RMT Monotype Dark Team Building

Started by Brane January 3rd, 2014 6:21 PM
  • 2181 views
  • 12 replies
Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
Hey everybody. The title says it all, I want to build myself a kind of monotype Dark team. Due to the fact that Dark types are actually pretty mono dimensional and have a lot of Pokemon with the same roles, I've extended this to Pokemon that kind of fit within the Dark type environment. I'll be using these Pokemon for Doubles and Singles, but movesets shouldn't be too hard to swap around, so just treat it as singles for the time being. It's probably be a great time to have some fun with in Gym Leader tournaments etc.

I want to break this down into various sections because I'll be swapping a lot of the Pokemon out. At the moment I just want to build a solid amount of interchangeable Pokemon.

Physically Offensive
Spoiler:


Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Night Slash
- Rock Slide
Essentially, Absol will be on every team because he's become a kind of Pokebro at the moment and I love using it, especially with Magic Bounce. The moveset I have on him is the one I enjoy using the most right now because nobody expects the Rock Slide. But these moves will get swapped around between Play Rough, Megahorn, Superpower etc. Substitute will always change to Protect in doubles to ensure I get the Mega-Evolution off. In singles I enjoy forcing things out with Megas and getting the Sub off. If I notice set up spam I usually lead with it.


Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Crunch
I've also enjoyed running this set on Sharpedo immensely, it's very situational but it's done wonders for me. I tend to run it as a Suicide Lead if I see the chance too, it's swept 3-4 Pokemon off of plenty of teams unprepared for it, and done a lot of damage to others because of the coverage it has.


Crawdaunt
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 HP
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet
Haven't used this yet, am going to in the next few days to experiment. I prefer Knock Off over Crunch for anything that wants to swap in and lose Leftovers or any other item. Aqua Jet is there for priority should I ever need it. Crabhammer over Waterfall because of the 100 base attack while only losing 10 accuracy, yet also gaining high crit ratio. Essentially I can assume this will do a lot of damage should it get the chance. Dragon Dance is there for boosts, I think it needs some speed over +2 attack Swords Dance. It's attack is high enough alongside it's ability and moveset.


Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 HP
Jolly Nature
- Ice Punch
- Ice Shard
- Night Slash
- Low Kick
Haven't used one yet, but the speed and revenge killing possibilities excite me. It doesn't get much coverage but I think this is a fairly good set.


Specially Offensive
Spoiler:


Gengar @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Disable
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
I'm not too sure about Gengar, I've never used it before. But I think a mixed set might work nicely on my team. Substitute is there if I can force a switch with it, and being behind a Sub while I disable any potentially hurtful moves it great. Giga Drain is there for recovery over Pain Split because I assume Gengar won't be in for too long. Sludge Bomb is there for stab and hopefully some poisons. I know I should be running Black Sludge over Lefties, that' an accident.


Vileplume @ Black Sludge
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 44 SDef / 248 HP / 216 Def
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Leech Seed
I like Vileplume and I always wondered why they didn't change it's typing to Dark, especially considering how it looked in Gen 2. This again is a mixed set, Leech Seed anything that wants to swap in, Aromatherapy is there if my team is getting crippled. While Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb are for stab and recovery. Effect Spore and it's nature should let me swap into any fighting moves easily and maybe even get a status off.


Mismagius @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
This is a Pokemon I've been dying to use. I haven't used it in competitive battles but I've run it in plenty of playthroughs. Substitute is there if I can force something out and guarantee a free Nasty Plot as well as a hit, but I'm thinking of changing it. The other moves just provide coverage. Plus it also functions as a Spin Blocker and a safe swap if I run into any Fighting Pokemon. I'm not too bent on Weakness Policy as well, I don't think it has the defences and speed to use it well. But I want to try it out.


Defensive & Support
Spoiler:


Murkrow @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 8 SDef / 248 HP / 252 Def
Bold Nature
- Substitute
- Roost
- Mean Look
- Perish Song
Pretty much a Perish trap gimmick. I'll only use it periodically but I figure it could be fun. Virtually ends there.


Cohagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Dark Pulse
This can function as a spinblocker as well as something I can swap in to should I need a safe swap. It runs a mixed set because I've used it with Pain Split before and just didn't enjoy it. I need it to be some kind of Darkish Pokemon so I included Dark Pulse. Nasty Plot is there for boosts when safe. Will o Wisp provides support against a physical team that could hurt.


Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Big Pecks
EVs: 252 Def / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Knock Off
- Roost
- Toxic
- Defog
It's primary roll is stalling and support. Defog gets rid of anything I don't like. Roost is there if I happen to mispredict a status such as burn or toxic. But I should usually be able to swap into Absol should that be the case. Knock Off can take off any items from stallers or any boosting items that are on Pokemon that decide to come in. Toxic is also there to stall should I need to, but also provides status support.


Dusclops @ Eviolite
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 252 SDef / 248 HP / 8 Atk
Careful Nature
- Pain Split
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Sneak
I find it funny how this is turning moreso into a Dark/Ghost team. This can also function as a spin blocker and safe swap. It won't survive long, but because of it's low HP I guess Pain Split would be great. Substitute is there to stall out teams, and is great if they start having trouble and swap too many times meaning I can get some free Pain Splits off. Will o Wisp provides support because physically my sweepers don't have much defences. Shadow Sneak is there because of stab but can also help finish something off after a Pain Split if I get it right. It can also function as a revenge killer and let me hopefully get some status onto a Pokemon that swaps in.


So there you have it. A long and probably tldr post. I need some more dark types in my team, but I don't see too many that have much over the ones I've already added. I'm planning on adding Cacturne if I can get my hands onto one. But I'm looking for any suggestions! Any Pokemon that seem like they could be part Dark should they have been treated differently by Nintendo, or any that can function well in the team.

I'm also wondering about Pangoro, has anyone used it effectively?

Any discussion would be great!

Pokemon I'm thinking of including: Pangoro, Cacturne, Krookodile, Trevenant, Tentacruel, Ariados, Houndoom, Luxray, Hydreigon, Typhlosion and Cradily.

PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
Mega Absol doesn't need to worry about status in the first place because of Magic Bounce, so it has no need for Substitute. Mixed sets are also preferred because your current build is walled by physical walls:
-Sucker Punch
-Pursuit/Night Slash/Knock Off
-Play Rough
-Fire Blast
Nature: Naive
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Absolite
Ability: Super Luck/Justified

or
-Swords Dance
-Sucker Punch/Knock Off
-Play Rough/Iron Tail
-Knock Off/Night Slash/Fire Blast
Nature: Naive
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Absolite
Ability: Super Luck/Justified

Crawdaunt is still slow even after a Dragon Dance:
-Crab Hammer
-Knock Off
-Aqua Jet
-Crunch
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Item: Choice Band
Ability: Adaptability

or
-Swords Dance
-Crab Hammer
-Knock Off
-Aqua Jet
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Mystic Water/Splash Plate
Ability: Adaptability

Why aren't you using Shadow Ball on Gengar? Ghost is the best offensive type at the moment. Use Shadow Ball over Giga Drain or use one of the below sets:
-Shadow Ball
-Sludge Bomb/Focus Blast
-Taunt
-Destiny Bond
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Focus Sash

Consider using Greninja on the team because it can change its type thanks to Protean:
-Hydro Pump/Surf
-Ice Beam/Dark Pulse
-U-turn/Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power (Fire)/Grass Knot/Extrasensory
Nature: Hasty/Timid
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Expert Belt
Ability: Protean

or
-Spikes
-Hydro Pump/Surf
-Ice Beam/Extrasensory/Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power (Fire)/U-turn/Taunt
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Focus Sash

Mismagius isn't a good user of Weakness Policy because of its so-so defenses. Aegislash is a better Weakness Policy user because it can actually take a hit unlike Mismagius:
-Autotomize
-Shadow Ball
-Hidden Power (Ice)
-Sacred Sword/Iron Head/Flash Cannon
Nature: Rash/Modest
EVs: 88 Atk/252 SAtk/168 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Weakness Policy

Spiritomb is a better defensive Dark (or Ghost) than Cohagrigus, IMO. Honestly, Cohagrigus is best played as an offensive Trick Room setter:

Cohagrigus:
-Trick Room
-Nasty Plot
-Shadow Ball
-Will-o-Wisp/Hidden Power (Fighting)
Nature: Quiet
EVs: 248 HP/252 SAtk/8 SDef
Item: Leftovers

