Project PU Next Best Thing [Thanks, Everyone!]

[Darkinium]

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Acrobatics
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Stealth Rock

The premise of this set is Archeops' nothing short of a stellar matchup against common hazard removers such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank, as well as being able to set rocks up on forced switches. Although Stealth Rock is indeed a very good option on Archeops due to the aforementioned reasoning, it is often passed over for other options such as U-turn, Taunt, and Stone Edge, which is why it's not as common. Like Knock Off, the change is simple, but effective.

...And that concludes the submissions phase! Here are your options for voting:

Taskr's Tailwind Archeops

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Acrobatics
- Roost
- Tailwind
- Earthquake

Tailwind Archeops is pretty cool since it allows archeops to outspeed all scarfers and makes it a lot harder to revenge kill. The main use however is to suicide Tailwind to support powerful breakers such as Guts Ursaring and Crabominable who can come in after and destroy stuff with +2 speed for a couple of turns.

Ktutverde's Choice Band Archeops

Always evading death, constantly uturning in, constantly uturning out, archeops and the wind are alike
Archeops @ Choice Band
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Switcheroo
- Earthquake / Pluck

Even though pluck archeops looks gimmick af, I think the idea of choice+ switcheroo archie -not necessarily with pluck- isn't that stupid, but instead of boosting pluck or using it as a scarfer, I focus here on the utility aspect archie can provide. If you accept for a minute to forget acrobatics is a spammable move, try to think of switchins to this: there are few. This set takes advantage of insanely strong uturns, and can dent a pokemon like mesprit turn1.

Switcheroo cripples gastrodon/palossand, uturn coz its op, stone edge as a really strong stab. Finally, pluck hits gurdurr and doesnt miss, while earthquake almost ohkoes hitmonchan (with band), and kills lanturn after rocks. Switcheroo is very useful as a lure especially when paired with kingler (gastrodon) or hitmonchan (palossand). No roost, but healing wish isn't a rare move in PU iirc.

calcs

Earthquake
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 56+ Def Regirock: 166-196 (45.6 - 53.8%) -- 94.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Earthquake vs. 40 HP / 220 Def Lanturn: 394-464 (98.2 - 115.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Earthquake vs. 208 HP / 0 Def Hitmonchan: 209-247 (71.3 - 84.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock


Stone Edge
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eelektross: 312-367 (83.4 - 98.1%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 160+ Def Weezing: 177-208 (52.9 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mesprit: 183-216 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mesprit: 247-292 (82 - 97%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Stone Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Skuntank: 358-423 (102.8 - 121.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

U-Turn
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops U-turn vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mesprit: 170-202 (46.7 - 55.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops U-turn vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eelektross: 146-172 (39 - 45.9%) -- 19.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock


Pluck
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Pluck vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Swanna: 226-267 (77.6 - 91.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Pluck vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mesprit: 148-175 (49.1 - 58.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Pluck vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 218-260 (58.2 - 69.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Switcheroo
Archeops Switcheroo vs. Swinub: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- nice move

EdgeQuake. What else.

Aaronboyer's Mixed Archeops

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Acrobatics
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Heat Wave / Hidden Power [Grass]

With the typical 4th moveslot of Taunt/Stone Edge/ U-Turn/Defog open, Archeops can make room to run either Heat Wave or Hidden Power Grass to bop Ferroseed, Gastrodon, or Carracosta after they switch into an Acrobatics

Calcs

252 Atk Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 248 HP / 128 Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 120-142 (41.2 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Archeops Heat Wave vs. 248 HP / 132+ SpD Eviolite Ferroseed: 180-216 (61.8 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 174-205 (40.8 - 48.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 SpA Archeops Hidden Power Grass vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 224-268 (52.5 - 62.9%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Carracosta: 74-87 (25.6 - 30.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
4 SpA Archeops Hidden Power Grass vs. 0 HP / 4- SpD Solid Rock Carracosta: 225-267 (77.8 - 92.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

mploz's Bulky Archeops

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Acrobatics
- Taunt
- Roost
- Toxic/defog/earthquake

I'm gonna stray away from the offensive Cheops and present you with a fatter supportive one.
Acro is still spamable as always. Roost to keep it healthy. Taunt to stop rock, opponent recovery and helps against stall. Toxic can punish switchins like rock types and gastro or earthquake to Boop electrics or defog if it's needed.

