Dragged Down From the Heavens
Introduction:
So, in Ubers, two weathers dominate, mostly: Rain, and Sun. This is due to the strength of the weather starters and the abusers. However, in Gen V, Sandstorm got a new buff with the addition of Randorosu and Doryuuzu. So, I decided to make a team for Ubers that utilized Sandstorm while not falling to the other weathers. After playing with this team I think I can say this:
SANDSTORM IS UBER STRONG
Team At A Glance:
THE LEAD (IN A TEAM PREVIEW WORLD):
Genosekuto @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Download
EVs: 216 Atk / 36 SAtk / 255 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- U-turn
- X-Scissor
- Ice Beam
- Explosion
Genosect is quite an amazing Pokemon. He easily revenges all types of Rayquaza (which is why I need 36 SAtk), does ~80% to anything weak to U-Turn assuming no boost, and can easily kill a Pokemon with Explosion. The best part about Genosect, however, is that I will only let leads set up one layer of any hazard at most, by U-Turning.
How I Beat the Most Common Leads:
Deoxys- U-Turn into Tyranitar, where they are killed by the SS damage.Forretress - U-Turn into Shandera, and Custap Berry is made useless.
Groudon - U-Turn into Shandera, since they ALWAYS set up SR round one.
Kyogre - U-Turn into Gastrodon, then move according to how their team is made up.
Rayquaza - U-Turn into Shandera, where they will be beaten by HP Ice.
GROUDON KILLER
Shandera (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Shadow Tag
EVs: 255 SAtk / 255 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Shadow Ball
- Memento
- Overheat
This Pokemon is probably the most fearsome Pokemon in Ubers. Shadow Tag is broken by itself, but combine it with a 145 SpAtk and a 140 BP Move, and you have Shandera. Shandera basically fulfills one role: it can defeat Groudon (usually by double-switching into it.) The other reason Shandera is amazing is that it provides me with a one time stop to all Arceus. I can Memento, then switch into Genosect for an Explosion.
SAND-STARTER
Tyranitar (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 255 Atk / 255 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
The #3 most manly Pokemon (although it should really be #1) is amazing, even in Ubers. It serves as my main Ho-oh check, as well as just a bulky special sponge. It also works to remove annoying Giratina-O who annoy Doryuuzu to no end.
SAND SWEEPER
Randorosu (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Sand Power
EVs: 255 Atk / 255 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Rock Polish
This thing is a beast. With sandstorm up, it basically 2HKOes the whole metagame. It also serves as my main Groudon check, since it takes <50% from a LO Stone Edge iirc. It also works as a good late game sweeper once Doryuuzu has weakened the opposing team.
SAND SWEEPER
Doryuuzu (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Sand Throw
EVs: 255 Atk / 255 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- X-Scissor
This Pokemon almost needs no introduction. Doryuuzu is amazing in OU, and it's still amazing in Ubers. It's amazingly easy to sweep offensive teams with this Pokemon, and after a SD, you deal up to 80% to Giratina. Needless to say, this Pokemon sweeps teams when combined with Randorosu.
KILLER OF THE SEA
Gastrodon (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Storm Drain
EVs: 255 HP / 255 SDef
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Toxic
- Ice Beam
- Recover
- Earth Power
And finally, the star of the show. Seriously. This slug is probably the number one reason that my team doesn't fall apart when facing strong special attackers like Palkia and Kyogre. This thing hard counters Kyogre, and can easily stall out Pokemon like Reshiram who think they can hurt me with Draco Meteor. Gastrodon can easily Recover back all the HP he loses after the SpAtk drop.
Trouble Pokemon:
SpecsPalkia- I have no safe switch-ins, and have to sac at least one pokemon to take it down.
Groudon - If I cannot take it down with Shandera, I'm basically screwed.
Lugia - Multiscale Lugia (along with stall) basically walls this whole team.
THANKS TO: j99Ubers and trickroom for testing the team with me like 20 times each 9.9
Syrim too :D