I'll add more later.
Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
Spoiler:
Mega Absol doesn't need to worry about status in the first place because of Magic Bounce, so it has no need for Substitute. Mixed sets are also preferred because your current build is walled by physical walls:
-Sucker Punch
-Pursuit/Night Slash/Knock Off
-Play Rough
-Fire Blast
Nature: Naive
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Absolite
Ability: Super Luck/Justified

or
-Swords Dance
-Sucker Punch/Knock Off
-Play Rough/Iron Tail
-Knock Off/Night Slash/Fire Blast
Nature: Naive
EVs: 252 Atk/4 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Absolite
Ability: Super Luck/Justified

Crawdaunt is still slow even after a Dragon Dance:
-Crab Hammer
-Knock Off
-Aqua Jet
-Crunch
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Item: Choice Band
Ability: Adaptability

or
-Swords Dance
-Crab Hammer
-Knock Off
-Aqua Jet
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Mystic Water/Splash Plate
Ability: Adaptability

Why aren't you using Shadow Ball on Gengar? Ghost is the best offensive type at the moment. Use Shadow Ball over Giga Drain or use one of the below sets:
-Shadow Ball
-Sludge Bomb/Focus Blast
-Taunt
-Destiny Bond
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Focus Sash

Consider using Greninja on the team because it can change its type thanks to Protean:
-Hydro Pump/Surf
-Ice Beam/Dark Pulse
-U-turn/Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power (Fire)/Grass Knot/Extrasensory
Nature: Hasty/Timid
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Expert Belt
Ability: Protean

or
-Spikes
-Hydro Pump/Surf
-Ice Beam/Extrasensory/Dark Pulse
-Hidden Power (Fire)/U-turn/Taunt
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Focus Sash

Mismagius isn't a good user of Weakness Policy because of its so-so defenses. Aegislash is a better Weakness Policy user because it can actually take a hit unlike Mismagius:
-Autotomize
-Shadow Ball
-Hidden Power (Ice)
-Sacred Sword/Iron Head/Flash Cannon
Nature: Rash/Modest
EVs: 88 Atk/252 SAtk/168 Spe
Item: Life Orb/Weakness Policy

Spiritomb is a better defensive Dark (or Ghost) than Cohagrigus, IMO. Honestly, Cohagrigus is best played as an offensive Trick Room setter:

Cohagrigus:
-Trick Room
-Nasty Plot
-Shadow Ball
-Will-o-Wisp/Hidden Power (Fighting)
Nature: Quiet
EVs: 248 HP/252 SAtk/8 SDef
Item: Leftovers

I'll add more later.
@Absol - What's been working for me on Mega Absol is forcing a swap out and guaranteeing a free Swords Dance with no damage. But I'll try your set as it looks interesting.

@Crawdaunt - Yeah I have no history using Crawdaunt so I didn't think it would be. Not to mention it's defenses are way too frail to even survive boosting enough. Is there an advantage to using Crunch as well as Knock Off? It only has 15 less base power, maybe Superpower could work there?

@Gengar - I guess I just wanted it to feel more like a Dark type but you're right. I'd consider using Greninja but I get tired of seeing it all the time. Maybe in the future as I have one already set up.

@Mismagius - yeah I didn't think so. Maybe I should stick to a Choice Scarf or Specs. In terms of Aegislash, I'd love to use one if I managed to get a hold of a shiny, personal preference :P

@Cofragrigus - probably. It has the dark typing as well. Cofragrigus' defence just shot out to me but I know Spiritomb has a nicer balance. I'll consider changing both sets around and see how I go.

Thanks for your suggestions! I reckon the go from here is to figure out a couple of teams for actual play which I'll start doing.

Please change your name to PlatinumBro

---

Edit: Alright, I've built a couple of teams, not too sure about the second one. I think I also need to look at some Pokemon not on the list because they feel like they're missing that tiny bit of synergy I had in my other teams.

I'm going to test these teams a little but any suggestions/discussions would still be great!

