RAINY REVENGE
OF PU
Hello, Smogon!!! Here is Don Honchkrorleone again with another RMT, and my first NU one. After peaking 1st at monotype, I was searching for a new metagame to set myself and try to achieve the same success. I tried UU, but it's 4th Gen OU, and I hated that tier. I would try RU, but I promised myself that I'd never step there again since Blastoise got moved up (I actually played the first months of RU. How I miss Gligar and Blastoise ;~;). And in fact I tried NU in its earliest stage. I peaked 17th with a offensive Hail Team, but I abandoned because I hated Mesprit and it was everywhere (and I'll leave it if Mesprit fall again). Because of a very cherished friend of mine, I got back in this wonderful tier. I love NU, imo it's the least centralized metagame (although Alomomoonguss and Gurdurr/Musharna/Skuntank in every match is getting annoying) and ergo the funniest and most enjoyable. In NU, there are plenty of funny things that are considered bad but either people didn't try or are afraid to try. That's my job there, to test things like Carvanha, Fearow, Resttalk Shelgon, HC Heatmor, Perish Song Marowak, Krokorok, etc (I really use these gimmicks sometimes, and I suceed most of times O________O)OF PU
This team I present you here is by far my most successful gimmick (Lie, it was my Krokorok team, but I lost the team and the screenshot :/). It all started with the Research Week #8. I became interested in testing both Ampharos and Basculin together in a rain team. Rain is a powerhouse in NU nowadays, with every team carrying a Ludicolo / Seismitoad / Floatzel / Mantine / Gorebyss / Lumineon (True story...) that sets up RD just for itself and then proceeds to demolish opponent's team. I then had an idea. If a single rain sweeper can easily destroy teams, an entire team dedicated to abuse Rain may work wonders. I REALLY liked this team, and after my part of the RW was done, I decided to ladder more with this team and make it better under the alt Gajo. The result was peaking 4th, which is incredible for a team that doesn't have the extremely common NU pokemon (Bar Ludicolo), and instead has a bunch of poorly used and "forgettable" pokemon. Don't believe in me? See this screenshot below:
Now someone will blame ladder. Well, I was able to hold some powerful and well-played teams such as this one: http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/nu3563986
Now, pick your raincoats and umbrellas and have fun reading this RMT :D
I was originally doing a research week challenge, and I picked two pokemon I never used: Basculin and Ampharos
I thought at first that those two would make a decent rain team, with Ampharos setting up Rain Dance and Basculin abusing extremely powerful Waterfalls. I would need more than just one rain abuser, and obviously Ludicolo was my first choice.
I thought just two rain abusers would be bad. I wanted to add another Swift Swimmer to this team. I had the options of Mantine, Seismitoad and Floatzel. I ended up with the second because of his good typing.
I then noticed that I'd still need rain (for some reason) and also something to take Fighting-type moves that are everywhere in NU. Instead of adding Mantine (which was my first option in fact), I remembered of Prankster Volbeat and his mighty Tail Glow + Baton Pass, which was his first moveset. He also brought a nice Ground resistance to this team.
Team almost done and for some reason I felt that Grass-types would screw me (yes, even though I had Volbeat...). Also, I needed SR because Shedinja walls my team entirely. I also needed a Flying resistor since Braviary and Swellow are nothing to laugh about, neither Jumpluff and Drifblim. I would ude Metang, but Metang is Metang. Doing a paradox with the reason I picked Volbeat, I added Mawile.
Team done, time to test and pursue at least the silver (Who am I to conquer the gold?). I reached silver without many complications bar AMOONGUSS. I loved this team and decided to ladder with it, but then I made some changes. I changed Ampharos' and Volbeat's set. The team worked, but a certain mushroom who I hate a lot always, ALWAYS was there causing me trouble. I realized that Basculin was the weak link (I ended my research anyway, gtfo fish). I swapped him at first for Mantine and then for Swanna, but then my team got eaten alive by Regice. I then wanted something that could KO (or at least try) both hellishroom and crystal robot. Beartic was there, waiting for me with his frosty beard ^_^
My team did surprisingly well. Really, for a more-than-half PU team, peaking at 5th is awesome (don't start complaining about how crappy NU ladder is). This is a pretty nice team composed of mainly underused and underrated threats and sets, since only Ludicolo is above the top 10 pokemon at the best official tier of smogon.
