Hello n_n
This is my first ever RMT Team, and needless to say, I'm a real noob. This LC team I have built can either do really well (I once beat Sage), or lose many matches matches in a row. I have once peaked at top 16 in LC, but I am now outside of the top 500, due to the instability of my team. That is why I need help, and fast.
My pokemon team is based on an offensive mindset, who can get the job done, without utilizing on too much of switching moves such as Volt Switch, or U-turn. So, most of my matches have been an average of 20-25 turns. I also heavily rely on prediction, to try to get a type advantage, when an unlikely pokemon switches in and taste a 2x super effective move. So shall we get started on my team?
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Inner Focus
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- Acrobatics
Mienfoo is usually my lead. Boosting a good speed of 17 and a high attack stat of 18, it is used to deter pokemon which wants to set-up, such as Onix or Dwebble. Knock Off is a vital move that almost all pokemon uses, to get rid of Evolite and Berry Juice (from Archen notably). Berry Juice which are common to both Dwebble and Onix will be knocked off, and their lifespan is severely threatened with a followup drain punch. A knock off from Mienfoo usually leaves a pokemon pretty vulnerable to a direct drain punch attack.
I have been criticized too many times on why I used Inner Focus or Regenerator. There is mainly two reasons for this. Against team that uses Meowth, or Aipom ( which are not too common, but also not that rare), it would give a surprise to these mons, as I gain an advantage early by OHGO with drain Punch. Second Reason why I used Inner Focus is due to my Mienfoo being defensively weak, and my team tactic is to use Mienfoo to deal as much damage as possible before dying. As seen from my moveset, Mienfoo is suited for all kinds of 1v1 battle it faced, usually coming out on top with a knock off + **Follow-up move**. It's 17 speed makes it outspeed a lot of pokemon to KO.
Stone Edge is mainly used to deal with Larvesta, which it hopes to be able to get a burn, crippling my Mienfoo. It is also used nicely, if a fletching is used for scouting, like moves on U-turn or Sword Dance. Of course, as a player, I would normally switch ot out, but I have other mons in the team that checks fletching, usually leading it to u-turn right at the start. Since U-turn is not covered under gale wings, Stone Edge OHKO Fletching and gives my tram a huge advantage.
Acrobatic is a move that really stuns an opposing fighting team. With knock off commonly used in this game, even so right at the start of the battle, acrobatic is used against opposing Mienfoo or Timburr, once their Evolite is knocked off, OHKO them in the process, with a superb base power of 110. It is also somewhat useful against opposing Foongus, critically injuring them, allowing my follow-up pokemon to finish it off once Mienfoo is knocked off.
With these movesets, it seems that a lot of pokemon types are checked :
Normal, Dark, Ice, Rock, Steel (Drain Punch)
Flying, Bug (Stone Edge)
All pokemon, specially ghost/psychic (Knock Off)
Acrobactic (Fighting, Grass)
I chose Evolite as Mienfoo's item, as even though this Mienfoo is offensive, it needs to have that little extra bulk to survive hits from opposing pokemon. With Drain Punch active, it should be able to get some health back, while ensuring Mienfoo won't be in critical state after the first attack.
With Mienfoo as lead, opposing pokemon that will come in on a "free switch" and Mienfoo are normally Psychic Type, which is proven to OHKO Mienfoo with their STAB Psychic Attack. This is a important case of Gothita, being able to OHKO Mienfoo with a STAB Psychic after Evolite has been knocked off, or even after Mienfoo is SLIGHTLY Damaged. So here comes my pokemon to take care of this problem. I introduce ...
Munchlax @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 SpD
Careful Nature
- Body Slam
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch
- Double-Edge
A look at the spreads and the item may also raise some question. Let me explain my choice.
First off, with Abra in almost all teams. A Psychic is an attack to be anticipated since, none of my pokemon are resistant to Psychic. When Munchlax doesn't resist Psychic, it has an impressive 30hp, covered by an astounding 19 sdef. with Evolite boost. With extra bulk given to fire and Ice moves, it does really seem that Munchlax is one of the most defensive pokemon. But most people will overlook it's attack, a surprising 18. So it can function as an offensive bulk based on it's attack, and special defence.
