Final Tweaks on First VGC2015 Team (EDITED)

[DanielJames]

I did the research, I tested it on Showdown, I searched high and low for the Pokémon I needed on my game... and now... here I am.

Enough of the dramatics. So I've built, what I feel, is an incredibly solid team. After playing some matches on Battle Spot though, I do notice some possible shortcomings. First off, my team lacks diversity against spread moves. Thundurus and Salamence are weak to Rock Slide and Icy Wind, Bisharp and Heatran are weak to Earthquake. It can make choosing four for a battle a little troublesome, because I'm wary of pairing certain Pokémon together. I have noticed, however, that those shortcomings can be compensated if I play smart. Still, if there's a Pokémon I should switch out for something else, please make a suggestion.

EDIT: I swapped out Heatran for Smeargle.


Salamence @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Double-Edge
- Protect

Salamence is pure power. Normally, putting 252 into two stats doesn't turn out well in VGC, but here it does. Protect is self-explanatory as it allows me to use it when Salamence mega evolves to ensure the speed increase. Double-Edge is the attack of choice, as it completely decimates just about anything in it's path. Even with the recoil damage, the damage output is worth it. Dragon Claw for STAB and Earthquake for spread damage wraps up this set.


Thundurus (M) @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 192 HP / 76 SpA / 220 SpD / 20 Spe
Calm Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Taunt
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice

Thundurus is running (flying?) rampant this year. One of the best Taunt users in the game, Thundurus is able to shut down numerous Pokémon, allowing me to avoid tough situations like Dark Void, Spore, Trick Room, Thunder Wave, Swagger, and many more. Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice provide decent coverage and Thunder Wave slows down some of the faster Pokémon that could potentially cause problems for slower Pokémon on my team like Sylveon. The one thing this move set lacks however is Protect, which is something Thundurus could benefit from seeing as how opponent's tend to gang up on him before he causes too much trouble.


Smeargle @ Focus sash
Ability: Moody
EVs: 96 HP/120 Def/40 SpD/252 Spe
Timid Nature
Moves:
- Dark Void
- Follow Me
- Fake out
- Spiky shield

Love him or hate him, Smeargle is one of the best support Pokémon in VGC. Dark Void can stop an opponent's momentum, or even prevent it altogether. Follow Me allows Pokémon like Mega Salamence or Sylveon to deal massive damage without fear of being targeted. Fake Out for the flinch and Spiky Shield for physical attackers that target Smeargle. Smeargle can be partnered with any Pokémon on my team, making it extremely versatile.


Sylveon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 170 HP / 252 SpA / 86 SpD
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Shadow Ball
- Psyshock
- Hyper Beam

Choice Specs Hyper Voice is the only thing that matters when it comes to Sylveon. Not many things can withstand it, and the Pokémon that do still take a lot of damage. Sylveon needs to be careful, however, due to it's low speed and it doesn't take physical attacks very well. Thankfully, Thundurus' Thunder Wave provides some support and as long as I bring Sylveon out at the right time, it's bulky enough to withstand an attack or two.


Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Protect

Bisharp can be used as one of my leads, or be brought in late game to pick off weakened Pokémon with Sucker Punch and take down walls. Cresselia doesn't appreciate a STAB boosted Knock Off, Iron Head is nice against other Sylveon, and Protect is used to scout or troll my opponents when I know they're going to attack Bisharp.


Milotic @ Assault Vest
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 160 SpA / 64 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Icy Wind
- Dragon Tail

With the amount of Intimidate users in VGC, Milotic fits in nicely. The free +2 boost to my special attack, along with it's bulk, makes Milotic a threat when it's on the field. Scald and Ice Beam are the main movies here, but Icy Wind can be used for spread damage while slowing down both of my opponent's Pokémon. Dragon Tail is used solely for supports. Forces out unfavorable match-ups and stops Pokémon from setting up.