I thought at first that those two would make a decent rain team, with Ampharos setting up Rain Dance and Basculin abusing extremely powerful Waterfalls. I would need more than just one rain abuser, and obviously Ludicolo was my first choice.
I thought just two rain abusers would be bad. I wanted to add another Swift Swimmer to this team. I had the options of Mantine, Seismitoad and Floatzel. I ended up with the second because of his good typing.
I then noticed that I'd still need rain (for some reason) and also something to take Fighting-type moves that are everywhere in NU. Instead of adding Mantine (which was my first option in fact), I remembered of Prankster Volbeat and his mighty Tail Glow + Baton Pass, which was his first moveset. He also brought a nice Ground resistance to this team.
Team almost done and for some reason I felt that Grass-types would screw me (yes, even though I had Volbeat...). Also, I needed SR because Shedinja walls my team entirely. I also needed a Flying resistor since Braviary and Swellow are nothing to laugh about, neither Jumpluff and Drifblim. I would ude Metang, but Metang is Metang. Doing a paradox with the reason I picked Volbeat, I added Mawile.
Team done, time to test and pursue at least the silver (Who am I to conquer the gold?). I reached silver without many complications bar AMOONGUSS. I loved this team and decided to ladder with it, but then I made some changes. I changed Ampharos' and Volbeat's set. The team worked, but a certain mushroom who I hate a lot always, ALWAYS was there causing me trouble. I realized that Basculin was the weak link (I ended my research anyway, gtfo fish). I swapped him at first for Mantine and then for Swanna, but then my team got eaten alive by Regice. I then wanted something that could KO (or at least try) both hellishroom and crystal robot. Beartic was there, waiting for me with his frosty beard ^_^
My team did surprisingly well. Really, for a more-than-half PU team, peaking at 5th is awesome (don't start complaining about how crappy NU ladder is). This is a pretty nice team composed of mainly underused and underrated threats and sets, since only Ludicolo is above the top 10 pokemon at the best official tier of smogon.
THE TEAM:
~The Wall
Dance, Darling (Mawile) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Pain Split
- Toxic
- Seismic Toss
Dance, Darling (Mawile) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Pain Split
- Toxic
- Seismic Toss
Mawile is a cute little pokemon that's often forgotten for...? Why would someone pick another pokemon for Mawile? Almost all defensive Steel-types in NU suck. Metang sucks, Bastiodon is powerless and Probopass an Klang are much better as all-out attackers. Mawile's usage seem to have increased, but they're either Baton Pass or SD set, no one cares anymore for the support set ;~; I chose a support set instead of a SD because I needed a wall, and Mawile is one of the best available. With resistances to Normal, Flying, Dark, Grass, Psychic, Ghost, Bug, and etc, she gives a big "SUCK MY DICK" to some of the most common threats in NU, most including Cinccino, Swellow, Skuntank, Haunter, Musharna (although Psychic can 3HKO sometimes) and in some cases Braviary (Defiant is still a dick). Stealth Rock is an obligatory move unless you run Natu, and in NU it's great due the lack of good spinners. It's also my chance of preventing Sawk and other Sturdy users from screwing this team before my team screw them. Taunt is such a valuable and important move in NU metagame nowadays. Whenever I lead with Mawile, it's against a Bastiodon / Armaldo / Shuckle / Cradily. All of them get severely crippled by Taunt, as do other pokemon like Ninjask, Musharna, Audino, Alomomola, BP Chains, etc. Toxic makes the hentai metallic carnivorous plant a nice stallbreaker. Alomomola / Musharna hate it, and Toxic isn't a move that Mawile commonly carries so it's hard for the opponent to predict. If battling against a Taunted SuBU Braviary, it lets me set the time for its death. Tangela and Sheinja also won't like Toxic. Iron Head is my last move. It is a moderately powerful STAB move that allows Mawile to bypass Taunt, and the most notable Taunt users DO NOT resist Steel (bar Electrode, that isn't the sturdiest thing around). Its nice flinch chance also helps sometimes. Mawile still have a base 85 Atk, and Iron Head can 2HKO some troublesome pokemon like Regice. EVs focused on Defense grant Mawile awesome physical buk, especially when factoring Intimidate. The rest 4 EVs go to Special Defense, but sometimes in the Atk is bettere since Mawile's Special Defense is already meh.
