Project Core Analysis Workshop (Discussing Threats to and Partners for Garchomp + Landorus-T)

[nameless90]

Partner: Manaphy

Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Tail Glow
- Scald
- Shadow Ball
- HP Fire

Manaphy is a good teammate thanks to its movepool, which sometimes can be unpredictable.
Psychic OHKOes Mega Venusaur at +3 and hits Poison and Fighting-types (i.e. Toxicroak, Amoonguss, Keldeo, and Conkeldurr) for super effective damage and Water-types (i.e. Suicune, Rotom-W, and Azumarill) for neutral damage. But here Psychic is dropped to use Shadow Ball, a move which compresses the utility of Ice Beam and Energy Ball towards many targets (i.e. Lati@s, Slowbro and so on). HP Fire fills very well the 4th slot, but you can choose whatever move you want.
To summarize, Tail Glow + Scald are mandatory and you can choose:
(1) Ice Beam + Energy Ball
(2) Shadow Ball + HP Fire
(3) Ice Beam + Psychic
Sadly, you have only 2 moveslots available.

 

[Amane Misa]

Threat:

Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Toxic / Stealth Rock
- Soft-Boiled
- Seismic Toss
- Heal Bell

Chansey eats hits from both Thundurus-I and Excadrill very easily thanks to its colossal HP stat.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Eviolite Chansey: 211-250 (30 - 35.5%) -- 28.2% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 223-264 (31.7 - 37.5%) -- 89.3% chance to 3HKO

Partner:

Heracross-Mega (M) @ Heracronite
Ability: Guts
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 144 HP / 232 Atk / 32 Def / 100 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Pin Missile
- Rock Blast
- Rest

Rest Mega-Heracross completely counters Chansey. It also helps a lot with the matchup against stall and fat teams in general, the kind of teams this cores struggles to deal with.

The EV spread is explained here: http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/olt-discussion-thread.3579213/#post-6940806

Calcs

Chansey Seismic Toss vs. 144 HP Mega Heracross: 100-100 (29.6 - 29.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
232+ Atk Mega Heracross Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 738-870 (104.9 - 123.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Glue]

Threat:

Conkeldurr @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Knock Off
- Ice Punch
Conkledurr is able to counter thundurus thanks to conk's very nice bulk and it can just able to ice punch it then if weakened mach punch also able to absorb thunder wave which gives it extra power while conkeldurr is a nice to check excadrill it can either revenge kill it or just easily drain punch it. first time poster on this thread :-)

 

[Infernal]

We received three partner submissions this week, so I am only picking one winner:

Mega Heracross by Amane Misa - The core has trouble with bulky Grass-types like Mega Venusaur and AV Tangrowth, both of which are threatened well by Mega Hera. Other problematic defensive threats to the core, like Gastrodon, are similarly taken advantage of by Mega Hera. In general, Mega Hera's ability to threaten defensively oriented teams is very appreciated because Thundurus + Excadrill struggle to break through those builds. In return for Mega Hera's help, the core gives back by bringing speed to the table and performing well versus offense - two areas where Mega Hera is lacking in. Thundurus-I helps Mega Hera by checking Pokemon like Talonflame, while Excadrill can handle the likes of Clefable, Mega Diancie, and Latios.

With the above said, congratulations to Amane Misa for entering the Hall of fame with 5 winning entries! New core below:

Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 240 Atk / 16 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Earthquake
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Freeze-Dry

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Ice

Mamoswine is a Pokemon never featured in either Core Analysis thread so far, and it's definitely an interesting one. Ground + Ice STAB is a beautiful combination when backed by Mamo's power and the popularity of Pokemon like Lando-T, Heatran, Latios, and bulky Grass-types in this metagame. In terms of issues, Mamo experiences problems with Pokemon like Skarm and Mega Scizor. Mega Manec threatens both of these Pokemon well, all while scaring away other nuisances like Ferro and Slowbro. Being able to bring Mamo in for free via Volt Switch is also helpful when you consider how typical Mega Manec switch-ins like Tyranitar and Clefable are pressured by EQ. In return for the help, Mamo can heavily threaten Ground-, Dragon-, and Grass-types capable of checking Mega Manec. Examples include Hippo, Quagsire (thanks to Freeze Dry), Latios, Mega Altaria, and Amoonguss.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute.