Team 1
Spoiler:


Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Play Rough
- Fire Blast


Vileplume @ Black Sludge
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 44 SDef / 248 HP / 216 Def
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Leech Seed


Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Waterfall


Dusclops (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 252 SDef / 248 HP / 8 Atk
Careful Nature
- Pain Split
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Sneak


Cohagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 8 SDef / 248 HP / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Trick Room
- Will-O-Wisp
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball


Hydreigon @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
- Roost
- Focus Blast


Team 2
Spoiler:


Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Iron Tail
- Rock Slide
- Night Slash


Vileplume @ Black Sludge
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 44 SDef / 248 HP / 216 Def
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Sludge Bomb


Spiritomb @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Calm Mind
- Pain Split
- Dark Pulse


Crawdaunt @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet


Mismagius @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]


Murkrow @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Substitute
- Roost
- Mean Look
- Perish Song
Age 27
Britain
Seen December 14th, 2015
Posted November 22nd, 2015
419 posts
9.5 Years
Not good at offering advice but nice choice on type. Tis my favourite and I go for Dark-types every gen possible. Already created and trained my perfect Dark-mono team for online XY, they do pretty well.
|| OR IGN: Dactyl || Y IGN: Laura ||
|| OR ID: 03451 || Y ID: 03651 ||
|| OR TSV: 2718 || Y TSV: 0205 ||


|| Mii: Laura || FC: 0920-0357-3706 ||
|| Trade Shop: Custom-bred Pokémon, IVs, EVs, HAs, 4EMs, Bank Balls, Ribbons and BP Items ||
|| Trade Reviews ||

PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
@Absol - What's been working for me on Mega Absol is forcing a swap out and guaranteeing a free Swords Dance with no damage. But I'll try your set as it looks interesting.

@Crawdaunt - Yeah I have no history using Crawdaunt so I didn't think it would be. Not to mention it's defenses are way too frail to even survive boosting enough. Is there an advantage to using Crunch as well as Knock Off? It only has 15 less base power, maybe Superpower could work there?

@Gengar - I guess I just wanted it to feel more like a Dark type but you're right. I'd consider using Greninja but I get tired of seeing it all the time. Maybe in the future as I have one already set up.

@Mismagius - yeah I didn't think so. Maybe I should stick to a Choice Scarf or Specs. In terms of Aegislash, I'd love to use one if I managed to get a hold of a shiny, personal preference :P

@Cofragrigus - probably. It has the dark typing as well. Cofragrigus' defence just shot out to me but I know Spiritomb has a nicer balance. I'll consider changing both sets around and see how I go.

Thanks for your suggestions! I reckon the go from here is to figure out a couple of teams for actual play which I'll start doing.

Please change your name to PlatinumBro

---

Edit: Alright, I've built a couple of teams, not too sure about the second one. I think I also need to look at some Pokemon not on the list because they feel like they're missing that tiny bit of synergy I had in my other teams.

I'm going to test these teams a little but any suggestions/discussions would still be great!

Team 1
Spoiler:


Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Play Rough
- Fire Blast


Vileplume @ Black Sludge
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 44 SDef / 248 HP / 216 Def
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Leech Seed


Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Waterfall


Dusclops (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 252 SDef / 248 HP / 8 Atk
Careful Nature
- Pain Split
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Sneak


Cohagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 8 SDef / 248 HP / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Trick Room
- Will-O-Wisp
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball


Hydreigon @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Flamethrower
- Roost
- Focus Blast


Team 2
Spoiler:


Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Iron Tail
- Rock Slide
- Night Slash


Vileplume @ Black Sludge
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 44 SDef / 248 HP / 216 Def
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Leech Seed
- Sludge Bomb


Spiritomb @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Calm Mind
- Pain Split
- Dark Pulse


Crawdaunt @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet


Mismagius @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 HP
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]


Murkrow @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Bold Nature
- Substitute
- Roost
- Mean Look
- Perish Song
Knock Off is preferred because it removes opposing items. Early-game, Crawdaunt can spam it to cripple Pokemon that rely on their items to function (except for those holding Mega Stones). Knock Off also gets powered up when the opponent holds an item. Ferrothorn is already hit hard enough by Knock Off that Superpower isn't necessary.

Cohagrigus is pure Ghost. As I mentioned, Spiritomb is the better defensive Dark/Ghost. Sableye, too.

Spiritomb:
-Will-o-Wisp
-Foul Play
-Rest/Pain Split
-Sleep Talk/Sucker Punch/Taunt
Nature: Calm/Careful
EVs: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SDef
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Pressure

or
-Calm Mind
-Dark Pulse
-Rest
-Sleep Talk
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Pressure

or
-Sucker Punch
-Shadow Sneak
-Pursuit
-Trick/Will-o-Wisp
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 248 HP/252 Atk/8 Def
Item: Choice Band/Black Glasses/Dread Plate

To build on to my last post:

If Mandibuzz is using a Bold nature, use Foul Play because it doesn't use Mandibuzz's low Attack. If you're using Knock Off, use an Impish nature, as not to ruin its power.