MAWILE WILL BE ROTATED FOR METANG SINCE I CAN'T IGNORE JESUS' AND WHITE'S SUGGESTIONS THANK YOU BOTH :D
~The Supporter
Tail Glow GenVI (Ampharos) (F) @ Damp Rock
Trait: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Tail Glow GenVI (Ampharos) (F) @ Damp Rock
Trait: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Toxic
Ampharos is one of the two pokemon that was the reason of making this team, and it's the only one remaining (Basculin had to leave), although I swapped her set from offensive to defensive. Thanks to her amazing special bulk and fantastic type, derpy the lamb is a vital part of this team. I used this argument in RW thread and I'll use it again: Ampharos is better to set up Rain Dance than her fellow Electric-types Electrode and Zebstrika in this role because they're too damn fast. They use Volt Switch to get the sweeper on the field, but no Rain sweeper bar Carracosta is particularly bulky, and the damage they take on the switch can be crucial. Ampharos by being slow and having Volt Switch can bring my sweepers most of times unharmed. Rain Dance is obvious since it's the theme of this team. Volt Switch was already explained, I think. Heal Bell is an extremely important move for this team, and it's incredible that Ampharos learns it, being another selling point. Rain sweepers HATE status, and Ampharos' role is to cure them from random paralyze, burn, poison and even some random freeeze / sleep that prejudice. I picked Toxic over Hidden Power Something because my team DOESN'T fear Ground-types, and a well-predicted Toxic can screw them as much as a Hidden Power, or even more. Evs are the opposite of the hentai metallic carnivorous plant, giving Ampharos a superb special bulk. 4 EVs in SpA gives its Volt Switch a little boost. Damp Rock is preferred for the rain duration, although sometimes derpy lamb really misses Leftovers. 0 Atk IVs because I hate Liepard and it "swept" me once :/
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Toxic
Ampharos is one of the two pokemon that was the reason of making this team, and it's the only one remaining (Basculin had to leave), although I swapped her set from offensive to defensive. Thanks to her amazing special bulk and fantastic type, derpy the lamb is a vital part of this team. I used this argument in RW thread and I'll use it again: Ampharos is better to set up Rain Dance than her fellow Electric-types Electrode and Zebstrika in this role because they're too damn fast. They use Volt Switch to get the sweeper on the field, but no Rain sweeper bar Carracosta is particularly bulky, and the damage they take on the switch can be crucial. Ampharos by being slow and having Volt Switch can bring my sweepers most of times unharmed. Rain Dance is obvious since it's the theme of this team. Volt Switch was already explained, I think. Heal Bell is an extremely important move for this team, and it's incredible that Ampharos learns it, being another selling point. Rain sweepers HATE status, and Ampharos' role is to cure them from random paralyze, burn, poison and even some random freeeze / sleep that prejudice. I picked Toxic over Hidden Power Something because my team DOESN'T fear Ground-types, and a well-predicted Toxic can screw them as much as a Hidden Power, or even more. Evs are the opposite of the hentai metallic carnivorous plant, giving Ampharos a superb special bulk. 4 EVs in SpA gives its Volt Switch a little boost. Damp Rock is preferred for the rain duration, although sometimes derpy lamb really misses Leftovers. 0 Atk IVs because I hate Liepard and it "swept" me once :/
~The Trapper
James Dean (Volbeat) (M) @ Damp Rock
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Impish Nature
