Peak Times For You My Friend! (Hail Stall)
:Introduction:
Wagwan Smogon! Allow me to introduce myself, I go by the alias Sour, a competitive Wi-Fi battler from the Youtube channel “SweetnSourPkmnBattle” I’ve been battling competitively since the banishment of Garchomp in Gen4, took a break during the start of Gen V (Exams and what not) and got back into it just as SS+Drizzle was passed (Glad I missed that *phew*)
I’ve always enjoyed team building, this probably stems from me doing it legit during the days of Gen4 where you only get ONE chance to EV/IV/Nature breed so you better damn well get it right.
Now I’m on the futile quest to obtain “perfection” in both my battling skill and my teambuilding skill.
The team I bring you is my shameless attempt at a Semi-Stall Hail team as:
1) I enjoy anti-metagame strategies
2) I am disgusted at theses hail teams with 5 ice types and no synergy
(this opinion was based off of watching YT vids, and was before I was introduced to the wonderful world of PO)
let’s not kid ourselves, Ice type is a TERRIBLE type...
3) Hail usually comes with the reputation of stall and I Iove stall/defensive play.
This team was made during the reign of Thundurus and Excadrill so I’ll include them anyway (R.I.P Exca *sniff* maybe in RD6...maybe)
So now that I’ve bored you with my life story Let’s get on...with...THE SHOW!
I’ve always enjoyed team building, this probably stems from me doing it legit during the days of Gen4 where you only get ONE chance to EV/IV/Nature breed so you better damn well get it right.
Now I’m on the futile quest to obtain “perfection” in both my battling skill and my teambuilding skill.
The team I bring you is my shameless attempt at a Semi-Stall Hail team as:
1) I enjoy anti-metagame strategies
2) I am disgusted at theses hail teams with 5 ice types and no synergy
(this opinion was based off of watching YT vids, and was before I was introduced to the wonderful world of PO)
let’s not kid ourselves, Ice type is a TERRIBLE type...
3) Hail usually comes with the reputation of stall and I Iove stall/defensive play.
This team was made during the reign of Thundurus and Excadrill so I’ll include them anyway (R.I.P Exca *sniff* maybe in RD6...maybe)
So now that I’ve bored you with my life story Let’s get on...with...THE SHOW!
In-Depth Analysis
Abomasnow
Abomasnow (M) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Snow Warning
EVs: 140 Atk / 128 SpAtk / 240 Spe
Hasty Nature (-Def, +Spd)
- Blizzard
- Wood Hammer
- Hidden Power Fire
- Earthquake
LOL ABOMASNOW XD
Is the natural pig-headed reaction but without him this wouldn’t be a hail team. As the only Fully evolved pokemon to receive Snow Warning, this Christmas tree of hidden carnage is what you will see in my lead spot but in actual fact is one of my main sweepers as Ive gone for the Choice Scarf variant as most assume SubSeed/Defensive set and so would I to be honest looking at how defensive this team looks. I decided to go with the Choice scaf variant as full stall is just not viable in OU anymore IMHO and some suprising offensive presence/pressure can really turn the match around.
240 Spe to outspeed positive nature base 111 by 1 point, 128 into SpA for a powerful STAB Blizzard nailing the abundant ofdragons of OU and annoying walls like Gliscor, Celebi’s that assume they can outspeed and get an HP Fire off etc. Speaking of which HP Fire allows me to hit Ferrothorn/Foretress harder and Scizor ON THE SWITCH.
140Atk Powering up wood hammer which is an insane stab (much better than giga drain IMO) Gastro, Quagsire, TTar and Politoad take massive damage from it! While recoil can become a liability at times especially with SR up which is why I play conservatively when using that move. And finally Earthquake for nailing Ninetails (after some prior damage) and for muppets like Heatran and Magnezone that think they can wall me.
Tentacruel
Tentacruel (F) @ Black Sludge Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 4 SDef / 44 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
- Protect
- Rapid Spin
When we talk about synergy with the big Christmas tree, Tentacruel is almost the first thing that comes to mind, resisting all his weaknesses bar Flying and Rock. Tentacruel is my TRUE lead (which you may find strange with Rotom-W being an extremely common lead) An important PKMN that has too very important roles. Setting up Toxic Spikes Which my seem redundant in a tier with levitaters, Flyers and steel types, however its come in really handy, as pkmn have their sweeping ability limited, as well as all weather starters are affected by it as well as annoying well as bulky waters.
