Sep 29, 2016, 05:30 PM (This post was last modified: Sep 29, 2016, 05:31 PM by Black117.)
VGC / Battle Spot / Doubles OU Cores Thread
In order to prevent any form of confusion between some of the sets posted in the original Good Cores Thread, we've decided to separate all the Singles and Doubles-oriented cores into different thread posts. For this specifically, we'll post any "viable" core that's been used or seen in the any Doubles format, whether its from VGC, Battle Spot Doubles, or Smogon Doubles. Now here are some guidelines to follow before postings:
GUIDELINES
Mention what format the core is from: VGC XX (state the year), Battle Spot Doubles (BW / BW2 / XY / ORAS), and Smogon Doubles ( D-OU, D-UU, etc)
Note the playstyle / strategies of the team: Balance, Bulky Offense, Defensive, Hyper Offense / Rain, Sand, Trick Room, Tailwind.
Give example sets of each Pokemon per core. Doesn't have to be more than one, but don't go overboard.
If the set is from a specific player, credit them, and possibly link their handle on Twitter, NB, Smogon, or Forever.
IMPORTANT: Give a short, but meaningful analysis of the core. Essentially how those 2+ Pokemon complement each other, what roles they perform/assigned, how they perform against other threats/meta, etc.
Not Required but Optional: Provide replays featuring the core in battle.
Optional: Provide Sprites / Images of the Pokemon showcased.
For those who are still unsure about how to format this, here's an example below featuring Mega Salamence and Aegislash in Battle Spot Doubles as an example.
- Pokémon featured: Mega Salamence and Aegislash
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles
- Core Type: Bulky Offense
- Sets:
Mega Salamence is one of the top Mega Evolutions in the Battle Spot Doubles format blessed if powerful offensive Flying-type attacks thanks to Aerialte and rather high defensive stats for a Pokemon. One of the issues using Mega Salamence is its often prone to Dragon-, Fairy-, Ice-, and Rock-type attacks, all of which are rather common in the Battle Spot Doubles metagame. Enter Aegislash. What this Steel/Ghost-type offers for Mega Salamence are crucial resistences to these common offensive typings and be able to switch in these moves thanks to its massive 150 defense stats on both sides. Wide Guard allows Aegislash to protect Mega Salamence from spread damage such as Pixilate Hyper Voice from Mega Gardevoir/Sylveon, Rock Slide from Excadrill/Tyranitar/Landorus-T, Icy Wind from Suicune/Milotic, etc. From an offensive perspective, Aegislash can also threaten most of these Fairy- and Ice-types with its STAB Flash Cannon or Iron Head. Thanks to Mega Salamence's excellent "pre-Mega" ability Intimidate, this allows Aegislash to have a better time holding its own against powerful physical attackers like Mega Kangaskhan, and reduce the damage done by a physical SE Earthquake on the haunted Ghost Shield. Mega Salamence can handle most Fire-type Pokemon for Aegislash as it hits them an Aerilate-boosted Double Edge, or go for a Super Effective Earthquake as Aegislash King Shield's, or Wide Guards.
Alright hopefully by doing this, we'll have an archive of cores and sets to look back on for future battles, or reference. Feel free to post any cores that are viable!
- Pokémon featured: Jirachi and Azumarill
- Metagame: Doubles OU
- Core type: Balanced
- Sets:
Jirachi @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 92 Def / 164 SpD
Impish Nature
- Follow Me
- Iron Head
- Icy Wind / Thunder Wave
- Protect / Helping Hand
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off / Play Rough
- Belly Drum
- Protect
This core is based on the combination of Jirachi's good typing/bulk and excellent support movepool in addition to Azumarill's huge (see what I did there) attack stat that can be further boosted by Belly Drum. Basically, the strategy is to have both of these guys at the same time on the field, and then use Follow Me on Jirachi while using Belly Drum on Azumarill. This way, you can use Belly Drum without having to worry about taking damage/status and then proceed to sweep (or try to) weakened or unprepared teams. Jirachi can also use either Icy Wind or Thunder Wave to slow down the opposing team, so Azu doesn't have to rely on Aqua Jet, and even Helping Hand to boost Azumarill's attack to disgusting levels.
