Defense In Little Cup

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Defense in Little Cup

The Little Cup metagame is quite fast-paced, and filled with offensive threats like Swords Dance Drilbur, Nasty Plot Misdreavus, and Life Orb Murkrow, these Pokemon roam around in pretty much every single Little Cup match. While having such powerful offensive threats does make full stall completely unviable, defense is still very viable in Little Cup and it is quite common to see bulky offense teams utilizing solid defensive cores or Pokémon. Defensive Pokémon can provide teams with walls to powerful offensive threats, and most of them carry useful utility like hazards, status effects, spin blocking, phazinng, healers, clerics the list goes on!​

In this thread we look to break down defense in Little Cup. The method in how we 'break it down' is going to be flexible. What I mean by this is that the thread doesn't have any rules about what you can and can't post. You can write about pretty much anything you want as long as its about defense in Little Cup. Some things to think about are:​


*What Makes a Defensive Pokémon or Defensive Core Viable?
*What Are Your Thoughts on Defense in Little Cup in General?
*What Do You Take Into Account When Creating a Defensive Core?
*Why Do We Add Defensive Pokémon to Our Teams?
* Post Good Defensive Pokémon Sets
*Post Good Defensive Cores


So yeah those are just a few things to think about but don't limit yourself to just those suggestions, in fact if you have a good question about defense then feel free to ask it in this thread, I may add it to the OP if its a good, discussion sparking question. Within this thread I will also have an archive for 'Defensive Cores' and 'Defensive Pokemon' so the cores and sets that I find viable I will add to the 'Defensive Archive'. When posting sets and cores please post them in an Importable Format this will make it much prettier in the archive and will also let others use the defensive goodness that you post in their Pokémon teams.​

When you post a defensive set or core please also include a paragraph on what they do, what are their moves used for, what do each Pokémon contribute to in a core and any other information really just try not to overload it with fluff.​

That's it guys discuss away!​
 
Defense Archive

Defensive Pokémon



Shelmet @ Eviolite
Trait: Shell Armor
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SDef
Bold Nature
- Acid Armor
- Bug Buzz
- Recover
- Spikes

Scraggy is one of the most dangerous pokes in the tier, but Shelmet makes him want to crawl out of his skin. Scraggy can't touch Shelmet as he absorbs hits, boosts his defense, and recovers off any damage. For every DD Scraggy gets, Shelmet just boosts his defense another two stages, nullifying the effect of Scraggy's go-to setup move. Additionally, Shell Armor prevents critical hits which allows you to rest easy knowing hax won't come. Spikes is a great move for any defensive poke, as it allows its offensive teammates to net KOs easier. It also has very limited distribution which makes it all the more valuable. Usually, it is easy to set up a few layers as your opponent either switches Scraggy out or futilely attacks.

Shelmet doesn't just wall Scraggy though. In fact it takes nearly nothing from any Fighting type in the meta barring the rare Stone Edge Mienfoo and Head Smash Scraggy. However, both Mienfoo and Scraggy are able to use Knock Off, which annoys Shelmet and makea it a tad harder for him to wall other mons. Riolu often carries Roar, which phazes the Bug and causes him to lose his boosts. Stealth Rock also gives Shelmet trouble as he can't switch in repeatedly without losing big chunks of health.

By Nebuchadnezzar



Chinchou @ Eviolite
Trait: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 132 Def / 228 SDef / 60 Spd
Calm Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Scald
- Heal Bell

Everyone is probably familiar with this defensive set, perhaps one of the most well-known sets within the metagame. As the case may be, Chinchou may be one of the best defensive Pokemon in the whole tier, with an excellent defensive typing that completely halts any Murkrow that isn't carrying HP Grass and has access to a great combination of Rest / Sleep Talk / Heal Bell, both providing recovery and support for the other mons on your team. Scald of course also aids it in its quest to be a support mon, crippling opposing Pokemon with that (seemingly 9.9) 100% burn. Chinchou, again with its excellent typing, is easy to switch in as long as your opponent doesn't predict it (although this goes without saying.) All in all, Chinchou is one of the premier defensive threats in LC in its current state.