The second but most important role is my rapid spinner, spinning away rocks is essential as it robs aboma ¼ of his health everytime he pops his head round the corner. That and my toxic spike absorber.
Scald? Why not surf? The 30% burn rate must conflict against one another right? Not really actually as I’ve stated before Levitaters /flyers/steel types are everywhere and if not going to waste two turns setting ip TSpikes if no one is affected! Besides the residual damage is EXTREMELY helpful.
Lastly probably my favourite move in the game Protect. Eases prediction or creates paranoia in the opponents mind, Scouts out Choice locked pkmn and allows me to recover abit of health with black sludge sometimes turning 2HKO’s to 3HKO’s
The ability liquid ooze for Giga drain users and Conkeldurr though stone edge is becoming common on that thing. Though Rain Dish is tempting!
Not much to say about EVs this time Tentacruel is bulky enough already Specially So taking Physical hits better is the aim of the game 44 Spe Evs to outpace Gliscor. Idea .....”inspired” by undisputed.
Skarmory
Skarmory (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spd
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpAtk)
- Spikes
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Whirlwind
Love this metal Bird to death, It just does its job so damn well! My physical wall of the team and 2nd member of the entry hazard laying trio (1st being Tenta) The standard set maximising HP and Def but putting a little into Spe to outpace other Skarms if I happen to get in a hazard war and want to whirlwind him out and rack up the entry hazard damage. Def investment means I can take physical hits from this fast paced powerful metagame from threats like Terrakion, Excadrill (when it was around) and sand teams in general! Brave Bird for a powerful stab hitting fighting types for SE damage and of course a reliable recovery in the form of roost.
I decided on Leftovers instead of Shed Shell. While you may ask why I’m deciding such a thing, Magnezone has become increasingly popular this Gen, but losing HP every turn from hail is extremely noticeable which is why I run lefties to atleast cancel out Hails passive damage.
Blissey
Blissey (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Def / 120 SpAtk / 92 Spe
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Softboiled
- Seismic Toss
- Flamethrower
This generation has not been kind to the pink sponge. Hated by the YT Community because she still does her job properly, soaking up those special hits like it was nothing even without any SpD investment. Full credit goes to Delko as I was “Inspired” by his blissey set because it is brilliant! Blissey completes the entry hazard laying trio as my Stealth Rocker which is a very important role seeing as it strips away ¼ from pkmn x2 weak to it, brings volcarona down to ½ and results in passive damage for levitatrs since as the Opponent switches more and more, Hail and SR damage really takes there toll. Instant recovery move for Blissey is quite nice (understatement of the year) Wish was considered for stuff like Aboma and Mr.WTF-ARE-YOU-DOING-IN-OU below Blissey. But I decided not to as a lot can happen in 1 turn for that wish to come true especially if I’m not running protect besides 3/6 of my pkmn have a recovery move anyway. Seismic toss as it’s my main form of attacking for consistant damage. And flamethrower with enough SpA and Spe Evs to outspeed and roast most Scizor after a SR switch in (though I obv bluff the fact I that I outspeed (providing hail isn’t up) and the fact that I don’t have Flamethrower so scizor is usually at 70% before I tell it to suck my *&^%) also helps with unspecting Ferrothorns and forretress who think I’m set up bait.
