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Garchomp @ Rockium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw
- Stone Edge
Greninja-Ash @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- Spikes
I built balance team with Garchomp and Greninja as my offensive core and thought i should share it . These two mons complement each other very nicely rockium z Garchomp lures in bulky grass types but unlike dragonium this also lures in Tapu Bulu which is one of the most common Greninja checks right now. This core also destroys most teams that rely on Bulu or Pex as the main Greninja check like Bulu Tran.
Grass spam core. Bulu's Grassy Terrain allows Serp to fire off monstrous Leaf Storms and setup more Substitutes. With Serp's Glare support, Bulu can beat faster threats like Heatran, allowing Serp to spam Leaf Storms more freely. Mons capable of beat Flyings like Torn-T and Zapdos are good teammates.
Regenerator core. Tang covers threats like Koko, Ash-Gren, and Zyg, while Torn-T covers the likes of Kart and M-Pins. This core fits into BO and balance builds that need to check aforementioned threats. Strong and bulky physical wallbreakers like Kyu-B and Ttar just fuck this core, so checks to them are great teammates.
(click sprites for imports)
Here's a pretty nifty defensive core I've been liking recently. Mega Scizor is a pretty good check to a lot of stuff that Fini fails to beat, like Magearna, Tapu Bulu, Zygarde, Kartana, Mega Mawile, and Kyurem-Black. It can also act as a soft check to Psychics like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and Mega Latios if you run the more SpDef invested spread (144 SpD Impish). Conversely, Tapu Fini's a great answer to some special attackers Scizor doesn't like in Ash-Greninja, Heatran, Volcarona, and Hydreigon. Whirlpool on Fini is definitely something to consider since you can remove Toxapex with it in conjunction with Taunt and Nature's Madness, which is one of the main Scizor answers in the tier. To expand on the core, I think Zapdos is a pretty good addition - it covers the Swords Dance Kartana, Hawlucha, and Mega Pinsir weakness while also being free to run 3 Attacks + Roost thanks to Fini covering Defog. All in all, a pretty solid core I think people should use more.
This core's seen pretty great success recently (see Jordy's team here, and I'm pretty sure ABR has a variant with Ash-Gren over Toxapex), so I think it's definitely worth a spot in the thread. The premise is fairly simple - Fleur + Focus Magearna pretty much smashes the entire tier outside of Toxapex, and Mega Alakazam abuses the shit out of that mon. Outside of that, Tapu Bulu can check Alakazam if healthy, and Magearna can setup on and break through it with a +1 Fairium Z. Magearna can also have have issues with Heatran, which Alakazam can switch in on.
Another fairly simple offensive core here - the two share quite a few checks in Toxapex, Tapu Bulu, and Tangrowth, meaning you can wear them down quite nicely. Spikes support from Greninja is fantastic as it really helps to wear down the three fat mons I just mentioned. Ash-Gren also abuses the fat Psychic-types that wall Mega Lopunny, like Reuniclus and Mew. They both bring some pretty great speed control to a team too, especially if you opt for Quick Attack on Lopunny. There's really not much else to say about this core, they just do a great job of overwhelming each others checks, and the two fit pretty snugly on BO. just noticed while writing that jordy already wrote about it, but it's not in the op so i thought i'd mention it again anyway
Kyurem's definitely proven that it's a force to be reckoned with, so I think a core featuring it should definitely be showcased. Kyurem loves Toxic Spikes support to wear down stuff like Mega Tyranitar, Gastrodon, and (Mega) Slowbro faster. Kyurem can also have some issues with Steel-types like Celesteela, Jirachi, and especially Mega Scizor, and Toxapex walls all three with ease. Bulky Volcarona's a bit of a roadblock for Kyurem too since it can boost it's SpDef with Quiver Dance, heal off any damage with Roost, and bypasses Substitute with Bug Buzz. Toxapex's utility is twofold here, punishing Volcarona with Toxic Spikes and being able to wall it quite comfortably, having an even easier time if opting to run Toxic over Haze. Toxapex also absorbs opposing Toxic Spikes which is pretty important considering how weak Kyurem is to them.
This is a very solid defensive core. Pex the special defense wall and mage is on the defensive side. Pex loses to stuff like reuni hoopa lele zam mmaw etc mage deals with reuni mmaw and hoopa very well while checking lele zam to an extent while also providing a solid dark resist. Mage also helps vs stall which balance appreciates.
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 232 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
Celesteela + Tangrowth is an excellent defensive core which cover each other's weaknesses very well - aside from an inherent weakness to Heatran which adding Mega Tyranitar helps with amazingly, since Corkscrew Crash Heatran is declining in usage. Steela + Tangrowth also help out Mega-Tyranitar by checking some common threats to it such as Tapu Lele, Zygarde and Ash Greninja.
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 128 SpD / 128 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
Hello everyone! Today, I’m here with a rather odd core with a moveset that is not readily used, yet still viable. Specially defensive Heatran alongside sleeptalk garchomp is a reliable bulky offense core. Heatran’s ability to protect Garchomp from ice attacks with its special defense stat with garchomps ability to check fighting attacks with both it’s typing and following damage along with ground type protection allows this set to flourish and let off monstrous blows against unexpecting opponents.
