Thanks for this. Went ahead and just changed the set's EV spread to this and updated the details to reflect this. Ready to be put up DC unless there's something I missed.
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RU Teambuilding - Mark II
- Thread starter DittoCrow
- Start date
[SET]
Swellow @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -Sp Atk)
- Protect / Quick Attack
- Facade
- Brave Bird
- U-Turn
Role: Late Game Cleaner / Physical Sweeper
What it does: Despite its NU status, Swellow has always been recognized as a dangerous threat even in the far reaches of UU. With its blazing base 125 speed, high-powered moves, and Guts ability, Swellow is perhaps the best late-game sweeper available. After a turn of being in battle, Swellow's Toxic Orb activates, triggering Guts and giving its Facade power comparable to a Life Orb Haxorus's Outrage. This amount of power can be easily attained by using Protect. If you feel like you dont need it, Quick Attack is an option over protect to pick off weakened/frail pokemon and still get your Guts boost! Facade and Brave Bird are both very strong, powerful enough to OHKO pretty much every Pokemon that doesnt resist them, and even put a large dent into Kabutops! U-turn is a very important move, giving Swellow the ability to escape from its counters while doing some damage to them on the switch, wearing the walls down until they are in KO range for Facade or Brave Bird. After its counters have been removed or even weakened, its go time, by this time all of the opponent's bulkier Pokemon should also be worn down into KO range, making the opponent's entire team vulnerable to Swellow's assaults.
Good Teammates: Due to its lack of coverage, Swellow requires quite a lot of support to function to its full potential. A spinner is almost required when using Swellow, because the frail bird will be worn down from multiple switches into Stealth Rock, along from the residual damage from the Toxic Orb it holds. Kabutops is the best spinner in the tier, hands down, and can smash most of the Rock-types in the tier with STAB Water moves, Cryogonal is also an option, but it has trouble with Swellow's checks itself. The majority of Swellow's counters are grounded, making Stealth Rock and Spikes support one of the best ways to support your bird. The combined damage from Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Swellow's U-turn will wear down the bulky Rock and Steel-types in RU down fast, very fast. Swellow also OHKOs Cryogonal and can really hurt Kabutops, putting the opponent in a bad position when it comes to spinning. Smeargle, Ferroseed, and Omastar are all good options for hazard setting, and they each have their pros and cons, if you have an extra teamslot left, you can split the work between two pokemon. Uxie, Rhydon, and Steelix are all great stealth rock setters, while Accelgor, Scolipede, and Roselia all work well as spikers. Lastly, Swellow appreciates a teammate to take advantage of all the Rock- and Steel-Types that are constantly coming in to wall Swellow. Gallade is perhaps the best option for this, it can easily come in on most of the bulky Rocks and Steels, and can either destroy them with a swift Close Combat, or set up a Swords Dance in their face, then OHKO them the next turn. Pokemon such as Hitmonlee, Entei, Sceptile, and Rotom-C are also good options for this role.
Counters: Despite its sheer power and speed, Swellow has many checks and counters that put its sweep to a stop. Thanks to Swellow's relative lack of coverage, almost any Rock- or Steel-type can slow it down. Steelix takes a pittance from any of Swellow's attacks and can even set up Swellow's worst enemy, Stealth Rock. Regirock, Rhydon, Klinklang, Aggron and Omastar are also great options for full stopping Swellow, be aware though, that none of them have recovery, and can easily be worn down with U-turn and entry hazards damage. Swellow is very frail, and therefore vulnerable to most priority. After Stealth Rock, almost any priority will put the bird in KO range for its own Toxic Orb, ending its sweep right then and there. Entei, Kabutops, and Absol can all easily stop a Swellow sweep without even trying bar quick attack. Lastly, Swellow hates residual damage, and between Toxic Orb, Stealth Rock, and Brave Bird recoil, Swellow will die rather quickly if played recklessly.
A couple of Pokemon that I've found to be really good recently:
[SET]
Slowking (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 212 HP / 252 SAtk / 44 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Surf
- Fire Blast
- Psyshock
- Grass Knot
Role: Wallbreaker
What it Does: Although the addition of Hurricane to Moltres's movepool has made Lanturn a better bulky Water over Slowking, our slow friend still has an incredibly good set up its sleeve in the current metagame. Donning a pair of Choice Specs, Slowking is able to turn into one of the most difficult Pokemon to get rid of in the tier. This is thanks in large part to Regenerator as Slowking's amazing ability quite possibly makes it the best Choice Specs user in the tier. The moveset is very simple. Surf is used to give Slowking a reliable STAB option that smashes most things that don't resist it. Psyshock lets Slowking bypass the likes of Clefable and Cryogonal who may get cute and think they can wall you. Fire Blast will roast the many Grass types in the tier alive and it's also cool to catch stuff like Escavalier and Ferroseed. Finally, Grass Knot is necessary to get past opposing Slowkings. Although it may seem like a good move to use on Lanturn, the special bulk and weight (or lack of weight) makes Psyshock a far better move to use on Lanturn.
Good Teammates: Steelix is a wonderful teammate for this Slowking. It provides SR support and has superb defensive synergy with Slowking that will allow it to come in most times that Slowking gets forced out. Tangwroth is another solid option and it can form a Specs Regenerator core that will easily break down the opposing team while remaining healthy. Slowking also appreciates strong physical attackers to lessen the need for prediction. Entei, Escavalier, and Aggron can all cover Slowking's weaknesses fairly well and keep offensive pressure on the opposing team. Last, but not least, cleaners are a very worthy investment as Slowking can quickly break the opposing defensive core with its powerful coverage. Chief among these is Sceptile. Sceptile can find its way in on Grass and Electric attacks while Slowking can masterfully lure out and KO the Grass and Steel types Sceptile wants weakened or outright KOed along with checking Fire types Sceptile can't stay in on.
Counters: Dark types, primarily Pursuit users, are very annoying for Slowking to face as they will discourage the use of Psyshock. Escavalier and Spiritomb are the worst 2. Both can stomach Slowking's attacks and play mindgames with Slowking between their STAB moves and Pursuit. Otherwise, Slowking's sheer coverage will make it very difficult to straight up counter. Without Pursuit, Slowking can simply switch out when locked into an unfavorable move and get Regenerator healing. Lanturn is probably the closest thing to a defensive counter as it resists Surf and Fire Blast, takes a pittance from Grass Knot, and only fears Psyshock. If it gets in safely, Lanturn can then support its team with Heal Bell, Thunder Wave, or regain momentum with Volt Switch should Slowking switch out in fear of this. Outside of Lanturn and powerful, bulky Pursuit users, countering Specs Slowking largely comes down to getting resists of the right move into play.
Additional Info: Specs Slowking is good. Don't knock it until you try it.
[SET]
Emboar (F) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Superpower
- Earthquake / Head Smash
Role: Revenge Killer / Physical Sweeper
What it Does: Despite being in the depths of the NU tier, Emboar has a very important perk over the Fire types of RU in that it is neutral to SR. Although it may seem silly to slap a Choice Scarf on something as slow as Emboar, the Speed boost is just what Emboar needs to compete effectively in RU. With a Choice Scarf, Emboar is able to outspeed everything up to, and including, Sceptile. Flare Blitz turns Emboar into a battering ram. Without a resist, most offensive Pokemon will vaporize into ashes. Superpower will make most resists to Flare Blitz cry and the stat drops aren't that important as Emboar will rarely be staying in for more than a turn. Wild Charge lets Emboar effectively revenge kill the likes of Archeops and Moltres despite being weak to their STAB moves. Finally, Earthquake is used in the last slot. Although it gets redundant coverage with Emboar's other moves, there are 2 major targets it will catch: Nidoqueen and Entei. It also gives Emboar a move to use that has no drawbacks with recoil or stat dropping.
Good Teammates: Emboar's common weaknesses let it down a lot, so have Pokemon that can cover these weaknesses. Uxie can provide SR, switch into Ground and Psychic attacks, and provide a slow U-turn to get Emboar in safely on. Spinners such as Kabutops and Cryogonal aren't exactly necessary for this set to function, but it is very helpful since Emboar will switch in and out a lot. Slowking is also a good partner as it can come in on Water and Psychic attacks aimed at Emboar and either spread burns with Scald or break down walls with a Specs set to set the stage for Emboar later. Spikes support is helpful to limit the recoil damage from Flare Blitz. Accelgor, Smeargle, and Scolipede are all good for offensive teams. Finally, Grass types such as Rotom-C, Sceptile, and Lilligant can switch into the Water types that are bound to come in on Emboar and possibly setup their own sweep. Swellow is a great offensive partner as Emboar will have few problems getting rid of the Rock and Steel types that hold Swellow back. With them gone, few things will stop a game-ending sweep by Swellow.
