Le temps est bon
(click the sprites for the importable)
Introduction
(click the sprites for the importable)
Hey everyone and welcome in my first RMT on Smogon. For those who don't know me, I'm Moutemoute (pronounced Moot-Moot), a French player who loves the Underused since he started the strategy in Pokemon at the end of 2014. I actually never made a RMT on Smogon because I didn't feel the need to do it. However, having seen Lyd’s RMT made me want to share with you a pretty cool and offensive team I made and which allows me to reach one of my highest Elo on the Ladder since a long time. Please take a seat and enjoy the reading while listening the smooth voice of Isabelle Pierre !
Teambuilding Process
Scizor and Primarina were the starting point of my team. I love both this Pokemon and they're working great together since Scizor can bring Primarina on the field thanks to U-turn while Primarina is able to pressure with ease Ground-types and Fire-types such as Hippowdon or Rotom-Heat. They also weaken each other's checks like Tentacruel, Empoleon and Scizor can muscle through any kind of Amoonguss with a +2 Savage Spin-Out which open doors for Primarina since it can abuse of its STABs once Amoonguss is down.
Since this core was pretty weak to Choice Band Infernape but also Zeraora, I decided to add Gligar because it's a really good Steath Rock setter which can handle a lot of hits while still being able to pivot thanks to U-turn. Gligar is definitively one of the keystone of the team because it can handle a lot of threats for its teammates.
Since I already got a pretty cool Volt-Turn core, I decided to bring another which can paired well with bother Scizor and Gligar. With that in mind, I opted for Rotom-Heat because it can check to a certain extent Manectric-Mega which was a nasty threat to handle. Rotom-Heat brings Defog and Volt Switch support which is great. It can also handle to a certain extent some variants of Scizor which is important.
At that point, I realised that the team was pretty slow so I decided to add a Choice Scarf Hydreigon to the squad. Hydreigon is one of my favorite Pokemon in the tier because it's a great offensive Pokemon which can still handle some threats thanks to its good bulk and ability Levitate. Hydreigon paired well in the team thanks to U-turn and it can pivot on fairies which would like to threaten it and it can bring Scizor to pressure those Fairy-types.
Last but not least, I added a Choice Band Infernape to the team. It's a powerfull pivot with U-turn and it can pressure Pokemon like Cobalion, Aggron-Mega or Steelix-Mega for Scizor which is great. Thanks to Mach Punch, Infernape is also able to Revenge Kill some weakened threats like Hydreigon, Terrakion, Cobalion or Bisharp.
Team in-depth
Scizor
Item: Buginium Z
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Technician
EVs: 244 HP • 16 Atk • 148 Def • 96 SpD • 4 Spe
Moves: Swords Dance • Roost • U-turn • Bullet Punch
Scizor will often act as a cleaner and that's why you should really be careful to keep it healthy unless you're sure that it is no longer useful. The EVs spread allow Scizor to handle moves like Mega Aerodactyl's Stone Edge, Krookodile's Earthquake and even a +1 Gigavolt Havoc from Latias. On the other side, Scizor is able to outspeed Alomomola while still being able to OHKO physically defensive Amoonguss with +2 Savage Spin-Out after Stealth Rock damages. Since this set of Scizor is pretty bulky, you can use Scizor to check threats such as Krookodile but also Mega Altaria and non-Hidden Power Fire Latias. The aim of Scizor is to pivot during the whole match to weaken the opponent's Pokemon and then setup in the endgame to clean. Don't be afraid to click U-turn with it since every chip damages is great.
Primarina
Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Modest
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 40 HP • 252 SpA • 216 Spe
Moves: Hydro Pump • Scald • Moonblast • Psychic
Primarina is the special breaker of the squad. Thanks to its typing, Primarina can naturally check Hydreigon, Choice Scarf Latias and pressure a lot of defensive staples such as Hippowdon, Aggron-Mega, Steelix-Mega or Gligar. The EVs spread allows it to outspeed Adamant Crawdaunt but also uninvested 85 BS speed such as Suicune or Gligar. Since Primarina's goal is to weaken opponent's team, feel free to abuse of its STABs to dent everything as much as possible. However, if the opponent has a Hydreigon, you should keep as much as possible Primarina to force Hydreigon to choose between its STABs and clicking U-turn in order to not lose the momentum.