Keldeo is a pretty annoying Wallbreaker to deal for mons like Ferrothorn, Chansey, Tangrowth, and others. However, it tends to have problems with Toxapex, Tapus, and Tornadus, making this Greninja set the perfect partner, due to it's luring capabilities and Spikes support. On the other hand, Greninja cannot reliably break trough Steel- and Fire types, which tends to be Keld's breakfast. For better results, a Pursuit trapper can be used to remove Mega Lati@s, Megabro and (potencially) Megazam.
calm mind mega latias + toxic spikes has been a core on the rise for a few months now, and it seems to have reached what one can probably assume is peak usage with 5 instances in the first 20 games of spl. the core has great defensive synergy with toxapex handling the majority of mega latias' hard stops, while also setting up toxic spikes to wear down a number of defensive switchins. mega latias opts to run stored power + calm mind + recover in most instances, but the last move is flexible; generally ice beam is chosen to hit the likes of garchomp and kartana, however other options like surf or thunderbolt can also be used to hit the likes of heatran and celesteela. on the other hand, toxapex can run pretty much any combination of moves and ev/nature, so the spread listed is just ripped from the dex; consider it a placeholder.
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spl replays: sabella vs tamahome | sacri' vs bharath_thebest
while tornadus-t is definitely the best pokemon ou has ever witnessed, meaning it works well with almost any partner; tapu lele works particularly well in tandem. tornadus-t's ability to check the likes of kartana and landorus-t is certainly appreciated, however the ability to knock off steel-types such as magearna or heatran, or draw in passive pokemon such as toxapex or rotom-w (bringing in tapu lele safely with u-turn) are far greater boons, and are the main factors enabling this core to be successful. the sets here have a lot of variance; z-move tornadus-t combined with a choice specs tapu lele would enable the core to work both ways; with tapu lele being able to bust through pokemon that would otherwise stand in tornadus-t's way. however, tornadus could also opt for rocky helmet, making it a better pivot defensively, and tapu lele could opt for z-move to break down the likes of heatran or celesteela. the sets here, once again, are placeholders.
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spl replays: bro fist vs 1 true lycan | tamahome vs empo | finchinator vs talah | sacri' vs bharath_thebest | mana vs imsosorrylol
protean greninja has seemed to enjoy a little bit of a resurgence since the zygarde ban, and alakazam seems to be one of the more popular teammate choices. both are fast and have good coverage making this a pretty potent offensive core. greninja's ability to set spikes and break down steel-types often facilitate mega alakazam running through the 6 in the lategame, however, mega alakazam can also be used to put on midgame pressure; threatening pokemon such as toxapex, and weakening things like celesteela and tapu bulu. placeholder sets once again, alakazam could be calm mind + 2 attacks, encore, whatever else; greninja can be physical, special, or mixed; z-move, life orb, expert belt etc.
click
Nice stall core. M-Aggron is capable of checking most physical attackers in the tier but has troubles vs M-Medi and strong special attackers like Heatran. That's where specially defensive Mew comes in. It handles M-Medi and Heatran while providing Defog support, which is vital for M-Aggron.
Much like old good LandoGear but with added benefit in checking most Heatran variants.
Cele checks Psychics that can overwhelm Gastro like Lele and M-Zam, as well as some physical threats like Kart and M-Sciz. Gastro in return checks Fires such as Heatran and Blace, as well as Electrics like Koko and Zone. Checking Ash-Gren is nice too. As you can see, the core is really similar to infamous CelePex which got better after Zygod's ban.
Keldeo appreciates Grasses like Amoong and Bulu, as well as bulky Psychics like M-Eon Duo and Reuni being weakened by Torn. In return, Torn enjoys Ttar and Heatran being smashed by Keldeo. The combination of Scald and Knock Off is also pretty annoying for defensive backbones.
Amoonguss becomes much better with Zygarde's ban, one of it's best partners is Mega Slowbro; they form a Regenerator core prior to Slowbro mega evolving and can take on most of each other's threats. Mega Slowbro can take on Heatran, Mega Charizard X, Mega Medicham, and Protean Greninja. While Amoonguss deals with Ash-Greninja, Tapu Bulu, Kartana, Electric-types, and most Magearna variants that pressure Mega Slowbro. Amoonguss also absorbs Toxic Spikes which are troublesome for Mega Slowbro. Aside from taking on a bunch of offensive threats they can also be a pain to switch into due to their ability to spread status with Spore, Toxic, or potentially Stun Spore/Thunder Wave.
Bulky Volcarona appreciates Tapu Fini for multiple reasons. It can pivot into Heatran or Toxapex, two of Volcarona's best counters and weaken them with Nature's Madness + Taunt, it can also Defog against multiple hazard setters such as bulky Garchomp and Heatran. Tapu Fini also provides Misty Terrain which allows Volcarona to set up without worrying about status from Pokemon like Clefable, Gliscor, or Amoonguss. In return Volcarona takes on Tapu Bulu, Kartana, and Mega Mawile.
Mega Garchomp has gained some usage in tournaments recently, many teams will struggle with it's high power and EdgeQuake coverage. In sand, after a Swords Dance boost it can KO Pokemon such as Celesteela, Rotom-W, and Tapu Bulu after Stealth Rock without needing to rely on a Z-move. Tyranitar is the most common sand setter, the Choice Band set forms a strong offensive core with Mega Garchomp and can Pursuit trap Mega Latios and Mega Latias who could otherwise check it with Ice Beam. An Assault Vest set can be used aswell to check Mega Alakazam and Volcarona who are otherwise threatening to certain sand teams. Hippowdon is a less common sand setter although it's much better at checking physical attackers and staying healthy for longer while providing Stealth Rock.