Specs Jigglypuff's Knock Off Archeops

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Acrobatics
- Roost
- Knock Off
- Earthquake

Knock Archeops can give your team some nice utility. Like knocking Ferroseed's eviolite off on the switch, or Regirock's lefties. You also chip Weezing down if you're running Taunt>EQ, without the annoying Helmet damage. Overall it can be a surprising move that they might not expect, and can support your team really well.

SergioRules's Mixed Fightinium Z Archeops

Archeops @ Fightinium Z
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Roost
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Focus Blast
- Stone Edge / Earthquake / Heat Wave

I'll be the first one to say that this set isn't meant to be super great. What it is meant to do is lure common physical walls that can normally take on standard Archeops (that's what this thread is about, right?). As far as I know, the main switch ins and check to Arch are Gastrodon, Ferroseed, and Regirock. This set lures all three with the correct coverage move or All Out Pummeling. This obviously isn't meant to do much of a sweeping job on its own, but rather to break down those physical walls for another sweeper in the back. The main Pokemon that come to mind for me are Lycanroc, Zangoose, Kingler and other physical set up sweepers like those that struggle with one or more of the aforementioned defensive Pokemon. Unfortunately, this set doesn't deal too well with Weezing which is another great Arch check, but there isn't much Archeops can do against that no matter what it runs.

Last move I figured could be whatever you want really, Stone Edge gives you STAB, EQ makes you seem more like a standard Archeops, and Heat Wave helps deal with Ferroseed without using your Z move but really the last move can be anything you need to break through things for another sweeper to clean.

Darkinium's Stealth Rock Archeops

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Acrobatics
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Stealth Rock

The premise of this set is Archeops' nothing short of a stellar matchup against common hazard removers such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank. Although Stealth Rock is indeed a very good option on Archeops due to the aforementioned reasoning, it is often passed over for other options such as U-turn and Stone Edge, which is why it's not as common. Like Knock Off, the change is simple, but effective.

Voting ends Saturday!

My own vote will be going to Specs Jigglypuff's Knock Off Archeops. Although the change is simple, it's extremely effective at crippling Archeops' usual checks and counters.
But holy hell I gotta say, CB Archeops hits hard

 

[Jmash]

Aaronboyer's Mixed Archeops

 

[UberSkitty]

Imma go with AB's mixed

 

[Specs]

gonna go with mploz! Really cool lure/tech set.

 

[Taylorflex]

Darkinium's Stealth Rock Archeops. Great for role compression.

 

[cassii]

+1 for Taskr

 

[Turtwig523]

Ima go for Darkinuim's set. No one expects Stealth Rock from Archeops am I right?

 

[quackonthesack]

Voting for Ktutverde's CB Archeops.

 

[TJ]

Taskr

 

[Graceclaw]

Sergio

 

[lycan2500]

Specs Jigglipuff's Knock Archeops

 

[pinktidal]

taskr

 

[InfernoDragon]

I vote for Ktutverde’s CB archeops

 

[ayedan]

Taskr

 

[Darkinium]

Congratulations to Taskr for winning with Tailwind Archeops! Your submission will be logged into the archive!

Now you guys have to follow up for Archeops's fellow Unovan Fossil!

Week 16: Carracosta

We all know this as the threatening Shell Smash sweepers that can rip weakened teams to shreds, and on occasion an impenetrable defensive wall. However, Carracosta has had little deviation outside of those two sets. Will you be able to change that? Submissions will close and voting will begin Wednesday evening. Good luck!​

 

[tondas]

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 164 Def / 92 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlpool
- Toxic
- Knock Off

Deviating from the normal Carracosta sets without being outclassed or just plain bad was a very interesting challenge, and this is the best I could manage. The idea with this set is that you click Whirlpool on incoming stuff like bulky grass- and steel- types and getting to freely pivot into a fire- or fighting- type as well as scoring some free chip damage.

 

[MZ]

Z-Superpower is way too standard to count.

