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Meet Delicious_Scout, a over-hyped "threat" for the Metagame. With its 169/169/108 offences, everyone will get offended by his articles! Which are about to begin!
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Today, we are talking about a Pokémon that has been outclassed since it was introduced. Or my favourite Pokémon. It is... Registeel.
Just hear its cry, its forme, its... silver skin. It is a tough golem, and I will show you how (in battles).
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/1%20Final/379.png)
Credit to the MetaSprite project for this Registeel
Registeel had a hard time in Generation Three: Tyranitar with Focus Punch was everywhere, and everything just spammed the random Punch, Fire Blast, or Eathquake, thus granting Registeel a BL (Barely Legal) (Borderline) status.
In ghettoneration Generation IV, Close Combat and Fire Blitz were a real thing, and the old Earthquake and Fire Blast spam continued, but this time Registeel found a good niche in Übers as a Stealth Rock setter due to its pure Steel type and great special bulk (take that, Gen III Regice!). Moreover, Registeel got involved in some weird stuff (http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/e/e7/Spr_4d_379.png). Registeel ended up being a UU (Utterly Unnamed) (Under Used).
Generation V was more or less the same, but, in Übers, V-Crate Rayquaza, Mixed Zekrom, Reshiram, and regenerator Ho-Oh made its life miserable, thus being outclassed by Arceus-Steel as a pure Steel Type. Still ended being a UU.
Generation VI introduced very important changes for Registeel. In first place, it got a recovery move Steel became neutral to Dark and Ghost, thus limiting its walling ability, but it became resistant to Fairy, and it could ALSO hit them for super effective damage. Second, and perhaps the most important one, Defog got buffed up to the point of eliminating entry hazards, Registeel's main job. However, one of the most dangerous legendaries was introduced... and it was pretty damn well handled by Registeel.
After its obscure (http://38.media.tumblr.com/b7b81565541f5a36916b641777b72e3a/tumblr_mhu0wdOzXZ1s54s4zo1_500.png) past, Registeel has asked for a new round.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/379.png)
ReggieSteel
Clear Body @ Leftovers
Calm Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
252HP-4Def-252SpD
Stealth Rock
Thunder Wave
Iron Head
Rest/Ice Punch/Toxic
For: Übers
Registeel would be outclassed by Arceus-Steel if it wasn't for the fact that it does not care about speed, while Arceus must run Timid with Max Speed most of the times without enough room for Stealth Rock. Therefore, Stealth Rock all the way, since its bulk almost guarantees at least deploying it once. Do not try to stand against Physical Rayquaza, because it can OHKO any Registeel variant with V-Create. However, if you want to hurt the switch-in, try using Ice Punch, 24 EV moved into Attack grants it a 2HKO against zero-investment Rayquaza.
Thunder Wave is a middle finger to those rival Pokémon that set up Sticky Web; the speed reduction is superior, MUCH superior. In fact, Registeel, without any kind of Speed investment, can outspeed +2 120 Neutral Xerneas after paralysis. If you want to go for a sure bet, 52 EV in Speed (in exchange for some bulk) outspeed Max Speed Neutral Xerneas. 112 in Speed allow to outspeed +2 +MaxSpeed Xerneas, but it is generally better just to kill it with another Pokémon.
Talking about killing Xerneas, this is what Registeel does the best. With paralysis plus Super Effective, STABbed Iron Head, Registeel is able to Paraflinch Xerneas to its doom. Beware of Arceus-Fairy, though, since it usually carries Will-O-Wisp. If you are worried too much about status, this is when Rest comes handy, allowing you to set up Stealth Rock again if needed. Toxic is an option for crippling many other Pokémon on the switch, such Lugia and Ho-Oh. Do not even think about using Explosion in the last slot: it has been nerfed too much and Registeel is too useful supporting its team. Interestingly enough...
+2 252+ SpA Xerneas Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 312-368 (85.7 - 101%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
Which means it has a good chance to survive, especially with the bad accuracy of the move. Should they carry HP Fire, you have a paralysed Xerneas.
Registeel is best used when using another Dragon-resistant Arceus, such Arceus-Fairy or even Physically Defensive Arceus, which can use Reflect to further improve Registeel's walling ability.
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So, guys. What do you think about Registeel? Is it useful in OU as well? Will Oscar/Richard and Shiny Mega Gengar kill me? Find it out in the next article! (Hint: it will be an electric type)
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it'll be interesting to see all the different uses you have for certain Pokémon in mind. I'll follow the thread and see where this all goes =]
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Registeel is NOT to be used in Ubers, first of all. There is a good reason why it is RU right now.
It is incredibly susceptible to being set up on in Ubers, and it can be trapped very easily and KOed. Dugtrio / Mega Gengar / Gothitelle / Electric Arceus / Mono-attacker Arceus in general with Refresh and Recover / Sub Hone Claws Zekrom all have an easy time taking down Registeel. Arceus Steel is very much the superior choice. In fact, it very much outclasses Registeel. Support Arceus-Steel is excellent, it can pack any four of Stealth Rock / Recover / Will-O-Wisp / Judgment / Refresh / Grass Knot / Defog / Toxic. It is absolutely false that Arceus MUST run max speed and Timid as well. It has enough room for Stealth Rock, it is more flexible to suit your teams needs. With Will-O-Wisp, its bulk and some speed, it can take on virtually all of the above and cripple / KO them one on one. Mega Gengar still poses a problem but that goes for basically everything in Ubers.
Basically, Registeel belongs in RU / UU, and Arceus-Steel -> Registeel unless you choose to save Arceus for a different form. Even then you have Ferrothorn / Forretress / Excadrill to use as your steel type, and all of them can check Xerneas very well barring HP Fire or Close Combat.
That totally wasn't meant to change the whole direction of the thread smh
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Mega Gengar is now banned (darn), and Gothitelle... it might be an interesting thing to review later on, but let's keep track on the following Pokémon.
Due to Spriter's rant, I have decided to call this section «Unsuspected, "unviable" Niche Pokémon of the Day». Basically, I am presenting a Pokémon that at first might be heavily outclassed... and it might be still even with the best set and support, because these usually need top-notch prediction (something I lack).
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Today, we are talking about a long, sticky, shocking Pokémon. Yes, perverts, I am talking about... Eelektross.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/604.png)
Credit to the MetaSprite Spriters for the Sprite (and Spriter for his rant)
Eelektross... is a weird Pokémon. It is slender, tall, its eyes are empty and blood-lusty, its teeth are separated, it trembles... heck, if it were not an eel, one would think I am talking about a drug addict. Both bear significant differences, though.
85/80/80 are solid defences, and thanks to its typing, it only has one weakness, which is totally eliminated via Levitate, its ability. Key resistances to Steel, Flying, and Eelektric Electric just make it better. Moreover, 115/100/50 are hard-hitting offences, and that lackluster speed (most of the times lower than the Regis') can be actually a good point for our long eel. A very expansive movepool just makes Eelektross better.
Then, why is it "outclassed"? Easy. Do you want to hit VERY hard? Choose Magnezone. To wall Pinsir? Zapdos is your Pokémon. Stall? Zapdos.
Nevertheless, it is a grave mistake to underestimate Eelektross; its bad speed and good defences make it able to run a mixed set, both defensive and offensive. Wish support just makes it stronger, and it can even support its team without using any status move.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/604.png)
I don't even
Eelektross @ Assault Vest
Relaxed Nature (+Def - Spe)
EV: 248HP/128Def/132SpA
IV: From 30 to 0 (all being even)
Volt Switch
Flamethrower
Knock Off/U-Turn
Hidden Power Ice
First off, let me explain how this Eelektross is meant to be used. It is not a very common Pokémon, and so it might cause a bit of confusion. Anyway, this is a semi-lure Pokémon. Volt Switch grants a very decent STAB that can 2HKO some water types. If you are looking for sure 2HKO or even OHKO, then go for a Quiet Nature. The beauty of Volt Switch is that not many Pokémon are slower than Eelektross, thus granting an almost-free switch to an opposing threat. Flamethrower 2HKOs any bulky Megascizor, Pinsir, and, basically, anything weak to Fire. Most of these 2HKO turn into OHKO with the proper hazard support. Knock Off is the utility move, but U-Turn is another way of escaping from Pokémon that are immune to Electric, and it hits Psychic types hard as well. HP Ice can 2HKO Landorus-T, Gliscor and Dragonite, while it can OHKO Naïve Garchomp and Naïve Landorus sometimes.
You might be asking: why such a low damage imput? The spread ensures you can take most hits, in particular a Choice Banded Play Rough from Azumarill after Stealth Rock damage and Volt Switch it, while still retaining some firepower. Wish support is very necessary for this creature. If you prefer going solo, use a Quiet nature then. Fire Punch is not even considered because it can never manage to OHKO Bulky Scizor.
It has other options, though. Acid Spray forces switches or a heavy Volt Switch coming from Eelektross. Gigadrain can be used to hit Quagsire very hard. Dragon Tail can be used to force the others to switch, but Eelektross generally prefers leaving and not make the others leave. Superpower and Drain Punch are excellent coverage options, but the former has a nasty negative secondary effect and the later lacks overall power, so they must be used with caution. Toxic can be used to annoy, but Assault Vest tends to be too good to use Toxic; otherwise, use Leftovers.
Eelektross has the particularity of being very flexible in terms of EV spreads and natures, don't be shy and try them! First in RU, and, eventually, in OU, where it can Switch into a Megakazam, perhaps.
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So, what do you think about Eelektross? Is its niche bigger than offensive double screens by Deoxys in Übers? Will Spriter rant again? Find it out on the next article!
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Another interesting article Martí, I've never used Eelektross, but when I have played lower tiers in the past it has given me a lot of trouble now that I think about it. Maybe when I finally look at a tier that isn't OU or LC this generation I'll try out an Eelektross.
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Okay, now I'm a running gag. Amusing.
Good analysis though! Gothitelle is very much an intriguing Pokémon, I'd say that would be a good one to know more about.
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aw man no rant from spriter D; D;
im definitely going to look forward to reading these, great work C:
and just going to suggest eviolite rhydon as something to consider writing about because I have a lot of fun using that myself. its wonderful besides the ever present threat of knock off
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Please notice: Eelektross should NEVER stay against a Haxorus. Both Outrage and Earthquake are a clear OHKO.
And now that we have discovered that Spriter did not rant (yay!), it is time to present the next Pokémon.
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Today, we will discuss a Pokémon that was born already outclassed. Coming from Johto, I present... a shibu doge Granbull.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/1%20Final/210.png)
Credit to MetaSprite for the job, as usual.
Granbull, as I said, was born outclassed. 120 attack in generation II was massive... but Ursaring got at least the same stats. To compare them, I present this data:
| HP: 90 | | Attack: 120 | | Defence: 75 | | Special Attack: 60 | | Special Defence: 60 | | Speed: 45 |
Amusing? Let's check Ursaring:
| HP: 90 | | Attack: 130 | | Defence: 75 | | Special Attack: 75 | | Special Defence: 75 | | Speed: 55 |
As you can see, in generation II, Ursaring was clearly superior. The only thing Granbull had over the bear is Heal Bell. Granbull was UU, while Ursaring kept a BL status.
Generation III was somewhat different. Then, Granbull gained Intimidate, while Ursaring got Guts. They both got a little bit more equal, but Ursaring was still the favourite. Their tiers did not change.
Generation IV was not gentle at all for the doge. It gained, as its other ability, Quick Feet. Guess what other Pokémon got it? Satan Ursaring, of course. Moreover, status orbs were introduced, thus giving Ursaring a quick way to abuse both Quick Feet with its boosted 55 Speed and Guts with its massive 130 Attack (STAB Facade while Burnt/Poisoned HURTS). Granbull... could not abuse them that much. Heal Bell was its niche again, along with intimidate. Ursaring went down to UU, and Granbull sunk to NU.
Generation V just brought a lot of powerful Fighting types to the tier. Now both Pokémon shared home in NU, but its only niche was only Heal Bell (yet again). Their Hidden Abilities (Unnerve in Ursaring's case and Rattles in Granbull's) were (and are) not very useful.
Generation VI... was a strange shock. Granbull did gain a new typing in Pure Fairy, but... its lackluster speed, its mediocre special defence... the omnipresent steel types... these things have prevented Granbull from rising again some tiers. Yes, it is still a NU, and so making it work in OU requires drastical changes in the strategy.
Notice that the set I will describe requires even more dedication and effort than the last two issues, because Granbull is... the lure.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/210.png)
LureBull
Granbull @ Choice Band/Assault Vest/Leftovers
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/8 Spe
Ability: Intimidate
Stone Edge
Close Combat/Earthquake
Fire Punch
Play Rough/Crunch/Bulk Up/Heal Bell
This is the offensive version of Granbull, and it hits very hard by the time it forces switches thanks to Intimidate. The trick is to know what will enter and what will stay. Due to Granbull being a very hard sight in standard, it can be both good and bad. Good because the opponent will be too confused to throw the correct check/counter in, but bad because they might be overprotective and conservative, thus failing one of your attempts to OHKO something.
Talking about OHKOs, Stone Edge murders Talonflame and Charizard (and Y), Close Combat ends Tyranitar, Bisharp (which enjoys getting a Defiant boost with Intimidate) and Fire Punch ends Scizor and Forretress for sure with a Choice Band, while there is a decent chance to OHKO Bulky Scizor on the switch with any other item (Hazards help granting the kill). Play Rough is the jack of all trades, dealing high damage to anything that does not resist its attack, and also grants many OHKOs to some Dragons, Fighting, and Dark Types, such Haxorus, Hydreigon, Salamence (even after Intimidate), Conkeldurr, Keldeo, Terrakion, among others. With Stealth Rock support, Granbull achieves the OHKO on Dragonite and Mandibuzz, two of the bulkiest Pokémon around. Nevertheless... what Dragon, Dark, or Fighting type would want to switch into Granbull? In that case, Crunch serves as a filler, murdering Alakazam, Gengar, and basically any Pokémon that is weak to the move, mostly because they are not bulky, with the exception of the Duskull line and Reuniclus (which are hardly seen). Notice that Alakazam likes to use Trace → Intimidate to stop you, and Gengar will only come after an almost-assured Play Rough or set-up turn.
The EV spread is simple: 248 in HP to make you bulky and able to switch five times into Stealth Rock, 252 Attack to hit hard, and 8 speed to outspeed 4 Speed Conkeldurr... or 4 speed Caterpie. Although the last scenario is unlikely, Conkeldurr might want to stay in to use Knock Off on an incoming Pokémon or just to support its team. Of course, it is OHKOd by Play Rough.
It can not be remarked enough: this set begs for an advanced player who knows how to predict. Otherwise, if Choicing yourself is not your choice, Assault Vest with Earthquake instead of Close Combat is a decent option to fake a supporting role, while, when using Leftovers, you are more exposed to Special Attacks due to the inability to directly OHKO stuff, but it has the nice bonus of using a status move, such as Bulk Up or Heal Bell.
Impish and Careful natures are valid options, but slapping a Choice Band to them is not a nice deal; instead, use Bulk Up and even Heal Bell (therefore, Leftovers as the item of choice), since Stone Edge without ANY investment and a neutral nature OHKOs Talonflame and Charizard (and, obviously, Mega Charizard Y), and even Rock Slide can be used, still OHKOing any Charizard and most Talonflames (Bulk Up one needs Stealth Rock up to change the 62.5% probability to an assured faint). However, do not expect it to deal much damage at +1. Assault Vest with neutral Attack probably will not help you very much.
Granbull, the OddFairy Pokémon. Giving it a try is a unique and entertaining experience, since the only physical Fairy in OU is Azumarill, and it can not be that supportative. At least, I assure you that you will learn a bit more about Pokémon.
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So, what do you think about this little rascal? Is its niche more important than Magcargo conuntering Talonflame? Will I go down the ladder and use a NFE Pokémon? Find it out in the next article!
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It's very impressive to see your ideas behind using these Pokémon, please keep it going. It's very intriguing as a series.
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I would like to see a Kalos Pokémon written about here, perhaps one of these:-
Meowstic
Gogoat
Aromatisse
Slurpuff
Malamar
Clawitzer
Carbink
Trevenant
Avalugg
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NEEDS MORE LEDIANS.
k thx bye
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I would second Clawitzer :P
Otherwise, good article once again with LureBull. CB is where it's at.
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Meowstic... has Prankster if it is a male with his hidden ability. In fact, i was thinking about a general review about pranksters, since this is a very important ability. Clawitzer WILL be done, and so Trevenant (which is a real pain to fight againt) will.
Notice: Granbull does not have to limit itself to OHKOing Pokémon: it can support its team with just Intimidate, and even some status move if not using a Choice Band. Just make sure hazards are not up on your side. Having said that, moving to the next Pokémon is what must be done.
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Today, we are talking about something that buzzes people off and bugs them as well. Here... Yanmega.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/1%20Final/469.png)
You know what made it, right? MetaSprite Project.
Yanmega is a very curious case. It is a very big Dragoncat dragonfly from ancient times, thus explaining why it "evolves" from Yanma when it knows Ancient Power. Sporting mastodonic, satanically red eyes, it looks dangerous, and it, indeed, is.
It is the much-needed evolution of Yanma, a UU and NU Pokémon in Generations II and III, respectively. It got the abilities Compound Eyes and Speed Boost, but its stats were just too short. Then, Generation IV occurred: with many other Pokémon from previous generations, it became able to evolve into a beast with the following spread:
HP: 86 | Attack: 76 | Defence: 86 | Special Attack: 116 | Special Defence: 56 | Speed: 95
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It kept Speed Boost, but, instead of Compund Eyes, it gained a very powerful ability: Tinted Lens. Basically, Yanmega was one of the best wallbreakers/sweepers of Generation IV in case you had a good Spinner, because Stealth Rock denies 50% of the total health of our Bug/Flying fellow. Precisely, Stealth Rock kept Yanmega away from being OU, but it got close, at BL. Much better than Charizard, which went from BL to NU. NU.
Generation V introduced Darmanitan, which is a Fire Type that basically OHKOs everything in existence. Sheer Force Nidoking (and Queen), competition from Heracross as a bug type, the fact it got a bad hidden ability in Frisk, among other factors, made Yanmega move to UU, while still being viable in OU.
Although Defoggers are a thing, Generation VI has made Yanmega move to BL2. Of course, most defoggers are Flying types, which naturally beat Bug types. Moreover, priority moves are everywhere, especially Bullet Punches and Aqua Jets. However, Generation VI is full of Psychic Types, which are weak to its STAB, making it a less risky choice than the previous Pokémon I ranted reviewed. A bonus is that Yanmega is immune to Sticky Web.
As a Special Attacker with Choice Specs, it is not totally outclassed. In fact, Yanmega is unique in the fact that is the only Speed Boost user that can use Special Attacks effectively. Venomoth does not use Tinted Lens very much, since it prefers to Baton Pass Quiver Dances with Wonder Skin, and now that Baton Pass chains have been nerfed, it is not that effective in the OU tier (although I am sure I will review it at some point).
Here are the sets of the day (for OU).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/469.png)
Buzz Out!
Yanmega @ Choice Specs
Modest Nature (+Effort, -Flatter) (+SpA, -Att)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Tinted Lens
Bug Buzz
Air Slash
Filler U-Turn/Ancient Power/Hidden Power Ground
Filler U-Turn/Ancient Power/Hidden Power Ground
Yanmega's speed tier in OU is so full of competition that simply using paralysis or Sticky Web support is better than just running Timid. Bug Buzz and Air Slash have perefect coverage assuming Tinted Lens, virtually 2HKOing or OHKOing anything on its path. The two other moves can seem jokes, but Yanmega does not need any more moves. HP Ground is useful, but being locked into a Ground Move is unfortunate. Ancient Power deals with Talonflame and Charizard, which are x4 resistant to Bug Buzz, but it is, overall, weak, although the side effect might be useful. U-Turn grant momentum, and this is a very good thing, but remember to keep Stealth Rock off your field at all costs, since half of its life will be blown away when it switches.
The Pink Blobs (Chansey and Blissey) will wall Yanmega, no matter the set.
The EV spread is the common thing for a fast wallbreaker, and 4 EV are moved into Defence just to make sure you can switch into SR two times (you little masochist...).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/469.png)
Need a Bugspenser Here!
Yanmega @ Life Orb
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Att) or Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Speed Boost
Bug Buzz
Air Slash
Protect/Hidden Power Ground/Hidden Power Fire/Roost
Hidden Power Ground/Hidden Power Fire/Ancient Power/Giga Drain
This Yanmega plays differently. It needs to be played more carefully, but it still deals a lot of damage. Bug Buzz is for Substitute users and Psychic types, especially for Substitue Mega Alakazam, which is OHKOd. Mega Medicham is OHKOed by Air Slash and Bug Buzz has a little chance to OHKO:
252+ SpA Life Orb Yanmega Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Medicham: 222-263 (85 - 100.7%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
As you can see, giving Yanmega a turn of Protect of speed-reducing support, as well as some hazards (1 layer of Spikes and Stealth Rock grant the OHKO on Mega Medicham with Bug Buzz) is very important. Nevertheless, very few Psychic or Fighting types will be willing to stay on its path (be carefull with Conkeldurr, though, since it can survive an Air Slash and retaliate with Ice Punch, while the Life Orb recoil will end you), and this is why Protect can be discarted for more coverage, even some lure-based one. Ancient Power OHKOs Talonflame and Charizard (and Mega Y) while dealing decent damage to Gyarados (BulkyDos needs Stealth Rock to be a sure 2HKO) and to Offensive Togekiss (anyway, it can OHKO Yanmega, given its very low Special Defence). Hidden Power Fire maims Bulky Mega Scizor, as seen below:
252+ SpA Life Orb Yanmega Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 100 SpD Mega Scizor: 317-374 (92.4 - 109%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes (or Stealth Rock)
Hidden Power Ground basically eliminates Heatran and Magnezone, two Pokémon that can make it tremble. And Hidden Power Ice is an option against Dragons, although most of them are hit hard(er) by its STAB moves. Giga Drain gets a mention for being able to take a weakened Keldeo (Air Slash is a sure OHKO, though)...
252+ SpA Life Orb Yanmega Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 234-278 (72.4 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
...as well as Quagsire, but because Baton Pass chains are practically non-existant, it rarely hits hard.
Roost might seem a strange option for such an offensive Pokémon, but...
252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Yanmega: 218-260 (69.6 - 83%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
...it can survive against a Quick Attack from Mega Pinsir, OHKO it back, and regain the health from Life Orb recoil.
Timid just allows more initial speed, at the cost of very important OHKO. Try it if you are paranoid about being outsped.
Hidden Power Ice is an option if you want to defeat some x4 Ice-weak Dragons, as well as Gliscor and Landorus, which would otherwise cause some trouble. Teammates are made for a reason, though.
As other Options, a Focus Sash is a viable alternative to ensure at least one kill.
Yanmega, one of the only two pre-gen VI megas (the other is Meganium). It is big, fast, threatening, and it is ready to strike with fear those Over-Powered Psychic types.
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So, what do you think about Yanmega? Do you think Ninjask or Scolipede are better? Will anyone post here so that I don't double-post? Find it out tomorrow!
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Oh, yes. On Saturdays there will be very "special" analyses. It will be a kind of "what-if" scenario with some impressive guests. Stay tuned!
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Special guests? Is this some kind of shenanigans by scout? Nonetheless, I think Milotic would be a fun pokemon to cover.
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weakness policy yanmega reks lives too, worth mentioning possibly
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Weakness Policy Yanmega will hardly be able to take a hit in OU, especially a special one. This is why Focus Sash is a viable option for Yanmega, since it naturally hits hard.
Anyway, the time for another article has come.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS MEANT FOR FUN. IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED BY THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONTACT THE WRITER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE
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Today, as promised, we will talk about someth… no, somebody. The surprise is that today we are analysing… Richard (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=23716)!?
(http://oi60.tinypic.com/np58p4.jpg)
The credit goes to himself for this sprite.
Richard, also known as Oscar by cometitive breeders, is part of the legendary trio called "Infernapeloathers", in which he represents the Fire/Fighting Type with mixed offences and excellent bulk, at the cost of speed. He is an excellent competitive battler who also has some deep interest on biology, more in concrete, in cloning, but this is irrelevant. He also sprites (he's winning over you, huh?), but people might not recognise his work very well. An example: me trying to make people come here via Richard's work (http://uberpirates.com/forum/topic/2941-all-hail-supra-mayro-kratt/?p=39337).
As you can see in the sprite, assuming Blaziken is 1.9 metres tall, we must assume Richard is, more or less, 1.65 metres tall. Fit, with clean, cut hair, and a stunning uniform from the legendary trio, Richard looks menacing, and he is; however, this would not be one of my articles without any kind of jokes, so… forgets things (?). Sometimes?
Now that you have witnessed the virtual part of his, it is time to do something physical. Physical (http://oi61.tinypic.com/swu2oo.jpg). Does this look like the face of mercy? The cake of mercy? The messed storyline of mercy!? Of course not! The mind behind this bush of coal skull is the one of an evil mastermind! With such a beard, similar to magnificent creatures such as Emboar and Ganondorkf, and, of course, his natural charm, he has been able to obtain many waifus in the course of his life! A feat not even Delicious_Scout has ever achieved with Brave Nature and Cute Charm!
Then you might be wondering: why is he a niche Pokémon? The answer is simple: he nerfs himself in the lower tiers and unleashes his best stats in Übers. This is a sample of his stats:
| HP: 101 | Att: 85 | Def: 85 | SpA: 81 | SpD: 85 | Spe: 27 |
| HP: 101 | Att: 95 | Def: 85 | SpA: 90 | SpD: 89 | Spe: 25 |
| HP: 101 | Att: 110 | Def: 95 | SpA: 105 | SpD: 94 | Spe: 5 |
| HP: 101 | Att: 120 | Def: 95 | SpA: 120 | SpD: 94 | Spe: 25 |
| HP: 101 | Att: 155 | Def: 124 | SpA: 150 | SpD: 130 | Spe: 20 |
I was not lying about getting better stats in exchange of less speed.
In Generation I, Richard, as all of us, was amazed about how glitches could bring us a world of fantasy. However, in Generation II, he encountered his second worst enemy: Stalin Stall. Oh, no!
Generation III gifted Richard one of his best friends, if not the best: Blaziken.
I could go on, but the story is here (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=51)…
Blah, blah, blah… Infernape is an abomination. Blah, blah… hitting 10000 characters soon… blah, blah, blah… let's analyse.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/257-m.png)
Defeat Simulator 20XX
Oscar @ Burn Heal
Impish Nature (+Banter, -Compassion)
EV: 252 Attack/252 Special Attack/4 Speed
Ability: Intimidate
Bestow/Trick
Foresight
Confuse Ray
Double Team
In competitive battling, Oscar/Richard is the equivalent of Alexwolf in Smogon, hence, an almost granted victory for him. With Intimidate, it will force many switches and ragequits, and so the opponent might need a little help. This is why Bestow and Trick are listed: if you feel generous enough, you will just give a Burn Heal to the opponent, while with Trick you can get, for example, a cool pair of Choice Specs, which are very trendy right now. This is very previsible; nevertheless, you may not know what object the opponent is holding or what exact insults will be directed to you, hence, Foresight is a requirement for further trolling understanding. Confuse Ray might seem counterproductive, but a confused opponent is an easy prey against you and your begging wallet.
After the match, you maybe find yourself with emptiness. Who am I? Why are genetics useful? Cloning, of course. Go to the trade chat room and just use Double Team untill you get all the Pokémon (with a good chance of evading the physical world).
The following EV ensure the opponent is burnt for good damage, and an Impish nature is used for a greater increase in antics. A Sassy nature might be used as well.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/257-m.png)
Surfin' Blaze
RU Richard @ Assault Vest/Air Balloon
Careful Nature (+Care, - Trouble)
EV: 252 HP/252 SpD/4 SpA
Ability: Pressure
Knock Off
Hyper Voice
Flamethrower
Double Slap
This is the basic forums and chat set. Because sometimes it might be in trouble, or trembling, an Assault Vest is mandatory to enter the zone without taking too much damage. Air Balloon is a reasonable option because it avoids lower attacks, but an overtoned attack might pop it.
Sometimes, people might seem a bit compassive and comprehensive, but others will try to be the Alpha Members. Knock them Off. If that does not work, use your Hyper Voice to rant about why Infernape's manure is a worst way of passing the day!
But often this is not enough. Perhaps there is a cool-blinded guy who boasts about their ability to rant. Use Flamethrower so that they can shut the heck up for once. Curse is not even mentioned because 2fancy4u.
What happens if there is a huge troll who is being constantly fed by attempts of reasonble arguing (or the troll is offered cloned Pokémon in exchange for their slience) there is just an option: Double Spal them until they learn they place: nowhere.
The following spread, along with Pressure, allows the user to keep pressuring the trolls while resisting their hits with ease. Burn Heal, along with Bestow or Trick, is an option again (in exchange for Flamethrower, but Double Slap should be moved to the third slot). A Serious Nature can be used along Joeno with Red Card, such combination allows easy OHKOs against trolls.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/257-m.png)
Livin' in a (Poké)Box
Swole Richard @ Chesto Berry/Enigma Berry
Adamant nature (+Responsible, -Fun)
EV: 252 HP/124Att/128SpA
Ability: Thick Fat
Pay Day
Endure
Endeavor
Double Team
For our disgrace, the physical-world-based Richard is not as fit as he is, so he decided to fight this fact like a family man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tawnOvY-DcM). With the help of his girlfriend, he is about to get as ripped as Hariyama Machamp, thus improving his multitasking skills and his ability, which, after some investigation, has revelaed to change to Big Pecks. For such a change, we need currency, so working in a store like a true 'Murican should grant you a nice Pay Day (Base 1,200). Pay Day can also be used on his partner, which she will grantly appreciate like an Espeon receiving Magic Bounce.
However, as a true 'Murican Pokémon Fan, Richard needs Poképleasure. After having split some of that pay, Endure can be used to play Pokémon XXX for hours and hours, while still being able to tell clients to ask the supervisor how much the milk is. If more clients are sent to Richard, or if the Nuzlocke is more annoying than usual, Endeavor will make think twice why they should kill his mood. Finally, after some work and playing, you might as well clone again the clones, so that you can clone the clone clone and thus clone the cloned cloned clone again. Double Team allows you to do that; it has the added benefit of turning yourself into two Richards, so that one can clone the redundant line above-mentioned while the other one has quality time with his partner, firstly Endeavoring, then Enduring, while finally making it paid the effort.
The EV spread is to make him, in general, as bulky as possible, while still punching in the face the customers that keep asking where the Infernape Milk is. The Special Attack is to rant them how superior Blaziken is. An alternative spread of 252 HP/252 SpA/4 Def can be used to use a more girlfriend-friendly approach to your life, although you might end up living in a box. Paralysis support is mandatory, then, to stop these annoying buyers and get a Relaxed nature, while still earning a nice Pay Day.
The items used are simple: Chesto Berry to ensure Richard can keep working for hours, while Enigma berry is a high risk-high reward item, because it can either be hidden aphrodisiac (not this "afro" → O0) or a berry collected by a Muk.
Richard, the 'Murican Dream Pokémon PKMN.net user. He is going to stay for long. At least, as long as he did. prepare yourselves for an intense battle if you read his articles, and for a lose if you read mine!
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So, what do you think about Richard? Should he get banned from Übers? Will my articles offend anyone? Find it out during next Monday!
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Schedule for the Next Week:
Monday: Trevenant (OU)
Tuesday: Clawitzer (OU)
Wednesday: Marowak (OU)
Thursday: Ariados (Über)
Friday: Milotic (OU)
Saturday: Dragoncat
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What did I just read? lmao
I actually can't decide if this is fantastic or not. I'm definitely interested to see the next member version though ^^;
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...Well this was an unexpected thing to come home to. I don't even know what to say about this. Uhhh... thanks, I think(??)
However, I think this is a more appropriate OU set:
Richard@ Weakness Policy
{Competitive}
Modest nature (+GG, -Ragequitting)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Sp. Attack / 6 Speed
Future Sight
Counter
Judgement
Final Gambit
Future Sight and Counter work in tandem to allow me to predict your every move and make sure it's ineffective. I use my Judgement to determine the best course of action in picking apart the opposing team. Finally, even when you think you're winning, I've always got a Final Gambit, one last trick to turn the tide of battle back in my favor and ensure your crushing defeat! >8D
...Anyway, looking forward to seeing more members done, although I'm still not sure how to feel after reading mine. xD
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Erm..... I'm not sure what to say about this.
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You know it: you are the second Infernapeloather legendary. However, in the physical world, your Typing is Steel/Ice, being X4 Weak to Blaziken's and Infernape's STAB. Ah, and you don't like the article.
...Anyway, looking forward to seeing more members done, although I'm still not sure how to feel after reading mine. xD
That's a bit weird, don't you think? As weird as the Pokémon we will analyse today.
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Today's Pokémon is a recent addition coming from France Kalos (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/2009_Chevrolet_Aveo5_LS.jpg/280px-2009_Chevrolet_Aveo5_LS.jpg). Give a heart-warming welcome to... Trevenant.
(http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131215200702/es.pokemon/images/thumb/e/ee/Trevenant.png/200px-Trevenant.png)
MetaSprite has not released a Trevenant sprite yet.
Due to its overall good appearance, Trevenant has carved itself a niche in many new Pokémon teams. However, it happens to be a mixed bag. Its abilities (Natural Cure, Frisk, and Harvest) call for a defensively oriented Pokémon, and so does its typing (Ghost/Grass), but its stats...
| HP: 85 | Attack: 110 | Defence: 76 | Special Attack: 65 | Special Defence: 82 | Speed: 56 |
... call "bulky offence". The buff of Ghost and Dark attacks is, as well, a mixed reception for our tree. Yes, it has a means to hit Steel Types for STAB, neutral damage (but Bisharp), but now more Pokémon carry these kind of attacks, which means Trevenant will likely take some super effective hits, some even OHKOing it. It has Will-o-Wisp, but its low natural Speed means it might have to invest in Speed, thus reducing its bulk. And, in almost all cases, 110 Attack is not enough, especially uninvested. Moreover, faces comeptition from Jellicent, which can attack and burn at the same time, as well as recover more easily, and even taunt at some decent speed for a wall/tank. However, for some reason, Jellicent (previously OU) is now RU, while Trevenant is UU. Let's move for the sets, from more conventional to more radical.
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131020090726/es.pokemon/images/a/a9/Trevenant_XY.png)
Standard Special Wall
Trevenant @ Leftovers/Lum Berry/Sitrus Berry
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 SpD/4 Att or Def
Ability: Natural Cure/Harvest
Rest/Substitute
Will-O-Wisp
Leech Seed
Shadow Claw/Horn Leech/Phantom Force
This is the standard UU set (well, both of them combined, since they are very similar). If opting for Status Absorption, use Rest and any of the two first fillers, being Leftovers and Natural Cure an option, while Lum Berry plus Harvest is another, with more staying power but less long-run reliability, overall. If you prefer a SubSeeder, use Substitute and any of the two last options, along with Harvest and Sitrus berry, allowing you to get some health or turns (respectively). Nothing original, and it can not Spin Block some heavily invested Tentacruel, Knock Off Donphan with some Speed investment, Excadrill (on the switch it might be burnt, however), and some lucky Starmies.
Talking about Excadrill, while using the Sitrus Berry set, using an Impish nature, along a spread of 252 HP, and, at least, 120 Def, avoid a KO from Adamant, Maximum Attack Excadrill with a Life Orb, assuming the berry is intact. If not, it is a clean 2HKO. That extra turn should be used to burn Excadrill, as Trevenant can not do much against it.
Notice that full HP investment activates Sitrus Berry at exactly 50% of one's health.
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131020090726/es.pokemon/images/a/a9/Trevenant_XY.png)
Automatic Status Absorber
Trevenant @ Lum Berry
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)/Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 SpD/4 Att or Def
Ability: Harvest
Rest
Will-O-Wisp
Leech Seed/Wood Hammer
Phantom Force
This set is a little bit trickier. Because Trevenant will have to use Rest more often, an Impish nature is listed as the first option; although the Special Defence investment might seem weird, this only makes Trevenant a better mixed wall, coupled with Will-O-Wisp and the possible recovery from Leech Horn, although Wood Hammer deals much more damage at the cost of some health. Rest whenever you have low health or a status. If in low health, assuming Lum Berry has not been consumed, Trevenant will wake up immediately, while, if having a status, Trevenant will have to be more careful so that it is not KOed while trying to harvest a berry. Talking about harvesting, Phantom Force is a great way of doing so, with the added bonus of hitting Wish-Protect Pokémon while they have low health if used properly. It is very funny seeing a Sylveon protecting itself for the Wish while you KO it.
This particular Trevenant is VERY susceptible to Knock Off; receiving one will ensure you are almost a liability to your team. If you fear such a thing, the first set is a safer bet, make sure to use Natural Cure, though.
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131020090726/es.pokemon/images/a/a9/Trevenant_XY.png)
Gravity Abuser
Trevenant @ Lum Berry/Sitrus Berry
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 Att/4 SpD or Def
Ability: Harvest
Rest
Will-O-Wisp
Wood Hammer
Earthquake/Shadow Claw/Rock Slide
WARNING! THIS SET HAS NOT BEEN TESTED BY THE AUTHOR YET!
With a base attack 110, Rotom-W roaming everywhere, and some other levitators and flying types, Gravity might be a good option for Trevenant, since it is sturdy and can be used outside Gravity without much fear.
Rest and Will-O-Wisp (which gain perfect accuracy thanks to Gravity) are to make incoming hits softer, while Wood Hammer is non-negotiable; it is too powerful to be used over Horn Leech. The last slot is for punishing common switch-ins that, otherwise, would threaten Trevenant. Earthquake is very powerful and punishes not many but ALL Fire-types of OU (stricly speaking, in BL, Volcarona takes Neutral damage), as well as all Steel Types (except Ferrothorn and Scizor, which take Neutral damage, but are screwed by Will-O-Wisp), Poison Types (Venomoth, although taking Neutral damage, is not very bulky), Rock Types, and Electric Types, Pokémon against which usually Trevenant would not stand a chance. Shadow Claw is the secondary STAB, and it hits some enemies hard, namely Gengar, Megakazam... although they will rarely switch in. Rock Slide is for the same purposes as Earthquake, but outside Gravity. It is, supposedly, a worse option.
This set needs a Grevity user (of course). Landorus-T is very good, since it learns both U-Turn and Explosion, which means that Trevenant can get immediately into the battle without being much harmed. A more offensive approach, specially talking, is Starmie, which can use Thunder, Blizzrd, and Hydro Pump at 100% accuracy. Clefable has a very good defeinse Typing, but has a shared weakness to Poison. Chansey can take most special hits this Trevenant could not, and it is immune to Ghost, a weakness of Trevenant, while Trevenant, in renturn, is immune to Fighting moves. A Spiker or a Stealth Rock user, as well as Sticky Web Support, are highly appreciated.
All Trevenant variants tend to run a neutral-Speed nature, and so they will not outspeed many things unless some Speed is invested (in exchange for either defences). 76/80 Speed EV outspeed Vaporeon and Choice Band Scizor with 0 Speed, 120 EV outspeed 76 EV Choice Band Tyranitar.
As other options, proposed by Bread, a Sitrus+Harvest set with Curse might be a full-stop to set-up Pokémon.
Trevenant, the Tree Pokémon. It is certainly an interesting Pokémon, and it is able to cause some grief if played with care and a hot-headed opponent.
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So, what do you think about this log? Should it learn Knock Off and better offensive moves? Support moves? Jokes? Will I find anything good for Clawitzer? Find it out tomorrow!
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Sitrus + Harvest is used by Scout and I wish that it would leaf me alone.
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No, my favourite set is, by far, the Automatic Absorber. And no, I do not grow Sitrus Berries in my fields. And I assure the next Pokémon does not need them.
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Today, we are going to review a Pokémon whose ability is semi-unique, but most think it, indeed, unique, but for Mega Blastoise. Here is a present for you... Clawitzer.
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131117123146/es.pokemon/images/thumb/2/25/Clawitzer.png/200px-Clawitzer.png)
MetaSprite, I/we need 6th Generation Pokémon Sprites!
As stated before, Clawitzer is an almost-forgotten Pokémon, which is strange due to its menacing design. Its ability, Mega Launcher, boosts the power of Pulse and Aura moves by 50%, which is devastating. However, another Pokémon, which has been very popular since the original game was released, did get this one ability as well, as a Megaevolution; this is Mega Blastoise. While Blastoise has always been a UU (an achivement quite hard to obtain), Clawitzer started this generation being RU. Let's check the stats of both Pokémon to see why:
| HP: 71 | Attack: 73 | Defence: 88 | Special Attack: 120 | Special Defence: 89 | Speed: 59 |
| HP: 79 | Attack: 103 | Defence: 120 | Special Attack: 135 | Special Defence: 115 | Speed: 78 |
The fact that Mega Blastoise gets Rapid Spin and the one Clawitzer gets Sword Dance is a cruel joke by Game Freak. Base 73, with such a Speed like that and Defences like those, as well as an ability that boosts some Special Attacks, is nothing to be taken seriously. Nevertheless, it has access to useful Physical moves like Crabhammer, Aqua Jet, and U-Turn.
At first glance, it seems that Mega Blastoise is clearly superior, but a further approach is revealing...
252+ SpA Life Orb Mega Launcher Clawitzer Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Abomasnow: 406-478 (105.7 - 124.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Mega Launcher Mega Blastoise Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Abomasnow: 340-400 (88.5 - 104.1%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
Yes, Mega Blastoise CAN NOT be equipped an item other than its own Mega Stone, while Clawitzer can use anything (better use something useful, though). It might not be a Spinner, but Clawitzer packs a punch (not to say it does not use a Mega Slot).
Here are the "recommended" sets:
(http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131013121002/es.pokemon/images/b/b0/Clawitzer_XY.png)
Wallbreaker
Clawitzer @ Choice Specs/Life Orb
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/252 Speed/4 SpD
Ability: Mega Launcher
Scald/Hydro Pulse
Dark Pulse
Ice Beam/Aura Sphere
Aura Sphere/U-Turn/Hidden Power Fire/Aqua Jet
This is the standard RU set. Using full speed with a Neutral Nature ensures to outspeed uninvested base 90 Pokémon... but not Impish Krookodile. That means one can outspeed Suicune (if one gets lucky, it can flinch with Dark Pulse), Venusaur (same as Suicune), Bulky Dragonite, and Defensive Rotom (although 44 Speed Variants will outspeed you by two points). Choice Specs are the prefered item because they grant you the so-much needed power to break walls, although Life Orb is acceptable if you want to weak stuff off with Aqua Jet. Even a bulky version with Quiet, 0 Speed, and Aqua Jet can work under a Trick Room with the Orb.
Scald can burn the opponent, and so it might help you staying around for a while, because not investing in HP with such good base defences is a shame. If one looks for more power (and h4x), one can opt for Water Pulse. No, Clawitzer does NOT get Hydro Pump. Dark Pulse hits a lot of things in OU for neutral damage, and Aura Sphere completes the almost-unresisted coverage (resisted by Fairies, Heracross, and Toxicroak, the latter getting HP back with Water Attacks). If one is in a dire situation, U-Turn can be used to escape, or Aqua Jet to chip some damage off. Hidden Power Fire maims Scizor and the gang, while Ice Beam deals with Dragons. Note, however, that full Speed with HP Fire will make you TIE with uninvested, neutral-natured base 90 Pokémon.
The support Clwitzer needs is very specific: opponents must be slowed down and/or burtn, so that Clawitzer has a chance of staying around, as well as Hazards' damage. This is especially true seeing this:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Mega Launcher Clawitzer Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 310-366 (88 - 103.9%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
This means Clawitzer needs a layer of Spikes to get a granted kill. However...
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Clawitzer: 272-324 (96.1 - 114.4%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
So do note support is a necessity in Clawitzer, this is why it is in RU. It needs Wish, Specs, Hazards, and Slow opponents. But it is a very good Wallbreaker, otherwise; it can beat Ferrothorn (as seen), Heatran, Talonflame (which is usually OHKOed, but Clawitzer needs 106 HP to survive a Choice-Banded Brave Bird, though), Mega Absol with any move bar Physical ones and Dark Pulse, Dual Screener Espeon on the Switch (it needs a 2HKO if Light Screen is on, otherwise, it is a OHKO), etc.
As other options, Clawitzer gets Sludge Bomb/Wave, Flash Cannon (NO, don't use that), and... Shadow Ball. Yes, Clawitzer is pretty predictable with those who are familiar with it.
Clawitzer, the Semi-PokéCangrejo. It is a one-trick pony, but this "pony" knows how to pierce armours. The hard way.
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So, what do you think about this lobster/crab/shrimp? Is its limited movepool holding it from being a top threat? Is there any other viable set worth using? Will it be able to defeat a +6 SpD Magikarp? It has been to short, this is out of question. Find it out during next issue!
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It's an impressive looking Pokémon, its stats don't best reflect it =[
it really is impressive how you can find a way to use all these Pokémon in some effect though, it makes interesting reading. Please keep it up =]
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I really love Clawtizer. Whyyyyy is it not usable. WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
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I really love Clawtizer. Whyyyyy is it not usable. WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
It is a plain Water Type, its Speed is not very great (although Crawdaunt is somewhat slower), it needs to either Life Orb or Choice Specs, its bulk is not that good, etc.
Notice that one can run Sludge Whatever along Aura Sphere and Dark Pulse for almost perfect coverage, only resisted by Toxicroak. Fairies will want to die on you.
However, it is time to move to the next Pokémon.
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Today, Alice (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=36997)'s waifu/husbando is here. Please, welcome with a warm round of applause... Marowak.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/105.png)
Finally there is the MetaSprite!
Marowak looks very cute and an average Ground Type, but it is one of the few Pokémon that has been given an exclusive item: Thick Boner. This item is, basically, a free Sword Dance boost, so Marowak's Attack is doubled while still being able to switch move, unlike Choice Band (which is a Meditate Boost). But... can Marowak make good use of this item? Lightningrod, Rock Head, and Battle Armor are all good abilities to have, especially the first in Doubles and the second while using Double-Edge, although the Third would be useful if CritDra did not have access to STAB Water attacks. What about its stats?
| HP: 60 | Attack: 80 | Defence: 110 | Special Attack: 50 | Special Defence: 80 | Speed: 45 |
Base 80 Attack might not seem very high, but Marowak, assuming an Adamant nature and maximum Attack investment, can reach 568 Attack (factoring Thick Bone). This means that almost nothing enjoys switching on Marowak. An added bonus is that Volt Turn does not work on it, since it is a pure Ground type, and Bugs can be roasted by using Fire Punch. However, base 60 HP and 45 Speed are holding it back from being a top threat (it was in Generation II, though, being the hardest hitter in OU and the game, then moves to BL, and sunk to NU).