Ash-Greninja + Tornadus-T has been a good core since forever and I'm honestly surprised it hasn't been brought up yet. This core synergizes nicely, because Ash-Greninja tends to struggle with Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss, which Tornadus-T can consistently pressure. Furthermore, Ferrothorn will often break down quickly to the pressure that Ash-Greninja and Tornadus-T can put on it together. In addition to all this, Tornadus-T can also remove Toxapex's Black Sludge, leaving it a lot more pressured while checking Ash-Greninja.
Considering that Rotom-W is now a true check to Ground-types, this core has been picking up some steam recently. Besides Rotom-W checking Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp, it also draws in Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu, which Heatran can take advantage of.
GRASS+WATER
Grass and water types go hand in hand in OU, with water being able to check Heatran for grass types, while grass in turn checks Bulu and Koko for the water types, and with Ash-Gren being so good right now, both of them can work as a check, relieving pressure off each other to preform there roles better. They also commonly form utility cores together, with hazards, Defog and status all at their disposal. While you can't just pick any water and grass to make a core, most of them do however work, and in this post I will be highlighting these, and pointing out there niche over each other as they all check similar mons. Some of these cores have already been covered in other posts, so I will link to the original instead. I will be sorting out cores into there best fit team archetype, though many will fit into more than one, so I'll list them under there most common.
Bulky Offence
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Rotom-W and Ferrothorn pair really nicely together, forming a hazard defog core while checking each others weaknesses well. Rotom-W can check ground types for Ferrothorn which Ferro can be pressured by due to its lack of resist compared to other grasses, while Ferro in turn can check Ash Gren better, as Rotom-W commonly runs phys def. Rotom-W also provides Volt Switch for the team, potentially completing volt turn cores or just providing momentum for the team, as well as other utility in status conditions with Wisp and Twave.
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Tapu Fini and Ferrothorn work very well together, and is to be noted that they cover each others type perfectly as well as resisting, 15 out the 18 types between the two. They also form a compact utility core, by covering both hazards and removal. They greatly reduce opposing pressure off each other, increasing longevity, as when Ferrothorn sets up Spikes, forcing the opposing team to defog more, meaning Fini doesn't need to switch in as much to Defog, while Fini can switch in to Ash Gren more easily, stopping Ferro from getting weakened as easily by Dark Pulse. Ferro can also pass Leech Seeds to Fini on common switchins such as Heatran increasing Finis longevity if played well.
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Another popular pairing on bulky offence, Tapu Bulu makes up for Rotom-W being susceptible to Ash-Greninja, while in turn appreciating faster mons being Twave by Washtom, allowing Bulu to SD and blow past them. Rotom-W can check steel types such as M.Scizor and Celesteela, which try shut down Bulu, and also checking flying types such as TornT and M.Pinsir which Bulu does not appreciate as much compared to Ferrothorn. With Bulus raw power, and Rotom-Ws nice coverage with water electric stab, this core pressures ground and water types a lot more easily than others.
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Very similar pairing to the above, though it differentiates itself with Tangrowths increased longevity, and being a better check to the likes of Tapu Bulu for Rotom-W and will appreciates the support of Wisp from Rotom-W over Twave, allowing it to better check physical threats. Once again Rotom-W covers Tangrowths flying weakness very well, as well as gaining momentum off of potential switch-ins such as M.Scizor and Heatran.
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Tangrowth has increased longevity over Ferrothorn, while checking special attackers such as Tapu Lele and M.Alakazam far better, relieving a lot of the pressure placed on Fini to check these, thus increasing Finis longevity. Tangrowth also appreciates Finis Terrain, avoiding Tspikes and Toxics, common ways used to wear down Tangrowth.
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Slowbro Tangrowth form a solid Regenerator core together, as well as possessing synergistic stats, with Tangrowth covering special attacks such as Ash Gren and Koko, while Slowbro can cover the physical side, checking M.Medicham, Lucha and the likes, managing to cover most of the metagame between the two.
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Once again Amoonguss apreciates Rotoms ability to check flying types such as TornT, while Amoonguss can absorb Tspikes, reducing the need for Rotom-W to Defog as much. Amoonguss can also provide status in Spore and Stun Spore, freeing up a move slot in Rotom, allowing it to run Pain Split to increase longevity, or another status, forming an annoying status core for teams to deal with.
Balance
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Often with a Celesteela tacked on the end, though most defensive steel types will probably work, Toxapex has the ability to checking fighting types for Ferrothorn, as well as providing Tspikes, not only wearing down its checks but some of Ferros checks as well. This is probably the most common defensive core on balance at the moment.
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A nice hazard Defog core for balance, as Mantine has both longevity and better defences over Fini, allowing it to stay healthy throughout matches while still resisting fighting stab for Ferro. Mantine can much better check Volcarnona than its competition, as it can check almost every set Volc throws at it, with Sub Swarm being the only one with potential, although this needs +4 to Ohko. This core is more suceptable to Taunt Keldeo however.