 

[MANNAT]

Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Rapid Spin

Scarf Drill outspeeds and OHKOes both members of the core with its respective STAB moves after rocks, but it can't switch into either member of the core at all, so you have to get it in on a double or sack/slow u-turn.

 

[GnralLao]

Threats:

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Mild Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Fusion Bolt
- Roost

Explanation

Kyurem-B greatly threatens this core as it is able to switch into MegaMan's moves without much trouble and OHKO both members of the core with the appropriate move (due to Kyurem-B's Teravolt, Mamoswine is OHKOed about half the time from full HP and always OHKOed after one LO recoil (or SR)). However, switching into Mamoswine is unadvised as an Earthquake + Ice Shard combo has a great chance to KO Kyurem-B.

Core vs. Kyurem-B

240+ Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Kyurem-B: 257-304 (66 - 78.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
240+ Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Kyurem-B: 103-122 (26.4 - 31.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Mega Manectric Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-B: 111-131 (28.5 - 33.6%) -- 0.3% chance to 3HKO

Kyurem-B vs. Core

252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mamoswine: 333-394 (92.7 - 109.7%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO (guaranteed OHKO after SR or one LO recoil)252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Manectric: 320-377 (113.8 - 134.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head

Explanation

While Bisharp can be OHKOed by either members of the core, it can OHKO them first in the right circumstances: since this Bisharp is slightly faster than Mamoswine (only outspeeding it by three points), it can move before being KOed by Earthquake without caring about its priority move (Ice Shard does pitiful damage) and get rid of Mamoswine with Iron Head. Also, due to MegaMan's Intimidate activating Bisharp's Defiant, the latter can OHKO the former with a powerful Sucker Punch before it gets hit. However, if, for some reason, it was Bisharp that switched into MegaMan, Bisharp would need about 30% of prior damage to safely KO MegaMan, or it gets OHKOed by its Flamethrower. Lastly, if Manectric has yet to mega evolve, Bisharp's Sucker Punch still gets the OHKO after SR. It goes without saying that if Bisharp has already set up one SD, the core then easily falls apart.

Core vs. Bisharp

240+ Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Bisharp: 463-546 (172.1 - 202.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
240+ Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Bisharp: 47-55 (17.4 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252 SpA Mega Manectric Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 272-320 (101.1 - 118.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Bisharp vs. Core

252 Atk Life Orb Bisharp Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mamoswine: 398-471 (110.8 - 131.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 298-352 (106 - 125.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Manectric: 251-296 (89.3 - 105.3%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO (guaranteed OHKO after SR)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Partner:

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Spore
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed
- Swords Dance

Explanation

The core gets beaten up pretty bad by sand builds, so Breloom makes a cool partner to both Mamoswine and MegaMan as it deals with Excadrill and every T-Tar variant. Coincidentally, many of Mamoswine's and MegaMan's checks are weak to Fighting-type moves and/or very fast (due to their Speed stat or access to priority), which makes Breloom a nice teammate to these two mons as it checks Azumarill, Bisharp, M-Lopunny, Kyurem-B among others with Mach Punch. In return, MegaMan checks birds like Talonflame, Tornadus-T and M-Pinsir for Breloom while giving it free switches and, eventually, momentum with Volt Switch. Moreover, Mamoswine deals with some faster mons that resist/are immune to Breloom's Mach Punch like Latios, Thundurus-I, Gengar, and Grass-types that are immune to spore like Amoonguss and Tangrowth.

 

[Sunchipps]

Threat:

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat

EVs: 248 HP / 96 Def / 144 SpD / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis
- Hidden Power Fire

Defensive Venusaur is a good switch in for Mega Manectric where it can take any attack it gives off as you can see from the calcs here

252 SpA Mega Manectric Flamethrower vs. 248 HP / 144 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 78-92 (21.4 - 25.3%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Mega Manectric Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 144 SpD Mega Venusaur: 57-68 (15.7 - 18.7%) -- possible 6HKO

As it can also take a couple of hits from Mamoswine and just take back the health almost killing it from Giga Drain or PP stall it with Synthesis

0 SpA Mega Venusaur Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mamoswine: 324-384 (89.7 - 106.3%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

240 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Icicle Crash vs. 248 HP / 96 Def Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 140-166 (38.5 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
240 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 96 Def Mega Venusaur: 164-192 (45.1 - 52.8%) -- 31.3% chance to 2HKO

 

[Martin]

Something that a core like this really needs is hazard control.