Pursuit is vital in dealing with Psychic pokemon, or even Ghost type, like Gastly. It is used commonly to switch in to Abra's Psychic. Barring a Focus Sash Abra, most of these attacks will deal a rough 9hp damage (30%) to Munchlax, thus being unable to 3HKO it. Hidden Power(Fighting) do a even worser 8 damage, as seen from the following figure. This is also the same story or Gothita, or Gastly, which could hardly even scratch gastly with their STAB Attack.
240 SpA Abra Psychic vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 7-10 (23.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
(7, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10)
240 SpA Abra Hidden Power Fighting vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 8-10 (26.6 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
(8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10)
With that, Abra is stuck in a scenario. Most Abra would switch out for a better matchup, but it would normally be greated with a 80bp Pursuit Attack, leaving Abra with just 1 exact hp. Unless Munchlax would be sacked, which will be described later, there are other mons in my team take can finish it with their priority moves. This is vital, as Abra has totally no priority moves to counter. Since Gothia and Gastly are Scarf and Orb respectively, these pokemon would be OHKO if they switch.
However, if they do stay in, their attacks against Munchlax would probably deal around 90% after 3 hits, and Munchlax finishing them off with Pursuit. Munchlax did it's job well in defeating the main threats in my team, with 3 pokemon weak to Psychic, Munchlax does it job well as a "fool-proof" way of eliminating Psychic Pokemon.
Munchlax other moves is also notable. Munchlax can deal an STAB Body Slam, which can damage lot's of pokemon, and a good chance of paralysing them. Fire Punch is specifically deallt for Ferroseed, which is able to critically damage it most of the time. Fire Punch also works well against sun team, such as Bellsrout or Bulbasaur, which Munchlax able to tank both Solarbeam, and taking them out with a sun boosted Fire Punch. Double Edge is used to shock opponent that stalls, such as Porygon. When Body Slam paralyses a pokemon, Munchlax would normally be able to move first, and trainers would think that body slam is unable to 2hko their pokemon will be up for a surprise, as double edge will deal heavy damage and take out pokemon that is paralysis, preventing them from stalling and healing.
Overall, Munchlax is a good all around tank, which uses go to eating up sp.att moves, and dealing heavy damage in return.
As mentioned, both Mienfoo and Munchlax are good attackers, but they will be crippled badly by burns. With Mienfoo leading as a Suicide lead, another fighting pokemon will be given the chance to deal damage, while also absorbing burns. Yup, my third pokemon is :
Timburr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
Level: 5
EVs: 116 Atk / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Careful Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Knock Off
- Bulk Up
This is the exact moveset from Smogon, but it serves it's purposes in my team. A Will O Wisp from any pokemon and Timburr is ready to boost it's attack with Guts. With it's high Bulk and Evolite, it is able to take a Psychic from Abra, just in case Munchlax was used to dealt with other dangerous threats. Timburr can be used as a late game sweeper when it's threats it's eliminated. Due to it's bulk, Timburr can set-up one or 2 bulk up to start wrecking havoc on opposing teams. Knock Off, is ever so important in ensuring Timburr has a easier chance to deal more damage after getting rid of it's Evolite or Berry Juice. Also, with Evolite and and Bulk up in place, Fletching's Acrobactic doesn't seem so scary anymore, and Timburr can OHKO Fletching with a +2 Drain Punch, recovering lost health from Acrobatic.
+2 116 Atk Timburr Drain Punch vs. 156 HP / 92 Def Fletchling: 22-27 (95.6 - 117.3%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
(22, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 27)
196+ Atk Fletchling Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. +2 0 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Timburr: 12-14 (50 - 58.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
(12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 14)
Timburr works great with pokemon that threatens to burn, such as Chinchou's Scald, or Larvesta's Will o Wisp / Flame Body. It also benefits from a poison from Gastly's Sludge Bomb, finishing Gastly off with a Knock Off. Timburr can also be used to finish off any ghost pokemon should Mienfoo be outspeeded by Gastly, and knocked out by it's STAB Life Orb Sludge Bomb.