 

[Darkinium]

After debating with myself for a bit, Megazard's post confirmed to me that Fightinium Z is a bit less the "next best thing" and more "already a thing." However, Tonda Gossa!, feel free to make another nomination!

Admittedly this week will be a bit hard, but keep on trying, guys!

 

[Ktütverde]

Bulky Shellsmash

Carracosta @ Mago Berry (options: leftovers/sitrus/lifeorb/mystic water/wateriumZ)
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 96 HP / 160 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- Iron Defense
- Substitute
- Liquidation

Important!

https://screenshotscdn.firefoxusercontent.com/images/fcadbaf9-c57b-4dd7-92e1-9a158977eb57.png

speed stats

+0 Carracosta: 163
+2 ------------: 326
+4 ------------: 489

+1 Togedemaru : 480
+1 Swanna : 486
+1 Modest Mesprit : 388.5

A set I created (sorry if someone already has it, its a coincidence then). It is designed to abuse ferroseeds, gurdurrs and most scarfers like primeape and togedemaru. You can check and do the calcs if you don't believe me, but this thing beats many things that usually beat it.
Mago is a one time recover, very useful to get many boosts and remain healthy; sub allows you to activate it safely.

Spread: tanks 192+ gurdurr drainpunch at +2 def. Max speed outspeeds swanna scarf at +4 ( x3 speed), and togedemaru which is almost as fast. Moves: Waterfall means you have to get rid of gastrodon first. You can use rock slide but then hello gurdurr/chan. Sub for status and scout for ur oppo play so u can play accordingly to what switches in (iron def vs primeape/toge/gurdurr, shellsmash vs mesprit/waterfall if nothing is weak enough and needs to be weakened to sweep later on.

Calcs

Look carefully at the boosts, it's either 0, 1, 2 or -1 !!!!!
Gurdurr
192+ Atk Gurdurr Drain Punch vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 64-78 (20.4 - 24.9%) -- 92.3% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 166-196 (44.3 - 52.4%) -- 77.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 126-148 (33.6 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+0 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 84-99 (22.4 - 26.4%) -- 91.8% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
-> Minimum 77.9% in two hits if it bulkups

Toge
252 Atk Togedemaru Zing Zap vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 63-76 (20.1 - 24.2%) -- 58.1% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Togedemaru: 339-399 (125 - 147.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Primeape
252 Atk Primeape Close Combat vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 100-118 (31.9 - 37.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Primeape: 351-414 (129.5 - 152.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Chan
252+ Atk Iron Fist Hitmonchan Drain Punch vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 82-99 (26.1 - 31.6%) -- 34.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 208 HP / 0 Def Hitmonchan: 285-336 (97.2 - 114.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Mesprit
0 SpA Mesprit Psychic vs. -1 96 HP / 4 SpD Carracosta: 214-253 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mesprit: 165-195 (45.3 - 53.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Eel
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eelektross: 282-333 (75.4 - 89%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

And....

Ferro
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (79 BP) vs. 96 HP / 0 Def Carracosta: 39-46 (12.4 - 14.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (79 BP) vs. +6 96 HP / 0 Def Carracosta: 10-13 (3.1 - 4.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Ferroseed Bullet Seed (5 hits) vs. +6 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 60-90 (19.1 - 28.7%) -- approx. 2.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
(lol dont use that move in PU, go play LC)

 

[quackonthesack]

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stone Edge
- Rest
- Block
- Liquidation

The main part of this set is Block, it would be sent in as a lead--which has a great match up on other leads, and block on the anticipated hazard. After killing the lead mon, you can use Carra later, and switch it into a mon that has an unfavorable matchup against Carracosta. Rest provides recovery, and allows Carracosta to sustain itself. Sustainability can be a huge issue if your only recovery is leftovers, so rest is great when the other mon has an unfavorable matchup against it. Stone Edge and Liquidation are just really strong stabs that take care of a lot of threats.

calcs

0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Archeops: 324-384 (111.3 - 131.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Archeops Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 135-160 (38.3 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Regirock Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Carracosta: 84-100 (23.8 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 56+ Def Regirock: 96-114 (26.3 - 31.3%) -- 9.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mesprit Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Carracosta: 120-142 (34 - 40.3%) -- 41.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mesprit: 109-130 (36.2 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Clefairy Seismic Toss vs. 252 HP Carracosta: 100-100 (28.4 - 28.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Clefairy: 136-162 (39.5 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (45 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Carracosta: 22-27 (6.2 - 7.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 128 Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 36-43 (12.3 - 14.7%) -- possible 7HKO