By Feranfell



Lileep @ Eviolite
Trait: Storm Drain
Level: 5
EVs: 228 HP / 220 Def / 60 SDef
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Recover
- Stealth Rock / Ancient Power
- Toxic

Quake in the presence of what surely is one of the best defensive tanks in Little Cup: Lileep. Commonly paired with Hippopotas, due to the Hippo's ability to summon Sandstorm, which, thanks to Lileep's secondary Rock-typing, grants it an invaluable boost to Special Defense. 66 / 77 / 87 is a mind blowing defensive spread for a Little Cup Pokemon; in conjunction with Eviolite and Sandstorm, it becomes really hard to kill. It manages to check some of the tier's top threats, partly due to its Storm Drain ability, meaning Water-types cannot hope fell this mighty pre-historic plant with their STABs, reduced to hurling weak Ice Beams its way, which Lileep can shrug off with Recover. Storm Drain's handy Special Attack boost suddenly turns Lileep into a reasonably hard-hitter, 2HKOing most of the many Water-types that reside in the tier. Recover is an invaluable move for Lileep, meaning it is incredibly hard to wear down. Reliable recovery is something many potentially fantastic defensive Pokemon wish they had (see: Misdreavus.) Alas, Lileep's Rock-typing is a double-edged sword, leaving it with an unfortunate weakness to Fighting, one of the most common attacking types in the tier. As long as you have this weakness patched up, (often by Hippopotas, capable of taking on a few things Lileep struggles with and vice versa) then you have on your hands a fantastic tank.

By Icicle Fissh



Archen @ Eviolite
Trait: Defeatist
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 100 Atk / 76 Def / 76 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Rock Slide / Stone Edge
- Acrobatics
- U-turn / Stealth Rock

Archen is the only Flying resist in LC with reliable recovery outside of Rest. This alone is a huge asset as Murkrow can tear apart unprepared teams. Roost allows you to switch in more and also get yourself out of Defeatist range, which can cripple the archaic bird otherwise. Rock Slide is preferred for better accuracy as this is a defensive set, but Stone Edge can be used for greater damage. Acrobatics is a solid STAB move that gets powered up if your Eviolite gets Knocked Off. U-turn is good for momentum while Stealth Rock punishes the opponent for switching. Either move is great, honestly and it just depends on what your team needs.

This set is one of the few in all of Little Cup that walls LO MixKrow. That, in and of itself, is flat out incredible. Archen OHKOs with Rock Slide, while Murkrow helplessly attacks hoping for a critical hit. You have to be clever with Roosting though, as Sucker Punch is a clean 2HKO.

By Nebuchadnezzar



Porygon @ Eviolite
Trait: Trace
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Thunder Wave
- Tri Attack
- Shadow Ball

Porygon, the nightmare of the Six hundred and eighty-five Japanese children which it hospitalized after the infamous anime episode "Electric Soldier Porygon." Alas, these children are not the only ones to suffer at the polygonal hands of the virtual Pokemon, most of the Little Cup community has felt the wrath of Porygon. It's fantastic Base Stat Total of 395 provides it with fantastic bulk and power, meaning it is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that belong to the exclusive "not-2HKOed-by-Life Orb-Murkrow," group, as most LO Krows carry Drill Peck. Alas, Brave Bird will normally 2HKO, but not before Porygon has crippled it with a Thunder Wave or even dealt a significant 72.72 - 86.36% with Tri-Attack, which also has a nifty 20% chance to inflict Murkrow with one of a freeze, a burn or a paralysis. It is not only the wallbreaking machine that is Life Orb Murkrow who struggles to break Porygon, much of the tier falls to its sheer bulk and access to the coveted Recover. Trace is the ace up Porygon's proverbial sleeve, meaning it copies the abilities of the Pokemon it switches into, and retaining them until Porygon relinquishes the battlefield. This opens up a whole world of possibilities, notably Prankster and Regenerator, two very common abilities in the tier, both of which further extenuate Porygon's utility.

There are two things that Porygon hates: status and powerful Fighting-types. Toxic in particular rains on its parade, rendering it somewhat useless. Thankfully, a partner that can deal with both of these things is defensive Misdreavus, able to Heal Bell away any status Porygon may be afflicted with as well as taking on those pesky Fighting-types. As long as one has all of Porygon's weaknesses covered, you will drive your opponet even more crazy than the parents who had to spend the night in A and E with their seizure-suffering children.