Mach Punch is also crucial for Timburr in dealing our priority damage against sash pokemon with Abra or Diglett. It also badly damage Choice Scarf magnemite, preventing it from hit-and-run with Volt Switch. Knock off is used to get rid of it's berry juice, preventing it from recycling.
With 3 pokemon in the list, a common weakness: Fairy, comes into question, notably Spritzee, or intimidate Snubbull, which can wall Mienfoo and Timburr badly. So I have these pokemon in my team to deal with this threat:
Pawniard @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch
Pawniard is exceptionally great in dealing these situation. Intimidate from Snubbull would only give Pawniard an attack boost, increasing it's insane attack. Pawniard decent speed of 16 is able to outspeed fairies pokemon, such as Snubbull, An STAB Iron head will be able critically damage Spritzee, while OHKO Snubbull. Power-up-Punch allows Pawniard to function as a late game sweeper, taking out a pokemon with free attack boost, and proceeding to annihilate it's competition with STAB Knock Off and Sucker Punch. It is useful against slower pokemon such as Foongus and Porygon, knocking off it'es Evolite and dealing critical damage. Sucker Punch is a most also, as Priority is important in my team, considering how my team is built based on a good spread of bulk and offence. It is mainly useful against Fletching (Overheat/ Acrobatic) or Diglett, which I must be careful if he uses Substitute. It is also useful in lowering psychic type pokemon to sash health, in case I feel the need Pawniard would be useful.
With a nice priority move, Sticky Web would think twice about lying a sticky web to my team, as it gives Pawniard a free attack boost, and can hit very hard with sucker punch. Life Orb is prefered here, as it's typing isn't one of the best and it attracts many neutral attacks, and is weak to fighting , ground, fire and so on, many of these types common in LC Metagame. Life Orb ensures that Sucker Punch and other STAB move hits hard enough to KO my opponent.
Even though my team is offensive minded, I need to be aware of threats that can be more offensive than me, such as shell smash boost, or sword dance boost. Currently, I do not really have a physical pokemon, or a pokemon that can deal with a STAB Earthquake. So I decided to use this defensive water pokemon:
Shellos @ Eviolite
Ability: Sticky Hold
Level: 5
EVs: 84 HP / 212 Def / 112 SpA / 100 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Clear Smog
- Stockpile
Shellos, in my opinion is one of the best LC pokemon in this game, where it is vital in clutching crucial and vital games. More info on my analysis of Shellos can be seen on my LC Viability Ranking. Shellos works exceptionally well as a sweep breaker, and with it's bulk, and defensive typing with only 2 weakness (Grass/Electric), Shellos can be used to face almost any hard hitting pokemon, and reversing the situation with it's move.
Shellos's main ability, Evolite is pretty epic, as it prevents any pokemon from knocking off that defensive bulk, giving Shellos a permanent increase in it's defensive stats. This is very useful, as there are just too many pokemon in the LC metagame that threatens to steal and knock off one's item to give the team an advantage based on (lesser health/ lesser defence).
Shellos has a Good defensive stats of 25/15/14, giving it a good defence on it's defence and s.def. Most of the common STAB moves are unable to deal more than half of Shellos health, such as Mienfoo's Drain Punch :
236 Atk Mienfoo Drain Punch vs. 84 HP / 212+ Def Eviolite Shellos: 7-9 (28 - 36%) -- 1.1% chance to 3HKO
(7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 9)
and Probably Drilbur
236 Atk Mold Breaker Drilbur Earthquake vs. 84 HP / 212+ Def Eviolite Shellos: 9-12 (36 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
(9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 12)
Shellos, can do a Scald attack against these threats, with a fair chance to burn it's opponent, rendering them almost useless to defeat Shellos. Shellos can then set-up with Stockpile + Recover, making it harder for Pokemon to break down Shellos even using Super effective move, such as Chinchou's Volt Switch:
232+ SpA Chinchou Volt Switch vs. 84 HP / 100 SpD Eviolite Shellos: 14-18 (56 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
(14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 18)
The stats above doesn't include a weaker Chinchou, or a s.def-boosted Shellos.