Gligar
Item: Eviolite
Nature: Impish
Ability: Immunity
EVs : 248 HP • 156 Def • 104 SpD
Moves: Stealth Rock • Roost • Earthquake • U-turn
Gligar is the defensive keystone of the team but also its Stealth Rock setter. 29 IVs in speed provides it a slow U-turn vs opponent's Gligar. Since Gligar has a great bulk, you should take advantage of it and use Gligar as a Pivot to handle some hits from Pokemon like Rotom-Heat, Cobalion, Terrakion but also Krookodile and Zeraora if Gligar's Eviolite is not necessarily necessary during the match. Also if your opponent has a Choice Specs Primarina, you should always use U-turn on Gligar to not lose momentum especially since the team doesn't have a real way to take a hit from a Choice Specs Primarina. However, if Gligar is damaged a lot and you still need it, you can opt to use Roost and then choose a Pokemon which would act as a death fodder. Keep in mind that this team is an offense and you have to play it like this.
Rotom-Heat
Item: Wiki Berry
Nature: Timid
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 236 HP • 24 SpA • 248 Spe
Moves: Defog • Toxic • Volt Switch • Overheat
Rotom-Heat is the Defogger of the team but also one a great pivot thank to U-turn. Even if it lacks of recovery, Rotom-Heat is still a decent Pokemon which can take some hits from Scizor, Moltres, Mamoswine or Electric-types. Since it's the best Pokemon of the team to handle SD Scizor, you should really pay attention when you're facing a Scizor. If Rotom-Heat is weakened too much, it will not be able to handle Scizor in the endgame which can be a huge problem since SD Scizor can really pressure the team if it's played well. Thus it's very important to scout as soon as possible Scizor's set to be able to deal with it better. You also have to keep Rotom-Heat healthy if the opponent has a Moltres because it's the only Pokemon of the team which can handle a SSSS + a Fire Blast / Hurricane.
Hydreigon
Item: Choice Scarf
Nature: Timid
Ability: Levitate
EVs : 24 Def • 232 SpA • 252 Spe
Moves: U-turn • Dark Pulse • Draco Meteor • Fire Blast
Hydreigon is the fastest Pokemon in the team thanks to its Choice Scarf. With its great speed, Hydreigon is able to Revenge Kill important threats to the team such as Mega Manectric, non-Choice Scarf Latias, Mega Sceptile but also DD Kommo-o and LO Starmie. On the other hand, thanks to U-turn, Hydreigon is able to pivot on fairies which would like to sponge its STABs and bring its teammates on the field. The spread with 24 EVs in Defense allow Hydreigon to always survive a +2 Bullet Punch from Iron Plate Scizor which can be useful in desperate situations. Thanks to its typing and ability Levitate, Hydreigon is also my main answer to Volcanion, Crawdaunt, Krookodile and Chandelure even if this one is less common than the others. Hydreigon can also act as a cleaner if the opponent's team is weakened enough in the endgame which is pretty dope if Scizor is not able to clean.
Infernape
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk • 4 SpD • 252 Spe
Moves: U-turn • Flare Blitz • Close Combat • Mach Punch
Last but not least, we have my Choice Band Infernape which is the most powerful pivot in the team. Infernape is basically the physical alter-ego of Primarina and its main goal is to weaken as much as possible the opponent's team thanks to its powerful STABs : Flare Blitz and Close Combat. I opted for Mach Punch because it allows Infernape to Revenge Kill some dangerous threats such as Terrakion, Cobalion, Bisharp or Hydreigon if Primarina isn't healthy enough to handle it. Like Primarina, Infernape is able to pressure Scizor's check such as Steel-types, Rotom-Heat and even Moltres with Stealth Rock's support.
Threats
Item: Buginium Z
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Technician
EVs: 244 HP • 16 Atk • 148 Def • 96 SpD • 4 Spe
Moves: Swords Dance • Roost • U-turn • Bullet Punch
Scizor will often act as a cleaner and that's why you should really be careful to keep it healthy unless you're sure that it is no longer useful. The EVs spread allow Scizor to handle moves like Mega Aerodactyl's Stone Edge, Krookodile's Earthquake and even a +1 Gigavolt Havoc from Latias. On the other side, Scizor is able to outspeed Alomomola while still being able to OHKO physically defensive Amoonguss with +2 Savage Spin-Out after Stealth Rock damages. Since this set of Scizor is pretty bulky, you can use Scizor to check threats such as Krookodile but also Mega Altaria and non-Hidden Power Fire Latias. The aim of Scizor is to pivot during the whole match to weaken the opponent's Pokemon and then setup in the endgame to clean. Don't be afraid to click U-turn with it since every chip damages is great.