Partners:

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic / Psyshock
- Surf
- Defog

Provides Defog and works well with the heavily offensive nature of the core. Helps break stuff for Manectric to clean up later on.

Starmie @ Life Orb
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Thunderbolt / Psychic
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin

Provides spin while benefitting from the heavily offensive nature of the core. It is faster and has the added advantage over Latios of not being trapped by Tar when you don't catch it with Surf as it comes in and being less abusable due to the lack of Draco. This comes at the cost of a noticable bulk drop, however, and it isn't usually able to spin multiple times per match+takes LO recoil as it spins.

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:

Set

Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Psyshock
- Surf

Explanation

Latias outspeeds and OHKOes Mamoswine with Surf, taking into account Stealth Rock or Life Orb. It also sets up on Mega Manectric.

Partner:

Set

Magnezone @ Air Balloon
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
- Magnet Rise
- Hidden Power Fire
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

Explanation

Air Balloon Magnezone offers you a way to trap Sand Rush Excadrill, which can dismantle this core. It can also function as a mediocre Lati@s check, Kyu-B check, Diancie check and Clefable switch-in. Trapping Ferrothorn, Scizor and Skarmory is also nice (let's face it, no sane person is going to keep those in against Mega Man so trapping removes them entirely).

 

[kek123]

Specs Volcanion

Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Grass]

Volcanion goes really well with this core because it does well versus alot of mamo's and manectric common switch is for example volcanion can be double switch into Hippo and Heatran which Mega manec strugles with it also helps pressure agaist latios and help versus team that relies on clefable + latios to deal with most special treats since after burn latios losses it ability to switch in so easy also Volc benefits from the Volt switch momentum from M-menectric and can deal with some of Mamo's switch in like M-Scizor and ferrothorn it also help having water adzorb as this team suffers agaisnt fast water types like scarf keldeo.

 

[Infernal]

Top partners:

Breloom by GnralLao - The core has problems with threats like Bisharp and Exca under sand. Breloom helps with these issues by checking said Pokemon offensively. Breloom's priority Mach Punch is also helpful versus other threats to the core, such as Mega Lop and Kyu-B. Being able to threaten Pokemon like Hippo, Gastro, and Quagsire is also beneficial seeing as Mega Manec has a big problem with them all. In return, Breloom benefits from Mega Manec's and Mamo's respective ability to check the likes of Talon, Thund-I, and Torn-T.

Latios by Martin. - Mamoswine and Mega Manectric can individually have trouble with various Water-types, examples being Keldeo, Quagsire, and so on. Mega Venu is also a problem for both core members, and Latios makes for a good partner given its ability to address the aforementioned issues. Latios can also provide Defog when needed to remove hazards. This is helpful when you consider how hazard setters like Skarm can easily Spike on Mamo and limit the core's switch in opportunities thereafter.

Core for this week:

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power
- Roost

Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Protect
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Hidden Power [Fire]

This is a classic core and has been used on builds like the one featured in the sample teams thread here. Kyu-B helps Mega Diancie by breaking through obstacles like Skarm, Mega Venu, and Amoonguss. Kyu-B's ability to heavily threaten Pokemon like Lando-T and Hippo is also beneficial seeing as Mega Diancie is unable to KO them in one blow. A resistance to Water is also very useful, allowing Kyu-B to help Mega Diancie with threats like Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Manaphy when the need arises. In return for the help, Mega Diancie gives back in a few ways. The primary one is by serving as a means of hazard control thanks to Magic Bounce, which allows Mega Diancie to stop SR setters like Heatran from laying down the rocks Kyu-B dislikes so much. With HP Fire, Mega Diancie also has the potential to lure in and nail Pokemon like Ferro and Mega Scizor, both of which Kyu-B loves having weakened or removed. Similarly, Kyu-B can use Earth Power to blow back Mega Diancie checks like Jirachi, paving the way for its partner to spam its attacks more leisurely.