As usual, let's review a slow Pokémon (guess what kind of support it will need...).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/105.png)
Azumarill (Beta)
Marowak @ Thick Bone
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/8 Spe
Ability: Battle Armor/Rock Head
Earthquake/Bonemerang
Stone Edge/Double-Edge
Fire Punch/Thunder Punch/Substitute
Knock Off/Sword Dance
As Granbull, Marowak needs serious prediction to play. They even have almost the same coverage, but they play differently. While Granbull prefers supporting and risking it more (using a Choice Band), Marowak can Switch moves against slow threats and break a wall more reliable, although it will likely switch out after its job is done. The first slot is the STAB of choice: Earthquake murders Pokémon without any kind of accuracy issues, while Bonemerang, at the cost of 90% accuracy, can destroy Substitues and hit. Stone Edge ends the "StoneQuake" combo, while maiming most Flying types. Double-Edge can be used for more damage, at the cost of not being able to hit anything for Super Effective damage (make sure to use Rock Head while using this move).
The last two moves are hard to choose. Fire Punch eliminates Steel types that are either neutral or immune to your Ground STAB, while Thunder Punch still deals the same damage to Skarmory, threatens most Flying types, and hurts for heavy damage bulky Water types that might want to counter Marowak. Substitute, on the other hand, is very useful if one predicts a good switch, although this will rarely happen. Knock Off is the almighty move, crippling almost every Pokémon, but Sword Dance almost ensures no Pokémon will be able to switch on Marowak.
8 EV in Speed outspeed Conkeldurr, while almost OHKO it. Be careful, though, because it can use a combo of Ice Punch + Mach Punch to finish you off. 248 allow to switch into rocks more times and 252 in Attack for maximum damage. However, 88 EV in Speed allow you to outspeed Blissey, 136 for Choice Specs Sylveon (with a high chance of OHKOing it with your Ground STAB), and 140/144 for Negative-natured, support
Mega Tyranitar; 212 or 216 are for Neutral-Natured, minimum Speed ones.
As usual on these analyses, Hazard and Paralysis Support is very appreciated, especially for Substitute + Sword Dance Marowaks. Nevertheless, they hit already so hard that a neutral Stone Edge can clearly OHKO an Absol. A Trick Room sweeping set is very viable; use a Brave nature, then, with 0 IV in Speed.
Marowak, the Q.T. Pokémon. It requires support and love, and it knows very well how to return your investment; in form of defeat for your opponents.
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So, what do you think about Marowak? Will we ever ship Gardevoir with Marowak? Will Alice post here anytime soon? Can this thing wreck other highly-boosted Pokémon? More in the next issue!
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Another interesting article, when making a TR team I considered Marowak because of that lack of speed. Good stuff though =]
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I remember this Thick Bone glitch in G/S/C if you didn't raise it right. The result: Its attack stat wouldn't keep going like it should, it would wrap around to something hilarious like 8.
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I remember this Thick Bone glitch in G/S/C if you didn't raise it right. The result: Its attack stat wouldn't keep going like it should, it would wrap around to something hilarious like 8.
Yes, if you used Swords Dance on Thick Club (to give it its proper name) Marowak, and its Attack stat would reach 1024 or higher, the stat would wrap around, becoming 0 or higher. This was fixed in Generation 3.
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he's gave me an article on marowak awww <3
it was an interesting read as well - thanks scout
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I remember this Thick Bone glitch in G/S/C if you didn't raise it right. The result: Its attack stat wouldn't keep going like it should, it would wrap around to something hilarious like 8.
Here is the full story (http://www.smogon.com/dex/gs/pokemon/marowak). I am glad Alice has commented, since I doubt I will ever write about Gardevoir (Richard will, though). Time for a new Übermon.
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Today, I am going to introduce the "bug" of nightmares, the sucking spider (spiders are not bugs, after all). Let me introduce Ariados to you.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/168.png)
Thanks to MetaSprite, this Ariados looks like what I want it to look like.
First, let's take a look at its stats:
| HP: | 70 Attack: 90 | Defence: 70 | Special Attack: 60 | Special Defence: 60 | Speed: 40 |
It has a total of 390 BST (Base Stat Total). Just for you to make an idea, Mega Mewtwo X and Y double Ariados' BST. With three apparently useless abilities in Insomnia, Swarm, and Sniper, one might question why it should be ever used even in an NU team. Perhaps reviewing its story...
Back in Generation II, Ariados had Baton Pass and... its counterpart, Ledian, did not happen to be stellar. It ended being UU. Through all Generations forth, it has been NU, but in Generation IV it got a very-well defined (although forgotten) niche in Übers: it was the only Pokémon wich access to Insomnia, a Priority move (two, in fact), Toxic Spikes, and a means to hurt Darkrai; that means a reckless Darkrai would use Dark Void (or even lock itself if using a Choice Scarf) and Ariados would either 2HKO it or set up Toxic Spikes. However, in Generation V, more Pokémon that resisted its STAB, as well as the addition of Excadrill as a Spinner, made its life a tale of the past. But, in Generation VI, it received two major buffs, at the cost of another one; Ariados now has access to Megahorn and the ever-useful Sticky Web, at the cost of the buffed defoggers.
Will Ariados do it again? Will Ariados KO n00bs and successfully aid its teammates?
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/168.png)
2 Hazards 1 Spider
Ariados @ Focus Sash
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 Att/4 Def
Ability: Insomnia
Megahorn
Sucker Punch/Shadow Sneak/Pursuit
Shadow Sneak/Sticky Web/Toxic Spikes
Sticky Web/Toxic Spikes
No, this is not a joke of any sort. These calculations will slighty reinforce my argument:
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 366-432 (129.7 - 153.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mewtwo: 366-432 (103.3 - 122%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 164 HP / 0 Def Latias: 366-432 (107 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Deoxys-S: 258-306 (84.8 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 164 HP / 0 Def Mega Latias: 288-338 (84.2 - 98.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Deoxys-D: 222-264 (73 - 86.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Ariados Megahorn vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arceus-Dark: 288-338 (64.8 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Achieving a OHKO against a Soul Dew Latias (not arrived yet) is an impressive feat. Although it is weak to Psychic, Ariados can hurt many common Pokémon in Über and still be able to do something decent. Megahorn should always be used over X-Scissor because Ariados will rarelly get a second chance to hit. For those that want to either hit or flee, Shadow Sneak, Sucker Punch, and Pursuit are in Ariados' offensive arsenal, hitting for decent damage (athough do not overestimate its power). A mention to Night Shade for dealing consistent damage, especially to enemies with low HP and no reliable recovery, mostly because Ariados will not be able to outspeed them. Foul Play is also a valid option for an emergency kill.
The Hazards are tricky. One can opt for both hazards (Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes)... if you happen to have balls of steel; Ariados will likely be KOed after sending the second layer of Hazards. In these cases, Sticky Web is Ariados' niche, and it is not easily removed by Poison types, but Toxic Spikes are always handful for bulky or stall teams. When should they be laid down? Whenever you do not see any Psychic or Dark type in the opposition, as well as their support is more important than KOing some target. It takes many sessions to use properly, do not despair.
Focus Sash should always be used, and, in order to keep it intact, Ariados should enter the field without any kind of Hazard on its field; this is why it is best used as a lead, competing with Mewtwo, which will likely try to OHKO you or even Calm Mind in front of you, and Darkrai, which must attack you in order not to lose momentum, or else it will likely be KOed by Ariados; despite this, Substitute Darkrai variants can outsmart Ariados in shenanigans by letting it set up some Hazards, while it can attack behind the Substitute, not to say Darkrai can get lucky and not be hit by Megahorn.
One should not forget about Ariados' second STAB, Poison, which hurts Geomancy Xerneas for solid damage, letting it act as an emergency check.
252+ Atk Ariados Poison Jab vs. 104 HP / 32 Def Xerneas: 224-266 (53.4 - 63.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
But...
252+ Atk Ariados Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Arceus-Fairy: 192-228 (43.2 - 51.3%) -- 5.9% chance to 2HKO
... it is not listed because there are few Fairies, and one of the most important Fairies, Arceus-Fairy, can Recover on Ariados' helpless attacks (it shoud worry about Poison damage, though), and Steel Types are not a rare sight in Über.
Do not even bother investing in Speed: Ariados already outspeeds many slow Steel Types, and the additional Speed does not grant any significant benchmark to be compared with.
Ariados, the Spoder (not Spider) Pokémon. Killing an enemy with this is a great way of starting to win, due to the fact that it brings chaos and depression to the opponent's mind.
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So, what do you think about Ariados? Will it "gain" again its "former" "glory"? Will it get a Mega Evolution? Don't miss the next issue!
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As I said on IRC, I'm shocked by the punch Ariados packs with MegaHorn, it's fairly impressive in that regards. Don't think I'd ever risk it if I returned to Ubers, I'm too rash in battling =P
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Leavanny could perform a similar role to Ariados, it's a Bug/Grass type with base stats of:
75 / 103 / 80 / 70 / 80 / 92
For reference, Ariados has:
70 / 90 / 70 / 60 / 60 / 40
It can use a moveset such as:
Sticky Web
X-Scissor
Swords Dance
Baton Pass/Leaf Blade
Its higher Attack stat and access to Swords Dance slightly makes up for not having Mega Horn. Its higher all round defences (not by much admittedly) help it perform its Baton Pass role (probably in lower tiers). With BP you are probably investing in defences, with Leaf Blade you can invest in Attack and Speed more. It could even outspeed the many base 90s in Ubers with that speed stat, though I couldn't say if it was viable or not since I haven't done any damage calculations or anything.
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Raphetty's set is very interesting, and I heavily appreciate that you spend some part of your time to think about another possibility. Leavanny can be a great option against Smeargle, but it will lose most of the times against Darkrai, which can put it to sleep.
252+ Atk Leavanny X-Scissor vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 270-318 (95.7 - 112.7%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
Yes, it has a very healthy chance to OHKO, but it requires an Adamant nature, and, even in case it used a Jolly nature, Darkrai would outspeed it, and a supporter with a Choice Scarf is almost never viable. The only things Leaveanny can outspeed and cause damage to are Groudon and Kyogre.
252+ Atk Leavanny Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Groudon: 156-186 (38.6 - 46%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Leavanny Leaf Blade vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Groudon: 206-246 (60.2 - 71.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Leavanny Leaf Blade vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Kyogre: 300-354 (74.4 - 87.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
These calculations were made assuming an Adamant Nature; Kyogre can OHKO it back, and so does Groudon. Moreover, how could it set up Sword Dance? I am intrigued and confused.
In any event, the time for a new Pokémon has come.
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Today, I present a Pokémon with whom neither Richard nor I would to go OU, but due to the fact it has been requested, I will write about it. Here it is! Milotic!
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/350.png)
MetaSprite, what else?
Our reasons for not using Milotic are different; he prefers Bulky Offence, while I favour testing, and Milotic is a very straight-forward Pokémon… oh… what? Did Milotic get access to a new ability? Competitive? All right, let's go with Milflotic's story.
In Generation III, a new Magikarp appeared, but instead of turning into a ferocious Leviathan, Feebas would become a pretty mermaid; Milotic. With access to Recover, a useful ability in Marvel Scale, and Hypnosis, Milotic would not be a simple Bulky Water Type (from now on, called BWT).
Generation IV introduced Rotom, and, of course, its formes, as well as more powerful physical attacks, and Garchomp during early stages of the Metagame. Whith Garchomp gone, Milotic was able to invest again in its defences to use the RestTalk set... mostly in UU, where it belongs. It was still usable in OU, though.
Generation V buffed it significantly, at a cost (of course), with Infinite Rain coming from Politoed, the new Scald, which would allow it to act as a better mixed Tank, and even Dragon Tail, Milotic would have a special place for defensive Rain Teams. However, Milotic could not do much to Jellicent and Toxicroak, two of the best Pokémon that could be used in Rain. It even gained an almost useless yet very fitting Hidden Ability: Cute Charm. It kept in UU.
Generation VI, as stated in my introduction, gained very few things, although their importance might be vital; Competitive, Sticky Web, and Defog. Yes, Milotic does not have access to the latter two, but a Milotic with Competitivemoderately likes to enter in a field with Sticky Web on it and loves to get in on a possible Defog, effectively gaining a free Nasty Plot (although the Speed Drop is not very welcoming). It is still UU.
Let's take a look at its stats:
| HP: 95 | Attack: 60 | Defene: 79 | Special Attack: 100 | Special Defence: 125 | Speed: 81 |
Its stats scream one thing: BWT! And so two of its three abilities do: Marvel Scale, its semi-exclusive ability, allows Milotic to increase its defence by 50% whenever it is affected by a status (Confusion does not count). Cute Charm allows to annoy your typically-male pervert Pokémon, which is trolly and usually not the best bet (translation: it infatuates the opponent 30% of the times if it is of the opponent gender and it uses a contact move). Competitive raises Milotic's Special Attack Stat by Two Stages whenever one Stat (including Special Attack itself) is lowered (Curse, as well as other side-effect moves used by the user of the ability, do not count).
Time for the analyses.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/350.png)
Classic BWT
Milotic @ Leftovers
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SpA
Ability: Marvel Scale
Scald
Haze/Dragon Tail
Recover/Rest
Ice Beam/Sleep Talk
This are two classic sets put together. In fact, the best Phazer and Physically Defensive version of Milotic is used whenever the moves on the right are chosen; otherwise, one gets better coverage in form of Ice Beam. Scald has a 30% chance of burning the opponent (assuming it can be burnt) and decent power (at 80, 120 computing STAB). Recover and Rest are Milotic's best options for Recovery, and, with Leftovers, it is incredibly ridiculous to take it down (although Suicune wins in that regard on the Special side). As stated before, if using Rest, Sleep Talk is a necessity, and it has a very good use: Dragon Tail's negative priority is entirely negated (do not use Haze in the RestTalk set, please). If one prefers to stay awake, Ice Beam should be used over Sleep Talk, but the second slot can be freely chosen: Dragon Tail phazes, when Haze… hazes? Dragon Tail is screwed by its accuracy, inability to do its job through enemy Substitutes, and Fairy types; and Haze by Taunt.
252 EV in HP are used to ensure an even number, thus maximising Recover's and Leftovers' effect (healing). Moreover, Milotic is a Pokémon that usually does not need to switch, thus it is not affected by a lot by Damaging Hazards; moreover, it gives it staying power, along with 252 EV in Defence to improve its Mixed-Walling capacities (its Special Defence is prepostorously high, at base 125). 4 EV in Special Attack are dumped there because Milotic does not have to outspeed anything on the same Speed Tier (Gyarados runs a lot of Speed, for example) and it can OHKO the rare Salamence most of the times:
4 SpA Milotic Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salamence: 312-368 (94.2 - 111.1%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
If desired, 12 EV can go to Speed, so that Milotic can outspeed most Mega Venusaur, which want to outspeed maximum Speed, Adamant Azumarill.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/350.png)
Competilotic
Milotic @ Life Orb
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Att)/Timid Nature (+SpA, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/252 Spe/4 SpA
Ability: Competitive
Hydro Pump/Scald
Ice Beam
Hidden Power Electric/Hidden Power Grass
Recover
This set uses all of Milotic's useful Special Moves... yes, three of them. It has not even changed from the DPP era (just the spread) (http://www.smogon.com/dex/dp/pokemon/milotic). Hydro Pump deals heavy damage, while Scald is more supportative, still deals decent damage, and has perfect accuracy. Ice Beam is necessary in order not to use HP Ice and hit everything that is weak to Ice for some super effective damage. Both Hidden Powers have their uses: HP Grass hits most Water types for Super Effective, heavy damage, while HP Electric completes the BoltBeam combo, and it there is a big chance to OHKO Gyarados, as seen below:
252+ SpA Life Orb Milotic Hidden Power Electric vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gyarados: 317-374 (95.7 - 112.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
For this reason, a Timid Nature is listed, although the spread might change to 88 HP/252 SpA/168 Spe just to outspeed Adamant Gyarados before a Dragon Dance. Even at +1, Adamant Gyarados will not be able to OHKO Milotic with 88 HP. The damage from HP Electric is as follows:
252 SpA Life Orb Milotic Hidden Power Electric vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gyarados: 286-338 (86.4 - 102.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
This is pretty good, and it gets even better whenever a careless opponent uses Defog on you because "you are not a threat". At +2, Milotic can heavily damage most of the tier with its three Damaging Moves, while it can Recover after it has taken some Damage and/or Life Orb Recoil.
Be EXTREMELY careful while using this set, because a switch will mean that you surprise has been already revealed, hence, the care of the opponent for their Pokémon will be increased as much as the buff from Competitive is. Milotic does not like Sticky Web as much, due to the fact that having EV in Speed would look like a foolish investment. In those cases, Haze is an acceptable option, although Milotic will have serious problems fitting it on this set, not to say it would lose the Special Attack boost it previously gained. I would recommend White Herb + Competitive, but I don't know whether this works or not (Defiant + White Herb does not activate it, although now the drop and the raise come from different stats; if anyone knows the outcome of doing so, please tell me).
An honourable mention for this set is exactly the same set but with Marvel Scale; in case Milotic gets the Defence Boost, it will be an very good tank, although Paralysis can make Milotic to stop for a turn, and Burn and Poison/Toxic can severely harm Milotic's Life Span.
This set is one of the weirdest niches I have ever written here (but Ariados and Gravity-lover Trevenant are still the victorious Pokémon in that aspect), so be very wary that very specific support and conditions must be present to make it an effective threat.
Miltotic, the fabulous, stationery-lover Chloe BWT Pokémon. Is it long, wet, and hairy. No, it is not a snake with a pompadour that has taken a shower. Milotic is more dangerous, and, despite looking forgiving, it will not accept your apologies if you offended its superb beauty or their friends.
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So, what do you think about Milotic? Should Richard and I change our minds with respect to our opinion about not using Milotic in OU? Will my niches get stupider? Do not miss the next issue on our best ghostly cat!
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For classic BWT, Rest and Sleep Talk, like scald, are requirements.
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For classic BWT, Rest and Sleep Talk, like scald, are requirements.
Yes, they are. This is why an article on this set with these moves has been written. But time for another article has arrived.
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Today, we are analysing a new addition of the rooster. And I am sure she will murder me after this "article". Say hello to… Dragoncat (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=53747).
(http://oi62.tinypic.com/2vcvuja.jpg)
The credit is for myself this time.
Dragoncat has always been one of those lovely members; she, in fact, stated once that she is unable to not forgive (by now, most IRC users are saying "Awww" by this point). However, it is written in her signature, as well as in her typing (Dark/Fairy): "What has four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening? I don’t know, but I trapped it in my bedroom. Send help.". No, she is not asking for aid, but for more specimens to trap for her own satanic sadic leisure. Her stats do not lie:
| HP: 160 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 120 | Special Defence: 120 | Speed: 100 |
Nevertheless, her talent (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=105486.0) is usually enough to treat her with enough respect in order for her not to use her devastating power, although there is always that target…
Sets time.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/487-o.png)
Banlucky
Dragoncat @ Brightpowder
Naive Nature (+Hope of not banning, -Luck)
EV: 252 Att/4 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Drought
Extreme Speed
Hex
Inferno
Parting Shot
Dragoncat is smart, and so she chooses Pokémon that are able to hit hard in the Metagame. However, should Smogon get banhappy, Dragoncat will start to shudder. "What can I do now? ;~;". The answer is simple: hit as hard and as much as possible. With Extreme Speed, you will be able to kick n00b ass as many times as you can, plain and simple. But this has to come to an end, unfortunately. "Aegislash and Mega Mawile banned. gg". They deserve Hex, or hax, because no one dares touching her team (and her, by that matter). Of course, this is not enough; Inferno is here to leave them with a sick burn and deal them unhealthy damage, most likely to the metagame, but that does not matter. Finally, if one is tired of that crap, Parting Shot can be used to lower Smogon's credibility and leave to a Custom Battle. Drought is the ability of choice because there is a Drought of OP Pokémon (and increase the damage from Inferno), while Brightpowder is a taunt to Smogon, especially Evasion Clause, as well as being useful for making them focus on other stupid members such as Delicious_Scout.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/487-o.png)
Chatter
Dragoncat @ Mental Herb
Modest Nature (+^^, -Banter)
EV: 252 HP/252SpD/4SpA
Ability: Forewarn
Sketch
Yawn
Shadow Ball
Destiny Bond
Dragoncat might not be very active in chat, but she does things not like the writer. Due to her nature, she is able to take some requests and relax meantime; this is why Sketch is listed as the crux of this set. However, despite the heavy investment in HP and Special Defence, she can get pretty tired of some annoying users; for her fortune, there is a solution: Yawn.
+4 SpA Dragoncat Yawn vs. 252/252+ Delicious_Scout: 414%-493.5% Guaranteed Overkill
If you want to take a less drastic apprach, Shadow Ball, along with Forewarn should be used to make the annoyer of their error by sending them to another dimesion. Some say it is Mordor, others Spain, while the most corageous one state it teleports the victim to Sparta. Nevertheless, she might actually like you; Destiny Bond is then used for those cases in which trolls and/or bug(ging user)s turn friendly, thus ending all that non-sensical violence. If one opts for more puns with her name, a Destiny Knot can be equipped, and so Transform should be used on a DELcatty while having a Spread of HP Dragon, assuming that DELcatty has HP and Shadow Ball on its arsenal.
Mental Herb is used so that Dragoncat can stand a chance about massive Taunts from trolls, while Modest is everyone's eye candy.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/487.png)
Lonely, Racist Island
Dragoncat @ Rose Incense
Brave Nature (+Adeventure, -Money)
EV: 252 HP/24 Att/232 SpA
Ability: Defiant
U-Turn
Grass Knot
Surf
Fly
Do you want to build a snowman to run an adventure from an apparently disfuctional home to a better place? This "IRL" (Physical World) set is for you, then. Rose Scent is used at the beginning of the quest so that you don't faint from all those stinky comments regarding your persona, while Defiant grants a very interesting boost in Adventures every time anybody from your home states Canada is good while gay are bad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R78l6ZOPy9o). If you are fed up with that, a boosted U-Turn is powerful enough to make you exit the door of your home. But… oh, no! Some bugs are Pursuing you! Grass Knot them with the power of Rose Incent!
Now you realise that you live in an island. Heck I care; this is why Surf was invented! With 232 SpA and 252 HP, Dragoncat is able to OHKO the Atlantic Ocean while it is just able to 3HKO her in return!
For some reason, you might notice a blank in your wallet: no money! Fight some n00bs, get money, and then use Fly to travel to whatever place you want, such Kanto, Sinnoh, or Canáxico. It also serves as a last-resort escaping technique, while also burning the Opponent for good damage.
Dragoncat, the Catdragon Pokémon Gentle, Sweet partner. Things might go South, but my jokes should not be the reason for such a thing; she is one of the nicest people around. Do love her, or else my jokes will have another meaning.
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So, what do you think of the article it took me the longest to write? Is it the longest source of boredom ever made? Find it out the next Monday!
Schedule (Legendary Week!)
Monday: Regirock
Tuesday: Cresselia
Wednesday: Cobalion
Thursday: Meloetta
Friday: Uxie
Saturday: GL
Sunday: GL's Birthday (not an article)
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Hey, just saying I can't see you adding a type for the member. That would be a cool thing to do.
The members are probably the thing I read for.
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Another great article. Enjoying these poster ones. Keep up the good work buddy =]
(please don't tear me apart in mine D:)
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Yo, maybe not next week since you have a schedule for the entire week, but please do an article on Lapras! Noveltly Dragon Dance set is a must.
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Kricketune has been on my mind lately. Tropius too.
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Wow, dragoncat seems pretty OP with those stats and sketch xD Awesome article regardless, though ^^
Tropius too.
Yesssss, would be awesome to see the bananasaur done at some point!
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Scout, if your waifu, Jynx, doesn't get an article, I will be sorely disappointed.
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Scout, if your waifu, Jynx, doesn't get an article, I will be sorely disappointed.
Nah, Alice is not a Jynx.
Alice will kill me for saying she is my waifu…
And Dragoncat is clearly a Dark/Fairy type.
At any rate, a Pokémon must be reviewed.
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Today, starting the Legendary week, we will start with the Regi that has shined the least. Hug the cute and almighty... Regirock.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/377.png)
Don't you just love MetaSprite yet?
Regirock is a very, very unfortunate case of Troll Freak's cruelty. Read the Pokédex entry from Ruby:
Ruby: Regirock was sealed away by people long ago. If this Pokémon's body is damaged in battle, it is said to seek out suitable rocks on its own to repair itself.
Then, it would be natural for such a Pokémon to have access to reliable recovery, like Recover or Regenerator.
NO!
Its only recovery method is Rest, and its abilities are Clear Body and Sturdy. Clear Body seems useful to stop Intimidators, but Gyarados can often beat it, while Arcanine can usually burn it. Sturdy is not released yet, but... what can OHKO Regirock, anyway? Heck, if it got, at least, Regenerator, it would act as an Assault Vest Tangrowth with another STAB and higher defences, making it very usable in OU, while Recover, along with Substitute and Toxic, can be a nightmare to face against a bulky Pokémon like Regirock, being able to even hit for solid damage. Its pure Rock Typing and Stats do not lie:
| HP: 80 | Attack: 100 | Defence: 200 | Special Attack: 50 | Special Defence: 100 | Speed: 50 |
Regirock has almost always been the Regi that stood out the least in any Generation. In Generation III, Regice got a ludicrous base 200 Special Defence and 100 decent Special Attack, as well as the BoltBeam combination, thus allowing it to be useful in OU and Übers, while Regirock kept in BL.
But then, with Generation IV, Regirock would never be any higher than NU again. Literally, it is not a PU. It proved to be useful for Sun Teams, Mono-Attacking, etc, though, requiring most of the times the right Pokémon on the opponent's side.
Nevertheless, some people, as stated before, through time, have been able to exploit Regirock to surprisingly good levels, and with the brand new Sticky Web Support and return of the old Sleep Mechanics, Regirock can try to be useful.
Now it is time to bond with Regirock's sets. BOND WITH THEM.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/377.png)
I've got Balls of Rock!
Regirock @ Leftovers/Heat Rock
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)/Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)/Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 SpD/4 Def
Ability: Clean Body
Stealth Rock
Curse/Toxic/Sunny Day
Stone Edge/Rock Slide
Thunder Wave/Thunder Punch/Toxic
Regirock is a Pokémon that is hard to defeat per se. Given this advantage, a support set is not out of order. Stealth Rock is a move that almost never will let Regirock down, mostly because its natural bulk will allow it to survive many hits that would OHKO many Pokémon, thus giving it a chance to deploy them. Mental Herb is not listed because Regirock does have a means to hurt the opponent: a powerful Rock STAB that will hit many things hard:
0+ Atk Regirock Stone Edge vs. 228 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 144-169 (36.1 - 42.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
This might not seem impressive at first, but this Azumarill, fully invested…
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Regirock: 228-270 (62.6 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
…can not hit that hard. Talking about Azumarill... if this Pokémon is annoying you, use Sunny Day along Heat Rock, forcing Azumarill to rely on Play Rough, and taking less damage, up to the point of being in a very tight battle:
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Regirock in Sun: 114-134 (31.3 - 36.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Regirock: 127-151 (34.8 - 41.4%) -- 73.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Yes, Regirock is very scary. If you don't want to exclusively counter/check Azumarill, then either Curse or Toxic are good options; Curse is for those moments in which all Special Attackers are gone, while Toxic is better used early in-game to cripple things that would otherwise be problematic for Regirock and its team. Thunder Wave and Toxic are listed as support, being Thunder Wave more useful for bulkier Sweepers that need slower opponents, while Toxic can turn 2HKOs into OHKOs. Thunder Punch gets a mention for being able to hit Azumarill and Gyarados more reliably, as well as most BWT (Bulky Water Types). For those case in which you prefer forming a solid core, Mega Charizard Y, Regirock, and most Chlorofyll users should make a very good balanced core.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/377.png)
It's time to kick Flights and Chew Bubble-Fire.
Regirock @ Choice Band/Assault Vest
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 Att/4 Spe
Ability: Clean Body
Stone Edge
Earthquake
Ice Punch/Fire Punch
Explosion
This set does require more support if you want to outspeed some threats, but, otherwise, it hits pretty hard and has some advantages over Choice Band Terrakion and Choice Band Tyranitar. First off, Regirock does not care that much about a paralysis, second, Mono Rock is better defensively than Rock/Dark and Rock/Fighting (but worse offensively), third, it keeps a very health Attack with overall better Physical bulk (Tyranitar has better Special Bulk in Sand, which it summons automatically), letting it handle Garchomp better; and fourth, and perhaps most importantly, it has access to a very powerful Explosion. Moreover, it has a very high surprise factor (please, don't ruin it).
Stone Edge is the main STAB, hitting most things for very high damage, while Earthquake ends the famous StoneQuake combination, being resisted by very few Pokémon. A mention goes for Drain Punch for the second slot in case you want to go bulky, but it is generally too weak. Ice Punch and Fire Punch are both viable; the former OHKOing most Garchomps, Landorus, Landorus-T, and Gliscors; and the later, being possibly boosted by Mega Charizard Y's Sun, dealing overall good damage without requiring top notch prediction, while heavy damaging Scizor, Skarmory, and so on. Explosion is for those moments in which you are tired of using a good Wish passer and want to go with a BOOM, usually OHKO most Pokémon that are not resistent to it.
4 EV in Speed allow Regirock to outspeed Chansey, while 44 get the cut on Blissey, 84 on Cleric Sylveon, and 96 on Choice Specs Sylveon. Going any faster would compromise Regirock's bulk; this is when Assault Vest might come handy, being able to resist some non-STAB Special Attacks quite well, usually being 3HKO or 2HKO, enough time for Regirock to KO or switch.
Regirock, the Rockystallone Pokémon. It might not be as balanced as Registeel or as "cool" as Regice, but this monument to the hard-working labour will not disappoint you under the right forecasts (especially under the Sun).
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So, what do you think about Regirock? Should I have rated a better legendary, or ranted more about this one? Prepare for the next issue!
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Rockystallone Pokémon caught me by surprise and made me chuckle quite a bit. Another good issue overall too =]
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I don't know squat about competitive battling. But I enjoy reading these anyway. Some of these are Pokemon I was thinking of training.
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As a quick note; a set with Rest, Sleep Talk, Stone Edge, and Curse, provided all Special Attackers are gone, is a classic. Credits to Spriter for helping me with this article!
Time for another Pokémon.
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Today, Female Lugia II is the focus of our attention. Say hello to... Cresselia.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/488.png)
Don't be shy, Cresselia… MetaSprite did draw you well…
If Chloe (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=48361) were a Pokémon, Cresselia would be a nice fit for her. First off, Cresselia is one of the few legendaries that are fabulous, and it is even female. However, for some reasons, Cresselia's use has descended since it was released. I honestly do not know why its usage has been punished in such a way; perhaps it is its Psyquic typing what it is holding it back, because its excellent Defensive Stats, along a good Ability in Levitate, turn Cresselia into one of the most enduring Tank/Walls ever designed.
| HP: 120 | Attack: 70 | Defence: 120 | Special Attack: 75 | Special Defence: 130 | Speed: 85 |
Its Speed stat is admirable for a Wall, and the Special Attack, sufficient. But... what happened to Cresselia?
In Generation IV, Cresselia was introduced. It was almost the perfect Check or Counter (depending on the set) against Garchomp... until Garchomp got banned from OU. Cresselia was too powerful for UU, but it was barely used; BL was its tier.
Generation V brought Adaptability Crawdaunt and Hydreigon, as well as Jellicent, receiving even more competition regarding walling capacities. Again, it was too powerful for its original tier... RU. It moved to BL2.
Generation VI is the era of the Steel Debuff; Dark and Ghost now can hit through Steel for Neutral Damage, causing these moves to be spammed more often. Guess what Pokémon is weak to both types: yes, Cresselia. The addition of Mega Evolutions (in special Mega Scizor and Mega Heracross) make Cresselia think Darkrai is not that much of a Nightmare; it is currently RU. Nevertheless, Psychic is a very common type in OU now, and coverage moves from these Pokémon do not usually make Cresselia flinch, being able to support its team.
Gotta Review Them A… Just Some.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/488.png)
MaxiBronzong
Cresselia @ Light Clay
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)/Calm Nature (+SpD, -Att)
EV: 248 HP/136 Spe/124 Def or 112 Def/12 SpD
Ability: Levitate
Reflect
Light Screen
Lunar Dance
Thunder Wave/Toxic/Magic Coat
The three first moves should be rather obvious: protect until you faint or decide to faint. Reflect is for incoming Physical Hits, Light Screen for Special Hits, and Lunar Dance for those moments in which you have had enough and you want a Pokémon to come in safely while restoring its PP, Health, and Status. The last slot is for even further Team Support or plain Trolling: Thunder Wave paralyses fast(er) threats, thus slowing them down; Toxic takes a toll on their life span, and Magic Coat reflects most Status Moves directed to Cresselia, such as Taunt, Toxic, and the likes.
Assuming a Bold nature, 248 EV in HP are used because Cresselia is likely to switch a lot and not receive Leftovers, while 136 Speed outspeed Adamant Bisharp, Adamant Breloom, and Modest Politoed. The rest can be dropped to Defence to survive two Crunches from Choice Band Tyranitar, although it is now quite uncommon. Marginally speaking, 112 in Defence do the deal, so 12 into Special Defence are not a bad idea. If going Calm, make sure to play Cresselia to its strenghts as a more Supportative Blissey in order to wall other Pokémon such as the almighty Mega Alakazam:
252+ SpA Mega Alakazam Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Cresselia: 146-172 (32.9 - 38.8%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Mega Alakazam Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Cresselia through Light Screen: 73-86 (16.4 - 19.4%) -- possible 6HKO
To hurt it, you might as well carry Shadow Ball:
0 SpA Cresselia Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Alakazam: 96-114 (38 - 45.2%) -- 6.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/488.png)
MiniLugia
Cresselia @ Leftovers
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spe
Ability: Levitate
Moonlight
Ice Beam
Hidden Power Fire/Psychic/Moonblast/Hidden Power Ground
Toxic/Thunder Wave/Reflect/Light Screen
This Cresselia is meant to stay a bit longer than the Dual Screen set, mostly because it has semi-reliable recovery in form of Moonlight (increased effects under the Sun). Ice Beam checks many Dragon Types both formes of Landorus, and most of the times Counters Gliscor. Having talked before of the Sun, Hidden Power Fire's potence is increased by a 50% under it, easily 2HKOing most Scizors, while still keeping a lot of bulk to fight back after Scizor's blow. Psychic is a very good STAB move that can punish most Conkeldurrs on the switch; this is why Psyshock is not an option (moreover, Cresselia is not supposed to break Walls or Sweep).
Moonblast harms most Dark Types that dare coming against a possible weak HP Fire or Psychic, while still damaging Dragons for good damage, and, sometimes, even reducing their Attack. HP Ground gets a mention for being able to deal with Heatran.
The last move is for Support (what a novelty): with 4 Speed, Cresselia can outspeed 0 Speed, neutral Natured Suicune and Toxic or Paralyse it, while the other two moves are for tanking better. More EV in Speed for this set is usually not worth the effort.
Cresselia, the Menstruation Moonlit Pokémon. A slightly bigger Porygon, it is even more annoying that Eviolite Porygon2... and ready to prove you that its love is worth the opposition's fainting Pokémon.
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So, what do you think about Cresselia? Should it receive more love? Isn't it lovely? Don't miss the next issue (I swear)!
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I don't know about Cresselia but I think I am lovely and deserve more love <3
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I always thought of Cresselia as a great mon back in the Gen IV days but I don't think I actually ever used it, or, if I did, I used it badly. I never even considered using it as a screener back then but then again I did prefer all out offence haha.
But yeah, solid article once more.
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I always thought of Cresselia as a great mon back in the Gen IV days but I don't think I actually ever used it, or, if I did, I used it badly. I never even considered using it as a screener back then but then again I did prefer all out offence haha.
I reckon Cresselia really shined (heh) in the Gen V VGC days, specifically 2013 VGC IIRC. It does well with speed control there, considering access to trick room, icy wind and thunder wave. Dual screens are also twice as useful, as it blocks damage for two pokemon.
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I reckon Cresselia really shined (heh) in the Gen V VGC days, specifically 2013 VGC IIRC. It does well with speed control there, considering access to trick room, icy wind and thunder wave. Dual screens are also twice as useful, as it blocks damage for two pokemon.
I didn't play any Gen V outside of one play through of White so I really woudn't know =P
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Yes, Chloe is lovely and deserves more genuine shipping. Let's move to the next Pokémon.
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Today, we are presenting a horsey goat made of Steel, which is supposedly the leader of the other three horseys. Welcome to Hell, Cobalion.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/638.png)
More MetaSprites, MOOOOOOORE!
Cobalion looks noble, and it does demonstrate the fighting style of a knight on the battlefield (even its ability, Justified, which increases Cobalion's Attack by One Stage once it is hit by any damaging Dark Type Move, sounds Medieval); moreover, its Steel/Fighting Typing, only shared by Lucario, is a great combination, both offensively and defensively. Its Stats also show it is a tough swordm… swordbeast.
| HP: 91 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 129 | Special Attack: 90 | Special Defence: 72 | Speed: 108 |
So, you might be wondering: why is it an «Unsuspected, "unviable" Niche Pokémon of the Day»? Take a look at its Special Defence: almost any Super Effective Special Hit will leave it at the red zone of the HP Bar. More? Its Offensive Stats are both 90; nothing that hits very hard without a boost. It was a UU Pokémon by Generation V, and many sets were written for it for the OU tier; however, in Generation VI, nothing regarding OU appears, and Cobalion sits at RU.
Let's see what we can do with this one.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/638.png)
Goat (Battle) Simulator
Cobalion @ Life Orb/Expert Belt
Naive Nature (+Speed, -Special Defence)
EV: 28 Attack/228 Special Attack/252 Speed
Ability: Justified
Hidden Power Ice
Volt Switch
Close Combat
Taunt/Stealth Rock/Stone Edge/Iron Head/Zen Headbutt/X-Scissor/Poison Jab
This set is exactly the same as the one used in Generation V (I have to be honest), but due to the nerf of Hidden Power, now it has to rely more on Life Orb, granting it more chances to OHKO many threats. Hidden Power Ice, with this investment, is able to OHKO Physically Defensive Gliscor, and heavily dent Breloom, whhich is unable to KO with Mach Punch. With Life Orb, Cobalion is also able to OHKO BulkyDos with Volt Switch, while hurting a lot all kinds of Skarmory. Close Combat is able to OHKO Blissey, while leaving Chansey to 2HKO range.
The fourth slot is filler. Taunt ensures nothing will set up on you, Stealth Rock is the general move, Stone Edge acts more or less as Volt Switch (but without switching, and hitting harder few different Pokémon), Iron Head gets STAB and hits decently hard with Life Orb, Zen Headbutt gets rid of those pesky Fighting Types (with a chance to Flinch, and so Iron Head does), X-Scissor ends Grass, Dark, and Psychic Pokémon, and Poison Jab basically ends Fairies because Grass Types that are weak to Poison in OU are a rare sight.
Prior damage in form of Hazards or even Status (Burn, Poison, Toxic) help this Cobalion fulfilling its task, and it can even discard Stealth Rock then.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/638.png)
Escape Goat
Cobalion @ Occa Berry/Leftovers
Jolly Nature (+Speed, -Special Attack)/Naive Nature (+Speed, -Special Defence)
EV: 252 Att/252 Spe/4 Def
Ability: Justified
Stone Edge
Close Combat/Sacred Sword
Volt Switch
Thunder Wave/Taunt/Iron Head/Hidden Power Ice
You might be wondering "why the heck am I supposed to carry a Berry that is not Lum or Chesto?". The answer is: Luring. Cobalion is so bulky that can actually survive a Close Combat from Mega Pinsir (not with a +2 Boost in Attack, though) and KO back with Stone Edge. "But Occa Berry is for Fire Attacks, you stupid c*nt!". Yes, it is, and with this Item, Cobalion is guaranteed to survive a Choice Banded Fire Blitz from Talonflame, and Cobalion is able to KO it back with, again, Stone Edge. If you are not interested in surviving this attack from Talonflame, or you have Reflect Support, Leftovers is, and should, be the option to use. No, using a Choice Scarf is not acceptable for Cobalion in OU; it does not hit very hard.
The second attack depends on your preference. Yes, Close Combat is very powerful, but it reduces Cobalion's excellent Bulk, thus being unable to stand a strike from Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. If you do not want to risk it, Sacred Sword offers a 90BP Attack without any drawbacks. Volt Switch is very useful for escaping from Magnezone and chipping some damage, although it hits quite hard against Pokémon that are weak to Electric, especially when using a Naive Nature (if this is the chosen Nature, then move the 4 EV from Defence to Special Attack).
The last slot depends on the role you want to take as a Cobalion. Thunder Wave and Taunt are for general utility, while Iron Head is a STAB move that hits Clefable and Togekiss for moderately high damage (with a nice chance to Flinch), while HP Ice, as usual, maims Gliscor, both Landorus, and most Dragons.
Do not even think going slower: Terrakion and Infernape always run Positive-Natured 252 Speed. The Attack investment is also necessary, because, for our disgrace, Cobalion might lose the OHKO on Mega Pinsir. Wish Support, and maybe Screens, are the key for this Cobalion, and Cobalion reciprocates by Scouting, Luring, and Eliminating.
Cobalion, the Elegant Goat Pokémon. It might be Rarely Used, but one should feel lucky if one sees Cobalion; it will be a precious faint by Cobalion.
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So, what do you think about Cobalion? Is Virizion more fabulous? Or Keldeo, perhaps? Should I make tomorrow Catalan and Islamic jokes? No, of course not. But for the rest, visit (and read) tomorrow's issue!
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Hmm, I'm surprised by how little power it has; I've never looked at the stats of Cobalion before so that was somewhat intriguing to me. Definitely agree on the whole "no scarf" point, you really need that power behind it to properly utilise it.
So yeah, I found this one very insightful =]
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Yes, bar Terrakion and Keldeo, the other two Sworbeast do not have a lot of offensive capabilities; however, they have access to Sword Dance and Work Up, which can be used if you want to get walled hard early-game. The time for a new Pokémon has arrived, though.
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Today, we will review a genderless Pokémon that likes to hang out too much with Male Pokémon. I am talking about... Miku Hatsune Meloetta.
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120520013313/es.pokemon/images/thumb/9/9f/Meloetta_l%C3%ADrica.png/200px-Meloetta_l%C3%ADrica.png)(http://images.wikia.com/es.pokemon/images/8/8e/Meloetta_danza.png)
No, there are currently no MetaSprites for Meloetta.
Yes, you are correct. Meloetta can have two formes, but Meloetta must use its signature move, Relic Song, to turn from Meloetta-Base (Normal/Psychic) to Meloetta-Pirouette (Normal-Fighting). It is, as well, a Special, Normal-Type with 75 Base Power and 100% accuracy move with a 10% chance of putting the opponent to Sleep, chance that is doubled due to Meloetta's ability, Serene Grace. However, due to the fact one does not simply walk into PKMN.net invest in both attacks, especially when Meloetta can change Stats during the battle, is has usually been a one-dimensional Pokémon, especially using its Base Form, which is not bad at all:
| HP: 100 | Attack: 77 | Defence: 77 | Special Attack: 128 | Special Defence: 128 | Speed: 90 |
But Meloetta-Pirouette is great as well:
| HP: 100 | Attack: 128 | Defence: 90 | Special Attack: 77 | Special Defence: 77 | Speed: 128 |
Notice that, after switching, Meloetta will always appear as its Base forme.
Meloetta has always been, nevertheless, a forgotten Pokémon. Not for the ones who enjoy Rule 34… [The autor is vomiting]
Generation V, or, better said, B2 and W2 brought Keldeo, a Pokémon with a Solid Speed, very good Special Attack, an excellent STAB combination with a Fighting-Type Psyshock (Water/Fighting), and which resembles a Pony. As well, B2 and W2 introduced the Therian formes of the Forces of Nature, thus leaving Meloetta into a dark spot. It was UU by then, and now RU.
Time for the sets.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/648.png)
Stayin' a-Base
Meloetta @ Leftovers/Assault Vest/Life Orb
Modest Nature (+Special Attack, -Attack)/Timid Nature (+Speed, -Attack)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe (or 248 HP/252 SpA/8 Spe if using Assault Vest, along a Modest Nature)
Ability: Serence Grace
Psychic/Psyshock
Focus Blast
Shadow Ball
Thunder/Hyper Voice/Calm Mind
This is the most common Meloetta, and it is easy to see why: it does not require a move to transform, it has massive defences, proper Speed, immunity to Ghost, and a very High Special Attack.
The first slot has different targets. While Psychic hits very hard overall, Psyshock has the ability to take Blissey and Chansey down without too much effort, especially with a Life Orb and a Modest Nature. Focus Blast offers the coverage a Psychic Type needs, and so does Shadow Ball, being able to 2HKO Latios and… Latias.
252+ SpA Life Orb Meloetta-P Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latias: 198-234 (65.7 - 77.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
The last slot determines what Meloetta can do. If Thunder is chosen, Meloetta has 60% chances (not counting the accuracy of the move) to paralyse the opponent, which is always nice; Hyper Voice gives a very-welcome STAB that will hit Neutrally most of its targets (and powerfully), while Calm Mind makes Meloetta hit even harder while increasing its already ridiculously-high Special Defence. Take note that Calm Mind can not be used with Assault Vest, and that it is better used with Leftovers, although Life Orb + Wish Support is a very hard-hitting and enduring combination. Hyper Voice and Thunder should be used with either Assault Vest or Life Orb.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/648-s.png)
Get on the Dance Floor!
Meloetta @ Life Orb
Jolly Nature (+Speed, -Special Attack)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Serence Grace
Relic Song
Close Combat
Return
Knock Off
Getting one of the best Neutral-STAB combinations of the game, along with a Dark Move, grants Meloetta-P a lot of destructive Power. Relic Power should be used as soon as possible to destroy other Pokémon, but be careful when switching (at least you are not weak to Pursuit). Return is a very powerful move that hits for a surprisingly big amount of damage, while Close Combat takes care of Rock and Steel Types. Of course, you'd be walled by Ghosts... if you did not have Knock Off. Basically, it creates another infamous almost-non-resisted combination along Close Combat, this being only resisted by Heracross and Toxicroak, hard to see nowadays, and Fairies, who are hit hard by Return due to the fact few of them are Physically Defensive. If you want to expoit its decent physical defence, you can go down to 192 or 112 EV in Speed to outrun Positive-Base 120 and Positive-Base 110 Pokémon, respectively, dumping the rest into HP; you won't get an even number, so don't worry about Life Orb's recoil.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/648.png)(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/648-s.png)
Bi-Dance-sual
Meloetta @ Life Orb/Expert Belt
Naive Nature (+Speed, -Special Attack)
EV: 64 Att/252 SpA/192 Spe
Ability: Serence Grace
Relic Song
Close Combat
Knock Off/Shadow Ball/Thunder
Hidden Power Ice/Psychic/Ice Punch
"If it ain't broken, I ain't mendin' it". This is what set claims. Most people will expect a full forme, not the combination of both; this is the beauty of this set.