Clear Smog next comes into play to prevent a pokemon from making outrageous Sweep. It is particular effective against Tirtouga, which commonly shell smash, taking away it's sturdy status, and a chance to burn and disable Tirtouga. Other notable counters include DD Axew, Corphish, and even Sword Dance Fletching. Overall, Shellos acts as a defensive pokemon one would hope for: Good typing, Recovery moves, Chance to burn, and able to setup defensive stats.
Finally, there is about one last threat that my team faces, and it could be deadly if this pokemon is not taken out. Contrary Snivy, whether Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Evolite or Focus Sash. Snivy can blitz past my team with Leaf Storm. After experimenting many trials and errors, I came up with this pokemon, which I myself am not sure of it's capability, and need your opinion on this:
Skiddo @ Eviolite
Ability: Sap Sipper
Level: 5
EVs: 164 HP / 156 Atk / 132 Def / 56 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bulk Up
- Zen Headbutt
- Horn Leech
- Rock Slide
This is a pokemon that I am still trying to work on, as it is hard to work with this with my other team members. It's main cause is sap sipper, which prevents leaf storm, or only grass move from hitting, thereby boosting my attack.
Skiddo has a defensive stats of 25/14/12, which is somewhat decent , and acts like Timburr, with the exception that it is weak to burn. Bulk up is used to reduce incoming damage done by other pokemon. Horn Leech acts like Timburr's drain punch, being able to heal while dealing damage. Zen Headbutt is used to deal with the ever common fighting mons like Mienfoo, and TImburr, while Rock Slide isused to deal with Fletching and Larvesta.
That's all for my team for LC. As mentioned from the start, this team's tactics is used to defeat it's foes and it's weakness, serverly limiting the amount of u-turn/volt-switch in this game. I do appreciate your opinion on this team, including a potential pokemon that can be used to solve Snivy threat. Thanks a lot.
This is my first ever RMT Team, and needless to say, I'm a real noob. This LC team I have built can either do really well (I once beat Sage), or lose many matches matches in a row. I have once peaked at top 16 in LC, but I am now outside of the top 500, due to the instability of my team. That is why I need help, and fast.
My pokemon team is based on an offensive mindset, who can get the job done, without utilizing on too much of switching moves such as Volt Switch, or U-turn. So, most of my matches have been an average of 20-25 turns. I also heavily rely on prediction, to try to get a type advantage, when an unlikely pokemon switches in and taste a 2x super effective move. So shall we get started on my team?
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Inner Focus
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- Acrobatics
Mienfoo is usually my lead. Boosting a good speed of 17 and a high attack stat of 18, it is used to deter pokemon which wants to set-up, such as Onix or Dwebble. Knock Off is a vital move that almost all pokemon uses, to get rid of Evolite and Berry Juice (from Archen notably). Berry Juice which are common to both Dwebble and Onix will be knocked off, and their lifespan is severely threatened with a followup drain punch. A knock off from Mienfoo usually leaves a pokemon pretty vulnerable to a direct drain punch attack.
I have been criticized too many times on why I used Inner Focus or Regenerator. There is mainly two reasons for this. Against team that uses Meowth, or Aipom ( which are not too common, but also not that rare), it would give a surprise to these mons, as I gain an advantage early by OHGO with drain Punch. Second Reason why I used Inner Focus is due to my Mienfoo being defensively weak, and my team tactic is to use Mienfoo to deal as much damage as possible before dying. As seen from my moveset, Mienfoo is suited for all kinds of 1v1 battle it faced, usually coming out on top with a knock off + **Follow-up move**. It's 17 speed makes it outspeed a lot of pokemon to KO.
Stone Edge is mainly used to deal with Larvesta, which it hopes to be able to get a burn, crippling my Mienfoo. It is also used nicely, if a fletching is used for scouting, like moves on U-turn or Sword Dance. Of course, as a player, I would normally switch ot out, but I have other mons in the team that checks fletching, usually leading it to u-turn right at the start. Since U-turn is not covered under gale wings, Stone Edge OHKO Fletching and gives my tram a huge advantage.
