Alrighty everyone, I've been playing Pokemon since the days of R/B/Y, but X/Y (with its much-improved competitive breeding options and finally accessible EV training) has finally encouraged me to get into competitive battling. This is my first competitive team, so I'm looking for some advice. This is a Pokebank OU (6th Gen) team. It currently wins at a rate of about 70%, and that would be slightly higher if I didn't make as many tactical errors while in the midst of the battle (like forgetting to mega-evolve Kangaskhan... derp). Any kind of feedback would be greatly appreciated.
This next little bit is going to talk about the team building/testing process, so if you want to skip straight to the current version of the team, feel free to skip down to where the large pretty pictures and the large title start.
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Update (11/06/2013): Well, it looks like I need to re-write my weaknesses section; the team has changed quite a bit from its original form. Thanks to Fire Punch and Drain Punch on Kangaskhan, I rarely have issues with Trevenant, Tyranitar, Skarmory, Aegislash, and a lot of other OU-threats/annoyances that previously walled me. Due to a rework of Greninja, and the removal of Aegislash in favor of Rotom-W, this team is now fairly fire-safe as well.
One issue I've identified comes from status problems, specifically burn. Burn can just ruin my whole day, as both my main sweepers (Kangaskhan and Dragonite) are physical in nature. I would LOVE to fit Aromatherapy on this team somewhere, but I just can't seem to figure out how.
Stall teams can give me a hard time; but I can usually break through with Kangaskhan or Dragonite, especially once passed boosts by Scolipede.
I also don't have a really good counter for Gliscor other than Greninja's Ice Beam, which unfortunately is hard to get unless I correctly anticipate the switch (thanks to Gliscor's damn Substitutes).
Malamar also REALLY screws me up with Topsy-Turvy (reversing all my stat boosts). Pretty much the only thing I've been able to do to stop it is burn it with Rotom-W and then just wall it with Skarmory or something.
Lastly, weather teams (specfically Sun Teams) give me a hard time because my counter to Fire (Such as Mega-Charizard Y) is Greninja and Rotom-W, and Solarbeam destroys them. Not to mention that in sunlight, water's power gets cut in half. I don't really have a good counter for this, other than to just put in Dragonite/Kangaskhan and hope for the best. I wish I could share a replay of a recent match against a sun team, I was getting my ass handed to me until I managed to pass some boosts to Kangaskhan, who promptly killed everything. I still would have lost, however, had the opposing player decided to use Toxic on my Kangaskhan with his Gliscor instead of Earthquake (thereby setting up the Sucker Punch). Unfortunately, the server disconnected before I could grab the replay link, it was kinda epic. =P
So: Thoughts? Ratings? Ideas for improvements? Thanks in advance!
I should mention, I ONLY put Pokemon on my team that I can actually attain in-game. The only event Pokemon as of yet that I've actually obtained is Torchic w/ Blazikenite. Please don't ask me to add event Pokemon like Celebi or Keldeo to my team, unless you're willing to trade me one when Pokemon Bank launches.
EDIT (05 November 2013): Updated Greninja. Went from fast physical priority finisher to special attacking support sweeper. Kept Taunt, changed everything else. Changed Kangaskhan's Dizzy Punch to Fire Punch and Wish to Drain Punch. Changed Skarmory's Steel Wing to Toxic. Changed Scolipede's Megahorn to Earthquake. Updated description to Dragonite in response to Aquamarine's comment to Roost's usefulness. Updated other team member descriptions as changes were made.
EDIT (06 November 2013): Switched out Aegislash for Rotom-Wash. Changed Skarmory's Toxic to Stealth Rock. Rewrote weakness analysis. Added team-building process to introduction. Added importable to end of post. Added show/hide boxes for easier navigation. Changed Scolipede's stat/EV distribution and nature. Changed some wording throughout the post. Edited Greninja's description and moveset, changing Hydro Pump to Scald and Toxic Spikes to Dark Pulse.
EDIT (07 November 2013): Added Team Weaknesses/Resistances Chart.