Relic Song transforms Meloetta-Base into Meloetta-P, thus being able to murder different Pokémon, especially with Close Combat and the buffed Knock Off. However, since most people do not expect it to transform, it should be used conservatively, thus being Hidden Power Ice and, perhaps Shadow Ball, or Thunder, or Psychic as valid options. Running calculations on this Pokémon is usually not worth the effort, because it already OHKOs many Pokémon with the right moves, especially late game, when Meloetta-P should be used (to the fullest extent).
If one does not desire to outspeed Timid Alakazam, Starmie, and Dugtrio, one can opt for 112 EV in Speed to outspeed Latios and Latias, which are much more common. Invest the rest in Attack to buff even further Meloetta-P's attacks.
Meloetta, the Super Fabulous K-Pop Star Pokémon. It might sing along Alice to create the best choir ever made, but should you not be prepared, it will tear your ears (and heart) apart.
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So, what do you think about Meloetta? Should it be loved much more than it is now? Should it be a Female or a Trans? Don't miss the next Issue!
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Meloetta was on my B2 team when I beat the E4. Since then, it has become my favorite legend.
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Huh, did not know about it's in battle mode change, I thought it was just a different version or something. The more you know~
may even give it a test one day with the second set, seems very interesting to me.
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Always remember to be extremely careful while playing with Meloetta, especially if you are using its alternate forme. New Pokémon!
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Today, we are presenting a Fairy that is not a Fairy. Yes, I am as confused as you are. Welcome, Uxie.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/480.png)
Fun fact: this MetaSprite is close to Uxie's real size.
If you read Cresselia's Article (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=105749.msg2393387#msg2393387), something I doubt you did, you will realise that Uxie is very similar to Cresselia: introduced in the same Generation, with the same Special Defence (130), Typing (Psychic), and Ability (Levitate), they both usually have been pretty close tier-wise: during Generation IV, Cresselia was BL, while Uxie was UU; Generation V meant BL2 for Cresselia and RU for Uxie, and in Generation VI Cresselia has a RU status while Uxie is sitting in NU. Does that mean that Uxie is entirely outclassed by Cresselia? No.
| HP: 75 | Attack: 75 | Defence: 130 | Special Attack: 75 | Special Defence: 130 | Speed: 95 |
Perhaps you will see it more clearly with the sets.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/480.png)
Pre-Batman
Uxie @ Light Clay
Bold/Impish Nature (+Def, -Att/+Def, -SpA), Timid/Jolly Nature (+Spe, -Att/+Spe, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Def/8 SpD (if going for +Def), 248 HP/8 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Levitate
Reflect
Light Screen
Memento
U-Turn
One of the things that differentiates Uxie from Cresselia, not taking into account their size, is Uxie's ability to use the second fastest U-Turn a Defensive Pokémon can have in OU, just below Zapdos (which will not usually use U-Turn) and Mew. Reflect and Light Screen are the Support Uxie can offer with this set, and it can escape from most Pokémon with U-Turn if one feels like living... or Memento if one feels sadand wants to encourage the rival to switch, because, between the the drop of two stages on both offences that the opponent will receive and both Screens up, nothing would be able to stop even a Sharpedo that tried to set up.
The bulkiest approach does offer a lot of staying power, and more chances to use U-Turn, but the fastest spread outspeed a lot of Pokémon in the Metagame, including proficient Taunt users, allowing Uxie to escape. Talking about U-Turn, it can be used to deal damage or just to escape. If you choose to run a -Attack Nature, does not matter very much if the Attack IV is 0 or 31 (provided Screens are up), but if you want to play safe, go for 0.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/480.png)
Ducks don't like Rocks
Uxie @ Leftovers
Impish or Bold Nature (+Def, -SpA/-Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SpD
Ability: Levitate
Stealth Rock
U-Turn
Heal Bell
Thunder Wave/Yawn/Foul Play
Other things Cresselia can not do are setting Stealth Rock and curing the team without fainting; this set exploits to the maximum what Cresselia can not do. Stealth Rock used in Uxie is like doing the same with Registeel: almost an assured task due to its superb bulk (but Uxie has a very good Speed tier, especially for a Wall). U-Turn allows Uxie to escape, and it can even deal some damage when using Impish. If going with Bold, this time reducing the Attack IV to 0 is a necessity, because this one does not have Screen Support (per se). Heal Bell allows to cure the team from Status, while the last slot can be filled with ease by any of these three moves: Thunder Wave allows Uxie to outspeed most things, and thus to do its job efficiently, Yawn discourages the opponent to stay (it might even score a sleeping Pokémon, but be careful with the new sleeping mechanics and Sleep Clause), while Foul Play is chosen over Psychic because most Psychic types will try to switch into you and their intention will be to end you with a Shadow Ball; since most of them are very weak to Foul Play due to their low Defence and the fact Dark is Super Effective on most Psychics from OU, it is a great option to use if you do not want to be Taunt bait or if you want to score a KO.
Uxie, the McPixie Pokémon. Perhaps it can not blow up like Azelf or be as pink as Mesprit, but its supportative qualities are as strong as its knowledge and eyes: a lot.
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So, what do you think about Uxie? Would you adopt one? Will GL be scared? Do not miss the next issue on him!
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Uxie is one of my favourites to use in tier shift tbh, buuuut in standard it's very difficult for it to do something useful without being outclassed.
Still, Uxie's access to foul play makes it somewhat more threatening offensively than Cresselia. It's also really good vs Medicham if you're insane enough to be using Uxie in OU:
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Uxie: 105-125 (29.6 - 35.3%) -- 21.2% chance to 3HKO
Pretty decent, although it does fail to 2HKO back without a Life Orb or some investment. Can afford a little investment, at least, especially given that 21.2% to 3HKO doesn't include leftovers, but tbf T-Wave completely cripples Medicham anyways sooooo
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It's weird, in Gen IV I found Uxie much easier to use than Azelf but I'd not even considered using it in this one. Really like it as a Pokémon so I was happy to see this one get some coverage =]
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Dick is right; the second set can be done by Mew with +5 base Speed, but not the first one. Anyway, I have always found it useful, even in Übers instead of Cresselia (both are fantastic there). Nevertheless, I think we should move to the next article.
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Today, we are about to review Miku Hatsune's boyfriend Hank Hill a very kind person around who has been lately commenting on all my articles so that I don't mess up with his with perseverance. Say hello to… GL, also known as Alex (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=53123).
(http://i.imgur.com/ggC3qsK.png)
Credit goes to himself this time.
Alex has been around these forums for a long time… hidden, changing accounts, and livin' la vida loca (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p47fEXGabaY), both virtually and physically; however, life for him has changed, and he is ready to adapt himself to a new environment with a positive and "=P" attitude. Will he dominate his new world and defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance become Propane and Propane Accessories World's Leader? Because he is ready with Stats like these:
| HP: 69 | Attack: 42 | Defence: 133 | Special Attack: 99 | Special Defence: 148 | Speed: 189 |
Settin' the sets for our favourite Fire/Grass Type.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/272.png)
What's the spell? Loadsemone!
GeeEll @ Luck Incense
Quirky Nature (+lolwut, -Sense)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Adaptability
Trick Room
Flatter
Bestow
U-Turn
When one uses GL on battles, one has to assume the worst (for the opponent): at least first-degree burns will be suffered by them. The combination of Luck Incense, natural high Speed, and Trick Room makes this set one of the most frustrating to face in OU. In fact, Trick Room just works as Taunt, but since GL can not learn it, he has to go with this. After the opponent notices how "smart" you are, Flatter them up to the point of raising their morale... and confusion. "lol wtf is he doing lol xd D:D:D:D: where am i" is basically what you will read in Showdown's chat. After such an impressive performance, you will no longer need your Luck Incense: Bestow the item upon the opponent. At this point, the opponent will have more than half of their HP bar gone by confusion. But… it seems you are running out of luck. What are you doing!? U-TURN! NOW! If you bring a Delibird with Rapid Spin after your attack, then it is an almost assured victory because the opponent should have died of laughter and panic.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/272.png)
#Banter
GeeEll @ Mental Herb
Jolly Nature (+Laughter, -Slaughter)
EV: 252 Att/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Prankster
Chatter
Swagger
Judgement
Hold Hands
As you can see, a full-Attack invested GL is... strange. Don't be confused, because he is playing easy, due to the fact he wants to relax. Of course, Chatter is mandatory on this set, because otherwise GL would just lurk, and that is not nice. However, there are moments in which Del, Sappy, Alice, among others, offer moments of action and banter (hence the name of the set); then, your best bet is to use a massive amount of Swagger, so that everyone is pumped to the max. However, this might not be OK sometimes; perhaps somescout has offended someone or some way of thinking. In those cases, Judgement is used to measure the amount of male-cow-manure the user has said, and act in consequence: depending on the gravity of the comment, Hold Hands must be used from 1 to 3 times. No one must avoid this bonding, even if you are not the culprit. BOND WITH HIM. Perhaps you are worried about "what if they Taunt me like crazy?". Easy: Mental Herb offers something to do at 4:20 and as well prevents Taunts, and it can be shared to increase the effect of all your moves (bar Chatter, whose effectivity is reduced by a 3.14%).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/272.png)
GeeEll is love, GeeEll is life
GeeEll @ Discount Coupon/Berry Juice
Gentle Nature (+♥, -☹)
EV: 248 HP/8 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Moody
Milk Drink
Trick
Brine
Recycle
Due to the mess that Pokémon mechanics and physical-world mechanics represent, as a result, Alex's movepool has become a chaos, but he can work around it. Because of the fact you are not exactly the richest man of the world, and the fact you can only have four moves (sorry, Jagger), you might as well have free acess to some source of energy and a heavily defensive yet reactive spread: Milk Drink is an excellent choice. Nevertheless, after swallowing gallons of milk, one looks for some other… experiences. Trick serves as a way of tasting other things: you might even Trick yourself and get a Berry Juice! But because it is unlikely to happen, you can always go to the Super Market and use Trick with the cashier while carrying a Discount Coupon, thus allowing Alex to purchase a warm, wet bottle of wódka for just 12 PokéPounds. Despite all this fun, bad times will come, and Alex will eventually have to eat something Spartan (Chloe agrees). Brine, then, is absolutely necessary to survive in order not to go bananas; and, in extreme cases, or even in moments when you want Alex to be a masochist, Alex can shall use Recycle to remind himself the meaning of one's life.
Alex, the Braveheart Pokémon User. If you want to underestimate him, risk yourself to a hole of madness and chaos within the limits of pkmn.net's forums (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php).
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So, what do you think about GL/Alex. Will he ever find true love? Can we ship him, regardless of his love for Swaggie Banter? Do not miss the next issue!
Schedule
Monday: Weather (Rain)
Tuesday: Weather (Sun)
Wednesday: Weather (Sand)
Thurday: Weather (Hail)
Friday: Semi-Weather (Trick Room)
Saturday: Molly
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this is beautiful ;; what a fantastic read, I am very impressed and humbled =]
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We need a wise/sensible GL set.
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#banter is the best set ive ever seen
on anything
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We need a wise/sensible GL set.
No. If you like, write it by yourself. Let's move!
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As some of you have noticed, today I am not going to review a Pokémon; most people asked me for Pokémon that were too similar under certain circumstances, like Rain or Sun. Due to popular demand, I will review…
Rain
As you might have guessed, I will explain the weather itself and some Pokémon that can abuse that condition, independently of their viability ranking in Smogon. If there is demand for a specific article of a Pokémon that might appear in the next five issues, it will be done.
Rain is probably the best weather condition a team can use: Rain, basically, multiplies the damage output of a Water Attack by 1.5 and the one of a Fire Attack by 0.5, causing pure Water Types to be hit by, at least, Neutral Damage, but they can also hit with a double STAB, thus being a potence of X2.25 against a Neutral-to-Water Pokémon.
Naturally, most things come to an end, and Rain is no exception; it will end in Five Turns, unless the one that summoned Rain hold a Damp Rock, case in which there will be Eight Turns of Rain.
However, as I stated before, Rain is probably the best weather one can have on their side, since it can be exploited to very good effects:
The Summoner
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Politoed
Politoed is currently the only Pokémon that is allowed to use the ability Drizzle (summons Rain at the moment of entering the battlefield) in OU. Per se, it is not a great Pokémon, but it is sufficient, meaning that the buff Rain provides to Politoed is enough to not make on cringe on the floor. With 90/75/75/90/100/70, it can hit hard enough with Choice Specs, be quick enough with a Choice Scarf, or even supportative with Damp Rock or Leftovers, along moves such as Perish Song or Encore. This is just the beginning, because, after Politoed, come the ones who can really abuse Rain.
The Swift Swimmers
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Kabutops and Ludicolo
Due to the lack of space, I will only introduce two Pokémon that can make excellent use of Swim Swift, an ability that Doubles the Speed of the user under Rain. Kabutops, with 60/115/105/65/70/80 stats, and Ludicolo, with 80/70/70/90/100/70, can outspeed most of the Scarfed Metagame and strike fear on the opponents' hearts, especially with a Sword Dance Boost (Kabutops), and Life Orb (both). Kabutops is especially proficient at taking Talonflame down, resisting its STAB combination, while Kabutops' is always Super Effective.
The "Bulkier" Sweepers
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Jynx and Toxicroak
Although they might not be the most fabulous around, they do make good use of their ability, Dry Skin, to recover 12.5% of their health back after each turn, provided Rain is active. This is specially crucial for these two Pokémon, who usually rely on SUbstitute and/or Boosting Moves to be effective, and recovering after doing "nothing" to the opponent is a huge difference in the Long Run. In the one hand, Jynx, with 65/50/35/115/95/95 stats, is not the easiest Pokémon to use, but it can be quite sturdy on the Special Side under the Rain. The SubPlot set is nothing to laugh at. On the other hand, Toxicroak, with 83/106/65/86/65/85 stats, might not seem bulky, but with its interesting set of resistances, Substitute, Black Sludge, and the possibility of using Sucker Punch, Toxicroak can stay around for long, especially with a Bulk Up set, although the latter is very hard to use due to the nerf of Rain.
The Hydration Abuser
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Manaphy
Goodra exists… but its other two abilities are generally more useful. Manaphy, on the other hand, with 100/100/100/100/100/100 stats, access to Tail Glow, and a bit of luck with the timing, Manaphy can cure its Status and Full Health by just using one turn of Rest. This is the reason why it was banned to Über last Generation, now making it happen again is up to you.
The Rain Dishers
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Tentacruel and Ludicolo
Tentacruel is one of the best Defensive Pokémon under the Rain; its STAB Scald is powered, it can easily Rapid Spin with a stat distribution of 80/70/65/80/120/100, and, most importantly, with Rain Dish and Black Sludge, Tentacruel can passively recover 1/8 of its HP, while Ludicolo can also use Leech Seed, being this one a very annoying Pokémon to face.
Thunder and Hurricane Abusers
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Tornadus-Therian and Thundurus
What can abuse these two legendary moves the best other than Legendaries? Tornadus-Therian was actually banned to Über during Generation V due to its stat combination of 79/100/80/110/90/121, and access to STAB Hurricane and Regenerator. Although these stats might seem weak, Tornadus-Therian has access to a very fast Taunt and U-Turn, and STAB Hurricane does deal a lot of damage; its coverage moves just make it better. Thundurus, with 79/115/70/125/80/111 stats and access to STAB Thunder, and even Prankster Nasty Plot, Taunt, and Thunder Wave, can easily eliminate most teams with Thunder alone, but its coverage is also relevant enough to pose a threat. Of course, it was also banned from OU to Über.
The Steel Types
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Scizor and Ferrothorn
Due to Rain's natural ability to weaken Fire Moves, Steel Types are a natural choice for Rain Team. Scizor, with 70/130/100/55/80/65 stats (and a Mega with 70/150/140/65/100/75) is an excellent choice for Offensive teams, while Ferrothorn, with 74/94/131/54/116/20, can be used in most teams, shining in Bulky Offence, Balanced, and Stall. It has the added bonus of being Neutral to Water under the Rain, which is crucial against other Rain Teams.
Water Types that improve a lot under Rain, but do not necessarely need it
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Azumarill and Keldeo
Their power is already high and they have no Abilities related to Rain... but their power become ludicrously destructive under Rain. Azumarill, with access to Huge Power, and 100/50/80/60/80/50 stats, can easily OHKO most Pokémon with Waterfall, and revenge kill most around 50% of their HP with Aqua Jet. Keldeo is the Special hard-hitter; with Choice Specs or Life Orb, and 91/72/90/129/90/108 stats, has an easy team even against Chansey, who is heavily dented by Secret Sword.
Conclusions
Having so many options to choose from (Attack or Defend?), Rain is a very versatile weather. Having as well the only rain-boosted Priority Move in Aqua Jet, and the possibility of ruining Mega Venusaur's Synthesis (recovering 33% of its HP) Rain Teams are not a little niche; they are still viable as a whole. Not preparing yourself for such strategy is not recommended, since most Pokémon listed here are very viable according to Smogon… and the writer of this article. No, Castform will not be mentioned in any article regarding weather. But Weather Ball and HP Water can be used under the right circumstances.
Some mentions go for those Pokémon that can use Rain Dance manually, thus, perhaps, freeing you from using Politoed. Good candidate for this task are Bronzong, and even Ludicolo, which can use it in order not to lose momentum.
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So, what do you think about Rain Teams? Are they cheap? Do you prefer another weather? Should I analyse one of those Pokémon? Let me know, and do not miss the next issue on Sun!
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So, what do you think about Rain Teams? Are they cheap? Do you prefer another weather? Should I analyse one of those Pokémon? Let me know, and do not miss the next issue on Sun!
I will take that as a gentle "nope". Anyway, let me go on with this week.
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Today, due to the fact I have been playing "Wario Ware: D.I.Y.", I am tired. The end. Nevertheless, this is not a reason enough to make me stop, so we will discuss…
Sun
Sun is not a fortunate case. Technically speaking, it does the opposite of what Rain does; it multiplies Fire Moves potence by 1.5, while Water ones by 0.5, and still can be used Five Turns, or even Eight if a Heat Rock is equipped by the summoner.
At first glance, it does seem that Sun is even more useful than Rain, especially in order to maim those pesky Steel Types. However, most Sun Abusers are Grass Types, which are in most cases weak to Fire, thus being this weather, sometimes, a backfire. An example of this are Specially Offensive Chloerophyll Sweepers, which use Hidden Power Fire (or Ice in case of Victreebell if it runs Weather Ball because it turns into a Fire attack) and Solar Beam, which only requires one turn to use under the Sun; most of them are slow to begin with, and, due to the nerf of Hidden Power, even some bulky Steel Types are able to take a HP Fire and strike back. Dragon Types do tend to wall these Pokémon as well, but in most cases, their worst enemy is, ironically, a Fire Type Pokémon called Heatran, which is very common. Moreover, an otherwise wonderful ability, Leaf Guard, is hindered by the fact Grass Types are weak to Fire (once again), although if your opponents lacks Fire and has Water Types, you can try.
In any event, let's check the most usual roles in a Sun Team.
The Summoners
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Ninetales and Mega Charizard Y
These are the only Automatic Sun Summoners that can be used in OU. Their roles are not the same, though; while Ninetales, with 73/76/75/81/100/100 stats, and the ability to carry an item (Heat Rock, usually) tends to be more supportative (or even set up with Nasty Plot if you want to try to outclass Mega Charizard Y, usually with little success), Mega Charizard Y, with 78/104/78/159/115/100, is meant to DESTROY, usually by itself (the Sun only lasts Five Turns). Other candidates are sturdy Pokémon like Regirock, Bronzong (risky), and other Pokémon that need the Speed Boost to sweep.
Chlorophyll Abusers
This category can also be devided by many other sections, but covering all six Pokémon at once will be easier.
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Venusaur, Victreebel, Exeggutor, Shiftry, Lilligant, and Sawsbuck
These are the most viable Chlorophyll users around, and each of them has traits that make it unique regarding the other. For example, the ones that rely the least on Sun are Venusaur and Lilligant, mostly because Venusaur's 80/82/83/100/100/80, along a possible boost from Growth or Sword Dance, make it a very proficient Physical, Mixed, or Special Sweeper or Wallbreaker (it can use Sleep Powder as well!), while Chloe My Waifu Lilligant's 70/60/75/110/75/90 are enough to outspeed some crucial Pokémon, but the icing of the key is its access to Quiver Dance and Sleep Powder, enough to attempt a Sweep or even put an opponent that walls it (most likely a Fire or Dragon Type).
Sawsbuck (80/100/70/60/70/95) and Shiftry (90/100/60/90/60/80) do need weather, but not as much as Exeggutor (95/95/85/125/65/55) and Victreebel (80/105/65/100/70/70), whose Speed is usually not enough to work with outside the Sun. In particular, Exeggutor does not have any means to improve its Speed, but its brute force, and even Sword Dance in some cases, make it a very, very threatening Pokémon under Sun; its access to Leaf Storm, Psychic, Low Kick, a decent Hidden Power, Sleep Powder, among others, are usually enough to make the opponent think twice what to send against Exeggutor, but the loss of Nature Power → Earthquake does harm a bit its coverage. Victreebel, at least, has access to Sucker Punch, but it does not usually need it, so other options in Growth, Sword Dance, Weather Ball (Fire), Hidden Power, Sleep Powder, STAB Grass Move of Choice, Sludge Bomb, etc., are usually great choices for this Pokémon.
Sawsbuck plays differently. Instead of just blowing Pokémon up, it prefers to revenge, as its Attack is average and its Speed under Sun practically outspeeds the entire metagame, although a Sword Dance late-game is a very good alternative; with moves like Double-Edge/Return, Leech Horn, Jump Kick, Megahorn, and so on, it has very good coverage. Shiftry got a very interesting buff in Defog, but, under the Sun, it prefers to be even trickier than Victreebel; it has access to Sword Dance, Nasty Plot… and Growth, making it absolutely unpredictable and very hard to deal with outside priority. Low Kick, Leaf Storm, Giga Drain, STAB Sucker Punch, Focus Blast are all very good options for Shiftry, as it usually does not need a HP, which is a huge bonus (it lost Nature Power → Earthquake, though).
Pokémon whose Fire Moves are the bane of everything in existence under Sun
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Infernape, Victini, and Darmanitan
Infernape, whose mixed offensive capabilities are a fact with 76/104/71/104/71/108 stats, can use either a Chocie Band or a Life Orb to spam very powerful and quick Flare Blitzes or Fire Blasts, while its other coverage moves allow it to be an efficient Wall Breaker and Scout. Victini, with access to STAB V-Create and 100/100/100/100/100/100 stats, can harm even more than Infernape does with just that move. But if one is looking for one of the strongest, if not the strongest, attack of the metagame, one has to look at a Life-Orb-Sheer-Force-boosted Flare Blitz by Darmanitan, with 105/140/55/30/55/95. Just as examples:
252+ Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Abomasnow in Sun: 2922-3447 (760.9 - 897.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcanion in Sun: 122-144 (43.4 - 51.2%) -- 9.8% chance to 2HKO (Notice this is a Quad-Resistant Pokémon with 70/120 Physical Defence)
252+ Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Pressure Lugia in Sun: 347-409 (83.6 - 98.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Yes, Darmanitan's power is that preposterous.
Conclusions
Although not as popular (and sometimes not viable) as Rain, Sun proves to be a very competent weather under the right hands; a defensive strategy is often not what one is looking for with these kind of teams, but heavy offence. Underestimate Sun under your own risk, or you will be turned into ashes.
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I would normally ask what you think about Sun, but you already did it. Time for Sandstorm!
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I honestly prefer Sun to Rain because I mainly like fire over water as a type. Plus 1 turn solarbeams to the face of a quagsire or swampert are always satisfying.
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I'm glad weather isn't particularly consistent in the metagame, really only run into Sandstorms. I think that was part of the reason I didn't give Gen V competitive battling a try.
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^That's mainly because of Mega Tyranitar. That thing is beastly.
With SR down, that gives a small chance to OHKO volcanion and a very good chance to OHKO Lugia.
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Fegelmove!
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Today, we are going to talk about a weather that causes passive damage to some Pokémon, and it is often unintentional. I present…
Sandstorm
As I said before, Sandstorm usually happens. The reason of such mystery is that both of its autmoatic summoners (Tyranitar and Hippowdon) are very proficient in the current metagame as a Pokémon without taking into account their abilities. However, that does not mean one can create a team based on that weather; these teams, in fact, tend to work very well both with and without Sandstorm.
Basically, Sandstorm causes damage as of the 1/16 of the total HP of a Pokémon that is not immune to it, being the immune ones those that have the ability Overcoat, Sand Rush, Sand Veil, and Steel, Rock, and Ground Types. It also boosts the Special Defence of Rock Types by 50%, teomprary making them a decent defensive typing.
Let's analyse the components of that kind of teams.
The Summoners
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Tyranitar and Hippowdon
Tyranitar has always been monstruous. With 100/134/110/95/100/61 stats and a Mega Evolution with 100/164/150/95/120/71, Tyranitar is not easy to defeat nor to switch into. Ranging from Support to Dragon Dance Sweeper, Tyranitar has all the tools it needs to be successful in most teams. Hippowdon, on the other hand, with 108/112/118/68/72/47 stats and no Rock Type to abuse the 50% Special Defence boost, might not seem threatening; think twice, because it is one of the best mixes of wall/tank one is able to find, checking and even countering many threats, and its Speed is, fortunately, two points above Conkeldurr's.
The Sand Rushers
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Stoutland and Excadrill
Although Stoutland might seem a weird choice for a Sand team, with a pure Normal Typing and 85/110/90/45/90/80 stats, but it's that Normal Typing (most Normal Types have access to a long range of coverage moves), along that natural bulk, and sufficient Attack and Speed, what makes Stoutland a very proficient Revenge Killer; access to Pursuit, Superpower, STAB Return, the elemental Fangs, and so on, are the elements that allow Stoutland to be very decent under Sandstorm. Excadrill, the one which was banned to Über due to the abuse of Sandstorm and Sand Rush, is now available in OU due to the nerf of weather. This means that now it can harass all the Pokémon it was not able to before, with its 110/135/60/50/65/88 stats. It is as versatile as Tyranitar, and they should often form a core; while Tyranitar sets Stealth Rock (or another partner), Excadrill can Rapid Spin the enemy's at the speed of light, while also being quad-resistant to Stalth Rock; but it can use other sets without any difficulty.
Overcoaters: The Type Variety
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Reuniclus and Mandibuzz
Both are very competent as a whole, but the residual damage from Sand is something that most rivals will hate when facing these Pokémon. Reuniclus, with 110/65/75/125/85/30 stats and access to Recover and Pain Split, as well as Magic Guard, which is an Overcoat that prevents all indirect damage at the cost of being hit by powder-like moves (Sleep Poweder, for instance), rarelly fears Stalling or Sweeping, while Mandibuzz, with 110/65/105/55/95/80, can cripple their opponents faster with Knock Off, Taunt, Toxic, and Roost. It can not be stressed enough how hard to take down these Pokémon are.
Other Options
Because Sand Teams often do not need a core as solid as Rain or Sun's, Pokémon with Sand-Related abilities can be easily discarded. For example, most Sand Force Pokémon are outclassed by others with better abilities, while Sand Veil is, overall, little reliable. This does not mean, though, that these abilities are useless; an Earthquake coming from Landorus or Mega Garchomp under the Sand is not something every Pokémon is ready to stomach.
Most Rock types are either too slow, too frail, or have many weaknesses to make good use of the Special Defence boost. An exception is Regirock, which after some Curses and proper timing can eliminate most of the components of the opposition with ease. Another one is Mega Aerodactyl, whose increase in defences can mean it can strike twice, especially with its base 150 Speed and Roost. And the last, but not the least important, is Archeops; being able to not get below 50% of its health after a hit is almost a miracle, and the boost might help it to properly open holes on the enemy team.
Conslusions
Sand Teams, although simple to understand, are not easy to defeat; one error and it might cost one of your Pokémon via Toxic, a lost Calm Mind War, a ridiculosuly powerful Earthquake, or a lightning-fast Superpower. The capacity to vary from team to team is the key reason why Sand teams are usually more successful than Sun teams; but the lack of easily-boosted attacks is why Rain teams are often considered as the best teams based on weather.
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So, what do you think about Sandstorm? Will Darude complain after this article? Do you prefer Tyranitar or Hippowdon? More during the next issue, on Hail!
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never used weather before, but still an interesting read, way2go
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Weather is a condition some people prefer to not have because they think it limits the strategy to a few Pokémon, while I think it does enhance most. Just find your way, and, talking about variety, this is specially true in today's case.
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Today, I am going to present the least overall liked and perhaps least proficient weather. Say hello to… SAXTON HALE!
Hail
Hail is very easy to explain: everything that does not have Magic Guard or Overcoat or is not an Ice Type gets -1/16 of their total HP at the end of the turn, while also activating Snow Cloak, Ice Body, and granting a perfectly accurante Blizzard.
Often, this weather is associated with Mono Ice Teams. This, in fact, is an error that should be avoided by all means, therefore, one must assume they will take their own residual damage while using a Hail Team. However, it is true that most of the times Ice Pokémon are in advantage because of their powerful moves or even ability to Stall (like Abomasnow or Walrein).
In any case, here are the most common roles in a Hail Team:
The Summoner
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Abomasnow
Abomasnow is currently the only Pokémon (bar its pre-evolution) that has access to Snow Warning. Until Hidden Ability Aurorus is released, one can play with Abomasnow, a Grass/Ice Pokémon with 90/92/75/92/85/60 stats; this might not seem much, especially for a hard-to-control defensive typing, but its key resistances to Electric, Water, and Grass might be useful for keeping it alive and hurting, either by Leech Seeds or attacking; although the later is better done by its Mega Evolution, with stats of 90/132/105/132/105/30. In fact, there are two reasons to choose regular Abomasnow over its Mega: it does not use the Mega Spot and it has better Speed, although it is not even average.
The Hazard Controllers
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Mega Blastoise, Mew, and Forretress
Even more important than Spamming Blizzard mindlessly, if running a Hail team, one has to think on the entry hazards, in particular how to deal with them and if there is the option to set them up. Mega Blastoise, with 79/103/120/135/115/78 stats, along with Mega Launcher, is able to deal with most Spin Blockers, as well as firing powerful attacks, including Blizzard. The problem with this Pokémon is that it lacks recovery, so it is possible that it goes down quickly. Mew, on the other hand, has access to Soft Boiled, Defog, Stealth Rock, and 100/100/100/100/100/100 stats, is able to survive the residual damage from Hail with ease. If one looks for a more defensive approach at the cost of more weaknesses to Fire, Forretress, with 75/90/140/60/60 /40, every entry hazard (but Sticky Web), and Overcoat or Sturdy, is able to prepare the field for its fellows. Other options include Starmie and Excadrill.
Blizzard Spammers
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Nidoking, Rotom-Frost, and Kyurem-Black
Nidoking might seem a strange choice for a Hail team, but it has a very good selling point in Sheer-Force-Life-Orb Boosted Blizzard, along its great coverage; 81/102/77/85/75/85 are usually sufficient to accomplish its task. Otherwise, one can choose to run Rotom-F, with 50/65/107/105/107/86, and STAB BoltBeam (Volt Turn/Thunderbolt and Blizzard in this case), along an extra Speed Point, and even the possibility to use Pain Split or Will-o-Wisp. But if one looks for the best mixed capabilities, Kyurem-B should be an automatic addition, with 125/170/100/120/90/95 stats. The power of Kyurem-B is just too strong for most Pokémon (except for most Clefables).
Alternatives
See? It has not been hard to get through all the common roles in a Hail Team, mostly because there are few. One has to cover the weaknesses of Ice-Types with caution, and such, Steel, Ghost, and Fire types are very recommended. Choice Scarf Heatran is a very good option in that regard, allowing to Revenge Kill enemies with an easier time due to the residual damage Hail provides. A more offensive Stallrein with Thick Fat and Toxic Spikes support can also be useful with Super Fang and Brine.
Conclusions
Although Hail might look like a useless weather at first sight, it does provide a valuable niche for teams that do want to stack up more damage than with just entry hazards; the fact it also allows the user to spam Blizzard almost freely (with a chance to Freeze) is also a huge selling point for these teams, and the power of even a non-STAB one should never be overlooked.
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So, what do you think about Hail? Should it go to Jail? Will it ever get love? More for the next article!
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Hail is the most interesting weather to play, but also consistently the worst. Aurorus is even worse than Abomasnow in most regards, and having both of them to keep Hail up is going to be even more of an achor on your team. To be entirely honest, if using Hail, I'd strongly recommend just using Abomasnow for self-support in the way that Specs Politoed is just there to take advantage of its own rain without building a team around it. While building a Hail team can be done, making a successful one that can actually climb the ladder is difficult at best.
All that said, this was a pretty good overview of all the weathers, good job.
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I agree on the point of Hail being the worst overall weather; I would rate them as Rain>Sand>Sun>Hail. But I disagree on the analyses being well done. Talking about that, remember that Hail and Sandstorm reduce the power of Solar Beam to 60 and, instead of 50% of their total HP, Synthesis only heals 25%.
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Today, we will analyse the most used semi-weather condition, able to turn NU Pokémon into very valuable members of one's team. Here I present…
Trick Room
Trick Room is very easy to explain: basically, it makes faster Pokémon go slower, and slower ones, faster; it basically "inverts" their Speeds. However, priorities still strike first, unless both Pokémon use them, in which case the basic rules apply. One might wonder, then, why it is not used in more teams.
To begin with, Trick Room has a priority of -7. That means that even the slower phazers will be able to force you out if you use Trick Room during the wrong turn. The second issue regarding this move is that most of the Pokémon able to learn it are weak to both Dark and Ghost, thus limiting its efficiency in balanced teams. And, perhaps most importantly, it does not have a way to last more than Five turns, meaning it must act, ironically, quickly to fulfill its task.
Due to the fact Trick Room is not used that much, most of its most proficient users have not been properly identified, so I will limit myself to write the roles of the team.
- First off, one must assume that no Set Up Moves for one own's Stat Boosting purposes should be ever used due to the limited time one has to hit hard. Reuniclus is a very good case to explain this scenario: with a Quiet Nature and 0 IV in Speed, reaching 58 Speed total, Reuniclus can forget to use Calm Mind in favour of Hidden Power Fire or another coverage move, while Life Orb does the rest of the job (pairs well with Magic Guard, negating the Recoil).
- Second, one can not rely on a single Trick Room setter; their common weaknesses makes it undesirable, especially for a semi-weather of such short duration. From two to four, and four is being very generous, are usually the members one should carry with Trick Room on their arsenal.
- Third, and this is very important, do not exclusively rely on low-speed Pokémon. Due to, again, Trick Room's short duration, it is not just adviced, but necessary, that, at least, one Pokémon has a very high Speed Stat and sufficient Revenge Killing abilities. If opting for both, use a Special and a Physical Pokémon to make sure you cover all threats possible without losing too many Trick Room Wallbreakers/Sweepers.
- Fourth, although being slower most of the times is usually beneficial, do not mindlessly use a 252 HP/252 (Offence)/4 (Any Defence) spread with a -Speed Nature; most Pokémon can do better than that. For example, both Mega Abomasnow and Camerupt can effectively invest 504 EV in BOTH offences, while most defensive Pokémon might as well want to keep a Neutral-Speed nature with even some Speed investment in order to support their team outside Trick Room; this is especially true for those bulky Pokémon that want to keep an Analytic boost through the entire match or want to use Taunt without much trouble.
To conclude this short report, one must think how to deal with Bulky Offence when using Trick Room teams; they usually carry Knock Off, a move that most Trick Room summoners hate to be impacted with. It is often little viable over other options for a reason, just usually being more used than Gravity. Therefore, one has to plan very carefully how to build one of those teams… and how to properly use Mind Games.
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So, what do you think about Trick Room? Is it a bad idea, or simply the worst? Saxton HAIL!? See you in next article, on Molly!
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Who's the member of the day? Is that today?
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"See you in next article, on Molly!"
its the last sentence u silly goose
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While Trick Room and weather based teams might not be that common in single battles, they are used quite extensively in double and triple battles.
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I nominate Sappy for the Competitive user challenge.
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Yes, it is today, and going for it now would be a good idea. Thanks to Bread for the quick explanation.
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Today, we are meeting a bureaucrat whose composition is manly made of Steel, hence her Steel/Psychic typing. Say hello to… Ten Silver Spoons (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=21247).
(http://oi62.tinypic.com/abmn3a.jpg)
Credit to… me?
Yes, the image might seem weird, but it is easy to explain: a moustacheless Mega Alakazam is holding Ten Silver Spoons, mostly because very few things can hold her might.
Molly/Ten Sliver Spoons is/are (from now on, just "is") not the typical good girl: her outstanding Special Attack, along her "kawai-ness" and Fairy/Fire typing grant her a wide range of opportunities to abuse her friends her moves. Yes, I lied, she is not a Steel/Fairy type. Let's take a look at her stats, and you will know what I mean:
| HP: 101 | Attack: 14 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 255 | Special Defence: 100 | Speed: 110 |
Yes, she does not even lift, but her defences and Speed are usually enough to set up with Nasty Plot, reaching 1338 SpA after a single boost, assuming a Positive Nature with full investment.
Now it is time for us to explore the sets.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/037.png)
H4X Abuser
Molly @ Twisted Spoon
Serious Nature (+Business, -Baka)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Cute Charm
Protect
Encore
Psystrike
Moonblast
This is the Standard Competitive set. Due to the fact Molly is cautious and serious, she will not doubt in using Protect to see what the heck the opponent is trying to do, although the foe will be likely doing stupid things like being fed by a Sunkern. After knowing what is going on, the time to use Encore will be present: with that, Molly will have an easy follow-up, either by Psystrike (powered by the eleventh spoon) or Moonblast, powerful enough to actually drag the Moon to the battle and squash the opponent, dealing both Physical and Special Damage, being this Physically Special.
A Serious nature is chosen because ending nonsensical battles is not a joke, and because one wants to H4X a lot so that those pesky n00bs learn the lesson, Cute Charm is chosen, being able to turn Females into Lesbians and even non-gender Pokémon into loving machines.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/037.png)
The Silence of the Contracts
Molly @ Weakness Policy
Naughty Nature (+PLOT, -Mercy)
EV: 248 Def/12 SpA/248 Def
Ability: Mold Breaker
Nasty Plot
Encore
Sing
Happy Hour
First off, I have to say I am heavily biased because I have suffered the effects of this set on chat. Having said that, this is not, per se, a set hard to understand.
Molly is known as a very kawaii person, but that trait is outclassed by her capacity to make contracts out of nowhere, usually binding the opponent to stupid clauses like Moonwalking on the Sun. What will be next. I don't know, but Nasty Plot is usually what helps her coming up with the clauses of all her contracts. After she has found a victim and a plan, she will be forced to Encore the one who is supposed to sign the contract to actually do it via her charisma or bribes, like a bitten bubble gum. With half of the work done, Molly will force the opponent to Sing (not Sign, but Sing, mostly because Game Freak has not introduced such a move) the contract, often causing the opponent to faint due to vocal fatigue. Maybe the opponent is alive after this Spartan trial: Happy Hour, then, is chosen in order to make them think they live in a happier world, with a chance of giving her money, so that she can buy… I don't know… Cartoon Cereals?
The following spread allows the user to have equilibrated defences for those cases in which a user does not want to be Encored and rudely attacks Molly. Don't worry, though, because Mold Breaker harms their arguments in a second and leads them to think they must sign the contract to apologise. A Naughty Nature is chosen to enhance the results from Nast Plot, and a Weakness Policy is the item of choice to write the contract on or to simply object their complaints.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/037.png)
Exams are Cute
Molly @ Wise Glasses
Mild Nature (+Top %, -Bottom %)
EV: 248 HP/8 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Analytic
Scratch
Dream Eater
Confide
Substitute
What happens when Molly meets the Physical World? Exams. It is no use worrying about them, though, because Molly has all the necessary tools to be successful with regard that matter.
One might want to begin with a Scratch of the exam: "What the heck is it asking me to do? Good think I procrastinated so that I can use the rest of my movepool!". Yes, you are right, because just doing exams is not fun; one has to live the wild dream. Talking about wild dreams, Dream Eater is chosen in the second slot because it denies the exam and the teacher's hopes to make Molly fail. "Yes, stay wrecked!". Of course it will "stay wrecked", look at this:
8+ SpA Wise Glasses Analytic Molly Dream Eater vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Exam: 35080-41272 (292333.3 - 343933.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Nevertheless, the exam must be completed; Confide provides a means of finishing the exam, and even a bit of banter in form of "Molly was here! May is a loser!" will be fine, because no one will be able to recognise the Exam after the pummelling. If you are simply tired, use a Substitute to do the dirty work; with base 101 in HP and 248 EV in them, the teacher will be unable to demolish the Substitute with just one Seismic Toss, which is basically throwing a desk to the doll.
The following spread ensures Molly can finish as quick as possible while keeping a big chance to fight back in case of shenanigans by the teachers; Analytic, even in such a fast person like her, is useful in case teachers Paralyse you with their excuses like "5 points from Gryffindor", thus countering them with a lot of grace. In order to be trendy and intelligent, Wise Glasses are necessary to ensure the success of this set, as well as posterior dates.
Molly, the Noticed by Senpai Pokémon Clever User. Should you not respect her, the weight of her by-laws might stomp you to death, and they are always a Critical Hit.
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So, what do you think about Molly? Why is Sappy not the next user reviewed? More next week!
Schedule:
Monday → Jynx
Tuesday → Nidoking
Wednesday → Rotom-Mow
Thursday → Lapras
Friday → Tropius
Saturday → JSM
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(She found it cute. Amusing. But we we will go down to Hell/Antartica and check a worse female of ours.)
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Today, we are meeting the stuff of nightmares. Welcome, Jynx!
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/124.png)
At least MetaSprite did it right.
Who's living in Africa, dancing and kissing around? An African Jynx, which does not exist, according to Game Freak (http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121224030636/misdreavous525sofficialtppage/images/0/0d/Jynx_black_face.png). Yes, Jynx was one of the first Pokémon to be censored in some way or another; and, due to the cold temperatures that Jynx suffers outside Santa's house, its (her?!) skin has turned purple.
Jynx is one of those Pokémon that has always been there, being able to perform nicely in any tier. In Generation I, it was OU, due to its ability to put opponents to Sleep (with it/her!?), a decent Speed, great STAB Blizzard, and excellent Special, which boosted Psychic (STAB), one of the most spammable moves of the game along the before-mentioned Blizzard. Now it belongs to NU, but, as said before, can work in any tier, not even needing the extensive amount of support other Pokémon like Lilligant or Kabutops do.
Forewarn is not a good ability for Jynx, but its other two, Oblivious and Dry Skin, are what make her so threatening (not taking into account its stats). With Oblivious, it can set up Substitutes, put an opponent to Sleep, or even set up a Nasty Plot if Jynx is gutsy enough to do so, while Dry Skin grants it a Water immunity (with a chance to recover health during Rain) at the cost of being weak(er) to Fire and losing health whenever Sun is up. Talking about stats…
| HP: 65 | Attack: 50 | Defence: 35 | Special Attack: 115 | Special Defence: 95 | Speed: 95 |
…they are sufficient to accomplish its duties.
Set time!
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/3/3d/Spr_2c_124_jp.gif)
ShinyBlaziken's waifu
Jynx @ Leftovers
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 8 HP/248 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Dry Skin/Oblivious
Lovely Kiss (no, it is not)
Nasty Plot
Ice Beam/Psyshock
Substitute
"But Martí, why are you telling us to use 8EV in HP?". Because of this:
+6 248 SpA Jynx Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 252 SpD Eviolite Chansey: 274-324 (42.6 - 50.4%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO
+6 252 SpA Jynx Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 252 SpD Eviolite Chansey: 274-324 (42.6 - 50.4%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO
The difference between 248 and 252 EV in Special Attack in case of Psyshock is of 6.3 Percentual Points, from 87.5% to 93.8%, if you are wondering. The damage output is marginal or even null, thus 8 EV in HP allow Jynx to be, overall, a little bit more useful, especially with Ice Beam, while still being able to switch into Stealth Rock five times.
"Why are you calculating at +6?". It is an easy question: Nasty Plot doubles Jynx's Special Attack; this, in conjunction with Lovely Kiss and Substitute, allow Jynx to set up easily, especially with its abilities.
The damaging move is, basically, a "when do I want to switch?", because, depending on the move, Jynx will be walled. Ice Beam allows you to be walled by most Steel Types, in particular Heatran, while Psyshock is Dark-Types' best friend (while still being walled by most Steel Types), but it has a very healthy chance to OHKO Chansey at +6 and it is a very good STAB in OU nowadays, while comfortably 2HKOing at +4, and being close to the 2HKO at +2. It is important to note that Jynx can just use only one damaging move; its support is too valuable to give up, especially Nasty Plot, which turns 2HKOs into OHKOs.
There is not much else to say, but that in Über a bulkier version can be used to team up/against Kyogre (it can even use Focus Blast instead of Substitute with more ease), while in lower tiers it can use Calm Mind or even Trick (with Choice Scarf for better Revenge Killing results).
Jynx, while it can work well alone, prefers to be under Rain or Snow; Rain allows it to set up more Substitutes, while Snow allows it to use Blizzard, being something close to the 2HKO at +4 and a guaranteed 2HKO at +6, but then the rival will know you are likely not running a Psychic STAB. Be careful with Sleep Clause as well, because Jynx might lose its opportunity to reach +6 if it kisses the wrong Pokémon (although Jynx has a fetish for everything…); talking about kisses, they only have a 75% accuracy, and with Jynx's bad Defence, it will often be a "Kill or be Killed". The new Sleep Mechanics do not help either.
Jynx, the Watermelon Gangsta Pokémon. Although it is one of my favourite Pokémon… ugh… I don't even know. Imagine I wrote something decent, okay?
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So, how bad is Jynx? Ewww or ugh? Do you like using it? More in the next issue!
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this article starring delicious scout's vendetta against jynx
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But I like Jynx. Especially as ShinyBlaziken's waifu.