Counters: Qwilfish and Alomomola are the big 2 counters to this set. Both have abilities that even thwart prediction with Wild Charge. Intimidate for the former will cut the damage Wild Charge causes while the latter has Regenerator to basically act as a scout and switch back into a resist should Emboar use Wild Charge. Slowking is also difficult for this set to get past thanks to Regenerator and resistances to both of Emboar's STAB moves. Outside of these Water types, it will often take a combination of Pokemon to actually counter Emboar. A Ghost type like Cofagrigus paired with a Fire type like Entei will ensure that Emboar will never have a chance to freely use a single STAB without fear. Checking Emboar is much easier though. Moltres can literally come in on 3 of Emboar's 4 moves, but that 4th move will take it down without question thanks to the Speed boost from Scarf. Nidoqueen is immune to Wild Charge and resists SuperPower, but it won't like Flare Blitz one bit and EQ is sure to take it out.
Additional Info: Choice Scarf Emboar is underrated, but it's very effective and viable for the advantages it has over its fellow Fire types (mainly neutrality to SR, great secondary typing, and ability to run Scarf without getting owned by SR).
[SET]
Slowking (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 212 HP / 252 SAtk / 44 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Surf
- Fire Blast
- Psyshock
- Grass Knot
Role: Wallbreaker
What it Does: Although the addition of Hurricane to Moltres's movepool has made Lanturn a better bulky Water over Slowking, our slow friend still has an incredibly good set up its sleeve in the current metagame. Donning a pair of Choice Specs, Slowking is able to turn into one of the most difficult Pokemon to get rid of in the tier. This is thanks in large part to Regenerator as Slowking's amazing ability quite possibly makes it the best Choice Specs user in the tier. The moveset is very simple. Surf is used to give Slowking a reliable STAB option that smashes most things that don't resist it. Psyshock lets Slowking bypass the likes of Clefable and Cryogonal who may get cute and think they can wall you. Fire Blast will roast the many Grass types in the tier alive and it's also cool to catch stuff like Escavalier and Ferroseed. Finally, Grass Knot is necessary to get past opposing Slowkings. Although it may seem like a good move to use on Lanturn, the special bulk and weight (or lack of weight) makes Psyshock a far better move to use on Lanturn.
Good Teammates: Steelix is a wonderful teammate for this Slowking. It provides SR support and has superb defensive synergy with Slowking that will allow it to come in most times that Slowking gets forced out. Tangwroth is another solid option and it can form a Specs Regenerator core that will easily break down the opposing team while remaining healthy. Slowking also appreciates strong physical attackers to lessen the need for prediction. Entei, Escavalier, and Aggron can all cover Slowking's weaknesses fairly well and keep offensive pressure on the opposing team. Last, but not least, cleaners are a very worthy investment as Slowking can quickly break the opposing defensive core with its powerful coverage. Chief among these is Sceptile. Sceptile can find its way in on Grass and Electric attacks while Slowking can masterfully lure out and KO the Grass and Steel types Sceptile wants weakened or outright KOed along with checking Fire types Sceptile can't stay in on.
Counters: Dark types, primarily Pursuit users, are very annoying for Slowking to face as they will discourage the use of Psyshock. Escavalier and Spiritomb are the worst 2. Both can stomach Slowking's attacks and play mindgames with Slowking between their STAB moves and Pursuit. Otherwise, Slowking's sheer coverage will make it very difficult to straight up counter. Without Pursuit, Slowking can simply switch out when locked into an unfavorable move and get Regenerator healing. Lanturn is probably the closest thing to a defensive counter as it resists Surf and Fire Blast, takes a pittance from Grass Knot, and only fears Psyshock. If it gets in safely, Lanturn can then support its team with Heal Bell, Thunder Wave, or regain momentum with Volt Switch should Slowking switch out in fear of this. Outside of Lanturn and powerful, bulky Pursuit users, countering Specs Slowking largely comes down to getting resists of the right move into play.
Additional Info: Specs Slowking is good. Don't knock it until you try it.
[SET]
Emboar (F) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Superpower
- Earthquake / Head Smash
Role: Revenge Killer / Physical Sweeper
What it Does: Despite being in the depths of the NU tier, Emboar has a very important perk over the Fire types of RU in that it is neutral to SR. Although it may seem silly to slap a Choice Scarf on something as slow as Emboar, the Speed boost is just what Emboar needs to compete effectively in RU. With a Choice Scarf, Emboar is able to outspeed everything up to, and including, Sceptile. Flare Blitz turns Emboar into a battering ram. Without a resist, most offensive Pokemon will vaporize into ashes. Superpower will make most resists to Flare Blitz cry and the stat drops aren't that important as Emboar will rarely be staying in for more than a turn. Wild Charge lets Emboar effectively revenge kill the likes of Archeops and Moltres despite being weak to their STAB moves. Finally, Earthquake is used in the last slot. Although it gets redundant coverage with Emboar's other moves, there are 2 major targets it will catch: Nidoqueen and Entei. It also gives Emboar a move to use that has no drawbacks with recoil or stat dropping.
Good Teammates: Emboar's common weaknesses let it down a lot, so have Pokemon that can cover these weaknesses. Uxie can provide SR, switch into Ground and Psychic attacks, and provide a slow U-turn to get Emboar in safely on. Spinners such as Kabutops and Cryogonal aren't exactly necessary for this set to function, but it is very helpful since Emboar will switch in and out a lot. Slowking is also a good partner as it can come in on Water and Psychic attacks aimed at Emboar and either spread burns with Scald or break down walls with a Specs set to set the stage for Emboar later. Spikes support is helpful to limit the recoil damage from Flare Blitz. Accelgor, Smeargle, and Scolipede are all good for offensive teams. Finally, Grass types such as Rotom-C, Sceptile, and Lilligant can switch into the Water types that are bound to come in on Emboar and possibly setup their own sweep. Swellow is a great offensive partner as Emboar will have few problems getting rid of the Rock and Steel types that hold Swellow back. With them gone, few things will stop a game-ending sweep by Swellow.
Counters: Qwilfish and Alomomola are the big 2 counters to this set. Both have abilities that even thwart prediction with Wild Charge. Intimidate for the former will cut the damage Wild Charge causes while the latter has Regenerator to basically act as a scout and switch back into a resist should Emboar use Wild Charge. Slowking is also difficult for this set to get past thanks to Regenerator and resistances to both of Emboar's STAB moves. Outside of these Water types, it will often take a combination of Pokemon to actually counter Emboar. A Ghost type like Cofagrigus paired with a Fire type like Entei will ensure that Emboar will never have a chance to freely use a single STAB without fear. Checking Emboar is much easier though. Moltres can literally come in on 3 of Emboar's 4 moves, but that 4th move will take it down without question thanks to the Speed boost from Scarf. Nidoqueen is immune to Wild Charge and resists SuperPower, but it won't like Flare Blitz one bit and EQ is sure to take it out.
Additional Info: Choice Scarf Emboar is underrated, but it's very effective and viable for the advantages it has over its fellow Fire types (mainly neutrality to SR, great secondary typing, and ability to run Scarf without getting owned by SR).
[SET]
Slowking (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature (+SAtk, -Spd)
IVs: 0 Speed
- Trick Room
- Surf
- Psyshock
- Fire Blast
Role: Bulky Attacker / Tank
What it Does: Slowking is a highly effective Trick Room Pokemon, being ridiculously slow and being able to tear through offensive teams under Trick Room. It can also take hits well, as it a hard counter to a lot of the Fighting-types in the tier. Slowking will have a plethora of opportunities to set up Trick Room, which means that even if goes down to something like Spiritomb, its teammates can clean up. Surf, Psyshock, and Fire Blast provide perfect coverage, being able to tear through a large part of the tier. Ice Beam is an option over Fire Blast to nail Druddigon, but Fire Blast is much better most of the time due to its massive power. Regenerator also helps Slowking be one of the best Trick Room setters out there, as it means it does not truly need a recovery move to be effective.
Good Teammates: Pokemon such as Druddigon and Escavalier that can decimate the opposition under a Trick Room are key partners for this set. Pokemon that can take advantage of Spiritomb can also be helpful, as it will switch into Slowking often. Other Trick Room setters, such as Mesprit and Cofagrigus, can also be very helpful, as they can take the pressure off of Slowking since it won't be the only Trick Room setter on one's team. Something to take out bulky Special Walls, such as enemy Slowking, is also appreciated, meaning Pokemon like Spiritomb can be great partners.
Counters: Bulky Special walls are major problems for this set. Pokemon such as Clefable and enemy Slowking wall this set to hell and back. Also, Spiritomb can trap and KO this Slowking easily. Escavalier can also be a problem, as it is slower than Slowking and can OHKO it with Megahorn under Trick Room. Druddigon can also be a problem, especially since it can live Ice Beam even if Slowking is carrying it.
[SET]
Rhydon (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Rock Head
EVs: 88 HP / 252 Atk / 84 SDef / 84 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Megahorn
Role: Bulky Attacker / Tank
What it Does: Rhydon is ridiculously bulky on the physical side, meaning it can take almost any physical attack without much effort. Rhydon reaches an extremely high Attack stat of 394 with Max Attack and an Adamant nature, allowing it to easily take down most physical attackers. Rhydon is even better in the current metagame due to the popularity of SubRoost Moltres, which this set eats alive with a resistance to both Hurricane and Fire Blast, as well as being able to hit through the sub with Rock Blast. Rhydon can even take attacks such as Hidden Power Grass from Entei, allowing it to be a solid Entei switch-in. Fighting-types are also becoming less common in the metagame, meaning Rhydon has less to worry about. Rhydon can also destroy most leads in the metagame, with the exception of Smeargle.