EDIT (08 November 2013): Added a "What I Still Need Help With" section. Updated intro to better explain my background with Pokemon/competitive battling.
This next little bit is going to talk about the team building/testing process, so if you want to skip straight to the current version of the team, feel free to skip down to where the large pretty pictures and the large title start.
My original team was made up of:
I loved the Mega-Kangaskhan/Weakness Policy Dragonite/Baton Passer Scolipede combo, and Aegislash could hold his own without any support. Blissey was in there as a wall and Stealth Rock setter, Starmie was there for anti-fire and spinning. Unfortunately, Starmie and Blissey weren't really pulling their weight, and I was getting eaten alive by physical attackers, hazards (lots of Ghosts now for spin-blocking) and status-move users in general, so I switched instead to:
(It was at this point that this forum post was originally created.) Skarmory became my all-in-one hazard removal team/physical defender. Greninja was put in mainly for Taunt, but doubled as a priority attacker as well (using a physical priority set). Unfortunately, the physical priority set didn't have nearly enough stopping power, so I browsed the forums here and found a special speedy sweeper set I liked. I kept Taunt, but changed everything else.
The next few changes were not swapping out Pokemon, but rather tweaking move sets on the members already there. Kangaskhan was originally carrying Dizzy Punch and Wish, which I switched to Fire Punch and Drain Punch (Steel-types like Aegislash or Scizor, and grass-types like Venusaur or Trevenant were creating problems for the team, and Fire Punch definitely helped rectify that. I decided on Drain Punch because it was more in line with my vision for Kangaskhan on the team; constant, never-ending pressure. I didn't like letting up the attack for a turn to use Wish, so I scrapped it for a damaging recovery move instead.
I tweaked Skarmory's moveset about 3 times, going from Steel Wing -> Toxic, and finally to Stealth Rock. I also switched Scolipede's attacking move from Megahorn to Earthquake.
Despite his overall usefullness, I realized that Aegislash wasn't adding much to the team. He was a "lone-wolf", that is, he could definitely pull his weight, but he did it entirely by himself and did little for the rest of the team. So, on a recommendation from LightningLuxray, I swapped him out for Rotom-W.
And finally, here we are. The current version of the team!
I loved the Mega-Kangaskhan/Weakness Policy Dragonite/Baton Passer Scolipede combo, and Aegislash could hold his own without any support. Blissey was in there as a wall and Stealth Rock setter, Starmie was there for anti-fire and spinning. Unfortunately, Starmie and Blissey weren't really pulling their weight, and I was getting eaten alive by physical attackers, hazards (lots of Ghosts now for spin-blocking) and status-move users in general, so I switched instead to:
(It was at this point that this forum post was originally created.) Skarmory became my all-in-one hazard removal team/physical defender. Greninja was put in mainly for Taunt, but doubled as a priority attacker as well (using a physical priority set). Unfortunately, the physical priority set didn't have nearly enough stopping power, so I browsed the forums here and found a special speedy sweeper set I liked. I kept Taunt, but changed everything else.
The next few changes were not swapping out Pokemon, but rather tweaking move sets on the members already there. Kangaskhan was originally carrying Dizzy Punch and Wish, which I switched to Fire Punch and Drain Punch (Steel-types like Aegislash or Scizor, and grass-types like Venusaur or Trevenant were creating problems for the team, and Fire Punch definitely helped rectify that. I decided on Drain Punch because it was more in line with my vision for Kangaskhan on the team; constant, never-ending pressure. I didn't like letting up the attack for a turn to use Wish, so I scrapped it for a damaging recovery move instead.
I tweaked Skarmory's moveset about 3 times, going from Steel Wing -> Toxic, and finally to Stealth Rock. I also switched Scolipede's attacking move from Megahorn to Earthquake.
Despite his overall usefullness, I realized that Aegislash wasn't adding much to the team. He was a "lone-wolf", that is, he could definitely pull his weight, but he did it entirely by himself and did little for the rest of the team. So, on a recommendation from LightningLuxray, I swapped him out for Rotom-W.