Acrobatic is a move that really stuns an opposing fighting team. With knock off commonly used in this game, even so right at the start of the battle, acrobatic is used against opposing Mienfoo or Timburr, once their Evolite is knocked off, OHKO them in the process, with a superb base power of 110. It is also somewhat useful against opposing Foongus, critically injuring them, allowing my follow-up pokemon to finish it off once Mienfoo is knocked off.
With these movesets, it seems that a lot of pokemon types are checked :
Normal, Dark, Ice, Rock, Steel (Drain Punch)
Flying, Bug (Stone Edge)
All pokemon, specially ghost/psychic (Knock Off)
Acrobactic (Fighting, Grass)
I chose Evolite as Mienfoo's item, as even though this Mienfoo is offensive, it needs to have that little extra bulk to survive hits from opposing pokemon. With Drain Punch active, it should be able to get some health back, while ensuring Mienfoo won't be in critical state after the first attack.
With Mienfoo as lead, opposing pokemon that will come in on a "free switch" and Mienfoo are normally Psychic Type, which is proven to OHKO Mienfoo with their STAB Psychic Attack. This is a important case of Gothita, being able to OHKO Mienfoo with a STAB Psychic after Evolite has been knocked off, or even after Mienfoo is SLIGHTLY Damaged. So here comes my pokemon to take care of this problem. I introduce ...
Munchlax @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 SpD
Careful Nature
- Body Slam
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch
- Double-Edge
A look at the spreads and the item may also raise some question. Let me explain my choice.
First off, with Abra in almost all teams. A Psychic is an attack to be anticipated since, none of my pokemon are resistant to Psychic. When Munchlax doesn't resist Psychic, it has an impressive 30hp, covered by an astounding 19 sdef. with Evolite boost. With extra bulk given to fire and Ice moves, it does really seem that Munchlax is one of the most defensive pokemon. But most people will overlook it's attack, a surprising 18. So it can function as an offensive bulk based on it's attack, and special defence.
Pursuit is vital in dealing with Psychic pokemon, or even Ghost type, like Gastly. It is used commonly to switch in to Abra's Psychic. Barring a Focus Sash Abra, most of these attacks will deal a rough 9hp damage (30%) to Munchlax, thus being unable to 3HKO it. Hidden Power(Fighting) do a even worser 8 damage, as seen from the following figure. This is also the same story or Gothita, or Gastly, which could hardly even scratch gastly with their STAB Attack.
240 SpA Abra Psychic vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 7-10 (23.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
(7, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10)
240 SpA Abra Hidden Power Fighting vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 8-10 (26.6 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
(8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10)
With that, Abra is stuck in a scenario. Most Abra would switch out for a better matchup, but it would normally be greated with a 80bp Pursuit Attack, leaving Abra with just 1 exact hp. Unless Munchlax would be sacked, which will be described later, there are other mons in my team take can finish it with their priority moves. This is vital, as Abra has totally no priority moves to counter. Since Gothia and Gastly are Scarf and Orb respectively, these pokemon would be OHKO if they switch.
However, if they do stay in, their attacks against Munchlax would probably deal around 90% after 3 hits, and Munchlax finishing them off with Pursuit. Munchlax did it's job well in defeating the main threats in my team, with 3 pokemon weak to Psychic, Munchlax does it job well as a "fool-proof" way of eliminating Psychic Pokemon.
Munchlax other moves is also notable. Munchlax can deal an STAB Body Slam, which can damage lot's of pokemon, and a good chance of paralysing them. Fire Punch is specifically deallt for Ferroseed, which is able to critically damage it most of the time. Fire Punch also works well against sun team, such as Bellsrout or Bulbasaur, which Munchlax able to tank both Solarbeam, and taking them out with a sun boosted Fire Punch. Double Edge is used to shock opponent that stalls, such as Porygon. When Body Slam paralyses a pokemon, Munchlax would normally be able to move first, and trainers would think that body slam is unable to 2hko their pokemon will be up for a surprise, as double edge will deal heavy damage and take out pokemon that is paralysis, preventing them from stalling and healing.
