I'm gonna be blunt and say the following team reports (including an upcoming one) aren't necessary mine at all (both my "Trap" and "Sand-Room")  but taken from a Japanese player by who goes by the name of either Myan or Myon (みょん). These two teams are arguably some of the most fun teams I've had the pleasure of using on Battle Spot Doubles from late June to early September. I did happen to battle this player 3 times as he used each of the original variation to what I'm about to post in the upcoming thread. Pretty much owe my successful runs on Battle Spot to Myon.  So without further ado, here's one of those teams.

Around mid-June, I was laddering on the Battle Spot ladder using my old Mega Metagross team and I encountered a particular Japanese team consistent of the following Pokemon: Gengar, Mamoswine, Raikou, Breloom, Gyarados, and Hydreigon. Aside from maybe the Gengar (which I correctly called it as the Mega initially) this team wasn't composed of the more common Pokemon like Landorus-T, Aegislash, Mega Kangaskhan,Thundurus, Sylveon, Amoonguss, etc. To me it looked like a rag tag team but I recalled this guy had a 1870+ rating on Battle Spot so I felt it was some kind of elaborate Perish Trap team. In my first battle with this team, I used Mega Metagross and Thundurus as he lead with Mamoswine and Gengar. Myon went on a hard read that I'd protect with Metagross and as he double targets Thundurus with both his Pokemon. To his dismay, he actually misses the Icicle Crash on Thundurus and Mega Metagross KOs the Mega Gengar immediately. Pretty much after a couple of turns, he forfeits realizing Mega Gengar was his key win condition and should have prioritize on Mega Metagross instead. The following day I encounter him around the a rating of 1890+ just close to 1900. This time the battle goes poorly on my part as his Mega Gengar goes for a Will-O-Wisp while Mamoswine KOs my Thundurus. Honestly I felt this time he'd protect Mega Gengar but instead goes for a nice counter to my aggressive play and should have been recognize. I send out Hydreigon to setup Tailwind as he switches to Gyarados for Mamoswine and as he Thunder Waves my dragon the following turn. At this point, I have a paralyzed Hydreigon and a -1 burned Mega Metagross that couldn't do anything else but activates Gyarados's Sitrus Berry item as he slowly picked off the rest of my team.

Despite losing to Myon (みょん)  rightfully so in the second battle, there was just something about his team I wanted to work on immediately. Myon's team performances with somewhat of a hyper offensive mode reliant upon both Mega Gengar's trapping ability Shadow Tag to disallow the opponent of making any optimal switch outs and disruption by using certain teammates. Again I don't know the full extend of how his team works out but I was able to get a rating of 1905 with the same team while he was around 1960+ before he probably reset his rating or something. The EVs and item choices are the only thing I've might have differentiate from though its still the same six Pokemon.

Prior to Mid-June 2015, I never used or considered Mega Gengar as a viable Mega Evolution in the VGC 2015 format because of the "gimmicks" associates with it. Of course, some of these ideas were based on what some might call "best of one" strategies such as Perish Trap, Encore-Disable, or Fake Tears offense. Yes I'm well aware of well-known players such as P3DS or Wolfey have used this type of team archetype before me, both I wanted to actually work for my win and not just rely on 33% double protect chances or losing Mega Gengar prematurely. I'm not criticizing Perish Trap or any use of Mega Gengar as a viable VGC strategy as its one of the most difficult to pull off, but  say, the reliance of stalling out for 3 turns is what didn't appeal to me...yet.  The main reason why I even dittoed his team was to see how good it was since I did want to make a Mega Gengar team, just without Fake Tears, Encore-Disable, or Perish Trap involved. Other teams I've used successfully on the ladder were my Mega Scizor Heavy Rain (Peaked at 1884) or Mega Metagross Hyper Offense (Peaked at 1865) team have done well, but no where near how successful this team became. Not going to lie but I pretty much started using the new Mega Gengar Trap team on the middle ladder (1690+) and continued on a 24-2 run (not counting 3 "communication failed" battles were my internet craps out though no rating drops)  to reach to 1905. Those two losses were mostly due to how reliant status ailments are (aka Will-O-Miss) and skewed crits can mean defeat almost immediately. The rest of my wins were based on my opponent bringing what I'd expect and knowing when to let go of Mega Gengar while maintaining my other win conditions.