By Icicle Fissh


Cottonee @ Eviolite
Trait: Prankster
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Def / 196 SDef / 76 Spd
Impish Nature
- Substitute / Protect
- Leech Seed
- Stun Spore
- Encore / Taunt

Cottonees acces to Prankster makes it a very annoying support Pokémon. It may not have the bulk that other Pokémon have in this thread but it makes up for it in its priority status moves. Leech Seed + Substitute give it priority 'Subseeding' letting it stall the opponent whilst gaining health back in return. Protect is also often used to scout what the opponent is going for without losing 25% of your health. If the opponent goes for a move like Substitute or Dragon Dance then either Taunt or Encore will help to shut it down. Although not too bulky Cottonee has decent defense factoring in Eviolite, and it resists the main moves of common Water-types like Chinchou and Staryu. Stun Spore allows Cottonee to cripple threats. In summary, it is practically impossible to get a set up sweeper to set up when Cottonee is around and that is the main reason why it deserves a spot on this list.

By Superpowerdude


Bronzor @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 220 HP, 4 Att, 68 Def, 4 SpAtt, 148 SpeDef, 16 Spe
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Toxic / Psychic
- Flash Cannon/ Stealth Rock

With its Steel/Psychic Typing and its ability, Levitate, Bronzor's sole weakness is fire. With the given spread, Bronzor's defense reaches 16, and its special defense reaches 17. Add in an eviolite, and you get a very very bulky wall. However, its mediocre attack and special attack stats mean that its main way of "dealing damage" is through toxic. Bronzor is bulky enough to set up both screens before passing it on to a sweeper like Cranidos or a Shell Smasher like Shellder or Tirtouga who are given ample time to set up and sweep. Flash Cannon provides another way to attack, and Stealth Rock for racking in some extra damage. Psychic also gains Stab and is useful for making sure that Bronzor is not complete taunt bait and it can hit Fighting-types super effectively.

Threats: Scraggy can come in and Dragon Dance for as long as it likes, for it doesn't fear toxic a lot due to shed skin. Misdreavus can Nasty Plot twice and 2HKO it (3HKO if Light Screen is up). Shell Smash Tirtouga, Swords Dance Drilbur, technically anything that can set up on this guy is a threat to him. Taunt also stops Bronzor in its tracks, as it relies mainly on status moves.

This set is good if you want a dual screener, however if you don't need screens then the standard tank set is better because it can use those moveslots with offensive options like Earthuake, Psychic, Flash Cannon, Hidden Power Ice

By Cxinlee


Ferroseed @Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 164 HP / 188 Def / 148 SDef
Relaxed / Impish Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Protect / Stealth Rock / Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Gyro Ball / Bullet Seed

Ferroseed is a very good candidate for a hazard setter, being able to set up both Stealth Rocks and Spikes. Its supporting options don't end there as Leech Seed and Protect hold back many situations, also recovers HP. Addtionally, Protect helps scout against Scarf Pokémon and punishes Pokémon like Mienfoo who are trying to hit Ferroseed super effectively with Hi Jump Kick. Spikes is the primary reason to use Ferroseed, Gyro Ball or Bullet Seed are good attacking moves. If one decides to use Thunder Wave to cripple the opponent then Bullet Seed is the better move choice then Gyro Ball. With Ferroseeds Grass-typing he can switch into Staryu and Chinchou easy letting it set up hazards. It is also one of the only hazard setters that doesn't have to worry about Staryu spinning since Ferroseed can threaten it with Bullet Seed (if it has it) while Staryu can't do much back. If running Gyro Ball you wan't to make it as powerful as possible so run a Relaxed Nature and 0 Spe Ivs however, if running Bullet Seed use an Impish Nature.

