Trying out something new

[rob_thijs]

I need some advice regarding a team I'm constructing to use on Battlespot and maybe for VGC.

So as most of you guys probally know I really like Mega Gallade. The downside to him is that he is weak to priority and Will-o-Wisp.
But those two weaknesses don't bother me much, what bothers me is his ability. That's why I'm going to use Skill Swap.
And because many pokémon rely on their abilties it's great to use this. Gallade with Parental Bond, Protean or Adaptability just wrecks.

I just use the normal Gallade moveset as follow:

Gallade @ Galladeite
Nature - Jolly
Ability - Justified
EV's - 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
- Psycho Cut
- Close Combat
- Skill Swap
- Protect

Because Zen Headbutt and Psycho Cut both get the 2HKO on Amoonguss and Venusaur I went with Psycho Cut. Also with this move I don't make contact so I don't take damage from Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs or Rough Skin.

Before Gallade can actually swap an ability I need him to stay safe. And this is best done with a redirector. Behold Togekiss.

Togekiss @ Rocky Helmet
Nature - Bold
Ability - Serene Grace
EV's - 252 HP / 164 Def / 4 SpA / 28 SpD / 60 Spe
- Follow Me
- Air Slash
- Tailwind
- Protect

The HP and Defense EVs allow Togekiss to survive an Iron Head from Life Orb Bisharp and Jolly Mega Metagross. With Sitrus Berry, it is also only 4HKOed by Rock Slide from Landorus-T. The Speed EVs allow Togekiss to outrun Rotom-W outside of Tailwind and Adamant Choice Scarf Landorus-T under Tailwind.

Every team needs some Intimidate and I went with Arcanine because he can also spread burns.

Arcanine @ Sitrus Berry
Nature - Calm
Ability - Intimidate
EVs - 252 HP / 56 SpA / 140 SpD / 60 Spe
- Overheat
- Helping Hand
- Will-O-Wisp
- Protect

With this spread Arcanine can live a Choice Specs Modest Draco Meteor from Hydreigon. It also survives a Double Edge by Kang and Landorus-T Earthquake after intimidate.

Because Gallade is priority weak I wanted to have Quick Guard. I went with Scizor cause it can take out fairies with some set up, has Knock Off and a good typing that fits the team. I know Bisharp has Quick Guard to but Bisharp has more weaknesses and not the bulk Scizor provides. And because Togekiss can function well with Scizor I decided to make him a bit offensive.

Scizor @ Lum Berry
Nature - Adamant
Ability - Technician
EV's - 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Quick Guard

Maximum Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize Scizor's damage output. Maximum HP EVs give Scizor more bulk.

Now I needed a good special attacker and as much as I hate her I really like her on my team. Sylveon was a good pick up.

Sylveon @ Pixie Plate
Nature - Modest
Ability - Pixilate
EV's - 156 HP / 188 Def / 164 SpA
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Shadow Ball
- Moonblast

With the given spread Sylveon can live a Double Edge fired by Kang and also doesn't worry about Bisharp's Iron Head.

Now all I need is some coverage in Electric, Water, Ground and Rock type moves. So I had 2 pokémon in mind. I like Rotom Wash because he only has one weakness in Grass. But my team lacks Ice Type moves so I tought about Lanturn. Lanturn can't stay in against common EQ users but he will live most common Dragon Type attack and OKO them back with Ice Beam.

Lanturn @ Life Orb
Nature - Modest
Ability - Volt Absorb
EV's - 196 HP / 252 SpA / 60 Spe
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Protect

Life Orb, a Modest nature and maximum Special Attack investment ensures that Lanturn hits as hard as possible. Volt Absorb is instead of Water Absorb, as Lanturn already resists Water-type attacks. 60 Speed to oustpeed base 74 with neutral nature and no speed investments.

The other one I thougt about is Gastrodon who is only weak to not so common Grass moves.

Gastrodon @ Life Orb
Nature - Modest
Ability - Storm Drain
EV's - 180 HP / 108 Def / 212 SpA / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
- Earth Power
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Protect

The given EV spread allows Gastrodon to survive a Double-Edge from Jolly Mega Kangaskhan and Jolly Mega Salamence. The physical bulk is also necessary for taking big hits from heavy hitters such as Terrakion, Mega Salamence, and Mega Metagross so Gastrodon can retaliate with the appropriate moves. The Special Attack investment allows Gastrodon to OHKO 4 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion with Earth Power and gives it a 56.3% chance to OHKO 4 HP Mega Metagross.

But on the other hand I can go with a Rock Slide abuser who also has acces to Water type moves and counters Rain Teams a little.

Kabutops @ Life Orb
Nature - Adamant
Ability - Swift Swim
EV's - 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Waterfall
- Rock Slide
- Low Kick / Knock Off
- Protect

252 Attack and Speed EVs maximize Kabutops's offensive potential. Life Orb provides a significant power boost at the cost of some HP. An Adamant nature provides a power boost.

Another option is Gyrados who can do speed control with Thunder Wave so Togekiss can run Safeguard instead of Tailwind.

Gyarados @ Leftovers
Nature - Jolly
Ability - Intimidate
EV's - 100 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Def / 4 SpD / 68 Spe
- Waterfall
- Ice Fang
- Earthquake
- Thunder Wave

So let me know what you think and what pokémon I should use in the last slot. If you have another pokémon in mind for the last slot feel free to reply.

 

[skyburial]

Why use a Water-Type instead of a Dragon to complete your fantasy core?