- Rain Dance
- Encore
- Thunder Wave
- U-turn / Roost
In this team, every pokemon has a role. Mawile and Ampharos wall, while Ludicolo, Seismitoad and Beartic destroy stuff. Volbeat however has a slight different role on this team: besides being my resistor to most Fighting and Ground moves, he is my "trapper". I dare to say that Volbeat is my MVP, and say it again: VOLBEAT MAH BOI, YOU'RE THE COAL OF THIS LOCOMOTIVE!!! What makes the greaser bug awesome isn't simply the fact that he is a greaser, but also the fact that everybody knows what Volbeat does, or at least they think. Volbeat is so damn famous because of its priority Tail Glow + Baton pass that it generates an impulse on anyone facing it of assuming he is a Tail Glow BPer, and that is Volbeat's main advantage. Rain Dance, I won't explain it again. Encore and Thunder Wave are where the magic happens. Normally where Tail Glow and Baton Pass would be are one of the most effective combinations if the opponent is not prepared. Not to mention that Volbeat is a "great" set-up bait. People send their Musharna, Gurdurr, whatever that can set up something into Volbeat, just to be encored and forced to either switch or take a powerfu hit on Volbeat's switch. If Mawile layed SR, Encore gets extremely frustrating for the opponent. Thunder Wave, before you ask "WTF Don? You already use 2 pokemon with Toxic, why use Thunder Wave?" The answer is simple, I know which things need Toxic and which need Thunder Wave. Thanks to Prankster, Thunder Wave can always cripple that fast scarf user, or a potential switch after Encoring something using SR, Sub, etc. The last move is unusual but it gets its job done. I prefer U-Turn for 2 reasons: 1) Fuck Taunt; 2) If you manage to predict well U-Turn the momentum you'll gain will be decisive for the match. I'll exemplify with a match I had. Seismitoad 100% vs 100% Suntank, last turn of Rain. Opponent had full Braviary and Golurk, and SR on his fied; while I had full Volbeat and Mawile ~27%. The stupid here used Earth Power even though Hydro Miss could kill, but opponent was smart and picked Braviary. Braviary took SR damage, but Leftovers accused its set and Rain was over. I predicted it would either Sub or BU, since a Brave Bird can't KO Seismitoad, so I switched to Volbeat. BINGO, it used Sub. I then Encored Sub >:D (a proof that Volbeat is a nice check to things that use Sub and/or boosting move, AS LONG as you know what you're doing). I then worked with three hypotesis: A) Opponent would bring Skuntank to Taunt. B) Opponent would bring Golurk that maybe would use SR because I prevented him from doing it early in battle (It fled early battle because my lead was Ludicolo :3) or C) Opponent was stupid and would keep Braviary. At first I would set up Rain, but I ended up using U-Turn to keep with the momentum for me. Next turn, opponent brought Skuntank. Volbeat used U-Turn taking 29% of the stinky mammal's health (quite a bit, huh?) Back to Seismitoad. I knew it'd Sucker Punch, so I used Rain Dance. Sucker Punch hit, but didn't KO the frog but Seismitoad used Hydro Pump and killed it. Opponent brought Braviary, killed by Hydro Pump. For some reason, Hydro Pump hit 3 times in a row and Golurk was also KOed :D I've been testing Roost lately however, as it lacks Leftovers for more 3 turns of Rain with Damp Rock. I still prefer U-Turn, though. 248 HP makes Volbeat's HP 333, enough to enter in SR more than 4 times (assuming it doesn't take any damage). 252 in Defense because I need something to take Fighting moves and this bug does that well. The remaining EVs go to Special Defense.
And before you start, yes I used Tail Glow + BP before, but this set is better for my team.