Good Teammates: Pokemon that can take Grass-type attacks are very good partners. Roselia is a very good partner, for example, as it can counter Sceptile easily. Roselia can also handle the Water-types that give Rhydon trouble. Bouffalant can also be a good partner due to sap Sipper, although Sceptile can eat it alive with Focus Blast. Rapid Spin and Wish support can also be very helpful, as Rhydon has no access to reliable recovery. Pokemon like Cofagrigus are also good partners, as it is weak to Pokemmon like Spiritomb and Drapion, which Rhydon eats alive; Cofagrigus can also spin-block for Rhydon. A Pokemon that can take on Smeargle, such as Lum Berry Kabutops, is also a good partner.
Counters: Grass- and Water-types are major problems for Rhydon. Pokemon like Lilligant, Sceptile, and Omastar all can destroy Rhydon easily; however, all must be careful when switching in, as Grass-types can be decimated by Megahorn while Omastar can be easily killed by Earthquake. Tangrowth is also a good answer for Rhydon, though must be wary of Megahorn. Smeargle is a solid lead against teams with Rhydon, as it can put rhydon to sleep and proceed to set up entry hazards, stopping Rhydon's user from getting Stealth Rock up in the process. Entry hazards are also a good way to take down Rhydon, as it does not have any recovery.
I'm utilizing a Trick Room team for Research Week, and Slowking is definitely an amazing TR setter - Regenerator combined with its stellar offense guarantee multiple Trick Rooms and not be set-up bait. A great fit for such teams. nice entry, ShakeItUp :)
Nasty Plot deserves a mention, though. With only base 100 SpA and holding Leftovers, it's hard to break through certain special walls without some boost. Nasty Plot provides the ability to remove or cripple special walls, thus preventing them from stalling out TR turns. I like going with Psyshock + Fire Blast - not being able to remove Fire and Rock-types quickly with Surf may be annoying, but my team have plenty of answers for such mons.
Nasty Plot deserves a mention, though. With only base 100 SpA and holding Leftovers, it's hard to break through certain special walls without some boost. Nasty Plot provides the ability to remove or cripple special walls, thus preventing them from stalling out TR turns. I like going with Psyshock + Fire Blast - not being able to remove Fire and Rock-types quickly with Surf may be annoying, but my team have plenty of answers for such mons.
Slowking is THE Trick Room Setter of RU. Interesting idea to skip the water-STAB, as water isn't a particularily great offensive type in the current metagame (at least for Trick Room play), I might try that. Fire Blast is the most crucial move on it, though, as it OHKOs plenty of "Slowking Counters" (are there any such things - even Lanturn will be scared of Trick Room - Nasty Plot - Psyshock), notably Sceptile, Tangrowth and Galvantula.
I think I've used that Slowking set ShakeItUp posted on 90% of my RU teams since I discovered competetive pokémon, just because it' s so incredibly good at its job as a Trick Room Setter/Pivot/Abuser. It pairs well with Exeggutor IMO, as in my team, and of course with the multitude of incredibly hard-hitting 'mons with low speed that RU is full of.
I'll post another fancy 'mon (copied from my RMT-thread, since I think I said it well there).
Solosis @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
LvL: 1
EVs:
IVs:
Nature:
- Trick Room
- Endeavor
- Pain Split/Toxic/Taunt/Confuse Ray
- Pain Split/Toxic/Taunt/Confuse Ray
Trick Room Setter. Lategame sash with F.E.A.R.-potential. I've used it on a gimmicky team on my alt, and it is an incredibly reliable way to get up that last, vital Trick Room, or even get it up midgame against a 'mon threatening both of the other remaining setters. Unprepared (or "unexperienced" is maybe a better term) opponents will often be crippled by endeavor as well. It functions very similarly to Molk's Smeargle Trick Room lead, without Dragon Rage and Spore, unfortunately, but capable of being untouched by entry hazards, thereby allowing mid-/lategame usage.
I think I've used that Slowking set ShakeItUp posted on 90% of my RU teams since I discovered competetive pokémon, just because it' s so incredibly good at its job as a Trick Room Setter/Pivot/Abuser. It pairs well with Exeggutor IMO, as in my team, and of course with the multitude of incredibly hard-hitting 'mons with low speed that RU is full of.
I'll post another fancy 'mon (copied from my RMT-thread, since I think I said it well there).
Solosis @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
LvL: 1
EVs:
IVs:
Nature:
- Trick Room
- Endeavor
- Pain Split/Toxic/Taunt/Confuse Ray
- Pain Split/Toxic/Taunt/Confuse Ray
Trick Room Setter. Lategame sash with F.E.A.R.-potential. I've used it on a gimmicky team on my alt, and it is an incredibly reliable way to get up that last, vital Trick Room, or even get it up midgame against a 'mon threatening both of the other remaining setters. Unprepared (or "unexperienced" is maybe a better term) opponents will often be crippled by endeavor as well. It functions very similarly to Molk's Smeargle Trick Room lead, without Dragon Rage and Spore, unfortunately, but capable of being untouched by entry hazards, thereby allowing mid-/lategame usage.
[SET]
Volbeat (M) @ Damp Rock / Heat Rock
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Rain Dance / Sunny Day
- Encore
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
Role: There should prob be a category for weather setters or something, cuz this thing doesn't fit in any of them .-.
What it Does: Volbeat is probably the best weather setter in RU due to Prankster. It can get off a clutch Rain Dance or Sunny Day almost whenever necessary, making it a true staple for weather teams. It is also essentially impossible to set up on (unless the opponent has a Linoone), as Encore will thwart any attempts for that. Encore can also give your own sweepers a chance to set up. Substitute allows for status protection and can work very well with Encore, as with Baton Pass, Volbeat can pass a Substitute to its teammate. Substitute can also be useful if there's only one turn of Rain Dance or Sunny Day left, as Volbeat can then use it to stall out the last turn and then set it up again for a full 8 turns. Max HP and Max Defense are used in order to take priority attacks from the likes of Entei and Kabutops relatively well.
Good Teammates: Swift Swim sweepers, such as Kabutops, Omastar, and Gorebyss are essential partners for this set if one is running Rain Dance. Pokemon such as Charizard and Victreebel can be good partners if one is running Sunny Day. Rapid Spin support from a Pokemon such as Kabutops is also appreciated, as it will allow Volbeat to come in as many times as possible and do its job. Volbeat tends to force a lot of switches, so entry hazard support can be beneficial as well.
Counters: Because of the fact that Volbeat is merely a support pokemon, countering it isn't really possible. However, Volbeat's biggest enemy is Linoone. Linoone can come in on a Rain Dance, set up a Belly Drum, and then proceed to smash one's team with ExtremeSpeed. If Volbeat doesn't have something like Scarf Rotom as its partner, there's a good chance that Linoone will easily be able to smash them. Entry hazards are also a good way to get rid of Volbeat, as without any recovery whatsoever, it will be worn down quickly, especially if it is using Substitute.
Crustle (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Def / 12 SDef
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake / X-Scissor
Role: Hazard Users
What it Does: Crustle is easily one of the best leads in the metagame. Thanks to Sturdy, Crustle has an edge over other leads because it does not have to run a Focus Sash. With Lum Berry, it completely trolls Smeargle, breaking its Focus Sash and knocking it out with Rock Blast, stopping Smeargle from setting up any hazards and putting the opponent at a major disadvantage. Crustle also destroys other leads such as Aerodactyl and Accelgor very easily. It also has a solid amount of bulk, which means that it can get up Stealth Rock and Spikes relatively easily. Earthquake can nail Pokemon such as Kabutops and Omastar, but X-Scissor can be used to hit Grass-types, as well as Mesprit and Uxie.
Good Teammates: Crustle works best on Heavy Offense teams, so teams with a lot of sweepers, such as Entei and Kabutops, make great partners for this set. A Ghost-type is almost a necessity as well, as there's no point setting up entry hazards if a Kabutops can just spin them away later. The best choice for this would be a defensive Cofagrigus, as it can spinblock Kabutops and isn't too worried about Stone Edge. Also, Pokemon that can take on possible set-up attackers that may set up on this Crustle are also appreciated; for example, Slowking can be a good partner since it can stop Pokemon such as Omastar from sweeping if they set up on Crustle.
Counters: Kabutops is a major problem for this set. It can Stone Edge to do massive damage to Crustle, and then Rapid Spin its hazards away later. Some set-up sweepers, such as Lilligant and Feraligatr, can also be a problem, as they can set up on Crustle relatively easily. Uxie and Mesprit leads also beat this set one-on-one easily.
Aerodactyl (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Role: Hazard Users
What it Does: Aerodactyl is a solid lead that can give one's team the momentum by stopping the opponent from getting up hazards while getting up one's own Stealth Rock. Aerodactyl can shut down almost all Smeargle leads, bar Magic Coat versions, in which case it comes down to a 50-50 prediction. Earthquake and Stone Edge hit relatively hard, and can stop the opponent from being completely carefree when playing vs Aerodactyl. Earthquake does a solid 70% or more to Kabutops, the best Rapid Spinner in the tier. For Heavy Offense teams, Stealth Rock and momentum is all they need to win the game in the end, so Aerodactyl is a great choice for those teams.