And finally, here we are. The current version of the team!
Gen VI Pokebank OU Team: The Boosted B@st@rds
Dragonite (M) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Dragon Dance
Dragonite is one of the true powerhouses of the team. Multiscale allows it to survive one hit of just about anything. Weakness Policy will give it +2x Atk and +2x SpA when hit with a super-effective move. Between Dragon Dance, Weakness Policy, and Multiscale, it can become a nasty powerhouse in a single turn. When struck with a supereffective move (we'll use Ice Beam as an example), it takes the hit in stride. Usually I'm pretty good at anticipating when that super-effective move is going to come, so I will use Dragon Dance on the same turn. Suddenly, we have a Dragonite with +2.5x Atk and +1.5x Spe who can OHKO most opponents with either Earthquake for bulky foes (who tend to be slow) or Extreme Speed for faster stuff. Roost helps ensure that Multiscale can be used again if Weakness Policy doesn't activate the first time (it's tough to find a non-super effective move that will drop him more than 50% when Multiscale is in effect) or if Dragonite takes a small amount of damage while switching in. Earthquake also puts the hurt on Blaziken (God, I wish they'd send it back to Ubers already). Truly a beast, and my go-to sweeper. Unfortunately, it is completely stonewalled by non-evolved Gengar (or any other Ghosts with a ground immunity, such as Aegislash w/ a balloon).
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Kangaskhan (F) @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Punch
- Drain Punch
Oh, Kangaskhan. How under-appreciated you were in previous generations, but now you've come roaring back with a vengeance. Scrappy lets me surprise some Ghost-types with a Fighting move, at least pre-mega. Kang's mega-evo allows 2 hits per turn, the first at 100% power and the second at 50% power. This means that it can break through a substitute and deal damage on the same turn. It also means that any secondary effects (such as Atk increase or 10% chance of causing burn status) hit twice. Power-Up Punch, with the mega-evo, turns into a damaging Swords Dance. Fire Punch gives me some much-needed coverage against steel types, and ensure that nothing is immune to ALL of Kang's moves. It also has a slightly improved chance of causing a burn thanks to Parental Bond. Lastly, Sucker Punch can wreak havoc on certain dark-weak Pokemon such as Gengar and Alakazam, or hit foes with a priority move as needed. Drain Punch is there to keep Kangaskhan in for the long haul, as it's going to take some hits unless it gets passed some serious speed boosts by Scolipede. I'm considering switching Sucker Punch out for Ice Punch so I have better coverage against Gliscor/Ground/Dragons. All in all, Kangaskhan is my second powerhouse on this team.
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Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest
I took Aegislash out and put in Rotom-W after LightningLuxray suggested it. I had never used this little guy before, and man, have I been missing out. It works very well against physical attackers like Talonflame, Lucario, and Tyranitar. Volt Switch and Hydro Pump are standard STABs. EVs in HP and Def help make sure it's able to inflict the burn with Will-O-Wisp. I gave it Chesto-Resto so he can do it all over again. Having never used it, I could definitely use some suggestions concerning stat distribution and this set in general.
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Scolipede (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Protect
- Swords Dance
- Baton Pass
Scolipede is a support specialist. Its bulky defensive build, Speed Boost ability, Focus Sash, and Protect allow it to guarantee that at least 2 Speed boosts get in place (often more). I use Earthquake to deal with Prankster Taunters like Klefki and Sableye, and any Aegislash foolish enough to try to set up at the same time as me. Swords Dance can provide a little extra Attack power to pass on as well (and power up Earthquake before the opponent's Taunter switch), and Baton Pass... well, Baton Pass needs no explanation. Passing boosts like +2x Atk and +2x Spd onto Kangaskhan (Speed is all Kang needs to sweep, it seems) or Dragonite (keep in mind, Dragonite is set up to get crazy stat boosts already) turns beastly Pokemon into... err... beastlier Pokemon? Dragonite, Kangaskhan, and Scolipede are the core of the team.