- Pokémon featured: Mega Mawile and Gothitelle
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Bulky Offense (Trick Room)
- Sets:
Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head / Rock Slide
- Protect
Gothitelle @ Sitrus Berry / Mental Herb
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 244 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Psychic
- Trick Room
- Helping Hand / Heal Pule / Tickle
- Protect
The combination of Mega Mawile and Shadow Tag Gothitelle remains one, if not the most threatening Trick Room cores to deal with. To start off, Mega Mawile is of one the most threatening Mega-Evolved Pokemon who can deal massive damage the opposing team thanks to is perfect neutral coverage and with Huge Power bolstering its physical attacks to astronomical levels. The main issue with using Mega Mawile is its rather low base 50 Speed as it relies heavily on the rather unreliable Sucker Punch priority, and most importantly, speed control like Trick Room to allow it to go first. What sets Gothitelle apart from most other Trick Room users is the Shadow Tag ability, which traps the opposing two Pokemon (who aren't Ghost-type) into the battlefield. Paired this Ability with Mawile's pre-Mega ability in Intimdate, now both opposing Pokemon are at minus one attack (-1) to begin the battle, and futher helps Gothitelle be able to successfully setup Trick Room for its partner. Once this scenario happens, Mega Mawile can effective cut down opposing teams with is high offensive stat as Gothitelle can support Mawile with a range of options such as Helping Hand (boost one Mawile's Attacks for one turn), Heal Pulse (recover Mawile's HP by 50%), and Tickle (reduces the attack/defense stats by one stage).
Alright starting today [Sept 23rd], going to be working on at least 2-4 cores per week regarding the lingering days of the Battle Spot Doubles meta. These are going to be simple summaries and not going to go as in-depth as done last year's individual Pokemon analysis I use to do. Main reason I'm doing this is so people can have an idea what cores "worked best" with each other, and have an idea where to begin come SuMo VGC / BS format enters. Of course, the risk doing this is most of these cores might become "obsolete", though some cores like Double Genie, Terracott, Cress-Heatran, Rain, Sand, etc, have all appeared in previous VGC/Doubles metagames before. All of the EVs spreads are from the Smogon Dex, though everyone is welcomed to accommodate for any changes. Alright here's three more cores this week.
- Pokémon featured: Mega Metagross and Hydreigon
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Offense
- Sets:
Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Substitute / Ice Punch / Bullet Punch / Hammer Arm
- Protect
Hydreigon @ Life Orb / Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid / Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dark Pulse
- Earth Power / Flamethrower / Tailwind / HP Ice
- Protect / ( See Third Slot Options "if Choiced")
Mega Metagross and Hydreigon is one of the several strong offensive cores who can cover each other's own weaknesses and while initiate immense pressure against opposing teams. With its Steel/Psychic-typing, Meta Metagross is able to threaten many common Fairy-, Fighting-, Dragon-, and Ice-type Pokemon thanks to its STAB Tough Claw boosted coverage most listed above. Some of these Pokemon like Terrakion, Sylveon, Mega Salamence, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Abomasnow, Conkeldurr, etc are able to dispatch Hydreigon with ease, though fear Meta Metagross due to its coverage, natural resistances, and rather high defensive stats. On the other hand, the Dark-/Dragon-type Hydreigon can threaten or deal massive damage to Pokemon Mega Metagross normally can't deal with like opposing Steel-, Fire-, and Ghost-types. Hydreigon can also switch into opposing Ground-types thanks to its Levitate ability and is a decent makeshift response to opposing weather teams that abuse Rain (Water-type)and Sun (Fire-type), which it resists thanks to its part Dragon-typing. In short, Mega Metagross + Hydreigon near perfect defensive synergy allows them to perform above average against some of the most common metagame threats, can use the combination of their bulk, above average speed stats, offensive output, and again their natural resistances to threaten opposing teams in nearly every turn. For a good Team Report guide featuring this core, I recommend looking into this NB post done early VGC 15, though remembers its not indicative how BS Doubles is at the moment.