Good Teammates: Aerodactyl works best on Heavy Offense teams, so sweepers, such as Sceptile and Entei, are good partners for this set. A Ghost-type is also necessary to stop the opponent from spinning away Stealth Rock. Defensive Cofagrigus is a good partner, as it can spin-block Kabutops relatively easily without worrying too much about Stone Edge. Spiritomb, on the other hand, can be useful for getting rid of Cryogonal.
Counters: Magic Coat Smeargle can usually defeat this Aerodactyl, as most Aerodactyl users will use Taunt turn one, which will let Smeargle reflect it with Magic Coat, Spore it next turn, and set up its own hazards. Crustle is also a solid counter for Aerodactyl, being able to tank a Stone Edge and OHKO Aerodactyl. through Focus Sash with Rock Blast. Rhydon is in the same boat, hardly getting a scartch from Earthquake and being able to OHKO back with Rock Blast. Steelix also shuts down Aerodactyl, although it will not get Stealth Rock up while Aerodactyl will. Hidden Power Water or Hidden Power Rock Accelgor can also take down Aerodactyl easily. Also, Kabutops leads can Stone Edge Aerodactyl Turn 1, and then proceed to use Aqua Jet to finish it off, or use Rapid Spin to spin away Stealth Rock.
Uxie @ Light Clay
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Memento / Yawn / U-Turn
What it Does: Uxie is the best Dual Screener in the RU by far. With Max Speed and a Timid nature, it can outrun a large part of the metagame and set up Reflect and Light Screen easily. Also, thanks to Uxie's great bulk, it can take hits even if it's outsped, making it even better at its role. Uxie also learns Stealth Rock, which makes it a perfect option for Heavy Offense teams, as they get Reflect, Light Screen, and Stealth Rock with one Pokemon. The last thing that makes Dual Screens Uxie so good is Memento, which makes it much easier for Uxie's teammates to set up. Yawn is also an option, however, and can shut down Pokemon such as OTR Cofagrigus that try to set up on Uxie. U-Turn can also work in the last slot, and is good for when the user feels like the Pokemon that is in against Uxie is not an immediate threat and that they might need Uxie for later.
Good Teammates: Teammates that can set up and wreak havoc on the opposition are great partners for this set. Pokemon such as Lilligant, Linone, Omastar, and Feraligatr are all excellent choices for teammates. If running Memento, a Pokemon that can handle OTR Cofagrigus, such as Taunt + Swords Dance Drapion, is appreciated, as otherwise, Cofagrigus will be able to wreak havoc through the team. Pokemon that can handle Aerodactyl and Smeargle leads are also appreciated, as they can truly mess up the strategy of a Dual Screens Hyper Offense team. Lum Berry Crustle is a good example of this; it can also run Stealth Rock itself, which frees up a slot for Uxie to use Yawn or U-Turn over Stealth Rock. Other Dual Screeners are also appreciated, as Reflect and Light Screen only last for 8 turns.
What Counters It: Aerodactyl can completely shut down Uxie, and is its best counter. Smeargle can Spore Uxie after it gets up either Stealth Rock or one of the screens, proceed to set up its own hazards, and Whirlwind out any Pokemon that tries to set up under the benefit of Dual Screens. OTR Cofagrigus can easily set up on any Uxie that chooses to forgo Yawn. Choice Scarf Rotom-C and Choice Scarf Rotom can also be problematic, as they can Trick away Uxie's Light Clay and give it a Choice Scarf, which makes it much less effective.
Uxie @ Damp Rock / Heat Rock
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 SDef / 16 Spd
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Rain Dance / Sunny Day
- Stealth Rock
- Heal Bell
- U-turn
Role: Weather Setter / Supporter
What it Does: Although Volbeat may be the best at guaranteeing at least one Rain Dance or Sunny Day, Uxie is the best at being able to use a weather move multiple times in a match. Uxie is fully capable of setting up either Rain Dance or Sunny Day on more than one occasion. There is no better or worse move. Just make sure you use the right item with the right weather move. Stealth Rock and Heal Bell further aid weather teams. SR provides invaluable entry hazards while Heal Bell can cure a weather sweeper of paralysis or sleep, allowing it to get back in the match. U-turn is the last move, and thanks to Uxie's low-ish Speed, it can often get in a weather sweeper unscathed. As with any defensive Uxie set, the EVs are flexible. A specially defensive spread is chosen as many prominent RU attackers hit from the special side. 16 Speed EVs ensure Uxie is able to outspeed max base 55s. This is more useful on Sun teams as Uxie can then provide one last Sunny Day before Crawdaunt or Omastar break through it.
Good Teammates: This really depends on the weather Uxie is setting up. The only universal teammate is Volbeat, as it's one of the few other Pokemon that can setup either weather condition. Otherwise, use Swift Swimmers with RD Uxie and Chlorophyllers with SD Uxie. Ludicolo, Omastar, Kabutops, and Gorebyss all appreciate the rain Uxie can setup while Shiftry, Moltres, Entei, Victreebel, and Lilligant can all take advantage of the Sun Uxie can bring. Do note that if Uxie is using Rain Dance, Lanturn is a quality partner as it too can take hits and setup Rain Dance, easing pressure on Uxie to take hits from special attackers such as Moltres.
What Counters It: Pursuit users such as Spiritomb and Escavalier are a real pain in the neck as Uxie can't even escape with U-turn. Taunt users such as Aerodactyl will shut down Uxie completely. Trick users can also be a nuissance. Things such as Rotom, Rotom-C, and Manectric can Trick (Switcheroo in Manectric's case) Uxie a choice item and cripple it for the rest of the match. Otherwise, few things will be able to "counter" Uxie in the traditional sense as its job is to setup weather multiple times throughout the match.
Additional Info: A physically defensive spread is viable to handle physical attackers better. Many of the tier's prominent attackers are special attackers though. Memento is an option over U-turn to ensure a free setup opportunity for a weather sweeper. This sacrifices Uxie though, and is thus, not recommended over U-turn. Otherwise, just make sure you have Damp Rock with Rain Dance and Heat Rock with Sunny Day.
Lanturn (M) @ Damp Rock
Trait: Volt Absorb
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SAtk / 216 SDef
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Rain Dance
- Thunder
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
Role: Weather Setter
What it Does: Although Lanturn is most commonly seen sporting a defensive set to be the tier's best Moltres counter, Lanturn is perfectly capable of setting up Rain Dance. After setting up Rain Dance, Lanturn still has choices to make. It can either use a slow Volt Switch to bring in a weather sweeper unscathed, or it can choose to take advantage of the rain itself. Thunder has 100% accuracy and will still hit relatively hard despite Lanturn's low base 76 Special Attack. Surf is the preferred Water move for its reliability as Lanturn should not focus on breaking down opposing walls. However, Hydro Pump is there if you want to try and drown anything that has thoughts of switching in. The EVs maximize Lanturn's damage output while still not neglecting its great special bulk.
Good Teammates: As with any Rain Dance user, Swift Swimmers are valuable partners for their ability to run through teams in the rain. Ludicolo is the most noteworthy for its ability to sponge Ground type attacks for Lanturn. Other Swift Swimmers such as Gorebyss, Omastar, and Kabutops become very menacing in the rain. Teammates that can setup Rain Dance are also good teammates. Uxie, Rotom-C, and Volbeat are all viable users of the move with the latter two resisting both of Lanturn's weaknesses.
What Counters It: Like with most other Lanturn sets, Grass types are big issues. Most can come in without too many problems and keep Lanturn from going out to a Rain Dance sweeper. However, almost all of them need to watch out for possible Rain-boosted Hydro Pumps. Ground types have to watch out for Lanturn's Water STAB of choice, but they can come in on any other move and threaten with a powerful super effective STAB move. Physical attackers such as Gallade can easily break through Lanturn due to its lack of defense investment.
Additional Info: Should Volt Switch not be wanted, then Heal Bell and Ice Beam are two good options for the last moveslot. The former lets Lanturn perform cleric duties while the latter can smack Grass types looking to get a relatively free switch-in.
Rotom @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Shadow Ball
- Pain Split
Role: Special Sweeper
What it Does: An old favorite of mine that seems to have been forgotten, subsplit rotom is a potent threat in the RU tier. With a combination of its high speed, good special attack, near perfect coverage, and excellent electric/ghost typing, Rotom forces more than enough switches to get up a substitute against most teams. From there Rotom can either attack with its STAB moves, or use pain split to recover the HP lost from the substitute, while also possibly bringing the opponent into KO range of one of Rotom's attacks. Rotom is also *okay* at spinblocking, it has the potential to beat lol sandslash, but struggles against +2 kabutops and cryogonal, though. Thankfully rotom has the potential to OHKO kabutops if it comes in safely. Rotom can also do other cool things like substitute as spiritomb comes in, and put it in a lose/lose situation. If it shadow sneaks, it takes 60%+ from tbolt and rotom gets away, if it uses pursuit, rotom beats spiritomb and keeps on sweeping.