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Skarmory (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Defog
Skarmory really has only 1 real job on this team: hazard control. Stealth Rock can put a nasty wrench in my plans for Dragonite, so Defog is a must on this team (even if Skarmory isn't). Skarmory doubles as a good physical wall thanks to Roost and a great Def, but mostly she's just there to get rid of hazards. Brave Bird gives it at least one STAB attack. Stealth Rock helps immensely against threats like Talonflame and Volcarona, and if I have a "free" turn, I'll throw it down, but using Stealth Rock is not central to my team's success. Leftovers helps keep Skarmory alive. In a worst case scenario, Skarmory can whittle down the foe with Brave Bird-Roost-Brave Bird-Roost, until they finally die or switch out. But yeah, as I said... Defog, Defog, Defog.
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Greninja (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 Spd / 4 HP / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt
Greninja is a sneaky bugger, and often my opener when I see something like a Galvantula or Ferrothorn in the opponent's party. Taunt tends to render many of them useless, and Greninja is fast enough to consistently get his taunt off first. Greninja gives me some good options as a Special sweeper, since he gets STAB on Scald, Dark Pulse, and Ice Beam. I usually lead with Greninja because his taunt can force a switch (look at Smeargle or Galvantula for example, two annoyingly common leads). Then, I get a free STAB hit on whatever my opponent switches in, and sometimes a burn if I pick Scald. Greninja also functions as an effective check to Gengar, Aegislash, Gliscor (sort of, anyway), most dragons except Goodra, Talonflame, and others. Between, Scald, Ice Beam, and Dark Pulse, he has very good coverage and that Life Orb ensures he hits hard. I went with Scald over Hydro Pump as Rotom-W is already carrying Hydro Pump, and Scald works better overall when I lead with Greninja and successfully force the switch with Taunt.
Dragonite (M) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Dragon Dance
Dragonite is one of the true powerhouses of the team. Multiscale allows it to survive one hit of just about anything. Weakness Policy will give it +2x Atk and +2x SpA when hit with a super-effective move. Between Dragon Dance, Weakness Policy, and Multiscale, it can become a nasty powerhouse in a single turn. When struck with a supereffective move (we'll use Ice Beam as an example), it takes the hit in stride. Usually I'm pretty good at anticipating when that super-effective move is going to come, so I will use Dragon Dance on the same turn. Suddenly, we have a Dragonite with +2.5x Atk and +1.5x Spe who can OHKO most opponents with either Earthquake for bulky foes (who tend to be slow) or Extreme Speed for faster stuff. Roost helps ensure that Multiscale can be used again if Weakness Policy doesn't activate the first time (it's tough to find a non-super effective move that will drop him more than 50% when Multiscale is in effect) or if Dragonite takes a small amount of damage while switching in. Earthquake also puts the hurt on Blaziken (God, I wish they'd send it back to Ubers already). Truly a beast, and my go-to sweeper. Unfortunately, it is completely stonewalled by non-evolved Gengar (or any other Ghosts with a ground immunity, such as Aegislash w/ a balloon).
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Kangaskhan (F) @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Punch
- Drain Punch
Oh, Kangaskhan. How under-appreciated you were in previous generations, but now you've come roaring back with a vengeance. Scrappy lets me surprise some Ghost-types with a Fighting move, at least pre-mega. Kang's mega-evo allows 2 hits per turn, the first at 100% power and the second at 50% power. This means that it can break through a substitute and deal damage on the same turn. It also means that any secondary effects (such as Atk increase or 10% chance of causing burn status) hit twice. Power-Up Punch, with the mega-evo, turns into a damaging Swords Dance. Fire Punch gives me some much-needed coverage against steel types, and ensure that nothing is immune to ALL of Kang's moves. It also has a slightly improved chance of causing a burn thanks to Parental Bond. Lastly, Sucker Punch can wreak havoc on certain dark-weak Pokemon such as Gengar and Alakazam, or hit foes with a priority move as needed. Drain Punch is there to keep Kangaskhan in for the long haul, as it's going to take some hits unless it gets passed some serious speed boosts by Scolipede. I'm considering switching Sucker Punch out for Ice Punch so I have better coverage against Gliscor/Ground/Dragons. All in all, Kangaskhan is my second powerhouse on this team.