Politoed @ Sitrus Berry / Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 76 SpA / 100 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Icy Wind / Ice Beam
- Helping Hand / Encore
- Protect
(Note: Can be run "Choice Scarf", though use a Timid Variant)
Ludicolo @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 156 HP / 52 Def / 156 SpA / 4 SpD / 140 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Fake Out
(Note: Can be run with Life Orb, though change EVs to maximize damage output)
Kingdra @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 116 HP / 252 SpA / 140 Spe
Modest Nature
- Muddy Water / Scald
- Draco Meteor
- Ice Beam / Hydro Pump / Disable
- Protect
Every "Rain" team in VGC / Doubles employs the use of Pokemom "Politoed" not only for its exclusive access to the weather ability, Drizzle but also has a wide range of support options to support common Swift Swim sweepers. Starting with the blantly obvious, as long as the "rain" is up, all Water-type attacks (unless a Pokemon has Air Lock / Cloud Nine), have a 50% boost in attack power, making Politoed's "Scald" hits stronger than before. Ice-type coverage is run on Rain-based teams to hit Dragon-, and Grass-types given how most VGC teams use team as checks. Recall Politoed is not known for offense, just mostly to setup the rain and some of its support options like Scald to fish for burns, Icy Wind to drop the opposing speeds, Encore to lock an opponent into an undesired option, and Helping Hand to boosts its partners offensive power by a further 50% boost. Ludicolo is a common Swift Swim user found on Rain-types given its Grass-/Water-typing deals with opposing Grass-types, and takes neutral damage from the likes of Electric-, Ice-, and Grass-types respectively. Most Ludicolos tend to have Fake Out support to allow Politoed, or another Pokemon to setup, or deal damage against the opposing team. Thanks to the Rain, this Ludicolo has enough speed to outspeed some of the fastest non Scarf Pokemon in the game, while deal heavy damage with its Rain-boosted STAB Scalds, or STAB Giga Drains for opposing Water-types. Though not as strong as it once was due to the prevalance of Fairy-types, Kingdra remains among the premier Swift Swim users thanks to its impressive nautral bulk, weaknesses in two types, and of course its part Dragon-type. What sets Kingdra apart from Ludicolo is potential to hit harder in the rain with moves like Muddy Water, Hydro Pump, Scald, etc. One interesting combination Kingdra and Politoed can use is the Encore Disable combination as Kingdra can "Disable", or prevent the target from using an attack (after scouting via protect), while Politoed can lock the target into the said move so its forced to struggle.
- Pokémon featured: Mega Charizard Y and Sylveon
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Offense
- Sets:
Sylveon @ Pixie Plate / Life Orb
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 188 HP / 68 Def / 252 SpA
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Helping Hand / Calm Mind
- Hidden Power Ground
- Protect
The combination of Charizard Y and Sylveon is a deadly pair to face when matched together. From an offensive perspective, only Fire-type and other specially defensive Pokemon are able to take the near perfect coverage of Fire/Fairy. Thanks to the Drought-boosted Fire-types like Heat Wave for Char Y, and the Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voices from Sylveon, both Pokemon can hit targets with strong spread damage to the point where they'd falter the following turn. In terms of offensive synergy, Charizard Y alleviates Sylveon's concern of Steel-types like Aegislash, M-Mawile, Bisharp, and Mega Metagross as it can easily OHKO them with its Drought-boosted STAB Fire-type attacks. Though not weak to Fire-type moves, common Poison-types like Mega Venusaur, Gengar, and Amoonguss have a difficult time switching into these attacks from Char Y to help Sylveon. On the other hand, Sylveon deal with Dragon types who can't switch into a Pixilate Hyper Voice, and can also be useful in "weather" wars against rain teams thanks to its natural high special defense. In terms of support, Charizard Y can setup Tailwind to allow faster Sylveon variants to outspeed the likes of Mega Salamence, while Sylveon can use Helping Hand to further boost the the Drought-boosted attacks from Char Y to ridiculous levels. If Wide Guard users are a concern, Char Y and Sylveon can use single target STABs like Flamethrower, and Moonblast respectively in case something like Conkeldurr or Aegislash carries these options for their spread attack, though they would faint to such moves. HP Ground is opted on either Pokemon in case Heatran becomes an issue as its quad resists Fairy-types attacks and is immune to Fire-types. For a good team report of this core, definitely recommend looking into this article done by Calisweeper as his team integrated the use of both Sylveon and Char Y extremely well and placed high with them.