Dusclops isn't good in the standard environment because of its lack of offensive presence outside of Night Shade/Seismic Toss. Shadow Sneak is also laughably weak coming off of uninvested 70 Attack.

On to your teams:

Knock Off and Play Rough are illegal on Mega Absol because the former is a move tutor from Black 2/White 2, while the latter is an X/Y egg move. If you're using Play Rough, use Night Slash or Pursuit. If you're using Knock Off, use Superpower.

I honestly feel that Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss or Trevenant are the better bulky Grass Pokemon to use over Vileplume. Vileplume doesn't have much to offer over either of them (Mega Venusaur has Thick Fat to turn its Fire and Ice weaknesses into immunities, Amoonguss has Regenerator to heal passively upon leaving battle and Trevenant has good longevity):

Mega Venusaur:
-Giga Drain/Power Whip
-Sludge Bomb/Sleep Powder
-Earthquake
-Synthesis
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Item: Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow

or
-Giga Drain/Leech Seed
-Sludge Bomb
-Hidden Power (Fire)
-Synthesis/Protect
Nature: Modest
EVs: 252 HP/252 SAtk/4 SDef
Item: Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow

Trevenant:
-Wood Hammer/Horn Leech
-Earthquake/Rock Slide
-Will-o-Wisp
-Rest
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP/180 Def/76 Spe
Item: Leftovers/Lum Berry
Ability: Natural Cure/Harvest

or
-Horn Leech
-Shadow Claw/Leech Seed
-Will-o-Wisp
-Protect
Nature: Careful
EVs: 244 HP/16 Def/248 SDef
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest

or
-Substitute
-Leech Seed
-Will-o-Wisp
-Phantom Force
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP/180 Def/76 Spe
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest

Amoonguss:
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb/Hidden Power (Fire)
-Spore
-Stun Spore/Clear Smog
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Item: Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator

As I mentioned before, Dusclops isn't that good. Find something else, like, say, Sableye:
-Taunt
-Will-o-Wisp
-Recover
-Foul Play/Night Shade/Confide/Knock Off
Nature: Calm/Careful
EVs: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SDef
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Prankster

Even though Fairies made Draco Meteor hard to use, it's still the preferred option on Hydreigon for the raw power it provides. Hydreigon also needs Flash Cannon to get past Fairies:
-Draco Meteor
-Dark Pulse
-Flash Cannon
-Fire Blast/Focus Blast/Roost
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb

I don't think Mismagius would be a good Scarfer, as it appreciates the freedom of switching moves. Pursiut weakness also bites:
-Nasty Plot
-Shadow Ball
-Hidden Power (Fighting)/Dazzling Gleam
-Thunderbolt/Taunt
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb

or
-Substitute
-Calm Mind
-Shadow Ball
-Hidden Power (Fighting)/Dazzling Gleam
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Leftovers

or
-Shadow Ball
-Pain Split
-Will-o-Wisp/Thunder Wave
-Taunt/Perish Song/Heal Bell
Nature: Bold
EVs: 236 HP/176 Def/96 Spe
Item: Leftovers

(Team 2) You're doing Spiritomb wrong. Your current set leaves its uninvested Defense exposed to any decently strong physical move. Careful also lowers Special Attack, which weakens Dark Pulse. See above for sets.

Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
Spoiler:
Knock Off is preferred because it removes opposing items. Early-game, Crawdaunt can spam it to cripple Pokemon that rely on their items to function (except for those holding Mega Stones). Knock Off also gets powered up when the opponent holds an item. Ferrothorn is already hit hard enough by Knock Off that Superpower isn't necessary.

Cohagrigus is pure Ghost. As I mentioned, Spiritomb is the better defensive Dark/Ghost. Sableye, too.

Spiritomb:
-Will-o-Wisp
-Foul Play
-Rest/Pain Split
-Sleep Talk/Sucker Punch/Taunt
Nature: Calm/Careful
EVs: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SDef
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Pressure

or
-Calm Mind
-Dark Pulse
-Rest
-Sleep Talk
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Pressure

or
-Sucker Punch
-Shadow Sneak
-Pursuit
-Trick/Will-o-Wisp
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 248 HP/252 Atk/8 Def
Item: Choice Band/Black Glasses/Dread Plate

To build on to my last post:

If Mandibuzz is using a Bold nature, use Foul Play because it doesn't use Mandibuzz's low Attack. If you're using Knock Off, use an Impish nature, as not to ruin its power.

