[RATE MY TEAM] Japan Sand Variant

[Marcusube]

(Aug 26, 2015, 10:10 AM)MegaGallade475 Wrote: I have been wanting to try out Mega Metagross for a while, so this is the team I built around it. It has many flaws, though, so I encourage you to leave suggestions for what I should change. I will be bringing it to Lancaster Regionals in October, so I will work on it until then.

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Protect
- Ice Punch

This is a very basic Metagross set, I know. It works very well regardless. It outspeeds everything that isn't scarfed or otherwise extremely fast. I have Iron Head instead of Meteor Mash because it has a 30% flinch chance, higher accuracy, and gets most of the same KOs. I run Zen Headbutt for a powerful stab, and Ice Punch to cover all of the Landorus & Salamence dominating the format. Protect needs no explanation.

Damage Calcs:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Sylveon: 204-240 (100.9 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 99-117 (54.6 - 64.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 180-216 (91.8 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 208 Def Mega Salamence: 172-204 (100.5 - 119.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 64 HP / 80 Def Conkeldurr: 188-224 (100 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Volcarona @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Flame Body
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP/ 228 Def/ 4 SpA/ 4 SpD/ 20 Spe
Timid Nature
-Overheat
-Giga Drain
-Will-o-Wisp
-Rage Powder

Volcarona is another Pokemon I've been wanting to try in VGC. It handles Mega Kangaskhan very well with the Rage Powder/Flame Body combination, giving it a 51% chance of being burned, thanks to Parental Bond. With Volcarona's massive bulk, it can take a Return or Double Edge (thanks to Sitrus Berry) from Kangaskhan. 20 Speed EV's plus Timid allows it to outspeed Jolly max speed Breloom by one point. Will-o-Wisp deals with most Physical attackers, and Giga Drain provides cverage against bulky water types, like Gastrodon or Mega Swampert. Without much room for special attack investment, Overheat allows it to do a lot of damage anyway. Shoutout to Brendan Webb for the set, though I added Giga Drain.

Damage Calcs:
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 252 HP / 228 Def Volcarona: 148-175 (77 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 216 HP / 40 SpD Gastrodon: 168-200 (78.8 - 93.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 134-162 (80.2 - 97%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 104 HP / 0 SpD Mega Swampert: 136-164 (72.3 - 87.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
236+ Atk Landorus-T Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 228 Def Volcarona: 156-188 (81.2 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (in doubles)

Tyranitar @ Lum Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 200 Def / 52 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
- Protect

I added Tyranitar to my team to cover its Dark and Ghost weaknesses. The team already covered Fighting well, so Tyranitar's weakness wasn't a huge problem. I made it a bulky spread, mainly in defense. I didn't need special EVs because sand boosts the special defense of Rock types by 50%. I decided to have Crunch as a STAB move that can 2-hit KO Cresselia, plus when paired with Conkeldurr they can KO a Cresselia in one turn. Rock Slide is a must have on Tyranitar, and Earthquake is there to hit Steel types (Heatran). I carry Lum Berry to counter burn and sleep.

Damage Calcs:
252+ Atk Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Cresselia: 122-146 (53.7 - 64.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Flash Cannon vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 114-134 (64.7 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 110-132 (65.8 - 79%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Tyranitar Earthquake vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 184-220 (106.3 - 127.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Heatran Flash Cannon vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 102-122 (57.9 - 69.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Salamence @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 140 Atk / 116 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Double-Edge
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Protect

I thought Salamence was a good choice for the fourth slot, because it resists water (the teams main weakness) and fighting, as well as has Intimidate before Mega Evolving, making it good to pair with Tyranitar. I choose to run max speed, because it outspeeds everything without some form of speed boost. I decided to run a mixed set to have a very powerful STAB Dragon move in Draco Meteor and STAB Flying with Double-Edge. I have Fire Blast to counter Steel, which resists almost everything. I would not use this Salamence against a Heatran.

