Complete My Team!

[Team Gaara]

The bans and clauses are what create a competitive environment. If you remove the technical aspects of an NBA game, you get a street match, to use an analogy.

I suppose that makes a little more sense~

@BadAssKoala; But it's not like a just "slap a team together". I train and strategize the same way as when I play on Showdown.

But if you guys say so, I won't argue...here...

 

[BadAssKoala]

@Team Gaara; If that's the case then aren't you just using a showdown team to battle semi competatives? If your using a showdown team in game or even using your team building knowledge it's a competative team. By your logic me taking my Smogon teams to a VGC tournament would make them a VGC team.

 

[Team Gaara]

@Team Gaara; If that's the case then aren't you just using a showdown team to battle semi competatives? If your using a showdown team in game or even using your team building knowledge it's a competative team. By your logic me taking my Smogon teams to a VGC tournament would make them a VGC team.

I have no logic here, apparently. What I'm saying is, I do the same types of EV training and strategy and team building that I would on Showdown. It's not a "Showdown Team" it's just a team that I put together, but I play pretty much the same way. But apparently if I use this team on PSS, it is no longer competitive, which is ironic because I use the same Pokemon, pretty much.

 

[UB-01 Kenobi]

@Team Gaara; If that's the case then aren't you just using a showdown team to battle semi competatives? If your using a showdown team in game or even using your team building knowledge it's a competative team. By your logic me taking my Smogon teams to a VGC tournament would make them a VGC team.

I have no logic here, apparently. What I'm saying is, I do the same types of EV training and strategy and team building that I would on Showdown. It's not a "Showdown Team" it's just a team that I put together, but I play pretty much the same way. But apparently if I use this team on PSS, it is no longer competitive, which is ironic because I use the same Pokemon, pretty much.

If Kobe played pickup with some high school kids it wouldn't be an NBA match, to continue my analogy from before.

 

[BadAssKoala]

I'd kindly ask you to read my post again. I believe you missed my point entirely. First of all if you use basically the same team as a showdown team you are using a showdown team. Thus it is competative. Next, I think you miss another point. Players on the PSS usually don't understand movesets, EVs, IVs, or team synergy. That means that since you understand that your a "competative" player who has a definite edge, which means it's different than a Showdown match and not competative.

 

[Master Mew]

In my view, a match (distinct from a competitive *team*) can only be described as "competitive" if all participants are aware that it is so. If you're battling your friends/people you know on PSS and everyone understands you're adhering to a high standard of play then it's a competitive match. If you're sending random battle requests to strangers then you may be using a competitive team but it isn't a competitive match (since you'll spend half your time smearing some kid's in-game team).

 

[Team Gaara]

I'd kindly ask you to read my post again. I believe you missed my point entirely. First of all if you use basically the same team as a showdown team you are using a showdown team. Thus it is competative. Next, I think you miss another point. Players on the PSS usually don't understand movesets, EVs, IVs, or team synergy. That means that since you understand that your a "competative" player who has a definite edge, which means it's different than a Showdown match and not competative.

This isn't true, in my case. The people I face on PSS, 95% of the time, know what they're doing and have a "competitive" team, as well. So would these matches be defined as competitive or still casual?

Maybe I should say: if both teams are "competitive", even if it's a randomly challenged stranger, does that make it competitive?

 

[UB-01 Kenobi]

I'd kindly ask you to read my post again. I believe you missed my point entirely. First of all if you use basically the same team as a showdown team you are using a showdown team. Thus it is competative. Next, I think you miss another point. Players on the PSS usually don't understand movesets, EVs, IVs, or team synergy. That means that since you understand that your a "competative" player who has a definite edge, which means it's different than a Showdown match and not competative.

This isn't true, in my case. The people I face on PSS, 95% of the time, know what they're doing and have a "competitive" team, as well. So would these matches be defined as competitive or still casual?

Maybe I should say: if both teams are "competitive", even if it's a randomly challenged stranger, does that make it competitive?

No, you're not playing in a competitive environment - no matter how good I am or my opponent is, if I break out a Moody Glalie we are not playing competitively.

 

[Team Gaara]

Okay, I guess~

 

[Kimono Dragon]

Hey Sonic Neko/Kestron here wondering if someone could comment on my team choice.
Note:

• The legendaries' natures can't be changed, so yeah...
• I don't have access to Pokemon Black/White 2, so no tutor moves
• Any Special alternatives to M-Venusaur that isn't Electric-type? It doesn't have to be a mega evolution.