Dusclops isn't good in the standard environment because of its lack of offensive presence outside of Night Shade/Seismic Toss. Shadow Sneak is also laughably weak coming off of uninvested 70 Attack.

On to your teams:

Knock Off and Play Rough are illegal on Mega Absol because the former is a move tutor from Black 2/White 2, while the latter is an X/Y egg move. If you're using Play Rough, use Night Slash or Pursuit. If you're using Knock Off, use Superpower.

I honestly feel that Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss or Trevenant are the better bulky Grass Pokemon to use over Vileplume. Vileplume doesn't have much to offer over either of them (Mega Venusaur has Thick Fat to turn its Fire and Ice weaknesses into immunities, Amoonguss has Regenerator to heal passively upon leaving battle and Trevenant has good longevity):

Mega Venusaur:
-Giga Drain/Power Whip
-Sludge Bomb/Sleep Powder
-Earthquake
-Synthesis
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Item: Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow

or
-Giga Drain/Leech Seed
-Sludge Bomb
-Hidden Power (Fire)
-Synthesis/Protect
Nature: Modest
EVs: 252 HP/252 SAtk/4 SDef
Item: Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow

Trevenant:
-Wood Hammer/Horn Leech
-Earthquake/Rock Slide
-Will-o-Wisp
-Rest
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP/180 Def/76 Spe
Item: Leftovers/Lum Berry
Ability: Natural Cure/Harvest

or
-Horn Leech
-Shadow Claw/Leech Seed
-Will-o-Wisp
-Protect
Nature: Careful
EVs: 244 HP/16 Def/248 SDef
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest

or
-Substitute
-Leech Seed
-Will-o-Wisp
-Phantom Force
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP/180 Def/76 Spe
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest

Amoonguss:
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb/Hidden Power (Fire)
-Spore
-Stun Spore/Clear Smog
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SDef
Item: Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator

As I mentioned before, Dusclops isn't that good. Find something else, like, say, Sableye:
-Taunt
-Will-o-Wisp
-Recover
-Foul Play/Night Shade/Confide/Knock Off
Nature: Calm/Careful
EVs: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SDef
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Prankster

Even though Fairies made Draco Meteor hard to use, it's still the preferred option on Hydreigon for the raw power it provides. Hydreigon also needs Flash Cannon to get past Fairies:
-Draco Meteor
-Dark Pulse
-Flash Cannon
-Fire Blast/Focus Blast/Roost
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb

I don't think Mismagius would be a good Scarfer, as it appreciates the freedom of switching moves. Pursiut weakness also bites:
-Nasty Plot
-Shadow Ball
-Hidden Power (Fighting)/Dazzling Gleam
-Thunderbolt/Taunt
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Life Orb

or
-Substitute
-Calm Mind
-Shadow Ball
-Hidden Power (Fighting)/Dazzling Gleam
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spe
Item: Leftovers

or
-Shadow Ball
-Pain Split
-Will-o-Wisp/Thunder Wave
-Taunt/Perish Song/Heal Bell
Nature: Bold
EVs: 236 HP/176 Def/96 Spe
Item: Leftovers

(Team 2) You're doing Spiritomb wrong. Your current set leaves its uninvested Defense exposed to any decently strong physical move. Careful also lowers Special Attack, which weakens Dark Pulse. See above for sets.
@Crawdaunt I assumed so. That's virtually why I prefer running Knock Off. Maybe sticking to Dual stab is a bit better, considering virtually nothing resists Dark now.

@Spiritomb yeah that's why I thought of using it over Cofragrigus. Sableye is another option but I think it's defenses aren't as great, though Prankster is very useful. I'll take that Spiritomb down, I'm trying to build a defensive core around the team because in my eyes the offensive part of Dark types are extremely frail.

@Vileplume the only real reason I want to use Vileplume is it so heavily fit into the Dark type but never got it. It even looks right in the team. I do know it's not a very amazing Pokemon but I want to use it just out of pure preference. If I ever do ranked battles etc I'd most likely be using my standard teams. This is just for some fun on Showdown and on my livestream. Though I did notice that Vileplume only gets Leech Seed through an event a while ago so I need to mix it's moveset around. I also have Trevenant ready, and it fits nicely into this team as well so I can always interchange them.