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Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest
I took Aegislash out and put in Rotom-W after LightningLuxray suggested it. I had never used this little guy before, and man, have I been missing out. It works very well against physical attackers like Talonflame, Lucario, and Tyranitar. Volt Switch and Hydro Pump are standard STABs. EVs in HP and Def help make sure it's able to inflict the burn with Will-O-Wisp. I gave it Chesto-Resto so he can do it all over again. Having never used it, I could definitely use some suggestions concerning stat distribution and this set in general.
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Scolipede (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Protect
- Swords Dance
- Baton Pass
Scolipede is a support specialist. Its bulky defensive build, Speed Boost ability, Focus Sash, and Protect allow it to guarantee that at least 2 Speed boosts get in place (often more). I use Earthquake to deal with Prankster Taunters like Klefki and Sableye, and any Aegislash foolish enough to try to set up at the same time as me. Swords Dance can provide a little extra Attack power to pass on as well (and power up Earthquake before the opponent's Taunter switch), and Baton Pass... well, Baton Pass needs no explanation. Passing boosts like +2x Atk and +2x Spd onto Kangaskhan (Speed is all Kang needs to sweep, it seems) or Dragonite (keep in mind, Dragonite is set up to get crazy stat boosts already) turns beastly Pokemon into... err... beastlier Pokemon? Dragonite, Kangaskhan, and Scolipede are the core of the team.
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Skarmory (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Defog
Skarmory really has only 1 real job on this team: hazard control. Stealth Rock can put a nasty wrench in my plans for Dragonite, so Defog is a must on this team (even if Skarmory isn't). Skarmory doubles as a good physical wall thanks to Roost and a great Def, but mostly she's just there to get rid of hazards. Brave Bird gives it at least one STAB attack. Stealth Rock helps immensely against threats like Talonflame and Volcarona, and if I have a "free" turn, I'll throw it down, but using Stealth Rock is not central to my team's success. Leftovers helps keep Skarmory alive. In a worst case scenario, Skarmory can whittle down the foe with Brave Bird-Roost-Brave Bird-Roost, until they finally die or switch out. But yeah, as I said... Defog, Defog, Defog.
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Greninja (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 Spd / 4 HP / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt
Greninja is a sneaky bugger, and often my opener when I see something like a Galvantula or Ferrothorn in the opponent's party. Taunt tends to render many of them useless, and Greninja is fast enough to consistently get his taunt off first. Greninja gives me some good options as a Special sweeper, since he gets STAB on Scald, Dark Pulse, and Ice Beam. I usually lead with Greninja because his taunt can force a switch (look at Smeargle or Galvantula for example, two annoyingly common leads). Then, I get a free STAB hit on whatever my opponent switches in, and sometimes a burn if I pick Scald. Greninja also functions as an effective check to Gengar, Aegislash, Gliscor (sort of, anyway), most dragons except Goodra, Talonflame, and others. Between, Scald, Ice Beam, and Dark Pulse, he has very good coverage and that Life Orb ensures he hits hard. I went with Scald over Hydro Pump as Rotom-W is already carrying Hydro Pump, and Scald works better overall when I lead with Greninja and successfully force the switch with Taunt.
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So there you have it. Some weaknesses I've identified so far:
Fatty Berry-Munching Trevenant (not sure what the exact build was, but I'm guessing it was something like):
Trevenant @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest
EVs: 252 HP / ? / ?
? Nature
- Leech Seed
- Substitute
- Curse
- Protect
I had nothing that could truly counter it between Leech Seed, Substitute, Protect, and that annoying Harvest/Sitrus Berry combo. Once my Taunter (Greninja) went down, it was a beast of a wall, and I might include it in a future team. I have since added Fire Punch to Kangaskhan's moveset. We'll see if this helps.