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Tapu Bulu can cover Slowbros more passive nature, by beating mons such as Reuniclus which will try take advantage of Slowbro. Slowbro can also check wallbreakers such as M.Medi and Flying types such as Hawlucha which will try and take advantage of Bulu in turn. Slowbro also appreciates Terrain recovery, especially with mega, as it loses leftovers recovery.
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Similar to above Tapu Bulu can provide checks to Reuniclus and other mons trying to take advantage of Mantines more passive nature through SD, while providing terrain for teammates to take advantage of both offensively and defensively, while Mantine can potentially Toxic many of Tapu Bulus checks, allowing Bulu to eventually break past them.
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Tangrowth works well with Mantine due to its increased longevity over Bulu and Ferro, and doesn't lose turns recovering unlike M.Venu, not letting up as many free turns. Tangrowth also appreciates the removal of Tspikes, which Mantine can Defog at anytime with no risk of being Poisoned unlike Fini, while keeping long term healthy, allowing it to check Volcarona which will try take advantage of Tangrowth.
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M.Venusaur can remove Tspikes for Fini, which otherwise become annoying to Defog, as Fini will have to come in while its Terrain is still up to remove them. M.Venusaur is also an amazing check to Magearna, which is now running more offensive sets again, and Kartana when its not running SteeliumZ or NormaliumZ, both of these mons can break Bulu and Ferro with ease for the most part. Fini Defogs for M.Venusaur, which does not appreciates hazard damage, as its forces it to Synthesis more, which already has low pp.
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Probably the fattest of all the cores so far, M.Venusaur can check Magearna running Thunderbolt for Mantine, while Mantine can remove hazards which M.Venu is particularly susceptible too due to low Synthesis pp, and work as a blanket special check. Mantine has far more longevity as a water type Defoger over Fini due to its access to Roost. A bulky steel such as Celeteela is recommended as Specs Lele blasts through this core. Both of these have reliable recovery, making them more difficult to wear down over time
I missed out a lot of potential pairings as I haven't seen any use of them together on ladder or in tournament play, so don't know enough about them to not speculate.
Simple concept behind this core: nearly everything that walls one member is taken care of by the other. Lele hates steel types, which Zard Y eats for breakfast. Zard Y is walled by Toxapex and Latios/Latias; Lele cleanly OHKOs these and gets a free switchin on the latter two.
The two "exceptions" to this are Chansey and Heatran. However, Chansey is 2HKO'd by Specs Psyshock, and Heatran does little back to Charizard Y anyway (unless it's offensive tran, in which case it can be OHKO'd by Focus Blast / nearly 2HKO'd by Specs Psychic).
Good partners include: Victini, who appreciates this core's ability to break down Heatran/Ttar and benefits from the terrain/weather changes (ie. V-create/ZHB gets powered up, scarf variants are no longer constantly forced out by the the threat of Water Shuriken). Electric-types, which are capable of threatening Celesteela + Toxapex cores and forcing in Grass-types for Charizard to take advantage of.
Tapu Bulu @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 84 HP / 248 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Stone Edge
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 196 SpD / 64 Spe
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Iron Head
- U-turn
Garchomp @ Rockium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
This balance core of Bulu/Rachi/Chomp works quite well in the current metagame. Bulu hurts everything with Wood Hammer, but is slow and hates Lele and Zam coming in afterwards, as well as having only Horn Leech and Grassy Terrain to act as recovery. Jirachi patches the majority of these issues, with it's stellar Dual typing and access to Wish. However, both are walled to high noon by Celesteela and Toxapex, Heatran eats both of them, and Bulu really misses Stealth Rocks, so Garchomp is here. Garchomp provides the aftermentioned Stealth Rocks, a Celepex breaker, a Heatran switch-in, and a pretty good speed tier to outrun stuff like Opposing Jirachi, Heatran, Volcarona, Zapdos, etc. Garchomp also really appreciates Wish Support from Jirachi and the passive grassy terrain healing from Bulu, However, it should be noted that Grassy Terrain does half Earthquake's Damage. Both JIrachi and Bulu appreciate Garchomp removing Zapdos and Celesteela.
talah is stepping down as host from this thread and I'll be taking over. On that note, I've completely revamped the cores! I'll try to update this at least once per month.
Magearna @ Fairium Z
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 224 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Calm Mind
- Pain Split
- Fleur Cannon
- Thunderbolt
28 EVs on Defense allows Magearna to survive Landorus-T's Earthquake from full health, while 8 EVs on SpD are for avoid the 2HKO from Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast
Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 224 SpD / 36 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Volt Switch
- Fleur Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Iron Head
36 EVs on Speed allows Magearna to outspeed Clefable, and hit it with Iron Head though it's boosts
Magearna @ Leftovers
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 232 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 6 Spe
- Heart Swap
- Pain Split
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
6 IVs on speed allows Magearna to underspeed Celesteela, and absorb Leech Seed as it switches out with Volt Switch
Alakazam-M supports Magearna well, as it has good matchups against two of the most common Mage checks: Heatran and Toxapex. Knock Off is really useful in this case, as it gives both an easier time at sweeping by removing Assault Vest from Tangrowth and opposing Magearna, Leftovers from a lot of different targets, Choice Scarf from Landorus-T, Eviolite from Chansey, etc. On the other hand, Mage is able to handle Dark Types (and Chansey, if you prefer Sets B) and replace Alakazam on the Late Game if necessary/handle Stall.