Hariyama
Hariyama (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 96 Atk / 252 Def / 160 SpDef
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpAtk)
- Low Kick
- Stone Edge
- Pay Back
- Whirlwind
Well... what can I say! Besides the fact he is an absolute gem. Now I know what you’re thinking judgemental people “LOL GTFO NOOB DIS IZ OH YOU NOT ARE YOU :B” but you have to realise, haryiama is a crucial team player. Not only a rock resist for Aboma with its fighting typing, thanks to its forgotten ability Thick Fat this becomes a serious Sun Check taking the fire attacks and actually threatening my Opponent with an unsuspecting Stone Edge namely Ninetails as Sun teams are usually kryptonite to all hail teams plus people usually think twice about burning Hary as most assume Guts. Low Kick > CC as with 96 Evs in Atk it OHKO’s Every.Single.TTar.Variant.EVER (bar chople at full health :B) OHKO’s Tran 100% after Rocks and other fighting weak pkmn like Terrakion, Cloyster (LOL) etc. plus Defensive drops are extremely unpleasant. Payback are to hit Psychic/Ghost switch-Ins harder if I don’t want to try my luck Stone Edge cause as we all know 80% acc. means 40%
Whirlwind is used for utility purposes obv. Racks up entry hazard damage and gets rid of dancing dragons.
Haryama is also my switch in into Volcarona A pkmn after +1 Can wreck my team if Sun is up and SR is not on the field as with 160 SpD it can take +1 Sun boosted Fire Blast and either Whirlwind if SR is up or go straight for the kill if I’m feeling lucky.
Max Def impish nature to take Physical attacks better as thats what I’m mostly switching into with Hary bar generic sun teams. No HP investment as Hary reaches 429 with no investment!
Latias
Latias (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 4 SpAtk
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse
- Recover
- Calm Mind
- Roar
Love this thing to death as well. Using probably her best set IMO, Max HP to increase Bulk, Max Spe Timid to tie with alot of PKMN (PKMN carrying HP Fire and have a Base Speed of 110 make me smile) Recover for survivability, Dragon pulse for a reliable STAB, Calm Mind and Roar! Why? To Stop stall natural enemy Reuniclus of course! Late game is where Latias really Shines as She can get into a CM war with Reuni, and Roar the blob out after +3/+4 since the next time itll come in I’ll be waiting for it with a 2HKO in my pocket. Psyshock variants (which are becoming increasingly common as well) are slightly scarier but are handled nevertheless. Roar also to rack up entry hazard damage of course. Its essential that Latias is not satus inflicted especially sleep or paralysis. She is my last resort if Reuni is on the other team and I cant have anything happen to her. Plus being a nice Sun Check that lack Volcarona is cool too!
Abomasnow (M) @ Choice Scarf Trait: Snow Warning
EVs: 140 Atk / 128 SpAtk / 240 Spe
Hasty Nature (-Def, +Spd)
- Blizzard
- Wood Hammer
- Hidden Power Fire
- Earthquake
LOL ABOMASNOW XD
Is the natural pig-headed reaction but without him this wouldn’t be a hail team. As the only Fully evolved pokemon to receive Snow Warning, this Christmas tree of hidden carnage is what you will see in my lead spot but in actual fact is one of my main sweepers as Ive gone for the Choice Scarf variant as most assume SubSeed/Defensive set and so would I to be honest looking at how defensive this team looks. I decided to go with the Choice scaf variant as full stall is just not viable in OU anymore IMHO and some suprising offensive presence/pressure can really turn the match around.
240 Spe to outspeed positive nature base 111 by 1 point, 128 into SpA for a powerful STAB Blizzard nailing the abundant ofdragons of OU and annoying walls like Gliscor, Celebi’s that assume they can outspeed and get an HP Fire off etc. Speaking of which HP Fire allows me to hit Ferrothorn/Foretress harder and Scizor ON THE SWITCH.
140Atk Powering up wood hammer which is an insane stab (much better than giga drain IMO) Gastro, Quagsire, TTar and Politoad take massive damage from it! While recoil can become a liability at times especially with SR up which is why I play conservatively when using that move. And finally Earthquake for nailing Ninetails (after some prior damage) and for muppets like Heatran and Magnezone that think they can wall me.
Tentacruel
Tentacruel (F) @ Black Sludge Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 4 SDef / 44 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
- Protect
- Rapid Spin
When we talk about synergy with the big Christmas tree, Tentacruel is almost the first thing that comes to mind, resisting all his weaknesses bar Flying and Rock. Tentacruel is my TRUE lead (which you may find strange with Rotom-W being an extremely common lead) An important PKMN that has too very important roles. Setting up Toxic Spikes Which my seem redundant in a tier with levitaters, Flyers and steel types, however its come in really handy, as pkmn have their sweeping ability limited, as well as all weather starters are affected by it as well as annoying well as bulky waters.