This is a rather new core Fire / Water core which's has seen some considerable usage in the Battle Spot Doubles ladder in offensive Arcanine and defensive Milotic. With the Choice Band item, an Adamant Arcanine can OHKO the following Pokemon with its respective coverage moves or high damage output from STAB Flare Blitz: Mega Kangashan (Close Combat), Heatran (CC), Char Y (Wild Charge), Sylveon (Flare Blitz), Mega Gardevoir (FB), and a ton of others. With its Fire-typing Arcanine can scare off any Grass-types like Breloom, Amoonguss, Virizion, etc who all beat Milotic with its powerful Choice Band Flare Blitz. Thanks to the Intimidate support, this allows Milotic to tank physical hits better and can perform its role as a bulky Water-type. In turn, Milotic is defensive enough to handle some of Arcanine's best counters like Rock-types (Tyranitar, Terrakion, Aerodactyl), and Ground-types (Landorus-T, Garchomp, Excadrill) with the combination of Scald + Ice-type coverage. If opted, Icy Wind can allow Milotic to drop the speed of the opposing two Pokemon by one stage, further allowing Arcanine to outspeed and run rampant against the opposing team. Perhaps the "real" danger of this core is setting off the "Competitive" ability as this allows Milotic to gain +2 in Special Attack. Pair Milotic with a Choice Band user like Arcanine and the opponent is forced to deal with either strong physical hits which can knock them out, or a +2 bulky Water-type with access to recovery.
- Pokémon featured: Mega Venusaur, Heatran, and Rotom-W
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Defensive (Grass / Fire / Water)
- Sets:
The idea of this defensive Grass-Fire-Water core centers around Mega Venusaur, which seen its peak during the early VGC 15 / ORAS BS Double metagame popularized by Cybertron. The goal of this core is to use the defensive synergy between Mega Venusaur, Heatran, and Rotom-W to tank / wall most hits while slowly chip away at the opponent. Note both Heatran and Rotom-W are resistant to the ever present Flying-types like Mega Salamence and Talonflame, both of whom can beat Mega Venusaur. In term, Mega Venusaur can prove itself to be a defensive answer against both Water-, Grass-, Rock-, and Ground-types which normally threaten either Heatran and Rotom-W. The third slot on Mega Venusaur is usually up for debate, either Leech Seed for residual damage, Synthesis to replenish 50% HP (though cut in Sand/Rain/Hail), or Sleep Powder to put targets to sleep. As the 2nd member of the core, Fire-/Steel-type Heatran is task to deal with strong Grass-types Pokemon, wall most Fire-type with its Flash Fire ability, and use its high number of resistances to support the team. Substitute Leftovers is the most common Heatran sets with these core, though Shuca Berry is seen to tank Ground-type hits if its partners aren't on the field. Finally the levitating Water-/Electric-type Rotom-W can deal with Ground-, Water-, and Rock-type similar to Mega Venusaur, can provide status support from Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. As mentioned, Rotom-W is an excellent check to Flying-type as it can use its STAB Thunderbolts, or one of status options to wear them down.
Introducing the infamous Prankster Encore / Disable core of Mega Gengar and its partner in crime Whimsicott. To begin, once Gengar Mega Evolves into Mega Gengar, it gains the ability Shadow Tag, which prevents all Pokemon aside Ghost-types from escaping via switch. With Mega Gengar's insane base 170 Special Attack stat, the opponent have to choose whether to takeconsiderable damage from one of its STABs, or possible use Protect to scout, or avoid any harm. The problem with using "Protect" comes with Whimsicott as it can lock the opponent into the move with Prankster Encore. Mega Gengar can then use Disable to prevent the target from using move "Protect", or any move that puts the opposing side in an unfavorable advantage. If such a scenario occurs, the opponent will be "forced" to struggle to until the Encore ends, though Whimsicott can easily do it again with its priority Prankster ability. Note that Shadow Tag will prevent the opposing Pokemon from switch, and locking the Pokemon into indefinite struggle unless they are knocked out, or Mega Gengar faints.