VOLBEAT IS CURRENTLY DOWN. IN HIS PLACE, AMOONGUSS IS BEING TESTED. WILL BE UPDATED AFTER THE TEST ENDS (PROBABLY THE MUSHROOM WIL STAY). THANKS FLCL FOR THIS :D
James Dean (Volbeat) (M) @ Damp Rock
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Impish Nature
- Rain Dance
- Encore
- Thunder Wave
- U-turn / Roost
In this team, every pokemon has a role. Mawile and Ampharos wall, while Ludicolo, Seismitoad and Beartic destroy stuff. Volbeat however has a slight different role on this team: besides being my resistor to most Fighting and Ground moves, he is my "trapper". I dare to say that Volbeat is my MVP, and say it again: VOLBEAT MAH BOI, YOU'RE THE COAL OF THIS LOCOMOTIVE!!! What makes the greaser bug awesome isn't simply the fact that he is a greaser, but also the fact that everybody knows what Volbeat does, or at least they think. Volbeat is so damn famous because of its priority Tail Glow + Baton pass that it generates an impulse on anyone facing it of assuming he is a Tail Glow BPer, and that is Volbeat's main advantage. Rain Dance, I won't explain it again. Encore and Thunder Wave are where the magic happens. Normally where Tail Glow and Baton Pass would be are one of the most effective combinations if the opponent is not prepared. Not to mention that Volbeat is a "great" set-up bait. People send their Musharna, Gurdurr, whatever that can set up something into Volbeat, just to be encored and forced to either switch or take a powerfu hit on Volbeat's switch. If Mawile layed SR, Encore gets extremely frustrating for the opponent. Thunder Wave, before you ask "WTF Don? You already use 2 pokemon with Toxic, why use Thunder Wave?" The answer is simple, I know which things need Toxic and which need Thunder Wave. Thanks to Prankster, Thunder Wave can always cripple that fast scarf user, or a potential switch after Encoring something using SR, Sub, etc. The last move is unusual but it gets its job done. I prefer U-Turn for 2 reasons: 1) Fuck Taunt; 2) If you manage to predict well U-Turn the momentum you'll gain will be decisive for the match. I'll exemplify with a match I had. Seismitoad 100% vs 100% Suntank, last turn of Rain. Opponent had full Braviary and Golurk, and SR on his fied; while I had full Volbeat and Mawile ~27%. The stupid here used Earth Power even though Hydro Miss could kill, but opponent was smart and picked Braviary. Braviary took SR damage, but Leftovers accused its set and Rain was over. I predicted it would either Sub or BU, since a Brave Bird can't KO Seismitoad, so I switched to Volbeat. BINGO, it used Sub. I then Encored Sub >:D (a proof that Volbeat is a nice check to things that use Sub and/or boosting move, AS LONG as you know what you're doing). I then worked with three hypotesis: A) Opponent would bring Skuntank to Taunt. B) Opponent would bring Golurk that maybe would use SR because I prevented him from doing it early in battle (It fled early battle because my lead was Ludicolo :3) or C) Opponent was stupid and would keep Braviary. At first I would set up Rain, but I ended up using U-Turn to keep with the momentum for me. Next turn, opponent brought Skuntank. Volbeat used U-Turn taking 29% of the stinky mammal's health (quite a bit, huh?) Back to Seismitoad. I knew it'd Sucker Punch, so I used Rain Dance. Sucker Punch hit, but didn't KO the frog but Seismitoad used Hydro Pump and killed it. Opponent brought Braviary, killed by Hydro Pump. For some reason, Hydro Pump hit 3 times in a row and Golurk was also KOed :D I've been testing Roost lately however, as it lacks Leftovers for more 3 turns of Rain with Damp Rock. I still prefer U-Turn, though. 248 HP makes Volbeat's HP 333, enough to enter in SR more than 4 times (assuming it doesn't take any damage). 252 in Defense because I need something to take Fighting moves and this bug does that well. The remaining EVs go to Special Defense.