Also had a tough time with Quagsire and a few other walls, although I was able to take them down eventually. I also seem to be very lacking in the fire-move department, which can cause some issues with Steel enemies (although Dragonite's Earthquake or Kangaskhan's boosted punches can take care of most of them). A fire-based team can cause me problems, my only real counters to fire are Dragonite (with Earthquake) and Greninja. Unfortunately, Fire moves are super-effective against Scolipede, Skarmory, and Aegislash, the former two being critical for set up and hazard control. Luckily, I don't see too many teams that have a TON of fire on them, especially with the weather nerfs.
Fatty Berry-Munching Trevenant (not sure what the exact build was, but I'm guessing it was something like):
Trevenant @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest
EVs: 252 HP / ? / ?
? Nature
- Leech Seed
- Substitute
- Curse
- Protect
I had nothing that could truly counter it between Leech Seed, Substitute, Protect, and that annoying Harvest/Sitrus Berry combo. Once my Taunter (Greninja) went down, it was a beast of a wall, and I might include it in a future team. I have since added Fire Punch to Kangaskhan's moveset. We'll see if this helps.
Also had a tough time with Quagsire and a few other walls, although I was able to take them down eventually. I also seem to be very lacking in the fire-move department, which can cause some issues with Steel enemies (although Dragonite's Earthquake or Kangaskhan's boosted punches can take care of most of them). A fire-based team can cause me problems, my only real counters to fire are Dragonite (with Earthquake) and Greninja. Unfortunately, Fire moves are super-effective against Scolipede, Skarmory, and Aegislash, the former two being critical for set up and hazard control. Luckily, I don't see too many teams that have a TON of fire on them, especially with the weather nerfs.
NOTE: Weakness chart does not account for abilities, such as Rotom-W's Levitate.
Update (11/06/2013): Well, it looks like I need to re-write my weaknesses section; the team has changed quite a bit from its original form. Thanks to Fire Punch and Drain Punch on Kangaskhan, I rarely have issues with Trevenant, Tyranitar, Skarmory, Aegislash, and a lot of other OU-threats/annoyances that previously walled me. Due to a rework of Greninja, and the removal of Aegislash in favor of Rotom-W, this team is now fairly fire-safe as well.
One issue I've identified comes from status problems, specifically burn. Burn can just ruin my whole day, as both my main sweepers (Kangaskhan and Dragonite) are physical in nature. I would LOVE to fit Aromatherapy on this team somewhere, but I just can't seem to figure out how.
Stall teams can give me a hard time; but I can usually break through with Kangaskhan or Dragonite, especially once passed boosts by Scolipede.
I also don't have a really good counter for Gliscor other than Greninja's Ice Beam, which unfortunately is hard to get unless I correctly anticipate the switch (thanks to Gliscor's damn Substitutes).
Malamar also REALLY screws me up with Topsy-Turvy (reversing all my stat boosts). Pretty much the only thing I've been able to do to stop it is burn it with Rotom-W and then just wall it with Skarmory or something.
Lastly, weather teams (specfically Sun Teams) give me a hard time because my counter to Fire (Such as Mega-Charizard Y) is Greninja and Rotom-W, and Solarbeam destroys them. Not to mention that in sunlight, water's power gets cut in half. I don't really have a good counter for this, other than to just put in Dragonite/Kangaskhan and hope for the best. I wish I could share a replay of a recent match against a sun team, I was getting my ass handed to me until I managed to pass some boosts to Kangaskhan, who promptly killed everything. I still would have lost, however, had the opposing player decided to use Toxic on my Kangaskhan with his Gliscor instead of Earthquake (thereby setting up the Sucker Punch). Unfortunately, the server disconnected before I could grab the replay link, it was kinda epic. =P
1.) EV spreads. I'm not experienced enough with competitive battling that I know how much Speed I need to outrun certain threats, how much Attack I need to 2HKO things, etc... So currently I just pick what I think are the 2 most important stats and max them, then add a complimentary nature. If you know that I would be better off with 252 Atk / 44 Def / 212 Spd (just an example) no a certain Pokemon, please let me know and tell me why.