The second but most important role is my rapid spinner, spinning away rocks is essential as it robs aboma ¼ of his health everytime he pops his head round the corner. That and my toxic spike absorber.
Scald? Why not surf? The 30% burn rate must conflict against one another right? Not really actually as I’ve stated before Levitaters /flyers/steel types are everywhere and if not going to waste two turns setting ip TSpikes if no one is affected! Besides the residual damage is EXTREMELY helpful.
Lastly probably my favourite move in the game Protect. Eases prediction or creates paranoia in the opponents mind, Scouts out Choice locked pkmn and allows me to recover abit of health with black sludge sometimes turning 2HKO’s to 3HKO’s
The ability liquid ooze for Giga drain users and Conkeldurr though stone edge is becoming common on that thing. Though Rain Dish is tempting!
Not much to say about EVs this time Tentacruel is bulky enough already Specially So taking Physical hits better is the aim of the game 44 Spe Evs to outpace Gliscor. Idea .....”inspired” by undisputed.
Skarmory
Skarmory (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spd
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpAtk)
- Spikes
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Whirlwind
Love this metal Bird to death, It just does its job so damn well! My physical wall of the team and 2nd member of the entry hazard laying trio (1st being Tenta) The standard set maximising HP and Def but putting a little into Spe to outpace other Skarms if I happen to get in a hazard war and want to whirlwind him out and rack up the entry hazard damage. Def investment means I can take physical hits from this fast paced powerful metagame from threats like Terrakion, Excadrill (when it was around) and sand teams in general! Brave Bird for a powerful stab hitting fighting types for SE damage and of course a reliable recovery in the form of roost.
I decided on Leftovers instead of Shed Shell. While you may ask why I’m deciding such a thing, Magnezone has become increasingly popular this Gen, but losing HP every turn from hail is extremely noticeable which is why I run lefties to atleast cancel out Hails passive damage.
Blissey
Blissey (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Def / 120 SpAtk / 92 Spe
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Softboiled
- Seismic Toss
- Flamethrower
This generation has not been kind to the pink sponge. Hated by the YT Community because she still does her job properly, soaking up those special hits like it was nothing even without any SpD investment. Full credit goes to Delko as I was “Inspired” by his blissey set because it is brilliant! Blissey completes the entry hazard laying trio as my Stealth Rocker which is a very important role seeing as it strips away ¼ from pkmn x2 weak to it, brings volcarona down to ½ and results in passive damage for levitatrs since as the Opponent switches more and more, Hail and SR damage really takes there toll. Instant recovery move for Blissey is quite nice (understatement of the year) Wish was considered for stuff like Aboma and Mr.WTF-ARE-YOU-DOING-IN-OU below Blissey. But I decided not to as a lot can happen in 1 turn for that wish to come true especially if I’m not running protect besides 3/6 of my pkmn have a recovery move anyway. Seismic toss as it’s my main form of attacking for consistant damage. And flamethrower with enough SpA and Spe Evs to outspeed and roast most Scizor after a SR switch in (though I obv bluff the fact I that I outspeed (providing hail isn’t up) and the fact that I don’t have Flamethrower so scizor is usually at 70% before I tell it to suck my *&^%) also helps with unspecting Ferrothorns and forretress who think I’m set up bait.
Hariyama
Hariyama (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 96 Atk / 252 Def / 160 SpDef
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpAtk)
- Low Kick
- Stone Edge
- Pay Back
- Whirlwind
Well... what can I say! Besides the fact he is an absolute gem. Now I know what you’re thinking judgemental people “LOL GTFO NOOB DIS IZ OH YOU NOT ARE YOU :B” but you have to realise, haryiama is a crucial team player. Not only a rock resist for Aboma with its fighting typing, thanks to its forgotten ability Thick Fat this becomes a serious Sun Check taking the fire attacks and actually threatening my Opponent with an unsuspecting Stone Edge namely Ninetails as Sun teams are usually kryptonite to all hail teams plus people usually think twice about burning Hary as most assume Guts. Low Kick > CC as with 96 Evs in Atk it OHKO’s Every.Single.TTar.Variant.EVER (bar chople at full health :B) OHKO’s Tran 100% after Rocks and other fighting weak pkmn like Terrakion, Cloyster (LOL) etc. plus Defensive drops are extremely unpleasant. Payback are to hit Psychic/Ghost switch-Ins harder if I don’t want to try my luck Stone Edge cause as we all know 80% acc. means 40%
Whirlwind is used for utility purposes obv. Racks up entry hazard damage and gets rid of dancing dragons.