It's worth noting how these two can be customized in several ways depending on the route you're interested in taking. For example, Mega Diancie can run 252 EVs in Atk rather than SpA to weaken and pressure mixed Clefable more easily for Kyu-B. Likewise, Kyu-B can run Iron Head to accomplish the same goal for Mega Diancie.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute.

 

[kek123]

reserving Volcarona as Partner and talon flame as partner

 

[MANNAT]

Threat

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Ice punch
- Hammer Arm/Thunder Punch/Zen Headbutt
- Pursuit

Mega Metagross outspeeds both members of the core and OHKOes them with Meteor Mash, but it has to be wary of HP Fire and Earth Power from Diancie and Kyurem-Black respectively when trying to switch into them.

 

[Martin]

Threats

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 60 Def / 200 SpD
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn

Mega Scizor is the most obvious threat to this core. With it's listed investment it takes HP Fire after Stealth Rock in case it comes in on a misprediction (this is what the spread is for, for anyone who didn't know the absolute specifics of the analysis spread's SpD investment) and forces Diancie out with the threat of Bullet Punch--allowing it to heal off some of the HP Fire damage for free, SD up or grab momentum with U-turn. It is also fat enough to take on Kyurem-B really well, with it's strongest attack dealing a meager 37.9% on a maximum roll. It also forces it out with the threat of exactly the same move. Be aware that it can be overwhelmed if not played well, just like is the case with p. much any wall.

Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Healing Wish
- Fire Punch / Heart Stamp

ScarfRachi outpaces both and threatens them with Iron Head, allowing it to either attack (2HKOing Kyurem, potentially flinching it on one of them and being able to take 1 Earth Power in a pinch if it's healthy). It can alternatively grab momentum with U-turn. Be careful locking yourself into Iron Head or filler though, as Magnezone is a common partner to this core and as such can trap you if you eliminate something or mispredict. S/Os to Superachi and SubCM too. The former still outpaces Kyurem, can CM vs. something to then take around 50% (± a couple of %s) from Earth Power at +1 to either set up again or OHKO with Flash Cannon after LO recoil assuming Lefties Rachi is used as opposed to LO; the latter uses Diancie as Sub or CM bait and fucks with Kyurem's head due to the higher HP investment allowing it to avoid any 2HKO chance at +1 and it being able to grab more boosts vs. fatter teams (ones without this core) at the cost of being unable to OHKO after LO recoil.

Partners

Magnezone @ Choice Specs / Chople Berry
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe OR 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Volt Switch / Thunder Wave / Mirror Coat
- Flash Cannon / Mirror Coat

Magnezone does a good job of trapping and eliminating steels that give this core a headache. Between it's Chople and it's Specs sets, it can pretty consistently help out with a number of the core's weaknesses. Chople+Mirror Coat/Thunder Wave allows it to check Mega Alakazam; you can take a Focus Blast and either OHKO back with Mirror Coat or cripple it with Thunder Wave. It can also take Scizor's Superpower (allowing it to win vs. FastZor), cripple Mega Metagross with Thunder Wave (or kill off a weakened one with Thunderbolt (or even net the 2HKO vs. it if it has already used Hammer Arm once before you come in)). Chople Magnezone is in general extremely underrated in general and is much more consistently good than shit like Choice Scarf, and it just has a lot of utility in general. Specs, on the other hand, can nuke shit off of a terrifying specs-boosted 394 SpA while being able to OHKO fully SpD Skarm if it is 1 HP off of full health ('cause Sturdy), although I've noticed more running a little Def investment recently to take on max Atk Diancie more consistently, which the Chople Spread has a p. good shot of KOing from the same benchmark (Skarm that aim for the max-atk-Diancie-after-rocks benchmark take this: 252+ SpA Magnezone Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Skarmory: 320-378 (95.8 - 113.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO)

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 244 HP / 4 Def / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Lava Plume
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic

Heatran does a nice job of walling non-Superpower Scizor as well as just being generally really nice at walling Steel-types barring Excadrill, Earth Power Heatran etc. In particular it does a nice job of dealing with defensive steels. It also provides Stealth Rock support for Diancie and Kyurem, improving their ability to break stuff. Other variants of note include offensive, Magma Storm and Chople Berry.