The team core started with these three Pokemon in particular: Gengar, Mamoswine, and Gyarados. Essentially I reasoned the goal for Mega Gengar wasn't to setup any "Perish Trap" mode, rather to help key teams like Mamoswine and Gyarados do their particular role. Mega Gengar + Mamoswine is a great response against the Double Genie as Mamoswine can OHKO most Landorus-Therian and Thundurus-Incarnate by using Icicle Crash. Finally this Gyarados functions as a defensive pivot against most physical targets and even functions similar to Thundurus by using Thunder Wave and Taunt against key targets while spamming Waterfall for the potential paraflinch. Funny enough usually my opponents would bring Pokemon what are meant to handle Mega Gyarados like Thundurus and Amoonguss, however once they realize I'm using Mega Gengar its too late as Mamoswine or Gyarados can neutralize these targets immediately.

The core was still weak to opposing Ghost-/Psychic-/Water-types like Aegislash, Cresselia and even strong rain teams who are all capable of taking out the original three. For Rain teams, Assault Vest Snarl Raikou was a decent answer as Gyarados can paralyze them while Mega Gengar forces them in with Shadow Tag. Hydreigon is another Pokemon I had familiarity with for almost 5 months knew it how to function. This time Hydreigon acted as my main check to Bisharp, Aegislash, Cresselia opposing Ghosts, and even my own secondary speed control by acting as the main Tailwind setter just for weather teams.

My only main concern with this team was maintaining "insurance" against opposing Water-types (Milotic, Suicune, Rotom-W, Swampert), Rock-/Steel types (Aegislash, Bisharp, Tyranitar, Exadrill), Dark type Pokemon (Hydreigon, Scrafty, Tyranitar, Krookodile, Greninja) and even Mega Kangaskhan. Breloom was the last Pokemon for this team since it can deal with all these after-mentioned threats (kinda like a poorly used duck-tape) since it has priority Mach Punch which the team lacked to beat Mega Kang/T-Tar/Driller, Bullet Seed to beat Water-types, and Spore to put things to sleep. Though I've only used it lately. Mega Gengar + Breloom is a strong lead as I'm able to put something to sleep as Mega Gengar traps the sleeping Pokemon. Now that I've discuss the main team building element, its time to discuss the Pokemon individual roles.

Without question, Mega Gengar is the very nucleus of the team thanks to IMO the best utility-based ability in the game: Shadow Tag. Here's a quick summary of how Shadow Tag works, Mega Gengar is able to trap most Pokemon from switching out aside from Ghost types so that I can break down opposing teams with the appropriate Pokemon. Though it would be wise to add "bulk" into Mega Gengar, I felt that base 110 and 130 speed was a benchmark too important to pass up since Gengar can still outspeed base 108 Pokemon like Terrakion. Aside from the speed investment, the only notable achievement I wanted out of Mega Gengar is to 2HKO 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan nearly most of the time if in case it becomes a problem even if I'd went for Will-O-Wisp against it. Speaking of the status ailment, Will-O-Wisp allows Mega Gengar to burn crucial target especially physical attackers so they are trapped in without being a major threat to my team. Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb round out Mega Gengar's attacking options as Shadow Ball can inflict heavy damage against most team like Mega Metagross or Aegislash while Sludge Bomb 2HKOs most Fairy-types like Mega Gardevoir or Sylveon. Protect is an important move in of itself as it allows Mega Gengar to survive another turn while keeping the opposing side trapped in.

The key for this team's success to to maintain Mega Gengar long enough so that its outlived its usefulness once the opposing side has about 2 Pokemon left, or if  any Fairy-, Ghost-, or Psychic-types are around. Of course there is an element of surprise using this team since people usually don't expect a Mega Gengar without either a Liepard or Perish Trap like team. Once Mega Gengar has Mega Evolved, its mostly up to the rest of teammates below to disrupt/snipe key targets.