@ Red Card
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 HP / 4 Atk
Rash Nature
- Spikes
- Knock Off
- Recover
- Taunt

@ Choice Band
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Hammer Arm
- Waterfall

@ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Defog
- Brave Bird
- Toxic
- Whirlwind

@ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Calm Nature
- Leech Seed
- Sleep Powder
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]

(F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flower Veil
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Calm Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Moonblast
- Wish
- Protect

@ Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Quiet Nature
- Lava Plume
- Flash Cannon
- Dark Pulse
- Earth Power

 

[Stardust_Trainer]

I dont get into switching specific Pokemon out the team yet but just a couple of things I can suggest in my opinion.

Instead of Mandibuzz running Brave Bird, it should be Foul Play preferably. More damage to make up for his lack of attack and Deoxys already covers Knock Off. Your Heatran can also use Fire Blast for more damage unless your trying to get the slightly better burn chance or this is for doubles. Or you dont like gambling with accuracy.

If your gonna use MVenusaur, you should abuse his attack since you have a good defensive line already with Florges/Deoxys/Mandibuzz and he still gets pretty bulky anyway. He should run 252 HP/252 SpAtk EVs with-
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb
-Sleep Powder
-Synthesis/HP Fire/Leech Seed

I cant think of another good Mega to replace him at the moment. I would say MGengar but we all know how that goes.....

 

[Kimono Dragon]

I dont get into switching specific Pokemon out the team yet but just a couple of things I can suggest in my opinion.

Instead of Mandibuzz running Brave Bird, it should be Foul Play preferably. More damage to make up for his lack of attack and Deoxys already covers Knock Off. Your Heatran can also use Fire Blast for more damage unless your trying to get the slightly better burn chance or this is for doubles. Or you dont like gambling with accuracy.

If your gonna use MVenusaur, ... He should run 252 HP/252 SpAtk EVs with-
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb
-Sleep Powder
-Synthesis/HP Fire/Leech Seed

Yeah, Foul Play would be the better move so I'll use that instead. I was just turned off to it due to Smogon voting on banning Swagger, which often goes hand in hand with the move.

I would rather Heatran have Lava Plume or Flamethrower instead of Fire Blast because 5 pp+85% doesn't cut it for me. Plus the Burn chance is nice as long as Ii don't end up getting caught in with Conkeldurr.

I'll also try out that M-Venusaur EV spread but I'll keep the same moves since I can't find much use for Sludge Bomb outside of Grass and Fairies, which Heatran checks.

As a replacement for Mega Venusaur, I was thinking?:

@ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SAtt / 252 Speed / 4 HP
Timid/Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor/Dragon Pulse
- Flamethrower/Fire Blast
- Surf
- Roost
Though that means I would need to replace Mandibuzz with something :/

 

[Stardust_Trainer]

I think Mandibuzz would be pretty hard to replace. As for Sludge Bomb, it is useful STAB with a chance to poison foes and saves my ass. Not to mention in a situation where he's off facing a Dragon, he can't do much with Fire/Grass attacks if Florges/Heatran has bit the dust. Plus, Hydreigon is adding weaknesses you'd have to worry about. Venusaur has beautiful resistances and with Thick Fat, his only worry is Flying and Psychic-type attacks, which Mandibuzz checks nicely.

 

[BigBadBatter]

I'd kindly ask you to read my post again. I believe you missed my point entirely. First of all if you use basically the same team as a showdown team you are using a showdown team. Thus it is competative. Next, I think you miss another point. Players on the PSS usually don't understand movesets, EVs, IVs, or team synergy. That means that since you understand that your a "competative" player who has a definite edge, which means it's different than a Showdown match and not competative.

This isn't true, in my case. The people I face on PSS, 95% of the time, know what they're doing and have a "competitive" team, as well. So would these matches be defined as competitive or still casual?

Maybe I should say: if both teams are "competitive", even if it's a randomly challenged stranger, does that make it competitive?

No, you're not playing in a competitive environment - no matter how good I am or my opponent is, if I break out a Moody Glalie we are not playing competitively.

It honestly depends on the metagame IMO. VGC yes, Smogon no

 

[TerraTF]

I'd kindly ask you to read my post again. I believe you missed my point entirely. First of all if you use basically the same team as a showdown team you are using a showdown team. Thus it is competative. Next, I think you miss another point. Players on the PSS usually don't understand movesets, EVs, IVs, or team synergy. That means that since you understand that your a "competative" player who has a definite edge, which means it's different than a Showdown match and not competative.

This isn't true, in my case. The people I face on PSS, 95% of the time, know what they're doing and have a "competitive" team, as well. So would these matches be defined as competitive or still casual?

Maybe I should say: if both teams are "competitive", even if it's a randomly challenged stranger, does that make it competitive?