Primarina
Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Modest
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 40 HP • 252 SpA • 216 Spe
Moves: Hydro Pump • Scald • Moonblast • Psychic
Primarina is the special breaker of the squad. Thanks to its typing, Primarina can naturally check Hydreigon, Choice Scarf Latias and pressure a lot of defensive staples such as Hippowdon, Aggron-Mega, Steelix-Mega or Gligar. The EVs spread allows it to outspeed Adamant Crawdaunt but also uninvested 85 BS speed such as Suicune or Gligar. Since Primarina's goal is to weaken opponent's team, feel free to abuse of its STABs to dent everything as much as possible. However, if the opponent has a Hydreigon, you should keep as much as possible Primarina to force Hydreigon to choose between its STABs and clicking U-turn in order to not lose the momentum.
Gligar
Item: Eviolite
Nature: Impish
Ability: Immunity
EVs : 248 HP • 156 Def • 104 SpD
Moves: Stealth Rock • Roost • Earthquake • U-turn
Gligar is the defensive keystone of the team but also its Stealth Rock setter. 29 IVs in speed provides it a slow U-turn vs opponent's Gligar. Since Gligar has a great bulk, you should take advantage of it and use Gligar as a Pivot to handle some hits from Pokemon like Rotom-Heat, Cobalion, Terrakion but also Krookodile and Zeraora if Gligar's Eviolite is not necessarily necessary during the match. Also if your opponent has a Choice Specs Primarina, you should always use U-turn on Gligar to not lose momentum especially since the team doesn't have a real way to take a hit from a Choice Specs Primarina. However, if Gligar is damaged a lot and you still need it, you can opt to use Roost and then choose a Pokemon which would act as a death fodder. Keep in mind that this team is an offense and you have to play it like this.
Rotom-Heat
Item: Wiki Berry
Nature: Timid
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 236 HP • 24 SpA • 248 Spe
Moves: Defog • Toxic • Volt Switch • Overheat
Rotom-Heat is the Defogger of the team but also one a great pivot thank to U-turn. Even if it lacks of recovery, Rotom-Heat is still a decent Pokemon which can take some hits from Scizor, Moltres, Mamoswine or Electric-types. Since it's the best Pokemon of the team to handle SD Scizor, you should really pay attention when you're facing a Scizor. If Rotom-Heat is weakened too much, it will not be able to handle Scizor in the endgame which can be a huge problem since SD Scizor can really pressure the team if it's played well. Thus it's very important to scout as soon as possible Scizor's set to be able to deal with it better. You also have to keep Rotom-Heat healthy if the opponent has a Moltres because it's the only Pokemon of the team which can handle a SSSS + a Fire Blast / Hurricane.
Hydreigon
Item: Choice Scarf
Nature: Timid
Ability: Levitate
EVs : 24 Def • 232 SpA • 252 Spe
Moves: U-turn • Dark Pulse • Draco Meteor • Fire Blast
Hydreigon is the fastest Pokemon in the team thanks to its Choice Scarf. With its great speed, Hydreigon is able to Revenge Kill important threats to the team such as Mega Manectric, non-Choice Scarf Latias, Mega Sceptile but also DD Kommo-o and LO Starmie. On the other hand, thanks to U-turn, Hydreigon is able to pivot on fairies which would like to sponge its STABs and bring its teammates on the field. The spread with 24 EVs in Defense allow Hydreigon to always survive a +2 Bullet Punch from Iron Plate Scizor which can be useful in desperate situations. Thanks to its typing and ability Levitate, Hydreigon is also my main answer to Volcanion, Crawdaunt, Krookodile and Chandelure even if this one is less common than the others. Hydreigon can also act as a cleaner if the opponent's team is weakened enough in the endgame which is pretty dope if Scizor is not able to clean.