 

[GnralLao]

Threats

Medicham @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Ice Punch
- Fake Out
- Bullet Punch

With a Jolly nature, M-Medi is able to outspeed Naive Kyurem-B (by 11 points) and OHKO it with HJK. Also, since it carries Bullet Punch in the fourth moveslot, it's also able to move first and OHKO M-Diancie. However, considering M-Medi's bulk (or lack thereof), especially against this core, it is highly recommended to switch M-Medi against either of them via a slow U-turn/Volt Switch/Baton Pass or after a teammate has been KOed.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Medicham: 208-246 (79.6 - 94.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Mega Diancie Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Medicham: 414-488 (158.6 - 186.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-B: 708-834 (181 - 213.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Diancie: 272-320 (112.8 - 132.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 8 Atk / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power
- Protect

Opposing M-Diancie actually poses a great threat to this core as it outspeeds both members (not having HP Fire will make her move first) and OHKOes them with the appropriate move. Again, considering M-Diancie's bulk, it is highly recommended to switch M-Diancie against either of them via a slow U-turn/Volt Switch/Baton Pass or after a teammate has been KOed (that is, unless you godly predict Roost or Protect from Kyurem-B and opposing M-Diancie respectively).

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 250-294 (103.7 - 121.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Mega Diancie Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 186-220 (77.1 - 91.2%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

248 SpA Mega Diancie Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Kyurem-B: 440-518 (112.5 - 132.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
248 SpA Mega Diancie Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 236-278 (97.9 - 115.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO (guaranteed OHKO after 5HP of prior damage)

Will edit this post with one/two partner(s) later tonight.

 

[kek123]

Partner: Talonflame
Talonflame @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Brave Bird
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Swords Dance

Talon flame works well with the core as it can deal with with the steel types that threaten the core talon flame can also deal with clefable that gives this core problems as it can switch into both of the cores members it also provides a good set up sweeper to take advantage of the wall breaking power of Kyrum-black as once it has done it wall breaking thing often times the pokemon left can be swept by talon flame also talon flame goes well with diancie as it is weak to rock and benefits from the magic bounce keeping rocks at bay the brave bird priorty also help deal with medicham and lopunny which can both be pain especially if medicham is running BP.

Volcarona @ Leftovers
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 152 Def / 108 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Roost
- Quiver Dance

Bulky Volcarona works well with the core because it can help deal with the steel type that the core cant deal with it also provide as set up sweeper for the core that can benefit from the wall breaking power of KB it can help versus mega medicham and lopunny although it does not provide a counter it also benefits from being in the core because it is weak to rock and Diancie keeps rocks of the field.

Set details
the set is so defensive so that it can wall thing like mega scizor better and it has enough speed for base 70's

 

[Fire Fist Ace]

Partner

Garchomp @ Life Orb/Lum Berry/Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def
Naive Nature
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock

Garchomp is a great blanket check to Steel types that immensely threaten both members of the core and capable of wiping out most things like Scizor, Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and equally annoying stuff for that matter that Diancie can't take care of with HP Fire. Also Garchomp can provide a great Rocks setting role to help Diancie and Kyurem more easily net KOes.

 

[Infernal]

Winners for the week:

Heatran by Martin. - Among the partners submitted, Heatran is a good one for a few reasons. For starters, it's able to handle the various Steel-types this core has problems dealing with, namely Mega Scizor and Jirachi. Other Steel-types the core members can have trouble with individually, like Skarmory and Ferrothorn, are similarly handled by Heatran. Being able to check Clefable is also notable given how the S rank fairy is able to switch in on both core members. With the ability to lay down SR and function as a general check to many threats in the tier, Heatran compresses several roles for teams with this core, providing more breathing room with the remaining slots.

Talonflame by kek123 - Like Heatran, Talonflame also helps the core deal with troublesome Steel-types and Clefable. It's been used to good success on well known teams like the one towards the end here. Priority Brave Bird is also useful to help the core with Pokemon like BP Mega Medicham, who tears through Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B otherwise. In general, Talonflame also benefits from the help the core provides. For example, Mega Diancie can block SR attempts from setters like Heatran, which Talonflame will appreciate. Kyurem-B and Mega Diancie also do a nice job softening up the opposing team (pressuring Ground-types and Heatran, for example), paving the way for an eventual SD Talonflame clean up.

