UU Core Collection Thread
So, after recently having my other thread locked, I came up with a new thread that I thought would be a good contribution to the UU community. Since I'm assuming there will also be a decent amount of begginers in every tier, or just people that aren't good at team building, I thought that a place to collect the best cores in the tier would be a good resource. Since i myself am not the best team builder (yet), I thought a thread like this would help me as well as the rest of UU.
Anyway, one of the biggest aspects to team building is cores, having a stable core, be it offensive, defensive, or mixed. Defensive cores are designed to counter a wide range of offensive threats, while offensive cores are designed to take out a wide range of defensive threats. A core consists of 2-3 Pokemon, that work well together, be it offensively, defensively, or both, and can work together to take out a majority of the tier. Armed with a collection of cores, team building should become quite a bit easier. Also, NO CORE IS PERFECT, AND CAN TAKE OUT EVERY SINGLE THREAT IN THE TIER. EVERY CORE WILL HAVE COUNTERS, SO DON'T SAY A CORE "SUCKS" BECAUSE IT IS BROKEN BY A FEW THINGS.
So to help with this, post with a core that you have found to work well in the current metagame. (yes, I know the new B2W2 metagame is quite different) Pokemon names, movesets, EV spreads, etc. should be included, and a short description of how the cores/Pokemon in them function. I will compile the cores in the OP to make for a quick and easy way to view them. With all that said, post away!
Offensive
Zoroark+Heracross
Zoroark @ Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
- Grass Knot
Heracross @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
This is a recently buffed core, with Heracross gaining his dream world ability, Moxie. The trick to this core is having Heracross last in your party, so Zoroark will be disguised as it. Disguised as Heracross, Zoroark can lure in Ghost-types and smash them with dark pulse, and if the real Heracross is in, special walls like Snorlax might come in thinking it's Zoroark in disguise. These two have good types synergy as well, even after the disguise is broken.
Mismagius+Bisharp
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Adamant
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
--Swords Dance
--Sucker Punch
--Iron Head
--Brick Break
Mismagius @ Life Orb
Timid
252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spe
--Substitute
--Nasty Plot
--Shadow Ball
--Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fighting
This is an offesnsive core consisting of two boosting sweepers. One hits from the special side while the other hits from the Physical side. Together, Bisharp and Mismagius have great type synergy, with the only weakness not resisted by the other being Fire. Carrying Thunderbolt, Mismagius can hit bulky waters hard that would otherwise give this core trouble, but HP Fighting will Provide better Coverage.
Moltres+Krookodile
Moltres @ Leftovers/ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Fire Blast
- Air Slash/ Hurricane
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Roost/ Flame Charge
Krookodile (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)/ Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge/ Super Power
With near unresisted coverage, these two powerhouses make for a great offensive core. Both hit very hard with no setup, and work together to hit both sides of the attacking spectrum. with all of that, moltres is very good at clearing initial threats, while Krook is very good at cleaning up late game with Moxie.
Darmanitan+Roserade+Kingdra
Darmanitan @ Life Orb
Trait: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Superpower
Roserade @ Life Orb
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid / Modest
- Sleep Powder
- Leaf Storm
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest / Synthesis
Kingdra @ Chesto Berry/Lum Berry
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 168 HP / 164 Atk / 4 SpD / 172 Spe
Adamant
- Rest
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Waterfall
With great FWG offensive coverage, this core will break through all kinds of walls. LO Flare Blitz from Darm will destroy everything but Bulky Waters, Fire-types and Rhyperior. Roserade hits all of those hard from the special side other than Fires. Kingdra can help clean up late game, defeats choice scarfers after a boost (especially other Darmanitan, Victini and Chandelure), and appreciates Steels and Bulky Waters being removed by the other two members of the core.
Defensive
Roserade+Snorlax+Slowbro
Roserade @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest
- Spikes
Slowbro @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 SpA
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Slack Off
- Calm Mind
Snorlax @ Leftovers
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 208 HP / 124 Def / 176 SpD
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
I found this one on the UU metagame trends article in the Smog. This core is very sound typing wise, and covers both special (Snorlax and Roserade) and physical (Slowbro) well. Roserade will find many opportunities to set up spikes, and start racking up damage. Snorlax having whirlwind also helps to rack up damage.