Keep in mind, this core can act in a Hyper Offensive fashion with Mega Gengar's massive 170 Special attack, and Whimsicott's Prankster Fake Tears. If both potential targets are slower than either Mega Gengar / Whimsicott (chances are they are), then here's what they can do instead of Encore - Disable. Fakes Tears drops the target's Special Defense by -2, and vunerable to and Special Attacks. Now consider Fake Tears can always "goes" first with Whimsicott, then Mega Gengar can essentially eliminate almost target with its STAB Shadow Ball / Sludge Bomb. Keep in mind this is still a high risk, high reward combo as this requires "predicting" if the opponent will Protect with one of their mons. The only problem with that is the opponent has to consider whether the Encore - Disable threat is possible, making this core more so heavy in predictions and mind games.
- Pokémon featured: Blaziken and Bisharp
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Hyper Offense
- Sets:
Blaziken @ Life Orb / Focus Sash / Blazikenite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 68 Atk / 196 SpA / 244 Spe or 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Naive or Adamant Nature
- Overheat / Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Hidden Power Ice / Rock Slide
- Protect
Bisharp @ Life Orb / Focus Sash
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Protect
Despite being rather frail on both defensive ends and offensively weak to Ground-, and Water-type attacks, don't overestimate the pair between Blaziken and Bisharp. The gist of this core is essentially to attack whats in front of these two Pokemon, or use Protect to scout out a move while receiving no damage. The offensive typing of Fire / Fighting, and Dark / Steel forms perfect neutral coverage to where Blaziken and Bisharp can deal heavy or super effective damage if possible. For Blaziken, it can use protect to "increase" its speed with the Speed Boost ability one stage per turn until maxed out. Most of the time, Blaziken will run the Life Orb item to ensure OHKOs against Mega Kangaskhan, Amoonguss, Heatran, and 4 HP Landorus-T Mega Salamence, etc. Mega Blaziken is potential option to use if the Life Orb is on Bisharp, or if the players wants the addtional power and speed. Bisharp can deal with most Psychic-type Pokemon like Cresselia, Lati@s, and Meta Metagross, while deter the opponent from using stat reduction stategies like Icy Wind, Snarl, or most likely Intimidate spam. STAB Sucker Punch allows Bisharp to bypass its slow speed and hit faster targets for decent damage, only if they've attacked themselves. Iron Head is used to hit Fairy-type Pokemon which can threaten this core, though it needs to be careful when dealing with Mega Gardevoir. This core requires a devent amount of prediction as it relies on getting those OHKOs before the opponent can respond.
This is a rather odd Hail-core that involved getting the upper-hand in the battle via doing what they do best: spam Blizzard. The focus of this core is to pin down Pokemon who are weak to the Ice-type, a offensive coverage even most CHALK teams struggle with (like Double Genie + Amoonguss). To start off, this is an irritation of "fast-Hail" often seen used by Japanese players on Battle Spot Doubles which revolved around Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Protean Greninja. As Abomasnow sets up the Hail with its Snow Warning ability, both it and Greninja can immediately threaten the opponent with STAB Blizzard spam given its strong damage output even as a spread move. A Choice Scarf weather abuser isn't as new given Tyranitar and Politoed have seen use, however what makes Abomasnow "slightly" favorable is its ability to threaten both with STAB Grass-type attacks. One of the biggest problems to Abomasnow are common Wide Guard users such as Aegislash who not only block Blizzard with Wide Guard, but can potentially OHKO with Flash Cannon. Greninja can in return threaten the Aegislash, though not OHKO, but can do massive damage to it . Greninja is fast enough to outspeed the likes of Mega Salamence, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, Thundurus, Terrakion,Heatran and Mega Kangaskhan, all of whom can threaten Abomasnow. For what the hail setter can provide for Greninja is "chip damage" from the combination of Hail's residual damage, or the Blizzard attacks it spam to weaken target to where Greninja can pick them off one by one. In all, Choice Scarf Abomasnow is an unexpected Pokemon to watch out for, especially paired with Greninja given how powerful Ice-type coverage is against CHALK teams.