No, you're not playing in a competitive environment - no matter how good I am or my opponent is, if I break out a Moody Glalie we are not playing competitively.

It honestly depends on the metagame IMO. VGC yes, Smogon no

VGC is the least competitive environment out there. No legends and all Mega's makes it a broken arena. Smogon's OU at least tries to balance the game and make it competitive. Smogon is essentially doing what Game Freak is not.

 

[henrymidfields]

Hey, I just finished going through the Battle Institute in Lumiose City. I've just done my 2nd sets of 5 consecutive Double Battles with the following team, and got Hyper Rank.

First:
Fernanda (Greninja), Gentle, (no item), A) Torrent
U-turn/Acrobatics/Dark Pulse/Water Pledge,
She's almost always the first Pokemon to come into battle. She's got Acrobatics to deal with Grass/Bug/Fighting Pokemons - hence the lack of a held item. She's also a scout who would U-turn back in case there's an Electric Pokemon. The other two are special STAB attacks. I haven't really done any specialisation in terms of EVs. Probably in this case, I could max out her Speed EV to start with. (Fernanda wouldn't have much chance against anyone faster than her anyway, because of her lack of Defense.) The other question is just how much Protean is useful and wether switching to Protean is worth it. (And also how/where I can get in Gen 6.)

Second:
Stefano (Snorlax), Calm, Leftovers, A) Thick Fat
Crunch/Return/Wild Charge/Toxic,
I initially thought about using Surf/Heavy Slam to counter against Rock Pokemon. However, neither did decent damage. I also had Rest/Sleep Talk, but I decided to ditch them after encountering several instances of being walled by Pokemon just as bulky. I decided to use Return as a STAB Attack, courtesy of Smogon. Crunch and Wild Charge, I also got from Smogon, and Toxic was a Plan B for those who are too bulky for Stefano to break through. (In fact, I used Toxic on Quagsire after it started to stockpile on the second round of my Battle Institute Double Battle Test just an hour ago, and it worked.) As for EVs again, I more or less spent EVs on all 6 stats, but I probably could have spent on two of Attack/HP/(Sp) Defense.

Third:
Charizard, Modest, Charizardite X, A) Blaze/Drought
Fire Pledge/Flamethrower/Dig/Dragon Tail,
Yeah, you're probably thinking right? "Why did this noob bring out a Charizard???" Except that, thankfully I didn't have to deal with Stealth Rock. To be honest, I haven't given much thought about the movepools. However, for most Rock-type Pokemon, I have Dig to at least temporarily get away from the 4x Weakness, and land a super-effective attack. There's also Dragon Tail to shoo them away as a last resort - although admittedly it seem to not do so well. Probably Speed Boost Blaziken may have been a better choice.

Fourth:
Homeros (Aegislash), Adamant, (no item), A) Stance Change
King's Shield/Shadow Claw/Sacred Sword/Iron Head,
King's Shield is usually to protect Homeros from Earthquake, or from other Fire/Ground attacks, and lure any contact moves. Then there's STAB Night Slash and Iron Head. I also have Sacred Sword counter any Dark Types. While I wasn't entirely thorough with my EV distribution I did give at least 170-200 EVs for Attack and Speed. Could it be better to spend EVs on Defense as well?

Out of Rotation:
Bernerde (Venusaur), Bashful, (no item), A) Overgrow
Seed Bomb/Grass Pledge/Sludge Bomb/Growth
I initially challenged the Double Battle Test with Venusaur, instead of Snorlax. Unfortunately the lack of a counter against Fire/Flying Pokemon pretty much rendered this Pokemon as dead weight. It also did not help that Bernerde was also not as quick/bulky, and had too many weakneses. For the second test, I decided to use Snorlax instead.

Thanks for the read, guys. I'll get back tomorrow and write how it worked. Also do leave me a note for recommendations for better movesets and the like, as well as 2 Pokemon that can complete my team of six.

- Henry Midfields

 

[TerraTF]

Protean is much better on Greninja. Basically makes any move it uses a STAB move as it changes Greninja's type to the move its using. Moves look fine. I'd go either all Attack or all Special Attack. Of course go all Speed. Toss an Expert Belt on it if you don't feel like going for a LO or Choice Item.

Snorelax isn't too good of a Pokemon in Doubles. Tanks don't really work well in a Doubles situation.

Charizard X is the one with high Attack and is Fire/Dragon. So I'd go DD/Flare Blitz/Outrage/EQ.

Your Aegislash set looks alright but Shadow Sneak may help it over King's Shield.

 

[Ithildyn]

Help me complete a Water & Steel "Gym Leader"-style team

Hi everyone!