Mamoswine is the definition of "anti-meta" if you want something to KO Landorus-T and Thundurus most of the time. With Mamoswine being part Ground-type, it cannot get paralyzed by Thundurus so it can function as a great Scarfer to KO key targets. For instance, with Mega Gengar being vulnerable to any STAB Earthquake from Landorus-T, Mamoswine's job is designated to eliminate any of these flying tigers (or whatever you'd like to call it) with a quad super effective Icicle Crash. Mamoswine is even  great pick against most Mega Salamence teams especially against "Japan Sand" as it can KO most of team archetype with its coverage options. Again Icicle Crash is meant for any Landorus-T, Zapdos, Thundurus, Amoonguss, Hydreigon, and Mega Salamence as most of these targets have a chance of being OHKO. STAB Earthquake is another fine option Mamoswine has to beat most Fire, Rock, Steel, Poison, and Electric types like Heatran, Raichu, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and even opposing Mega Gengar. Rock Slide is meant for Fire-/Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y, Thundurus, Zapdos, Volcarona, Mega Salamence, Gyarados, etc. Though I did have Ice Shard for a couple battles early one, I'd eventually opted for Superpower as another means to OHKO Mega Kangaskhan and, more specifically Mega Tyranitar if I ever encounter it since a Dragon Dance variant is an threat to the whole team.

Anyone use to either a Dragon Dance Gyarados, or even expected a Mega Gyarados might be surprised to see this rather unusual set instead. Without question, defensive Gyarados has been the main backbone of the team aside from Mega Gengar due to its Water/Flying-typing and intimidate ability. Since most of the team doesn't invest heavily into defense, Gyarados is tasked to act as a pivot while spreading Intimidate drops on the opposing side. Coupled with Mega Gengar's Will-O-Wisp, Gyarados can surprisingly help neuter most physical attackers as they are render near useless while being unable to switch out due to Shadow Tag. Taunt is a tech option to shut down any Amoonguss, Cresselia, or any otherd from going for their support options. Since most people expected Gyarados to be either the Mega or a Dragon Dance variant, they would attempt often send in their support Pokemon (aka Amoonguss) and leave it exposed for a Taunt. For sure this has caught many players off by surprised and coupled with Mega Gengar's trap ability, they are rendered near useless throughout much of the battle (or 3 turns).

Thunder Wave is the team's primary speed control method considering defensive Gyarados has the bulk to live and paralyze most of the top Megas in the game (Kangaskhan, Charizard Salamence, Gardevor, etc). Waterfall is Gyarados only STAB option but paired with Thunder Wave this combination of paraflinching can often times sway a battle into my favor by getting free turns. Despite the lack of attack investment, Gyarados has enough power to 2HKO most Landorus-T and 4 HP Landorus-T if intimidated. In all, most of my victories would have been posssible without Gyarados acting as the defensive anchor of the team.

While Gyarados handles physical attackers, Assault Vest Snarl Raikou acts as the team's semi-special wall and primary counter to Thundurus (aside from Swagger variants of course). It was imperative to find a Pokemon who can actually stand up against the dominate thunder genie while dealing with a vast majority of Water/Flying type Pokemon.  Thunderbolt was Raikou's main STAB of choice...well I guess anyone would have guessed it so the pure Electric-type tiger can rip against Water and Flying type Pokemon with ease. HP Ice is a vital coverage option most Electric-types tend to carry to hit Dragon-, Ground-, Grass-, and Flying-types, specifically Landorus-T and Mega Salamence for considerable damage. Snarl is the crux of this Assault Vest Raikou set as it allows my team to effectively disrupt the damaging power of the opposing two special attacking Pokemon by one stage while giving the team vital momentum to quickly dispatch the weaken threats. Raikou in tandem with Gyarados is often used together when dealing with either rain/sun-based teams since most of these Pokemon are weak to STAB Thunderbolt or are vulnerable to Snarl spam.  Here's the thing, I never consider Snarling the intended special attackers no more than 2 times due to the possibility that my opponent can land a critical hit which can really hamper the team effort.

As mentioned now and in any Raikou set, the classic "boltbeam" combo of Thunderbolt and HP Ice was used to deal with a wide variety of threats, including both Thundurus and Landorus-T... though I'd need to make sure Raikou isn't face-to-face with a Scarf variant. Funny enough, Pressure has been a far reliable ability than I could image. Raikou is one of the many Pokemon who can scout out for speed orders dependent on whose faster. Since most Scarf  Landorus-T's are either built to outspeed Mega Salamence or Mega Gengar, it will go for an intimidate first as Raikou's Pressure ability activates next. This information will allow me to determine if Landorus-T is Choice Scarf, or holding a different item. Extrasensory was opted over Shadow Ball since I still needed coverage against the following Pokemon who can  beat this team: Amoonguss, Gengar, Nidoking/Queen, Mega Venusaur, Terrakion, Conkeldurr, Blaziken, etc.