- Pokémon featured: Ferrothorn and Jellicent
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Defensive
- Sets:
Ferrothorn @ Lum Berry / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 204 Atk / 52 SpD
Brave Nature
- Gyro Ball / Iron Head
- Power Whip
- Leech Seed / Thunder Wave
- Protect
Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 100 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Hex / Ice Beam / Toxic
The purpose of this core is to effectively wall and take on both Ferrothorn and Jellicent's respective checks, while dealing residual damage per turn. Let's start off with Ferrothorn, the only of the few Pokemon with Grass/Steel-type which is is capablely strong on the defensive end with nine resistences and one immunity. Now take a look at Jellicent's resistences with six resistences, and two of them (Fighting- and Normal-type) once again being immune. The interesting point about Ferrothorn and Jellicent is they effectively check each others weaknesses rather well as Ferrothorn can switch in on Electric-, Grass-, and other types with its high natural bulk, where as Jellicent takes little from Fire-type attacks, while Fighting-type moves do no damage. Notice how Ferrothorn and Jellicent can use their status moves / abilites like Leech Seed, Will-o-Wisp, Toxic, Thunder Wave, Iron Barbs, Rocky Helmet, and Cursed Body to consistently annoy the opponent. Leech Seed + Will-O-Wisp can passively reduce the HP of the opposing Pokemon's HP, halves their Attack stats, and opposing Pokemon will find themselves being unable to break the defensive pressure of Ferrothorn and Jellicent. Keep in mind this core isn't meant to be offensive at all, but to rely on residual damage and rather bothersome, yet effective defensive stall in a way to cover for both these Pokemon well.
One of the most common balanced cores in the Battle Double Doubles, as well as the former VGC 15 format in Mega Gardevoir and Amoonguss. The premise of the core is rather simple. Amoonguss "protects", or in this case redirects attack away from Mega Gardevoir as the Fairy-type Mega spam Pixilate Hyper Voice to inflict one of the strongest spread damage in the format. The pair themselves is reliant on Mega Gardevoir consistently damaging at the opposing Pokemon with Hyper Voice as is the main offensive damage dealer. Aside from Rage Powder, Amoonguss can use the status ailment Spore to put targets to sleep to allow Mega Gardevoir to get damage the following turn. One strategy seen during the VGC 15 format is to utilize a bulky Mega Gardevoir with the move Trick Room to not only allow itself to outspeed "faster" threats, but let Amoonguss Spore targets at ease as its usually the fastest on the field under Trick Room. Just note Mega Gardevoir needs the redirection support from Amoonguss given how it can't take strong physical attacks with Amoonguss could.
- Pokémon featured: Tyranitar and Excadrill
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Sand Offense
- Sets:
Excadrill @ Life Orb / Focus Sash
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake / Drill Run
- Rock Slide
- Iron Head
- Protect
Just like in the Singles format, Sand-teams do receive a good amount of usage in Battle Spot Doubles. As per most Sand-teams, the core is centered around using Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability to allow Excadrill to essentially outspeed most of the format and do what it pleases. In turn, Excadrill can threaten opposing Fairy- and Steel-type Pokemon who Tyranitar usually have trouble dealing with the combinations of STAB Earthquake, or STAB Iron Head. One distinctive feature of Sand-types is if Tyranitar is Choice Scarfed, both it and Excadrill can use "fast" Rock Slides against the opponents Pokemon. For those who are unfamiliar with Rock Slide's side effect, if the move hits a target, there's a 30% chance to where the Pokemon won't be able to move. The thing regarding Rock Slide is this effect is still applied to both targeted Pokemon. With both Tyranitar and Excadrill can exert Rock Slide pressure to flinch either one of the targets. Tyranitar can support Excadrill by helping its matchup against Fire-type Pokemon. If in case Excadrill wants another Ground-type move to hit Pokemon without harming Tyranitar with Earthquake, Drill Run can be opted to hit Fire-, Steel-, Poison-, and other Pokemon for Super Effective damage.
Oct 8, 2016, 08:24 AM (This post was last modified: Oct 8, 2016, 08:25 AM by croissant.)