2.) Rotom-W. I'm just not super familiar with him, and although the set I'm using has been working pretty well, there's a very good chance it could be greatly improved upon. I just haven't mastered this Pokemon.
3.) Items on Skarmory/Greninja/Rotom-W. Am I using the best items for my purposes here? Or would I be better off with something else?
4.) List of common threats that I've missed, and if I have no way to counter them, a potential solution that does not break the spirit of the team.
5.) Rating/10. I'd like to know what you honestly think of this team, now that it's been refined a bit. Don't be afraid to give it a lousy rating if you think it's bad, just tell me why you think so. I'm no stranger to criticism, and as mentioned before, although I've been playing Pokemon since R/B/Y, this is my first foray into competitive battling.
6.) A "quick guide" on how to breed these Pokemon with these movesets once Pokebank is released. I have all the necessary games/equipment, and I do understand breeding, but I'm sure there are more than a few of you out there who can just say, "Breed this with this in HG/SS for that move, then transfer it to B/W and have the move tutor teach it this move, and finally send it to Pokebank."
2.) Rotom-W. I'm just not super familiar with him, and although the set I'm using has been working pretty well, there's a very good chance it could be greatly improved upon. I just haven't mastered this Pokemon.
3.) Items on Skarmory/Greninja/Rotom-W. Am I using the best items for my purposes here? Or would I be better off with something else?
4.) List of common threats that I've missed, and if I have no way to counter them, a potential solution that does not break the spirit of the team.
5.) Rating/10. I'd like to know what you honestly think of this team, now that it's been refined a bit. Don't be afraid to give it a lousy rating if you think it's bad, just tell me why you think so. I'm no stranger to criticism, and as mentioned before, although I've been playing Pokemon since R/B/Y, this is my first foray into competitive battling.
6.) A "quick guide" on how to breed these Pokemon with these movesets once Pokebank is released. I have all the necessary games/equipment, and I do understand breeding, but I'm sure there are more than a few of you out there who can just say, "Breed this with this in HG/SS for that move, then transfer it to B/W and have the move tutor teach it this move, and finally send it to Pokebank."
So: Thoughts? Ratings? Ideas for improvements? Thanks in advance!
I should mention, I ONLY put Pokemon on my team that I can actually attain in-game. The only event Pokemon as of yet that I've actually obtained is Torchic w/ Blazikenite. Please don't ask me to add event Pokemon like Celebi or Keldeo to my team, unless you're willing to trade me one when Pokemon Bank launches.
Dragonite (M) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Dragon Dance
Kangaskhan (F) @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Punch
- Drain Punch
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest
Scolipede (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Protect
- Swords Dance
- Baton Pass
Skarmory (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Defog
Greninja (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 HP / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Dragon Dance
Kangaskhan (F) @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Punch
- Drain Punch
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest
Scolipede (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Protect
- Swords Dance
- Baton Pass
Skarmory (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 Spd
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Defog
Greninja (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 HP / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt
EDIT (05 November 2013): Updated Greninja. Went from fast physical priority finisher to special attacking support sweeper. Kept Taunt, changed everything else. Changed Kangaskhan's Dizzy Punch to Fire Punch and Wish to Drain Punch. Changed Skarmory's Steel Wing to Toxic. Changed Scolipede's Megahorn to Earthquake. Updated description to Dragonite in response to Aquamarine's comment to Roost's usefulness. Updated other team member descriptions as changes were made.
EDIT (06 November 2013): Switched out Aegislash for Rotom-Wash. Changed Skarmory's Toxic to Stealth Rock. Rewrote weakness analysis. Added team-building process to introduction. Added importable to end of post. Added show/hide boxes for easier navigation. Changed Scolipede's stat/EV distribution and nature. Changed some wording throughout the post. Edited Greninja's description and moveset, changing Hydro Pump to Scald and Toxic Spikes to Dark Pulse.
EDIT (07 November 2013): Added Team Weaknesses/Resistances Chart.
EDIT (08 November 2013): Added a "What I Still Need Help With" section. Updated intro to better explain my background with Pokemon/competitive battling.
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