Finally, congratulations to kek123 for entering the Hall of Fame with five winning entries. Job well done!

Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw
- Fire Fang

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off / Explosion

Double Ground-type core featuring Garchomp and Landorus-T. LO Garchomp functions as a breaker here, muscling through the likes of Hippowdon, enemy Landorus-T, Skarmory, Slowbro, and Clefable after boosting up with Swords Dance. Landorus-T serves as the core's revenge killer, keeping threats like Thundurus-I, Mega Manectric, and so on, in check. As a revenge killer, Landorus-T also loves having things worn down prior to coming in. As such, it's highly appreciative of Garchomp's ability to soften up opposing teams, allowing Landorus-T to clean up the scraps afterwards and U-turn around more leisurely. The core is very versatile overall and provides plenty of freedom to work with when building a team given how much these two Pokemon contribute in two slots only (revenge killer, Intimidate, breaker, useful immunities and resistances to Electric, Ground, and Fighting, respectively).

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please try and reserve no more than 1-2 threats and partners (preferably only 1) when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute.

 

[Martin]

Threats

Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure / Pickpocket
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance

Weavile is a big threat to this core for a number of reasons. It naturally outpaces Garchomp, allowing it to nail it with Icicle Crash before it can do anything while also allowing it to hit whatever comes out if it switches hard without risking a 50:50 between Shard and Crash like is the case with Lando, and due to Ice Shard having +1 priority Weavile is able to pick off Landorus with 4x SE priority (although, like I said, this comes at the risk of a 50:50). Be careful of Yache Chomp variants too.

Partners

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 60 Def / 200 SpD
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn / Superpower

Mega Scizor fills a number of important roles alongside this core. First and foremost, it hard counters Weavile, taking advantage of how the core baits it out to revenge kill nicely. Secondly, it provides a solid stop to Fairy-types, with the listed spread taking max SpA Mega Diancie's HP Fire after SR damage and forcing it out witht the threat of Bullet Punch. It is just generally super consistent at dealing with Fairy-types that give the core a headache, which is all-around really useful in the long run. It forms a VoltTurn core with Lando-T and benefits from Garchomp's ability to bait out and dent Skarmory with Fire Fang while just generally having really good offensive synergy with the duo. All in all it's a nice partner for the core.

Latios @ Choice Specs / Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic / Psyshock / Thunderbolt
- Surf / Thunderbolt / Calm Mind
- Sleep Talk / Roost

Colours in reference to stuff that should be exclusively used with the corresponding item.

Latios checks Keldeo and is capable of easily denting stuff in general. It forms a nice dual-wallbreaker/DragSpam core with Garchomp and this in turn allows it to help aid a Lando or Garchomp clean later on in the match. Just be aware that it exasparates the Weavile weakness.

 

[Amane Misa]

a powerful core to say the least...

Threat:

Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind

Choice Scarf Keldeo outspeeds both Garchomp and Landorus-T, takes at least one attack from both (barring Explosion), OHKOs Landorus and 2HKOs Garchomp.

252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 432-510 (135.4 - 159.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 205-243 (57.4 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Partner:

Latias @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 72 HP / 184 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Healing Wish
- Defog

Latias provides the core with a switch-in to Keldeo and water-type attacks in general and a way to get cured from a status such as burn, which almost completely shuts down both.

 

[Rampecker]

Partner:

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Thunder Wave / Calm Mind
- Soft-Boiled

The core needs a Stealth Rock user, the reason I chose Clefable over Jirachi or Heatran is because it works really well with other partners mentioned before like M-Scizor, it's a check to Dragon types that carry Fire coverage like Latios, Kyurem-B and it's able to get up rocks versus most stall teams which helps Garchomp break them more easily. It's also a nice burn absorber since the core is vulnerable to Scald burns and Will-o-Wisp in general. It can be used as another win condition with CM since it appreciates Steel types being removed and it helps you keep rocks up vs stall but T-Wave can be used to stop mons from settting up like M-Zard X and M-Gyara. I went with the standard spread because it takes on LO Latios with Psychic, but a spread of 252 HP, 232 Def and 24 SpDef with a Bold nature can be used to take on Banded Weavile and Max Attack M-Diancie.