Overall, Munchlax is a good all around tank, which uses go to eating up sp.att moves, and dealing heavy damage in return.
As mentioned, both Mienfoo and Munchlax are good attackers, but they will be crippled badly by burns. With Mienfoo leading as a Suicide lead, another fighting pokemon will be given the chance to deal damage, while also absorbing burns. Yup, my third pokemon is :
Timburr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
Level: 5
EVs: 116 Atk / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Careful Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Knock Off
- Bulk Up
This is the exact moveset from Smogon, but it serves it's purposes in my team. A Will O Wisp from any pokemon and Timburr is ready to boost it's attack with Guts. With it's high Bulk and Evolite, it is able to take a Psychic from Abra, just in case Munchlax was used to dealt with other dangerous threats. Timburr can be used as a late game sweeper when it's threats it's eliminated. Due to it's bulk, Timburr can set-up one or 2 bulk up to start wrecking havoc on opposing teams. Knock Off, is ever so important in ensuring Timburr has a easier chance to deal more damage after getting rid of it's Evolite or Berry Juice. Also, with Evolite and and Bulk up in place, Fletching's Acrobactic doesn't seem so scary anymore, and Timburr can OHKO Fletching with a +2 Drain Punch, recovering lost health from Acrobatic.
+2 116 Atk Timburr Drain Punch vs. 156 HP / 92 Def Fletchling: 22-27 (95.6 - 117.3%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
(22, 22, 22, 22, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 27)
196+ Atk Fletchling Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. +2 0 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Timburr: 12-14 (50 - 58.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
(12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 14)
Timburr works great with pokemon that threatens to burn, such as Chinchou's Scald, or Larvesta's Will o Wisp / Flame Body. It also benefits from a poison from Gastly's Sludge Bomb, finishing Gastly off with a Knock Off. Timburr can also be used to finish off any ghost pokemon should Mienfoo be outspeeded by Gastly, and knocked out by it's STAB Life Orb Sludge Bomb.
Mach Punch is also crucial for Timburr in dealing our priority damage against sash pokemon with Abra or Diglett. It also badly damage Choice Scarf magnemite, preventing it from hit-and-run with Volt Switch. Knock off is used to get rid of it's berry juice, preventing it from recycling.
With 3 pokemon in the list, a common weakness: Fairy, comes into question, notably Spritzee, or intimidate Snubbull, which can wall Mienfoo and Timburr badly. So I have these pokemon in my team to deal with this threat:
Pawniard @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch
Pawniard is exceptionally great in dealing these situation. Intimidate from Snubbull would only give Pawniard an attack boost, increasing it's insane attack. Pawniard decent speed of 16 is able to outspeed fairies pokemon, such as Snubbull, An STAB Iron head will be able critically damage Spritzee, while OHKO Snubbull. Power-up-Punch allows Pawniard to function as a late game sweeper, taking out a pokemon with free attack boost, and proceeding to annihilate it's competition with STAB Knock Off and Sucker Punch. It is useful against slower pokemon such as Foongus and Porygon, knocking off it'es Evolite and dealing critical damage. Sucker Punch is a most also, as Priority is important in my team, considering how my team is built based on a good spread of bulk and offence. It is mainly useful against Fletching (Overheat/ Acrobatic) or Diglett, which I must be careful if he uses Substitute. It is also useful in lowering psychic type pokemon to sash health, in case I feel the need Pawniard would be useful.
With a nice priority move, Sticky Web would think twice about lying a sticky web to my team, as it gives Pawniard a free attack boost, and can hit very hard with sucker punch. Life Orb is prefered here, as it's typing isn't one of the best and it attracts many neutral attacks, and is weak to fighting , ground, fire and so on, many of these types common in LC Metagame. Life Orb ensures that Sucker Punch and other STAB move hits hard enough to KO my opponent.