Good Teammates: Rotom has troubles with fast pursuit users such as drapion, so pokemon to take advantage of these pokemon are advised. Klinklang, Escavalier and Aggron can switch in on a pursuit locked spiritomb or drapion, and either set up, or KO something on the opposing team with head smash/megahorn. A pokemon to remove Steelix and ferroseed from the match is also a good idea, as they are often an annoyance to Rotom. Gallade and Moltres are excellent choices for this role, both can hit the two with a super effective STAB, and in ferroseed's case, set up on it. rotom also enjoys entry hazards support, as even stealth rock and 1 layer of spikes can push many pokemon into KO range for one of rotom's attacks. Rotom is also a ghost-type, meaning it can spinblock all the shitty spinners no matter what (sandslash, sandslash, sandslash, and sandslash, stop using sandslash please, its shit lol).
What Counters It: Rotom isnt easy to straight up counter due to its typing and excellent STABs, but there are many pokemon that can do the job. Drapion can come in on rotom, and take even a thunderbolt with some investment, then it can outspeed the lightning ball and trap it with pursuit, spiritomb does the same, but with intelligent use of substitute, rotom can get past it. Cryogonal completely walls rotom, taking all of its attacks, recovering off all the damage, and eventually KOing it with ice beam. Steelix and ferroseed have the potential to completely wall rotom, but they struggle to damage it and return, and dont have reliable recovery. Sawsbuck resists thunderbolt and doesnt care about shadow ball, and can outspeed rotom and KO it with horn leech. If Rotom isnt behind a substitute, anything that can take an attack from it and KO back can be called a check, examples include lilligant, sceptile and Nidoqueen.
Uxie, Lanturn, and Volbeat are superb Rain inducers. Uxie got the Speed and access to Stealth Rock. Volbeat has dat Prankster Speed and amazing Encore to shut down set-up sweepers and SubPass for some amazing set-up opportunities for the Rain inducers (though it does eat some Rain turns). Lanturn has its useful typing and slow Volt Switch.
On Uxie, Memento and Yawn are much better options than Heal Bell imo. Either of those options allow Uxie to bring in Swift Swimmers safely. Heal Bell is probably a better fit on Lanturn instead. I like HP Grass on Lanturn so it can soften up opposing Lanturns for my Swift Swimmers.
On Uxie, Memento and Yawn are much better options than Heal Bell imo. Either of those options allow Uxie to bring in Swift Swimmers safely. Heal Bell is probably a better fit on Lanturn instead. I like HP Grass on Lanturn so it can soften up opposing Lanturns for my Swift Swimmers.
[SET]
Rotom-C @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
- Trick / Thunderbolt
Role: Revenge Killer
What it Does: Rotom-C is the best Choice Scarf user in the tier. It can outrun almost all of the metagame with a Choice Scarf equipped, and gain momentum using Volt Switch, which also doubles as its STAB move. Leaf Storm hits very hard, and can easily knock out anything that is weak to Grass, and also deal hefty damage to anything that it hits neutrally. Hidden Power Fire can knock out the Grass- and Steel-types that resist Leaf Storm, such as Escavalier and Ferroseed; Hidden Power Ice also hits Grass-types, but hits Dragon-types, such as Druddigon, instead of Steel-types. Rotom-C can also use Trick in order to greatly cripple walls, which is another trait that makes it the best revenge killer in the tier.
Good Teammates: Rapid Spinners, such as Kabutops, can be good partners for this set, as Rotom-C is much more effective when it doesn't have to worry about Stealth Rock every time it switches in. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Smeargle can also be helpful, as Rotom-C forces a lot of switches. Pokemon such as Klinklang that can set up on common switches to Rotom-C, such as Cryogonal and Ferroseed, are also appreciated.
What Counters It: Special walls can take any hits that Rotom-C tries to dish out against them, but they must be wary of Trick. Druddigon can take almost any hit Rotom-C tries to hit it with, and isn't too bothered by Trick; however, it must be wary of Hidden Power Ice. Stealth Rock can also cripple Rotom-C, as it will be switching in and out and Stealth Rock limits its ability to do so.
Rotom-C @ Expert Belt / Chesto Berry
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Leaf Storm
- Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
- Thunderbolt / Rest
Role: Lure
What it Does: Because Rotom-C is so often seen with a Choice Scarf set, it can be a very good lure. Rotom-C can easily bluff a Choice Scarf with either an Expert Belt or a Chesto Berry equipped. With Volt Switch, it can still gain momentum very easily, making it even more deadly. Once the opponent switches in something like Ferroseed to take a Thunderbolt, Rotom-C can surprise it with Hidden Power Fire to knock it out. This technique can be very effective due to the surprise factor. Rest can also be used with a Chesto Berry, as this still lets Rotom-C bluff a Choice Scarf, while also letting it deal with its lack of recovery by allowing it to restore its health to full and get rid of any status that may be ailing it. This can be very effective, as the thought of a full health Rotom-C isn't pleasant for most teams.
Good Teammates: Rapid Spinners, such as Kabutops, can be good partners for this set, as Rotom-C is much more effective when it doesn't have to worry about Stealth Rock every time it switches in. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Smeargle can also be helpful, as Rotom-C forces a lot of switches. Pokemon like Feraligatr that can take advantage of Rotom-C removing its counters are also helpful. Sceptile and Lilligant can also be very good partners, as the switch-ins to Rotom-C are often the same switch-ins to both Sceptile and Lilligant, which means that once Rotom-C takes them out, it will be much more difficult for your opponent to defeat against these two.
What Counters It: Special walls stop this Rotom-C in its tracks, so Pokemon such as Cryogonal and Clefable are solid switch-ins. Ferroseed and Escavalier wall this set if Rotom-C doesn't run Hidden Power Fire, while Dragon-types, such as Druddigon, wall it if Rotom-C doesn't run Hidden Power Ice. Stealth Rock can also plague this Rotom-C, especially if it is running an Expert Belt instead of Rest with a Chesto Berry.
I like the set Chesto Rest Rotom-C, should be used more bulk imo and maybe with WoW > Hidden Power Fire / Ice.
Mesprit @ Leftovers / Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk
IVs: 0 Spd
Quiet Nature (+SAtk, -Spd)
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Thunderbolt
- Healing Wish / Ice Beam
Role: Bulky Attacker / Tank
What it Does: Mesprit makes for a solid Trick Room sweeper and / or supporter. Its unique access to both Trick Room and Healing Wish makes it a unique user of Trick Room. With Trick Room, a negative Speed nature, and 0 Speed IVs, Mesprit can attempt to fix its Speed issues when typically attempting to sweep. Psychic and Thunderbolt get the best general coverage in the tier and leaves the 4th move up to whether you want to use Mesprit for a little more support or if you want it to beat as many threats as possible. Healing Wish is preferred as it takes advantage of the unique qualities Mesprit brings to a Trick Room team. Upon using Healing Wish (after TR late-game ideally) Mesprit will sacrifice itself and bring in a teammate, fully restoring its status and HP. This is huge as that could be all that a TR sweeper needs to finish what it started earlier in the match. Should you not want Healing Wish, Ice Beam gives Mesprit BoltBeam coverage alongside Psychic and gives Mesprit the best chance to sweep on its own. Leftovers should be used with Healing Wish while Life Orb is preferred when using Ice Beam.
Good Teammates: Almost any typical Trick Room sweeper will appreciate Mesprit as a teammate. Druddigon, Escavalier, Aggron, and Marowak are all solid choices. Most teams are unable to handle one of these threats for 2 full rounds of Trick Room and Healing Wish will provide just that, a 2nd round of dealing with a single threat that has likely weakened its checks or counters from previous encounters. Other Trick Room setters such as Slowking and Exeggutor make for fine teammates as well, lessening the pressure on Mesprit to continually supply its team with Trick Room. Should Mesprit use Ice Beam over Healing Wish, entry hazard support is nice to turn some 3HKOs into 2HKOs. Aggron and Druddigon can both do this early on before Mesprit sets up Trick Room.
What Counters It: The 4th moveslot will really end up determining this as it determines what Mesprit sets out to do late-game. Steelix will wall Mesprit to hell and back should it lack Ice Beam. Ferroseed is in the same boat as Steelix as neither care about Psychic or Thunderbolt and both will actually outspeed most things in Trick Room due to their naturally pathetic Speed. Spiritomb spells bad news for Mesprit as the pixie is incappable of OHKOing it while Sucker Punch, Pursuit, and Shadow Sneak are all capable of giving Mesprit problems. Priority users such as Entei and Kabutops can keep Mesprit from successfully using Healing Wish late-game when its low on HP, however the latter has to be careful of Thunderbolt. The problem with countering Mesprit, especially when it's low on HP, is the fact it has Healing Wish. It basically provides a U-turn that heals whatever comes in, so stopping it from using Healing Wish should be your first priority on most occasions. Taunt users would be your first thought, but Drapion is the only safe one as Aerodactyl is ravaged by Thunderbolt and Qwilfish has no business coming in on Mesprit in the first place.