 

[pinktidal]

Unaware? Don't Care

Carracosta @ Psychium Z
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Hydro Pump / Liquidation
- Guard Swap
- Shell Smash

Z Gaurd Swap allows Costa to muscle past its best check Pyukumuku (or atleast force it out, in exchange for a kill) after a Shell Smash. Gaurd Swap lets the user exchange stat drops for a clean slate when set up against an unaffected target, and when used alongside Psychium the user also gains an added boost to their speed stat. With the speed boost Costa isn't forced to Shell Smash again and can conserve bulk in order to handle priority moves better. A +3 speed stat also lets Costa outspeed every relevant scarfer in PU. Mons like CM Spiritomb, Clefairy, Type:Null, SR Mesprit, and Audino make for decent setup fodder

CALCS

+2 252+ Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. -1 252 HP / 216+ Def Unaware Pyukumuku: 145-172 (46.1 - 54.7%) -- 9.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. -1 248 HP / 128 Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 149-176 (51.2 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

TEAM

Carracosta @ Psychium Z
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Stone Edge
- Hydro Pump
- Guard Swap
- Shell Smash

Mesprit @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Healing Wish
- U-turn

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 128 Def / 132 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball
- Protect

Weezing @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Toxic Spikes
- Taunt

Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Crunch
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Defog

Magmortar @ Life Orb
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Taunt

Other EV Spreads can be used depending on what you want to outspeed at +3. A few examples include: 36HP/+232Atk/240Spe to outpace Primape/Jynx, etc. These variations are typically ineffective unless the team supports the removal of whatever threat is still faster than +3 costa

 

[Darkinium]

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stone Edge
- Iron Defense / Rest
- Block / Rest
- Liquidation

This was a hard pokemon to find a set for, but the whole idea around this mon was to make a lead set that kills other leads. You send this pokemon out first, and you have the option to either set up on them or hit them with a STAB boosted attack. (Carracosta has a positive matchup against the most common setters.)

calcs

0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Archeops: 324-384 (111.3 - 131.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Archeops Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 135-160 (38.3 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Regirock Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Carracosta: 84-100 (23.8 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 56+ Def Regirock: 96-114 (26.3 - 31.3%) -- 9.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mesprit Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Carracosta: 120-142 (34 - 40.3%) -- 41.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mesprit: 109-130 (36.2 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Clefairy Seismic Toss vs. 252 HP Carracosta: 100-100 (28.4 - 28.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Clefairy: 136-162 (39.5 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (45 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Carracosta: 22-27 (6.2 - 7.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 128 Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 36-43 (12.3 - 14.7%) -- possible 7HKO

Although I appreciate the nomination, my question here is, what is unique about this set, and what does it accomplish? Your post was mostly based around its good matchup against other leads, but that is already a common trait with standard Carracosta sets. Is the focus Iron Defense? Block? Rest? The Sp. Def investment? If you could make the focus more clear by explicitly stating what the set is based on, and perhaps putting the main points of the set in bold, that would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[TONE]

Carracosta @ Choice Band
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Liquidation
- Aqua Jet
- Toxic / Superpower

Basically your standard bulky wallbreaker set for those who wanna use Carracosta without wasting a turn setting up with Shell Smash. Everthing here is pretty straightforward with the last move being interchangeable depending on team needs. Toxic nails Gastrodon on the switch, whereas Superpower dents Ferroseed. This also can 2HKO stuff like Pyukumuku on the switch with Stone Edge with some prior damage:

252+ Atk Choice Band Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Pyukumuku: 142-168 (45.2 - 53.5%) -- 90.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

 

[Ktütverde]

Carracosta @ Choice Band
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Liquidation
- Aqua Jet
- Toxic / Superpower