@Sableye I'll definitely take it into account. I've come across Dusclops before and they don't seem as threatening as Sableye.

@Hydreigon the only thing I don't like about Draco Meteor is that -2 drop. It virtually locks you into your Draco Meteor again if you get the chance, but I guess the extra damage does seem nice.

@Mismagius I think at this stage I'm going to put it aside for the moment and just use it whenever I use my usual teams. It's not really slotting in well into these teams at the moment.

@Others yeah I made some random mistakes while fiddling with the team slots which is why some of them may be wrong.

Okay, this team is starting to look really nice. I still have to fiddle around with Vileplume a lot and I'm not too content with Absol's set right now, but I think it's a great start.

Spoiler:


Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Play Rough
- Fire Blast


Vileplume @ Black Sludge
Ability: Effect Spore
EVs: 252 SAtk / 172 Def / 84 HP
Bold Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis


Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Waterfall


Sableye (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 Def
Calm Nature
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Night Shade


Spiritomb @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 SDef / 252 HP / 252 Def
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Calm Mind
- Dark Pulse
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split


Hydreigon @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dark Pulse
- Flash Cannon
- Roost


I'm also thinking Spiritomb is interchangeable with Mandibuzz or Murkrow, obviously Sharpedo can be swapped with Crawdaunt and Vileplume is easily swapped with Trevenant or whatever I see fit.

I'm also wondering whether it's beneficial to put Thunder on Absol to catch flying types and water types off guard?
Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
Okay, so I've got all my Pokemon and it's looking pretty good right now. I changed up the EV spread on my Vileplume to give it a bit of a boost in Special Attack because that stat got increased, meaning I should be able to deal a little bit more damage while still being slightly bulky.

I didn't realise how bulky that Spiritomb would be either, it's pretty damn good.

The real question I have is Absol, at the moment I'm not 100% happy with the set I'm running. I was thinking of maybe running a mixed set? I got my hands on a Naive Absol and a Rash one. I'm leaning slightly towards the Rash because it does have quite a large movepool.

Essentially I'm wondering what sets to run with either one. A Naive at the moment would be something like Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Play Rough
- Thunder

I changed Fire Blast to Thunder because I want to hit those Bulky water types that might want to come in. While it also gets coverage on Flying and hits a lot of stuff neutral. But I can always swap that.

But what would a mixed set look like?

Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 172 Atk / 84 SAtk??
Rash
- Fire Blast
- Thunder
- Play Rough/Megahorn
- Sucker Punch/Dark Pulse/Night Slash

Fire/Electric/Fairy/Dark gets a huge amount of coverage. The question I have is really Dark Pulse, is it worth having? It has the advantage of being able to hit all the time, but Sucker Punch will be stronger. Is Calm Mind worth having on the set? It might put people off in thinking that it's going to be primarily physical before it shoots off a Fire Blast or Thunder. But I think it's not that great of a boost.

Ideas? I kind of want to try this out and see how it goes for myself instead of sticking to textbook sets.

PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
Okay, so I've got all my Pokemon and it's looking pretty good right now. I changed up the EV spread on my Vileplume to give it a bit of a boost in Special Attack because that stat got increased, meaning I should be able to deal a little bit more damage while still being slightly bulky.

I didn't realise how bulky that Spiritomb would be either, it's pretty damn good.

The real question I have is Absol, at the moment I'm not 100% happy with the set I'm running. I was thinking of maybe running a mixed set? I got my hands on a Naive Absol and a Rash one. I'm leaning slightly towards the Rash because it does have quite a large movepool.

Essentially I'm wondering what sets to run with either one. A Naive at the moment would be something like Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Naive Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Play Rough
- Thunder

I changed Fire Blast to Thunder because I want to hit those Bulky water types that might want to come in. While it also gets coverage on Flying and hits a lot of stuff neutral. But I can always swap that.

But what would a mixed set look like?

Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 172 Atk / 84 SAtk??
Rash
- Fire Blast
- Thunder
- Play Rough/Megahorn
- Sucker Punch/Dark Pulse/Night Slash

Fire/Electric/Fairy/Dark gets a huge amount of coverage. The question I have is really Dark Pulse, is it worth having? It has the advantage of being able to hit all the time, but Sucker Punch will be stronger. Is Calm Mind worth having on the set? It might put people off in thinking that it's going to be primarily physical before it shoots off a Fire Blast or Thunder. But I think it's not that great of a boost.