And before you start, yes I used Tail Glow + BP before, but this set is better for my team.
VOLBEAT IS CURRENTLY DOWN. IN HIS PLACE, AMOONGUSS IS BEING TESTED. WILL BE UPDATED AFTER THE TEST ENDS (PROBABLY THE MUSHROOM WIL STAY). THANKS FLCL FOR THIS :D
~El Abusador #1
Chespirito (Ludicolo) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
Chespirito (Ludicolo) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
Do I really need to say anything about Ludicolo? If you play NU and never used it, then start to. The mexican vegetable is easily one of the most dangerous pokemon in NU right now, if not the most. I really, REALLY don't need to say anything about him, but if I don't say this thread will be locked :/ So Rain Dance sweeper, yadda yadda yadda, Hydro Miss in rain destroys things, yadda yadda yadda, Giga Drain for recovery and powerful STAB, yadda yadda yadda, Ice Beam for Grasses and Altaria, yadda yadda yadda, Timid for Samurott, yadda yadda yadda, 0 Atk IVs for Foul Play, yadda yadda yadda... Also a nice Ground resistance, can't be killed by Rotom-S' Air Slash, etc. There isn't really much to say about him, except maybe that he is a stereotype. And awesome. Oh, and before I forget, WHY PEOPLE THINK THAT ICE BEAM IS MORE EFFECTIVE AGAINST OPPOSITE LUDICOLO THAN GIGA DRAIN??? I bet it's because of the freeze hax but who knows...
The Abuser #2
SwInMajWhiDel (Seismitoad) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SAtk / 224 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Earth Power
SwInMajWhiDel (Seismitoad) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SAtk / 224 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
Seismitoad is a horrible pokemon. Aesthetically. Really it is horrible, that hideous pimples it has are gross, and its hands make Seismitoad seem like an onanist. However, like many other ugly pokemon such as Groudon and Kyurem, Seismitoad fares very well in battle (I'm not comparing him to Ubers, I'm comparing him to ugy Ubers). His excellent typing makes Electric-types much less toublesome, as few are the ones that run HP Grass or Grass Knot. He also has nice resistances such as Fire and Rock that sure helps my team. Too bad the frog is kinda low in usage, with Gorebyss and Floatzel offering a hard competition. Seismitoad is Ludicolo's partner in crime, as few things can take two rain-boosted Hydro Pumps. Although most of times I run Surf in Seismitoad because it's much more reliable, even though the lack of Hydro Miss hurts sometimes... Earth Power is its secondary STAB, excellent against Poison and Electric-types that are very common in NU. It also can 2HKO most Alomomola. Because Game Freak decided to not give it Ice Beam maybe for the same reason they gave Ludicolo Fire Punch, Sludge Wave is his best bet against Grass-types. It OHKOes Cacturne, Jumpluff, Exeggutor and Leafeon. Unortunately, there are lots of Grass/Poison pokemon in NU :( Rain Dance is, well, no need to explain right? EVs of a sweeper, and modest Nature because his base SpA is quite low. I coud run Timid to outspeed Timid Ludicolo in rain, but few are the people tht run Timid Ludicolo, and Sludge Wave can't KO the mexican vegetable if the acne-suffering frog is Timid. And because I REALLY hate Liepard, again 0 Atk IVs.