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Garchomp @ Rockium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
- Stealth Rock
Similar to Megazam, Chomp has a good matchup against Tran and Pex, but trading reliable recovery and speed for a superior wallbreaking prowess / being able to slowly chip down a dangerous foe and Stealth Rocks. Mega Chomp has the benefit of luring Ferrothorn over it base form, meaning it covers Steels better than Regular Chomp at the cost of some speed. Both Set A and Set C are amazing partners.
Sets C and D and Rotom-W can handle a lot of scary threats, thanks to each other covering their weaknesses while forming a Voltturn core for Bulky Offense teams. Magearna handles the many dangerous Special Attackers of the tier, while Rotom switches into Ground Type attacks and burns opposing Pokémon. The given EV spread on Rotom-W allows it to Volt Switch out of Choice Band Bulu, as it commonly runs 230 speed.
This core is a more defensive approach of the Mage + Chomp core, and thus fits better on Balances and some stall teams. Set D is the best set IMO for this core, as it tends to find itself on teams weak to setup attackers such as Calm Mind Tapu Lele.
Sets:
Tapu Fini @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 68 SpD / 192 Spe
Calm Nature
- Moonblast
- Nature's Madness
- Taunt
- Knock Off / Defog
Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Stealth Rock
- Wish
Well, the core idea es basically that clefable wishes Tapu Fini, doing less necessary to have a secondary ash Greninja check, as well as keeping Tapu Fini healthy, and Tapu Fini can check things like Greninja ash, non-gunk shot a Greninja Protean, Heatran, Keldeo and Volcarona
By the other way, clefable Can decently check pokemon that Tapu Fini don’t like switching like fighting types as Mega Lopunny and mega medicham, some grass types as tangrowth, and strong atackers as Mega Tyranitar
This core should be paired with bulky steel types like celesteela or spd Heatran, cause strong psychic types like Tapu Lele Can break this core easily
To finish, electric types can easily break this core spamming thunderbolt, so, ground or grass types like tangrowth, hippowdon and gliscor are great partners
Specs Lele reeks havoc on builds lacking Celesteela, Jirachi, or Magearna. Z Ground Protean Greninja lures in Jirachi and Magearna for Lele, as well as setting spikes to help wear down everything else for Tapu Lele. In return, Tapu Lele lures in Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn with Hidden Power Fire, as well as just smashes things in general. Only real issue is Celesteela, which can be dealt with if you don't struggle as much vs Mage and Jirachi, by making Greninja's Dig+Ground Z into Low Kick+Fightinium Z.
Serp+TTar is something I've not used as much, but it does work quite efficiently. Basically, Serperior Glares things and knocks off items off of things like Celesteela. Serperior also breaks fat waters, which TTar struggles with sometimes. In return, TTar annoys steels, fires, and flyings like Heatran, Magearna, Tornadus-Therian etc. with Earthquake/Fire Punch/Edge respectively. It's quite a fun core to use, and I recommend you all try it out. Only real annoyance is missing Edge, but not much you can do about that.
Been liking this offensive core with Mega Latios and Magnezone.
Jordy mentioned how Mega Latios is an underrated pick in the current meta and I feel the same way. When paired with Magnezone, the pokemon that usually check Latios (bulky steels) have to fear getting trapped. Mega Latios handles some of the steels that Magnezone has trouble trapping such as Heatran and Jirachi. To round it all off, the two have perfect type synergy.
Unless I'm not seeing something, there seems to be quite a few well known cores missing, so I'm just going to add them to ones I had planned already to make a big dump.
Offensive Cores
Can be used on Offence to Balance, little to no defensive synergy, just offensive synergy taken into account.
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Tapu Koko @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty / Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- U-turn
- Taunt
Probably the recognisable core in gen7, Tapu Koko brings in Kyurem-B on Grass and Ground types brought in to check Tapu Koko, and blast them with strong mixed Bolt Beam coverage, with Fusion Bolt being bolstered by electric terrain. A truly fearsome and proven strategy. The Koko set is very interchangeable for the team, I went with Z-Wild Charge to nuke the likes of Chansey, Jirachi and AV Magearna which can otherwise cause problems for Kyurem-B.
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Tapu Koko @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 32 HP / 88 Def / 172 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost
Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Thunder Punch
- Fire Fang / Brick Break
Tapu Koko @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost
Very similar to the cores above and below, Tapu Koko once again helps bring M.Mawile in on slow bulky Pokemon, allowing M.Mawile to in turn smash through them. Terrain boosts Thunder Punch for Celeteela, Toxapex and generally a powerful pseudo stab with nice coverage. Shuca allows Tapu Koko to pressure Ground types which annoy M.Mawile, such as Landorus-T and Garchomp. LO is an option I've been experimenting around with, while Koko is now forced out by Scarf LandoT, it provides much more power in general, while also pressuring Ground types slower with a strong Hp Ice, Ohkoing Gliscor after Rocks and Offensive Garchomp after a Spike. Shuca Kokos EVs are just the standard from the analysis.