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Today, we are presenting a Pokémon whose fanbase is as wide as Charizard's and maringally bigger than Blaziken's (remember that genwunners exist, Oscar/Richard). Say hello to… Nidoking.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/34.png)
MetaSprite. What's not to like?
Nidoking is a socially accepted Pokémon; although it is usually ten centimetres shorter than Danny DeVito, sometimes it can be two metres tall (most of the times when it has been raised and trained since it was a little breeding). But what makes Nidoking "cool" is its semi-unique typing (Poison/Ground), Spikes, the ability to learn a lot of moves, having "king" as the ending of its name, and the fact of being relatively easy to obtain, among others.
Does this trned factor translate into good competitive abilities? Sort of. The only time it has been out of UU is in Generation II, being OU due to Lovely Kiss and sufficient Mixed Coverage. Its usage has not been the reason to be in UU (it is always well-considered), but other Pokémon tend(ed) to outclass it. Until Generation V arrived: instead of Poison Point or Rivalry, Nidoking could use its new ability, Sheer Force, which is one of the best abilities of the game for an offensive Pokémon. Again, what held it back from being OU is its stats distribution:
| HP: 81 | Attack: 102 (92 before Generation VI) | Defence: 77 | Special Attack: 85 | Special Defence: 75 | Speed: 85 |
As with many Pokémon from Generation I, its stats are not terrible, just "too balanced" (if such a concept exists). Knowing most of the movepool Nidoking can abuse of because of Sheer Force is Special is another letdown, but the Attack Boost can also be used with some success. No, don't Choice Band it.
Set time already.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/034.png)
Nidosheer
Nidoking @ Life Orb/Choice Scarf
Modest/Timid Nature (+Spa/Spe, -Att)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Sheer Force
Earth Power
Fire Blast
Ice Beam
Thunderbolt/Sludge Wave
Basically, attack until you can. Because this set is pretty self-explanatory, discussing the perks of this Nidoking will be easier. With Maximum Speed and Special Attack, Nidoking hits as hard and gast as it can, potence which might be enhanced by Life Orb, being pretty hard to switch into (only the Blobs known as Blissey and Chansey can), while the Choice Scarf version acts as a hard-hitting revenge killer with excellent coverage. Talking about coverage, everything in OU is hit by, at least, Neutral Coverage with these moves, but the last slot is used to hit some threads for super effective damage or, simply, better results. Togekiss and Clefable will not enjoy a Sludge Wave at all, while Thunderbolt, no matter the Nature, always 2HKOs Gyarados and Slowbro, although Sludge Wave does deal a lot of damage to them.
The reason Modest is the primary nature is because Nidoking does not have many competition in the base 85 Speed tier, especially in OU: either it is outsped or Nidoking outspeeds the threat; the only exception is Regular, Jolly Pinsir, which outspeeds with Jolly: use Timid if you feel lucky enough to challenge Pinsir to a Speed Duel.
Nidoking does appreciate other forms of weather: under Rain, it can use Thunder and even Surf; under Sun, a powered Fire Blast, while decreasing its weakness to Water; under Hail, it can run Blizzard; and, under Sand, it can cause chip damage to the opponent.
A physical Nidoking with 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe, Adamant, with Sheer Force, and Poison Jab, Rock Slide, Earthquake, and Sucker Punch/Elemental Punch/Megahorn can be used, but Nidoking will usually take recoil damage from Life Orb due to Earthquake, be played around due to Sucker Punch, and be disappointed because the difference of damage between both sets is marginal, even being usually weaker on the physical side; thus, it should be used as a surprise-factor set able to break sturdy Special Walls, but be advised that:
252+ Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Poison Jab vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 273-321 (42.5 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
Nidoking, the Truck-Lifter Pokémon. As MC Hammer would state: "U can't touch this", because underestimating its poisonous horns is reason enough to be KOed by it.
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So, what do you think about Nidoking? Does its cry remind you of the most awesome thing ever made? How come it can breed, while Nidoqueen and Nidorina can't? Don't miss the following issue!
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The only time it has been out of UU is in Generation II, being OU due to Lovely Kiss and sufficient Mixed Coverage.
Oh no, another weird event move warps competitive battling.
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Yes, and Nidoqueen knows it as well. Horrible things will happen.
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Today, we will talk about something as horrifying as a Poliwrath with Lovely Kiss. I present you… Rotom-MoeMow.
(http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090524104020/es.pokemon/images/thumb/b/b4/Rotom_corte.png/150px-Rotom_corte.webp)
MetaSprite has all Rotom formes BUT Rotom-Mow. Preposterous.
Rotom-Moe is kawaii. Deal with it. Rotom-Mow is as annoying as Moe, from "The Simpsons" Rotom, Rotom-F, Rotom-H, Rotom-W, and Rotom-F; a lot. Yes, but Standard Rotom, the formes were all OU because they shared a Unique Electric/Ghost typing, but when Generation V started, their typings changed to Electric/[whatever type the forme is], while the only one who kept in OU (and still is OU) is Rotom-W, which stands for Rotom-Whopper. Rotom-Mow sits as it was in Generation V: in RU. The question is: why?
First off, it has very few (viable) moves, thus making it predictable depending on the team, although one thing is for sure: it does what it is supposed to do very well. With the new immunity to Grass Status (powders) and the good coverage in its dual STAB our Electric/Grass friend has, it can fit in some teams without being a stupid gimmick like Hydro Pump (Shiny) Magikarp.
These are the stats for Rotom-Mow, although keep in mind that any modified Rotom will have the same stats:
| HP: 50 | Attack: 65 | Defence: 107 | Special Attack: 105 | Special Defence: 107 | Speed: 86 |
As with the stats, most Rotoms will use the sets below, but with a few differences and teammates.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/479-m.png)
There is no need to be upset (http://cdn.gifbay.com/2012/10/there_is_no_need_to_be_upset-4390.gif)
Rotom-Mow @ Choice Specs/Choice Scarf
Modest/Timid Nature (+SpA/Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Levitate
Volt Switch
Leaf Storm
Hidden Power Ground/Ice
Trick
Due to the lack of Thunderbolt, a Choice-based item is the best for this set. Volt Switch grants a switch with some damage against unfavourable matches, and most Ground-Types will not like to come and take a Leaf Storm. Leaf Storm is the other reason why a Choice-Based strategy is used: you must hit and run! Trick if, of course, for tricking a wall or tank into a bad item for it. The Hidden Power is, however, another story: it should be used more conservatively, because its power, per se, is not great. Hidden Power Ground eliminates Heatran, which causes a lot of trouble to Rotom-M, while Ice eliminates Dragons. Choose what fits your team the best.
Modest is preferred because it will not outspeed a lot of things, and it will usually outspeed most Rotom-Ws, although they will not want to stay for a long time unless they carry the rare HP Ice. Timid is for an almost-ensured scouting and Rotom-W elimination, and, depending on the item, Rotom-M can break most walls with its good coverage (Specs) or annoy the heck out of everything bar Talonflame (Scarf). 208 EV in Speed can be used to just outspeed fully-invested base Speed 80 Pokémon.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/479-m.png)
Now it is the time to be upset (http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/list/000/481/122/bdb.gif)
Rotom-Mow @ Leftovers/Chesto Berry
Calm/Bold Nature (+SpD/Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SpD or 252 HP/252 Def/4 SpD
Ability: Levitate
Volt Switch/Thunderbolt
Leaf Storm
Pain Split/Rest
Will-O-Wisp
With a typing that mostly lures Special Attackers, a Specially Defensive Rotom-M is not a bad idea, although a Physically Defensive one is acceptable. The first move acts as a solid STAB, but Volt Switch can keep momentum in exchange for power; however, this one is not meant for dealing direct damage. It instead prefers to stay and cause panic, thus, Leaf Storm does not mean Rotom-M will switch immediately because it has other options for annoying the opponent. Pain Split might heal and damage the opponent at the same time, but if you prefer more reliable recovery, then Rest with Chesto Berry is for you; the fact you are immune to Sleep Powder and Spore is a big plus, despite the fact most of its users usually carry HP Fire and/or Sludge Bomb. In those cases, you can burn them with Will-O-Wisp, and then switching with Volt Switch.
If you are concerned about big physical power, even being Calm, use 68 EV in Defence to survive a Close Combat from a Jolly, Life Orb Terrakion, while it can OHKO back with Leaf Storm. And be prepared for Mega Camerupt, because it will likely wall this set.
Rotom-Mow, the bartender Simpson Rustling Pokémon. May the power of the annoyingness compel you!
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Yes, I know what you think about Rotom-M; annoying. Fortunately, there will be a next issue tomorrow that will not be about this Pokémon.
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Yes, I know. It has been a bad issue. But don't worry, because a better one is coming.
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Today, a monster from the past is our main topic. A round of applause for… Lapras.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/131.png)
See? Thanks to MetaSprite, now we can see how Lapras feels about Rotom-M.
Lapras has often been an overlooked Pokémon; the rest of the times it has been simply outclassed. Beginning as an overlooked OU Pokémon (lolwut) in Generation I, it began falling tiers up to now, Generation VI, ending up being an NU, receiving more competence from other Bulky Water Types (BWT).
No matter how many new abilities, fitting items, moves, or improvements in general Lapras got or gets, its competence would never forget our lovely Nessie. Talking about abilities, Water Absorb, Shell Armor, and Hydration are all excellent in such a defensive Pokémon. BUT WAIT! Yes, you heard it right! A Defensive Pokémon! Do you know what typing does it have? Ice/Water, being Ice one of the worst defensive types ever created. At least its stats are decent and well-balanced, like most Generation I Pokémon:
| HP: 130 | Attack: 85 | Defence: 80 | Special Attack: 85 | Special Defence: 95 | Speed: 60 |
After thinking during some time... I think I have a middly decent set for Lapras.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/131.png)
1337pras
Lapras @ Choice Specs
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Att)
EV: 160 HP/4 Def/252 SpA/92 Spe or 88 HP/4 Def/252 SpA/164 Spe
Ability: Water Absorb/Hydration
Hydro Pump
Freeze-Dry
Hidden Power Fire
Thunderbolt/Surf/Psychic/Ancient Power
The idea of this set is simple: die hard hit hard. Hydro Pump and Freeze-Dry are the main STAB, while HP Fire is to maim Superpower Scizor and Ferrothron on the switch and the last move is to either hit with perfect accuracy (Surf) or get extra coverage (Psychic and Ancient Power are the least reliable, but the ones that offer the best overall coverage). With Thunderbolt available, one might question why it should be slashed: Freeze-Dry acts as a pseudo-BoltBeam combination per se, because it already hits Flying Types and Water types for Super Effective damage. Psychic harms Poison and Fighting types (especially the latter) that might want to come in to hit Lapras for super effective damage, while Ancient Power does the same against Pinsir and Talonflame (Talonflame and Pinsir switching into Lapras?!). Sleep Talk gets a mention for being able to absorb Spores or any other Sleeping move.
The EV seem idiotic, but they have a purpose; 160 HP and 4 Def give the best possible overall bulk (although 164 in Def avoid the OHKO from Choice Banded Azumarill). Talking about Azumarill, 92 Spe are used to outspeed all Azumarills that strive to outspeed 0 Speed Skarmory, taking into account the loss of Speed from HP Fire. And 252 in SpA to hit as hard as possible. 164 in Speed can be used to outspeed 0 Speed, neutral-natured Venusaur. Water Absorb is the main ability because it gives Lapras very necessary longevity and a means for Azumarill to just use Play Rough and Knock Off, while Modest to hit as hard as possible. Hydration is very good under rain, especially if you hate being Paralysed.
Take into account that Lapras is the best Pokémon to receive Freeze-Dry, and Lapras is not a brilliant Pokémon. Curse? Dragon Dance + Ice Shard? Lapras can do that, but with (usually) bad results. You can always try to give it even more support than the above-described set, though, and see what happens next.
Lapras, the "qtpi" Pokémon. It's so huggable I'm gonna fluff! Ah, it is dangerous too… but I will hug it anyway ♥~.
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So, what do you think about Lapras? Would you cuddle it? Does it look like a legless horse? More during the next issue!
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10/10 would hug
nice super long ev spread gave me a headache :C
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10/10 would hug
nice super long ev spread gave me a headache :C
This is because you are glazed and confused.
__________
Today, I am presenting you a born troll. And today's troll is… Trollpius.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/357.png)
Yes, MetaSprite drew the concept art of the first Smugleaf.
It might look cool, but its Stats, along its typing (Grass/Flying) and Abilitites (Chlorofyll, Solar Power, and Harvest) make it a prime candidate for Trollkémon.
| HP: 99 | Attack: 68 | Defence: 83 | Special Attack: 72 | Special Defence: 87 | Speed: 51 |
Who gets Dragon Dance and Curse? Tropius. Can it use them? Absolutely not: the former because of its poor Attack and Speed, and the latter because of its not-so-convenient defensive Typing. Ah, and it can learn both moves breeding with a Tyranitar, which is horrifying.
What Pokémon has over 400 HP total after investing 252 EV? Tropius. How many as of base stat? 99, meaning it can NOT create 101 HP Substitutes, thus failing at blocking Chansey's Seismic Tosses.
It has always been an NU; the combination of Stats, Typing, Moves, and Abilities just make fall short.
But it does troll back. I will tell you how.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/357.png)
Trollolopius (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRMBxnxWiNQ)
Tropius @ Sitrus/Lum Berry
Bold/Calm Nature (+Def/SpD, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SpD (Def and SpD can be switched, or even fully-invested defences for superior mixed capacities, leaving 4 EV to either SpA or HP).
Ability: Harvest
Air Slash
Protect/Toxic/Roost/Giga Drain
Substitute
Leech Seed
Oh, boy, this thing is made for trolling. It can be even worse than Trevenant to take out due to its Flying STAB (which can h4x a lot if your opponent is Paralysed or a Snail), Roost, which can eliminate some of its weaknesses (if used); its neutrality to Dark, better Defences than Trevenant, the ability to use Toxic and Substitute better, and the fact your opponent will die of laughter once they see Tropius on your side. In any event, Air Slash is the ain STAB, and it can deal decent damage and some rage to slow opponents. The second slot can define what you are on about; if choosing Protect or Toxic, an approach similar to Stall will be used, while Giga Drain and Roost are more offensive-oriented (Roost takes advantage of switches, this is why). Substitute, although not having 101 HP, usually provides a sturdy enough barrier able to use Leech Seed or camp for another round of Berry, while heavily annoying the opponent.
160 in Speed might be used to be faster than most Azumarills, which are Adamant with 164 Speed (thankfully, restoring life with Leech Seed and Roost should be enough to finish it one-to-one), while 236 in Speed can be used to Outspeed 0 Speed, Neutral-Natured Venusaur, but it has to be heavily damaged to actually OHKO it:
0 SpA Tropius Air Slash vs. 232 HP / 4 SpD Mega Venusaur: 104-126 (28.9 - 35%) -- 7.6% chance to 3HKO
Even if you run HP Fire, Ferrothorn is still a problem that might lead to a long stalling contest, but shorter if it brings Knock Off, thus ending your passive Recovery.
Make sure to choose the right berry with the proper move: for instance, Lum Berry prefers the instant Recovery Tropius gets from Roost, while Protect is a good investment with any berry, but specially for Sitrus if you can hope for Recovery the turn you are protecting yourself.
Oh, and it is "«"Outclassed"»" for a reason; take this into acccount while playing with this Pokémon.
Tropius, the VANANA Pokémon. This one is more Tropical and cuter than Jynx, so what's not to like?
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So, what do you think about Tropius? I mean it, because it is very confusing… Don't miss the next issue, which will be about JSM!
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Just a note for future reference, neutral-nature Mega Venusaur almost never runs 0 Speed. 16 is standard on Defensive, and 20 is standard on Offensive, so the extra EVs given to Tropius and Lapras wouldn't even pay off.
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Yes, I took it into account.
20 (HP Fire) for Modest Venusaur.
Adamant Azumarill usually runs 164 EV in Speed, thus being 177 Speed (to beat uninvested base 61 Speed Pokémon, most notably Tyranitar). An uninvested Mega Venusaur (Modest and HP Fire) reaches 195. So I computed these spreads at my own risk, seeing Mega Venusaur users should not, a priori, invest in Speed, at least to beat Azumarill or base 61.
Going with that margin of Speed would not pay off Lapras and Tropius' offensive and defensive capabilities; too much Speed invested. Why are they too painfully slow, anyway?
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What Pokémon has over 400 HP total after investing 252 EV? Tropius. How many as of base stat? 99, meaning it can NOT create 101 HP Substitutes, thus failing at blocking Chansey's Seismic Tosses.
But at level 50 it can create 51 HP subs, enough to stop 50 HP Seismic Tosses. And most competitive battles on the 3DS are done at level 50.
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But at level 50 it can create 51 HP subs, enough to stop 50 HP Seismic Tosses. And most competitive battles on the 3DS are done at level 50.
This is a relevant datum! Thank you! Because abosorbing health from that... blob, is one of the best things ever discovered. But…
__________
…today, I present the prince of H4X (much for Richard and I's disgrace), the one who thinks using Meloetta is too risky. And our H4Xor is… JSM/Jamie (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=40498)!
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs32/f/2008/199/2/0/Miror_B__by_legolug.png)
Credit to this guy (http://legolug.deviantart.com/art/Miror-B-91981523).
No one is exactly sure how Jamie looks, bar Jamie himself. But one detail is sure: he is groovy -and so Miror B. is, hence the sprite-.
For some reason, he gets the H4X on his side not only in battles or chat, but also in the physical world: he has been gifted an iPad (unlucky h4x) and money (excellent h4x) just for being in his current university. Apart from h4xing, Jamie is known for his advanced Spanish, and, because of that, he is the proud owner of the 696,969th Mitsubishi Pajero produced, because he found clearly fascinating the fact that a person able to speak Spanish riding that car would be the key of life's success, including driving next to a girl driving a Mazda Laputa.
Our favourite Psychic/Electric user's stats are:
| HP: 100 | Attack: 84 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 165 | Special Defence: 110 | Speed: 121 |
Let's set it clear!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/385.png)
Ragequitting Mass Suicide
JSM @ Safety Goggles
Quirky Nature (+WTF, -Loss)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Wonder Guard
Dark Pulse
Magnet Raise
Blue Flare
Extrasensory
This is Jamie's standard set for competitive battles. Due to his naturally-high Speed, he can easily spam Dark Pulse while flinching the opponent to death. While this might not be enough (remember, Pokémon can come Scarfed), Jamie then can use Magnet Rises to laugh at Choice-Locked Pokémon into a Ground move; with Wonder Guard this should not be hard to accomplish, and more walling and lulz await. Then you can neat a nice burn with Blue Flare, if the opponent actually survives the hit. If the rival has not commited suicided or ragequitted, you can forecast the next event with Extrasensory will making it flinch to death until it turns into ashes.
The following EV are the standard for a troll Sweeper, while Security Googles avoid residual damage from Hail (to Jamie) or Sandstorm (by Darude, which turns to be the end of most stall teams).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/385.png)
Stalkerman
JSM @ Air Balloon
Lax (+Willingness to naturally h4x, -Movement)
EV: 252 HP/128 Def/128 SpD
Ability: Infiltrator
Camouflage
Acupressure
Shadow Force
U-Turn/Volt Switch
Who said that stalking was not fun(ny)? Jamie is the example of why one person should include a stalker AND stalking into their life!
See, it is very easy and entertaining, even ideal for all family members. First off, you must use Camouflage to blend yourself with your surroudings. Oh? Has Alice's day been average? Now you know because you are wearing a trendy leaf-based dress that avoided all kind of suspicions on you! Then, using Acupressure is the next step. You might be wondering: "why?". Because with Acupressure you can achieve a massive boost in any stat, thus granting you more possibilities to either escape or countering with a punch-line. Shadow Force, even uninvested, deals a lot of damage thanks to Acupressure boosts and the punch-lines you have been acquiring through your investigation. Once you have properly stalked and murdered the users, then using U-Turn or Volt Switch for momentum is a very good idea.
The EV grant mixed defences in order to avoid being Mega Kicked by Joeno, Del, or Raven, while Infiltrator assures professional-like stalking.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/385.png)
Developers, developers, developers! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRm0NDo1CiY)
JSM @ Amulet Coin
Relaxed Nature (+Fortune, -Envy)
EV: 252 HP/4 SpA/252 SpD
Ability: Super Luck
Rest
Sleep Talk
Snore
Hyper Beam
Yes, the moves of the set are right, because this is all what Jamie needs. The simplicity of this set will leave you stunned of pure geniality because of Jamie's pervasive perversion charisma and activity.
Rest is the main move of the use; does nothing and regains health, so what's not to like? And, of course, because Jamie is a genius, not taking advantage of his dreams would be a shame; Sleep Talk is used to make your monkey write whatever you say during your lucid reams, thus finishing your dissertation within one single night! (Infernape is not recommended for the task due to severe burns in both the paper and Jamie's skin.) If you want to go one step further, use Snore to even register you most primitive sounds. You would be surprised how little advanced the Kama Sutra was until this genius of science used this set. (This also means trainers hate him) In the last slot, there is the best chance for the future: Hyper Beam. With Hyper Beam, you will basically destroy everything in/on your path. The side effect? Oh, it is actually good, because, meanwhile, Jamie can do nothing.
This set works the best with Super Luck; due to his high SpA, most Universities will be fighting each other to give Jamie some money and goods. The EV spread is to be as Specially-Defensive as possible, avoiding KOs from greedy Hyper Voicers who do not like your h4x.
Jamie, the Wobbamon lucky stalker. There is only one way of actually knowing of him; asking. However, be careful, because it is very likely he will find you before you do.
__________
So, what do you think about Apple Jamie? Should he be banned to Über (human version)? Do you want a free iPad? Why do you want to commit suicide, then? Study hard as he did, then! More next week!
Schedule:
Monday → Regice
Tuesday → Regigigas
Wednesday → Slaking
Thursday → Articuno
Friday → Armaldo
Saturday → Chloe
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So, what do you think about Molly? Why is Sappy not the next user reviewed? More next week!
Because Sappy is too UBER remember? Mega-Sappy?
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Because Sappy is too UBER remember? Mega-Sappy?
Nah, you are next. Talking about being the next of something…
__________
… Today, we are covering the remaining of the original Regi trio. Wave "hello" to… Regice.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/378.png)
MetaSprite has a curious perspective regarding Regice.
There is one simple reason why this has been the last original Regi to be covered: it is the worst Regi in today's metagame. They did a good job on making a defensive Ice-Type, but defensive Ice-Types are not good, per se. Its ability (Clear Body, and the unreleased Ice Body), while far from useless, could have been better, and it lacks a very important thing that all four Regis would kill for: reliable recovery. In Regice's case it appears to be very important, since it can take a few Physical blows, strike back with Special ones, and laugh at most Special hits, thus granting it the possibility to be a better tank.
In spite of all of this…
| HP: 80 | Attack: 50 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 100 | Special Defence: 200 | Speed: 50 |
… Regice overall stats, along STAB on Ice Beam, excellent coverage with Thunder(bolt), and rarity can make it a good surprise-factor Pokémon, not to say it forces switches on experienced trainers who know that they should not attack it from the Special side (of the iceberg).
Ehm… I don't even know… (the one with Regigigas will be worse, in any case…)
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/378.png)
Laughter bait Icemobile
Regice @ Life Orb
Modest Nature (+ SpA, -Att)
EV: 40 HP/252 SpA/216 Spe
Ability: Clear Body
Rock Poland Polish
Ice Beam
Thunderbolt
Focus Miss Blast
This is the best way to abuse Regice's currently available ability, and, despite looking stupid, it actually works, especially for what it is meant to outspeed. In particular, 216 EV in Speed reach a total of 190, 380 if doubled by Rock Polish. 380 Speed is a very important number in OU, due to the fact that it outspeeds 232 Speed Jolly Weavile, which tries to outspeed full-speed, Timid Greninja. Being able to outspeed these two Pokémon, Regice can OHKO both of them with Focus Blast and Thunderbolt/Focus Blast 100% of the time (that they hit). A bit below one might find Mega Pinsir and Adamant, Choice Banded Talonflame. Yes, they are a big problem, but thankfully for our cool friend, it has enough bulk to withstand a hit from both of them, but Regice must be VERY WARY of its own recoil, as well as their priority moves:
252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Quick Attack vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Regice: 97-115 (31.1 - 36.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes
252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Return vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Regice: 247-292 (79.4 - 93.8%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after 2 layers of Spikes
252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Regice: 235-277 (75.5 - 89%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after 2 layers of Spikes
Flare Blitz is a clear OHKO. Uncautious Talonflames might like to switch to you, but most Pinsirs will not; and, if they do, they will stay in their regular forme until they can launch a powerful +2 Quick Attack:
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Quick Attack vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Regice: 195-229 (62.7 - 73.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Clear Body ensures you are not slowed down by Sticky Web or affected by dirty stat-reducing hax, which is a neat thing on such a bulky "sweeper". Keep in mind, though, that Mega Manectric will still be able to outspeed you, and outspeeding Mega Manectric is not usually worth the effort due to the drop in power and this:
252 SpA Mega Manectric Overheat vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Regice: 158-188 (50.8 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Life Orb Regice Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Manectric: 211-250 (75 - 88.9%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
-2 252 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Regice: 33-39 (10.6 - 12.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock
Yes, as stated by our favourite dDick:
<RubyRobin>: ....no one with a brain cell hits it with a Special Attack xD
Thanks for the explanation, Dickiebird!
Ah, Focus Blast OHKOs all Tyranitars, with the exception being this:
252+ SpA Life Orb Regice Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Mega Tyranitar in Sand: 354-421 (87.8 - 104.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
As with most Special Attackers that might have shone, Regice is cursed with bad initial Speed, residual damage that hinders its tanking capabilities, and many common weaknesses. For the reasons above, make sure you eliminate any kind of damaging entry hazard when using Regice, either by preventing them from being set up or by Defogging or Rapid Spining them. A defensive approach using Rest + Sleep Talk + Ice Beam + Thunderbolt (Calm or Bold) might be used, but a lot of Pokémon do it better, and there are few Pokémon that can run Regice's attacking set like it does: Lapras must grab its boosts one by one, Avalugg can not increase its Speed, Weavile is very frail, Regirock is physical, Porygon-Z has Normal STAB, &c.
Regice, the Titanic Counter Pokémon. Should you not let it go, your bum will be frozen for life, allowing some princesses to build a snowman up yours.
__________
So, what do you think about Regice? Is RubyRobinXRegice a valid shipping? Do you think Assault Vest is viable with this thing? Don't miss the next article, I swear!
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i ship rubyregice 5ever to the moon and back <33
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Yes, I do as we- OH, NO!
__________
OH, NO! IT'S REGIGIGAS!
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/486.png)
Oh, no! MetaSprite represented Regigigas!
OH, NO! A POKÉMON THAT IS VIRTUALLY A(N) ÜBER IS STICKING (and has since it was released) IN NU!
| HP: 110 | Attack: 160 | Defence: 110 | Special Attack: 80 | Special Defence: 110 | Speed: 100 |
Yes, you read them well (I assume). A Pokémon with a BST of 670 is sticking in NU. Is it because of its pure Normal Type? Because it can not learn Rest nor Protect?
NO!
The reason why Regigigas is in NU is because of its ability, Slow Start, which halves Regigigas' Speed and Attack for Five solid Turns. Combine this with its inability to use Protect, Rest, and most pure Set Up Moves (bar Rock Polish and Double Team, although Rock Polish on a Normal Type sounds extremist and Double Team is usually not allowed and dirty), and Regigigas has a hard time doing anything. And when I mean "anything", I literally mean anything, because most of its sets are based on Stalling with Thunder Wave, Confuse Ray, Substitute, and attack with Return once the Five Turns are over.
In spite of all of this, another Pokémon received a Boost (a Speed Boost, to be clear): Scolipede.
…
How is this relevant in any imaginable regard? Scolipede has synergy with Regigigas: it resists x4 Fighting while being able to Baton Pass anything that Regigigas might need, from Sword Dance boosts to Substitutes, passing through Iron Defences. Being the best Baton Passer in OU, it can also represent a threat for the opponent per se with its decent Base 100 Attack and excellent Coverage. In fact, with a couple of Speed Boosts and one Sword Dance, Regigigas "returns" to its original forme, and, if it happens to outstall or simply survive the other Five Turns, it is nearly unstoppable. But simply Baton Passing is not enough, mostly because any Pokémon is able to turn into a monster with those boosts (not happens much today due to Baton Chain Clause); Regigigas is not just able to simply kill, but also resist with its own gargantuan bulk and movepool.
While reading the set below keep in mind the above-mentioned support, or else this set will miserably fail.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/486.png)
Heavy… heavy clothing…
Regigigas @ Leftovers/Life Orb
Adamant/Jolly Nature (+Att/Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Slow Start Fast Learners are losers
Return
Fire Punch/Drain Punch
Ice Punch/Stone Edge/Substitute
Knock Off/Thunder Wave
Implying Regigigas has received any boost from Scolipede (or even Mew if you are brave enough), especially a Sword Dance one along a Speed Boost or two, one has the capacity to use one Über with relative ease. Return is a very powerful STAB that hits most of the Metagame for Neutral Damage, and the ones that resist this move will face a dangerous Fire Punch or Drain Punch, depending on your preferences (Fire Punch for Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory; and Drain Punch for Tyranitar, basically).
Ice Punch hits Landorus and Gliscor for very good damage, although Stone Edge is basically a hard-hitting filler that hits most things for neutral damage, and it has the ability to hit most Flying Types for Super Effective Damage, which is very handy considering Thundurus roams almost freely in OU. Talking about that, it will try to either go for the kill if you are at +2, or simply try to Thunder Wave you thanks to Prankster. If you are very wary of Prankster, you might as well use Substitute on the switch, thus protecting you from being paralysed and OHKOing 68.8% of the times with Return. The last slot is a support move; Knock Off is the general utility (and it hurts a lot coming from Regigigas), while Thunder Wave can be used to stop some opponents and their sweeps, especially if combined with Substitute, because it is very unlikely that Regigigas will be able to go back to the battlefield. As well, Substitute and Thunder Wave can buy some turns in order to get rid of Slow Start, thus being almost invincible. In fact, this is one of the best users of stalling using a Baton Pass chain, along with Espeon.
Athough this Regigigas is able to work in extremis without any kind of boost, doing so it is not advised to to its low damage output and Speed, but in those cases, going with Drain Punch, Substitute, and Thunder Wave is the way to go, along Leftovers. At least if will have the option of doing some damage after hazards have been deployed, because Baton Receiver Regigigas is usually brought early in-game, thus relying next to zero in residual damage.
Teammates include anything carrying a Choice Scarf of a handy set of resistances to end what Regigigas has weakened; priority is welcome. Ah, did I talk about Scolipede? I think I did. Bringing a Regigigas behind a Substitute is a very difficult thing to outpower; try taking advantage of the panic if you want to support your team with Knock Off or Thunder Wave, then. Keep in mind, though, that Regigigas is NU for a reason; do not expect to master it from day one; first, try more reliable options, and then go for our golem. This way you will be able to check the pros and the cons of having it on your side.
Regigigas, the Pokémon whose body is not ready. Should you not play Wii Fit with it, you will not behold how fantastic this creature is. And how easily it can crush you given the right context.
__________
So, what do you think of Regigigas? Should it get a better ability? Will it ever get love? More in the next issue!
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It really should get pressure, it's at least better than slow start.
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give it defeatist so its terribad but not as much
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Thunder Wave + Confuse Ray is great for Regigigas too. While not something I'd recommend for anything else, it allows it to buy itself more turns to rid itself of Slow Start without losing HP like Substitute causes.
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I did think about including Confuse Ray on this set, but then Regigigas, although forcing some switches, basically gambles: if the strategy fails, then good bye to the boosts. Moreover, I am unable to see where it could fit; all its attacking and supporting options are tightly set.
In any event, time for another "legendary" Pokémon has come.
__________
Today, meet the first truly exaggerated semi-legendary. Give a round of food to our friend… Slaking.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/289.png)
Slaking after noticing MetaSprite stole all its food.
Do you know how broken Slaking is? Me neither. Yes, it has Über stats, but, as with Regigigas, its ability is what holds it back, although it achieved BL in Generation III. Seriously, take a look at these stats:
| HP: 150 | Attack: 160 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 95 | Special Defence: 65 | Speed: 100 |
No, it is not slow; base 100 is very quick for such a lazy and fat Pokémon. But it has an ability marginally worse than Slow Start: Truant. Truant forces the user to attack during one turn and loaf around during the following one; this translates into not being able to hit through Protect and enabling the opponents to do whatever they want. If you want a high-risk, high-reward member, look no further: Slaking is your Pokémon.
In fact, choosing a set is easy; what makes it better or worse is when and with whom you use it.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/289.png)
BD (Before Durant)
Slaking @ Choice Band
Adamant/Jolly Nature (+Att/Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Truant
Retaliate/Return
Earthquake/Hammer Arm/Focus Punch
Stone Edge/Night Slash
Pursuit/Ice Punch
Like Regigigas, it relies on Normal for STAB: Retialiate is very powerful, especially after a teammate has fainted (when you should bring Slaking to the battle), but Return is a much safer option if you, for some reason, want to stay or are wary of a safe switch-in.
The next slot is for Steel/Rock types that would like to stomach a Normal STAB; in those cases, Earthquake, Hammer Arm, and Focus Punch are very good options. Earthquake, although most times undesirable with a Choice Item, is the safest option in terms of precision, but Hammer Arm provides overall a means to hit Bronzong and Skarmory, as well as Air Balloon users. If you want to go kamikaze (Slaking is a kamikaze, after all), Focus Punch deals ludicrouls amounts of damage, and because it will force many switches, can be effective under some right predictions.
Stone Edge is to have more coverage, and it is a good move to have, overall. If you are very worried about Ghost types (Gengar, basically), or Psychic types, Night Slash is enough to KO most of them, but be wary that it will deal more or less the same amout of damage that Return does. Notice that both moves have a high chance of landing a Critical Hit.
The last slot determines what will be Slaking's final objective. If you want to KO fleeing Pokémon, Pursuit is the way to go; if you want to defeat Dragonite, Gliscor, and Landorus-T (with a slight chance to OHKO all of them without any kind of prior damage), Ice Punch is recommended. It really does not matter what you choose, because Slaking will do its job well.
An Adamant nature is chosen over a Jolly one for the same reason as Darmanitan: it needs all the power it can get (using Sticky Web support is highly recommended). Ah, and Truant is not totally worthless: Mega Alakazam will not want to switch on you for obvious reasons (it will Trace Truant and it can not come in any attack; it is immediately KOed due to its lack in physical bulk). If you want to consider an Assault Best for switching more often or a Choice Scarf to end with those pesky fast Pokémon it is up to you.
Slaking, the American Citizen Simpson Pokémon. You'd better carry your Protection, or else this Pokémon will pervesively plug through your dignity and leave you crying in a corner.
__________
I would ask you what you think about Slaking, but I think we all reach the same conclusion: underrated and nerfed beast. See you the next day in the next article!
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I never knew that Slaking had Uber stats. To be honest, I, not knowing much of anything about competitive battling, was expecting Hyper Beam to be on there.
Also, I'm interested to see what your opinion is on Wobbuffet.
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I never knew that Slaking had Uber stats. To be honest, I, not knowing much of anything about competitive battling, was expecting Hyper Beam to be on there.
I hope you mean Giga Impact. You should at least know the difference between physical and special attacks. Yes, Hyper Beam used to be physical in Generation 3, but has been special since 4. The real reason we don't use either move is so you can hit once and then switch out. Either way the opponent has a free turn, but at least you should gain some advantage from the switch.
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^ lol chill not everyone battles competitively it's all fine yeah?
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Raphetty is right, although, for some reason, Smogon's Damage Calculator thinks Slaking's standard set should include Giga Impact. Keep in mind, thought, that some members don't know what a physical or special move is, or it can be the case she messed up her knowledge.
(According to our chat room, she is an adorable qtpi, anyway)
[…] Also, I'm interested to see what your opinion is on Wobbuffet.
My opinion is that Wobbuffet is cute. I can not say anything else because its sets are very well known and it is an actually viable Pokémon (read the name of my section to refresh your memory).
Talking dirty about refreshing…
___________
… today, I present the first legendary (in the Pokédex). Welcome, Articuno.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/144.png)
As usual, credits to MetaSprite. Again. And again.
Articuno is a cool Pokémon. But it does not Rock (x4 Weakness to Rock). Yes, Ice/Flying is not the best typing ever, but it does have many perks, for example being Neutral to Ice, Fighting, and having a very good STAB combination. Its ability, Pressure, works well with its stats, which are as follows:
| HP: 90 | Attack: 85 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 95 | Special Defence: 125 | Speed: 85 |
This is probably the best defensive Ice-Type you will encounter in the game. Ah, and it also gets Freeze-Dry, and Articuno makes excellent use of it (not as good as Lapras, mostly because Lapras can use Specs more freely). But back in Generation I, Articuno was used for offence, and it was UU. During Generations II and II it was considered BL, and from Generation IV it finds itself flying at the bottom, in NU. I do think it is a genuinely overlooked Pokémon, not like a few I have reviewed.
Since Articuno's defensive sets are very well known (?) I will purpose a more offensive approach (prepare your Pop Corn and your laughter).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/144.png)
Marticuno (thanks to RubyRobin for the name of the set)
Articuno @ Life Orb/Leftovers
Modest/Timid Nature (+SpA/Spe, -Att)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Pressure
Freeze-Dry
Hurricane
Hidden Power Fire
Roost/U-Turn/Ancient Power
Yes, it sounds ridiculous, and it should be, but it is a very capable lurer and Special Attacker. With Freeze-Dry, Articuno can beat one-to-one those pesky Water Types that usually wall Ice Types such as Froslass (if it ever wants to attack). Hurricane, despite its far-from-reliable accuracy, is a very powerful attack resisted by few Pokémon in the Metagame, and it complements Freeze-Dry very well. But if you are looking for the perfect coverage, look no further: Hidden Power Fire is the ultimate luring weapon: capable of OHKOing most Scizors (don't risk your game and use Stealth Rock for once!), it allows Articuno to use Roost afterwards, or even U-Turn if you loathe Chansey and Blissey. Ancient Power is a mention because it is a reliable way to eliminate Talonflame, which otherwise would be problematic.
The EV are the ones for a standard Sweeper/Wallbreaker. Modest is chosen to deal as much damage as possible, due to Articuno's awkward Base Speed (for OU), thus using Sticky Web or Paralysis is heavily advised. If you are too concerned about this, and you want to scout a lot (lol X4 Weak to Stealth Rock damage), then a Timid nature with U-Turn is advised. Keep in mind, though, that you will have to Roost often if opting for such a strategy due to Life Orb's recoil. Leftovers is acceptable because it allows Articuno to be less dependent on Roost; both natures are OK with that item. Hail and Rain may be used with caution.
Articuno, the Cold Turkey Pokémon. Never underestimate a bird that has achieved to fly with its ings frozen, or else you will end up burnt.
__________
So, what do you think about Articuno? Would you hug it? Are my strategies going too far? Find it out during the next issue!
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Wow, you did react in a cold manner to Articuno's article.
__________
Today's article is on a fossil that looks like the offspring of a scorpion and a crab. Ladies and gentlemen, here you have… Armaldo.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/348.png)
Yes, Armaldo likes the MetaSprite!
Armaldo is one of those Pokémon that are there and not many people pay attention to. I wonder why. In any case, it was BL in Generation III and it went down to NU from Generation IV to nowadays.
This does not mean anything yet. Its abilities and movepool, along its Stats (shown below) are usually enough to make it unpredictable and threatening.
| HP: 75 | Attack: 125 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 70 | Special Defence: 80 | Speed: 45 |
It is physically-defensive sturdy, apparently. Yes, it is, and its regular ability, Battle Armor, marginally improves that tanking ability. One, though, might quickly notice that its Speed is "unsalvagable" without Sticky Web or Paralysis support; this is not entirely true. With its Hidden Ability, Swift Swim, can double its Speed under the Rain. Combine it with its ability to learn almost any relevant boosting move (Curse, Hone Claws, Iron Defense, Rock Polish, and Sword Dance) and Armaldo looks more menacing. But guess what move it got via breeding: Aqua Jet, finally being granted a Priority Move, what it needed. Yes, Aqua Jet's power is increased under Rain, if you did not know.
Let's see what we can do.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/348.png)
PokéCangrejo II
Armaldo @ Life Orb/Choice Band
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim
Stone Edge
Knock Off
Aqua Jet
Earthquake/Superpower
This is what Armaldo likes to look like under Rain. Although, ironically, Armaldo is weak to it, its ability, Swift Swim, make it a very dangerous Sweeper or Punch-Holer. Stone Edge is the main and only STAB, because X-Scissor implies dirty lesbian things and Poképhilia is not good is both weak and covers very little, especially if used with Stone Edge. Knock Off is the most spammable move in the game; even Terrakion is unable to switch into it, because Armaldo can outspeed and OHKO it with Superpower or Earthquake, and heavily damage Terrakion with Aqua Jet. Talking about Aqua Jet…
252+ Atk Life Orb Armaldo Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Talonflame in Rain: 239-283 (80.4 - 95.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
It will easily end Talonflame, even after priority by Gale Wings, thus being pretty much very hard to stop by one of the most common revenge killers (Brave Bird recoil will finish the job). Mega Pinsir fears the same destiny, but it deals even higher damage than Talonflame:
252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Quick Attack vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Armaldo: 97-115 (27.4 - 32.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Mega Pinsir Return vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Armaldo: 246-291 (69.4 - 82.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Missing with Stone Edge is Armaldo's doom. Earthquake and Superpower are Armaldo's final options to deal damage while the Rain is pouring, because it will be very likely prone to switch when Rain is not present.
The spread is very fortunate: with 252 EV in Attack, Armaldo hits like a lorry, and 252 in Speed grant a total of 189 Speed, 378 under rain, meaning you will outspeed Timid Greninja and speed-tie with Postive-Natured, 232 Speed Weavile, which can not do much to Armaldo.
Life Orb is the recommended item, because Armaldo is powerful per se:
252+ Atk Life Orb Armaldo Stone Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Greninja: 316-372 (110.4 - 130%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Yes, although Greninja is not the definition of "sturdy", earning a OHKO on a neutral Pokémon is an evidence of Armaldo's raw power. Using Earthquake, then, is advised, because correcting the error in case a Flying or Levitating Pokémon appears is easier; if opting for Choice Band, feel free to use Superpower for hit-and-run shenanigans; keep in mind, though, that Knock Off will lose a lot of power after the first use, and it is likely the least useful move from Armaldo in this set. Jolly is recommended if Mega Alakazam is very, very problematic, but it should not with a couple of Aqua Jets, and the loss of power is crucial. Rapid Spin can fit where Knock Off is, but keep in mind that you will miss the support from Knock Off, and Armaldo needs every single turn from Rain to cause damage.
Armaldo, the Cangrefósil Pokémon. How it becomes so fast under Rain is a mystery, but your defeat if you are careless will not.
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So, what do you think about Armaldo? Is it a nice-looking Pokémon? Will you ever remember it? Are the other fossils superior? More during the next issue!
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I hope you mean Giga Impact. You should at least know the difference between physical and special attacks.
If teachers would stop assigning so much homework, I probably would.
Armaldo was on my first Emerald team. I didn't like it very much. I spent most of my time playing Emerald anyway, and I didn't explore Armaldo's uses in more recent gen's. I kept on ignoring Armaldo (though its awesome design can't be ignored) so I was fascinated how you exposed its uses. Though I was also expecting you to add a set that includes status moves since you mentioned a bunch of them making Armaldo look more menacing.
edit: Stantler.
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Wow, you did react in a cold manner to Articuno's article.
i'm going to react in a cold manner to that pun as well
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Shrub, stop giving Scout the cold shoulder. *Is shot*
I wonder which user is under review after Chloe.
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Shrub, stop giving Scout the cold shoulder. *Is shot*
I wonder which user is under review after Chloe.
Nah, you [Sappy] are next. Talking about being the next of something…
Good game, ShinyBaka. Talking about bakas…
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… today, we are not talking about a baka, but about one of our cuties. Say hello to… Chloe (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=48361)!
(http://i.imgur.com/AbJIV0U.gif)
"Snotty bear? Snotty bear". Chloe on her work for MetaSprite; therefore, credit to her.
Our favourite Ice/Fairy user is, indeed, very curious. She is soomehow shy, but easily outgoing. She enjoys books (and reading in general), but can mess with "its" and "it's". What does that mean? That this will be a weird analysis (as with most written by me). In any event, she is OP (Ordering Pizza).
After having taken a look at her stats, we shall commence:
| HP: 169 | Attack: 49 | Defence: 99 | Special Attack: 162 | Special Defence: 101 | Speed: 100 |
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/694.png)
Cutémon
Chloe @ Lure Ball
Impish Nature (+Banter, -Mercy)
EV: 248 HP/8 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Pressure
Attract
Sleep Powder
Trick
Volt Switch/U-Turn
This is Chloe's standard set in competitive, and it is a very powerful one. With Attract, Chloe can assure all Pokémon and battlers love her. All of them, including genderless and female ones. Under this condition, Chloe can now proceed to use Sleep Powder, thus rendering the rivals useless, while Tricking them with a Lure Ball, eventually capturing them for her own evil collection of pain and sugar. After having performed this shenanigan, it is necessary to get the heck out of there; Volt Switch deals a lot of damage thanks to base 162 Special Attack, but if you are too concerned about Grounded people who will never be able to love, U-Turn is the best solution to run away.
With the spread that has been provided, Chloe can switch into Stealth Rock five times, thus easily eliminating 5 opponents in a row, and Pressure is chosen to make sure they are hard-pressed to adore her.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/694.png)
A Winner is Me
Chloe @ Silk Scarf
Modest Nature (+GG, -Banter)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Rattled
Celebrate
Hold Hands
Transform
Hidden Power Fire
Because you are totally not a loser, Chloe will (sarcastically) call you a "loser". In those cases, in chat, a rare event will occur: party hard (aKa partyboob). Celebrate, then, is the obvious choice for Chloe, as, without it, party would not befall. Because Alex will likely be there and Chloe likes sharing happiness, Hold Hands is chosen to form a kick-ass combo that everyone will fear and, afterwards, explode because of the exessive amount of happiness one would accumulate.
If that was not enough, Transform allows her to turn into the almighty Skrelp, and Hidden Power Fire is for those cases a rancid yet iron-ic admin blocks her path, dealing Super Effective damage to them.