Seismitoad is a horrible pokemon. Aesthetically. Really it is horrible, that hideous pimples it has are gross, and its hands make Seismitoad seem like an onanist. However, like many other ugly pokemon such as Groudon and Kyurem, Seismitoad fares very well in battle (I'm not comparing him to Ubers, I'm comparing him to ugy Ubers). His excellent typing makes Electric-types much less toublesome, as few are the ones that run HP Grass or Grass Knot. He also has nice resistances such as Fire and Rock that sure helps my team. Too bad the frog is kinda low in usage, with Gorebyss and Floatzel offering a hard competition. Seismitoad is Ludicolo's partner in crime, as few things can take two rain-boosted Hydro Pumps. Although most of times I run Surf in Seismitoad because it's much more reliable, even though the lack of Hydro Miss hurts sometimes... Earth Power is its secondary STAB, excellent against Poison and Electric-types that are very common in NU. It also can 2HKO most Alomomola. Because Game Freak decided to not give it Ice Beam maybe for the same reason they gave Ludicolo Fire Punch, Sludge Wave is his best bet against Grass-types. It OHKOes Cacturne, Jumpluff, Exeggutor and Leafeon. Unortunately, there are lots of Grass/Poison pokemon in NU :( Rain Dance is, well, no need to explain right? EVs of a sweeper, and modest Nature because his base SpA is quite low. I coud run Timid to outspeed Timid Ludicolo in rain, but few are the people tht run Timid Ludicolo, and Sludge Wave can't KO the mexican vegetable if the acne-suffering frog is Timid. And because I REALLY hate Liepard, again 0 Atk IVs.
~The Lawnmower
Vasco da Gama (Beartic) (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Icicle Crash
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower
Beartic, one of the most underrated sweepers of NU. Basculin was originally here, but because of its inability to beat the infamous accursed mushroom with ANY set, it had to leave. I tried Swanna and Mantine, but my weakness changed to Regice. I wanted a pokemon able to take both Regice and Amoonguss down. I never thought about Beartic to tell the truth. But then, a friend of mine challenged me and I had to use a different team. I used my team that featured this same Beartic, and my opponent used a rain team. I was so surprised with the result that I added to my team to test it and it is exactly what I was pursuing for. Before talking about the set, I want to thank Smogon for saying that this set isn't viable, so everybody that checks the analysis doesn't know what exactly they are facing (I forgot to print this, but someone I was battling said "Why using SD Beartic? Smogon said it was bad". Ironically s/he was a using an Acid Spray Muk). Swords Dance Beartic IS dangerous. After a Swords Dance, Beartic is a monster, especially since most of my team is specially based easing the destruction crusade of the polar bear. Icicle Crash is a scary move, since it hits hard and can flinch the opponent (provided it hits). Superpower beats Normal-, Rock-, Steel-, Ice-, and Dark-types mainly, while also giving a nice neutral coverage. Aqua Jet is great for picking weakened stuff, and in rain it acts as a pseudo-STAB. I picked Lum Berry with my first Beartic because I hated random status, and I also knew that this Beartic could never OHKO Amoonguss and Tangela because of my nature choice. Speaking of that, this Beartic outspeeds SD Mawile, that while not a mortal threat to my team it's troublesome if opponent predicts well. Beartic is still bulky even with 24 HP EVs, and the extreme speed creep helps it everytime.
Vasco da Gama (Beartic) (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Icicle Crash
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower
Beartic, one of the most underrated sweepers of NU. Basculin was originally here, but because of its inability to beat the infamous accursed mushroom with ANY set, it had to leave. I tried Swanna and Mantine, but my weakness changed to Regice. I wanted a pokemon able to take both Regice and Amoonguss down. I never thought about Beartic to tell the truth. But then, a friend of mine challenged me and I had to use a different team. I used my team that featured this same Beartic, and my opponent used a rain team. I was so surprised with the result that I added to my team to test it and it is exactly what I was pursuing for. Before talking about the set, I want to thank Smogon for saying that this set isn't viable, so everybody that checks the analysis doesn't know what exactly they are facing (I forgot to print this, but someone I was battling said "Why using SD Beartic? Smogon said it was bad". Ironically s/he was a using an Acid Spray Muk). Swords Dance Beartic IS dangerous. After a Swords Dance, Beartic is a monster, especially since most of my team is specially based easing the destruction crusade of the polar bear. Icicle Crash is a scary move, since it hits hard and can flinch the opponent (provided it hits). Superpower beats Normal-, Rock-, Steel-, Ice-, and Dark-types mainly, while also giving a nice neutral coverage. Aqua Jet is great for picking weakened stuff, and in rain it acts as a pseudo-STAB. I picked Lum Berry with my first Beartic because I hated random status, and I also knew that this Beartic could never OHKO Amoonguss and Tangela because of my nature choice. Speaking of that, this Beartic outspeeds SD Mawile, that while not a mortal threat to my team it's troublesome if opponent predicts well. Beartic is still bulky even with 24 HP EVs, and the extreme speed creep helps it everytime.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THREATS:
Amoonguss - My most common counter, and I hate it. HATE HATE HATE HATE!!! Beartic is my best bet, but if it's down, well...
