beam is a good move for coverage lando-t, tankchomp, (which can cause problems)

 

[Bice]

Threat:

Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Cloud Nine
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 92 SpD / 28 Spe
Impish Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Roost
- Return
- Earthquake / Heal Bell / Substitute


The best Mega Heracross and Raikou can do to the fluffbird is Rock Blast and Hidden Power Ice respectively, both of which only 3HKO. In return, Mega Altaria can 2HKO both members of the core with an unboosted Return, which becomes a OHKO for Mega Heracross. If you run Earthquake, you can OHKO Raikou at +1 after Stealth Rock. Sure, Altaria certainly doesn't appreciate having Heracross set up Substitute while it's switching in or setting up Dragon Dance, but it's otherwise a solid check to this core.

Partner:

Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off / Superpower

Equipped with an Assault Vest, Azumarill can take a hit from many threats to the core (including the above Mega Altaria), retaliate back with Play Rough or Waterfall, and pick them off with Aqua Jet if needed. With good prediction, it can form as a great switch-in to the likes of Latios and Kyube.

 

[Infernal]

Top partners for this week below. Thank you bludz for helping me decide them this week, as I found them a little tricky to pick for this one. Close call between some options, but here they are:

Jirachi by -Magic- - One of the best partners with this core to help check a number of threats, including Latios, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Zam, and so on. Healing Wish is always nice to have alongside Mega Hera to support its role as a breaker, and the free switch in opportunities provided by U-turn is an added plus to help keep momentum on your side and help apply pressure with Mega Hera and Raikou as much as possible.

Landorus-T by Martin. - Lando-T will more than likely find its way onto teams with this core as the ground of choice, and for good reason. It's a great check to Exca and Zard-X, two noteworthy threats to this core. Also provides SR, free switch in opportunities with U-turn, and a handy secondary check to Pokemon like offensive Talon. Good partner overall due to helpful utility and threat coverage it offer to the core.

Tornadus-T by Amane Misa - Like the two Pokemon above, Torn-T helps maintain momentum with U-turn while helping the core avoid being dismantled by certain offensive threats, examples being Mega Zam and Latios. I feel like I've been using 'momentum' as a justification for a lot of partners lately, but its importance can't be overlooked with offensive cores like this one. Keeping tempo on your side is important in this metagame and Torn-T generates that nicely for you, all while maintaining good utility outside of that to help the core with some of the previously mentioned issues.

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

Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Hidden Power Grass

Mega Aero hasn't seen the light of day in either core analysis thread thus far, so here we are. It's mainly here to help Keldeo by trapping threats like Latios and Alakazam (mega and non-mega), all while threatening other problematic Pokemon like Torn-T and Talon. With Aerial Ace, it's also able to do some nice damage to some of the Grass-types Keldeo dislikes running into, examples being Mega Venu and Amoonguss. In exchange, Keldeo is able to heavily threaten the various ground types Mega Aero has a tough time breaking through, such as Lando-T, Quag, Chomp, and Hippo. Additionally, it's able to check the likes of Mega Scizor and Weavile nicely, which is very nice considering how annoyed Mega Aero is by their priority. HP Grass is mainly here to prevent the likes of Gastro from walling the core, all while hitting things like Slowbro.

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. Have fun!

 

[MANNAT]

Threat

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

Scarfed Jirachi is a huge threat to this core and is a nightmare to face for offensive teams in general. No one hit from either member of the core knocks jirachi out while jirachi 2hkos both members of the core with its STAB moves and has a 60% to come out of encounters with both mons unscathed. Obviously it cant straight up switch into keld because of scald burns/hydro doing a metric fuckton, but maero doesn't usually spam fire fang, so it's fine switching into that.

Calcs

252 Atk Jirachi Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 252-296 (83.7 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Fire Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Jirachi: 192-226 (56.3 - 66.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Jirachi: 268-316 (78.5 - 92.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Jirachi Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 180-212 (55.7 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (60 bp)

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:

1)

Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Def / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Roost
- Thunder Wave

Mega Latias is not 2HKOed by any member of the core and can cripple them with Thunder Wave. From there, it can heal up with Roost or hit the core with a Super Effective Thunderbolt.