Rattled is the ability of this set because Chloe might be afraid of bugs or people bugging her during the chat, Modest nature is picked due to the fact bantering during sarcasm does nor produce very friendly results, and Silk Scarf is equipped because Chloe is so fabulous that not equipping it in such a fancy set would be a crime.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/694.png)
Ice Pizza Challenge
Chloe @ Flame Orb
Jolly Nature (+Yay!, -Meh)
EV: 248 HP/252 Def/8 Spe
Ability: Oblivious
Crunch
Judgement
Spit Up
Swallow
Sometimes, Chloe might be hungry in the physical world; to avoid a Global-Scale disaster, Chloe has to feed herself. Notice that using another nature other than Jolly would cause a big problem, so this is out of discussion, and the same goes with the ability, which makes her not notice if a steak is too cooked due to the Flame Orb (which cooks her food) or this kind of paraphernalia.
Crunch is the main move: without it, Chloe would be unable to eat, thus causing mass destruction to the world and starvation to her, and both are unacceptable (right?). Because Chloe is a human (you did guess that!), she has a taste; Judgement determines whether the food is good or bad, thus leading to the next moves, Spit Up and Swallow: if the food is good → Swallow, otherwise → Spit Up (at Delicious_Scout's face, if possible). After being pleased, Chloe will be happy, and so will we.
Chloe, the Librarian Guy challenging user. Should you not have your body, food, and bater ready, assume you will be OHKOd in a second.
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So, what do you think about Chloe? Is she a clear Über? Will she ever stop being an invisible user? More next week!
Schedule: A surprise.
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I'm trying to think of how Sappy would go, but even the thoughts were OP. Sappy, the complete ban user. You may as well just give up.
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this was cute as heck and also funny as heck
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I hope you mean Giga Impact. You should at least know the difference between physical and special attacks. Yes, Hyper Beam used to be physical in Generation 3, but has been special since 4. The real reason we don't use either move is so you can hit once and then switch out. Either way the opponent has a free turn, but at least you should gain some advantage from the switch.
I apologize for coming across a bit harsh there. :mellow:
I'm trying to think of how Sappy would go, but even the thoughts were OP. Sappy, the complete ban user. You may as well just give up.
That Mega Evolution he mentioned sounds scary.
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Because Sappy has generated such a massive expectation,
I Alice has decided to commence the Sappy Week, in which we will analyse some Pokémon Sappy has murdered during his streams (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=105737.msg2392084#msg2392084). Shall we?
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Today, we will review the Pokémon whose name is a direct reference to our lord and saviour, the Flying Spaghetti Monster; please, salute our comrade, Colander (aKa Simipour).
(http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110907021509/es.pokemon/images/thumb/8/8f/Simipour.png/200px-Simipour.png)
No, we can not have a MetaSprited Simipour yet.
Simipour is cute, no matter what Richard says about it competitive-wise. It has always been in NU, but this does not mean it is meant just for that tier; it can actually function in almost all tiers it goes (bar Über most of the times). Yes, that means our friend Colander has some trick under its sle… banana. In its case, it is a change in the breeding mechanics: Simipour can now have acces to Torrent AND Nast Plot at the same time. Remember Empoleon using SubPetaya? Colander hits harder in less turns, at the cost of almost non-existant defences, as seen on/in this chart:
| HP: 75 | Attack: 98 | Defence: 63 | Special Attack: 98 | Special Defence: 63 | Speed: 101 |
Yes, it has the trollish base 101 Speed. Sound familiar, Landorus? Ah, don't bother with Gluttony: Torrent is usually better, especially with a frail Pokémon that needs all the power it can get.
Lewis, you should have done this:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/516.png)
Rekin in Pieces, Colander
Simipour @ Salac Berry/Petaya Berry/Leftovers
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Torrent
Substitute
Nasty Plot
Surf/Scald/Hydro Pump
Ice Beam/Grass Knot
Oh, I wonder where I have seen this before… (http://www.smogon.com/dex/bw/pokemon/empoleon) Yes, they play in a similar manner, but Colander requires more practice and skill to use due to its lack of significant bulk and Steel type; thus making it similar to Jynx, which is marginally easier to use, but requires to not miss with Lovely Kiss. At any rate, Colander does not usually have a margin to choose from: it will often find itself forced to use Substitute first in order to be protected for some turns, hence being granted a Nasty Plot. If you happen to be lucky enough to outspeed the foe, you can use Substitute until you get to eat your berry: Salac Berry is usually the best choice, because Colander is not that fast and the boost by the Petaya Berry might be wasted if you manage to use Nasty Plot three times in a row. Leftovers is acceptable if you want to stay for longer, but keep this very present in mind: you might need the Speed Boost, and a successful use of Leftovers might put you out of Torrent range, the main reason Substitute and Salac Berry are used.
But Colander would be a sitting monkey if it could not attack, right? For our fortune, Simipour can use powerful moves to stand a chance. The choice between Surf and Hydro Pump is the classical Reliability vs. Power, but in this case Surf, due to Torrent and Nasty Plot, tends to be better, and Hydro Pump can miss, thus ending Colander's life, miserably. Scald has the bonus of burning incoming physical sweepers, but do not expect them to not break your Substitutes.
A Water STAB is not enough; Colander then has to think deeply what coverage it should use: yes, Ice Beam is a great backup, but that means Bulky Water Types (BWT) will come and wall you. To avoid such a disaster, Colander can use Grass Knot (Hidden Power Grass does not tend to present better results) in order to finish those BWT, at the cost of being threatened by Dragonite (although you might be able to burn it with Scald).
4 EV in HP are used to use just three Substitutes to get the Salac Berry boost, while the rest, along with the nature, are what make a sweeper. This set does not usually extensive support, as it is usually meaningless because of Simipour's poor bulk, but it needs to be brought by a fainted teammate, a slow VoltTurn, or, the riskiest option, smart switching. Do not expect to use Colander with ease; revenge killers are everywhere.
Simipour, the Water Infernape Pokémon. You can save Colander by calling at 1-888-watr, and you will have a friend able to kick butt and water.
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So, what do you think about Colander/Simipour? Should we encourage Sappy to not murder his Pokémon? Find it out tomorrow!
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By no means is simipour water infernape. For one, simipour doesn't look like a steaming pile of crap. Two, simipour is kinda cute. 3, 1 hydro pump and derpape eats the dust.
Just sayin'.....
I still like the article.
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I LOVE SAPPY WEEK
#egofed
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And so do we. #dongfed
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Today, we are covering our favourite GL reincarnation: say hello to Alexpup, also known as Stoutland.
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101219052429/es.pokemon/images/thumb/8/8d/Stoutland.png/200px-Stoutland.png)
Why are our sprites by MetaSprite being denied to us?
I am sure there was another Lillipup in his team, but the current one is called Alexpup, and guess what, it is ALIVE! But… Stoutland is not the definition of "great" competitive-wise. Just check its stats:
| HP: 85 | Attack: 110 (100 in Gen V) | Defence: 90 | Special Attack: 45 | Special Defence: 90 | Speed: 80 |
After seeing those stats, if keen enough, one might happen to realise that Bouffalant is, indeed, quite similar to Stoutland, with 95/110/95/40/95/55, Sap Sipper, Reckless, and Soundproof; even being more dangerous, but this is not entirealy true: yes, Bouffalant has superior bulk, but it is very slow, does not have an immunity to Sandstorm (one of the most prominent weathers in OU), and its abilities are either situational (Sap Sipper) or counterproductive in the long term (Reckless). Stoutland, despite lacking Earthquake, Stone Edge, and Megahorn, has access to Superpower (Bouffalant prefers Earthquake), Wild Charge (Bouffalant does as well), and Crunch, enough to work with.
Sappy, what the heck where you thinking about? You should have used this:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/508.png)
wow such sand
Stoutland @ Choice Band/Life Orb
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 40 HP/252 Att/216 Spe
Ability: Sand Rush
Return
Superpower
Crunch/Pursuit
Wild Charge
REMEMBER: USE THIS SET IN SAND, OTHERWISE YOU COULD BE USING ANY OTHER POKÉMON.
Stoutland got a nice buff in Attack, and Stoutland can make good use of it as a Wallbreaker or even as a late Sweeper. Return is the best Physical STAB it can get, and, coupled with Superpower, only Ghosts wall it, and those, along most Psychic types, are eliminated due to their lack of bulk (in OU, the only one is Gengar) with Crunch or Pursuit; while Crunch focuses on direct termination, Pursuit can force Latios (Life Orb versions, Scarfed ones outspeed even 252 Speed Stoutland). Wild Charge, although seeming pointless at first, is very important for avoiding Gyarados to come in freely and for not being walled by Skarmory.
Do you know what's the worse of being a base-Speed 80? Not being able to outspeed Choice Scarf Keldeo using an Adamant Nature, and since Stoutland NEEDS the power, Jolly should not be used. Knowing this, Stoutland runs 216 EV in Speed, enough to outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in Sand; 40 EV in HP are to do something marginally productive, but do not rely on these too much; Conkeldurr, for example…
252+ Atk Conkeldurr Drain Punch vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Stoutland: 312-368 (97.1 - 114.6%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
… can meet an unexpected nasty surprise. Stoutland 2HKOs in Return with Return (HA!).
Choice Band is the best item Stoutland can use, but, due to its increase in Attack, Life Orb is now a serious option at the cost of recoil. I don't think you should consider any other object but a Chople Berry, which eliminates during one turn its only weakness, enhancing its survivability, at the cost of a very nasty drop in power.
Stoutland/Alexpup, the very doge Pokémon. Should it bark "yolo" or "swag", order it to murder its target; otherwise, you are going to have a bad day.
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So, what do you think about Alexpup/Stoutland? Stout Alex for Two Refined? Does it make sense for this Pokémon to have Sand Rush? Do you find it a good Pokémon? More during the next issue (which should be aired soon)!
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I had no idea it even got Sand Rush tbh lol interesting article for that reason, would never have even considered it
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I have always found it odd that Herdier and Stoutland get Sand Rush but no access to Sandstorm which ACTIVATES it.
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Perhaps this is a reference to Megaman's Doge, Rush. Sandstorm? Do you expect a dog to emanate sand from its skin? A… really? Do I have to? *sigh*
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Today, committing suicide has never been so fluffy. Give a big hug to Boobat, the Swoobat.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/528.png)
Yes, by MetaSprites and very cute, but… BOOBat.
Boobat is frail, Boobat is weak, Boobat could be a tit to face if it had better Stats!
| HP: 67 | Attack: 57 | Defence: 55 | Special Attack: 77 | Special Defence: 55 | Speed: 114 |
Klutz and Unaware? What are they for in such a frail Pokémon? Little. Woobat needs to go fully offensive against its enemies, especially with that outstanding Speed stat; for its fortune, Simple is available as its hidden ability of choice, and it can make a decent use of it. Another selling point for our booby friend is that its typing, Psychic/Flying, is not bad at all; its STAB is only resisted by Steel and Tyranitar, and Swoobat can maim Steel Types (bar Heatran). Defensively, it resists Fighting x4, which is always handy.
Let's sort the set.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/528.png)
Expand Boob
Swoobat @ Salac Berry/Sitrus Berry/Focus Sash
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 20 HP/4 Def/252 SpA/232 Spe (236 Spe if running HP Fighting, removing the 4 EV form Defence)
Ability: Simple
Calm Mind
Stored Power
Psyshock/Heat Wave/Air Slash/Giga Drain
Heat Wave/Hidden Power Fighting/Substitute/Roost
This set is clear as crystal; using Calm Mind is the main goal of our booby friend. This is easier said than done because of Swoobat's poor bulk, but at least it is quick enough to set up on some Pokémon that really like to spam Special Attacks; due to Simple, Swoobat will be granted a +2 in Special Defence, thus letting it survive some more hits. It goes rolling, and, at +6, it is very hard to stop without a proper counter; Air Slash eliminates Conkeldurr, Keldeo, and Mega Venusaur, but they already suffer a lot from Stored Power, and this is why Psyshock is listed as a second option, just to hit Pokémon in their lower defensive stat. Giga Drain is useful for defeating those pesky Bulky Water Types (BWT), and it also recovers some HP, which are very much needed by Boobat. In the last slot, Heat Wave harms Scizor and Skarmory for heavy damage (if Scizor does not hit before with a Bullet Punch), and Hidden Power Fighting nails Tyranitar and Heatran, Pokémon that otherwise would wall Swoobat with ease. The last two moves are to stay a bit longer and to stall some PP from Bisharp's Sucker Punch, because it is unlikely you will be able to hit it unless you are carrying Heat Wave (or even HP Fighting) with Substitute or via some smart play.
Don't let the EV in HP fool you; it is very unlikely it will survive a long time, but it is always handy to have some sort of bulk to survive any incoming hit. A Timid nature is necessary to outspeed Thundurus, the Pokémon whose Speed is marginally lower than Swoobat's; if Swoobat is lucky enough to get a +2, it will have a nice change to OHKO Thundurus using Stored Power, but Thundurus can do the same, at the cost of dying due to Life Orb recoil. The item selection is to ensure Swoobat can, at least, get a Speed Boost in order not to be easily outsped, but Sitrus Berry can be used instead of Leftovers due to the urge of health by Swoobat. Focus Sash is very useful as well to revenge kill something and even sweep at 1 HP, if you are gutsy enough.
Swoobat, the Boobat Pokémon. Amazing, a Shrubby trap that actually catches opponents off-guard.
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So, what do you think about Swoobat? Is it too frail to be effective? Is Azumarill amused? Find it out on the next article!
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I honestly may give boobat a try now. I always loved a good CM spam with my sylveon back when I was beginning in Gen 6 OU.
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Heart Stamp is also a decent STAB. It has 60 BP which may seem low but it is also enough to cause Flinching. Heart Stamp seems to be one of those rarely used moves that are actually quite good.
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Heart Stamp is also a decent STAB. It has 60 BP which may seem low but it is also enough to cause Flinching. Heart Stamp seems to be one of those rarely used moves that are actually quite good.
It's also a physical attack coming off Swootbat's lower Attack stat, and also not benefiting from Calm Mind. I suppose you could use it with Thunder Wave to take advantage of the 30% flinch chance, but annoyer sets don't tend to be very effective (though some Pokémon like Togekiss do it well).
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I keep forgetting which moves are Physical and which are Special....
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I keep forgetting which moves are Physical and which are Special....
think of it like this:
if a move involves the pokemon making contact with the foe (giga impact (keyword: impact), double kick, pound, heart stamp etc.), it's probably physical
if it does not (psychic, magic leaf etc.), it's probably special
there may well be exceptions to this but it is a quarter to eight in the morning so you'll have to find them yourself because i am not doing it
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think of it like this:
if a move involves the pokemon making contact with the foe (giga impact (keyword: impact), double kick, pound, heart stamp etc.), it's probably physical
if it does not (psychic, magic leaf etc.), it's probably special
there may well be exceptions to this but it is a quarter to eight in the morning so you'll have to find them yourself because i am not doing it
Draining Kiss is an example of a special contact attack.
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Grass Knot is the only commonly used competitive special attack that makes contact, so it's the only one you really have to remember.
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Grass Knot is the only commonly used competitive special attack that makes contact, so it's the only one you really have to remember.
Well Infestation is usable as a 100% accurate trapping move with a little damage thrown in. Not sure what Pokémon would use it though.
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I'm surprised Swoobat's Special Attack is so small, I'm not surprised at all based on that that you have to run Calm Mind though. That thing isn't packing a punch without it, unfortunately =[
interesting read as usual =]
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Draining Kiss is special and makes contact. Stone edge and Earthquake are physical but make no contact.
Just have to look a bit.
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You were supposed to discuss about the Pokémon, not contact moves. XD
Talking about contact…
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Today's Pokémon can not stand a single hit most of the times, but it is very infamous due to one of its deadly combos. May your h4x be overwhelmed by Fingercat the Liepard!
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/510.png)
Credit to MetaSprite. No pun today.
Do you want a Pokémon frailer than Swoobat? Take a look at this:
| HP: 64 | Attack: 88 | Defence: 50 | Special Attack: 88 | Special Defence: 50 | Speed: 106 |
Are you not convinced of its frailty yet?
44+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Liepard: 180-213 (66.9 - 79.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
While…
252 SpA Expert Belt Liepard Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 100 SpD Mega Scizor: 216-259 (62.9 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Yes, Liepard is pretty much 2HKOed or OHKOed by almost any attack, which is not good at all. Abilities in Limber and Unburden do not help it either due to the lack of power of the Pokémon. Nevertheless, its usefulness lies in other ability, Prankster. With Prankster and decent offensive capabilities, along its good STAB in Dark, make Fingercat a good companion. And it is cute.
Finga stole mah set!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/510.png)
First SwagPlayer ever lol The Prank Life Chose me
Liepard @ Focus Sash/Dread Plate
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe or same Speed with 248 HP and 8 Def
Ability: Prankster
Knock Off
U-Turn
Encore
Thunder Wave/Sucker Punch/Pursuit
Knock Off is a very useful STAB that removes the item of any non-mega Pokémon while dealing decent damage thanks to its STAB and adequate base 88 Attack (how Nazi of them!). A fast U-Turn is the responsible for making Liepard staying alive, provided there are no entry hazards. These two moves are only resisted by a few Pokémon, but do not expect to OHKO many Pokémon with these moves.
In order not to be totally outclassed by any genie, Encore has to be chosen, easing strategies due to this move being the one to usually strike first, thus using it during a bad moment for the opponent is not that hard (if Fingercat survivies).
To outspeed Mega Pinsir, a Jolly Nature along 252 EV in Speed are chosen to marginally outspeed the Pokémon mentioned before, and paralysing it with Thunder Wave. If you want to go more offensive, Sucker Punch and Pursuit do work; Sucker Punch compromises Latios, while Pursuit traps many Pokémon that are unaware of Fingercat's attacks.
A Focus Sash is vital for Liepard to make its job, but if you feel lucky or Barbarian enough, Dread Plate is an option that helps Fingercat finishing off some weakened rivals; keep in mind, though, that it will be likely that, without a Sash, it will not be able to do anything, but Knock Off does need Power, and Scouting while paralysing and later dealing the last blow is something Liepard can do, especially with Encore. Foul Play is an option if using the bulkiest spread, and this EV idstribution should be used to, mainly, ensure Encores.
Keep always in mind that there are Pokémon that can do better than Fingercat, but they are not as cute. Hence, my advise is that you should be extremely careful, but at least you are not weak to Stealth Rock.
Liepard, the Finger! The Finger! The Fingercat Pokémon. Go ahead if you can; it is not just hard, but in case you are behind, you are likely going to have a ruined day.
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So, what do you think about Liepard? Is it absolutely outclassed by Thundurus? More in the next article!
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With Liepard I would try to find a way to abuse Prankster Assist. Spore, Dark Void, V-Create etc. The rest of the team is built with other Assist users and moves that Assist can't call up. See if you can find the YouTube video where someone uses a Contrary Spinda using V-Create via Assist. Yes it's novelty and not of much value but still fun.
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Yes, I have bigger plans for Assist, for example, writing a whole guide on trolling. Talking about trolling…
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I'm sorry, but Sappy did not kill anything else interesting other than… Sex Corn, also known as Serperior.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/497-Seperior.png)
Yes, Serperior (drawn by MetaSprite) is looking at my article, disappointed.
I might sound like a bad person by now, but what Serperior has now is not enough: as a Dual Screener with Paralysis support, a very specialised role, Klefki is superior due to its typing, ability, and movepool.
No, Serperior has to play dirty by now. If you are naughty enough, you will be able to transfer a Snivy with Contrary (currently it "only" has Overgrow) into "Pokémon X" and "Y", then you might as well breed until you get a perfect offspring with its Hidden Ability, thus being legal. But do not tell anybody I have told you this. And trust me when I say Contrary is really important on Serperior, especially with stats like these:
| HP: 75 | Attack: 75 | Defence: 95 | Special Attack: 75 | Special Defence: 95 | Speed: 113 |
Let's see why Contrary is so important.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/497.png)
YOU SHALL NOT SNEAK!
Serperior @ Leftovers
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/96 SpA/160 Spe
Ability: H4X Contrary
Leaf Storm
Hidden Power Ice/Fire
Dragon Tail/Synthesis/Glare
Substitute/Synthesis
Without being totally defensive and thus being granted a +Speed Nature, this is what Serperior should be doing. Leaf Storm is the main STAB, adding two stages to its Special Attack after using this move, thus allowing Serperior to actually tank. The second slot is hard to choose, mostly because both Hidden powers are equally important: while Hidden Power Ice eliminates Dragons, Landorus, Thundurus, and Gliscor (assuming you have set up), Hidden Power Fire targets Scizor and Ferrothorn, which would otherwise wall Serperior (make sure to move 4 EV from SpA to Spe if opting for HP Fire due to the Speed Drop). If you are trying to eliminate Heatran, choose Hidden Power Ground.
The third slot and fourth one are for support and longevity. If one wants to get rid of a set up sweeper or this kind of elements, Dragon Tail should be chosen, with the added bonus of forcing the switch of Pokémon that you are unable to maim with your HP of choice; if you are looking for a more cooperative modus operandi, Glare paralyses all Pokémon but Electric Types (and being Thundurus Serperior's biggest enemy, you should be extremely careful), while Synthesis is recovery in those cases you want to stay.
After having chosen the third slot, one can opt for Substitute or Synthesis: if Synthesis has been chosen before, Substitute is the natural choice, thus being a sturdy, reliable tank. If not, both options should be considered: Substitute eliminates the chance of being statused (be wary of Pranksters) at the cost of some health that can be recovered via Leftovers, while Synthesis is solid recovery, especially recommended if one wants to go offensive with this set.
Serperior, due to its typing and apparent docile look, will lure many opponents, especially those carrying super effective attacks against it, so be very careful while taking hits: although it can stand many powerful strikes (Overheat from Timid Maximum SpA Manectric never OHKOs when it is not a critical hit), Serperior migth be unable to use the boosts granted via Leaf Storm, so never overestimate your opponent.
A Timid nature with 160 EV in Speed is required to outspeed Maximum Speed, Naïve Landorus, while 252 EV in HP grant maximum recovery with Leftovers (and Synthesis), while being able to resist one hit form Landorus, thus counterattacking reliably. Outspeeding Thundurus does not make much sense because of Prankster and the loss of bulk and power. If you want to go slower with a Defence or Special Defence boosting nature with Glare as the key for your success, go ahead; it is not bad at all.
Serperior, the Smugleafing Pokémon. Should you not eat your sex corn, you might find yourself in trouble very soon, for example commiting suicide in from of Colander.
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So, what do you think about Sex Corn? Is it fabulous? Would you like one as your pet/car? Don't hesitate to read the next issue, which is on Sappy himself!
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No, Serperior has to play dirty by now. If you are naughty enough, you will be able to transfer a Snivy with Contrary (currently it "only" has Overgrow) into "Pokémon X" and "Y", then you might as well breed until you get a perfect offspring with its Hidden Ability, thus being legal.
But it still won't be legal. And how do you know that it won't be blocked on transfer?
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But do not tell anybody I have told you this.
Dang it, Raphetty! XD
I could tell you, but then I would be breaking the rules. I just told you that it might be possible, not how to. Shhhht…
[If not one else comments, this will be reserved for Sappy]
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I'm looking forward to Sappy's article [and the running order beyond that].
I guarantee Self-Destruct will be one of his moves because of the deaths in the nuzlocke.
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Oh, how you know him. And talking about h4x…
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… today, as expected, we will cover the man of the week. Please proceed to a round of applause to Sappy/Lewis (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=25895)!
(http://pkmn.net/forums/avatars/gold.png)
Credit to The Pokémon Company.
Sappy is Overpowered. Period. We could finish this article like that, but I am pretending I am paid per line written, so I will keep going on with this issue. Maybe you are wondering "Why is Sappy/Lewis so powerful?". Very easy, laddie; Lewis has access to the sacred Powersave, which basically grants Sappy the almighty Sappynite, which makes Sappy evolve into Mega Sappy. Don't you believe me? Check the stats:
| HP: 101 | Attack: 100 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 169 | Special Defence: 129 | Speed: 101 |
Yes, Base 101 Speed is very trollish in Über, where he belongs. And now take a look at Mega Sappy, which, I guarantee, comes with a little surprise:
| HP: 200 | Attack: 200 | Defence: 200 | Special Attack: 200 | Special Defence: 200 | Speed: 200 |
That's right, he is the only living being whose total stats during a Mega Evolution are increased by more than 100 and whose HP increase. If he weren't OP enough with abilities in Speed Boost and Huge Power, Sappy gets Wonder Guard (abusing a Normal/Ghost type) as his Ability during his Mega Evolution, thus making the writer wonder whether Sappy has abused of Powersaving too much.
Let's see what shenanigans Sappy has to offer.
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/8/8d/Colo_Red.png)
An exciting Mega Lesbian! (http://youtu.be/FExyXj-yfP8?t=15m30s)
Sappy @ Sappynite
Naughty Nature (+Kinky, -Mercy)
EV: 252 Att/252 SpA/4 Spe
Ability: (Speed Boost/Huge Power) → Wonder Guard
Shadow Ball
Hyper Voice
Close Combat
Gunk Shot
As suggestive as it might sound, this is a great way of abusing Sappy('s rivals). For example, if the opponent is being especially annoying during your battle, Sappy will not hesitate for a moment and he will use Shadow Ball to make sure the opponent is busy chewing something. Then, Hyper Voice turns Sappy into the loudest man (http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/xy-ou-pokemon-of-the-week-9-donphan-april-fools.3503460/page-4#post-5353311) of the game. If that wasn't enough, Close Combat takes a more personal approach, and it combines very well with Gunk Shot, eventually finishing the opponent and releasing all your stress on them.
The nature and EV are very straightforward to hit as hard as possible, while the initial ability is a not very relevant matter: Speed Boost allows you to grab a non-very-necessary Speed Boost (Ha!), while Huge Power helps revenge killing something.
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/a/a5/Spr_HGSS_Ethan.png)
Sappypass (http://youtu.be/3-cb1n1aYAI?t=21m18s)
Sappy @ Choice Band
Adamant Nature (+Fix, -Variable)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Huge Power
Flare Blitz
Double Edge
Wood Hammer
Self-Destruct
Due to the fact Sappy will receive a lot of Recoil Damage and Huge Power is more or less the same as Mega Sappy, with the benefit of running a Choice Band, this set stays in his regular forme. Because most people in-chat and during the streams will get hasty, you need to heat them up so that they buy even more from you: Flare Blitz is a very clever idea, and they might even get burnt, thus seeing themselves in a position such that they will either die or buy a Burn Heal from you. Double Edge is for innuendos, powerful enough to plug through moralist users such as Del-Serious or ShinyBlaziken. Wood Hammer is for those occasions when his lustiest start screaming out of emotion, while receiving a very special present. And, of course, because of his odd Internet and tendency to commit suicide, Self-Destruct is a must in this set, virtually annihilating the entire rooster.
The EV Spread, with an Adamant nature, allow Sappy to outspeed a good part of the Metagame while murdering anything on its path, including himself at the end. ):
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/8/8d/Colo_Red.png)
Friendly Relationzone (http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/810/357/010.jpg)
Sappy @ Sappynite
Jolly Nature (+♥, -Sadness)
EV: 248 HP/8 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Huge Power → Wonder Guard
Encore
Charm
Knock Off
Pound
Before starting, I must say that this set requires Mega Sappy because women do not like men in 2D; although most prefer one D, a Three-Dimensional D is usually better. In any event, Encore forces his next target to actually date him, this encoring the victim to go on a dinner, for example. During the date, Charm is vital to keep Sappy sexy enough for the following turns of the battle, which will be, of course, very intense. Talking about intense things, after the dinner, if the date has been successful (we are talking about Sappy, what can go wrong?), Knocking Off your clo… prejudices regarding… "anything (?)" should help you both achieving the ultimate goal of life, 42 eternal happiness. For some reason, Arceus decided that Sappy had to reach this using Pound, so here he goes and comes.
The Nature and EV are tricky: 248 in HP ensure Sappy can actually stand her piercing questions while being able to switch into Stealth Menstruation a total of Eight times; although illogical at some stages of life and bed, 252 EV in Speed with a Jolly Nature allow Sappy to quickly answer any pervasive question she might ask, and the Speed does not affect his performance in other matters. The other 8 EV are placed into Special Defence to further tank these questions; Sappy's damage output is so high that he does not need to invest in it.
LewLew/Sappy/Lewis, the Lewd Sapphire Cornflakes user. Just trust me on this one: never turn your back to him, or else you will be in a sticky and dangerous situation. But, seriously, check his videos, they are a lot of fun (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=105737.0).
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So, what do you think about Sappy? Should he get banned from Über? Will Mega Gengar and Sappy be friends? These and more in the next issue!
Schedule: I don't even know.
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The only way you can even touch him is a dark type move, the only thing that can touch him. Good luck.
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Sappynite would be banned from Ubers faster than Mega Blaziken was from OU.
Great stuff Scout, enjoyed the last one in particular. Although it's more like Quick Attack instead of Pound :(
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Please do Stantler. :)
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Please do
leather whatever you want. ^Eww he won't do that.
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Stantler? I wonder how. And no, Will, I will not commit a crime against nature just for you. Talking about crimes…
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… today, because a baka has called the Antichrist (and I don't mean a Jynx bred using a Chimchar) (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=87874.msg2394883#msg2394883), I will cover Pelipper.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/279.png)
Yes, MetaSprite has made this Pelipper.
*sigh* ShinyBlazikenXPelipper. This is reality. In fact, I am the reverend of their weeding wedding ceremony, and I assure you that they will have many eggs.
All right, time for the serious article. Pelipper is one of the weirdest Bulky Water Types (BWT) around due to its Typing (Water/Electric), Abilities (Keen Eye and, as a Hidden Ability, Rain Dish), and stats, as you can check below:
| HP: 60 | Attack: 50 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 85 | Special Defence: 70 | Speed: 65 |
What can Pelipper do in OU? Very little, as stated in the next set, courtesy of RubyRobin.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/279.png)
Can I BWT, please?
Pelipper @ Damp Rock/Leftovers
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spe
Ability: Rain Dish
Rain Dance/Roost
Hurricane
Scald
Roost/Ice Beam/Hidden Power Grass
This set, if played properly, is no joke. Very few things in OU resist Water and Flying STAB, and, with an added Burn, it can be even harder to take Pelipper down. But keep in mind that this Pokémon should be used if, and only if, Drizzle Politoed is in the battlefield (on your side). Raind Dance is to keep Rain up in case Politoed faints; if you feel that Politoed is sturdy enough, then you can opt to run a Leftovers set with Roost, thus healing a lot of health in just one turn, factoring Rain, Leftovers, and Roost. Scald is the main move to spam, as it can burn; addind Hurricane to confuse the enemy just adds banted to this combination. In the last slot, Roost should be chosen if you decide to use Rain Dance; otherwise, Hidden Power Grass deals solid damage to Rotom-W, while Ice Beam is general utility (especially against Dragons).
The EV and the nature of this set are natural for a physical "wall", and should be only be a physical wall due to its mediocre special-tanking capacity. In any case, 4 EV in Speed are used to try to score a status against Scizor before it mega evolves, or, in the worst case, the turn after it mega evolves, since they share the same Speed Tier.
Pelipper, the "waifu for ShinyBlaziken" Pokémon. Why!?
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I can not believe I have written this… what else can go wrong? What will happen in the next issue?
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Well, even though it has type advantages over me, it sure beats the hell out of a jynx waifu, or worse infernape bred jynx or jynx bred infernape, or worst of all, striaght up infernape.
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Can I BWT, please?
'Can I Bacon Wet Tomato, please?'
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Well, even though it has type advantages over me, it sure beats the hell out of a jynx waifu, or worse infernape bred jynx or jynx bred infernape, or worst of all, striaght up infernape.
Pelipper beats Infernape on the switch, but, naturally, Pelipper might not like to be against Infernape:
212 Atk Life Orb Iron Fist Infernape Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Pelipper: 307-364 (94.7 - 112.3%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Iron Fist Infernape Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Pelipper: 317-374 (97.8 - 115.4%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
"Might not".
0 SpA Pelipper Scald vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Infernape: 222-264 (75.7 - 90.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Life Orb should do the job, and Jynx has Dry Skin, as well as Sweet Kiss. Talking about completing jobs…
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Today's Pokémon has one duty: (con)trolling the support of its team. It might not look ideal at first, but it should never be underestimated. Say hello to Volbeat, readers.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/313.png)
Yes, Volbeat, drawn by MetaSprite.
This is not a joke; Volbeat is very dangerous if it does what it is supposed to mean, although its stats and pure Bug type might suggest otherwise.
| HP: 65 | Attack: 73 | Defence: 55 | Special Attack: 47 | Special Defence: 75 | Speed: 85 |
With Illuminate and Swarm as its main abilities, laughing at it would seem a natural choice, but a closer look reveals that Volbeat has access to Prankster, which happens to be one of the best abilities of the game.
How can Volbeat exploit that niche? Read below.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/313.png)
Fegelbeat
Volbeat @ Leftovers/Sitrus Berry/Focus Sash
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 248 HP/252 Def/8 SpD
Ability: Prankster
Tail Glow
Baton Pass
Thunder Wave/Substitute
Thunder Wave/Encore
That's right, science. Volbeat has also access to one of the most powerful boosting moves of the game: Tail Glow, whch increases the Special Attack of the user by three stages, half of the maximum allowed. Combine this with Prankster and Baton Pass for a massacre in few turns. But, of course, even with this investment, Volbeat is quite weak, and thus Thunder Wave, Encore, and Substitute are considered in the last two slots. Thunder Wave is probably the most important of all three, as it slows down the opponent and you might even be able to move twice without the opponent doing anything. Substitute creates a barrier that protects Volbeat from status and some other moves that would end its run, and it pairs well with Thunder Wave, but perhaps even better with Encore… if anything wanted to use a Status move on Volbeat.
As other options, running an Impish Nature with U-Turn, Rain Dance/Sunny Day, Thunder Wave, and Encore, along the corresponding weather stone, is a nice idea, but others can do it as well, almost all of them outclassing Volbeat in some aspects (Typing, Stats, other Moves). The surprise of this set (and Volbeat in general), along with Prankster Thunder Wave, are what make Volbeat a real Prankster.
Volbeat, the flirting Pokémon.Do not feel discouraged by its aspect and give it a try, or else it will use a Prankster Attract on you, causing pain to you in the long-run.
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So, what do you think about Volbeat? Do Smeargle, Gliscor, and Bronzong seem more reliable? More in the next issue!
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Dang, Volbeat has not attracted you. Perhaps this one will.
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Today, I will present one of the Pokémon that was hyped the most during the early days of XY. Look at it and tell me it is not cute! Here is Galvantula!
(http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110326182014/es.pokemon/images/thumb/7/7f/Galvantula.png/120px-Galvantula.webp)
Why do we keep missing sprites? We want more, MetaSprite!
Galvantula is a good Pokémon; Bug/Electric is a tricky yet effective STAB combination, and Bug covers the Ground Weakness this Pokémon would have otherwise. Stats? Here they are:
| HP: 70 | Attack: 77 | Defence: 60 | Special Attack: 97 | Special Defence: 60 | Speed: 108 |
Its abilities are not bad at all. In order of importance (less to more), Galvantula has access to Unnerve, Swarm, and Compound Eyes, which all are excellent abilities.
Set time!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/596.png)
Not so fast!
Galvantula @ Focus Sash
Timid nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Speed
Ability: Compound Eyes
Sticky Web
Thunder
Bug Buzz
Thunder Wave/Volt Switch/Hidden Power Ice
Sticky Web, in conjunction with Focus Sash, is what Galvantula is mainly used for. With this combination, and the fact Galvantula threats most Defog users in OU, Galvantula is free to be used as a lead or even mid-game in those cases Galvantula can be brought safely into the battlefield; remember that it is weak to Stealth Rock (its only other weakness being Fire), and, even if it were not, its Focus Sash would be worthless. In any event, Thunder (91% accuracy thanks to Compound Eyes) and Bug Buzz are a pain for most Defoggers: Mandibuzz, as well as other flying types, are hit hard by Thunder (Zapdos not that much), while Latios, Latias, and Mew do not want to switch into Bug Buzz at all. The last slot is filler, but detrimental to Galvantula's role: with Thunder Wave, Galvantula can paralyse those Pokémon that are unaffected by Sticky Web (barring Claydol, Landorus, Gliscor, Air Balloon Excadrill, and Thundurus), Volt Switch lets Galvantula act as a decent scout, and HP Ice hits Landorus, Thundurus, Gliscor, and most Dragon Types for heavy damage, thus not being helpless against them.
The EV spread is simple: hit as fast and hard as you can. The nature is non-negotiable, as 108 is an important Speed-tier, and Focus Sash should always be used, unless…
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/596.png)
Trapping with webs is for losers!
Galvantula @ Choice Specs/Life Orb
Timid nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Speed
Ability: Compound Eyes
Thunder
Bug Buzz
Volt Switch/Hidden Power Ice
Energy Ball/Hidden Power Ice/Hidden Power Fire
This approach is much more aggressive, and due to the few Electric Pokémon in the tier, this set is all right. Thunder is very easy to spam if all the Pokémon which resist or are immune to it are gone, dealing mastodonic amounts of damage. Bug Buzz, despite being resisted by seven types, hits Dark and Psychic types for Super Effective damage, a very rewarding feature. If you choose to go locked due to Choice Specs, Volt Switch is the preferred option, but Hidden Power Ice annihilates Pokémon that otherwise would cause trouble to Galvantula. In the last slot, Energy Ball usually eases prediction against Ground and Water Types, while aslo being a potent attack per se, Hidden Power Ice in case you chose Volt Switch before, or Hidden power Fire to, basically, terminate Ferrothorn, but you should be very wary due to the Speed drop of the 30 IV in Speed required for this given HP, thus being this the last option.
As before, the nature, EVs, and ability are almost sacred, but the item is another matter: choosing Choice Specs will easily struck fear in most opponents' heart because of its sheer power, but Life Orb allows you to switch moves, crucial considering Thunder can be walled, Bug Buzz is not very effective against seven types, and HP and Energy Ball being weak and exploitable, respectively.
Galvantula, the cute spider Pokémon. "Aww~♥", this is not what you will say after being hit by its Thunder.
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So, what do you think about Galvantula? Is it cute enough to out-cute Jolteon? Should it be used more? Next and more very soon!
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you should do one on chesnaught
except
special chesnaught
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I like both Volbeat and Galvantula. I was actually surprised that Volbeat wasn't part electric since it is a ligtning bug the first time I got one in Sapphire. You should do one on Volbeat's counterpart Illumise.
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Illumise? No. Chesnaught? Viable enough to be covered here. But do not worry, I have arrived with an updated. A corrupted one.
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Today, we will talk about what would have happened if viruses took place in the Pokémon world. May the h4x be with you, Porygon-Z.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/474.png)
Commit suicide… yes, please! (by MetaSprite)
Imagine that Dolan Duk turns into a headless and corrupted creature. Porygon-Z would be close to that nightmare, and its abilities (Download, Adaptability, and Analytic) and stats are the ones of a bad dream:
| HP: 85 | Attack: 80 | Defence: 70 | Special Attack: 135 | Special Defence: 75 | Speed: 90 |
Yes, in order to defeat Porygon-Z, one must bring the best Special Walls of the game, or otherwise they shall fall before its might. Fortunately, this is not the exact case, as Porygon-Z has one of the worst cases of Four Move Slot Syndrome ever encountered.
Let's check the set out.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/474.png)
poori pls
Porygon-Z @ Life Orb/Lum Berry
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Att)
EV: 80 HP/252 SpA/176 Spe (if using HP Fighting, run 31/0/30/30/30/30 with 72 HP/4 Def/252 SpA/180 Spe)
Ability: Adaptability/Download
Agility
Tri Attack
Dark Pulse
Hidden Power Fighting/Psychic
Oh, boy, where should we start? Agility is quite hard to pull off, but if done properly, it will give a hard time to the opponent, especially if you got a Special Attack boost from Download. After the Speed Boost, Porygon-Z can attempt a sweep, but be careful with the typical Special wall, or else you will have to switch out and restart the process. Tri Attack causes a lot of damage, especially with a steady boost from Adaptability or a high risk-high reward upgrade from Download; the 20% chance of causing a status ailment can be very useful if you are supposed not to switch out. Dark Pulse might be even haxier, and 20% chance to make the opponent flinch might be essential in oder to land a final blow. Both attacks cover a lot of Pokémon for neutral damage, but Lucario, Terrakion, Tyranitar, Bisharp, and some other I genuinely do not remember. In order to eliminate them, Porygon can use HP Fighting to exploit their common weakness to Fighting, but, if you are sure they will not cause a lot of trouble, Psychic should be chosen: with Life Orb, it is able to OHKO it and Keldeo, two Pokémon that would, otherwise, eliminate Porygon-Z with relative ease.
The EV are not very complicated: 252 EV in Special Attack enhance Porygon-Z's capability to cause a lot of pain, 176 (or 180) EV in Speed are invested to outrun Choice Scarf, positive-natured base 108 Speed Pokémon, in particular Keldeo and Terrakion, while the rest is carefully in HP for overall bulk, but if the value is even, drop 4 EV into any Defence. Modest is used to maximum damage and good Speed after Agility. The item of choice should be Life Orb, which adds additional damage to Porygon-Z's attacks, but if one is scared of Paralysis or other status, use a Lum Berry; keep in mind, though, that Life Orb is what ensures the OHKO in Terrakion with Psychic if it does not get a boost in Special Attack. Talking about boosts, Adaptability is for those trainers who prefer reliability, but Download, if played properly, can greatly help Porygon-Z scoring some more KOs.
Porygon-Z, the properly updated Pokémon. Should you not praise this Pokémon, Steve Ballmer will send an army of Clippos and Los Angeles Clippers to make you reconsider your thoughts.
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So, what do you think about Porygon-Z? Should it get a Mega Evolution? Do you prefer this one instead of Porygon2? More during the next issue!
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I enjoyed using Porygon-Z in the Gen IV days, don't think I ran Agility, think it was classic BoltBeam. Great read.
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BoltBeam works well, it really depends on what you want to cover, but, generally, BoltBeam grants more neutral, but less Super Effective hits. Talking about BoltBeam…
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Cute Girls Across Russia
Open the Way to Russia Girls. Blonds, Brunettes & Acres of Fun!
↑ This is a banner found in this site… Our Pokémon is one of the few mice that is approved by most women, even Russian ones that represent acres of fun. Say hello to… Pikachu.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/25.png)
Pika, Pika… MetaSprite.
The day has arrived, Pikachu is being covered. Who would not like to use Pikachu, after all? The great Pikachu, able to aim for the horn and resisting any attack!
| HP: 35 | Attack: 55 | Defence: 40 (30 before Gen VI) | Special Attack: 50 | Special Defence: 50 (40 before Gen VI) | Speed: 90 |
Wow, Pikachu is so sturdy that the minimum damage required to OHKO is the equivalent of a Surf by Luvdisc in Rain! No, Pikachu can not stand a single hit. Its primary ability, Static, does not help it very much either; for its fortune, Lightningrod is its Hidden Ability, able to get a +1 in Special Attack every time it is hit by an Electric Move. 55/50/90 might seem horrible, but Pikachu has a special item, called Light Ball, that doubles its Attack and Special Attack; 90 Speed is not that bad either.
Let's see how Pikachu can try to its qualities!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/025.png)
Pingachu
Pikachu @ Light Ball
Timid/Modest nature(+Spe/SpA, -Att)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Lightningrod
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Ice
Grass Knot
Substitute/Encore/Nasty Plot
Easy to understand, very hard to use: Thunderbolt is the STAB move, and a very powerful one, able to 2HKO and OHKO most Pokémon, while HP Ice completes the BoltBeam combination, while heavily damaging Ground Types that might switch in, as well as Dragons. Grass Knot is a means to damage Tyranitar, Terrakion, and most Pokémon that would be hit by Thunderbolt or HP Ice in case one does not want to risk Pikachu with predictions. The last slot is chosen in base of how big your guts are: Substitute might exploit the switch of a fleeing Pokémon to attack twice, Encore forces opponents to use Status moves if used properly, and Nasty Plot ends with the majority of the metagame at the cost of an almost ensured death.
The EV written above are to ensure Pikachu hits as hard and fast as possible, while keeping an Anti-Stealth Rock number. Timid is the preferred nature to speed-tie with other maximum positive base 90 Speed, but Modest is listed if, and only if, Pikachu, somehow, receives Sticky Web and Paralysis support, thus dealing even more damage, which is necessary for Pikachu. Do not even try to use Pikachu without Light Ball, as it would not double its offences. A Jolly/Adamant set with Volt Tackle, Knock Off, Extreme Speed, and Brick Break/Focus Punch seems like a good idea, but the coverage granted by those moves, as well as their potence and/or side-effects, not to mention the lack of Substitute/Encore/Nasty Plot, make this Pikachu a bit lacking, and it has to use Static as its ability (Extreme Speed was gotten via event). And no, as far as I am concerned, Icicle Crash and Extreme Speed are illegal together.
Pikachu, the mascot Pokémon. It might want your cornflakes, and in case you do not give them to it, you will have a fried day.
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So, what do you think about Pikachu? No, I do not want to read your rants about its defences; these are everywhere. Ah, do not miss the next article, this time on a girl!
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^There's also the puns for pikachu.
Anyway, any fast ground type can pretty much OHKO our beloved electric mascot. If they don't take an HP ice first.
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^Well no-one's gonna pikachu in the shower.
Lame jokes and shots fired aside, Pikachu is okay in lower tiers but the electric types down there are still generally better. Eelektross is an example of such, being slower but bulkier and with a better movepool. Good article again Scout, doing work once more :P
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So does your doing Pikachu rather than Raichu mean that Raichu is in fact a viable Pokemon?
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^We never said that, now did we? In fact, Raichu is only a little bit better, but it can't use light ball.
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As strange as it sounds, I agree with you both up to some extent: Pikachu will die because of anything and it is usually outclassed, but the proper use of Encore/Substitute/Nasty Plot and its relatively high Speed are factors to take into account. Raichu is more Speed for much less power, and I even think that Pikachu is overall better than Raichu. Talking about people who should be taken into account…
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Today, we will be discussing a user who is so radical her age is 4001/2 (bad joke). Salute our favourite waifu baker… Inferna/Courtney (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=47397)!
(http://www.ezimba.com/work/140812C/ezimba12842123823800.png)
Edited by her.
As stated here, she is pretty. Rad. And if I stop writing like I tried to date her, I can continue with this article; living in Scotland, her Ice/Fire typing is justified, but, ironically, being above 14ºC, her skin starts melting with the environment, causing a strange film in her body able to make oneself wonder whether that is sweat or not. Well, at least her stats are not as volatile:
| HP: 90 | Attack: 130 | Defence: 98 | Special Attack: 160 | Special Defence: 90 | Speed: 112 |
Settin' the sets ♪♫
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/157.png)
How do I Pokémon?