Additional Info: Do note that Healing Wish can be used over Thunderbolt as well. However, without Thunderbolt, Mesprit is walled by Steel types, but more importantly, it has no way to instantly take out Moltres without Thunderbolt.
Exeggutor @ Sitrus Berry
Trait: Harvest
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Trick Room
- Sleep Powder
- Leaf Storm
- Psychic
Role: Trick Room setter
What it Does: There are many reasons to add Exeggutor in one's Trick Room team. First it hits hard, thanks to its base 125 SpA combined with a strong dual STAB Leaf Storm and Psychic. It prevents the opponent from setting up on Exeggutor, and it's actually nice for softening up durable walls like Steelix and Slowking for your other TR sweepers.
Secondly, it's typing actually makes it a decent counter to Sub Sceptile, resisting its Giga Drain and Focus Blast. I personally found Sceptile to be a nuisance to Trick Room teams, since even Escavalier and Druddigon do not enjoy absorbing Focus Blasts.
Thirdly, it's access to Sleep Powder makes it an effecient secondary Trick Room setter. While the primary Trick Room is still active, bring in Exeggutor after something faints or on non-lethal hit and start spamming powerful special hits. Throw some hard special hits and then use Sleep Powder on the last turn of Trick Room so the opponent is rendered useless while the Trick Room disappears. Exeggutor can then hopefully set up Trick Room unscathed the following turn if the opponent doesn't wake up on the 2nd turn.
Sleep Powder is thus amazing for preserving Exeggutor's health while it sets up Trick Room. What further bolsters its longevity is its underrated ability, Harvest! With this ability, each turn Sitrus Berry has a 50% turn to be recycled, allowing for multiple 25% recoveries within a match. Combined with Exeggutor's overall decent bulk, harvesting Sitrus Berry allows Exeggutor to set up Trick Room multiple times.
props to wildeb33st for discovering this set!
Good Teammates: Exeggutor enjoys the company of another TR setter, such as Cofagrigus and Slowking. This allows Exeggutor to come in while Trick Room is still active, demolish things, sleep something, and safely set up another round of Trick Room. Therefore, having Trick Room already active helps preserve Exeggutor's health. Of course other TR sweepers, especially physical sweepers, such as Escavalier, Hariyama, and Rhydon, are nice additions to make use of Exeggutor's Trick Room while removing sweepers that are problematic to Exeggutor, such as Ferroseed. Pokemon that can absorb strong special hits are also welcome, such as previously mentioned Slowking, Lanturn, and Uxie.
What Counters It: Ferroseed, Escavalier, Sigilyph, Drapion, and Mandibuzz are notable for resisting both Exeggutor's dual STABs and wasting or taking advantage of TR turns. Uxie is bulky enough to tank a Leaf Storm with lots of HP to spare and set up Stealth Rock and U-turn to a better counter. A healthy Cryogonal can also tank a Psychic + Leaf Storm even after SR damage.
Once Trick Room disappears, strong Fire-type moves from the likes of Entei and Moltres or Bug-type moves from the likes of Accelgor and Galvantula demolish it. Flying-types, such as Braviary and Archeops, and pretty much strong special hitters from Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Mesprit can check it as well.
Rhydon @ Eviolite / Life Orb
Trait: Rock Head
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Rock Polish
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast / Stone Edge
- Megahorn
Role: Physical Sweeper
What it Does: Rhydon can be a very threatening sweeper after it gets off a Rock Polish, boasting an extraordinary base 130 Attack Stat. After a Rock Polish, Rhydon reaches 374 Speed, enough to outrun Sceptile. Rhydon hits very hard, being able to smash through the opposition with Earthquake, Rock Blast, and Megahorn. Rock Blast allows Rhydon to set up a Rock Polish on one of the most threatening sweepers in the tier, SubRoost Moltres, and destroy it with Rock Blast the following turn. Megahorn decimates Grass-types, meaning that almost nothing is safe from Rhydon's destructive path. Rhydon's solid bulk, especially with Eviolite, means that finding set up opportunities is easy.
Good Teammates: In order for Rhydon to work, Choice Scarfers, mainly Special Attacking ones, and Kabutops should be removed, as then Rhydon will be almost unstoppable. Rhydon can easily take priority from Pokemon such as Spiritomb, but a 4x effective Aqua Jet from Kabutops will destroy it. Spiritomb can be a good partner for this set, as it can trap some Choice Scarfers and can also knock out Kabutops, making it easier for Rhydon. Gothorita is also an option, as it can also trap certain Pokemon. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Smeargle is also appreciated, making Rhydon even more deadly.
What Counters It: Special Attacking Choice Scarf users can easily outrun Rhydon after a Rock Polish and revenge kill it. Rotom-C is a great example of this; however, it cannot switch in since it is KO'd by Megahorn. Kabutops can also revenge kill Rhydon easily with Aqua Jet, although, like Rotom-C, cannot switch in due to Earthquake. Water-types and Grass-types as a whole can easily knock out Kabutops, although most of them cannot switch in for fear of being KO'd. Tangrowth, however, can take a Megahorn, meaning that it can defeat Rhydon even though it is slower; it is 2HKO'd b Megahorn, however, so can't switch in 100% of the time.
Cryogonal @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 64 HP / 252 SAtk / 192 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin
- Hidden Power Rock
- Recover
Role: Rapid Spinner
What it Does: Offensive Cryogonal can be a solid Rapid Spinner, being much more threatening than its defensive counterpart. Cryogonal can hit very hard offensively, meaning that it can KO a wide variety of Pokemon in the tier, especially with hazard support. An advantage this set has over its defensive counterpart is that it is not threatened by Moltres, as it can outrun and OHKO it with Hidden Power Rock. Ice Beam also hits very hard, which can allow this set to knock out Spiritomb on the switch after entry hazards; this alone makes it more effective than its defensive counterpart for a lot of teams. It can also heal off Life Orb Recoil easily with Recover.
Good Teammates: Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Smeargle can be helpful, as hazards can make Cryogonal much more threatening. Pokemon that appreciate Moltres being gone, such as Torterra, can also be helpful. Magneton can also be a solid partner, as it can KO the Steel-types, such as Escavalier, that Cryogonal lures out. Escavalier and Spiritomb can also be good partners, as they can take out Pokemon such as Uxie and enemy Cryogonal that can cause problems for this set.
What Counters It: Escavalier is the best counter for this set. It can easily take any attack, and easily Trap and KO Cryogonal with Pursuit. Special Walls also wall this Cryogonal easily, so Pokemon such as Clefable and defensive Cryogonal can easily wall this set. Spiritomb can also trap this set as long as entry hazards are not up. Steel-types such as Magneton also wall this set easily.
I love this thing and I have been trying to keep it quiet (So it doesn't become popular) for a while because X2 speed and base 130 attack makes it such a force. Especially late game.
Rhydon @ Eviolite / Life Orb
Trait: Rock Head
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Rock Polish
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast / Stone Edge
- Megahorn
Role: Physical Sweeper
What it Does: Rhydon can be a very threatening sweeper after it gets off a Rock Polish, boasting an extraordinary base 130 Attack Stat. After a Rock Polish, Rhydon reaches 374 Speed, enough to outrun Sceptile. Rhydon hits very hard, being able to smash through the opposition with Earthquake, Rock Blast, and Megahorn. Rock Blast allows Rhydon to set up a Rock Polish on one of the most threatening sweepers in the tier, SubRoost Moltres, and destroy it with Rock Blast the following turn. Megahorn decimates Grass-types, meaning that almost nothing is safe from Rhydon's destructive path. Rhydon's solid bulk, especially with Eviolite, means that finding set up opportunities is easy.
Good Teammates: In order for Rhydon to work, Choice Scarfers, mainly Special Attacking ones, and Kabutops should be removed, as then Rhydon will be almost unstoppable. Rhydon can easily take priority from Pokemon such as Spiritomb, but a 4x effective Aqua Jet from Kabutops will destroy it. Spiritomb can be a good partner for this set, as it can trap some Choice Scarfers and can also knock out Kabutops, making it easier for Rhydon. Gothorita is also an option, as it can also trap certain Pokemon. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Smeargle is also appreciated, making Rhydon even more deadly.
What Counters It: Special Attacking Choice Scarf users can easily outrun Rhydon after a Rock Polish and revenge kill it. Rotom-C is a great example of this; however, it cannot switch in since it is KO'd by Megahorn. Kabutops can also revenge kill Rhydon easily with Aqua Jet, although, like Rotom-C, cannot switch in due to Earthquake. Water-types and Grass-types as a whole can easily knock out Kabutops, although most of them cannot switch in for fear of being KO'd. Tangrowth, however, can take a Megahorn, meaning that it can defeat Rhydon even though it is slower; it is 2HKO'd b Megahorn, however, so can't switch in 100% of the time.
ShakeItUp: Added both Rotom-C, Rhydon, and Cryogonal and made some slashes (HP Fire on Cryogonal, Thunder Wave and WoW on Rotom-C).
EonX-: Added Mesprit, but that's really not a common Pokemon and Trick Room isn't a very common strategy. I almost wanted to put it in Project RU but it's viable anyways.