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Tapu Koko @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 32 HP / 88 Def / 172 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost
M.Charizard X more so appreciates Kokos ability to weaken Ground types, most notably LandoT which is a common offensive check to M.Charizard X. M.Charizard X also likes the bulky Grass types Koko often brings in a lot more too, being able to both blast them with Flare Blitz or use them as set up opportunities, though Twave from Ferrothorn and other status should be scouted. 3 Attacks is another option to be used, being able to better use the Grass types to fire off powerful attacks with its increased coverage. 3 Attacks can use Thunder Punch to slap Toxapex and Fini, and while Fini removes terrain Toxapex dies to Flare Blitz in to terrain boosted Tpunch after Rocks.
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Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam
Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Ice Punch
- Thunder Punch
A very popular core on the ladder at the moment it seems. The Koko set is very interchangeable again as its main use is to provide a pivot into slow fat mons and terrain to boost Tpunch, allowing M.Medicham to 2hko a lot of its common checks. Specs allows Koko to smack the M.Latis, which can work as switch ins to HJK while forcing M.Medicham out. Tapu Koko also has the benefit of switching in to Flynig type moves from the likes of Torn-T, gaining quick momentum for M.Medi from its potential revengers.
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Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Drain Punch
Hoops4U forms a nice Dark Spam core with M.Gyarados, breaking down M.Gyarados's checks through either sheer forces of Hyperspace Fury alone, or the use of its coverage moves, smacking Fini and Bulu with Gunk Shit, and Magearna with Fire Punch. Once Dark type checks have been sufficiently weakened, M.Gyara can DD up and will find it much easier to sweep. U-Turn is particularly annoying for this core, especially from Scarf LandoT and Scarf Greninja, so being paired up with Tank Chomp, Ferro, Helmet TornT or Static Zapdos is very appreciated by the two.
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 244 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Pretty straight foward core, Greninja can remove either Heatran or Toxapex with Z-Dig, being two of M.Scizors greatest checks. Spikes help weaken the opposing team in to range of boosted Bullet Punch. M.Scizors Knock Off can remove Lefties and Berries from Greninjas checks, such as Rotom-W and Fini, freeing up Greninjas Spiking opportunities.
Bulky Offensive Cores
Provides both some offence and defensive synergy, perfect for Bulky Offences and Balances.
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Garchomp @ Rockium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Swords Dance
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 244 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Very similar to the old Zygarde + M.Scizor core, Garchomp and M.Scizor share amazing type synergy, with M.Scizor covering Garchomps Ice, Dragon and Fairy weakness, while Garchomp can work as a solid Heatran and Fire type switch in for M.Scizor, being able to pressure it with both SD and Stealth Rocks once M.Scizor has removed its Lefties with Knock Off. Garchomp can also break nicely for M.Scizor, pressuring all of its defensive checks with EQ hitting Pex, Heatran and Magnezone while Z-Stone Edge blows up Zapdos, Rotom-W and Celesteela at +2. The M.Scizor spread is the current standard spread on the analysis.
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Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 116 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 244 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Roost
M.Scizor is able cover Tyranitars Bug, Fairy, Steel and Grass weakness, being able to switch into Kartana, Bulu and others, while Tyranitar can help check Heatran and switch in to Fire moves in general for M.Scizor. Tyranitars raw power and solid stab coverage is able to break many physically defensive walls for M.Scizor and can Pursuit trap key threats, either removing them or putting them in range of M.Scizors sweep, being able to pressure Heatran and Zapdos this way. Sand Storm only adds to this, chipping down anything without Leftovers, while M.Scizor can remove the rest with Knock Off, increasing the opponents need to use recovery moves or quickly limiting switch ins, especially when combined with Hazards. EVs on Tyranitar allow it to outpace 0 Speed Bulu and M.Scizor while the rest is put in bulk.
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Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch
It may seem counter productive to run Tapu Bulu with M.Tyranitar at first, due to the fact that Sand Storm limits Synthesis health recovered, and neutralises Leftovers, halving passive recovery, but Bulu still finds many opportunities to Synthesis, and gain health through boosted Horn Leechs, and the benefits M.Tyranitar and Bulu give each other can't be ignored either. Bulu's terrain gives M.Ttar both passive recovery and resistance to Earthquake, while Bulu covers its Water, Fighting, Grass and Ground weakness, while in turn M.Tyranitar pressures Bulus checks, with Stone Edge smacking Zapdos, Torn-T and Heatran, while also chipping them with Pursuit, and Fire Punch nailing Ferrothorn and M.Scizor while denting Celesteela as well as the other Steel types. EVs allow Tapu Bulu to outpace Crawdaunt for M.Tyranitar, then the rest is put into bulk.
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Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 196 SpD / 64 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Stealth Rock
- Secret Power
Probably my favourite core to use while building. A similar core to this has already been posted, this version is more defensive, and also provides a nice tech in Secret Power, allowing Jirachi to punish switch ins, Sleeping Rotom-W and Zapdos, who don't fear paralysis, in terrain, while outside of terrain can paralyse Heatran and Ground types looking to switch in. Bulu really likes the status Jirachi provides; Heatran being paralysed allows Bulu to Ko it with Super Power, Sleeping Rotom-W can't Will'o'Wisp and Zapdos can't Heat Wave, allowing Bulu to boost. In turn Jirachi appreciates the terrain, doubling its passive recovery and resisting EQ. While a Fire type check is needed, Jirachi and Bulu cover most of the meta games special attacks, alleviating the pressure off each other with the ones they joint check, creating flexibility during matches. EVs allow Jirachi to outpace max speed Magearna while the rest is put into bulk. Heres two replays of Secret Power in action: 1 & 2
Tapu Fini provides Defog which is essential for M.Charizard X as it is quickly worn down by hazards. Misty terrain is also amazing for M.Charizard X, blocking status, making setting up safer on the likes of Toxapex, Ferrothorn and Clefable while anything relying on status to stop its sweep is shutdown. The terrain also reduces damage of the rare Dragon type moves for M.Zard X. In turn Charizard X provides some defensive utility for Fini, being able to switch in to certain Grass and Electric type attacks, and pressure Grass for Fini in general. Tapu Finis EVs allow it to live +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Rocks in a pinch, while the SpAtk EVs ensure Moonblat Ohkos Hawlucha without the SpDef raise after Rocks. Speed EVs are for Crawdaunt while the rest is put into SpDef.