Inferna @ Weakness Policy
Naïve Nature (+WTF are they doing!, -Specialised Knowledge)
EV: 4 Att/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Wonder Guard
Fire Blast
Ice Beam
Protect
Metronome
Let's be honest: Courtney has not played Pokémon for a long time; all she knows is that Ice Beam and Fire Blast are very good moves to spam, especially given her Typing, which grants STAB to both moves. But, sometimes, a bad burnt doge called "Heatran" might appear. Protect ensures that she can survive a turn more, trying to figure out what is going on. But, after all this struggle, Courtney will eventually have to resort to her last move: Metronome, causing infinite amounts of "lol", "fail", and "win". If the opponent has not forfeited or died of laughter, keep spamming your moves non-sensically.
Due to her low experience in combat, Naïve nature is non-negotiable, and her EV ensure to marignally outspeed most of the metagame while letting her hit hard. The extra 4 EV are in Attack in case she gets lucky and spams V-Create. Weakness Policy complements her ability and experience very well, causing headaches and, probably, suicides against exaggerateldy stressed opponents.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/157.png)
Radical Corat
Inferna @ Expert Belt
Sassy Nature (+Banter, -C*nt Knee)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 SpA
Ability: Friend Guard
Wide Guard
Pursuit
Inferno
Celebrate
Why did the Corat cross the Nintenroad? To get her gamecode back. Yes, she, after happily returning to home during a day full of work, found out that a parcel for her lacked something very important: a valid code for her Zelda game. Unacceptable. So he mailed Ross, but Ross was not there; instead, more guys appeared, and none of them actually cared about her obviously first-priority problem. But she can not let her IRC partners strave! Quick! Use Wide Guard! With Friend Guard as your ability of choice, nothing should be wrong! Now they are safe! Continue!
After some weeks, no real progress has been made; it is time to get serious: with Pursuit, you will chase both Nintendo and Amazon until you get the game; if that does not work, use Inferno until they stop sticking/to stick to their arms, eventually letting you play as Lonk, from Pennsylvania. Because of this big effort and even greater reward, Celebrate is used to ensure this achievement is always in mind of everyone.
A Sassy nature is obligatory to let her abuse of Delicious_Scout Nintendo and Amazon, while also providing good banter, anecdota, and lulz. The Speed drop is irrelevant, as you can see in her story and time to respond in chat. And, of course, the EV maximise both offences to punish them for heavy damage. Do notice that Inferno has 50% chance of failing, thus explaining why she did not get her code within few days.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/157.png)
In reality, logos are bread
Inferna @ Leftovers
Rash Nature (+WTF am I doing!, -Sense)
EV: 4 Att/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: No Guard
Sleep Talk
Rock Blast
Sketch
Rest
Madness, chaos, bakeries, publicity. These four words are the main pillars of Courtney's life. What happened last night? Did I drink too much? How come when I eat I feel pain in my elbow? These are the questions one might wonder while using Sleep Talk, because it is hard to tell whether she is asleep or not.
Time to work has arrived, and so did you to the place. Sliced bread is a lie, I tell you what! Now we are serving Rock Bread! Using Rock Bread Blast, you ensure that your customers are 100% satisfied with your explanations and evidences, while never missing thanks to No Guard. What was that? Do you need extra money? Not a problem! Designing visual logos for blind people is easy with Sketch, while also being able to copy any other move she might like, like "Pay Day", "Teleport", or "Roar of Time"!
Ah, finally home; sweet, sweet home. First, a but of IRC, then, to bed. Yes, Courtney, you deserve to Rest… but do not abuse Sleep Talk too much, OK?
The EV are simple: 252 EV, along Sketch → Roar of Time ensure that she will hit as hard as possible any four-dimensioned reality, while 4 EV in Attack hit hard when used with Rock Blast, but not as hard as to kill your customers. 252 EV in Speed are to outspeed many common threats, such as stress, angry bosses, and such. Of course, a Rash nature is the perfect complement for this banana life.
Courtney, the very rasch, much craze, many goot, wow user. Be gentle and fun(ny) with her, and never, never steal a single code from her; if you do so, be ready to moan in pain.
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So, what do you think about Inferna/Courtney? Will we be able to make more puns out of her name? Will she order more stuff from Amazon? Find it out next week!
Schedule: Not a chance, pal.
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The people sets are best sets.
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You should do one on Volbeat's counterpart Illumise.
I will make a set to show how useless it is. I would have posted this earlier but I've just been catching up with reading this topic.
I copied the Volbeat set and just changed the name and its moves, since the stats are the same except for Attack and Sp. Atk, which we aren't using.
Illumise @ Leftovers/Sitrus Berry/Focus Sash
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 248 HP/252 Def/8 SpD
Ability: Prankster
Tailwind
Confuse Ray (or Swagger if you are ignoring Smogon's ban)
Thunder Wave
Encore/Substitute
This is an annoyer set (which are generally a bad idea), with Tailwind thrown in so it can at least provide some support outside of Thunder Wave. Whimsicott would be a better Tailwind user since it can do some more useful things, Memento for example. Illumise learns Baton Pass, but the only boosting moves it gets are Growth, Charge Beam and Power-Up Punch.
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Raphetty, as usual, is right; as I tried to make you understand (with a simple "no"), Volbeat outclasses Illumise. If you want, call her Natalie Portman.
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Today, we are presenting the first attempt at doing Goodra; ladies and gentleman, here it is… kuM Muk.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/89.png)
Muk, by MetaSprite.
Muk is a pretty cool Pokémon, actually. But it literally stinks. Metaphorically? Decide it by yourself. In any case, Muk is one of the two classical pure Poison types, and it did not disappoint too much. It could even be in some Über teams in Gen III, and its abilities, Stench, Sticky Hold, and Poison Touch are very useful. Perhaps the stats will convince you:
| HP: 105 | Attack: 105 | Defence: 75 | Special Attack: 65 | Special Defence: 100 | Speed: 50 |
Sets? Why not?
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/089.png)
Do not invert the name
Muk @ Choice Band/Assault Vest
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/4 Def/4 Spe
Ability: Poison Touch
Gunk Shot/Poison Jab
Ice Punch
Fire Punch
Shadow Sneak/Explosion
The Classic dylema called "Power vs. Durability" is present on this set, but thanks to its good Attack, very good coverage, and its natural bulk, this difference is somewhat mitigated. "Somewhat" because even with the choice of either Assault Vest or Choice Band, Muk still has to choose whether to run Gunk Shot or Poison Jab. Gunk Shot offers a lot of power, easily 2HKOing or OHKOing most of the metagame, with a 30% chance of Poisoning the rival if it makes contact; Poison Jab is 3HKO/2HKO, but, thanks to Poison Touch, it can act more of a supporter, and its perfect accuracy just makes it better. Ice and Fire Punch are a necessity for Muk; otherwise, without Ice Punch, any Ground Type could come in and threaten Muk with an Earthquake, while with Fire Punch it can hit hard all those Steel Types that otherwise would wall it. The choice of the last move is compicated: with Shadow Sneak, Muk can revenge kill weakened Pokémon, and Ghost is a decent type to hit with in OU, but its Power makes it a move dangerous to be locked into; with Explosion, Muk can severly harm, if not OHKO, most threats, at the obvious cost of its own existence.
The EV are very clear: hit very hard while keeping bulk, while 248 EV in HP allow Muk to switch into Stealth Rock nine times. 4 EV are in Speed to outrun Chansey, while the other 4 are in Defence to tank slightly better unSTABed physical Super Effective hits.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/089.png)
Nissan Moco
Muk @ Black Sludge
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 SpD/4 Spe
Ability: Sticky Hold
Poison Jab
Fire Punch
Ice Punch
Toxic/Curse
Because Trick has been nominated as the worst move to be locked into, Muk wants to celebrate this with Sticky Hold, thus preventing Trick users such Gothitelle and Rotom-W (uncommon with that set) from doing anything during that turn. With Poison Jab, Muk can try to poison and damage the opponent (Gunk Shot is not listed because this sets strives for consistency). Fire Punch and Ice Punch are meant to harm, but not eliminate (nuless they are at low health) possible counters. The last slot is what really differenciates this Muk: Toxic can cripple those Pokémon that might try to force out Muk on the switch, but Curse, due to Muk's great bulk, is effective enough to make use of, while also being able to eliminate those threats that otherwise would make its life miserable.
The EV do not require heavy Pokémon knowledge to understand: 252 EV in HP are to make Muk overall bulky while restoring the maximum amount of PS via Black Sludge, while the other 252 are into Special Defence to cover Muk's weak spot after some Curses. 4 EV are into Speed to outspeed Chansey.
Muk, the booger Pokémon. Should Ash hug one of them, Gary Oak will be loose. Do not worry, though, as Muk will make sure they calm down.
__________
Oh, yes, Muk is very frustrating, but… more than the next challenger?
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Looking forward to this, I remember the frustrations I had with Muk back in RBY with the constant minimises =/
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Yes, but there is something even more mysterious and eerie…
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Today, we are covering the second "genuine" pure Poison Type. Welcome to the club, Weezing.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/110.png)
Does it not look like like a cute sprite by MetaSprite?
If you find Muk annoying, you'd better not play against Weezing, which is actually more frustrating to take down if used properly. Yes, Muk could destroy things right off the bat with a boost or two, but Weezing is meant to annoy to death. Access to Destiny Bond, Grudge, Pain Split, and its new access to Toxic Spikes, along adequate stats and its ability, Levitate, granting Weezing just one weakness to Psychic, turn Weezing in one of the best walls/tanks ever created within Poison Types, just, overall, arguably inferior to Mega Venusaur, unless you use all its shenanigans effectively.
| HP: 65 (as with most Pokémon from Generation I) | Attack: 90 | Defence: 120 | Special Attack: 85 | Special Defence: 75 | Speed: 60 |
Let's make this s(h)et.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/110.png)
Weegee
Weezing @ Black Sludge
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spe
Ability: Levitate
Will-o-Wisp
Fire Blast
Sludge Bomb/Toxic Spikes
Pain Split
If you ever see a Weezing on the opponents¡ team, you'd better carry your best Special Attacker, or else you are going to have a hard time. Will-o-Wisp annoys most Physical Attackers, and it chips off some damage as well (Weezing's speciality). If it were not enough, Fire Blast maims the Steel Types that would dare to switch into Weezing (barring Heatran), but Heatran hates being used Pain Split against, especially due to its high HP and Weezing's low value. Sludge Bomb is a means to go through Fairies, but in case you are looking for a more supportative role, Weezing is often bulky enough to use Toxic Spikes twice, and Bisharp does not like to switch into Weezing at all due to Fire Blast and burns from Will-o-Wisp and Fire Blast.
A Bold nature is recommended to become one of the best Fighting-type check-counter available in-game, while also letting Weezing do its job of supporting more effectively. 252 EV in HP are to grant Weezing maximum overall bulk, 252 into Defence to be specialised in Defence, and 4 Speed are to outspeed Clefable by one point, thus being able to do serious damage; it can even scout Clefable's ability thanks to Toxic Spikes and Poison Damage. An Assault Vest set with Clear Smog, Fire Blast, Thunderbolt, and Sludge Bomb/Dark Pulse is interesting to try… if you are ver overconfident.
Weezing, the fartsack Pokémon. It might not be a Scottish bagpipe, but its sheer presence should be more annoying than a concert made with those instruments in a glass factory.
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So, what do you think about Weezing? Is it as annoying as it seems? Should it be any higher than NU? More during the next issue!
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Fartsack made me lol
will edit this with a more concrete response in the morning, should be sleeping now ^^;
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weezing is very annoying to take down, just in case anyone didnt believe you
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It really is hard to take down.
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I take it down in one shot. I even beat a Weezing once using a low leveled Ralts before. It was too easy using Psychic.
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^Well bro, not everyone can pull a ralts out of their back pocket.
I keep forgetting this stupid thing has levitate, further irritating me when I fight it. >.<
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But Gardevoir does not want to switch into Weezing; in fact, the only thing totally safe from its assaults is Heatran. Talking about annoying Pokémon…
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Today, we will discuss how another Poison type whose origins are found in Generation I as well can be annoying in a different manner. Wave hello to… Crobat.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/169.png)
Yes, guess what: MetaSprite
Golbat was in fact the one that was in Generation I, and with the introduction of friendship in Generation II, Golbat now can evolve into Crobat, which is better (unless you want Golbat for tanking purposes with Eviolite). It has almost always been in BL, and, since Generation V, a very solid UU. Do not underestimate this Batfabulous, since its well-distributed stats, along a very good Poison/Flying type, along the right moves, can make Crobat not only threatening but also very annoying, and the latter is undesirable, according to the rival. It even got better in Generation VI, because Poison Type has now a new resistance, a type which is Super Effective against (both are the same, Fairy type), and an improved ability in Infiltrator, which allows Crobat to go through Substitutes and Screens, often causing pain. This means Inner Focus is rather situational, though.
| HP: 85 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 80 | Special Attack: 70 | Special Defence: 80 | Speed: 130 |
Ironically, its best boosting move is Nasty Plot, but this does not affect its sets:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/169.png)
Happy Happy Stallbreak
Crobat @ Black Sludge
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/60 Def/196 Spe
Ability: Infiltrator
Brave Bird
Taunt/Defog
Roost
Super Fang/Defog/Toxic
Although this one does not stink nor fart, Crobat can be filthy to play against due to its Stallbreaker set. Because Crobat does want to inflict some damage after all; due to its low damage imput due to the lack of investment in attack, Roost, and Black Sludge, Crobat will not take that much of damage after its attack, and will actually recover the damage fairly quickly. Although the third slot has already been discussed (Roost), the second is even more important and harder to choose: Taunt allows Crobat to effectively Stallbreak with the given EV Spread, typing, and Nature, but Defog is an excellent utility move for most teams. In the fourth slot, if you ran Taunt in the second, Defog can be chosen, as well as Super Fang to damage the opponent for half of its health, and Toxic is a good last option in case Steel and Poison types (especially the former) are not in the opponent's team to use Taunt and Roost to the fullest capacity of trolling. If you wish to outspeed Noivern, run 200 EV in Speed instead, but it is very rare in OU. Do whatever you feel like. There is little point in changing the nature of the EV spread; this Crobat is meant to deal with some hits, not hitting by itself.
Crobat, the Batrobin Pokémon. In case you do not love it, a bunch of Golbats will come to your hair and make it a mess.
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You have discussed, let's move to the next one.
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I actually quite love Crobat.
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Since you're not going to make a Nasty Plot set, I will list Crobat's best special attacking moves:
Sludge Bomb
Air Slash
Shadow Ball
Dark Pulse
Heat Wave
Giga Drain
Some screens support or similar would be useful to help with setting up, I don't think it's completely "unviable" even with base 70 Sp. Atk.
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Since you're not going to make a Nasty Plot set, I will list Crobat's best special attacking moves:
Sludge Bomb
Air Slash
Shadow Ball
Dark Pulse
Heat Wave
Giga Drain
Some screens support or similar would be useful to help with setting up, I don't think it's completely "unviable" even with base 70 Sp. Atk.
Tyranitar, Heatran, blobs. They are very problematic for Crobat's "sweep" if using a Nasty Plot set; I know it because I have tried this before, trust me.
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Today, because I will let some people be paranoid regarding my modus operandi, I will let you think about Qwilfish.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/211.png)
Duckface, by a fish. Made by MetaSprite.
| HP: 65 | Attack: 95 | Defence: 75 | Special Attack: 55 | Special Defence: 55 | Speed: 85 |
Qwilfish looks weak, and most players often do not remember this Pokémon, which is a shame. A very good typing in Water/Poison, decent Attack, excellent support options, and the fact Focus Sash is a real thing are what make Qwilfish actually viable. Its abilities are Swift Swim, Poison Point, and Intimidate. Think that Swift Swim and Intimidate are its best abilities, along its access to Toxic Spikes and Destiny Bond, due to the fact that Poison Point is situational and Qwilfish can not afford to take many hits.
Set time!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/211.png)
KrebsXFish
Qwilfish @ Focus Sash/Black Sludge
Jolly/Impish Nature (+Spe/Def, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/4 Att/252 Spe (Jolly), 252 HP/200 Def/56 Spe
Ability: Intimidate
Spikes/Toxic Spikes
Destiny Bond/Pain Split
Poison Jab/Waterfall
Taunt/Thunder Wave
Oh, boy, this set is very annoying to take down if it is being used properly, which is not excessively hard but requires some practice. Qwilfish's main goal is to set up entry hazards; Spikes are preferred, but Toxic Spikes can be used instead if it is safe to do so (no Poison Types on the opponent's side, basically). After that, Qwilfish can either try to eliminate the opponent because of its own fault with Destiny Bond, or, if opting for the bulkier spread, using Pain Split is a good idea, but be careful while combining the damage from Spikes and the "recovery" from Pain Split. The third move is just a means to deal damage; if using for the quicker spread, Waterfall should be used to try to score a flinch, while Poison Jab can be used on both, but the slower set is more proficient at using it because of Spikes + possible poison damage from Poison Jab. Again, be careful while combining with with Pain Split. The last slot is hard to choose, because Taunt is the utility move that most leads and trolls want, but Thunder Wave is also very helpful to help others to end these now-slow threats.
Although the first EV spread is easy to remember, the second one is a bit more complicated; to make it easy, the EV in HP and Defence are to add bulk along Intimidate, while the EV in Speed allow Qwilfish to outspeed 44 Speed Rotom-W(illiam).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/211.png)
Deadly Fugu
Qwilfish @ Life Orb
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim
Sword Dance
Waterfall
Poison Jab
Destiny Bond/Taunt
For those who think they have guts, this set is ideal; Qwilfish, if granted a chance (lol), can try to set up Sword Dance. Coming from base 95 Attack might not be impressive, but it is just enough to troll hard due to the h4xy nature of its two STAB moves: Waterfall (flinch) and Poison Jab (Poison). Moreover, thanks to Destiny Bond, Qwilfish can end any healthy opponent unaware enough that tries to eliminate Qwilfish with a damaging move, while Taunt prevents stall and some other shenanigans related to status moves: bonus points if you Taunt a Prankster Thundurus on the switch.
This set is to be used in rain; otherwise, one is better off with other Pokémon. In rain, Waterfall can deal quite a lot of damage, and the Speed increase of Qwilfish caused by this battlefield condition means that causing a flinch is more likely. Use of hazards is highly advisable.
Qwilfish, the wannabee-twerker Pokémon. It might not be a wrecking ball, but its face is just enough to make one wonder why lipsticks exist. Also, the general advice: be careful while fighting against it.
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So, what do you think about Qwilfish? Should it be banned to FU (Fabulously Used)? Will I keep writing about Poison types? Next issue incoming!
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What's with all the Poison types?
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Tyranitar, Heatran, blobs. They are very problematic for Crobat's "sweep" if using a Nasty Plot set; I know it because I have tried this before, trust me.
Better in lower tiers then? Also if you saw those in team preview you would try to eliminate them before setting up.
What's with all the Poison types?
Sounds like a theme to me.
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You forgot to mention U-Turn on Crobat.
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Better in lower tiers then? Also if you saw those in team preview you would try to eliminate them before setting up.
If you're going to use a set-up special sweeper in UU, you're certainly not going to use NP Crobat as there are much more powerful attackers in there. Chandelure, for example, has a humongous 145 base Sp. Atk, double that of Crobat's measly 70. Whilst Chandelure is slower and lacks NP, it makes up for that in sheer power right off the bat, and doesn't need to take a turn to be able to try and hurt the opponent's team. Other sweepers with better power and better movepools in UU include Nidoking, Hydreigon, Alakazam, Azelf and even Jirachi. NP Crobat does not rank anywhere near to the levels of the aforementioned Pokémon.
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If you're going to use a set-up special sweeper in UU, you're certainly not going to use NP Crobat as there are much more powerful attackers in there. Chandelure, for example, has a humongous 145 base Sp. Atk, double that of Crobat's measly 70. Whilst Chandelure is slower and lacks NP, it makes up for that in sheer power right off the bat, and doesn't need to take a turn to be able to try and hurt the opponent's team. Other sweepers with better power and better movepools in UU include Nidoking, Hydreigon, Alakazam, Azelf and even Jirachi. NP Crobat does not rank anywhere near to the levels of the aforementioned Pokémon.
This, basically. Crobat's coverage is not great, while Chandelure's and Nidoking's is, whilst they can hold a Choice Scarf as well.
You forgot to mention U-Turn on Crobat.
I do not like using U-Turn on Pokémon that are weak to Stealth Rock, especially if they are relatively bulky or Archeops. Yanmega would be the exception because it almost has no moves, and the Choice Specs version has almost perfect coverage with just two moves.
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Today, in order to keep with the tradition of trolling, I will write about Poliwrath (take that, Poison Types!).
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/62.png)
The Australian face of doom is from MetaSprite.
Yes, this is serious. Taking Poliwrath down is no laughing matter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JttKFZeiTds); its Water/Fighting type, just shared by Keldeo, is far from outrageous, being it excellent both offensively and defensively. Ah, and its stats are not slouch either, just take a look:
| HP: 85 | Attack: 95 (85 before Generation VI) | Defence: 95 | Special Attack: 70 | Special Defence: 90 | Speed: 70 |
As stated before, its stats demonstrate it does not seem easy to OHKO, and its abilities (Water Absorb, Damp, and its Hidden Ability Swift Swim) just reinforce Poliwrath's toughness. With those balanced stats and good typing, Poliwrath is capable of surprising the opponent; it has a lot of moves and viable combinations if it does not mind losing either Speed or Special Attack. Access to Encore, a STAB, damaging phazing move in Circle Throw, and good synergy with practically every Pokémon are the icing of the cake for our polliwog friend.
Sets? Consider using Water Absorb and Swift Swim. The latter is especially useful in Doubles while using Belly Drum.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/062.png)
PoliBoah
Poliwrath @ Leftovers
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 132 HP/252 Att/124 Spe
Ability: Water Absorb
Substitute
Focus Punch
Waterfall/Ice Punch
Encore/Bulk Up/Toxic/Circle Throw
Most people forget that Poliwrath is one of the few Pokémon that can effectively use Focus Punch without losing much, if any, momentum. This is due to its ability, Water Absorb, and the fact it forces switches due to its excellent typing. Moreover, this ability to force switches can be strengthened with Encore, causing even more switches. In any case, Substitute is an abvious move for Poliwrath on this set because, otherwise, using Focus Punch would be too dangerous. Along Focus Punch and Substitute, Poliwrath has freedom to choose two more moves, all of them viable. Waterfall is the other STAB attack, dealing with Talonflame, but Ice Punch offers a means to damage Landorus and Gligar for more damage, as well as damaging Dragon Types that would resist Focus Punch such as Dragonite. The fourth move is not meant to eliminate targets per se, but to either enhance Poliwrath's capacity to receive hits, deal them, and/or set up with ease. Encore forces the opponent locked into Water attacks or status moves to switch, thus enabling Poliwrath to either use Focus Punch or set up a Substitute. Bulk Up is very interesting; its Substitutes will become harder to break and its attacks more difficult to resist. Toxic offers a means to hurt those Pokémon that otherwise would not care about Focus Punch and Waterfall/Ice Punch, such as the rare Jellicnet, and Circle Throw is there just to get some extra damage from hazards, if you have some on the opponent's side.
The EV in HP and Attack are easy to understand, but the Speed ones do not seem so obvious; the importance of 124 EV in Speed is crucial, because without them, Poliwrath would be outsped by 0 Speed Bold Suicune, and outspeeding it is important to lock it into Scald if using Encore. Swift Swim is not considered because it is illegal with Focus Punch, and Water Absrob is, overall, more useful for this bulky set.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/062.png)
What is a Politoed?
Poliwrath @ Sitrus Berry
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 44 HP/252 Att/4 Def/208 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim
Belly Drum
Waterfall
Brick Break/Earthquake
Ice Punch/Poison Jab/Rock Slide/Refresh/Rain Dance
This set is the pinnacle of suicide. While one has other Swift Swim abusers or Belly Drum users (Kabutops for the former and Azumarill for the latter), no one presents its typing and good power/bulk/speed ratio, and there is no such thing as a Belly Drummer that can abuse Swift Swim other than Poliwrath. Although very difficult to use, this set is devastating if used properly, as nothing would like to switch into Poliwrath unless it is safe to do so, and the most clear of example of this is a fainted partner followed by Talonflame's Choice Banded Brave Bird. In any event, Belly Drum is the boosting move of choice, and along Sitrus Berry, Poliwrath will be powerful and bulky enough to resist some hits and OHKO most things in return. Waterfall is a must, especially because it acts as a STAB and is powered under Rain, not to say that the flinch might be useful due to the fact Poliwrath outspeeds most things it might not be able to OHKO.
Due to Poliwrath's scarce physical movepool, it has to rely on Brick Break as its second STAB move, but if one can choose Earthquake as well just in case, but usually Brick Break is the best choice (at the cost of being walled by Jellicent). Finally, due to its limitations, Poliwrath can use Ice Punch, Poison Jab, and Rock Slide as offensive options: Ice Punch damages Dragons that resist Water and Fighting for more damage, Poison Jab has a chance to Poison pesky Fairy types barring Klefki, and Rock Slide is greatly appreciated by Brick Break and Earthquake because of its superb coverage. If one prefers to keep alive for longer, Refresh is used instead of Rest in order to just cure Burns, Paralysis and Poison, which would ruin Poliwrath's sweep; Rest would be too dangerous without a cleric, and even so, it would require Poliwrath to give up the boost from Belly Drum. Between these worlds, Rain Dance offers the balance; it supports the team and itself, while proroguing its sweeping time.
The EV are far from complex: 252 EV in Attack are to achieve as many OHKOs as possible, while 208 EV in Speed outrun Jolly 232 Speed EV Choice Scarf Landorus. No, Poliwrath should go Jolly if it wishes to outspeed Terrakion and Latios sporting scarves, and often an Adamant nature is necessary. 44 HP EV ensure an even number in Poliwrath's Health Bar, thus activating the Sitrus Berry after Belly Drum; 4 EV in Defence are put there not to use them in HP. It's very important to pair it with a Rain Summoner, or otherwise this Poliwrath is pretty much playing with a huge disadvantage.
Poliwrath, the first "Do you even lift!?" Water Pokémon. Whether Australian or from another part of the world, always be prepared to hit it with a Super Effective hit; the contrary shall cost you a hard time, or even defeat.
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So, what do you think about Poliwrath? Should we ship Tasha with it? May the power of the Poli compel you? More in the next article about our favourite Rotom forme!
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Wow, I will tell you what you did:
I write about Crobat, you comment on Crobat. Later, I write about Qwilfish, you keep commenting on Crobat. And I, finally, write about Poliwrath, and you do nothing. Interesting, at least. As today's man of honour.
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Today, due to popular demand by RubyRobin and Spriter, we will cover the man of the one hundred and one disasters, the prince of femaledoging! Today, we are talking about… Spriter/Will (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=40976)!
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/dragonpika/Clawitzer_zpscf857d29.png)
We finally have a Clawitzer sprite… by MetaSprite! (And used by Will!)
Let us be honest: Will should be suspected. Why? Because of its Ghost/Dark typing, along excellent attack, powerful priority in Shadow Sneak and Sucker Punch, his abilities, and a large &c. Do you not believe me yet? Check these stats out:
| HP: 120 | Attack: 204 | Defence: 120 | Special Attack: 100 | Special Defence: 120 | Speed: 16 |
Moreover, his stories are worth a "liek if u cri evrytiem", which is the icing of the ban. Look, even his sets are broken beyond belief; the only safe check is Rotom-W!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/363.png)
"lol"
Spriter @ Life Orb
Adamant Nature (+Serious, -Mercy)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/4 Def/4 SpD
Ability: Super Luck
Body Slam
Stone Edge
Icicle Crash
Shadow Claw
This is Spriter's only set in competitive; given the h4x he produces by just touching the battlefield, the opponent is likely to disconnect immediately. If this is not the case, Spriter will tell them the hard way why he is known as "h4xémon". With Super Luck, Spriter's capacity to cause h4x is increased from 100% to infinity, causing major grief among Shell Armor or Battle Armor users. In any event, Body Slam is what Spriter should be using most of the times: if it does not OHKO the opponent, it will paralyse it, and guess what, it will never move. Stone Edge and Icicle Crash provide exceptional coverage altogether and, despite their accuracy, they will never miss. In the last slot, Shadow Claw is the STAB move of choice, as it allows Spriter to even Crit under the No-Crit Clause, causing either an instaban or a dramatic ragequit.
The EV spread, along the nature, are very straightforward; invest to the maximum in Attack while using 248 EV in HP to achieve an odd number, then 4 EV in each defence for a balanced set. Life Orb helps Spriter getting even more OHKOs (stop already, let me win for once ;~;).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/363.png)
Rotom-W strikes again? Dinkelrsby…
Spriter @ Lum Berry
Hasty Nature (+Swiftness, -Luck)
EV: 252 Att/252 SpA/4SpD
Ability: Motor Drive
Hydro Pump
Will-o-Wisp
U-Turn
Refresh
Will tries to chat. Sometimes. And if he is not whining because we can not achieve his level of perfection is because his mobile/cell phone has mergered with Spriter's body, and Spriter has margered with a washing machine Rotom-Wash, and because of that, Spriter has demonstrated to us that Pokémon do exist. At any rate, Hydro Pump is the main "STAB", and it ensures a OHKO to most electronic devices emanating Internet. Will-o-Wisp overheats those devices if they are not dead already, because one can never be sure, especially if you happen to be Rotom-Was**troll. U-Turn is there because, after all, you do want to connect to the Internet to lurk around, and it is not walled by Ground Types, not to say it takes advantage of Will's greatest stat. Finally, Refresh is to cure all burns by just pressing F5, simple as that.
The nature and EV crave maximum power while desiring to connect to the Internet as fast as possible, a Lum Berry is the item of choice to avoid Refreshing too much, and the ability Motor Drive is chosen just in case an Electric Shock impacts Will so that he can hurry up to creep around some more with IRC.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/363.png)
"La sombra del esprités es alargada"
Spriter @ Smoke Ball
Lonely Nature (+Alone, -Companion)
EV: 252 Att/252 SpA/4 SpD
Ability: Magnet Pull
Follow Me
Shadow Sneak
Disarming Voice
Parting Shot
Ah, girls, Will's major weakness barring Rotom-W and non-h4xy games. How can he get some of them? No, I don't mean non-h4xy games nor Rotoms, because that would be bad, after all! I mean girls, who he actually likes. Follow Me is used to attract the attention of the target and to drag her into his van with a lollipop. What a filthy pedo. so that he can talk to her. After their encounter (forced by him), if there is necessity, or if he is simply bored, he will use Shadow Sneak to stalk actively look after his victim love object; if she does not notice him, good, but, in the other scenario, Will (will) have serious problems; it will be the time to use with haste and charm Disarming Voice, hoping for the best. If the woman is still armed and pointing at him, gg wp, run away (good thing you've got a Smoke Ball, huh!) while using Parting Shot, lowering her offences significantly enough to escape mostly unharmed. If she is compelled by Disarming Voice, use Disarming Voice as well to get her into your van keep dating and doing this kind of stuff more frequently. Who knows, they might even use Play Rough at some point!
The EV and Nature are more than bvious (again), why do you keep asking for them? What, that you have not asked anything regarding the EV spread and the nature of the set? Liar! But I will let you know that Magnet Pull is to attract wealthy woman!
Spriter/Will, the very what user. Do not disturb him while trying to refresh his mobile phone while using a date website or else he will h4x you life forever.
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So, what do you think about Spriter? Should he become the golden single man of the millenium? Should he sprite instead of borrowing them from Kay? More next week!
Schedule: Nice try.
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this was brutal </3
sorry will he loves you i promise
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Ouch, lmao xD
Nah, jokes aside that was a good one, nice work :P
does this mean I have to get a van licence to make the article seem more legit
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^Yes, it's required.
Anyways, after looking at the other user's articles, I half dread what he's got for me. It would be odd if he did mine on Saturday, since my HS's huge rivalry game is that day.
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^Yes, it's required.
Anyways, after looking at the other user's articles, I half dread what he's got for me. It would be odd if he did mine on Saturday, since my HS's huge rivalry game is that day.
It alternates between male and female members each week so based on that it won't be this week for you (as a prediction) =P
These member articles are always so good to read, a great addition to the series Martí =]
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So, what do you think about Poliwrath? Should we ship Tasha with it? May the power of the Poli compel you? More in the next article about our favourite Rotom forme!
Oh... my girlfriend and a Poliwrath yay... :(
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Oh... my girlfriend and a Poliwrath yay... :(
Quick! Use "Wide Guard"! As quick as today's Pokémon…
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As stated before, today's Pokémon is very quick… and as cute as Tasha. Please, receive fabulously our guest, Cinccino.
(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii286/Shiny_Pikachu/asprites/573_zpsf161ebcd.png)
Once again, victory's for MetaSprite.
When one sees Cinccino for the first time, one can not help but think "cute, useless Pokémon". I say, these are not good manners. First off, its abilities are top-notch killers; these are Cute Charm (♥), Technician (not bad at all), and Skill Link (a rara avis). Especially because of the two latter, Cinccino is not to be underestimated, even with its otherwise low stats:
| HP: 75 | Attack: 95 | Defence: 60 | Special Attack: 65 | Special Defence: 60 | Speed: 115 |
Nevertheless, one has to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the other relevant Skill Link users available (Mega Heracross and Cloyster, Ambipom is better-off using Technician). While Mega Heracross has a mastodonic base Attack, access to Sword Dance, good typing in Bug/Fighting, and nice overall bulk; and Cloyster has excellent defences, access to Shell Shmash, the ability to use an item, actual mixed capabilities, a nice Water/Ice typing, and the ability to lay entry hazards, Cinccino has little to offer over them, but these traits are significant enough to consider it for your team. First off, it does not rely in a Mega Stone (Mega Heracross), Focus Sash, or Mental Herb to work twice (Cloyster), Cinccino can actually hold a Choice Item, a Life Orb without caring a lot (it is already frail), and even a King's Rock to cause a ragequit-inducing 41% chance of flinching due to Skill Link and any multi-hit move. Moreover, Cinccino has access to two moves they would love to have; Knock Off and U-Turn can turn Cinccino into a very capable scout capable of dealing respectable amounts of trolling. Ah, talking about trolling, its base Speed is above the average, abuse it. Don't let its RU status for two Generations straight and its pure Normal type fool you, Cinccino is as cute as deadly: a lot.
Pay attention to the set; although it is easy to see the basics, each component might do a bit of difference:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/573.png)
It's so fluffy I'm gonna be violently murdered
Cinccino @ Choice Band/Choice Scarf/Life Orb/King's Rock
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 Att/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Skill Link
Tail Slap
Rock Blast
Bullet Seed
Knock Off/U-Turn
These are the moves Cinccino should be using, and they complement very well each other. Do you want to hit hard, with a chance to OHKO? Use Tail Slap. Do you want to hit for Super Effective Damage? Either Rock Blast or Bullet Seed. Do you want to hit with perfect accuracy with moderate power? Either Bullet Seed, Knock Off, or U-Turn. It's worth mentioning that the last slot is more about supporting than killing; for example, Knock Off eliminates items, while U-Turn scouts very well in conjunction with Cinccino's very high Speed.
The item chosen is the key (or how Cinccino should be used). If one strives to break walls or scout with potent moves, Choice Band is the way to go. Do you want to revenge kill easily and scout with even more ease? Choice Scarf is the item that should be selected. Liberty to choose moves or punch-holer? Life Orb. To annoy? King's Rock, which also works well as an all-out attacker with a Life Orb.
252 EV in Attack, as well as in Speed, along 4 EV in SpD and a Jolly, allow Cinccino to hit as hard and fast as possible, keep an even HP number (in case of recoil from Life Orb and hazards) and oblige Porygon to grab an Attack boost via download thanks to 4 EV into Special Defence; although the latter is strange, it is better to play with caution. Technician can be used if one feels lucky, but King's Rock should be discarted automatically, and a higher damage output is not guaranteed.
Cinccino, the super mega fabulous Pokémon. It might look as naughty and expensive as Paris Hilton, but this little Pokémon knows how to defend itself without calling its bodyguards (hint: its bodyguard is its own body).
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So, what do you think about Ciccino? Should it be recalled "Fabulousccino"? Should it get a Stats increase? Next and more tomorrow!
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If Cinncino had about 10 or 20 more attack or speed points, it would likely be UU.
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The point is that it is not hard to see Cinccino in UU; if it had 115 Attack it could make it into OU (no, let's be honest, BL because there are other Skill Linkers). In Speed? It is already very competent in that department, it would not make that difference (unless you really want to outspeed Mega Pidgeot).
If nothing happens this will be reserved for the next Pokémon
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Oh, something's happening alright!
Been glancing at this topic here and there, and I gotta say, pretty good stuff overall! (The member-based entries are, of course, pretty darn amusing)
Anyway, I'm a bit late to the party with this question, but it's been bugging me for some time now: Is there any room on the Stoutland set for Play Rough? It seems like one of the more interesting options that came along for it this gen, plus I'm curious as to what hits Conkeldurr harder between a super effective Play Rough and STAB Return, since you mentioned Conkeldurr.
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A lot of people have been saying "Oh, lordie, Play Rough on [X]! Let's do it!". Donphan (I doubt I will cover it because Excadrill exists) and Stoutland are examples of good or decent Pokémon that do not necessarily need it. Donphan already has very good coverage with Earthquake + Ice Shard, and Play Rough is quite redundant with Ice Shard. For Stoutland is more or less the same.
Fairy hits Super Effectively Fighting, Dragon, and Dark types. Surprise! It is resisted by Fire, Steel, and Poison! What does that mean, at the end of the day? Taking into account this list, Fire Fang (if you ever use it) is resisted by Fire and Dragon, Return by Steel, Superpower by Poison and Fighting, Crunch/Pursuit by Dark and Fighting, and Wild Charge by Dragon. By that I mean that, no matter how you try to fit it without losing STAB in Return, Play Rough will be redundant in some way or another; moreover, most Dragons (barring Dragonite and some Latias) are not bulky now, Steel Types are always around, Tyranitar is hit harder by Superpower, Crunch/Pursuit is necessary to end Latios and hit a lot of things for neutral damage (even more than Play Rough), and Wild Charge is its only means barring Fire Fang to finish Skarmory.
In other words, being locked into Play Rough is not very fortunate, especially with all those Steel and Fire types roaming around. If you want to give it a chance, change it for Return, at the risk of missing some accuracy, more Neutral damage, and being walled with ease if you do not play properly. At least you will OHKO Conkeldurr and some Dragons if they dare to switch into you.
If you give me a reason why, I might cover Hypno as well, but for now…
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Today, we will review one Pokémon that has been annoying around since the dawn of the new millenium. May the power of Jumpluff compel you!
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/189.png)
MetaSprite, here are your readers (is it just me or Jumpluff has some kind of scratch on its face?).
Jumpluff has always been a Pokémon that has trolled everyone who did not know how it worked. In fact, some sources tell us that Jumpluff's father was Eduard Jil; such level of trolling can only be achieved with an expansive movepool and stats like this:
| HP: 75 | Attack: 55 | Defence: 70 | Special Attack: 55 | Special Defence: 95 (85 before Generation VI) | Speed: 110 |
Moreover, Grass/Flying typing, along abilities in Leaf Guard, Chlorophyll, and Infiltrator, are what turn Jumpluff in one of the gods of annoyance. Ah, and it can even hit hard when needed.
Let's check the set:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/189.png)
Magic Balloons
Jumpluff @ Leftovers
Jolly/Timid Nature (+Spe, -SpA/Att)
EV: 232 HP/24 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Chlorophyll/Infiltrator
Sleep Powder
Encore
Memento/Stun Spore
U-Turn
Ah, the peak of trolling with a Grass type without resorting to Leech Seed. Basically, Sleep Powder puts one opponent to sleep (ideally a counter), giving it an extra turn to do anything, but one should be careful because all three moves play differently, but are hard to use if they opponent is asleep. Encore forces an opponent to repeat an attack (Earthquake or a Status move is what Jumpluff wants to Encore), but if the opponent is asleep, it might switch and send in something unaffected by Encore because it would not have even moved. Memento is useful for ending your own life and lowering the opponents offensive stats by two stages each, but a switch can fix this, and specific partners might be needed by that time; keep in mind, as well, that Stun Spore might be very useful to keep dealing status without breaking the Sleep Clause, and it really helps if you opt for Infiltrator. U-Turn works as a means to scout the opponent, ideal if the rival does not have any hard counter to anything in your team.
252 EV in HP would be for maximum overall bulk, but this is a strange cause because Jumpluff has SpD>HP>Def. This means some part of the EV must go to defence to make it balanced; this being, at the end, 232 HP/24 Def/252 Spe, as seen before. A Timid nature can be used if you are paranoid about Foul Players, but Jolly should be used instead. Chlorofphyll outspeeds virtually anything in the game when the Sun is up, but Infiltrator, and thanks to Jumpluff's natural Speed, is very viable to cripple opponents behind a Substitute.
A Sword Dance set with Sword Dance/Acrobatics/Seed Bomb/Sleep Powder or Encore could be used, but Jumpluff lacks Flying Gem right now, thus not allowing it to function very well at first, thus granting it less opportunities to be successful -yet-. Do not consider Leech Seed; it is better suited to Whimsicott due to Prankster.
Jumpluff, the Blue Kirby Pokémon. No, these are not bubble-gums, but their annoying factor is as sticky as them; therefore, try to never, NEVER underestimate Jumpluff, as it is bulkier than it seems.
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So, what do you think about Jumpluff? Should it be qualified as a T++ troll like Sableye? Will my cat stop using Scratch on me? More during the next issue!
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Haven't read the article yet but that 'scratch' is a highlight =P
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Ah, thanks for clearing things up regarding Play Rough! (you went the extra mile, too, very helpful and informative!) And yeah, Jumpluff... I have to admit mere in-game Jumpluffs have given me trouble,* so I shudder to even think of facing one used by a competent human opponent. (Didn't know it could learn Memento, though! )
*Well, at least Skyla's in the PWT and Ramos' in Pokemon Y. ACROBATICS, man. I assume we haven't seen Flying Gems in Gen 6 so far because of Gale Wings, but I could be wrong. Acrogem power is just too fun to pass up, though.
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I assume we haven't seen Flying Gems in Gen 6 so far because of Gale Wings, but I could be wrong. Acrogem power is just too fun to pass up, though.
Acrobatics Talonflame would be everywhere if it were legal, but fortunately only normal gem is legal so far in gen 6 xD
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Acrobatics Talonflame would be everywhere if it were legal, but fortunately only normal gem is legal so far in gen 6 xD
"Fortunately".
Yes, Talonflame apparently can do it better, but Jumpluff has access to other abilities that are very related to trolling and another STAB, as well as more support moves. As many support moves as today's Pokémon.
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Today, one of the biggest trolls in the Pokémon world is our object of study: our "victim" is Cradily.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/346.png)
MetaSprite has symbolised very well the evilness of this creature.
Cradily has a unique Rock/Grass type, which is not bad at all by any means, but this is not the only thing Cradily has to offer: very trollish abilities in Suction Cups and Storm Drain, as well as a lot of support/status moves only turn Cradily into an even more annoying Pokémon to face, and, after a few turns, it can actually deal considerable direct damage. Its stats might be useful for understanding why it should not be underestimated:
| HP: 86 | Attack: 81 | Defence: 97 | Special Attack: 81 | Special Defence: 107 | Speed: 43 |
Sets? As you wish.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/346.png)
Do you even Curse!
Cradily @ Leftovers/Lum Berry
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SpD
Ability: Suction Cups/Storm Drain
Curse
Rest/Recover
Sleep Talk/Earthquake
Rock Slide/Seed Bomb
Guess what, Cradily is very hard to take down without super effective moves or critical hits, especially under Sandstorm, boosting its already notable Special Defence to the likes of Support Tyranitar. But being a wall is not enough for our favoruite Rock/Grass friend, it has to deal some kind of damage as well. To achieve a respectable damage output, Curse is chosen (with the added bonus of boosting its weaker Defence); due to its bulk, it might Curse more than once, and, because of Suction Cups, Cradily will not be forced out against its will. After this, Cradily might have taken some damage; Rest is ideal to restore all its health, but Recover can be used if you do not like to rely on Sleep Talk. Talking Sleep Talk, this should be the third move used, unless you decide to use Recover, then Earthquake is the best option; without it, Bisharp can 2HKO Cradily without being able to fight back, and that is not good at all. In the last slot, both Rock Slide and Seed Bomb are good options, regardless of your choices before; Rock Slide has better coverage (especially with Earthquake), but Seed Bomb hits significantly harder and eliminates Ground, Water, and possible Fighting types that might like to exploit your weak points. Water Types can be handled with more ease if optiong for Storm Drain (now it is legal with Sleep Talk!), but keep in mind that most of them carry Ice Beam; Ground Types might represent a long battle (careful with your PP), and Fighting Types are not usually hit hard enough by Earthquake and Rock Slide.
The EV are to patch Cradily's Special Defence before it can grab a Boost; if you do not feel safe enough and want to avoid a OHKO by Jolly, Life Orb Terrakion (using Close Combat) after Stealth Rock damage and one Curse, then 252 HP/240 Def/16 SpD should do the trick, but keep in mind that you will need Sandstorm to be Specially Bulky.
Cradily, the Protobarbaracle Pokémon. Although majestic, witnessing how it curses upon you is not wise, as you will not be able to take its tyranny down.
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So, what do you think about Cradily? Should I have covered it right after Armaldo? Would you use it as a full support Pokémon? Next very soon!
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First Armaldo and now Cradily? I was expecting it much sooner.
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Check my edit for further rage. Talking about rage…
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Today, prepare to ragequit at the smug face of our Pokémon of the day. Cringe at Floatzel's face.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/419.png)
MetaSprite forecasted the Doge and made it a Floatzel
If you ask me, Floatzel is a cross between Raticate and Infernape if oen is talking about the skills it takes to use; Raticate being the hardest and Infernape the easiest (and using Infernape is not easy), meaning that Floatzel is hard to use, and sometimes frustrating to use. Nevertheless, Floatzel, despite being one of those hard-to-use mammals, is effective enough to justify its use. A priori, due to its stats, it might not seem the case…
| HP: 85 | Attack: 105 | Defence: 55 | Special Attack: 85 | Special Defence: 50 | Speed: 115 |
… but Floatzel's expansive movepool, along its great abilities in Swift Swim and Water Veil (prevents Burn, something most physical sweepers would kill for) might be enough to convince a few to give Floatzel a try, which would not be a crazy idea. However, one must wait until ORAS (if the leaks reagarding the Tutor Moves are true) to unleash Floatzel's potential.
