Hi all! After losing my faith in Sandstorm when my last team went awry, I went soul-searching along the well-trodden Pokemon path. After many gruelling weeks of thought and testing, I finally came up with a new team worthy of posting to the good citizens of Smogon. This team arose around the idea of a NatGeru core; I'd used the core in a few previous teams, and it shone. With that thought in mind, I decided to base a bulky offense team around the core, and see how it did. Lo and behold, it shone even more. I'll leave the rest of the team to your expert speculation. And, by the way, I can't get moving sprites for my computer. Sucks!
The Teambuilding process.
As stated above, I wanted to base the team around the core of Burungeru and Nattorei.
There aren't many offensive threats that can't be worked around by BurunTorei; this next Pokemon handles them all with aplomb.
AcroFling Gliscor destroys the Brelooms and the Roobushins that can fuck with my core, as well as being an offensive juggernaut with its high-powered STABs. Since I'm using Nattorei to set up Spikes (remember kids; entry-rapeage is good for you), I need a Stealth Rocker lead that can still benefit the team defensively.
Jirachi fits the bill for the Stealth Rocker. As well as doing fantastically in the lead game, it is a great Pokemon with great typing and great bulk, as well as decent attacking stats. Now that I've cemented the bulky segment of my team, let's move on to the offense.
Deoxys-S is best known as one of the prime choices for an entry hazard lead. It has all the components - blistering Speed, insane movepool, decent offense and defense...now, I'm taking those exact components, and turning Deo into one hell of a revenge killer. I'm talking about outspeeding Scarf Garchomp...make sure you read below. Moving on, a common theme in my teams is that there's a core, and then there's a 'star' of the show. My last Sandstorm teams have been based around Doryuuzu, one of the greatest stars I've ever played with, but this time around I'm using a Pokemon that I believe epitomises the words 'Bulky Offense'.
Many people believe that Zuruzukin is outclassed by Roobushin. This isn't true. In terms of being an immediate threat and revenge killer for weakened Pokemon, Roobusin leaves Zuru behind in its wake. But, if you give it time (and Zuruzuking will make you give it time), I've had this little pyjama'd monster sweep teams.
Well, there you have it. Moving on to the in-depth analyses.
The Team.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
[4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe]
Jolly Natured (+Spe, -SpA)
Serene Grace
-Stealth Rock
-Iron Head
-Fire Punch
-Trick
As most of you know, Scarf Jirachi was one of the prime choices for a lead in Gen 4. During the transition, it seems to have been dropped off the radar in place of Balloon Jirachi, and other Pokemon in the lead position. But TrickScarf Jirachi cripples or outright beats so many leads today. It might not be good to have a Scarfed Stealth Rocker, but if it's a lead I can scare off, Rocks is a good option. I hate Jirachi's Iron Head used against me, as it's just sooooo annoying, but I do love flinch haxing Nattorei to death. Fire Punch is there for the Scarf Genosect leads that are becoming more and more common; for some reason, they always stay in on Jirachi. Trick is an even better move this Gen, crippling every single premier wall, especially Nattorei. The EVs and nature are self-explanatory. I've opted for a Choice Scarf lead, one not usually seen in a bulky offense team, because as well as being a great lead, it's also good to have another revenge killer, even in bulky offense.
Nattorei @ Shed Shell
[252 HP / 4 Atk / 156 Def / 96 SpD]
Relaxed Natured (+Def, -Spe)
Iron Barbs
0 Speed IVs
-Power Whip
-Gyro Ball
-Spikes
-Leech Seed
As all of you already know, Nattorei is the newest and best mixed wall out there. Despite having weaknesses to two of the most common attacking types out there, it still functions well in any team, especially mine. Burungeru has the Special walling covered, so I made Nattorei a physical variant, eschewing from the standard. The moveset is basic; Nattorei is perhaps the best Spiker out there, and on average I get Stealth Rock and 2 layers of Spikes up in a game. Whip o' POWAAAAH is a great move to use against Rain teams and Water Pokemon in general, and Gyro Ball rounds out the STAB duo, being incredible powerful to all that don't resist it and with high Speed. Leech Seed keeps Nattorei healthy, because I don't run Lefties. On that note, why would anyone run Leftovers? With Shandera being the most common Pokemon, seen on nearly a quarter of the teams out there, Shed Shell is obviously the far superior option. Meh. I just hate the idea of free kills.