As the team was still weak against Cresselia/Aegislash while while needed another method to maintain "speed control", I decided then to use the same Hydreigon set I'd used to reach 1865 on Battle Spot. Without question Hydreigon was often paired to fight opposing weather teams since it has access to one particular move: Tailwind. Just thinking back to why I'd started using Tailwind Hydreigon, there were times in which I have Hydreigon and it can easily scare off the opposing team by either protecting to scout the potential set, or switch out to a favorable matchup. With Tailwind, I now have a method of punishing most opposing switch outs/protect scouting while still maintaining offensive pressure with Hydreigon. By doubling the speed now, my team can potentially overrun most weather-based teams with their offensive proneness as Hydreigon takes point.

Even without Choice Specs, Life Orb Draco Meteor still hits rather hard against most targets while OHKOing Mega Salamence, opposing Hydreigon (without Haban Berry), 4 HP Landorus-T, etc. Again I'd like to reiterate Draco Meteor though strong, isn't the most used attack as this Hydreigon is meant to be an all-out attacker and any Special Attack drops will hinder its mid-late game value. Dark Pulse is the preferred attack against most targets due to how strong Dark-type is against the rest of the type chart while the extra chance to flinch can be beneficial at time. Earth Power was chosen over Protect for three reasons: 1) Fire/Steel types were still rather threatening, I don't have an answer to Bisharp aside from Breloom, and 3) to act as a "suicide" lead.  Pretty much the idea of Tailwind Hydreigon is to setup Tailwind for the team ASAP, do as much meaning full damage as possible, and go down as another Pokemon like Breloom or Raikou can finish the job. If Hydreion manages to KO its intended targets while impedes against the opponent's plan then its has done its job and go down. (PS: Life Orb kinda helps Hydreigon achieve this role as well).

I guess I should explain Breloom even though people figure reason why its on this team.With the last five Pokemon in placed, I'd figured that Breloom's tasked to beat out any potential Water-types, Dark-types, and put anything to sleep with Spore. Despite being the least and quite often most replaced member of the team, Breloom was definitely able to pull its weight when I need it to take out either a Bisharp, a Milotic, stop Trick Room, or even finish off any target with its priority Mach Punch. Breloom was an vital asset against Mega Swampert rain teams and even sand in general as it can 2HKO most targets with either a Bullet Seed, Mach Punch or at the very minimum put the target to sleep. Breloom can also handle most Azumarill-Amoonguss archetypes as it can easily puts the aquatic rabbit to sleep so it can't Belly Drum.

About 70% of the time, my leads for this team are with Mega Gengar + either Mamoswine, Breloom, or Gyarados dependent of the opposing team. If its standard CHALK without Thundurus, then I might just lead with Gengar + Gyarados to get an Intimidate on either Kangaskhan/Landorus-T while threatening Heatran/Landorus-T for a 2HKO. If Thundurus is on the opposing team, Mamoswine is almost an "auto-lead" especially if they have Landorus-T/Heatran/Mega Salamence as a well. The times I've used Azumarill/Mega Gardevoir/Amoonguss or Kang + Milotic/Bisharp is when I bring Breloom since its able to bypass redirection, put something to sleep, or threaten with a super effective hit. For most Trick Room based teams, I use Mega Gengar with either Gyarados with Taunt or Spore from Breloom to stop the potential setup (though I'll explain why this isn't full-proof in the threats section). I do lead with Raikou (about 10% of the time with Mega Gengar) if my opponents has a predominate special attackers (about 3+ Pokemon).

The other 20% of the time (the only time I might not lead with Mega Gengar) is when I encounter  weather-based teams in which Hydreigon/Raikou are my main options for Sun/Rain while Gyarados/Hydreigon is a common lead for most sand-based teams. Most weather teams have a teammate who's reliant of their respective field conditions/abilities to double their speed which is why Thunder Wave Gyarados or Tailwind Hydreigon will see action. Speaking of Hydreigon, its probably my most important win-condition to keep around considering the Tailwind boost will allow the rest the teammates to outspeed the foe to maintain offensive momentum within the next three turns.

Of course with such a highly rated team comes some notable flaws in the teambuilding as well as matchups that might be slightly difficult to beat. Here's a list of the top 10 threats for this team I've rounded out for this team report.