Pocket: Woah that's the kinda set I was talking about. Not really standard, and a bunch of people don't even use Exeggutor. You also posted it in Project RarelyUsed (which is where it should go :p). I don't think a Pokemon can go in both, since the thread says that gimmicks and stuff along those lines don't go in this thread, just like you wouldn't post a standard mon in Project RU. Sorry :<
Just in general, the point of this project is to post common things that people would want to use on their teams. For example I'm seeing things like Rain Dance Lanturn and Gorebyss instead of things like Roselia and Aggron. Stuff like Rock Polish Rhydon, which isn't tested that much since it isn't common, is pushing it too. Just saying that there are tons of creative sets and NU Pokemon with low usage being posted, and I would like to cover the most used Pokemon first!
Think of it like suggesting Pokemon to a new player, you would probably teach them about what standard stuff does first.
EonX-: Added Mesprit, but that's really not a common Pokemon and Trick Room isn't a very common strategy. I almost wanted to put it in Project RU but it's viable anyways.
Pocket: Woah that's the kinda set I was talking about. Not really standard, and a bunch of people don't even use Exeggutor. You also posted it in Project RarelyUsed (which is where it should go :p). I don't think a Pokemon can go in both, since the thread says that gimmicks and stuff along those lines don't go in this thread, just like you wouldn't post a standard mon in Project RU. Sorry :<
Just in general, the point of this project is to post common things that people would want to use on their teams. For example I'm seeing things like Rain Dance Lanturn and Gorebyss instead of things like Roselia and Aggron. Stuff like Rock Polish Rhydon, which isn't tested that much since it isn't common, is pushing it too. Just saying that there are tons of creative sets and NU Pokemon with low usage being posted, and I would like to cover the most used Pokemon first!
Think of it like suggesting Pokemon to a new player, you would probably teach them about what standard stuff does first.
[SET]
Aggron (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Rock Head
EVs: 116 HP / 252 Atk / 140 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Head Smash
- Focus Punch
- Aqua Tail / Toxic / Magnet Rise
Role: Bulky Attacker / Tank
What it does: Aggron can OHKO a large part of the tier using its STAB Head Smash, and because of this, it can easily force switches. This set takes advantage of that by using Substitute, which also provides Aggron with a means to use Focus Punch, destroying the Steel-types that come in to take Head Smash. This set also uses Magnet Rise, which can be very effective, allowing Aggron to completely troll Pokemon such as Archeops and Rhydon that try to come in and use Earthquake on it. This lets it get a free kill almost all of the time while keeping its Substitute up.
Good teammates: Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Smeargle is helpful, as Aggron forces a lot of switches, and hazards make it even harder for opponents to take Head Smash. Paralysis support from Pokemon such as Druddigon and Uxie is also helpful, since against a paralyzed team, this Aggron is virtually unstoppable.
What Counters It: Countering this Aggron is difficult due to the insane power of STAB Head Smash, Focus Punch, and Magnet Rise. Quagsire, however, can put a stop t this set easily, resisting Head Smash, being able to tank Focus Punch, and easily destroy Aggron with Scald. Nidoqueen can also defeat this Aggron, being able to defeat it with Flamethrower or Thunderbolt should Aggron use Magnet Rise. Moltres can potentially PP stall Head Smash and attempt to defeat Aggron, although this is pretty difficult since Aggron can use Focus Punch to break the Substitute, as well as destroy it if Head smash runs out of PP. However, without Head Smash, Aggron is much less threatening.
[SET]
Aggron (M) @ Choice Band
Trait: Rock Head
EVs: 116 HP / 252 Atk / 140 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Head Smash
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Fire Punch
Role: Bulky Attacker / Tank
What it does: Aggron OHKOs almost the entirety of the RU tier with a Choice Band equipped. CB Head Smash hits ridiculously hard, allowing Aggron to knock out almost anything its path. Heavy Slam is also extremely powerful, especially since Aggron weighs more than most other Pokemon. Earthquake allows Aggron to deal massive damage to Steelix, rendering it incapable of tanking Aggron's Head Smashes later on. Fire Punch is mainly just a filler, but can get an easy OHKO against Ferroseed. Aggron is almost impossible to switch into, and this makes it a truly scary behemoth.
Good teammates: Trick Room support from Pokemon such as Uxie and Slowking is greatly appreciated, as this will allow Aggron to outrun almost the entire RU tier and OHKO almost all of it. If used on a Trick Room team, a Brave Nature should be used, with 0 Speed IVs and 0 Speed EVs. Entry hazard support can also be helpful, as it weakens Pokemon such as Steelix so that it becomes even more difficult to switch into Head Smash.
What Counters It: Countering this Aggron is almost impossible. Steelix can tank most of the moves on this set, but must be wary of Earthquake since it lacks a reliable recovery move. Under Trick Room, one's best bet at stopping Aggron is to either underspeed it with a Pokemon such as Slowking or attempt to stall out Trick Room with something like Protect. Outside of Trick Room, once Aggron kills a Pokemon, its low Speed and wide variety of weaknesses means it can be revenge killed easily by Pokemon such as Sceptile, Tauros, Archeops, and Gallade.
SubPunchSmash Aggron sounds beastly, very few mons will enjoy taking 150+ bp hits coming from a 350 Atk.
Magnet Rise seem kinda filler, though. Toxic may just be just as good to wear down the likes of Quagsire, Tangrowth, and Poliwrath. Or Aqua Tail to hit Nidoqueen for super-effective damage and preserve Head Smash PP.
EDIT: Hell, even Screech sounds good on the last spot :d
Magnet Rise seem kinda filler, though. Toxic may just be just as good to wear down the likes of Quagsire, Tangrowth, and Poliwrath. Or Aqua Tail to hit Nidoqueen for super-effective damage and preserve Head Smash PP.
EDIT: Hell, even Screech sounds good on the last spot :d
Sub Aggron wants either Toxic or Aqua Tail as Pocket said. Aqua Tail 2HKOs Rhydon's Tank set and Archeops is not coming into Aggron with a Sub up since it gets destroyed by Head Smash anyway. Steelix can simply use Roar, so you're usually better off attacking it anyway. Aqua Tail also has the added benefit of hitting Nidoqueen hard and it doesn't care about Magnet Rise since TBolt and Fire Blast are more than enough to deal with Aggron and its terrible Special Defense.
I'd personally go with Aqua Tail, but Toxic is really good for defensive mons that can handle Aggron with little fear.
I'd personally go with Aqua Tail, but Toxic is really good for defensive mons that can handle Aggron with little fear.
ok. The fourth move slashes are now: Aqua Tail / Toxic / Magnet Rise.
Braviary (M) @ Choice Band
Trait: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) / Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Brave Bird
- Superpower
- U-Turn
- Return
Role: Physical Sweeper
What it does: Choice Band Braviary hits ridiculously hard with its STAB Brave Bird, easily being able to OHKO most of the RU tier. Steel- and Rock-types aren't even safe, as Superpower can heavily damage them, rendering them unable to take Brave Birds later on. Return also htis very hard, providing Braviary with a secondary STAB move. U-Turn also makes Choice Band Braviary a deadly weapon, allowing it to gain momentum while simultaneously damaging the opposition. This set hits much harder than its Choice Scarf counterpart, and can be very destructive against many teams.
Good Teammates: Magneton can be a good partner for this set, eliminating Steel-types, such as Steelix, that wall this set. Gothorita can also be a good partner, as it can trap and knock out Pokemon such as Rhydon that cause this set problems. Entry hazard support is also appreciated, as hazards make Braviary even more deadly; they also work very well alongside U-Turn. Rapid Spin support is also beneficial, as Stealth Rock greatly limits Braviar and will make it die very quickly, especially due to Brave Bird recoil. Paralysis support from Pokemon such as Uxie is also a good choice, as a paralyzed team has an extremely difficult time against a Choice Band Braviary.
What counters it: Steelix can wall this set relatively easily, although it must be wary of taking a Superpower. Rhydon and Regirock are in the same boat, being able to easily take out braviary after taking an attack. All 3 of these Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which is another great way to defeat Braviary. Also, Choice Band Braviary is relatively slow, so it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Moltres and Rotom-C.
Clefable (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Wish
- Protect
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic / Encore
Role: Special Wall
What it does: Clefable is a very potent wall in the RU tier, and is a solid choice for stall teams. This is due to its access to Wish, its solid special bulk, and Magic Guard. Clefable is the only Nidoqueen counter in RU, taking 46% maximum from a Life Orb-boosted Sludge Wave. While normally, this wouldn't make it a counter, Magic Guard stops it from taking entry hazard damage, and its access to Wish and Protect means it can heal itself easily. This alone makes it a very solid wall in the tier. Clefable can also Toxic Stall the opposition, or completely destroy the opponent's strategy by using Encore, which can leave set-up attackers helpless.
Good Teammates: Clefable does not require a lot of support due to Magic Guard and its access to healing. However, a solid physical wall is greatly appreciated, as Clefable cannot take Physical-attacks that well. Steelix is a prime candidate for this, being able to take a lot of physical attacks while benefiting from Clefable's Wishes. Qwilfish can also be a good partner, as it can set up Spikes against physical attackers and easily take the Fighting-type attacks aimed at Clefable. Entry hazard support in general is also appreciated, as Clefable can force a lot of switches if it runs Encore.
