Mega Garchomp Sand Team

[Sayuri]

I've been trying to build a Sandstorm team around Mega Garchomp + Discharge Zapdos as a core, but I have not had much luck. Here are the Pokemon I'm currently using:

Spoiler:

Garchomp-Mega (F) @ Garchompite
Ability: Rough Skin
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Protect
- Dragon Claw

My main physical sweeper and the Pokemon this team is based around. I chose Stone Edge over Rock Slide as Rock Slide usually just isn't powerful enough for the KOs that I need.

Tyranitar (F) @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
Modest Nature
- Protect
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse

My Sandstorm setter. I chose to run a special set over physical for more of a surprise factor, as nobody seems to expect a special TTar. Not too sure on the moves besides Protect and Ice Beam.

Heatran (F) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
Level: 50
EVs: 176 HP / 252 SpA / 80 Spe
Modest Nature
- Flash Cannon
- Heat Wave
- Earth Power
- Protect

One of my two main special attackers. I was going to use Talonflame and Aegislash but I decided that I needed the extra slot for another Poke, so I went with a combination of their two main Typings.

Zapdos @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
Level: 50
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Heat Wave
- Discharge
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]

The other special attacker and Mega Garchomp's main partner. Having them both out allows me to freely spam Discharge and Earthquake until Garchomp faints. I also wasn't sure on whether to have Safety Goggles and Tailwind or just Choice Specs on it, and I'm still open to suggestions.

I'm not sure what to use for the other two slots, but I need at least one more physical attacker that supports the team well and I was wanting to use either Gastrodon or Cradily with Storm Drain. Any suggestions or improvements would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[PlatinumDude]

It may seem tempting to use Mega Garchomp over its regular form in doubles, but it's not worth it because Garchomp loses Speed upon Mega Evolution, and Speed is a crucial part in how it plays. You're better off using another Mega Evolution on the team. The other viable items on Garchomp are Life Orb, Lum Berry, and Focus Sash.

The main caveat that special Tyranitar has is the lack of a good special Rock STAB and significantly inferior Special Attack. Something to consider.

 

[Nah]

Idk, I think that Mega Garchomp's still usable in doubles, you just need to give it the proper support, most importantly in the form of Speed control via one or more of Tailwind, Thunder Wave, and/or Icy Wind. There's a few different options for that, Togekiss, Suicune, Gyarados being the first ones I can think of off of the top of my head. Scarf Glaciate Kyurem if you're weird like me. There's probably more than that. So one of your remaining slots should be something like that.

Rock Slide is still a consideration on Mega Chomp over Stone Edge for the spread effect and 30% flinch chance. Talonflame and Zard Y still die to it anyway.

Surf's not a completely awful option on Tyranitar but it means that you have to have its partner use Protect whenever it does since nothing on your team so far wants to get hit by that. Does get stuff like Thunderbolt and Fire Blast, even Earth Power, as possible alternatives so.....

 

[Sayuri]

Idk, I think that Mega Garchomp's still usable in doubles, you just need to give it the proper support, most importantly in the form of Speed control via one or more of Tailwind, Thunder Wave, and/or Icy Wind. There's a few different options for that, Togekiss, Suicune, Gyarados being the first ones I can think of off of the top of my head. Scarf Glaciate Kyurem if you're weird like me. There's probably more than that. So one of your remaining slots should be something like that.

Rock Slide is still a consideration on Mega Chomp over Stone Edge for the spread effect and 30% flinch chance. Talonflame and Zard Y still die to it anyway.

Surf's not a completely awful option on Tyranitar but it means that you have to have its partner use Protect whenever it does since nothing on your team so far wants to get hit by that. Does get stuff like Thunderbolt and Fire Blast, even Earth Power, as possible alternatives so.....

Thank you both for the feedback. And sorry, I forgot to mention that the reason I had Surf on Tyranitar was for the Storm Drain Cradily/Gastrodon.

 

[Thunderflare]

Even if you're playing on battlespot, you should have a full team of six. Might I suggest Tyrantrum for backup. It is ridiculously tanky in sandstorms and can use Dragon Tail to push out unwanted Pokemon on your opponent's side. A good backup, if you feel you need him. Cacturne could also be a helpful second stringer. Sand Veil protects it from the sandstorm and increases its evasion. Add the item Bright Powder, and you'll have one interesting sweeper.

 

[PlatinumDude]

Even if you're playing on battlespot, you should have a full team of six. Might I suggest Tyrantrum for backup. It is ridiculously tanky in sandstorms and can use Dragon Tail to push out unwanted Pokemon on your opponent's side. A good backup, if you feel you need him. Cacturne could also be a helpful second stringer. Sand Veil protects it from the sandstorm and increases its evasion. Add the item Bright Powder, and you'll have one interesting sweeper.

This is a doubles team.

Cacturne fails horribly in this format because it's very slow, very frail, and has a lot of common weaknesses. Tyrantrum is also iffy because it also has some common weaknesses. Don't forget that Dragon Tail has negative priority, which doesn't help with the aforementioned issue.