Basically your standard bulky wallbreaker set for those who wanna use Carracosta without wasting a turn setting up with Shell Smash. Everthing here is pretty straightforward with the last move being interchangeable depending on team needs. Toxic nails Gastrodon on the switch, whereas Superpower dents Ferroseed. This also can 2HKO stuff like Pyukumuku on the switch with Stone Edge with some prior damage:

252+ Atk Choice Band Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Pyukumuku: 142-168 (45.2 - 53.5%) -- 90.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Carra gets knock off too :3

 

[Darkinium]

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 196 Def / 64 SpD
Relaxed / Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Stealth Rock / Rock Slide / Knock Off / Toxic
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Not an extremely large change, but RestTalk is very useful for giving Carracosta new life after it has been worn down by repeatedly switching into powerful offensive threats and entry hazards, the latter of which it detests greatly.

That's the end of the nominations phase! Time to vote for your favorite submission!

Tonda Gossa!'s Whirlpool Carracosta

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 164 Def / 92 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlpool
- Toxic
- Knock Off

Deviating from the normal Carracosta sets without being outclassed or just plain bad was a very interesting challenge, and this is the best I could manage. The idea with this set is that you click Whirlpool on incoming stuff like bulky grass- and steel- types and getting to freely pivot into a fire- or fighting- type as well as scoring some free chip damage.

Ktutverde's Iron Defense Mago Berry Shell Smash Carracosta

Bulky Shellsmash

Carracosta @ Mago Berry (options: leftovers/sitrus/lifeorb/mystic water/wateriumZ)
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 96 HP / 160 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- Iron Defense
- Substitute
- Liquidation

Important!

https://screenshotscdn.firefoxusercontent.com/images/fcadbaf9-c57b-4dd7-92e1-9a158977eb57.png

speed stats

+0 Carracosta: 163
+2 ------------: 326
+4 ------------: 489

+1 Togedemaru : 480
+1 Swanna : 486
+1 Modest Mesprit : 388.5

A set I created (sorry if someone already has it, its a coincidence then). It is designed to abuse ferroseeds, gurdurrs and most scarfers like primeape and togedemaru. You can check and do the calcs if you don't believe me, but this thing beats many things that usually beat it.
Mago is a one time recover, very useful to get many boosts and remain healthy; sub allows you to activate it safely.

Spread: tanks 192+ gurdurr drainpunch at +2 def. Max speed outspeeds swanna scarf at +4 ( x3 speed), and togedemaru which is almost as fast. Moves: Waterfall means you have to get rid of gastrodon first. You can use rock slide but then hello gurdurr/chan. Sub for status and scout for ur oppo play so u can play accordingly to what switches in (iron def vs primeape/toge/gurdurr, shellsmash vs mesprit/waterfall if nothing is weak enough and needs to be weakened to sweep later on.

Calcs

Look carefully at the boosts, it's either 0, 1, 2 or -1 !!!!!
Gurdurr
192+ Atk Gurdurr Drain Punch vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 64-78 (20.4 - 24.9%) -- 92.3% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 166-196 (44.3 - 52.4%) -- 77.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 126-148 (33.6 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+0 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 84-99 (22.4 - 26.4%) -- 91.8% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
-> Minimum 77.9% in two hits if it bulkups

Toge
252 Atk Togedemaru Zing Zap vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 63-76 (20.1 - 24.2%) -- 58.1% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Togedemaru: 339-399 (125 - 147.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Primeape
252 Atk Primeape Close Combat vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 100-118 (31.9 - 37.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Primeape: 351-414 (129.5 - 152.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Chan
252+ Atk Iron Fist Hitmonchan Drain Punch vs. +2 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 82-99 (26.1 - 31.6%) -- 34.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 208 HP / 0 Def Hitmonchan: 285-336 (97.2 - 114.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Mesprit
0 SpA Mesprit Psychic vs. -1 96 HP / 4 SpD Carracosta: 214-253 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mesprit: 165-195 (45.3 - 53.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Eel
+2 160+ Atk Carracosta Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eelektross: 282-333 (75.4 - 89%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

And....