Eelektross - I'll never take it out in one shot unless it's raining. Even then, specialy defensive variants give me trouble.
Grumpig - Grumpig in NU is like Vaporeon in OU, it's not frequent but whenver it appears it causes trouble to me. Beartic can't KO, Ludicolo and Seismitoad can't 2HKO and if it has Heal Bell and Taunt, then Ampharos and Mawile can't touch without stalling Heal Bell. My best bet is Volbeat locking him and something TRIES to kill it.
Shedinja -Almost walls my entire team. Whenever I see a Shedinja, my priority is to lay SR and save both Mawile and Ampharos.
CB Sawk - Because my Fighting-types check is 2HKOed by Close Combat. I can deal with it if I'm faster and if Sturdy was broken, but if not it rips my team.
Lickylicky - Too bulky... Beartic kills and Ludicolo 2HKOes, but Wish + Protect IS annoying a lot, and the difference between it and Audino is Body Slam.
Toxic Spikes - Not bad if I end the match quickly, but if it lasts a lot it's an annoyance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope all you liked my team, even though it has a bunch of "outclassed" pokemon with weird sets. So rate it, hate it, love it, marry with it, just post your feedback, no matter if positive or negative. This is my first NU RMT, so any kind of criticism will be appreciated (although most of you will say "Yor team sux, go back to Battling 101 and if you're high it's because NU ladder sucks and you hax" for sure). Thanks for reading, and Luvdisc if you liked or hated :P
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHOUTOUTS:
Majestic Electric - My NU mentor and master, also a very good friend. If it wasn't for her, I'd never rediscover this awesome tier. This RMT is for you :)
SSRaditz - Nigga, I'm the worst mentor of all times, but you're my alumn for some reason <3 He is the single reason of Carvanha being on the ladder.
Incon -Possibly the only person ever to be negative in ladder. Also a great friend and battler :)
Agent Dell - The person against any gimmick I create, and I love him beause our personalities often clash nd that is awesome :D He lost to my carvanha team once although he'll deny till his 3rd reincarnation :P
Sweet Jesus - Another great friend that complain about my gimmicks, especially Carvanha. He hates Carvanha for some reason, and I hate his Alomomola :P
WhiteDMist - An awesome team rater, friend, and dragon ;)
Syr Toxic - I forgot to add him, but he helped me to test and change this team. Thanks, Rick :D
Poliwhirlz, Baloney, Louiss, Ashley11, Uxsee, EonADS - NU players that I talk often but a lot less frequent than the ones above. All excellent players, especially Ashley :)
NU IRC - Yes, I'm in IRC as a silent lurker >:) All of you are awesome, and funny sometimes :D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mawile @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Iron Head
Ampharos @ Damp Rock
Trait: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Toxic
Volbeat @ Damp Rock
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Impish Nature
- Rain Dance
- Encore
- Thunder Wave
- U-turn
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
Seismitoad @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
Beartic @ Lum Berry
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Icicle Crash
- Superpower
- Aqua Jet
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Iron Head
Ampharos @ Damp Rock
Trait: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Toxic
Volbeat @ Damp Rock
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Impish Nature
- Rain Dance
- Encore
- Thunder Wave
- U-turn
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
Seismitoad @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
Beartic @ Lum Berry
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Icicle Crash
- Superpower
- Aqua Jet
Luvdisc!