Burungeru @ Leftovers
[252 HP / 56 Def / 200 SpD]
Calm Natured (+SpD, -Atk)
Water Absorb
-Boil Over
-Shadow Ball
-Toxic / Hail
-Recover
Complementing my physical wall in every way, Burungeru is here along with its partner in crime, Nattorei, ready to punish SkarmBliss for all of their unrighteous walling deeds. This is walling is done. Whereas Nattorei sets up the hazards, Burungeru blocks them from being Spun away. Whereas Nattorei walls half of the Pokemon out there, Burungeru walls (most of) the rest. You get the gist. There are almost no Special attacks that can OHKO Burungeru, and the ones that can are very rarely seen (Modest Choice Specs Shandera, anyone?). Boil Over is a great STAB move - I can't explain the feeling I get when I burn Breloom on the switch. Shadow Ball offers decent coverage along with Boil Over, but then again, Burungeru isn't the greatest attacker. I'm not sure whether I should use Toxic or Hail in the third spot; my team doesn't do too badly against Rain or Sand teams in general, but there are times when I really wish I could change the weather once the setter is down. Toxic is an incredibly useful move on Burungeru, though...help? Anyway, Recover is just a fantastic move in general. Burungeru is really great at restricting the opponent from throwing around Water attacks - Hydro Pumps keep this guy healthy. I opt for Calm because, although I know some people go for Bold, Burungeru hasn't got that great Special bulk by itself, and needs major investment to truly shine. This spread doesn't let it get OHKOd by Timid LO Zapdos' Thunderbolt after a round of Stealth Rock and two layers of Spikes.
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Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
[196 Atk / 252 Def / 4 SpD / 56 Spe]
Impish Natured (+Def, -SpA)
Poison Heal
-Fling
-Earthquake
-Acrobat
-Protect
Gliscor is like the sidekick to my walling duo - whenever Nattorei and Burungeru are in trouble, Gliscor jumps in to kick some ass. He is the perfect partner to my partners in crime - I've gone through the threat list and the only Pokemon that the trio can't handle by itself is Heat Wave Zapdos (LOL). The AcroFling set is a juggernaut from both sides of the spectrum - tearing through unprepared teams and walling them at the same time. Fling isn't the greatest move to use, but in conjunction with Toxic Orb, it's basically a one-off Toxic. Earthquake and Acrobat are both incredibly high-powered STABs; after STAB, they have 150 and 165 Base Power respectively. Protect is good for scouting what the opponent will use, and for getting a free Poison Heal boost. I use the EVs to maximise defense whilst still retaining quite a bit of attack. 56 Speed is so I can outspeed Adamant Breloom with 252 Speed EVs (the standard, I believe), because without Adamant, Bullet Seed just bounces off me and I have nothing to fear. People think that Gliscor isn't a counter to Guts Roobushin - I'm here to prove them wrong. I've never been swept by a Roobushin before, and that's because of the inclusion of either Gliscor or Rankurusu. Gliscor is really only hurt by it at +4 or so, and by then it will be dead by Toxic and Acrobat. So, to all those people that believe Gliscor can't handle Roob, :P
Deoxys-S @ Life Orb
[16 Atk / 252 SpA / 240 Spe]
Naive Natured (+Spe, -SpD)
Pressure
-Psycho Boost
-Thunderbolt
-Ice Beam
-Superpower
This is the creation I am most proud of. Back from the depths of early Gen 4, I bring Deo-S to the confines of the 5th Generation arena, ready to pulverise any and all Pokemon who stand in his way. I really don't know why this set isn't seen commonly. I'll explain in detail.
Psycho Boost, after STAB, Life Orb and decent Special Attack, is monstrous, OHKOing any and every Fighting-Type off the bat, and Shandera after a round of Stealth Rock damage. Thunderbolt is there for Politoed and Gyarados; even after a Dragon Dance, Deoxys outspeeds and OHKOs. Here's what's incredible about this revenge killer; with the given EVs, Deoxys can outspeed Scarfed Garchomp and OHKO with Ice Beam. It is the only Pokemon that can outspeed a Base 102 without a Scarf, and it pulls it off, OHKOing said Pokemon. Ice Beam also rounds off BoltBeam coverage. Superpower destroys Tyranitar who foolishly think they can stay in, and it can kill weakened Doryuuzu - Deoxys isn't OHKOd by X-Scissor without any boosts. This is the real pride and joy of my team, and I'm one of the few people out there using Deoxys outside the lead position.
Zuruzukin @ Leftovers
[252 HP / 40 Def / 216 SpD]
Careful Natured (+SpD, -SpA)
Shed Skin
-Bulk Up
-Rest
-Drain Punch
-Crunch
The star of the team, Zuruzukin. Long gone are the days when he hovered at 8% usage in OU - people seem to have become disillusioned with him, and he's in danger of dropping down to UU. The thing is, I don't know why Zuru is at 4% usage. After 2 Bulk Ups, this guy just doesn't die. I find this set to be superior to the Dragon Dance set, because it isn't as susceptible to Mach Punch. Drain Punch and Crunch is a combination only resisted by Heracross and Toxicroak, two very rarely-seen Pokemon. Rest and Shed Skin is an interesting combination - chances are, Zuruzukin will wake up before it's due, and that's a very good thing.