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Camerupt @ Cameruptite
Ability: Magma Armor
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Nature Power
- Stealth Rock
Tapu Bulu @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Stone Edge
Tapu Koko @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 32 HP / 88 Def / 172 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost
M.Camerupt really enjoys terrain support from Fini, Koko and Bulu, as it allows for Sheer Force boosted pseudo stab Nature Power to smack Rotom-W and Gastrodon in Grassy, M.Latias and Latios in Misty, and hit Water types in general in Electric. M.Camerupt also has great synergy with the 3. Bulus terrain also provides passive recovery, while Bulu itself cover Camerupts Water and Ground weaknesses and Camerupt helps check Bulus Fire, Steel and Poison weaknesses. Bulu also appreciates Camerupts ability to roast Grass and Steel types. Fini also covers Camerupts Water weakness while in turn covering Finis Electric weakness while also pressuring Grass types. Misty also helps in stopping Camerupt from being Toxic'd or other status with its terrain. Fini provides Defog support, forming a hazard core freeing up teambuilding. Lastly Koko can pressure Ground types, with Shuca, for Camarupt while bringing it in of Grass types with U-Turn. M.Camerupts EVs are from the current analysis.
Balance / Semi Stall Cores
Purely defensive cores which find them selves best suited for Balance and Semi Stall builds due to loss of momentum.
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 232 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
Mainly here just for the type synergy, as Gliscor can cover Heatran, non Hp Ice Zapdos, and Electric moves like Volt Switch in general, while in turn Celesteela can cover powerful Psychic types, M.Latias and Latios as well as random Ice coverage, and Grass types, such as Bulu. Gliscors set is very interchangeable, but SD is nice on hazard stack teams along with Celesteela, which resists most hazards, while adding on to the chip with Leech Seed and Protect stalling. Both Gliscors and Celesteelas EVs are from the current analysis.
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 28 Def / 232 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
M.Latias and Celesteela have really nice type synergy, with M.Latias covering Celesteelas Electric and Fire type weakness, being able to switch in and pressure Heatran with Surf, while in turn Celsteela covers M.Latias's Fairy, Dragon and Bug weaknesses, being able to check M.Scizor, Tapu Lele and M.Latios in turn, while Heavy Slam pressures Clefable, which can be a nusance to hazard stack teams, while Flamethrower to pressure Steel types. Celseteela also greatly appreciates M.Latias's speed for a defensive mon, allowing it to revenge Garchomp, Kartana and other threatening boost breakers. Once again both make a great pairing for hazard stack teams, being resistant to most hazards, and both forcing a lot of switches, with M.Latias due to its coverage, and Celesteela with Leech Seed.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 24 Def / 232 SpD
Careful Nature
- Power Whip
- Thunder Wave / Protect
- Leech Seed
- Spikes / Stealth Rock
While type synergy is a little different, Ferrothorn is nice for basically the exact same reasoning as Celseteela, expect Ferrothorn provides the hazards for M.Latias to forces switches with. M.Latias also really likes Thunder Wave crippling faster mons, allowing it to revenge more. While Ferro isn't able to pressure Steel types and Fairy types as well at all, it makes up for in helping check Ash-Greninja better and a good match up vs Rain. Ferrothorn EVs are the standard analysis.
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Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Ice Beam
- Soft-Boiled
- Stealth Rock
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 24 Def / 232 SpD
Careful Nature
- Power Whip
- Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
While this core is already in the archive, this is a slightly different Clefable set which pairs excellently with Ferrothorn to make my soon to be favourite core. Clefable with Ice Beam combined with Ferrothorn heavily pressure all the common defensive Defogers at the moment, with Ice Beam nailing Torn-T and Gliscor, while Moonblast threatens M.Latias, in turn Power Whip slams Rotom-W and Fini, allowing amazing pressure to be put on the opponents Defogers, which is great for hazard teams. Clefable EVs allow it to not be 2hkoed by M.Zam Psychic while the rest is put into defence.
Here's a core that takes advantage of a mon that everyone sleeps on, but can destroy teams when used right, it's ya boi Terrakion, and his mutual friend, Serperior!
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Terrakion @ Rockium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Substitute
The core is based around Sub+SD Terrakion and Sub+Glare Serperior. The Terrakion set is meant to use the paralysis support from Serperior in order to set up Substitute and Swords Dance on certain Pokemon. With a Swords Dance and a Substitute under its belt, Terrakion is nearly impossible to revenge kill, and will absolutely smash balance and stall teams. Sub+Glare Serperior is a nightmare for most teams, as it's rather easy to bluff a Choice Scarf vs things like Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Landorus-Therian, and set up a Substitute, then start Glaring everything in front of it.