- Pokémon featured: Raichu and Azumarill
- Metagame: Battle Spot Doubles (VGC 15)
- Core Type: Hyper Offense
- Sets:
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off
- Protect/Play Rough
Raichu @ Focus Sash
Ability: Lightning Rod
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fake Out
- Encore
- Thunderbolt
- Protect/Hidden Power Ice
This core is a very potent offensive core in this metagame since Raichu offers great support for Azumarill, which hits like a truck, and Raichu still has decent offensive presence. Raichu supports Azumarill in two different ways; it can draw Electric moves that are threatening to Azu with its ability Lightning Rod, which also boosts its Special Attack, and it can use Fake Out to give Azumarill a free turn to use Belly Drum and then either sweep the opposing team or punch major holes in it. Azumarill is also a good partner for Raichu since it beats the Ground types that are threatening to Raichu. It's a very good core that is fairly easy to use and I would recommend using it if you are a beginner in the format.
Xerneas @ Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Geomancy
- Dazzling Gleam
- Moonblast
- Protect
Meet the premier offensive duo that's defined the VGC 16 metagame: Primal Groudon and Xerneas. Based on the offensive typing alone, Primal Groudon's and Xerneas's STAB Ground-, Fire- and Fairy-type attacks hit almost everything in the format bar Fire/Flying-type Pokemon like Ho-oh. The Ground/Fire-typing as well as an enhanced ability in Desolate Land allows Primal Groudon to beat back most Steel- and Poison-type which check Xerneas, can override both Delta Stream and Primordial Sea if it switches in. On the other hand, Xerneas can threaten most Pokemon with powerful Fairy-type attacks, particularly Dragon-type Pokemon like Mega Salamence or Mega Rayquaza who resist Fire-type attacks, while immune to Precipice Blades. If Xerneas manages to setup its Power Herb Geomancy, it can effectively sweep or severely threaten entire teams with +2 Fairy Aura boosted Moonblast or Dazzling Gleams. Primal Groudon already garners a high offensive stats of 180 Attack and 150 Special Attack so it can hit STAB Precipice Blades and Eruptions for heavy damage. Even if one of the two restricted Pokemon faints, the other can finish off weaken teams given the excessive damage output Primal Groudon and Xerneas exert. It is important to have multiple ways to deal with Primal Groudon and Xerneas as this is one of, if not the most overused restricted duo of VGC 16.
- Pokémon featured: Mega Rayquaza and Kyogre
- Metagame: VGC 16
- Core Type: Offense
- Sets:
One of the most popular cores used to maintain weather control: Mega Rayquaza (also its base form), and Primal Kyogre. With Primal Groudon being the along the most overused of the "Primal Weather" Pokemon, the ability Desolate Land will likely be up for most matches to "evaporate" Water-type attacks, or not effective. from Primal Kyogre. Though Primordial Sea can "reverse" the weather to Primal Kyogre's advantage, the problem is Primal Groudon and always switch out, and reassert weather dominance to null any of Kyogre's attack. Now pair Primal Kyogre with Rayquaza and Primal Groudon has a problem. Both Rayquaza's forms have two respective abilities in Air Lock and Delta Stream which will remove the "Water-type" immunity Primal Groudon has with its Desolate Land, allowing Primal Kyogre to freely attack with its powerful STAB Water-type moves. In terms of offensive coverage, Mega Rayquaza and Primal Kyogre is an capable core which can sweep through teams with the combination of powerful Water-, Flying-, Ice-, and Dragon-type attacks. For what Primal Kyogre can achieve is Mega Rayquaza is deal with anything it can touch or beat, such as opposing Dragon-types, and bulky Steel-types. Mega Rayquaza is not limited to a "Mega Stone", as the only requirement is knowing the move Dragon Ascent, which aside the defense drops is among the most offensive Flying-type attacks in the game. With the rain up / in effect, Primal Kyogre's Water-type attacks are augment to insane levels, especially with its high base 180 Sp. Atk and strong Water-type attacks in Water Spout or Origin Pulse. Keep in mind both Pokemon are rather frail on the physical end so they need to net fast KOs before the opponent can maintain their speed control, use potential setup, or OHKO the two back.
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