Well, there you have it! Rate / hate / steal all you want.
Thanks!
The Teambuilding process.
As stated above, I wanted to base the team around the core of Burungeru and Nattorei.
There aren't many offensive threats that can't be worked around by BurunTorei; this next Pokemon handles them all with aplomb.
AcroFling Gliscor destroys the Brelooms and the Roobushins that can fuck with my core, as well as being an offensive juggernaut with its high-powered STABs. Since I'm using Nattorei to set up Spikes (remember kids; entry-rapeage is good for you), I need a Stealth Rocker lead that can still benefit the team defensively.
Jirachi fits the bill for the Stealth Rocker. As well as doing fantastically in the lead game, it is a great Pokemon with great typing and great bulk, as well as decent attacking stats. Now that I've cemented the bulky segment of my team, let's move on to the offense.
Deoxys-S is best known as one of the prime choices for an entry hazard lead. It has all the components - blistering Speed, insane movepool, decent offense and defense...now, I'm taking those exact components, and turning Deo into one hell of a revenge killer. I'm talking about outspeeding Scarf Garchomp...make sure you read below. Moving on, a common theme in my teams is that there's a core, and then there's a 'star' of the show. My last Sandstorm teams have been based around Doryuuzu, one of the greatest stars I've ever played with, but this time around I'm using a Pokemon that I believe epitomises the words 'Bulky Offense'.
Many people believe that Zuruzukin is outclassed by Roobushin. This isn't true. In terms of being an immediate threat and revenge killer for weakened Pokemon, Roobusin leaves Zuru behind in its wake. But, if you give it time (and Zuruzuking will make you give it time), I've had this little pyjama'd monster sweep teams.
Well, there you have it. Moving on to the in-depth analyses.
The Team.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
[4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe]
Jolly Natured (+Spe, -SpA)
Serene Grace
-Stealth Rock
-Iron Head
-Fire Punch
-Trick
As most of you know, Scarf Jirachi was one of the prime choices for a lead in Gen 4. During the transition, it seems to have been dropped off the radar in place of Balloon Jirachi, and other Pokemon in the lead position. But TrickScarf Jirachi cripples or outright beats so many leads today. It might not be good to have a Scarfed Stealth Rocker, but if it's a lead I can scare off, Rocks is a good option. I hate Jirachi's Iron Head used against me, as it's just sooooo annoying, but I do love flinch haxing Nattorei to death. Fire Punch is there for the Scarf Genosect leads that are becoming more and more common; for some reason, they always stay in on Jirachi. Trick is an even better move this Gen, crippling every single premier wall, especially Nattorei. The EVs and nature are self-explanatory. I've opted for a Choice Scarf lead, one not usually seen in a bulky offense team, because as well as being a great lead, it's also good to have another revenge killer, even in bulky offense.
Nattorei @ Shed Shell
[252 HP / 4 Atk / 156 Def / 96 SpD]
Relaxed Natured (+Def, -Spe)
Iron Barbs
0 Speed IVs
-Power Whip
-Gyro Ball
-Spikes
-Leech Seed
As all of you already know, Nattorei is the newest and best mixed wall out there. Despite having weaknesses to two of the most common attacking types out there, it still functions well in any team, especially mine. Burungeru has the Special walling covered, so I made Nattorei a physical variant, eschewing from the standard. The moveset is basic; Nattorei is perhaps the best Spiker out there, and on average I get Stealth Rock and 2 layers of Spikes up in a game. Whip o' POWAAAAH is a great move to use against Rain teams and Water Pokemon in general, and Gyro Ball rounds out the STAB duo, being incredible powerful to all that don't resist it and with high Speed. Leech Seed keeps Nattorei healthy, because I don't run Lefties. On that note, why would anyone run Leftovers? With Shandera being the most common Pokemon, seen on nearly a quarter of the teams out there, Shed Shell is obviously the far superior option. Meh. I just hate the idea of free kills.