On top of this, things that Serperior would normally hate to face, like Heatran, Chansey, and Tangrowth, get rocked (no pun intended) by Terrakion. This core is also a nightmare to face for stall, as they are both mons that are hard to switch into and get a lot of setup opportunities vs the more passive mons stall runs.
Not only is Koko immune to Glare, but it also naturally faster than both Serperior and Terrakion. Unless it's Specs or that whack Brave Bird set, it can't OHKO Serperior from full, but it threatens both of them out regardless. A mon that can beat Koko is highly recommended to pair with this core.
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Both Terrakion and Serperior can kill Greninja, but only if it switches in for some reason. Terrakion instantly dies to any Water type move Greninja uses, and Serperior dies to Specs Dark Pulse from Ash-Greninja. Serperior can switch in on Water Shuriken however. For Protean variants, your best answer is paralyzing it as soon as possible, and scouting its moves. A fast/bulky Grass type like AV Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Kartana are great mons to pair with this core to solve this issue.
This mon is only really a problem if it sets up Shift Gear/Trick Room, so things that can check it regardless are good partners, or you could just paralyze it on the switch-in with Serperior.
Sp.Def variants need +2 Continental Crush in order to beat with Terrakion, and Sub+Glare Serperior simply can't touch this thing. Scarf variants outspeed and kill both unless Terrakion is behind a Substitute, but paralyzing it with Serperior neutralizes that. Mons like Zapdos that can always switch into Tapu Bulu make this core's life a lot easier, and lures like Gunk Shot Ash-Greninja completely remove this mon from the equation.
edit: changed serp's ability to contrary and made some changes to text
Remember when I said I'd update this once per month? Well I don't. Anyway, I've added a bunch of cores and made changes to some others. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
Grassy Terrain's ability to boost grass type attacks and weaken ground moves allows it to be one of the strongest terrains in the USUM OU metagame. Kartana, with it's powerful grass type STAB, and Heatran, with it's immense weakness to ground type attacks, are obvious choices for combining with Bulu's deadly terrain. Offensive/Balanced Core
Heatran (Heatran) @ Firium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
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Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 180 SpD / 76 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Protect
- Stealth Rock
This core revolves around Grass spamming with Bulu setting up terrain, and Kartana clicking Leaf Blade and taking lifes. Heatran deals with a lot of this core's weaknesses, like Fire types in Volcarona, the Zards, other Heatrans, Ice types like Weavile and Kyurem-Black, and Bulky Flying types, or Bulky Grass types, such as Zapdos, Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, Tornadus-T and Mega-Venusaur, while also setting up rocks, which helps Kartana sweep. Heatran also enjoys the weakened ground moves.
About the specific sets: Kartana's best sets in this core are Band or Z, since Scarf doesn't abuse the Grassy Terrain as much as the others do , it's still usable tho. I particularly prefer to use Banded Kart, since it allows me to put the z on my Heatran, and have the core be more offensive. Talking about Heatran, his two sets for this core are Firium Z, and Specially Defensive. Again, Specially Defensive is used when Kartana takes the Z-Move slot, it also makes the core much more passive. Firium Z is for more easily taking down Bulky Grasses or Flying types, and the maximum speed investment in the Z set is for outspeeding most Heatrans.
Bulu is here for these main reasons: setting up terrain, checking Ash-Greninja, Toxapex and Landorus-Therian(Kartana under terrain can also do that), but it can still do much more. Leech Seed+Protect is preferred over SD and Synthesis because the core already has enough breaking power with Kartana and Heatran(mainly the Z set), and Bulu doesn't need Synthesis to heal up, Leech Seed is a good awnser to Flying types, while also healing Bulu.
Heatran:
Heatran can shred the team if my own Heatran is dead, Scarf or Baloon Tran can simply kill my own Lava Frog and proceed to OHKO Kart and 2HKO Bulu.
My best weapon agains this threat is my own Heatran and keeping rocks up to chip it down as much as possible
Groundium-Z Weavile/Gren and Scarf Kyurem Black:
Weav/Gren can force my Bulu to switch out, set up SD(In Weavile's case), kill the Heatran with Z-Dig, and click buttons.
Kyurem B can kill the Heatran with Earth Power, and then die to my Kartana. OR if it's scarf it can kill my Heatran, switch out, and click Ice Beam to win.
My best weapon against these threats are Stealth Rocks, baiting out the Z in Weavile/Protean Greninja's case, and keeping my Heatran safe.
Sand Teams
In Short, Sand Rush Excadrill destroys this core after Kartana is weakened. if Kart is healthy, or at least in a more favorable HP condition, it can take on Drill, preferably after Grassy Terrain is set.
HP Ground Volcarona
This one is serious business, it can set up on Bulu, and then proceed to wipe my team out of existence, the best way to check it is with rocks, and by baiting a fire move with Kart or Tapu Bulu, switching to Heatran, baiting out the HP Ground, and then switching to Kartana to kill it. But Kart only kills it after some prior damage is taken by Volcarona, so yeah, no rocks, no win against Volcarona.
Let's remember that all of this core's weaknesses can be dealt with by the other 3 mons you're gonna use in a team. Volcarona isn't insta-win because you can have a Gastrodon or Quagsire.
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