Approved By: zeefable
In VGC, the importance of having a good core to build a team around cannot be understated. So, on this thread, the community can submit cores that work well in the current metagame. It serves to help not only new players to understand the VGC metagame as it is right now, but also to give ideas to everyone about what cores they can work with.
Let's define what a core is:
A core usually contains two or three pokemon that work well together. In VGC, this can be achieved through being synergistic as a duo, by being able to break through opposing teams, or cover each other's weaknesses.
But when submitting a core please make sure you follow the rules below:
1. The core must include at least two pokemon with a maximum of four.
2. Include a short description of the core to make it easier to understand for someone who doesn't know how your core functions.
3. Everyone is welcome to submit a core, but to be featured on the list, the core must be tested to ensure it performs well in the current meta. You can prove this with the following method:
- Hitting at least 1500+ ELO and 65% GXE with said core on Pokemon Showdown! VGC Series 11 Ladder.
- Putting strong showings in tournaments with said core (top cut, etc.)
4. Exceptions for rule no. 3 can be given for common cores that are already prevalent in the current meta.
5. Creativity is allowed but make sure you're not using pokemon that have very small/situational niches.
Here is one example of a good post on a VGC core:
Welcome to Good VGC Cores.
In VGC, the importance of having a good core to build a team around cannot be understated. So, on this thread, the community can submit cores that work well in the current metagame. It serves to help not only new players to understand the VGC metagame as it is right now, but also to give ideas to everyone about what cores they can work with.
Let's define what a core is:
A core usually contains two or three pokemon that work well together. In VGC, this can be achieved through being synergistic as a duo, by being able to break through opposing teams, or cover each other's weaknesses.
But when submitting a core please make sure you follow the rules below:
1. The core must include at least two pokemon with a maximum of four.
2. Include a short description of the core to make it easier to understand for someone who doesn't know how your core functions.
3. Everyone is welcome to submit a core, but to be featured on the list, the core must be tested to ensure it performs well in the current meta. You can prove this with the following method:
- Hitting at least 1500+ ELO and 65% GXE with said core on Pokemon Showdown! VGC Series 11 Ladder.
- Putting strong showings in tournaments with said core (top cut, etc.)
4. Exceptions for rule no. 3 can be given for common cores that are already prevalent in the current meta.
5. Creativity is allowed but make sure you're not using pokemon that have very small/situational niches.
Here is one example of a good post on a VGC core:
I'll start by putting some common cores into the archives. Let's get some new ones down, Happy submitting everyone!++
Venusaur-Gmax @ Coba Berry
Ability: Chlorophyll
Level: 50
EVs: 132 HP / 4 Def / 156 SpA / 4 SpD / 212 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sleep Powder
- Leaf Storm
- Sludge Bomb
- Helping Hand
Torkoal @ Charcoal
Level: 50
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
Quiet Nature
- Eruption
- Heat Wave
- Earth Power
- Protect
Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Download
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 4 SpA / 164 SpD / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Eerie Impulse
- Trick Room
- Recover
The Venusaur, Torkoal and Porygon2 core, commonly known as Sunroom, has consistently been one of the strongest cores in the metagame ever since Season 9 started.
Venusaur, when paired with a sun-setter such as Torkoal is able to outspeed a large majority of the metagame. On the other hand, Torkoal is one of the slowest Pokemon in the game. allowing it to perform in Trick Room as an excellent Trick Room abuser. Torkoal in Trick Room is also an excellent check to Glastrier, one of Venusaur's primary counters. This gives the team both a fast mode and a slow mode, allowing it to perform well either inside and outside of Trick Room.
With this in mind, the most common gameplan the core is able to go for is setting up residual damage with Venusaur's Gmax-Vine Lash, and then, after Trick Room is setup, clean up the game with Torkoal's sun-boosted Eruptions.
Cores Archives
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Tornadus + Kyogre
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Calyrex-Shadow + Thundurus
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Groudon + Venusaur + Charizard
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Zacian + Dragapult
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Zacian + Lapras
+ /
Mimikyu + Calyrex-Ice/Necrozma Dusk-Mane
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Solgaleo + Spectrier
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Palkia + Rotom-Heat
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Tornadus + Kyogre
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Calyrex-Shadow + Thundurus
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Groudon + Venusaur + Charizard
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Zacian + Dragapult
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Zacian + Lapras
+ /
Mimikyu + Calyrex-Ice/Necrozma Dusk-Mane
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Solgaleo + Spectrier
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Palkia + Rotom-Heat
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