Damage Calcs:
140 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 184+ Def Amoonguss: 260-308 (117.6 - 139.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
116 SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 40 SpD Hydreigon: 200-236 (100.5 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
116 SpA Mega Salamence Fire Blast vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 144-170 (100 - 118%) -- guaranteed OHKO
140 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ludicolo: 240-284 (128.3 - 151.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
140 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Weedle: 8010-9426 (66750 - 78550%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Nidoqueen @ Choice Specs
Ability: Sheer Force
Level: 50
EVs: 60 HP / 228 Def / 96 SpA / 124 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Sludge Bomb
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Grass]

I had picked Cradily as the next Pokemon to counter water, but it was too passive and I replaced it with Nidoqueen. It can get a lot of KOs with Choice Specs, and survive most powerful attacks with this EV spread. I chose Sludge Bomb to counter fairies (cough cough.. Sylveon), Ice Beam for Salamence and Landorus, Earth Power for (once again) Steel types, and HP Grass for bulky waters. As for defensive EVs, I'll let my calculations explain.

Damage Calcs:
96 SpA Choice Specs Sheer Force Nidoqueen Ice Beam vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Landorus-T: 188-224 (100.5 - 119.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
96 SpA Choice Specs Sheer Force Nidoqueen Sludge Bomb vs. 244 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 140-168 (69.6 - 83.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 60 HP / 228 Def Nidoqueen: 145-172 (83.8 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Sylveon Psyshock vs. 60 HP / 228 Def Nidoqueen: 120-142 (69.3 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 60 HP / 228 Def Nidoqueen: 114-134 (65.8 - 77.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 60 HP / 0 SpD Nidoqueen: 126-148 (72.8 - 85.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Conkeldurr @ Life Orb
Ability: Guts
Level: 50
EVs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 80 Def / 80 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Mach Punch
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Ice Punch

I love Life Orb Conkeldurr. It can KO almost anything in 1 or 2 hits (Exception: Mega Sableye). With Guts, burn actually helps it. Brave 0 IVs lets it underspeed Aegislash, so it can land a Knock Off in Blade Forme. Max Attack just makes it monstrous, and its other EVs let it survive stuff from very strong Pokemon.

Damage Calcs:
252+ Atk Life Orb Guts Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 172-203 (102.3 - 120.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO (burned)
252+ Atk Life Orb Conkeldurr Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Cresselia: 135-161 (59.4 - 70.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Bisharp: 172-203 (100 - 118%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Conkeldurr Drain Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 198-234 (109.3 - 129.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Life Orb Conkeldurr Ice Punch vs. 184 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 192-229 (102.6 - 122.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Conkeldurr Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Gengar: 166-198 (122.9 - 146.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO (no item!)

Please leave suggestions as to what I should change to the team. I tend to lead with Tyranitar, Salamence, and Conkeldurr much more than the other Pokemon. Then I mostly try to overpower my opponent, and predict whatever they're going to do. I make it so my opponent doesn't get off too many attacks, and end up KOing all of their Pokemon. It only occasionally works, though.

Realistically speaking, Metagross can't really deal with Landorus and Salamence with Ice Punch.

-1 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 136-160 (79.5 - 93.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 180-216 (109 - 130.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO BUT 252+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Metagross: 108-128 (69.6 - 82.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Now these are just basic damage calculations between 2 Pokemon. Take into consideration the other opposing Pokemon. Even though you score the KO, Metagross will most likely be either severely injured or knocked out. Ice Punch can work, I'm just stating the drawbacks to running it. Also, this Metagross set is very open to status conditions and other ailments. Though that doesn't seem as much of a problem, your team doesn't have much to deal with common status users such as Sableye, Thundurus, Suicune(Scald/Icy Wind/Snarl), Milotic(same as Suicune), Amoonguss, etc. For a team like this one that is more offensive, I would take out Ice Punch for Substitute. Reason being, Substitute makes Metagross immune to status, stat drops and allows it to evade a hit in the instance where you cannot Protect.

"With Volcarona's massive bulk..." What!? kappa

85/65/105 bulk is nice on the special side, not so much the physical side.

This Volcarona set is pretty slow. That said, things like Rock Slide, Brave Bird, or pretty much any overwhelming physical attack from a fast mon drives this thing on its knees. The set would of been okay if there was enough synergy on your team to support it. Dumping all those EVs just to survive Lando's Rock Slide just made this set ineffective. Instead of a reactive solution such as this one, be more proactive with your approach and put a Pokemon on this team that can check/counter Lando.