Even though my team is offensive minded, I need to be aware of threats that can be more offensive than me, such as shell smash boost, or sword dance boost. Currently, I do not really have a physical pokemon, or a pokemon that can deal with a STAB Earthquake. So I decided to use this defensive water pokemon:
Shellos @ Eviolite
Ability: Sticky Hold
Level: 5
EVs: 84 HP / 212 Def / 112 SpA / 100 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Clear Smog
- Stockpile
Shellos, in my opinion is one of the best LC pokemon in this game, where it is vital in clutching crucial and vital games. More info on my analysis of Shellos can be seen on my LC Viability Ranking. Shellos works exceptionally well as a sweep breaker, and with it's bulk, and defensive typing with only 2 weakness (Grass/Electric), Shellos can be used to face almost any hard hitting pokemon, and reversing the situation with it's move.
Shellos's main ability, Evolite is pretty epic, as it prevents any pokemon from knocking off that defensive bulk, giving Shellos a permanent increase in it's defensive stats. This is very useful, as there are just too many pokemon in the LC metagame that threatens to steal and knock off one's item to give the team an advantage based on (lesser health/ lesser defence).
Shellos has a Good defensive stats of 25/15/14, giving it a good defence on it's defence and s.def. Most of the common STAB moves are unable to deal more than half of Shellos health, such as Mienfoo's Drain Punch :
236 Atk Mienfoo Drain Punch vs. 84 HP / 212+ Def Eviolite Shellos: 7-9 (28 - 36%) -- 1.1% chance to 3HKO
(7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 9)
and Probably Drilbur
236 Atk Mold Breaker Drilbur Earthquake vs. 84 HP / 212+ Def Eviolite Shellos: 9-12 (36 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
(9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 12)
Shellos, can do a Scald attack against these threats, with a fair chance to burn it's opponent, rendering them almost useless to defeat Shellos. Shellos can then set-up with Stockpile + Recover, making it harder for Pokemon to break down Shellos even using Super effective move, such as Chinchou's Volt Switch:
232+ SpA Chinchou Volt Switch vs. 84 HP / 100 SpD Eviolite Shellos: 14-18 (56 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
(14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 18)
The stats above doesn't include a weaker Chinchou, or a s.def-boosted Shellos.
Clear Smog next comes into play to prevent a pokemon from making outrageous Sweep. It is particular effective against Tirtouga, which commonly shell smash, taking away it's sturdy status, and a chance to burn and disable Tirtouga. Other notable counters include DD Axew, Corphish, and even Sword Dance Fletching. Overall, Shellos acts as a defensive pokemon one would hope for: Good typing, Recovery moves, Chance to burn, and able to setup defensive stats.
Finally, there is about one last threat that my team faces, and it could be deadly if this pokemon is not taken out. Contrary Snivy, whether Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Evolite or Focus Sash. Snivy can blitz past my team with Leaf Storm. After experimenting many trials and errors, I came up with this pokemon, which I myself am not sure of it's capability, and need your opinion on this:
Skiddo @ Eviolite
Ability: Sap Sipper
Level: 5
EVs: 164 HP / 156 Atk / 132 Def / 56 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bulk Up
- Zen Headbutt
- Horn Leech
- Rock Slide
This is a pokemon that I am still trying to work on, as it is hard to work with this with my other team members. It's main cause is sap sipper, which prevents leaf storm, or only grass move from hitting, thereby boosting my attack.
Skiddo has a defensive stats of 25/14/12, which is somewhat decent , and acts like Timburr, with the exception that it is weak to burn. Bulk up is used to reduce incoming damage done by other pokemon. Horn Leech acts like Timburr's drain punch, being able to heal while dealing damage. Zen Headbutt is used to deal with the ever common fighting mons like Mienfoo, and TImburr, while Rock Slide isused to deal with Fletching and Larvesta.
That's all for my team for LC. As mentioned from the start, this team's tactics is used to defeat it's foes and it's weakness, serverly limiting the amount of u-turn/volt-switch in this game. I do appreciate your opinion on this team, including a potential pokemon that can be used to solve Snivy threat. Thanks a lot.