Burungeru @ Leftovers
[252 HP / 56 Def / 200 SpD]
Calm Natured (+SpD, -Atk)
Water Absorb
-Boil Over
-Shadow Ball
-Toxic / Hail
-Recover
Complementing my physical wall in every way, Burungeru is here along with its partner in crime, Nattorei, ready to punish SkarmBliss for all of their unrighteous walling deeds. This is walling is done. Whereas Nattorei sets up the hazards, Burungeru blocks them from being Spun away. Whereas Nattorei walls half of the Pokemon out there, Burungeru walls (most of) the rest. You get the gist. There are almost no Special attacks that can OHKO Burungeru, and the ones that can are very rarely seen (Modest Choice Specs Shandera, anyone?). Boil Over is a great STAB move - I can't explain the feeling I get when I burn Breloom on the switch. Shadow Ball offers decent coverage along with Boil Over, but then again, Burungeru isn't the greatest attacker. I'm not sure whether I should use Toxic or Hail in the third spot; my team doesn't do too badly against Rain or Sand teams in general, but there are times when I really wish I could change the weather once the setter is down. Toxic is an incredibly useful move on Burungeru, though...help? Anyway, Recover is just a fantastic move in general. Burungeru is really great at restricting the opponent from throwing around Water attacks - Hydro Pumps keep this guy healthy. I opt for Calm because, although I know some people go for Bold, Burungeru hasn't got that great Special bulk by itself, and needs major investment to truly shine. This spread doesn't let it get OHKOd by Timid LO Zapdos' Thunderbolt after a round of Stealth Rock and two layers of Spikes.
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
[196 Atk / 252 Def / 4 SpD / 56 Spe]
Impish Natured (+Def, -SpA)
Poison Heal
-Fling
-Earthquake
-Acrobat
-Protect
Gliscor is like the sidekick to my walling duo - whenever Nattorei and Burungeru are in trouble, Gliscor jumps in to kick some ass. He is the perfect partner to my partners in crime - I've gone through the threat list and the only Pokemon that the trio can't handle by itself is Heat Wave Zapdos (LOL). The AcroFling set is a juggernaut from both sides of the spectrum - tearing through unprepared teams and walling them at the same time. Fling isn't the greatest move to use, but in conjunction with Toxic Orb, it's basically a one-off Toxic. Earthquake and Acrobat are both incredibly high-powered STABs; after STAB, they have 150 and 165 Base Power respectively. Protect is good for scouting what the opponent will use, and for getting a free Poison Heal boost. I use the EVs to maximise defense whilst still retaining quite a bit of attack. 56 Speed is so I can outspeed Adamant Breloom with 252 Speed EVs (the standard, I believe), because without Adamant, Bullet Seed just bounces off me and I have nothing to fear. People think that Gliscor isn't a counter to Guts Roobushin - I'm here to prove them wrong. I've never been swept by a Roobushin before, and that's because of the inclusion of either Gliscor or Rankurusu. Gliscor is really only hurt by it at +4 or so, and by then it will be dead by Toxic and Acrobat. So, to all those people that believe Gliscor can't handle Roob, :P
Deoxys-S @ Life Orb
[16 Atk / 252 SpA / 240 Spe]
Naive Natured (+Spe, -SpD)
Pressure
-Psycho Boost
-Thunderbolt
-Ice Beam
-Superpower
This is the creation I am most proud of. Back from the depths of early Gen 4, I bring Deo-S to the confines of the 5th Generation arena, ready to pulverise any and all Pokemon who stand in his way. I really don't know why this set isn't seen commonly. I'll explain in detail.
Psycho Boost, after STAB, Life Orb and decent Special Attack, is monstrous, OHKOing any and every Fighting-Type off the bat, and Shandera after a round of Stealth Rock damage. Thunderbolt is there for Politoed and Gyarados; even after a Dragon Dance, Deoxys outspeeds and OHKOs. Here's what's incredible about this revenge killer; with the given EVs, Deoxys can outspeed Scarfed Garchomp and OHKO with Ice Beam. It is the only Pokemon that can outspeed a Base 102 without a Scarf, and it pulls it off, OHKOing said Pokemon. Ice Beam also rounds off BoltBeam coverage. Superpower destroys Tyranitar who foolishly think they can stay in, and it can kill weakened Doryuuzu - Deoxys isn't OHKOd by X-Scissor without any boosts. This is the real pride and joy of my team, and I'm one of the few people out there using Deoxys outside the lead position.
Zuruzukin @ Leftovers
[252 HP / 40 Def / 216 SpD]
Careful Natured (+SpD, -SpA)
Shed Skin
-Bulk Up
-Rest
-Drain Punch
-Crunch
The star of the team, Zuruzukin. Long gone are the days when he hovered at 8% usage in OU - people seem to have become disillusioned with him, and he's in danger of dropping down to UU. The thing is, I don't know why Zuru is at 4% usage. After 2 Bulk Ups, this guy just doesn't die. I find this set to be superior to the Dragon Dance set, because it isn't as susceptible to Mach Punch. Drain Punch and Crunch is a combination only resisted by Heracross and Toxicroak, two very rarely-seen Pokemon. Rest and Shed Skin is an interesting combination - chances are, Zuruzukin will wake up before it's due, and that's a very good thing.
Well, there you have it! Rate / hate / steal all you want.
Thanks!