Sets here!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/419.png)
Why is BW even a thing?
Floatzel @ Choice Band/Life Orb
Jolly/Naïve Nature (+Spe, -SpA/SpD)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe (Jolly) or 60 Att/196 SpA/252 Spe (Naïve)
Ability: Water Veil
Waterfall/Hydro Pump
Ice Punch (Ice Fang if it is illegal with Water Veil)/Ice Beam
Brick Break/Crunch
Switcheroo (Currently legal)/Brick Break/Crunch
First off, assume I am just talking about the Choice Band set. Waterfall is the STAB, often scoring a flinch due to Floatzel's high Speed; Ice Punch (Ice Fang if you are being legal now) is to eliminate possible threats resistant to Water, and Brick Break and Crunch are to create a an almost-perfect type combinatio, only resisted by Heracross, Toxicroak, and Fairy types. In case you want to play smart, forget any of the latter to include Switcheroo instead, possibly crippling any defensive Pokémon expecting a safe switch; be careful, though, because Ferrothorn, Landorus-T, and Gliscor can prove to be quite dangerous with a Choice Band. If you prefer being more legal but keeping the damage output from Ice Punch (Ice Fang does make a difference), a Naïve/Mixed set with Hydro Pump/Waterfall, Ice Beam, and any two coverage moves (even HP Grass is useful, but do not choose Switcheroo) can do plenty of damage while using a Life Orb.
The EV are very explicit with Jolly: hit as hard and fast as you can. However, in the Naïve set, 196 EV in Special Attack are there to 2HKO Impish Mega Scizor that runs 248 EV in HP and 100 in Special Defence; however, those are rare, so in case they are running the standard 176 EV in Special Defence, you can fully invest in Special Attack to 2HKO 99.7% of the time with Stealh Rock up; nevertheless, the original spread is there because it offers a better mixed offence.
Floatzel, that little annoying Pokémon. Please, do not let it go, or else it will either run away or sanicfast (steamroll) your team.
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So, what do you think about Floatzel? Nothing? Should it be more adorable? More in the next article!
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Nothing.
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Today, because it was supposed to be a Halloween Pokémon, I present Dusclops to the section.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/356.png)
MetaSprite: collaborating with Sauron since 2004.
Pain. Madness. Chaos. Maximum trolling. These are the concepts one would use when trying to defeat Dusclops by using neutral hits and Super Effective, non-STAB moves. And it goes better by knowing that, along its pure Ghost Type, Dusclops has two very good abilities to use: Pressure is excellent for stalling, whilst Frisk can be used to avoid being tricked your item away, or simply avoiding getting a Choice item. Its stats also work quite well:
| HP: 40 | Attack: 70 | Defence: 130 | Special Attack: 60 | Special Defence: 130 | Speed: 25 |
What about some spooky sets?
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/356.png)
Burning Defence
Dusclops @ Eviolite (do not even think in anything else)
Bold/Calm Nature (+Def/SpD, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/Split between both defences as you wish
Ability: Pressure
Curse
Pain Split
Will-O-Wisp
Night Shade/Ice Beam/Infestation
If you have taken down all defoggers and you have entry hazards in the opponent's field, this set is very proficient at cleaning weakened Pokémon late-game, and even eliminate some key targets when required (consider this as a "soft" MegaPerishGengar). How does Dusclops actually do anything to the opposition with such low offensive stats? The answer lies in shenanigans given by this set. Curse, although almost useless in most Ghost types, is effectively used by Dusclops due to its high bulk, especially with Eviolite. Although Pain Split combined with Curse's damage output might seem a stupid idea, it works because of the great number of switches it can cause, thus restoring most of your health if a Pokémon switches in at full health. Will-O-Wisp is for those cases (Tyranitar the clearest) that Dusclops is actually threatened by a very powerful Physical hit, which is the most common kind of attack used in OU; moreover, the burn status can actually force even more switches, just turning Dusclops into a very interesting "passive scout". In the last slot, Night Shade is usually the best option, although, if you are eager enough, Ice Beam and Infestation are very interesting, interesting enough to consider them in some scenarios; Ice Beam can hit most threats by quadruple Super Effective damage, and Infestation, combined with Will-O-Wisp, and in some desperate cases, with Infestation, can wear an opponent down quite quickly.
Although Pain Split works better with 0 IV in HP, do not even think about it; maintaining Dusclops' bulk is a priority. The EV can be very flexible, but 252 in HP should always be used (unless you are going kamizake) and they should be divided between Defence and Special Defence; you might even find a case in which using 252 EV in one stat is beneficial. And be careful with Clefable with Magic Guard, since it takes no damage from indirect damage and it can cure itself with Sofboiled and Wish in case you start spaming Night Shade. And the last but not least, staying against a Pokémon that knows Knock Off is one of the most dangeours scenarios Dusclops can live: it is not only hit for Super Effective damage, but also loses its adored Eviolite, hence reducing its walling capabilities.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/356.png)
Your ex
Dusclops @ Eviolite (do not even think in anything else)
Calm/Bold Nature (+SpD/Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/Split between both defences as you wish (again)
Ability: Pressure
Rest
Sleep Talk
Night Shade
Will-O-Wisp/Toxic
If you want to go even further, this set can cause some ragequits due to its almost unmatched staying power. Rest and Sleep Talk are staples, and they work in a different manner with respect to Pain Split: RestTalk heals Status problems, restores all of Dusclops' health, and it does not rely that much on the other moves' PP, thus providing excellent synergy with Pressure, ending most stall wars in Dusclops' favour. Night Shade is the attack of choice, and Ice Beam is not listed because Dusclops can not use it at its own will while RestTalking, therefore not obtaining optimal results; the same happens with Infestation. In the last slot, since Dusclops can stay for longer than in the other set, it can actually choose between Toxic and Will-O-Wisp; depending on your team needs and how sadistic you are, one will be better than the other.
As with the other set, the EV are very flexible. Once again, be very careful with Clefable and Knock Off.
Dusclops, the non-clopper Pokémon. You'd better carry a team with six nukes to take it down, or else you will have a nightmarish day.
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So, what do you think about Dusclops? Does it completely outclass its evolution (Dusknoir)? 2spoopy4u? Do not miss the next article!
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I honestly like both, dusclops mainly for h3x.
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I honestly like both, dusclops mainly for h3x.
Dusclops does not rely on h4x. But our member of the week does.
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Today, because it is 1st of November and it is close to the first of her month, it is convinient to remember how awesome our Shrub/Alice (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=36997) is.
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/3/32/HGSS_Grass.png)
Credit to the Pokémon Company.
Alice is one of those members that are not directly OP at first sight, but require a further analysis to discover her full potential, which happens to be close, if not already, broken. Her Grass/Ice typing might seem disastrous, but if Abomasnow is decent, Alice (from now on, Lals) is great, even being affordable some kind of reference to "Frozen". Her stats are as well off charts:
| HP: 70 | Attack: 150 | Defence: 60 | Special Attack: 120 | Special Defence: 120 | Speed: 160 |
And because I am not taking the National Novel Writing Month I will just go ahead with the sets (sorry):
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/547.png)
Do you even flail!
Lals @ Shiny Stone
Quirky Nature (+Lulz, -Ladder)
EV: 85 HP/84 Att/85 Def/84 SpA/85 SpD/85 Spe
Ability: Prankster
Splash
Confuse Ray
Thunder Wave
Flail
Alice is good at doing this in Showdown: being confused, and this set capitalises on that. Splash, Confuse Ray, and Thunder Wave all cause frustrating, confusion, ragequit, and h4x against you, being this the ideal choice for a trolling n00b. In the last slot, Flail is used just to write (in case you KO something) "Epic Flail" in the message box, causing infinite amounts of rage to the opponent, thus granting your victory somehow.
The EV given are this because they look nice and, let's be honest, "no one uses them in Showdown" (?). The nature, in the other hand, is fitting for the nature of this set (pun intended), and so does Prankster. As well, a Shiny Stone is there because it distracts the enemy from its duty: fleeing from Lals.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/547.png)
R.I.P. (Rekt In Pieces)
Lals @ Reaper Cloth
Naughty Nature (+Demoniac, -Life)
EV: 128 Att/128 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Adaptability
Blizzard
Giga Drain
Earth Power/Earthquake
Ice Shard/Extreme Speed
If Alice is known by something in IRC is her ability to easily rek through anyone's defeces. For example, she can easily OHKO Delicious_Scout, even him being at +6. In any case, Blizzard and Giga Drain are her STAB moves, and, despite using her weaker Special Attack, she can actually damage a lot thanks to Adaptability; moreover, Blizzard stops cold turkey anyone's silly arguments and jokes, while Giga Drain absorbs their energy so that they can not harm anyone else ever again. Earth Power or Earthquake are both excellent options: Earth Power works well with her vegetarian condition, but Earthquake is, overall, more powerful, at the cost of less femenity (who would think a Shurb that causes Earthquake is girly?). In the last slot, both Ice Shard and Extreme Speed are acceptable options with access to priority to shut down one's mouth, and they hit with the same Power; however, Ice Shard can hit for Super Effective Damage, whilst Extreme Speed is more consistent, while also being even faster, hence shuting mouths even quicker than expected by the Spanish Shurbquisition.
128 EV in both offences are necessary to hit as hard as possible, while 252 EV are moved to Speed to be the fastest user. A Naughty Nature, then, is chosen to improve her mixed capabilities, and Reaper Cloth to cloak her victims with ease (and it can also be worn to pretend you are their death!).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/547.png)
Let it sing
Lals @ Metronome
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Att)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Synchronize
Sing
Hyper Voice
Diamond Storm
Energy Ball
Because reading in a dramatic manner is not always acceptable, Lals had to develop an alternative method for attention-seeking; that's right, Sing is this procedure. By using Sing, her voice become melodious and posh, thus making everyone fall asleep. Since this is not what Lals is looking for, she will try to wake them up by raising her volume; Hyper Voice, then, is an obvious pick, as it will ensure a OHWU (One-Hit Wake Up) against any target. After her spectacular performance, she will obviously require love and a present in order not to rek everyone who finds at home (looking at you, bro); Diamond Storm is a perfect complement for her and her set, granting her enough pleasure to raise her Defence by one stage 50% of the times; moreover, they can be used (with Modesty, ensuring they do not hit that hard). The next is preparing for the next day, as it is by night; in order to charge up for what is coming, Energy Ball is used to extract energy from anyone who dares crossing her path of evil yet beautiful musical banter; it can also be used in yourself to create an infinite bucle of energy, thus trolling the energy company and most physics around the world forever due to the great energy it emanates and the implied immortality, but one should be careful with this because if too energy is accumulated it could melt and even burn Alice, as she is a Grass/Ice type.
The EV spread is simple: hit as hard and fast as possible, and a Modest nature is used because "the Diamonds are not that necessary"; moreover, being faster would not be that good, another trait of Modesty. Synchronize is the ability chosen for being able to synchronize yourself with the tempo and tone required for the next melody, and the same happens with the item, Metronome.
Lals, the totally-not-a-scrub user. If you try to bully the bully, you will likely win, but if you try to bully Lals, then what is coming next is pain, humilliation, and being politely asked to "leaf".
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So, what do you think about Alice? Is she really undervalued? How would she like her throne? More in the next week!
Schedule: Dusknoir will appear at some point.
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i'd like to qualify that the diamonds are in fact necessary and i will not take anything less
aside from that, this gave me a good few chuckles - thanks bud
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Cute article Martí =]
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Will I get a shot?
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Will I get a shot?
CJ, please; there are better ways to die. Shame is not one of them, and I would need to know you a bit more first. Get on IRC (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=chat) before, perhaps.
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I was only asking. I just don't understand how others got mentioned on this topic.
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I was only asking. I just don't understand how others got mentioned on this topic.
CJ, please; there are better ways to die. Shame is not one of them, and I would need to know you a bit more first. Get on IRC (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=chat) before, perhaps. This is how most members get to know each other.
If nothing happens this will be Dusknoir's spot
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pls you gotta give me one before him come on now
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You've been on IRC more, so I think you will. However, I may be next. I don't know.
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all you kids discussing who's next and i'm just here still basking in my martícle <33
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Well if CJ is up for a set about youknowwhat that's cool ;3
But yeah, that was a nice article to read xD
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However, one must wait until ORAS (if the leaks reagarding the Tutor Moves are true) to unleash Floatzel's potential.
Sets here!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/419.png)
Why is BW even a thing?
Floatzel @ Choice Band/Life Orb
Jolly/Naïve Nature (+Spe, -SpA/SpD)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe (Jolly) or 60 Att/196 SpA/252 Spe (Naïve)
Ability: Water Veil
Waterfall/Hydro Pump
Ice Punch (Ice Fang if it is illegal with Water Veil)/Ice Beam
Brick Break/Crunch
Switcheroo (Currently legal)/Brick Break/Crunch
It's legal. All you have to do is AR the hidden ability on B2/W2 (or use one you already got from dream world when it was available), breed them so you have a legal Pokémon (with RNG abuse if you want perfect stats), use the B2/W2 move tutor and then transfer. In practical terms it may be better to wait for OR/AS though.
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Uh no. That's not legal, it's still got the illegal ability lmao
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It's legal. All you have to do is AR the hidden ability on B2/W2 (or use one you already got from dream world when it was available), breed them so you have a legal Pokémon (with RNG abuse if you want perfect stats), use the B2/W2 move tutor and then transfer. In practical terms it may be better to wait for OR/AS though.
Shhh… they are not supposed to know it ;3
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Today, because trolling is good for you, I will give you a couple of hints about how to play using our beloved pure Ghost Type Dusknoir.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/477.png)
Sauron 2: By MetaSprite
During Generation IV, Dusknoir was regarded as "the most unnecessary evolution in DPP" by Smogon. And I agree with them; Dusclops was good enough already, and the Speed Buff (not at base 45, the same as Conkeldurr), respectable Attack for a Wall (which allows it to act as a Tank), and pretty much the same duties it used to accomplish and more were reasons to think that; yes, it could attack, but walling was its main purpose. Then, Generation V appeared, and so did Eviolite; for the first time in Pokémon history, an evolution happened to be outclassed by its preevolution (Dusclops became UU and Dusknoir fell from OU to RU)… at least while using it for walling. Its abilities, Pressure and Frisk, are often good enough to work with, and its stats are more than sufficient to accomplish its duty on the battlefield, as seen below.
| HP: 45 | Attack: 100 | Defence: 135 | Special Attack: 65 | Special Defence: 135 | Speed: 45 |
Let the trolling begin!
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/477.png)
Isaac Newton('s Ghost)
Dusknoir @ Leftovers
Impish/Careful/Adamant Nature (+Def/SpD/Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/Divide into Attack and Defence (Special Defence if you wish to), as Dusknoir is flexible in those terms
Ability: Pressure
Gravity
Dynamic Punch/Earthquake
Will-O-Wisp/Shadow Sneak/Sucker Punch
Pain Split/Shadow Sneak/Sucker Punch
The premise of this set might not seem clear at first, but once one pay attention to the first move of the set, Gravity, it becomes easier to understand; Gravity and Dusknoir are actually a good pair due to Dusknoir's high defences, Attack, and resistances and immunities. Moreover, Dusknoir's ways of abusing Gravity do not end here: Dyanmic Punch becomes a move with 83% accuracy, and thus 83% of the times the enemy will become confused (unless it is a Ghost type, has Lum Berry, or has an ability preventing Confusion). In case you prefer something even more accurate and with more Super Effective hits scored thanks to Gravity, use Earthquake; Talonflame, Zapdos, Skarmory, and Rotom-W are all affected a lot because of this, especially Talonflame, which can use niether Roost nor Brave Bird under Gravity. But the main concern is Tyranitar versus Heatran: Heatran is lured with more ease, anyway. Will-O-Wisp's accuracy under Gravity is increased to 100%, making it very spammable and supporting in case runs out of Gravity soon. Shadow Sneak eliminates weakened tagets with priority, and it is surprisingly strong; Sucker Punch is more or less the same, but with a different type (Dark), more potent, and less reliability. And, of course, Pain Split is listed because it is Dusknoir's only souce of recovery (not counting Leftovers), and it can actually put most opponents into Shadow Sneak/Sucher Punch KO range if used properly.
Choosing a proper EV spread for Dusknoir is not an easy task; however, despite being in Conkeldurr's Speed Tier, I do not recommend investing in Speed, since Dusknoir can not actually do much to that super gramps. If you, for some reason, decide to invest full points in Attack, Focus Punch and Substitute can be very good assets, coupled with a form of priority. However, if support is chosen instead, most battlers prefer going Impish with full Defence EV, even with 28 EV in Attack to remember the past (most Tyranitar and Heatran sets can not be beaten now with that Attack investment while going Impish or Careful, not even Adamant).
Dusknoir, the Fegelghost Pokémon. It might not squash you like a bug by itself, but its Gravity might; abuse it or be abused by Dusknoir without any kind of mercy.
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So, what do you think about Dusknoir? Why is Gravity so hated? Will Dusknoir ever smile? More in the next issue!
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all you kids discussing who's next and i'm just here still basking in my martícle <33
I had a whole week ;)
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Yes, you did.
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Today, because there is an incoming storm, I find convinient talking about one Pokémon that actually reminds me of them. Ladies and gentlemen, witness our Pokémon of today, Parasect.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/47.png)
MetaSprite likes zombies.
Why does Parasect reminds me of storms? First off, like Frankenstein's monster, it started moving with a storm (a lightning strike), and mushrooms do appear more frequently if it has rained. Moreover, Parasect has access to Dry Skin, Effect Spore, and Damp, all related in a way or another to, at least, heavy rain. And here ends the good news. Parasect is often overlooked due to its unlucky Bug/Grass Type and below-average stats, as seen below:
| HP: 60 | Attack: 95 | Defence: 80 | Special Attack: 60 | Special Defence: 80 | Speed: 30 |
However, Parasect is far from unusable (despite Richard, Dick, Lewis, among others, stating otherwise), as seen in the set below:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/047.png)
Shaun of the Sect
Parasect @ Choice Band (lol)
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/4 Def/4 SpD (WTF) or 112 HP/252 Att/144 Spe or 8 HP/252 Att/4 Def/244 Spe
Ability: Dry Skin (At least this makes sense…)
Seed Bomb
Knock Off/Pursuit
X-Scissor/Cross Poison
Brick Break/Spore
Yes, I laughed the first time I came up with this idea, but I have been testing it and it actually works with teammates that can cover its weaknesses (Rotom-W does the trick, and they can make an unsuspected offensive/defensive core). Seed Bomb is the main STAB, and it actually has good coverage in OU, easily 2HKOing and sometimes OHKOing neutral threats (entry hazards are a thing). Knock Off and Pursuit are situational, but in general very useful if played correctly. Knock Off is the most general move to spam, as it has almost no drawbacks, but Pursuit might be more useful in case Mega Venusar comes in, as it will take little damage from Knock Off and the rival will, at least, be weakened. Keep in mind, though, that Keldeo will not take a lot of damage if it switches out, and happens the same with Azumarill and Conkeldurr. The third slot is choosing a target: With X-Scissor, Parasect gets STAB and can hit quite hard Dark and Psychic types, while Cross Poison is necessary to get through Unaware Clefable, and it is a good way of diversificating risk while trying to hit Azumarill. Finally, both Brick Break and Spore have their ups and downs; Brick Break does hit Heatran for decent damage, but Spore is a very rare move that, even locking yourself into it, can be highly beneficial; hiting an incoming Heatran with Brick Break is not that good either, as it can outspeed Parasect and mean our zombie mushroom's end.
There are many different acceptable EV spreads for Parasect: the bulkiest one will always survive a Play Rough from Azumarill (if it is not Banded and Stealth Rock is not in play). From there, 124 Speed allows Parasect to outspeed 0 Speed Conkeldurr, and with 144 the now popular 20 Speed one. If investing heavily in Speed is a priority, 244 EV in such stat can be used to outspeed 0 Speed Clefable, and try to put a timer on it with Cross Poison. An Adamant nature is required for xamimum damage, and entry hazards are always welcome. Paralysis support, although very useful, is not Parasect's main concern, as it can put opponents to Sleep and it is likely that some Choice Scarf users end up outspeeding Parasect (which is pretty sad).
Nonetheless to say, Parasect can run a more defensive role (using a Careful or Impish nature with Dry Skin), but due to its typing full of weaknesses and low Speed it will have a harder time than the offensive set (in experienced hands). If opting for the defensive set, Leech Seed and Aromatherapy should be somewhere. In any case, an excellent partner for Parasect is Rotom-W, which resists all of Parasects weaknesses and can give it a free switch-in due to Volt Switch. Moreover, Parasect takes very little damage from Grass and is naturally resistant to Ground, in case a Mold Breaker Pokémon comes it.
Parasect, the Zombie Crab Pokémon. Craaaaaaaaab Pokéeeee… Craaaaaaaaab Poké, craaaaaaaab Poké, craaaaaaaab Poké… (in its language, Parasect is warning us because it is about to take over the world).
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So, what do you think about Parasect? Is it too over powered? Could it please have less weaknesses? More very soon!
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Parasect is fantastic, it needs a mega with like -50 SpA, +71 Speed, +79 Attack xD
But yeah, unfortunately it's access to spore is about all it has going for it, and generally Breloom fits better (although parasect has a niche in not giving a damn about anything Keldeo does, I guess)
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I'd love to see a niche for this where it can actually beat a fire type :'(
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Parasect is fantastic, it needs a mega with like -50 SpA, +71 Speed, +79 Attack xD
But yeah, unfortunately it's access to spore is about all it has going for it, and generally Breloom fits better (although parasect has a niche in not giving a damn about anything Keldeo does, I guess)
False, Keldeo usually runs HP Flying and a chance to use Icy Wind.
I'd love to see a niche for this where it can actually beat a fire type :'(
Brick Break while using a Choice Band can 2HKO Heatran. But what can actually pretty much 2HKO or even OHKO most of the metagame is Mega Medicham, but for our fortune we've got a counter.
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Today, following my ill logic, we will focus on hands down the best counter used against Mega Medicham. And that honourable title is held by… Spiritomb.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/442.png)
Again, MetaSprite has been caught collaborating with Satan.
Spiritomb has always been there. Because of its low Speed, lack of reliable recovery, and just average offences, Spiritomb, depsite its extraordinary typing in Dark/Ghost and abilities in Pressure and Infiltrator, has always been an obscure sight in OU. However, its stats are far from calamitous, its movepool is formed by what it needs, and pretty much everything is going to suffer its moves in a way or another. Why don't you take a look at its stats and judge by yourself?
| HP: 50 | Attack: 92 | Defence: 108 | Special Attack: 92 | Special Defence: 108 | Speed: 35 |
And now it is time for the set:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/442.png)
Spirih4x
Spiritomb @ Leftovers
Impish/Relaxed Nature (+Def, -SpA/Spe)
EV: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SpD
Ability: Infiltrator
Will-O-Wisp
Shadow Sneak/Sucker Punch
Pain Split/Foul Play/Dark Pulse
Pain Split/Toxic/Hypnosis
The objective of this set is clear as crystal: troll everything hidden behind a Substitute, especially Medicham, because its STAB moves can not hit Spiritomb at all due to the latter's immunity to Fighting and Psychic.. To accomplish such a noble feat, Spiritomb is the yelder of the fairest of the abilities, and that is Infiltrator. Will-O-Wisp burns Physical attackers that rely in Substitute to avoid being statused, thus ruining their survivability and damage output. If the opponent is weakened, some options can be used: if it is weak in the physical side, Dark Pulse can be spammed. Otherwise, Priority in forme of Shadow Sneak or Sucker Punch should dispatch the opponent with haste, and if it is reliant in Sword Dance as well, Foul Play will easily end its actions. To recover some health, Pain Split, when used with Leftovers, can be very profitable, but keep in mind that this method is not very reliable. Toxic can be used if one desires to defeat an even more titanic wall, and Hypnosis does work with Spiritomb, especially if the rival is behind a Substitute, usually forcing it to stay in order not to lose the full effect from Substitute.
The spread given, along the nature, are the standard ones for a Pokémon that wants to be protected from both sides (physical and special), but it can be very flexible; 252 EV into Defence are acceptable, for example. Try them out to find the one that fits your style the best.
Spiritomb, the wololo Pokémon. It might not force you to switch your clothes, but its pervasing stare of doom should be enough to be warned of its potential danger.
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So, what do you think about Spiritomb? Can it work along Slowbro to mean a cold stop to Mega Medicham? Is it useful for anything else? More in the next article!
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I think the real reason why Spiritomb is rarely used is because it was so hard to get in Gen four and five. In gen four you needed to do the whole Underground Greeting thing and then put the Odd Keystone into the Broken Tower. But if you had no friends with DPPt then you were completely out of luck. HGSS made it a bit easier with the PokeWalker but even then you didn't find it too often. And in gen 5 you had to use the Dream World which required a computer and the internet which not everyone has. At least Spiritomb is easier to find now with the Friend Safari feature.
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I think the real reason why Spiritomb is rarely used is because it was so hard to get in Gen four and five. In gen four you needed to do the whole Underground Greeting thing and then put the Odd Keystone into the Broken Tower. But if you had no friends with DPPt then you were completely out of luck. HGSS made it a bit easier with the PokeWalker but even then you didn't find it too often. And in gen 5 you had to use the Dream World which required a computer and the internet which not everyone has. At least Spiritomb is easier to find now with the Friend Safari feature.
No; Smogon tiers are determined by the usage in some simulators ("Showdown!" as their own one, "Pokémon Online" as another example). It is too hard to keep track of other ways of tiering such as 3DS matches, especially when do not follow Smogon rules most of the times. As today's Pokémon.
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Today, in order to keep trolling hard, the governor of ragequits shall be presented. And that is… Shadinja.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/292.png)
As usual, this Pokémon has been drawn by MetaSprite
Shedinja can just be defined by saying that Shedinja is Shedinja. Nothing else is like this Pokémon; its ability, typing, and HP stats are all unique. Wonder Guard, basically, avoids all direct damage provided it is not Super Effective; Bug/Ghost typing is a decent combination, and these are its stats:
| HP: 1 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 45 | Special Attack: 30 | Special Defence: 30 | Speed: 40 |
Yes, one freaking hit-point. One. And you might be wondering: "what are defences for?". They are very situational, but they can be used: if Shedinja is granted a Substitute via Baton Pass, Shedinja's defences will count to defend the passer's Substitute given its HP; therefore, more than 1 HP can be present. In any case, if it is hit by entry hazards or any damaging weather condition, Shedinja will faint. So, how does one play with Shedinja?
Fancy a set?
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/292.png)
Commit suicide… yes, please!
Shedinja @ Safety Goggles/Focus Sash
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Wonder Guard
X-Scissor
Will-O-Wisp
Shadow Sneak
Sleep Talk/Sword Dance/Grudge
Yes, Shedinja's movepool is scarce, and these are its best moves, which are not bad at all if used properly. X-Scissor acts as the main STAB, dealing healthy amounts of damage. If this is not enough, Will-O-Wisp burns the opponent so that it can take even more damage; the advantage of Shedinja with respect other burn spreaders is that Shedinja can actually force switches if the opponent has no means to harm Shedinja; moreover, it is necessary to damage Ferrothorn, as touching it would mean Shedinja's last move, and it can also act as a pseudo-defence increase if Shedinja has been passed a very necessary Substitute. Shadow Sneak acts as a secondary STAB and also helps Shedinja not moving last; incredibly useful if the enemy is weakened. The last move is mainly filler and situational, but since Shedinja is alredy reliant on shenanigans, it can be used with fair ease. Sleep Talk is for those cases in which Shedinja wants to switch into Breloom and is confident it will not use Rock Tomb, among other Pokémon which use such kind of moves. Sword Dance allows Shedinja to reach actually threatening physical offences, thus causing more panic and being even able to spread more burns. Grudge, in the last place, works very well with Shedinja's only HP; any hit will activate Grudge, but keep in mind that it requires either heavy prediction and/or a paralysed/Sticky-Webbed enemy.
The EV for Shedinja, along its nature, should be obvious: the only things it will use are Attack and perhaps some Speed, thus Adamant with 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe. It is highly recommended playing Shedinja with one Baton Passer with access to Substitute due to the fact it will be able to annoy some more. The item of choice depends on your team: if you do befall to have that Baton Passer, Safety Goggles are necessary to ensure you will not be KOed by Sandstorm or Hail damage, but if Shedinja is going solo, both items are acceptable, even Focus Sash being preferred.
Shedinja, the "what" Pokémon. What?
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So, what do you think about Shedinja. What? Next? Next.
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i hate this.
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Cool story bro.
I actually like shedinja, it's just frustrating as hell to use.
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Hmm, I'd never considered baton passing a sub to shedinja, but I guess it makes a lot of sense, especially if you used it tandem with like Focus Sash to give you three lives basically
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What? What.
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Today, because trolling Richard/Dick is necessary, the Pokémon that will be covered is Drapion.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/452.png)
Spiderscorp, Spiderscorp, it does everything MetaSprite can do.
Let me be honest with you: Drapion is one of the most specialised Pokémon that have ever graced competitive lands. This does not mean great effectiveness, though, because, even with well-rounded stats and a great typing in Poison/Dark, Drapion is too specific for most teams; they are almost always better off using another thing for offence, physical defence, hazard setting, and stall breaking. However, if given a chance, or THE chance, Drapion can become the most valuable player of one's team by multi-tasking efficiently. Add to the forumula great abilities in Battle Armor, Sniper, and the non-so-brilliant Keen Eye, and Drapion is ready to rumble with stats like these:
| HP: 70 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 110 | Special Attack: 60 | Special Defence: 75 | Speed: 95 |
Depending on the team, Drapion can and should addapt to their needs, but generally they do not tend to deviate a lot from this if it is used in OU:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/452.png)
What is a friend?
Drapion @ Black Sludge
Impish/Careful Nature (+Def/SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/Split between two defences
Ability: Battle Armor
Toxic Spikes
Taunt/Whirlwind
Knock Off
Earthquake/Rock Slide
Before starting, Black Sludge and Assault Vest are used for different reasons. If you want a physically defensive Toxic Spiker, then Black Sludge is the obvious choice. But the use of Assault Vest is not so evident, as Drapion has somewhat lacking power taking into account the moves it learns and its base 90 Attack. In those cases, think of Drapion as Gengar's counter, a Pokémon that usually screws up most teams. It can also lure Ground Types and non-Mega Evolved Venusaurs to hit them hard with Ice Fang, or Steel Types to end them with Fire Fang, although Drapion needs maximum power to achieve some 2HKOs without Stealth Rock or Spikes in the field.
Black Sludge's set is easy to explain: deliver the Toxic Spikes while avoiding them to be removed. Drapion, thankfully, has the stats and movepool to achieve such a task. With Taunt, Drapion can prevent Defoggers to blow them away, while Whirlpool, due to Drapion's notable bulk, can be used to Poison or Toxic more opponents, as well as dragging favourable matches for Drapion. In case of an unfavourable match (or a Pokémon weak to Dark), Knock Off should be used to easily help your team in case of having to switch out or to effectively terminate the opponent. In the last slot, both Earthquake and Rock Slide are acceptable options; Earthauqke hits Excadrill, a common Rapid Spinner, while Rock Slide should damage Flying Types that carry Defog; Latios, on the other hand, due to Levitate and its typing, will hate to switch into Knock Off.
If you are gutsy enough, 76, 204, and 240 EV in Speed are the benchmarks to superate if one wants to outspeed Gliscor's most common sets. Doing so might result in a great result if Gliscor does not use Protect, because Drapion can then proceed to Knock Off Gliscor's Toxic Orb, thus being the latter in a very tight situation. Taunting or attacking it with Ice Fang next are great options if it decides to stay in.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/452.png)
Drapion Strike: Luring Offensive
Drapion @ Assault Vest
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/8 SpD
Ability: Battle Armor
Poison Jab
Fire Fang/Ice Fang/Rock Slide
Knock Off
Earthquake/Ice Fang/Fire Fang
This set requires a lot of effort and prediction, and even more coordination than the previous set, but its reward is greater if played as it is supposed to: surprise factor. This would be a gimmick if Drapion had no moves or enough Attack, but this is not the case, and due to the h4xy nature of the attacks, Drapion can be even harder to take down.
Poison Jab is the main attacking move, and it also has a healthy chance (30%) of poisoning the enemy, which really helps Drapion due to its not-so-stellar offensive stats. Because that move can attract Steel-Types, especially Ferrothorn and Scizor, Fire Fang can be used. If Flying, Dragon and Ground Types are your concern, Ice Fang should do the trick, while Rock Slide is worht of mention because it gets rid of Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega pinsir, not to say it his Flying types with more power. Knock Off is the second STAB, and it hits decently hard whilst it also supports the team. The last slot is quite hard to decide; in this case, Earthquake is preferred over the other options due to its great coverage and damage output, but in case you want to cover more specific threats, Fire Fang and Ice Fang are decent options, but having two base 65 Power attacks might be a letdown. If Ice Fang has been chosen before, Rock Slide can be present, but the overall damage output will be low.
As with the other set, more Speed can be included, but beware because this set has less bulk than the other one; you are risking yourself being OHKOed by Excadrill's Earthquake. Talking about Earthquake, Ground is Drapion's only weakness, it resists Poison, Grass, Ghost, and Dark (although the latter two are a bit redundant), and it is immune to Psychic. Use this information to your advantage while switching into, for example, Grass Knot Greninja if your health is high enough.
Drapion, the gigantic scorpion Pokémon. Often forgotten, Drapion should not be underestimated due to anything; if it works, you will pay the consequences.
__________
So, what do you think about Drapion? Why do you think it is so specific? Will Drapion be anyone's favourite Pokémon? More in the next user-article!
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Drapion is a textbook of the phrase, jack of all trades, master of none. I like it a lot, but as much as I used to (because aegislash and chandelure, which are both ghost and awesome as well).
I may have to try this.
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For every article, is the set that you introduce first the one that you prefer slightly more?
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^I'm thinking that the first one listed is the one he thinks is more practical.
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Drapion's a pretty good physically defensive Pokémon, definitely not a jack-of-all-trades - Mew is way worse when it comes to that. Special Defensive is also quite solid, but maybe not in OU. In RU it is quite solid.
Good article(s) though, well done :)
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No, I write them in the following manner: I first list the "politically correct" sets, and later I move on to the "what" one. Talking about "what"…
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Today, one of the most "what" users of our glorious website is going to be written about. And that member whose gender changes constantly is… Bread/Chris(t) (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=53032).
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100929205305/es.pokemon/images/1/1e/Arlequ%C3%ADn_NB.png)
Credits? In Roviet Sussia, Pokémon gives credit to this sprite!
Bread is one of those members whose presence in the forums is obscure yet highly recognisable. He leaves, in fact, both physycally and virtually, traces of blood and rainbows. However, no one has been able to follow his trails, so it is unknown where he currently is. Nonetheless, one thing is sure; his IP is sexy, and so are his typing (Electric/Steel) and stats:
| HP: 85 | Attack: 135 | Defence: 92 | Special Attack: 145 | Special Defence: 90 | Speed: 133 |
Daddy, would you like some set-sages?
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/010.png)
Sense? What is that?
Bread @ Strange Souvenir
Quirky Nature (+Random, -Capitalism)
EV: 72 HP/112 Att/8 Def/44 SpA/56 SpD/216 Spe
Ability: Defiant
Metronome
Splash
Swagger/Celebrate
Torment
"Simple goal, simple moves: win by chance using NU Pokémon and obscure moves". That was Bread's motto until Ash stole his line (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUE12JQQH0Y). "New times, new strategies" is his current saying, and this set capitalises on that: by using a combination of Metronome and three more moves, Bread can literally have a different battle every time he steps on the battlefied. Splash, Swagger (If not banned)/Celebrate, and Torment are mainly fillers, but are part of Bread's personality. The Nature, then, is a must with those moves, and the EV are like these because they look swaggie. Moreover, Defiant because they must obey you. The Strange Souvenir is chosen as his object because it represents how weird and interesting Bread is.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/010.png)
ur mom
Bread @ Quick Claw
Hasty Nature (+xXxSniping360, -Spark)
EV: 248 HP/128 Att/128 SpA/4 Spe
Ability: Stall
Zap Cannon/Swagger
Flash Cannon/Swagger
Focus Blast/Swagger
Stone Edge/Swagger
Bread's natural hunting area is the chat, where he can pull off a 360 no scope headshot on anyone within the chat borders. Because of this, low-accuracy moves are a clear choice for Bread; Zap Cannon, Focus Blast, and Stone Edge are all top choices, and Flash Cannon is chosen because of cannons. If you think you lack swag, 420, or aim, substitute any move in favour of Swagger. The nature is Hasty and the ability Stall to give these n00bs some advantage, but because of this, Bread is forced to carry a Quick Claw. Of course, the EV are the maximum to endure opponent n00b's comments, bullets, and so on; 128 in both Attacking stats give those scrubs a chance at surviving if you body-shoot them (unlikely) and more are not required because Headshots already do enough damage to rek them. 4 Speed are for the lulz.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/010.png)
Where's Wallessa?
Bread @ Destiny Knot
Adamant Nature (+Love, -Life)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Keen Eye
Odor Sleuth
Teleport
Bind/Swagger
Destiny Bond
Yes, our Bread might be a very unpredictable battler and a swaggie sniper, but he also needs love. In fact, he once kept away from his beloved madame a period of one month; it might not seem an eternity, but they did not communicate to each other via electronic devices.
Until Bread was fed up of his forced loneliness.
Bread, then, grabbed an Adamant nature, a maximised physical damage output (the typical 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe spread), and a Destiny Knot to begin his quest for his damsel. "What did he do?", you might be wondering. Knowing Bread, you should already suppose it: he used Olor Sleuth to follow her to her love lair. Confused by her divine smell, he got dizzy and, while talking to a by-passing wizard when he was triping, Bread learnt how to use Teleport. Nevertheless, Bread forgot what was going on because the wizard invited him afterwards to his tripping party. One month and sixty-nine hours later, Bread got the brilliant idea to use Teleport for the first time without knowing how it worked; he got in Tokyo, then Tokyo again, New Zealand, Gabe Newell's restroom, Nicole's home, and, finally, where he was supposed to go: his darling's home. They met again, hugged, kissed each other, shared swag, and decided to make it a serious relationship for once; Bind was then used, although some affirm that Bread's Swagger was enough to turn her into his b****. Later on, when they entered each other's impregnable castle by the force of their will and arms, magic happened: the stoned wizard popped in unannounced: his intention was to go to Mordor to ask a risk-free security to Sauron, but the wizard felt that his trip and Bread's swag were more important, so he used Destiny Bond on the couple… and now they are known as the "Sandvich". Good thing he had "Keen Eye"…
like dis if u cri evrytiem
Bread, the "what-the" user. Del's main competitor in swag and reks, Bread is proven to be excellent in many fields, thus underestimating him will cost you your dignity and self-esteem.
__________
So, what do you think about Bread? 2OP4u? Is OP a fa****? Will he ever made sense to non-swaggie people? Next for Monday!
Schedule? What is a schedule?
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I have no idea what that was. I don't even.....
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Wow, brilliant xD
Uh, bread is now the secondary source of the most confusing article done so far. Fun.
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(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/b/b9/321Wailord.png/250px-321Wailord.png)
you know you want to
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Is Vigoroth worth doing?
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Cover Ninetales out of pity (it's PU now).
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Is Vigoroth worth doing?
Nichts da. There are plenty of Normal Physical attackers. If you want to exploit the fact it can use Eviolite or Vital Spirit, go ahead.
Cover Ninetales out of pity (it's PU now).
That would oblige me to cover Infernape (HA!). Moreover, Drought is illegal in PU; in fact, the only tiers in which Drought is allowed are Über and OU, what would make Ninetales with Drought strictly OU. I will consider it, though.
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/b/b9/321Wailord.png/250px-321Wailord.png)
you know you want to
Ehm… nope. Choice it and you are fine. NOT like today's Pokémon, which is loathed by Jamie.
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Today, one of the most gangsta birds is about to be present in this article, and this can not be any other than… Honchkrow.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/430.png)
MetaSprite and Honchkrow recommend you to soak milk every dang day.
Ah, Honchkrow; trust me when I say that in case you are unable to outspeed Honchkrow and use a status-type recovery move while in low health you are likely going to have a lot of problems. In the reign of offensive birds, none is as versatily-offensive as Honchkrow; just take a look at its stats to find out why:
| HP: 100 | Attack: 125 | Defence: 52 | Special Attack: 105 | Special Defence: 52 | Speed: 71 |
Unlike Talonflame and Staraptor, Honchkrow can actually make use of its Special Attack if needed, and the fun does not end here: along Insomnia and Superluck, two adequate abilities, Honchkrow can as well have access to Moxie, turning any KO by direct damage (damaging, non-status attack, therefore, Toxic or any other status caused by a damaging move) into a +1 in Attack. This, coming from base 125 Attack, is a nightmare to face. Add to the forumla a Life Orb, a Priority (STAB) Attack in Sucker Punch, a trapping move in Pursuit, and Honchkrow is ready to break most walls, and even sweep if given the chance.
Keep in mind that most sets can be modified move-wise, and this is the most common one:
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/430.png)
Snoop Birdd
Honchkrow @ Life Orb
Adamant/Naughty Nature (+Att, -SpA/SpD)
EV: 252 Att/4 SpD (4 SpA if using Naughty)/252 Spe
Ability: Moxie
Sucker Punch
Brave Bird
Pursuit/Heat Wave/Hidden Power Ice/Superpower/Roost
Pursuit/Heat Wave/Hidden Power Ice/Superpower/Substitute
"Damage, destroy, defeat". And this is Honchkrow used by a berserker. Yes, this Pokémon can use an all-out attacker set consisting Sucker Punch for revenge killing and putting pressure on the enemy, Brave Bird for general mayhem, Pursuit to play very strong mindgames with Sucker Punch, and either Superpower, Hidden Power Ice, or Heat Wave for Steel types, although Superpower does take care of Tyranitar and hits Rotom-W for neutral damage; Heat Wave, instead, provides a useful means of defeating these Pokémon that heavily invest in physical defence. Hidden Power Ice, however, easily 2HKOs many Dragons, Landorus, and Gliscor, and in case of wanting to OHKO them after Stealth Rock damage, 184 EV in SpA can be used.
There is a more defensive yet surprisingly efficient way to play with Honchkrow, though. By changing any of the moves from the third for Roost, Honchkrow gains the ability to recover health everytime it causes a switch; this is extremely useful in case Life Orb recoil might seem fatal when Honchkrow has accumulated a large sum of boosts. After Roost, any of the moves from the fourth slot can be used, but Substitute now has a chance to shine: if Honchkrow can successfully avoid a status attack with Substitute and then force a switch, Roost and Substitute will have worked perfectly, and Honckrow can then proceed to use any attack; Sucker Punch is a great asset behind a Substitute because most Pokémon are forced to attack the Substitute, whilst Brave Bird is highly damaging. If desired, Substitute can be used with Pursuit in case a wall or a Pokémon carrying only status is forced to switch.
The EV are the ones for the usual sweeper: hit sa hard and fast as possible. In Honckrow's case it could not be truer; Bisharp and Breelom are stuck at base 70 Speed. Keep in mind, though, that Bisharp is only weak to Heat Wave and most Breloom are Jolly-natured (unless they are Specially Defensive, case in which Honchkrow seldom loses). If these threats are not of your concern, Mega Venusaur comes to mind: 96 EV in Speed are enough to outspeed the 20 EV variants, and if you think they should not be that fast, 76 EV are sufficient. The rest can go into bulk or Special Attack if one decides to carry Heat Wave or Hidden Power Ice. Talking about Special Attack, Honchkrow should always try to have a higher Special Defence (unless going mixed, Honckrow prefers to survive against priority hits); extra Defence would mean that the Porygon line could get a favourable Download boost its Special Attack.
Honchkrow, the gangsta Pokémon. It might not cut a horse head and place it in your blanket, but its Brave Bird and Sucker Punch hit hard enough to.
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No, Wailord is not coming yet.
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No, I will not kneel before you because of Wailord.
__________
Therefore, today should stink. And the responsible for such a task is Skuntank.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/435.png)
MetaSprite. No question.
Poison/Dark is only shared with Drapion, and it seems it has taken Skuntank's attention spot. Nevertheless, Richard apparently loves it, and being it from Sinnoh and not a "competitive option", at least I will make someone happy. Skuntank is about h4x; its moves, its abilities, and its stats all indicate Skuntank has a means to disturb the regular gameplay. In therms of moves, Toxic will never miss (unless the victim is immune to Toxic) and Poison's Jab chance of poisoning is 30%; if one thinks about abilities, Keen Eye does not catch anyone's eye (HA!), but Stench (10% of flinching the enemy by using a non-flinch inducing move) and Aftermath (depletes 25% of the enemy's total bar if Skuntank has been fainted using a contact move) are all of them very annoying to face; and stat-wise… better check them out by yourself:
| HP: 103 | Attack: 93 | Defence: 67 | Special Attack: 71 | Special Defence: 61 | Speed: 84 |
Haxy sets are about to be presented. Please, bring and carry your lucky charm at all times.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/435.png)
Do you even Control?
Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Adamant/Impish/Careful Nature (+Att/Def/SpD, -SpA)
EV: Very hard to determine
Ability: Aftermath/Stench
Defog
Crunch/Sucker Punch/Play Rough
Poison Jab/Pursuit
Taunt/Sucker Punch
The standard Skuntank set. The primal objective of this Pokémon is the removal of any hazards on the field; thankfully for Skuntank, its great typing, decent bulk, offensive pressure, and access to moves that actually put other Defoggers and Rapid Spinners on a timer are enough to make it function with, at least, sufficient results. Defog is, obviously, a necessity for Skuntank's support role. After this move, Crunch and Sucker Punch can be used; Crunch is usually to avoid being victim of some shenanigans caused by those pesky status abusers, but Sucker Punch is excellent to catch fast attackers off-guard. Play Rough is also an option if other Dark Types are a problem; the Dark STAB can be used in any other slot. In the thrid one, though, Poison Jab can go there to hit a wider array of targets, but Pursuit is ideal if one Spinner or Defogger is forced to leave, or even a Choice-Locked Pokémon. In the last slot, Taunt is the last resort in case Skuntank does not want the others to set up, and it pairs fairly well with Sucker Punch, talking of which, can be slashed in the last slot.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/435.png)
Whoops
Skuntank @ Black Sludge
Impish/Careful Nature (+Def/SpD, -SpA)
EV: Undefined (Too many possibilities, and 252 HP would be hard to justify given Skuntank's great HP compared to its defences)
Ability: Stench
Taunt
Sucker Punch
Pursuit/Poison Jab
Explosion/Memento
This set is experimental, nuts, weird, and pretty non-sensical. This is why it is the best for gimmicks (I am saying this like Skuntank was nota gimmick in OU). In any case, the objective of this set is to troll h4x hard, and a combination of Taunt + Sucker Punch + Stench + Decent Defences + Great Defensive Typing should allow you to abuse Flinch h4x up to some extent. If the Pokémon is tired of such shenanigans, Poison Jab can be used to finish the job or simply hit them while also having a health chance of poisoning them. Pursuit, on the other hand, actually hits those Pokémon that flee because they are fed up of Sucker Punch's mindgame. If you think it should be over, Explosion causes a big boom and large chuncks of damage, but Memento actualy leaves room to some Pokémon that rely on setting up to have a much easier time. Use this if you are crazy enough.