Ferro
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (79 BP) vs. 96 HP / 0 Def Carracosta: 39-46 (12.4 - 14.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (79 BP) vs. +6 96 HP / 0 Def Carracosta: 10-13 (3.1 - 4.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Ferroseed Bullet Seed (5 hits) vs. +6 96 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 60-90 (19.1 - 28.7%) -- approx. 2.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
(lol dont use that move in PU, go play LC)

quackonthesack's Block + Rest Carracosta

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stone Edge
- Rest
- Block
- Liquidation

The main part of this set is Block, it would be sent in as a lead--which has a great match up on other leads, and block on the anticipated hazard. After killing the lead mon, you can use Carra later, and switch it into a mon that has an unfavorable matchup against Carracosta. Rest provides recovery, and allows Carracosta to sustain itself. Sustainability can be a huge issue if your only recovery is leftovers, so rest is great when the other mon has an unfavorable matchup against it. Stone Edge and Liquidation are just really strong stabs that take care of a lot of threats.

calcs

0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Archeops: 324-384 (111.3 - 131.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Archeops Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 135-160 (38.3 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Regirock Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Carracosta: 84-100 (23.8 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 56+ Def Regirock: 96-114 (26.3 - 31.3%) -- 9.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mesprit Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Carracosta: 120-142 (34 - 40.3%) -- 41.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mesprit: 109-130 (36.2 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Clefairy Seismic Toss vs. 252 HP Carracosta: 100-100 (28.4 - 28.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Clefairy: 136-162 (39.5 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (45 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Carracosta: 22-27 (6.2 - 7.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 128 Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 36-43 (12.3 - 14.7%) -- possible 7HKO

pinktidal's Z-Guard Swap Carracosta

Unaware? Don't Care

Carracosta @ Psychium Z
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Hydro Pump / Liquidation
- Guard Swap
- Shell Smash

Z Gaurd Swap allows Costa to muscle past its best check Pyukumuku (or atleast force it out, in exchange for a kill) after a Shell Smash. Gaurd Swap lets the user exchange stat drops for a clean slate when set up against an unaffected target, and when used alongside Psychium the user also gains an added boost to their speed stat. With the speed boost Costa isn't forced to Shell Smash again and can conserve bulk in order to handle priority moves better. A +3 speed stat also lets Costa outspeed every relevant scarfer in PU. Mons like CM Spiritomb, Clefairy, Type:Null, SR Mesprit, and Audino make for decent setup fodder

CALCS

+2 252+ Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. -1 252 HP / 216+ Def Unaware Pyukumuku: 145-172 (46.1 - 54.7%) -- 9.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Carracosta Stone Edge vs. -1 248 HP / 128 Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 149-176 (51.2 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

TEAM

Carracosta @ Psychium Z
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Stone Edge
- Hydro Pump
- Guard Swap
- Shell Smash

Mesprit @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Healing Wish
- U-turn

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 128 Def / 132 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball
- Protect

Weezing @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Toxic Spikes
- Taunt

Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Crunch
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Defog

Magmortar @ Life Orb
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Taunt

Other EV Spreads can be used depending on what you want to outspeed at +3. A few examples include: 36HP/+232Atk/240Spe to outpace Primape/Jynx, etc. These variations are typically ineffective unless the team supports the removal of whatever threat is still faster than +3 costa

TONE's Choice Band Carracosta

Carracosta @ Choice Band
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Liquidation
- Aqua Jet
- Toxic / Superpower

Basically your standard bulky wallbreaker set for those who wanna use Carracosta without wasting a turn setting up with Shell Smash. Everthing here is pretty straightforward with the last move being interchangeable depending on team needs. Toxic nails Gastrodon on the switch, whereas Superpower dents Ferroseed. This also can 2HKO stuff like Pyukumuku on the switch with Stone Edge with some prior damage:

252+ Atk Choice Band Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Pyukumuku: 142-168 (45.2 - 53.5%) -- 90.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Darkinium's RestTalk Carracosta

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 196 Def / 64 SpD
Relaxed / Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Stealth Rock / Rock Slide / Knock Off / Toxic
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Not an extremely large change, but RestTalk is extremely useful for giving Carracosta new life after it has been worn down by repeatedly switching into powerful offensive threats and entry hazards, the latter of which it detests greatly.

You have until Saturday to vote!

I will be voting for TONE's CB Carracosta. It is, in my opinion, the least gimmicky of all the nominations, and probably the one I'd most likely use on a real team.