TL: Won'tR I'm trying to make a Gym Leader-style team, the concept is Water and Steel pokes (part or full-type) who use both Water and Steel moves.

It's still in the planning phase, but I'd like to surprise a friend on her birthday by making her beat a "IRL" Pokemon Gym, complete with a bunch of our other friends playing the roles of various Gym Trainers and me as Leader ('cause it's my idea hahah).
The badge she'll earn if she can beat us all is going to be the Stainless Badge (made of real Stainless Steel! Wow!)! It's called Stainless because it'll be a Gym specialized in Steel and Water pokémon.
That means all pokes in the gym need to have either type in their typing.
As an additional handicap, all the Gym's pokes must have both a Water and a Steel move in their movesets.


I made two tables with all the pokemon that fit the Gym's criteria. (Thank Arceus there's Water Dance or else there wouldn't be very many usable Steel pokes...)

(Legendaries are grayed because I'm not sure if it'd be okay to use them... At best, maybe I could have one as Gym leader, but not the Gym Trainers)

As the Gym Leader, I'd need a full team, with as few weaknesses there can be despite the restrictions in order to make the fight challenging.
You are welcome to suggest single-pokemon movesets if you want to (they can be used by the Gym Trainers if they don't fit for me), but what I'd really need you guys' help for - if you feel like it - is to complete/synergize my team.

I'd like 3 Steel and 3 Water-typed pokes in my team (full or part). (Empoleon counts for both Water and Steel so in effect, I'll have 4 pokes of one of either type)

My team so far:

-Empoleon (100% sure)
Moveset: I'm thinking maybe going specs with Surf, Ice Beam, Grass Knot and Flash Cannon? (but I'm a bit nervous 'cause yeah locking it in a single move due to Choice Specs)

-Blastoise (90% sure... another Starter, but yeah it can know a lot of Steel moves too)
Moveset: Skull Bash or Iron Defense, Toxic, Aqua Tail or Waterfall, Gyro Ball

-Aggron (100% sure)
Moveset: Surf (Simply Because It Can), Earthquake, Iron Head, ???

-Swanna/Pelipper/Mantine (A Fighting/Grass poke like Breloom or Chesnaught would be the death of my entire team so I think it might help to have a Flying type...)
Moveset: Iron Wing, ???, ???, ??? (needs 1 Water move)

-Bronzong (75% sure... no weakness to Fighting and Rain Dance rids it from its Fire weakness so that is nice)
Moveset: Rain Dance, Light Screen or Reflect, Gyro Ball, Explosion

-Magnezone (50% sure... I like it that it's a Steel Type that benefits from Rain Dance if it knows Thunder)
Moveset: Rain Dance, Thunder, Flash Cannon, ???

Here, feel free to critique, make suggestions, give tips, mock my team (I am no expert battler by any means, I usually play "PvE", not PvP... Oh well, the goal is not to for me to Be The Very Best either - that's my friend's job! I'm there to be defeated (but not too easily), hahahah), etc.
Hopefully fun will be had by all!

Thank you very much to anyone willing to give me a hand!

 

[Master Mew]

I don't typically use most of those pokemon, but I can weigh in on Empoleon: I prefer a bulkier Empoleon with HP and Defense or Sp. Defense EVs, with Scald, Ice Beam, Stealth Rock and Roar. You're wanting Water and Steel on each pokemon though, right? So maybe replace Ice Beam with Flash Cannon to fit your theme, but definitely use Scald instead of Surf (high Burn chance and it still hits hard) and Stealth Rock + Roar makes for some hilarious shenanigans - every Gym Leader needs a gimmick, right?

If you go the defensive route rather than Special Sweeper, I'd give him Leftovers. Empoleon can be very difficult to bring down if you aren't prepared for him.

Good luck! I hope it goes well.

 

[sharkshocker]

I'd suggest Starmie over your Water/Flying type. Starmie resists Fighting type moves and can hit back against Grass with Ice Beam and Fighting with Psychic as it is relatively quick. If you prefer something on the defensive side try out Slowbro: It has good Defense and HP, can hit Grass types with Ice Beam and burn enemies with Scald, plus it has access to recovery with Slack Off. You can also try using a Water/Ground type to negate Electric attacks and then switch to a Steel type if you see a Grass attack coming.

On the Steel side try Earthquake over Explosion on Bronzong since half the team has a weakness to Electric so it can give you coverage against those. Klefki or Aegislash can help you against Fighting type moves. Escavalier and Scizor can also work since they can learn Aerial Ace against Fighting types and take normal damage from Ground and Fighting moves. Best of luck to your efforts!