Skuntank, the spiky sausage Pokémon. Lewis, would you like some?
__________
What is a Skuntank? What is consistency? Next?
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Lewis is Illuminati, and so does our Pokémon for today.
__________
Illuminati? Dunsparce confirmed.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/206.png)
MetaSprite confirmed
A normal type whose OT is 01337, has abilities in Run Away, Serence Grace, and Rattled, and likes to make Lewis happy? This reminds me of hacking!
| HP: 100 | Attack: 70 | Defence: 70 | Special Attack: 65 | Special Defence: 65 | Speed: 45 |
DUNSPARCE!
(http://www.blocked.net/Shiny/XY/206.png)
Dunsparce @ Leftovers
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SpD
Ability: Serene Grace
Glare
Coil
Headbutt/Rock Slide
Roost/Substitute/Rock Slide
DUSNPARCE! Paralyse with Glare (Dusnparce can not afford to lose a turn trying to paralyse a Pokémon with Body Slam, this is why it is not listed), Coil until you've got enough defence and attack to stay in, and then Heabutt of Rock Slide things to death. In the last slot, Roost can be used to restore so lovely health, but Substitute turns any other move easier to perform, while Rock Slide takes care of other Pokémon that wish to be parahaxed to death. Use this spread and nature to cover Dunsparce's frail point after some Coil boosts; Impish would let Dunsparce be attacked by heavy Special Attackers and rarely survive.
DUNSPARCE!
___________
Do you think that Dunsparce is what begins? Yes, yes indeed!
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You said you couldn't do Wailord as it only has one set but you've done Dunsparce with one set
This is clear Pokémon Discrimination =[
-
that dunsparce somehow looks familiar
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Skuntank is awesome. Bit late there, but last gen it was necessary on my NU team to not be swept my Musharna, which was a huge threat if you didn't have Skuntank.
-
that dunsparce somehow looks familiar
Na mine's shiny.
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Na mine's shiny.
And so is the sprite. What else can we…? Oh, I've got something!
__________
Today, in order to keep with our "what" tradition, one of the best crabs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV5wmDhzgY8) is about to get starred. It is… Kingler.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/99.png)
Kingler, when not being half a person, can give credit to MetaSprite for this drawing.
Kingler was our first crab, and it did not befall to be crap (HA!); however, it lacks a move most Water-Types have access to: Waterfall. Do not worry for this detail, though, as Kingler has access to an equally important move in Crabhammer, hitting even harder at the cost of some accuracy. Its abilities are no laughing matter either, as Hyper Cutter, Battle Armor, and Sheer Force are very respectable. To add even more emotion to this show, Kingler's stats are decent enough to hold a little niche in OU:
| HP: 50 | Attack: 130 | Defence: 115 | Special Attack: 50 | Special Defence: 50 | Speed: 75 |
Let's check the sets.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/099.png)
Can you feel it, mr. Bands?
Kingler @ Choice Band
Adamant/Jolly Nature (+Att/Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Crabhammer
Knock Off
Superpower
Return/X-Scissor
Being in an above-average Speed Tier and being blessed with a crushing Attack and proper physical defence, Kingler is ready to use a Choice Band without much fear of being trapped by Scizor or Bisharp, which are hard-pressed by Kingler alone (especially Bisharp, which does not like switching tino a Superpower at all). The three first moves are pretty self-explanatory: Crabhammer for STAB, Knock Off for support and one-hit power, and Superpower for great coverage along Knock Off. In the last slot, though, two options are acceptable. Not running Return would mean being walled by Azumarill, which is very unfortunate because Kingler actually has a 100% chance to 2HKO 228 EV HP Azumarill (in the switch, Choice Band Azumarill can OHKO Kingler most of the times with Play Rough), and it is usually the best choice, but X-Scissor can ease prediction against Pokémon that are weak to Knock Off and have lost their item or are sure you will not use Knock Off.
The EV spread is simple, but the nature is not that easy to choose: yes, Adamant gets a lot of power, but Jolly allows Kingler to outspeed Jolly Breloom, and Kingler is able to put it on a timer when using Return in the switch. Choose carefully, and, of course, hazards and Paralysis are Kingler's best friends (if they are on the other side).
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/099.png)
Krabby, would you like some dances?
Kingler @ Life Orb/Leftovers
Adamant/Jolly Nature (+Att/Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Sword Dance
Agility
Crabhammer
Knock Off/Superpower/Return/X-Scissor
Whilst more dangerous to use, it can be even more effecitve than the Choice Band set, provided you are not walled by any other Pokémon, fact determined by the fourth move used by Kingler. In any event, use Sword Dance against slow, sturdy threats, while Agility should be used against frailer yet quicker opponents. Bonus points if you are able to use both without having to switch out. Obviously, Crabhammer is in the third slot, as it is Kingler's best move due to its STAB and natural power. The last slot is very hard to decide, and other teammates should be considered in order not to die because of stress whilst choosing a move. Knock Off is more useful in this set than in the other one because Kingler can actually target what it wants to negate its item, thing Choice Band Kingler envies. Superpower might seem counterproductive, but it's Kingler's only means of getting through Ferrothorn, and it severely harm Chansey without having used a Sword Dance boost. Keep in mind, though, that the rare Jellicent can easily wall this set. Return, although being walled by Jellicent as well, can actually OHKO or 2HKO most of the metagame with a boost. X-Scissor, therefore, should be used only in case one finds Knock Off and Supowerpower unappealing, although the chances of this befalling are quite low.
Once again, EVs and nature are the same as in the previous set. Hyper Cutter is superior in order not to be trolled by Intimidate users, and Life Orb is the preferred ability, but since Kingler has a surprisingly high physical dirability, Leftovers can be used (keep in mind that Sword Dance shoukd be used more often, and this can be detrimental to one's team success).
Kingler, the Jack is Alive Pokémon. According to Oscar/Richard, it likes to break my spine. 10/10 would be murdered again.
__________
So, what do you think about Kingler? Should it be respected a bit more? Will its claws become more or less equal in size? More in the next episode!
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Jack will break your spine in half.
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Absolutely.
__________
Today, since I want to prove you everyone hates me, I will write about one Pokémon no one seems to like (and no, Infernape is liked by few members here, and it is ranked in Smogon's viability rank). No, I mean another Fire/Fighting. I mean… Emboar.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/500.png)
MetaSprite does desire my doom, and this is why they have made this Emboar sprite.
As with Serperior, Emboar requires its Hidden (and very Hidden…) Ability to perform middly well, and no, I will not tell you again how it works. Just trust me this Emboar bears a lot of power and suicide, especially the latter. For those who do not know of which ability (instead of Blaze) I am talking about, I will say that this one is Reckless, which boosts all Recoil Attacks' damage output, causing even more recoil. Yes, this is the price of Emboar's success, as if it is on the field, it is ensured that there will be something KOed; either the rival or the Emboar itself; the case of both suviving in one turn is extremely strange. Especially with stats like this:
| HP: 110 | Attack: 123 | Defence: 65 | Special Attack: 100 | Special Defence: 65 | Speed: 65 |
Consider sets like this (if you have access to them):
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/500.png)
Ganon OP. Pls nerf.
Emboar @ Choice Band
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/8 Spe
Ability: Reckless
Flare Blitz
Superpower
Head Smash
Wild Charge/Sucker Punch
While taking a look at this set you might be wondering "Does Darmanitan not do the same?". Not exactly: the only similarity is Flare Blitz's damage output, which in Life Orb Darmanitan's case is marginally superior; in any other case, Emboar's damage output is greater. To put this into perspective, I present these calculations to you:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Emboar Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 373-439 (92.3 - 108.6%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Darmanitan Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 383-452 (94.8 - 111.8%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Emboar Superpower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 155-183 (38.3 - 45.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Life Orb Darmanitan Superpower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 99-116 (24.5 - 28.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Basically, due to Emboar's Fire/Fighting STAB, along better coverage, nothing will enjoy switching into that monster. Fire, Fighting, Rock, and Electric/Dark hits every single target for, at least, neutral damage. If the rival survives but it is not able to outspeed Emboar (which is not very difficult, though), then it is a good game for the rival. The premise is very simple: hit the right target with the right move; nevertheless, the fourth slot is not very easy to choose: yes, Electric can eliminate Water Types, but predicting the wrong rival will obviously put you in a very tight spot; on the contrary, Sucker Punch allows Emboar to outspeed most Pokémon, but being Choice-Locked into Sucker Punch is very unfortunate, however, Emboar is, at least, resistant to Pursuit.
An Adamant nature is recommended, as it allows Emboar to be one of the most feared wallbreakers in the entire game. If 8 EV in Speed do not appeal you, 48 EV in Speed allow Emboar to outspeed most Magnezone, which try to outspeed most Skarmory. Outspeeding Azumarill is worth nothing beacuse of this:
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Emboar: 338-402 (79.7 - 94.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Oh, a 2HKO! This means Emboar should commit suicide to eliminate Azumarill from the battlefield.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/500.png)
2fa(s)t4(o)u
Emboar @ Choice Scarf
Jolly/Adamant Nature (+Spe/Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Reckless
Flare Blitz
Superpower
Head Smash
Wild Charge
If Tyranitar could, why not Emboar? It lacks Pursuit, but its sheer power (Head Smash with Reckless deals more damage than STAB Stone Edge from Tyranitar) is enough to force switches and shenanigans. As I assume you are already faimiliar with what moves hits hard some rival in OU, I will directly go to the set specifications (keep in mind that Sucker Punch is not listed because its power is very low and being locked into it is even more unfortunate in the Scarf case). Instead of investing in HP, this set actually focuses in Speed, as it can terminate fully invested, positive-natured base 115 Base Speed freaks; unfortunately, if fully invested, Emboar can only speed-tie with HP Fire Timid Greninja, which means that Grass Knot variants will terminate Emboar's run. Other Speed Tiers? 236 EV in Speed are sufficient to outspeed Thundurus, 180 EV to outspeed the infamous base 108 Speed, and going anything lower would make no sense, since those are the most dangerous fast attackers.
Emboar, the Ganon Pokémon. It might not like to kidnap Zeldas, but commiting collective suicide is for sure one of its favourite activities. Just make sure you are not in the middle of the mayhem.
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So, what do you think about Emboar? Should it be faster or bulkier? Even more powerful? Will you stop hating it? Next issue will be released very soon!
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I've always likes Emboar. In fact its signature move is one of my favorite attacks from the fifth gen.
-
So you might be wondering "Scout/Martí, what user will you cover today? Most girls present in IRC have already been written about, and the others are just avoiding you". Yes, this is true, both in the virtual and the physical world; nevertheless, I've got a resource.
__________
Please do Stantler. :)
Nope, I am doing you (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=54875) instead.
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/5/52/Spr_4h_023.png)
Credit to the Pokémon Company
E.K.A.N.S.' name would be longer, but it seems we have been lucky because she decided some time ago that it would be like today's. Nothing else is known about her and her short data, but, at any rate, what is not short is her set of stats, as well as her excellent Dark/Fairy Type.
| HP: 115 | Attack: 89 | Defence: 113 | Special Attack: 120 | Special Defence: 113 | Speed: 130 |
Settings are important, or else extensive questions to either Lewis or me shall be asked.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/234.png)
Is this relevant?
E.K.A.N.S. @ Weakness Policy
Naïve Nature (+Hope, -Seniority)
EV: 4 Att/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Oblivious
Nasty Plot
Mooblast
Hyper Beam
Explosion
Due to her big load of homework, E.K.A.N.S. has no time to read these articles (if she had time she would not read them anyway), and thus has doubts about Hyper Beam and Giga Impact. Nonetheless, they should be exploited, and this set capitalises on this. Nasty Plot ensures that E.K.A.N.S. will think of an even more painful way to punish the rival for daring fight her, and from that point, two things might happen: either the rival is squashed like a bug via Moonblast, or gets demolished by Hyper Beam, being this a remembrance of Porygon-Z's former days. If the rival is too shamrock, Explosion is useful for attacking it on the physical side, at the cost of no more battles and gg wp.
No other nature and ability other than Naïve and Oblivious can be used, unless E.K.A.N.S. cheats on us and enhances her battling knowledge by defeating Richard using an Infernape. As such, Weakness Policy is an ideal item, as it grants a possibility to do some damage if her n00b-ness strikes back. The EV spread is the basic for a specially-based attacker.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/234.png)
Have you ever wished for a cookie?
E.K.A.N.S. @ Honey
Modest Nature (+Intelligence, -Cookies)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Pickup
Calm Mind
Confuse Ray
Fire Blast
Moonblast
In forums, E.K.A.N.S. is known for asking a lot of questions. "Will you cover Tropius?", "Why is my Pokémon too overpowered in your game?" are a few examples of such attitude, and this set is the pinnacle of being Descartes. Calm Mind, unlike Nasty Plot, improves her trolling capacity because she also gets her Special Defence (counterarguments) reinforced, a vital point in the world of trolling. Up there, Confuse Ray is a necessity to confuse, for example, Sappy, so that he can answer any question in a wrong manner. Now that he is unable to do anything right, Blasting questions to him is the key to victory, and Fire Blast and Moonblast are great to take care of him; Fire Blast by burning him, and Moonblast by lowering his Special Attack or argument capacity. By this point, Sappy will grant you a lot of cookies, no matter what you say.
Although trolling is often associated with being Naugty, a Modest nature is chosen instead in order not to harm, as E.K.A.N.S. is good (not like the writer of this article). The EV is designed to hit as hard and fast as possible, whilst 4 EV are put into Def just in case any random user uses Download and gets a SpA rise. In order to properly receive Sappy's presents, Pickup is the ability of choice, and Honey is the preferred item, as Cookies with Honey make an outstanding combination.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/234.png)
Why are exams and family arguments so easy?
E.K.A.N.S. @ Lava Cookie
Mild Nature (+Smart, -Clear)
EV: 252 SpA/56 SpD/200 Spe
Ability: Illuminate
Baby-Doll Eyes
Dark Pulse
Moonblast
Protect
As read before, little is known about E.K.A.N.S.' physical world's life, but one thing is sure: she enjoys laughing, as any other human (?) does. To force this chain of events, E.K.A.N.S. should first use Baby-Doll Eyes, thus decreasing the rival's Attack. Why is this important? Because aggressive rivals are serious business, of course. Due to her natural appeal, everyone should be lol-ing by then, but some rivals just want to watch the world burn: in those cases, either Dark Pulse or Moonblast may compel them, eventually causing a trauma on them, hence making them think for the first time in their lives how beautiful laughing with E.K.A.N.S. shoud have been. For her mis(s)fortune, the burning desire to watch the world burn can even outperform our wonderful E.K.A.N.S.' will, but thankfully for her, Protect exists, and because all of these rivals use a locking-to-confusion move, she is either immune to them (Outrage) or has enough defence to survive some hits, Protect, and cause them confusion, and, as read on the other set, confusion means her wishes come true, thus lols become rofls.
Mild is the essential of this set, as without it, most thugs would just roll over her, and that is unacceptable. With the given EV spread, E.K.A.N.S. can hit as hard as possible while outspeeding most silly humans out there. Not investing in physical defence might seem a suicide, but "the laughter is mightier than the sword" is the idiom applied here, and most intelligent detractors will, of course, use their SpA to try to annihilate her noble objectives. Illuminate is used in order to find brilliant jokes, and, because Sappy is not there, E.K.A.N.S. is already equiped with a Lava Cookie in case no one has this kind of food.
E.K.A.N.S., the "Luggy" user. Unlike "Supra Mayro Kratt", she has "question", and is not broken. Despite this, treating her like garbage will break your arguments and self-esteem.
__________
So, what do you think about E.K.A.N.S.? Should she be more popular around here? Are you wondering why some of her questions are in your head as well? More during next week!
Schedule: What is a schedule? (I am running out of Pokémon as well!)
-
You know, you could try covering LC or NFE pokemon or irrelevant pokemon from the past that are good now.
My suggestion still stands as Ninetales.
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Ninetales? That reminds me of another fox!
__________
Today, in order to keep on waiting, let me introduce you the Pokémon which changed battling forever. Today's guest is… Zoroark.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/571.png)
"Illusion", by MetaSprite
It might seem an exaggeration, but Zoroark, or, better said, its ability, Illusion, has been the responsible of Team Preview. If that Pokémon did not exist, most battles would be against an unknown team. Basically, Illusion changes Zoroark's appearance to the one of the Pokémon at the bottom of one own's team. If Team Preview had not been implemented, Zoroark would basically be overpowered, even with pure Dark Type and these stats:
| HP: 60 | Attack: 105 | Defence: 60 | Special Attack: 120 | Special Defence: 60 | Speed: 105 |
This does not mean Zoroark is not one of the best Pokémon for shenanigans; with such stats, expansive movepool, and tricky ability, Zoroark's sets are not scarce.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/571.png)
Surprise, you fool
Zoroark @ Life Orb
Naive nature (+Spe, -SpD)
EV: 100 Att/176 Spa/232 Spe
Ability: Illusion
Knock Off/Sucker Punch
Dark Pulse/Sucker Punch
Flamethrower
Focus Blast/Hidden Power Ice
Despite the fact it is not fully invested in any stat, Zoroark does pack quite a punch with a Life Orb in its hands, as it is capable of OHKOing the right Pokémon with its STAB moves and the rest of the coverage. In particular, Knock Off is an ensured OHKO against standard Mew if Stealth Rock is up, and Sucker Punch eliminates all hopes for Latios, which otherwise would be able to outspeed Zoroark; but Dark Pulse is an adequate move in case you desire to have access to a Special STAB. Flamethrower is necessary to ensure some surprise OHKOs, and with this spread, the elimination of Ferrothorn is guaranteed. In the last slot, Focus Blast means power, while Hidden Power Ice is translated into smart targeting: Landorus, Gliscor, and Dragons will not like taking such a powerful attack.
The EV are very specific and efficient: 232 EV in Speed are sufficient to outspeed non-scarfed Garchomp, while 176 in SpA guarantee a OHKO against Ferrothorn is Flamethrower is used. The rest is dumped into Attack, and Knock Off is enough to OHKO Latias and Mew, the latter with some Stealth Rock damage. Honourable mention to a Hasty set with Focus Sash,Counter and Sucker Punch, which can prove to be a road kill for teams that rely in a specific physical sweeper. By the way, it is not easy to determine Zoroark's disguise; the most effective ones are disguises that can actually lure Ferrothorn, Latios, Latias, and Mew, Zoroark's top targets; ergo, Venusaur and Slowbro are great choices, and due to their high defences, opponents will be most likely to switch into a frail and heavy hitter, thus easing Zoroark's job.
Zoroark, the shenanivixen Pokémon. Is it a plane? Is it an illusion? Nope, Chuck Testa disguised as Zoroark!
__________
So, what do you think about Zoroark? Did you have any problems against it? Or even using it? More very soon!
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What is fun is to pose as a "weak" Pokemon like Magikarp and then baffle opponents when you use a move the "weak" Pokemon cannot learn at all like Dark Pulse or Hyper Beam with Zoroark.
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What is fun is to pose as a "weak" Pokemon like Magikarp and then baffle opponents when you use a move the "weak" Pokemon cannot learn at all like Dark Pulse or Hyper Beam with Zoroark.
My favourite Zoroark moment is when I posed it as a Samurott when I was battling against a friend. Before I confirmed my turn I looked at my screen in shock and said "oh crap, is this one of those dodgy hacked samurott's I got off of GTS?" or words to that effect.
Even after the "Samurott" took a psychic, I mannaged to convince him it was a weird hacked mon until it fainted.
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It's always fun to have my Zoroark pose as a Crobat in the PWT when up against Sabrina. It's practically a free turn, since she'll almost always run a Psychic attack.
I've always wanted to try having it pose as a physically offensive Fire-type to lull people into thinking there's something wrong with me with running Flamethrower, but the thought occurs the ruse doesn't last long, anyway, and Zoroark doesn't really benefit from posing as a Fire-type. Ah well, Zoroark's still one of my faves.
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I hate facing Zoroark because I always get confused xD
I mean... I think it was Will that posted a replay in the showdown thread and I was completely baffled at how mega banette was holding a life orb >_>
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«Funny» - King Harkinian, 20th Century Doge.
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Finally the OOP (Original Original Poster) can see one of his faovurite Pokémon covered, and it is a versatile one. Yes, I am talking about Scrafty.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/560.png)
Gimme your MetaSprite or your life, you punk!
Scrafty has never been an easy Pokémon to use, as, despite its good bulk and decent Attack, is outsped by many different threats, is weak to Fighting and Flying, and now has gained a quadruple weakness to Fairy. Do not let this discourage you, though, as Scrafty is versatile and threatening enough to be part of your team; its stats work quite well, and its typing, without counting its weaknesses, is offensively great, as it hits for neutral damage everything barring Fairies, Heracross, and Toxicroak -while having access to important coverage moves to eliminate these threats-; whilst the icing of the cake is (or are) its three abilities, all of them highly viable: Shed Skin, Moxie, and Intimidate.
| HP: 65 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 115 | Special Attack: 45 | Special Defence: 115 | Speed: 58 |
Basically, two is the number of sets that are most frequently used due to their efficiency. Let's check them out.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/560.png)
Muscles
Scrafty @ Leftovers
Careful nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/224 SpD/32 Spe
Ability: Shed Skin/Intimidate
Bulk Up
Knock Off
Drain Punch
Poison Jab/Ice Punch/Stone Edge
A Bulk Up set in OU? Yes, committing suicide can be rather enjoyable. Nevertheless, Scrafty is one of the few users of the move that can actually force a switch due to its excellent abilities in Shed Skin and Intimidate; the former discouraging status and the later forcing a switch immediately. Do not try to set up right off the bat, since you could be negatively surprised; fortunately, Knock Off, Drain Punch, and the filler are quite spammable, especially Knock Off. The last move, along 32 EV in Speed, allow Scrafty to outspeed and 2HKO most Choice Specs Sylveon at +1, but the other moves can be found as useful as Poison Jab; Ice Punch eliminates Dragons, Thundurus, Landorus, and Gliscor, while Stone Edge is very effective at luring and annihilating Talonflame.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/560.png)
Crafty Dancing
Scrafty @ Life Orb/Lum Berry/Leftovers
Jolly nature (+Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Moxie/Shed Skin
Dragon Dance
Knock Off
High Jump Kick/Drain Punch
Stone Edge/Poison Jab/Ice Punch
Yes, the moves and playstyles are quite similar (regarding the other set), but only at the beginning, as once it gets rolling it will hardly stop; this, then, forces the fourth mvoe to be somewhat irrelevant unless for luring Talonflame, and this is why Stone Edge is the primary option here. With the given EV spread, Scrafty can outspeed Timid Thundurus by one point provided Scrafty has used a Dragon Dance. If using Moxie, then either Life Orb or Lum Berry are the options to consider, along High Jump Kick. If Shed Skin is chosen, then Leftovers is the item of choice along Drain Punch. Honourable mention to an Adamant set with Assault vest and a fourth damaging move instead of a boosting move.
Scrafty, the gangstachav Pokémon. Gimme your cash.
__________
Yes, what do you think about Scrafty? Next? Next.
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Good.
__________
Today, in o(r)der to grant you a WIP, I will dispose my Leftovers here:
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/569.png)
EA Gardobor despicted by MetaSprite
No, Gardobor does not deserve garbage-like jokes; it is one of the few Pokémon that can learn Spikes and Toxic Spikes at the same time, and that is a role that some stall teams require in just one Pokémon; while Forretress is sturdier and Roserade more offensive, Gardobor can stand a hit (unlike Roserade) and abosorb Toxic Spikes (unlike Forretress). On top of that, pure Poison Typing is far from a curse, as it is neutral to Fire unlike the other two Pokémon. If looking for just a Toxic Spikes setter, Gardobor has better physical defence than Tentacruel and better Special Defence than Forretress, not to say it is hit by Super Effective hits less frequently. Check the stats if you do not believe me, considering Gardobor's abilities are Stench, Aftermath, and Weak Armor.
| HP: 80 | Attack: 95 | Defence: 82 | Special Attack: 60 | Special Defence: 82 | Speed: 75 |
Let's check it out.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/569.png)
Garbage day!
Gardobor @ Black Sludge/Focus Sash
Impish/Jolly nature (+Def/Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 Att/4 Spe or 252 HP/4 Att/252 Spe or 252HP/Split between defences
Ability: Aftermath/Weak Armor
Toxic Spikes
Spikes
Gunk Shot/Pain Split
Payback/Explosion
In theory, Gardobor should be able to perform well as a balanced double spiker, and it can be unpredictable; give it Black Sludge and it will abuse resisted hits with Gunk Shot and Payback (the bad news is that Payback's power does not double if a Pokémon has switched out), give it a Focus Sash and it will work wonders if used properly setting at least one layer of hazards (two if Weak Armor is chosen and has an effect) and blow itself up with Explosion. Although the first moves are easy to understand, neither the abilities nor the last two moves are going to succeed given any circumstance. To put it easy, Focus Sash should be used with maximum Speed, and even a Jolly nature, to outspeed Jolly Bisharp (for example), and then Pain Split and Explosion should be used; in fact, Gardobor can force Bisharp to make a lot of mistakes, since it might run Life Orb, its energy can be drained with Pain Split, and it will probably take a lot of damage due to Aftermath if it decides to eliminate it, causing, with Life Orb recoil, a bit less of half of its total HP (factoring two rounds of Life Orb recoil and Aftermath).
Gardobor, the discriminated Pokémon. I do mean it, really! "Oh, I hate Generation V because Gardobor, Klang, and Vanilluxe are in it". Dang it!
__________
Now it is the time to test Gardobor! If you want, go for the next article!
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op is trashier than garbodor y/y
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I always call a female Garbodor Marjory after the talking trash heap from Fraggle Rock!
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So much to do, so much to see.
__________
Today, because Alice "said" so, one of the rapidest Pokémon of the game will be featured: I am talking about Accelgor.
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk242/Metagame_Spriters/4%20Gen%20V/617.png)
Accelgor has been able not to go fast for a moment in order to be sprited by MetaSprite
Accelgor's role has always been discussed; not due to the fact it is able to learn Spikes Accelgor's main set should be a Spiker one (look at Greninja, for example), although it does accomplish that role quite well. It can attack, yes, but it is quite frail, its STAB is not excellent, and lacks a bit of Special Attack. So, what does it do? All of these things and more, in fact. A Pokémon with Hydration, Sticky Hold, and Unburden should work, and these stats back this theory up:
| HP: 80 | Attack: 70 | Defence: 40 | Special Attack: 100 | Special Defence: 60 | Speed: 145 |
Finally, I can present some calculations with respect to the debate "Modest versus Timid".
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/617.png)
Standard Sanic Striker
Accelgor @ Focus Sash/Red Card/Life Orb
Modest/Timid Nature (+SpA/Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Unburden/Sticky Hold/Hydration
Bug Buzz
Focus Blast
Hidden Power Fire/Rock/Ice
Giga Drain/Acid Spray
Quite simple to understand and use: just hit hat and fast (very fast, indeed). However, the item used, along the nature, will be crucial, as Accelgor's Speed and damage output are in risk. For example, Unburden with Focus Sash or Red Card and Modest nature is very helpful if Accelgor does not want to take indirect damage, but its Speed is vastly reduced after switching; with Timid, recoil damage is assumed, but its Speed will be very high, easily outspeeding Modest Mega Alakazam. If going that way, either Sticky Hold or Hydration work.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/617.png)
Inspiktia
Accelgor @ Focus Sash
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 248 HP/8 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Unburden/Sticky Hold/Hydration
Spikes
Encore
Bug Buzz
Knock Off/Final Gambit/Focus Blast
Instead of directly attacking, Accelgor can be the fastest Spiker in the tier and lay two layers of hazards most of the times. This is achieved due to Focus Sash + Unburden and an occasional Encore, which can force a lot of switches. Encore can be also used with Knock Off, thus creating a disruptive situation for the opponent, which will be taking hazard damage and losing its items. Encore can also be used to predict a switch and hit with either Final Gambit or Focus Blast.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/617.png)
Gotta go Marginalazam!
Accelgor @ Lum Berry
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 136 HP/216 SpA/156 Spe
Ability: Hydration/Sticky Hold
Bug Buzz
Encore
Hidden Power Rock/Fire
Final Gambit
As its name suggests, this set is made to specifically check Mega Alazakam (Modest); in fact, 216 EV in SpA guarantee the OHKO 100% of the times with Bug Buzz, while 156 Speed (due to Hidden Power Rock or Fire) reach 400 Speed, enough to outsmart Mega Alakazam.
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he's lying
i wanted roserade and i am feeling very betrayed </3
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DAMAGE CALCULATOR IS NO UP YET; THIS MEANS I WILL HAVE TO ANNOUNCE A GOOD SPREAD FOR ACCELGOR IN ANOTHER MOMENT
he's lying
i wanted roserade and i am feeling very betrayed </3
Then you will have your "crimson" Roserade.
__________
Today… I don't even know why I am presenting it, since I have already told you its name: Roserade.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/407.png)
Let MetaSprite go.
Roserade is one of the few offensive-based Pokémon that can actually fulfill a big array of roles: from Spiker to Specially Defensive, not forgetting the classic all-out attaker and even Scarf sets. This is not today's case, as Grass/Poison is not one of the best combinations in standard (unless you've got Thick Fat, and Roserade does not seem willing to accept that destiny) and its physical defence is quite low, as seen below.
| HP: 60 | Attack: 75 | Defence: 65 | Special Attack: 125 | Special Defence: 105 | Speed: 90 |
However, Roserade does have access to some very interesting abilities: Poison Point is marginally useful, but Roserade can set up Toxic Spikes alredy, Natural Cure is a blessing for the defensive set, and Technician is excellent if Hidden Power is run, as it has the same base power as Flamethrower.
Sets, please. Keep in mind that due to lack of calculator I must rely in Smogon.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/407-f.png)
Spikes Peak
Roserade @ Focus Sash/Black Sludge
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Natural Cure
Spikes
Toxic Spikes/Sludge Bomb
Sleep Powder
Giga Drain/Leaf Storm
The goal of this set is not difficult to grasp: se up as many layers of hazards as you can. In order to achieve this, Roserade can use a vast number of shenanigans in form of offensive presence and tricky status moves. If the opponent switches out, a layer of any kind of Spikes can be set, and so on until either the Focus Sash is broken or Roserade has enough hazards set up. This sounds very prediction-relying, but Sleep Power actually decreases the number of guesses one person has to think of, easily causing confusion. Moreover, Roserade can actually represent a threat, as Sludge Bomb and Giga Drain/Leaf Storm hit quite hard coming off 125 Base SpA and STAB. The EV and nature are meant to outspeed as many Pokémon as possible, while Natural Cure is useful in case Roserade is obligued to stomach a burn or paralysis.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/407-f.png)
La Rosa
Roserade @ Life Orb
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Technician/Natural Cure
Leaf Storm
Sludge Bomb
Hidden Power Fire/Sleep Powder
Giga Drain/Sleep Powder
Offensive Roserade is useful in the regard some of the key Pokémon in OU are weak or neutral to Grass and Poison, thus leading to an offensive set. Leaf Storm is the first option, as it can OHKO or 2HKO most Pokémon that do not resist it (barring the blobs, for example); Slugde Bomb does not drop any stat and has a chance of poisoning the rival, while Hidden Power Fire, with 90 Base Power due to Technician, can fry Scizor and Skarmory. Giga Drain is a safer option than Leaf Storm that also recovers some life taken away by Life Orb. If none of the two last options have convinced you, Sleep Powder is handy enough to force switches. Once again, hitting as hard and fast as possible is Roserade's best option with this set, so the classic spread, Nature, and item are present. If not using Technician, Natural Cure is great for absorbing Paralysis.
Roserade, the anti-Charlie Pokémon. Its delicate appearance should not lead to the hasty conclusion of "this one will be easy to take down), as doing so will result in problems for you.
__________
So, what do you think about Roserade? Is it as beautiful as you remember it in 2D Pokémon games? More during the next issue!
-
So you might be wondering "Scout/Martí, what user will you cover today? Most girls present in IRC have already been written about, and the others are just avoiding you". Yes, this is true, both in the virtual and the physical world; nevertheless, I've got a resource.
__________
Nope, I am doing you (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=54875) instead.
(http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/5/52/Spr_4h_023.png)
Credit to the Pokémon Company
E.K.A.N.S.' name would be longer, but it seems we have been lucky because she decided some time ago that it would be like today's. Nothing else is known about her and her short data, but, at any rate, what is not short is her set of stats, as well as her excellent Dark/Fairy Type.
| HP: 115 | Attack: 89 | Defence: 113 | Special Attack: 120 | Special Defence: 113 | Speed: 130 |
Settings are important, or else extensive questions to either Lewis or me shall be asked.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/234.png)
Is this relevant?
E.K.A.N.S. @ Weakness Policy
Naïve Nature (+Hope, -Seniority)
EV: 4 Att/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Oblivious
Nasty Plot
Mooblast
Hyper Beam
Explosion
Due to her big load of homework, E.K.A.N.S. has no time to read these articles (if she had time she would not read them anyway), and thus has doubts about Hyper Beam and Giga Impact. Nonetheless, they should be exploited, and this set capitalises on this. Nasty Plot ensures that E.K.A.N.S. will think of an even more painful way to punish the rival for daring fight her, and from that point, two things might happen: either the rival is squashed like a bug via Moonblast, or gets demolished by Hyper Beam, being this a remembrance of Porygon-Z's former days. If the rival is too shamrock, Explosion is useful for attacking it on the physical side, at the cost of no more battles and gg wp.
No other nature and ability other than Naïve and Oblivious can be used, unless E.K.A.N.S. cheats on us and enhances her battling knowledge by defeating Richard using an Infernape. As such, Weakness Policy is an ideal item, as it grants a possibility to do some damage if her n00b-ness strikes back. The EV spread is the basic for a specially-based attacker.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/234.png)
Have you ever wished for a cookie?
E.K.A.N.S. @ Honey
Modest Nature (+Intelligence, -Cookies)
EV: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Pickup
Calm Mind
Confuse Ray
Fire Blast
Moonblast
In forums, E.K.A.N.S. is known for asking a lot of questions. "Will you cover Tropius?", "Why is my Pokémon too overpowered in your game?" are a few examples of such attitude, and this set is the pinnacle of being Descartes. Calm Mind, unlike Nasty Plot, improves her trolling capacity because she also gets her Special Defence (counterarguments) reinforced, a vital point in the world of trolling. Up there, Confuse Ray is a necessity to confuse, for example, Sappy, so that he can answer any question in a wrong manner. Now that he is unable to do anything right, Blasting questions to him is the key to victory, and Fire Blast and Moonblast are great to take care of him; Fire Blast by burning him, and Moonblast by lowering his Special Attack or argument capacity. By this point, Sappy will grant you a lot of cookies, no matter what you say.
Although trolling is often associated with being Naugty, a Modest nature is chosen instead in order not to harm, as E.K.A.N.S. is good (not like the writer of this article). The EV is designed to hit as hard and fast as possible, whilst 4 EV are put into Def just in case any random user uses Download and gets a SpA rise. In order to properly receive Sappy's presents, Pickup is the ability of choice, and Honey is the preferred item, as Cookies with Honey make an outstanding combination.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/234.png)
Why are exams and family arguments so easy?
E.K.A.N.S. @ Lava Cookie
Mild Nature (+Smart, -Clear)
EV: 252 SpA/56 SpD/200 Spe
Ability: Illuminate
Baby-Doll Eyes
Dark Pulse
Moonblast
Protect
As read before, little is known about E.K.A.N.S.' physical world's life, but one thing is sure: she enjoys laughing, as any other human (?) does. To force this chain of events, E.K.A.N.S. should first use Baby-Doll Eyes, thus decreasing the rival's Attack. Why is this important? Because aggressive rivals are serious business, of course. Due to her natural appeal, everyone should be lol-ing by then, but some rivals just want to watch the world burn: in those cases, either Dark Pulse or Moonblast may compel them, eventually causing a trauma on them, hence making them think for the first time in their lives how beautiful laughing with E.K.A.N.S. shoud have been. For her mis(s)fortune, the burning desire to watch the world burn can even outperform our wonderful E.K.A.N.S.' will, but thankfully for her, Protect exists, and because all of these rivals use a locking-to-confusion move, she is either immune to them (Outrage) or has enough defence to survive some hits, Protect, and cause them confusion, and, as read on the other set, confusion means her wishes come true, thus lols become rofls.
Mild is the essential of this set, as without it, most thugs would just roll over her, and that is unacceptable. With the given EV spread, E.K.A.N.S. can hit as hard as possible while outspeeding most silly humans out there. Not investing in physical defence might seem a suicide, but "the laughter is mightier than the sword" is the idiom applied here, and most intelligent detractors will, of course, use their SpA to try to annihilate her noble objectives. Illuminate is used in order to find brilliant jokes, and, because Sappy is not there, E.K.A.N.S. is already equiped with a Lava Cookie in case no one has this kind of food.
E.K.A.N.S., the "Luggy" user. Unlike "Supra Mayro Kratt", she has "question", and is not broken. Despite this, treating her like garbage will break your arguments and self-esteem.
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So, what do you think about E.K.A.N.S.? Should she be more popular around here? Are you wondering why some of her questions are in your head as well? More during next week!
Schedule: What is a schedule? (I am running out of Pokémon as well!)
I think Scout just used Flatter on me and it's super effective.
Roserade always creeped me out with that sly mouth and white hair. I always thought of it as a flirty kind of Pokemon... in a creepy way. Well, I still trained it in Pokemon Diamond. Can't beat nostalgia.
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Guys, one of these days, we'll have to cover mega sappy. We need to know what makes him op
so we can nerf it.
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Nope, I just wrote what I thought of you. And Mega Sappy has already been covered, ShinyBaka. However, dire times have come.
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Today, because it is the 13th week, just one user can be reviewed, and that is me, Delicious_Scout/Martí (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=53538).
(http://i59.tinypic.com/2637gb9.jpg)
That sprite is mine, now move up.
I am not very proud of this user; he is told and thought to be imbecile, unhelpful, abrasive, satanic, and not funny. Well, perhaps this is due to the fact he has been a zombie (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10635736_1497115123896291_2781713445233349332_n.jpg?oh=bcfa7c9d4b0b51fde6432a2f49188fd4&oe=54DCE9B8&__gda__=1427962241_26436029f8c0df2e4bd93c1f4ce7cd41) (or maybe he still is, I don't know). He has also developed prosopagnosia, been poisoned a couple of times, never had a girlfriend (or kissed), and defends every Pokémon up to the point of actually liking Infernape, but his favourite Pokémon remains being Registeel. Nevertheless, because he has been writing all these articles, his name and sets have to be forcibly written here. To begin with, he is a Dark/Fighting user, and these are his stats:
| HP: 80 | Attack: 169 | Defence: 100 | Special Attack: 169 | Special Defence: 74 | Speed: 108 |
Let's move on with some useless sets.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/248-m.png)
Shake-shake-shenanigans
Delicious_Scout @ Life Orb
Rash Nature (+Mindgames, -Victory)
EV: 128 Att/128 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Illusion
Substitute
Focus Punch
Will-O-Wisp
Dark Pulse
Martí is known for his stupid strategies consisting of surprise factor and shenanigans, and this set can not get any trickier. Given Illusion and a good chance of causing a switch, Martí can use Substitute to protect himself from status and any Attack, thus maintaining his Illusion up until he is hit when Substitute is not up. It would be a shame not to use that precious Substitute, though, so Focus Punch acts as a very powerful STAB move that will decimate anything not immune to it, especially when backed up by Life Orb. If one is not sure about using that move, Will-O-Wisp often softens most hits and deals more flaming damage; last, but not least, Dark Pulse acts as a secondary STAB, and with the given investment, it is guaranteed to deal plenty of damage to most opponents due to Martí's Speed and good combination that is Fighting + Dark. Life Orb is the item of choice at it destroys Martí little by little, especially when abusing Substitute, while helping him defeating his enemies.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/248-m.png)
Grave of firebaka
Delicious_Scout @ Flame Orb
Modest Nature (+Violence, -Cows)
EV: 4 HP/252 SpA/252 SpD
Ability: Stench
Torment
Dark Pulse
Fire Blast
Explosion
If Martí is known for something in IRC is for flaming and, in general, being useless. With the given ability and EV spread such a task can be easily accomplished. For instance, Torment causes headaches to most pacific and righteous users, thus making them want to start a war; if this is not enough, further flaming can be used in form of Dark Pulse, incentivising the use of Dark thoughts. If this is not enough, Fire Blast provides a literal flame to the forums as well whilst causing great amounts of damage and deception. Last, Explosion, given the nature, and the item, will not hurt very much the other users, and will terminate the disgrace of having talked to Martí; if Damp is present, due to 4 EV in HP, Flame Orb will burn and kill him quicker, in comparison with the case he had 4 EV in Def. Although contradictory at first, Modest should be the nature of choice because, although he tends to flame, he also hates other flamers, and will fight them with modesty and courage. Stench is there because he sucks.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/248-m.png)
I denied, I came, I ded
Delicious_Scout @ Toxic Orb
Lonely Nature (+Oneself, -Face)
EV: 12 Att/252 SpA/244 Spe
Ability: Dark Aura
Focus Blast
Fire Blast
Sucker Punch
Explosion
Martí is an actor; it is not known whether he is a good or a bad one, but it is thought that this line of work has enhanced his dark capabilities, up to the point of developing a Dark Aura, his ability of choice. In any case, because of his prosopagnosia, he must focus in details from people in order to identify them, but since he is highly destructive and not nice, he "accidentally" released a Focus Blast, which happens to be his STAB move. Angry with the "accidental" attack, Martí is likely to spam Fire Blast because there is no way of expressing one's ire other than spamming fire from one's inners. Martí, desperate enough, will feel he has betrayed most people, and, as a consequence, he will keep with his evil actions, this time aware of that and spamming Aura and STAB boosted Sucker Punches, causing mayhem to those who dare attacking him. Eventually, given the item, Martí will realise he has been Toxic to society, and will Explode to let the others live in peace.
Martí, the "no" user. He is not anti-bad either, and I wonder what's wrong with him, really.
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So, what do you think about Delicious_Scout? Should he go to Hell or is it being too generous? More articles coming soon!
Shcedule: There is no way it can be determined.
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So i'm not getting covered by your awesome (not kidding) article? I'm kinda disappointed.
And great work as usual.
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Accelgor's calculations are done; they require explanations, though (http://pkmn.net/forums/index.php?topic=105749.msg2396211#msg2396211).
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Yesterday, due to the fact Smogon and everybody else hate me, I had to postpone Walrein's article, but here it is (under construction):
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/365.png)
Obey "the" MetaSprite.
Walrein has been depicted as a fat walrus. This, of course, has its advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious one is that it appears to resist hits quite well, and, in return, it does enough damage not to be laughed at (not to say its cry is one of the best discoveries ever made by human race) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Yp_SawT6U). Abilities in Thick Fat, Ice Body, and Oblivious are not bad at all, and Walrein has, moreover, been known for two generations straight as "Stallrein" due to ice Body combined with Toxic Spikes, which made it almost impossible for the rival to defeat it swiftly. Nonetheless to say, Walrein is an Ice/Water Pokémon, and, due to Ice, its defensive capabilities are significantly nerfed. At least it has great defences at the cost of low Speed.
| HP: 110 | Attack: 80 | Defence: 90 | Special Attack: 95 | Special Defence: 90 | Speed: 65 |
Sets? What are those?
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/365.png)
Stallrein
Wallrein @ Leftovers/Chesto Berry
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 232 HP/252 Def/24 SpD
Ability: Thick Fat
Surf
Ice Beam
Rest
Stockpile/Sleep Talk
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/365.png)
Stallrein
Wallrein @ Leftovers
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 232 HP/252 Def/24 SpD
Ability: Ice Body
Substitute
Protect
Blizzard
Roar/Hail
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And here I go again.
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Today, as wished upon a shamrock by most IRC users from our channel, our star will be Wailord.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/321.png)
"Moby Robin", by MetaSprite.
If I have to be honest, I am a contrarian most of the times; no one likes Walrein but me, and vice versa with Wailord. It is meant to be a hard-hitting Pokémon by both sides, but its special one is the option that usually is taken into account due to Wailord's better special movepool, including Water Spout, one of the most devastating offensive moves ever developed. The problem with Wailord is that it needs speed and defences to abuse that move, and, unfortunately, it lacks both. at least abilities in Oblivious, Pressure, and especially Water Veil help our pure Water type friend to survive a bit longer.
| HP: 170 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 45 | Special Attack: 90 | Special Defence: 45 | Speed: 60 |
I have no choice, sets must be done.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/321.png)
Blue Whale-y
Wailord @ Choice Scarf/Specs
Modest/Timid Nature (+SpA/Spe, -Att)
EV: 252 SpA/4 SpD/252 Spe
Ability: Water Veil
Water Spout
Hydro Pump/Surf
Ice Beam
Hidden Power Grass/Electric
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Sacrifices.
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Lickilicky.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/463.png)
By MetaSprite.
| HP: 110 | Attack: 85 | Defence: 95 | Special Attack: 80 | Special Defence: 95 | Speed: 50 |
Sets.
(http://www.blocked.net/xy/pokemon/463.png)
You are licking it wrong.
Lickilicky @ Leftovers/Assault Vest
Impish/Careful Nature (+Def/SpD, -SpA)
EV:
Ability: Cloud Nine
Power Whip
Knock Off
Body Slam
Earthquake/Rock Slide
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George López was here.
(http://pkmn.net/sprites/meta/344.png)
Sort of.
I promise I will do better.
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is that a claydol im not positive
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I hate Ickyicky! I only evolve Lickitung just to complete the Dex and then off into the Box it goes for all eternity!
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Due to the fact university is requiring me more assignments and OR is a reality in my 3DS I will just finish the articles I have left when I feel like it. I will restart it during Jesusmas. This means Lickilicky will get a set, the others will have their sets explained, and articles regarding another Pokémon and a girl of ours will be the next.
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You know..... no one really uses Spinda. Maybe our resident Chief Executive Officer of Shenanigans can think of something for it.