What counters it: Physical attackers can easily dispatch of Clefable. Pokemon such as Choice Band Braviary, Aggron, and Gallade completely decimate Clefable. Mix Attackers that can hit hard physically or have access to a physical Fighting-type move are the best choices, as they can eliminate Clefable along with its partners. Magmortar is a great example of this, being able to defeat Clefable with Cross Chop while also being able to destroy potential teammates, such as Qwilfish and Steelix, with Thunderbolt and Fire Blast, respectively.
Entei @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 136 HP / 120 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Grass
Role: Special Sweeper
What it does: This Entei completely deviates from the very common Choice Band, taking advantage of its popularity to pose more of a threat. This set can easily destroy most switch-ins to the standard Choice Band Entei set, being able to annihilate Pokemon such as Rhydon and Omastar with Hidden Power Grass while keeping its Substitute up. With Substitute and Calm Mind, Entei can easily set up on most special walls, being able to wreak havoc on the opposition, as Entei's Substitute becomes very difficult to break after a couple of Calm Mind boosts.
Good Teammates: Spiritomb can be a good partner for this set, as it can trap and knock out Slowking, which can cause this set problems. Entry hazard support is also helpful, as hazards make Entei much more threatening. Rapid Spin support is also necessary, as Stealth Rock alone shaves off half of Entei's health. Pokemon with Rock Blast can cause problems for this set, so Water-types and Grass-types can be solid partners as well.
What counters it: Slowking can tank Hidden Power Grasses relatively easily, so it is a solid counter. Dragon-types are the best counters for this set, however, resisting all of Entei's attacking moves and being able to destroy it. Druddigon and Fraxure are good examples of this. Entry hazards can also cause major problems for Entei, especially since they can reveal that Entei has Leftovers, thus revealing its set.
Uxie @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 96 HP / 188 SAtk / 196 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Thunderbolt
Role: Special Sweeper
What it does: This set can be a surprising one that can take advantage of Uxie's status as a solid wall in the RU tier. It can easily set up on a variety of Pokemon, such as Slowking and Smeargle. This set trades the higher Special Attacking power of Mesprit for higher HP and Speed; this Speed can be very useful, allowing Uxie to outrun Pokemon such as Lilligant and Moltres. Uxie's raw bulk makes its Substitutes difficult to break, and it becomes even harder to do so after Calm Mind boosts. Psychic and Thunderbolt provide solid coverage that can knock out a lot of the tier after a couple of boosts.
Good Teammates: Magneton can be a very good partner for this set, as Uxie really appreciates the Steel-types, such as Escavalier and Steelix, that Uxie draws in. Entry hazard support is also very helpful, as Uxie has trouble KOing Pokemon without or with only 1 Calm Mind boost. A cleric can also be useful, as Uxie can be ruined easily if it gets hit by status before it gets a Substitute off.
What counters it: Spiritomb can shut down and counter Uxie very easily, even after a couple of Calm Mind boosts. Steel-types can also wall this set easily, so Pokemon such as Escavaier and Steelix are solid counters. Also, even after one or two Calm Mind boosts, Uxie is relatively weak, so Pokemon such as Clefable can easily defeat it.
Braviary (M) @ Choice Band
Trait: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) / Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Brave Bird
- Superpower
- U-Turn
- Return
Role: Physical Sweeper
What it does: Choice Band Braviary hits ridiculously hard with its STAB Brave Bird, easily being able to OHKO most of the RU tier. Steel- and Rock-types aren't even safe, as Superpower can heavily damage them, rendering them unable to take Brave Birds later on. Return also htis very hard, providing Braviary with a secondary STAB move. U-Turn also makes Choice Band Braviary a deadly weapon, allowing it to gain momentum while simultaneously damaging the opposition. This set hits much harder than its Choice Scarf counterpart, and can be very destructive against many teams.
Good Teammates: Magneton can be a good partner for this set, eliminating Steel-types, such as Steelix, that wall this set. Gothorita can also be a good partner, as it can trap and knock out Pokemon such as Rhydon that cause this set problems. Entry hazard support is also appreciated, as hazards make Braviary even more deadly; they also work very well alongside U-Turn. Rapid Spin support is also beneficial, as Stealth Rock greatly limits Braviar and will make it die very quickly, especially due to Brave Bird recoil. Paralysis support from Pokemon such as Uxie is also a good choice, as a paralyzed team has an extremely difficult time against a Choice Band Braviary.
What counters it: Steelix can wall this set relatively easily, although it must be wary of taking a Superpower. Rhydon and Regirock are in the same boat, being able to easily take out braviary after taking an attack. All 3 of these Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which is another great way to defeat Braviary. Also, Choice Band Braviary is relatively slow, so it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon such as Moltres and Rotom-C.
Clefable (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Wish
- Protect
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic / Encore
Role: Special Wall
What it does: Clefable is a very potent wall in the RU tier, and is a solid choice for stall teams. This is due to its access to Wish, its solid special bulk, and Magic Guard. Clefable is the only Nidoqueen counter in RU, taking 46% maximum from a Life Orb-boosted Sludge Wave. While normally, this wouldn't make it a counter, Magic Guard stops it from taking entry hazard damage, and its access to Wish and Protect means it can heal itself easily. This alone makes it a very solid wall in the tier. Clefable can also Toxic Stall the opposition, or completely destroy the opponent's strategy by using Encore, which can leave set-up attackers helpless.
Good Teammates: Clefable does not require a lot of support due to Magic Guard and its access to healing. However, a solid physical wall is greatly appreciated, as Clefable cannot take Physical-attacks that well. Steelix is a prime candidate for this, being able to take a lot of physical attacks while benefiting from Clefable's Wishes. Qwilfish can also be a good partner, as it can set up Spikes against physical attackers and easily take the Fighting-type attacks aimed at Clefable. Entry hazard support in general is also appreciated, as Clefable can force a lot of switches if it runs Encore.
What counters it: Physical attackers can easily dispatch of Clefable. Pokemon such as Choice Band Braviary, Aggron, and Gallade completely decimate Clefable. Mix Attackers that can hit hard physically or have access to a physical Fighting-type move are the best choices, as they can eliminate Clefable along with its partners. Magmortar is a great example of this, being able to defeat Clefable with Cross Chop while also being able to destroy potential teammates, such as Qwilfish and Steelix, with Thunderbolt and Fire Blast, respectively.
Entei @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 136 HP / 120 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Grass
Role: Special Sweeper
What it does: This Entei completely deviates from the very common Choice Band, taking advantage of its popularity to pose more of a threat. This set can easily destroy most switch-ins to the standard Choice Band Entei set, being able to annihilate Pokemon such as Rhydon and Omastar with Hidden Power Grass while keeping its Substitute up. With Substitute and Calm Mind, Entei can easily set up on most special walls, being able to wreak havoc on the opposition, as Entei's Substitute becomes very difficult to break after a couple of Calm Mind boosts.
Good Teammates: Spiritomb can be a good partner for this set, as it can trap and knock out Slowking, which can cause this set problems. Entry hazard support is also helpful, as hazards make Entei much more threatening. Rapid Spin support is also necessary, as Stealth Rock alone shaves off half of Entei's health. Pokemon with Rock Blast can cause problems for this set, so Water-types and Grass-types can be solid partners as well.
What counters it: Slowking can tank Hidden Power Grasses relatively easily, so it is a solid counter. Dragon-types are the best counters for this set, however, resisting all of Entei's attacking moves and being able to destroy it. Druddigon and Fraxure are good examples of this. Entry hazards can also cause major problems for Entei, especially since they can reveal that Entei has Leftovers, thus revealing its set.
Uxie @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 96 HP / 188 SAtk / 196 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Thunderbolt
Role: Special Sweeper
What it does: This set can be a surprising one that can take advantage of Uxie's status as a solid wall in the RU tier. It can easily set up on a variety of Pokemon, such as Slowking and Smeargle. This set trades the higher Special Attacking power of Mesprit for higher HP and Speed; this Speed can be very useful, allowing Uxie to outrun Pokemon such as Lilligant and Moltres. Uxie's raw bulk makes its Substitutes difficult to break, and it becomes even harder to do so after Calm Mind boosts. Psychic and Thunderbolt provide solid coverage that can knock out a lot of the tier after a couple of boosts.
Good Teammates: Magneton can be a very good partner for this set, as Uxie really appreciates the Steel-types, such as Escavalier and Steelix, that Uxie draws in. Entry hazard support is also very helpful, as Uxie has trouble KOing Pokemon without or with only 1 Calm Mind boost. A cleric can also be useful, as Uxie can be ruined easily if it gets hit by status before it gets a Substitute off.
What counters it: Spiritomb can shut down and counter Uxie very easily, even after a couple of Calm Mind boosts. Steel-types can also wall this set easily, so Pokemon such as Escavaier and Steelix are solid counters. Also, even after one or two Calm Mind boosts, Uxie is relatively weak, so Pokemon such as Clefable can easily defeat it.