Ideas? I kind of want to try this out and see how it goes for myself instead of sticking to textbook sets.
Fire Blast is still preferred so that Mega Absol hits Steels Pokemon harder. Though Dark hits Steel neutrally now, the harder hit on Steels with Fire Blast is and always will be preferred; Thunder is also inaccurate outside of rain. Sucker Punch and Play Rough still hit Water Pokemon hard.

Physically-based Absol is still preferred, no matter how tempting the Special Attack boost its Mega form has is. Dark STAB from 150 Attack hits harder than Dark STAB from 115 Special Attack, obviously.

Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
Fire Blast is still preferred so that Mega Absol hits Steels Pokemon harder. Though Dark hits Steel neutrally now, the harder hit on Steels with Fire Blast is and always will be preferred; Thunder is also inaccurate outside of rain. Sucker Punch and Play Rough still hit Water Pokemon hard.

Physically-based Absol is still preferred, no matter how tempting the Special Attack boost its Mega form has is. Dark STAB from 150 Attack hits harder than Dark STAB from 115 Special Attack, obviously.
Yeah obviously :P. Was more of a slight thought. Just realised how bad Thunders accuracy is. I don't really understand the logic in Fire Blast having more accuracy then the other 2 but I guess you have to work with what you have. I still want to try a mixed set even just to see whether it is that unreliable. So how about Fire Blast/Thunderbolt/Play Rough/Sucker Punch? Those four types have huge coverage hitting 512 Pokemon super effectively and 262 normally while having nothing that can resist all of the moves.

Right now I'm just wondering what EV spread? I'm still thinking below because it maxes out Attack while boosting it's already big attack stat but also slightly boosting Sp. Attack which gets a % increase from Rash.

Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 172 Atk / 84 SAtk
Rash
- Fire Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch

PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
Yeah obviously :P. Was more of a slight thought. Just realised how bad Thunders accuracy is. I don't really understand the logic in Fire Blast having more accuracy then the other 2 but I guess you have to work with what you have. I still want to try a mixed set even just to see whether it is that unreliable. So how about Fire Blast/Thunderbolt/Play Rough/Sucker Punch? Those four types have huge coverage hitting 512 Pokemon super effectively and 262 normally while having nothing that can resist all of the moves.

Right now I'm just wondering what EV spread? I'm still thinking below because it maxes out Attack while boosting it's already big attack stat but also slightly boosting Sp. Attack which gets a % increase from Rash.

Absol @ Absolite
Ability: Justified
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Spd / 172 Atk / 84 SAtk
Rash
- Fire Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
As I mentioned before, physically-based Absol is preferred. You're giving up the utility of Pursuit (or the reliability of Night Slash), as well as the potential to make yourself stronger with Swords Dance by using Thunderbolt.

Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
As I mentioned before, physically-based Absol is preferred. You're giving up the utility of Pursuit (or the reliability of Night Slash), as well as the potential to make yourself stronger with Swords Dance by using Thunderbolt.
Yeah I guess you're right. Wanted to see how it would fend. I guess I'll stick with just the Fire Blast. In terms of the EV spread though, should I bother investing slightly in Sp Atk anyhow?

PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
Yeah I guess you're right. Wanted to see how it would fend. I guess I'll stick with just the Fire Blast. In terms of the EV spread though, should I bother investing slightly in Sp Atk anyhow?
Absol is meant to be a physical attacker, so 252 EVs should go into Attack and Speed, with the last 4 in Special Attack.

Edit: in case you were wondering about Pangoro, it should be used only for Parting Shot:
-Sky Uppercut/Storm Throw
-Crunch
-Poison Jab/Stone Edge
-Parting Shot
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Iron Fist/Scrappy

Age 29
Male
Seen May 10th, 2016
Posted January 9th, 2016
372 posts
12 Years
Absol is meant to be a physical attacker, so 252 EVs should go into Attack and Speed, with the last 4 in Special Attack.

Edit: in case you were wondering about Pangoro, it should be used only for Parting Shot:
-Sky Uppercut/Storm Throw
-Crunch
-Poison Jab/Stone Edge
-Parting Shot
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Iron Fist/Scrappy
Awesome, it's definitely a Pokemon I want to rotate later so I'll get this set down, thanks!