Gligar+Snorlax
Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Immunity
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Earthquake
- U-Turn
Snorlax @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Snorlax, only has one weakness, Fighting, which Gligar will take with ease, and Thick Fat Snorlax resists the Ice-type attacks that Gligar hates. Snorlax has incredible special bulk, while Gligar has great physical bulk. Together, they can take attacks from both sides of the spectrum, and all the types that come with. As a bonus, Gligar provides rocks, and Snorlax provides Whirlwind to rack up switch damage.
Empoleon+Zapdos
Empoleon @ Leftovers
Calm
252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
--Scald
--Stealth Rock
--Roar
--Toxic / Ice Beam
Zapdos @ Leftovers
Bold
252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
--Thunderbolt
--Hidden Power Ice
--Roost
--Toxic / Roar
This is a defensive core that excels in synergy Empoleon resists all of Zapdos' weaknesses, while Zapdos will do the same for Empoleon. Empoleon is great on the specially defensive side while Zapdos is very good on the physically defensive side. Emppoleon provides rocks, which is an added bonus when you take into account the numerous switches that this core can force.
*Note that with this core, it is necessary to have something that can take on EdgeQuake, as the core is weak to it.
Umbreon+Dusclops
Umbreon @ Leftovers
Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 Def
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Heal Bell
- Toxic/Payback
- Protect
Dusclops @ Eviolite
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Impish Nature
- Seismic Toss
- Will-O-Wisp
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
This defensive core is great for checking many of the threats in the current metagame. This core has pretty decent type synergy, and they have great defenses on the special and physical sides, respectively. Many of the choice users in the tier, plus some boosting sweepers, are checked by this core.
Mixed/Other
Slowbro+Amoonguss+Arcanine
Slowbro @ Choice Specs
Regenerator
Bold 252HP/252 Def/4SpAtk
-Scald
-Slack Off
-Psyshock
-Trick
Amoonguss @ Lefties
Regenerator
Calm 252HP/4Def/252SpDef
-Spore
-Toxic
-Clear Smog
-Synthesis
Arcanine @ Life Orb
Flash Fire
Jolly 252 Atk/4spDef/252 Spe
-Flare Blitz
-Extreme speed
-Crunch
-Morning Sun
This is what i would call a rather odd core (no offense), but none the less still a solid one. It has typical Fire/Water/Grass synergy with a few added twists. Offensive Arcanine is not only bulky as hell, but it can also dish out the pain while healing off with morning sun. Slowbro with TrickSpecs is also an odd choice, bat again provides another bulky attacker to the core. Amoonguss finishes of the synergy and anchors the core defensively, providing Spore support
Zoroark+Heracross
Zoroark @ Life Orb
Ability: Illusion
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
- Grass Knot
Heracross @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
This is a recently buffed core, with Heracross gaining his dream world ability, Moxie. The trick to this core is having Heracross last in your party, so Zoroark will be disguised as it. Disguised as Heracross, Zoroark can lure in Ghost-types and smash them with dark pulse, and if the real Heracross is in, special walls like Snorlax might come in thinking it's Zoroark in disguise. These two have good types synergy as well, even after the disguise is broken.
Mismagius+Bisharp
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Adamant
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
--Swords Dance
--Sucker Punch
--Iron Head
--Brick Break
Mismagius @ Life Orb
Timid
252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spe
--Substitute
--Nasty Plot
--Shadow Ball
--Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fighting
This is an offesnsive core consisting of two boosting sweepers. One hits from the special side while the other hits from the Physical side. Together, Bisharp and Mismagius have great type synergy, with the only weakness not resisted by the other being Fire. Carrying Thunderbolt, Mismagius can hit bulky waters hard that would otherwise give this core trouble, but HP Fighting will Provide better Coverage.
Moltres+Krookodile
Moltres @ Leftovers/ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Fire Blast
- Air Slash/ Hurricane
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Roost/ Flame Charge
Krookodile (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)/ Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge/ Super Power
With near unresisted coverage, these two powerhouses make for a great offensive core. Both hit very hard with no setup, and work together to hit both sides of the attacking spectrum. with all of that, moltres is very good at clearing initial threats, while Krook is very good at cleaning up late game with Moxie.