Haryama is also my switch in into Volcarona A pkmn after +1 Can wreck my team if Sun is up and SR is not on the field as with 160 SpD it can take +1 Sun boosted Fire Blast and either Whirlwind if SR is up or go straight for the kill if I’m feeling lucky.
Max Def impish nature to take Physical attacks better as thats what I’m mostly switching into with Hary bar generic sun teams. No HP investment as Hary reaches 429 with no investment!
Latias
Latias (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 4 SpAtk
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse
- Recover
- Calm Mind
- Roar
Love this thing to death as well. Using probably her best set IMO, Max HP to increase Bulk, Max Spe Timid to tie with alot of PKMN (PKMN carrying HP Fire and have a Base Speed of 110 make me smile) Recover for survivability, Dragon pulse for a reliable STAB, Calm Mind and Roar! Why? To Stop stall natural enemy Reuniclus of course! Late game is where Latias really Shines as She can get into a CM war with Reuni, and Roar the blob out after +3/+4 since the next time itll come in I’ll be waiting for it with a 2HKO in my pocket. Psyshock variants (which are becoming increasingly common as well) are slightly scarier but are handled nevertheless. Roar also to rack up entry hazard damage of course. Its essential that Latias is not satus inflicted especially sleep or paralysis. She is my last resort if Reuni is on the other team and I cant have anything happen to her. Plus being a nice Sun Check that lack Volcarona is cool too!
Strategy:
Dont lead off with Aboma, get hazards up ASAP and whittle down bigger threats ASAP
Despite Aboma being Scarfed I don’t won’t my opponent finding out so early in the match let either Bliss or Skarm and possibly Tenta be a trick fodder.
Having 4 walls i can mix and match
SkarmBliss
LatiBliss
LatiSkarm
BlissCruel
LatiCruel
SkarmCruel
(pretty sure I'm making these up know)
Try and play intelligently and not get haxed out :]
Keep Latias and Aboma at a good amount of health as they are my late game sweepers in this offensive metagame
Dont bring Aboma on anything wood hammer recoil is bad enough along with SR if Tenta is dead.
Threat list
Lead Offensive variants wreck me, I need to get damage ASAP.
Special metions go to SD Toxicroak as with Skarm gone It goes through my team.
Magic Guard Alakazam.......FUUUUUUUUUUUUU- Pray to God my opponent is retarded and doesnt have Psyshock other wise either im going too lose 3-4 PKMN Latias can take a shadow ball and w/ DPulse, Skarm can take a FB if at sturdy and BB (scraping the barrel I know)
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*Phew* And thats that. Didin't realise how much work goes into these DAYUMN. If you haven't noticed this is my first RMT ever so I hope I haven't come across as a retard :S
If I've missed something I'll try and fit it after I've woken up!
As for the team, not a perfect team but one I enjoyed using it greatly.
As "whorey" as Skarm Bliss is 1) IDGAF 2) If you haven't noticed there is an Abomasnow on this team XD I need all the help I can get.
Battles showing this teams success will be posted on our channel come check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SweetnSourPkmnBattle
So raters.... I await you to tear me a new one :]
If I've missed something I'll try and fit it after I've woken up!
As for the team, not a perfect team but one I enjoyed using it greatly.
As "whorey" as Skarm Bliss is 1) IDGAF 2) If you haven't noticed there is an Abomasnow on this team XD I need all the help I can get.
Battles showing this teams success will be posted on our channel come check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SweetnSourPkmnBattle
So raters.... I await you to tear me a new one :]