With that said, here is a build I would recommend.

Volcarona @ Lum Berry/Charti Berry
Ability: Flame Body
Level: 50
EVs: 116 HP / 52 Def / 124 SpA / 100 SpD / 116 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def(if running HP Ice
- Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz/Hidden Power Ice/Giga Drain
- Tailwind
- Rage Powder

Pretty simple Tailwind set. I choose Tailwind here for a simple reason. When you set it up, all that Metagross couldn't outspeed, it now can. Overheat is a good move offensively but once your special attack gets cut, you either sack off Volcarona or switch. Either way, it puts you at risk. Fiery Dance is a pretty stable offensive option as it not only does damage but it increases your special attack stat by one stage, 50% of the time. The increase in special attack allows you to pull of the following milestones

+1 124+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 152-180 (91 - 107.7%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
+1 124+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia: 162-192 (72.6 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 124+ SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 236 HP / 12 SpD Milotic: 110-130 (55 - 65%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

These damage outputs are insane seeing as how these mons have a massive amount of defenses. Its up to you to choose between Bug Buzz, HP Ice or Giga Drain seeing as how all three perform well. Rage Powder is obviously to lure away attacks.

100 SpA Milotic Scald vs. 116 HP / 100 SpD Volcarona: 86-104 (49.1 - 59.4%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 116 HP / 100 SpD Volcarona: 122-146 (69.7 - 83.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Terrakion Rock Slide vs. 116 HP / 52 Def Charti Berry Volcarona: 122-146 (69.7 - 83.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Tyranitar doesn't help your team at all. It resists Dark but cannot counter them (Bisharp OHKOs with Iron Head, any other mon with a Dark attack most likely possesses Earth Power or a Fighting attack), and Aegislash craps on Tyranitar. It eats up a Crunch then retaliates with Life Orb boosted or WP boosted Flash Cannon. The role you want Tyranitar to do only allows it to take out Gengar with this set and that's if Gengar doesn't carry Will-o-Wisp.

"I thought Salamence was a good choice for the fourth slot, because it resists water....", Water types carry Ice moves. Even Rotom-W these days carry Hidden Power Ice.

Anyways, at this point, the team you have gets walled by Heatran and water types. You already have a Mega Evolution and the reason to use Salamence on this team is to shield the core right? If your core has a mega, how can you shield your Mega with another Mega? Also this team doesn't support Salamence that well, and I'm not wondering this, I'm saying this. Japanese Sand is a 3 core team consisting of Tyranitar, Sand Rush Excadrill and a mega evolution that is most times Salamence because of its immunity to ground and its ability to handle Grass and Fighting types who threaten the other two mons. Sand harms this team more than it helps it. Just scrap it.

"It can get a lot of KOs with Choice Specs, and survive most powerful attacks with this EV spread. I chose Sludge Bomb to counter fairies (cough cough.. Sylveon), Ice Beam for Salamence and Landorus, Earth Power for (once again) Steel types, and HP Grass for bulky waters."

Nidoqueen has been used successfully in VGC so I'm not saying anything about it not being viable. The problem is the item choice and set choice. Specs Nidoqueen means that you can't Protect yourself from attacks. Combined with its awful speed tier, this makes it an easy double target. The KOs it picks up are significant but the amount of things that can outpace and KO it really puts that dream to death. Nidoqueen needs the presence of speed control to maximize its potential.

Not much to say about Conkeldurr. Not having protect is dangerous especially with all the Hyper Voice, Double Edge, Psychic and other powerful attacks out there but eh, whatever.

http://pastebin.com/A4fvvV1L

This is a team I made around Metagross and Volcarona. Suicune is to support the team with Tailwind, take out mons with Ice Beam and Scald and drop the Special Attack of the opposing Pokemon with Snarl. Sylveon is to apply more offensive pressure as well as giving you more answers to dragons, dark types and fighting types. Thundurus is to beat bulky water types and Conkeldurr to give you priority, immunity to other status with Flame Orb and an offensive option against common threats in the meta.