Darmanitan+Roserade+Kingdra
Darmanitan @ Life Orb
Trait: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Superpower
Roserade @ Life Orb
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid / Modest
- Sleep Powder
- Leaf Storm
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest / Synthesis
Kingdra @ Chesto Berry/Lum Berry
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 168 HP / 164 Atk / 4 SpD / 172 Spe
Adamant
- Rest
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Waterfall
With great FWG offensive coverage, this core will break through all kinds of walls. LO Flare Blitz from Darm will destroy everything but Bulky Waters, Fire-types and Rhyperior. Roserade hits all of those hard from the special side other than Fires. Kingdra can help clean up late game, defeats choice scarfers after a boost (especially other Darmanitan, Victini and Chandelure), and appreciates Steels and Bulky Waters being removed by the other two members of the core.
Defensive
Roserade+Snorlax+Slowbro
Roserade @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest
- Spikes
Slowbro @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 SpA
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Slack Off
- Calm Mind
Snorlax @ Leftovers
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 208 HP / 124 Def / 176 SpD
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
I found this one on the UU metagame trends article in the Smog. This core is very sound typing wise, and covers both special (Snorlax and Roserade) and physical (Slowbro) well. Roserade will find many opportunities to set up spikes, and start racking up damage. Snorlax having whirlwind also helps to rack up damage.
Gligar+Snorlax
Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Immunity
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Earthquake
- U-Turn
Snorlax @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Body Slam
- Whirlwind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Snorlax, only has one weakness, Fighting, which Gligar will take with ease, and Thick Fat Snorlax resists the Ice-type attacks that Gligar hates. Snorlax has incredible special bulk, while Gligar has great physical bulk. Together, they can take attacks from both sides of the spectrum, and all the types that come with. As a bonus, Gligar provides rocks, and Snorlax provides Whirlwind to rack up switch damage.
Empoleon+Zapdos
Empoleon @ Leftovers
Calm
252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
--Scald
--Stealth Rock
--Roar
--Toxic / Ice Beam
Zapdos @ Leftovers
Bold
252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
--Thunderbolt
--Hidden Power Ice
--Roost
--Toxic / Roar
This is a defensive core that excels in synergy Empoleon resists all of Zapdos' weaknesses, while Zapdos will do the same for Empoleon. Empoleon is great on the specially defensive side while Zapdos is very good on the physically defensive side. Emppoleon provides rocks, which is an added bonus when you take into account the numerous switches that this core can force.
*Note that with this core, it is necessary to have something that can take on EdgeQuake, as the core is weak to it.
Umbreon+Dusclops
Umbreon @ Leftovers
Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 Def
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Heal Bell
- Toxic/Payback
- Protect
Dusclops @ Eviolite
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Impish Nature
- Seismic Toss
- Will-O-Wisp
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
This defensive core is great for checking many of the threats in the current metagame. This core has pretty decent type synergy, and they have great defenses on the special and physical sides, respectively. Many of the choice users in the tier, plus some boosting sweepers, are checked by this core.
Mixed/Other
Slowbro+Amoonguss+Arcanine
Slowbro @ Choice Specs
Regenerator
Bold 252HP/252 Def/4SpAtk
-Scald
-Slack Off
-Psyshock
-Trick
Amoonguss @ Lefties
Regenerator
Calm 252HP/4Def/252SpDef
-Spore
-Toxic
-Clear Smog
-Synthesis
Arcanine @ Life Orb
Flash Fire
Jolly 252 Atk/4spDef/252 Spe
-Flare Blitz
-Extreme speed
-Crunch
-Morning Sun
This is what i would call a rather odd core (no offense), but none the less still a solid one. It has typical Fire/Water/Grass synergy with a few added twists. Offensive Arcanine is not only bulky as hell, but it can also dish out the pain while healing off with morning sun. Slowbro with TrickSpecs is also an odd choice, bat again provides another bulky attacker to the core. Amoonguss finishes of the synergy and anchors the core defensively, providing Spore support