Calculations

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 68 Def Mega Latias: 135-160 (37.1 - 44%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mega Latias: 94-111 (25.8 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

2)

Slowbro @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Slack Off

Mega Slowbro can come in on any move except Hidden Power Grass from Keldeo. From there, it can Calm Mind, heal up and proceed to sweep as Hidden Power Grass only tickles it at +1

Calculations

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Slowbro: 102-120 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 176 SpD Mega Slowbro: 131-155 (33.2 - 39.3%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hidden Power Grass vs. +1 252 HP / 176 SpD Mega Slowbro: 128-152 (32.4 - 38.5%) -- 98.6% chance to 3HKO

 

[heritage]

Threat

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Ice

Mega Manectric isn't the biggest threat to the two but it is certainly a nuisance nonetheless. Mega Manectric is a solid offensive check to Mega Aerodactyl, being able to switch into every move at least once and can OHKO in return with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch to gain momentum for its teammates. Stone Edge certainly does a good chunk, but making Mega Aerodactyl click Stone Edge every time can be exploitable. Mega Manectric can't take a hit from Keldeo, but it outspeeds and can OHKO with Thunderbolt.

252 SpA Mega Manectric Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 318-374 (105.6 - 124.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 52-62 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo: 332-392 (102.7 - 121.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Partner

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

Latios clears away Stealth Rock for Mega Aerodactyl with Defog, which despises them since it's not running Roost. At the same time, it can check and heavily weaken the likes of Scarf Keldeo, Mega Manectric, Garchomp, Manaphy, Rotom-W, and Suicune. Mega Aerodactyl can Pursuit-trap Tornadus-T for Latios (and it can also lure Ferrothorn with Fire Fang, allowing Latios to run Calm Mind to break past bulky Water-types a bit better), while Keldeo provides the firepower to break past the likes of Chansey and Mega Scizor which Latios can struggle with.

 

[nameless90]

Threat: Scarf Kyurem-Black

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

252 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Aerodactyl: 376-444 (124.9 - 147.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 290-342 (89.7 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO (75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock)

Scarf Kyure-Black can't really switch directly into these threats because is weak to both Rock and Fighting attacks, but outspeeds and kills both members by clicking only a move (Fusion Bolt). It doesn't even need to switch-in&out: Fusion Bolt coming from a scarfed dragon is enough.
The EVs spread is standard.

Partner: Raikou

Raikou @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Substitute

Here we have a check to Electric types which threaten both Aerodactyl and Keldeo. This is the classic CM set with Substitute to ease prediction and to have more set-up opportunities. Thunderbolt + HP Ice have almost perfect coverage and CM makes up for the lack of a third coverage option. Leftovers is for longevity.
Raikou is vulnerable to Weavile, so Keldeo can check it well alongside Fire, Ground types and special walls with the aid of a Choice Specs'ed Secret Sword.
The EVs spread is standard.

Partner: Magnezone

Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 168 HP / 252 SpA / 88 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Fire
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

The Choice Specs set is picked over Scarf to have enough firepower to deal with most threats; I'd like to underline the utility of a slow Volt Switch in this core because Keldeo and Aerodactyl can't take too many hits upon entering into the battlefield.
Pursuit M-Aerodactyl and Magnet Pull Magnezone together form a nice trapping core with the latter member defeating many of Mega Aerodactyl's checks, such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory, while the former pokemon kills Fighting types. Nice the defensive sinergy with the two original members of the core and Keldeo is also notable to deal with Ground types which murder Magnezone.
The EVs spread is standard.

 

[Martin]

Reserving Mamoswine and Yache Landorus-T as partners

 

[Tressed]

Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Cloud Nine
EVs: 252 HP / 164 SpA / 92 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Fire Blast
- Roost
- Earthquake

These two have relatively good offensive coverage, which makes actually answering them with one mon pretty tricky. Mega Altaria is a decent answer, especially since this Keldeo isn't running Icy Wind at all, which allows Altaria to switch in fairly easily. Mega Aerodactyl is more problematic since floof risks being 2HKOed by Stone Edge without any prior damage, but Aero definitely does not qualify as an answer either.

168+ SpA Pixilate Mega Altaria Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo: 380-450 (117.6 - 139.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mega Altaria: 128-151 (36.2 - 42.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

168+ SpA Pixilate Mega Altaria Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 183-216 (60.7 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Mega Altaria: 156-184 (44.1 - 52.1%) -- 15.2% chance to 2HKO