• 252 Atk Choice Band Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 177-208 (44.9 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Mega Diancie Diamond Storm vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Clefable: 171-202 (43.4 - 51.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 0 SpA Mega Diancie Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 24 SpD Clefable: 163-193 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Random Passerby]

Threat:

1)

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 8 Atk / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Hidden Power Fire
- Protect

Mega Diancie outspeeds Garchomp and can OHKO it with Moonblast. It can also scout Landorus-T's choiced move with Protect and react appropriately while 2HKOing Landorus-T who switches in recklessly.

2)

Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Icicle Crash
- Knock Off

Mamoswine can use priority Ice Shard to OHKO both Pokemon (Garchomp falls without any prior damage).

Partner:

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch
- Bullet Punch
- Pursuit

Mega Metagross helps the core by providing a Pursuit trapper to get rid of Lati@s which threatens the team with Draco Meteor. Ice Punch is used to lure Landorus-T so that Garchomp can break through it easier. Bullet Punch is important to defeat Weavile and Scarf Kyurem-B. Meanwhile, Garchomp helps to push through bulky Pokemon that Metagross has troubles with such as Hippodown, Slowbro and Jirachi.

 

[MANNAT]

Kyurem-Black @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Outrage
- Fusion Bolt
- Dragon Claw

Scarf Kyu-B absolutely destroys this core, outspeeding both members of the core and OHKOing them with Ice Beam. However, it can't switch into either member of the core safely because they both run super effective moves to hit it, and Lando-T often runs Knock Off, taking off Kyu-B's scarf, allowing both members of the core to outspeed it.

 

[Fire Fist Ace]

Threat

Rotom-W @ Leftovers/Rocky Helmet
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Thunderbolt
- Will-o-Wisp
- Pain Split

Rotom-W can seriously tank a Dragon Claw from Garchomp, or lock it or Landorus into an Earthquake, or take somewhat minimal damage from their respective coverage moves, usually forcing a free turn. Rotom can either burn both with Will-o-Wisp or strike them with Hydro Pumps. Heavy precaution should be taken against Lum Berry versions.

Partner

Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Giga Drain
- Leaf Storm
- Focus Blast/Brick Break/Hidden Power Fire or Ice/EQ
- Knock Off/Hidden Power Fire or Ice (if not using Hidden Power in the other slot)

Tangrowth would work as a good pivot into strong special attackers that would otherwise run Garchomp or Landorus' day. Tangrowth is able to tank the likes of Mega Diancie, Keldeo, Rotom-W, Starmie, Slowbro and HP Ice versions of anything (like Raikou) and some other physical attackers that may trouble Landorus and Garchomp, such as Azumarill and Crawdaunt. Caution should be taken against strong physical attackers like Mega Medicham, Lopunny, and Metagross. Inversely, Tangrowth benefits from protection by Landorus and Garch with Flying types like Talonflame and Dragonite, and Fire type coverage with Heatran. Leaf Storm to OHKO Water types, Giga Drain to assist in recovery, and the last 2 slots depend on what you wanna hit more.

CALCS

Hide

0 SpA Tangrowth Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 24 SpD Slowbro: 204-242 (51.7 - 61.4%) -- 96.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 24 SpD Slowbro: 356-420 (90.3 - 106.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO Guaranteed kill after Stealth Rock
248 SpA Mega Diancie Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 132-156 (32.6 - 38.6%) -- 98.6% chance to 3HKO

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 312-368 (129.4 - 152.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-W: 288-338 (95 - 111.5%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO Guaranteed kill after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 171-202 (42.3 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO (Lol Specs can hardly touch even this Tangrowth as special attacks will hardly do anything

252 SpA Life Orb Starmie Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 156-185 (38.6 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Starmie: 348-410 (134.3 - 158.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Also funny enough. Brick Break can OHKO Weavile, so I just threw it out there if you needed a Weavile check that badly.

I think the point has been made.

 

[nameless90]

Reserving Volcanion as a partner

Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower/Fire Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Grass (replacing Earth Power)

Defensively speaking, a resistance to Ice is mandatory for this core to avoid being destroyed by the likes of Weavile and Scarf Kyurem. On the other hand, Landorus-T helps with the Ground, Electric and Rock issue even thanks to Intimidate which softens switch-ins.