Infernape
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk • 4 SpD • 252 Spe
Moves: U-turn • Flare Blitz • Close Combat • Mach Punch
Last but not least, we have my Choice Band Infernape which is the most powerful pivot in the team. Infernape is basically the physical alter-ego of Primarina and its main goal is to weaken as much as possible the opponent's team thanks to its powerful STABs : Flare Blitz and Close Combat. I opted for Mach Punch because it allows Infernape to Revenge Kill some dangerous threats such as Terrakion, Cobalion, Bisharp or Hydreigon if Primarina isn't healthy enough to handle it. Like Primarina, Infernape is able to pressure Scizor's check such as Steel-types, Rotom-Heat and even Moltres with Stealth Rock's support.
Suicune is probably the most annoying Pokemon for my team since I don't have a powerful Electric-type neither an offensive Grass-type. While VinCune can be pressured by Primarina and to a lesser extent by Rotom-Heat and Infernape, CroCune can almost 6-0 my team if it gets lucky on its Sleep Talk turns. RoarCune can be annoying too but since it has to choose between Calm Mind and Sleep Talk, it's most of the time easier to handle it.
Offensive Water-types are a pain in the ass to handle since I don't have great answers to them. While Mega Blastoise can be handle to a certain extent by Primarina and Volcanion by Hydreigon or Primarina if it's lacking Poison coverage, Choice Specs Primarina is really hard to handle since my team doesn't have anything to take a Choice Specs Hydro Pump / Moonblast. Last but not least, LO Starmie can be really annoying thanks to its speed tier which allows it to outspeed all my team except for Choice Scarf Hydreigon and its coverage which allows it to hit really hard the majority of my squad.
Offensive Electric-types can be annoying especially if they have Hidden Power Ice in their moveset. I need to pressure them as much as possible to put in the range of Hydreigon or Infernape's Mach Punch. Rotom-Heat and Gligar can check them to a certain extent.
While Choice Scarf and Choice Band Infernape can't do much to the team thanks to Gligar, Nasty Plot variants can be really threatening for my team since I need to keep healthy Primarina or put it in range of my Infernape's Mach Punch.
Latias is a threat for the team since I need to scout its set to know how to deal with it. CM + Recover/Roost with Dragonium Z and Choice Scarf variants can be checked by Scizor while CM + Recover/Roost Electrium Z with Ice Beam struggle to break Rotom-Heat. The most threatening variants of Latias for my team or either CM with STABs and Hidden Power Fire or LO 3 attacks (with Hidden Power Fire) + Recover/Roost. To handle this sets, I need to play it safe.
Surprisingly, Mega Sceptile is a prominent threat to my team since it outspeed all my squad except my Choice Scarf Hydreigon and can pressure my team thanks to its STABs + Hidden Power Fire. When I'm facing Mega Sceptile, I need to make agressive plays like making double to bring safely Hydreigon vs it. If it's weakened enough, Scizor and Infernape can deal with it thanks to their priority.
Replays and peak
Shoutouts and conlusion
• Dlanyer : Thanks man for trusting me to help you with the French Translation Project, let's make the project great again !
• TMan87 and Alumn : Thanks to both of you for HTML explanations and a special thanks to Alumn for your investment in the project.
• Huge shoutout to Iyarito, Mitsuki, AlphaWitten, Hubriz, Flare and Repu for your investment in the Translations Projects, I'm really proud to be part of all this with you. Shoutout to every single person which is involved in this project because there is a lot of work in it and it's not something easy.
• Lyd : I'm a big fan of you man ! I hope you don't mind that I am inspired from your RMT to make my own >o<
• Huge shoutout to the players from PKS
(Bouki, S poi re, Pepeduce and all the forgotten..)• UU subforum & UU room : A Cake Wearing A Hat, vivalospride, Amane Misa, Sage, Accelgor, 'sei., Darksafadao, Twilight, BackAtYouBro and all the forgotten, I'm sorry there is so much people to remember. I love you all, for your contributions, your help and everything you bring among the UU community !
Last but not least, shoutout to everyone who took the time to read this RMT, I trully hope you enjoyed it ! I know that the team isn't perfect and I could change some Pokemon and/or sets but since the main goal at the beginning was to make a team which could abuse of the Volt-Turn, I think I've done a pretty good job overall. Once again, thanks for reading me and may be soon for a brand new RMT and don't forget that le temps est bon !
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