By The Quasar



Hippopotas @ Eviolite
Trait: Sand Stream
Level: 5
EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 212 Def / 100 SDef / 20 Spd
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind

Hippopotas was, among its Little Cup friends, one of the most popular Pokemon in the playground. Everyone wanted to be on his team. The reason? Sand Stream. Everyone loved to play in the sand that Hippopotas summoned, especially Drilbur and Lileep, Sandshrew too. The sand gave them powers they could only dream of having before Hippopotas poked its absurdly huge nose into the Little Cup tier. But while the Hippo wallowed around in the mud, playing with his Ground- and Rock-type friends, on the other side of the playground, Hippopotas' nemesis, Snover, gathered his clique of outcasts to strike back against the reign (or sand) of terror that Hippopotas had enjoyed. But Hippopotas, being the excellent defensive Pokemon it is, would not have this. Superb 68 / 78 / 42 defenses, bolstered further by Eviolite, meant that Hippopotas would not go down easily. All of his teammates loved his ability to lay down Stealth Rock to damage foes as they switch in, wounding Snover for 25% every time it entered the battlefield. Slack Off is another trick up Hippopotas' proverbial sleeves, after taking a beating, it is able to recover its lost health, so its Sand Stream can stay around for longer. Whirlwind can dismiss foolish set-up sweepers who think they can grab a boost and demolish his team. And finally, Earthquake, though not the most powerful, is boosted by STAB and comes off Hippopotas' rather impressive base 72 Attack stat, will deal decent damage to many foes, including the Steel-types who are not damaged by the Sandstorm. Hippopotas is able to shrug off attacks from some of the most prevalent physical threats in the tier. SubRoost Offensive and Scarfed Murkrow are stopped in their tracks, dealing only 36 - 48% to Hippopotas, while the Hippo can simply Slack Off any damage done and Whirlwind away its Substitues. Hippopotas only fears Knock Off or Life Orb Hi Jump Kick from Mienfoo. Timburr will try to stealthily steal Hippopotas' health, but once more, Slack Off means it camouflaged exterior will not be penetrated. Scraggy cannot set-up due to Whirlwind. Larvesta will quickly fall to a combination of Stealth Rock, Flare Blitz damage and Sand damage. Alas, while Hippopotas is one of the most popular amoung its Little Cup brethen, it is one of the most hated among Little Cup players. As it sits there across the battle-field, twitching its nostrils indignantly, you will have to suppress an urge to punch it in the eyes. Anything to get its smug little face off your screen. For its Bulk, Utility, and most certainty its ability, Hippopotas stands out as a great defensive Little Cup Pokémon.

By Icicle Fissh


Skorupi@Eviolite
Battle Armor
Bold
196 HP/100 Def/ 156 SpD/ 20 Spe
Toxic Spikes
X-Scissor/Taunt
Whirlwind
Knock Off

While hippopotas and snover were duking it out in the sand, skorupi was playing by himself under there thier feet thinking "If only someone would use me, they would see how good I am." Well that day is today. With this set, skorupi becomes my playmate and is actually pretty neat. It has good typing, and walls even the poke that defines LC. Yeah, it actually walls Mienfoo outside of SE but its sill a 2HKO giving it time to whirlwind him out. Wish support(does anything even get wish?) is smart to run becuase skorupi gets no recovery. It also survives 3 hits from gastly's shadowball.

By Garchomp for president


Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 156 HP / 76 Atk / 196 Def / 76 Spd
Impish Nature
- Drain Punch
- U-turn
- Fake Out
- Knock Off

Mienfoo is a very effective pivot with U-turn and Regenerator restoring 1/3 of its health upon switching. Its also got very good defense with Eviolite, an Impish nature and the given ev spread letting it take many physical hits and be one of the more reliable checks to Scraggy out there. Drain Punch adds on to Mienfoos longetivity with it restoring HP as well as functioning as a decent powered Stab move. Knock Off, lets Mienfoo support its team mates by removing the opponents Eviolites, Choice Scarfs, etc. Fake Out breaks sashes, sturdies and just provides good priority. A well played Mienfoo will not die for a very long time and Mienfoo can fit on just about every Little Cup team.

By Superpowerdude



Foongus @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 76 SAtk / 76 SDef / 76 Spd / 124 HP / 156 Def
Bold Nature
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Stun Spore
- Clear Smog

Along Routes 6 and 7 of the Unova region, Foongus like to hide in tall grass, craftily disguised as items. One races joyfully to the supposed Pokeball, wondering what precious treasures are contained within it, only to have one's hopes crushed, as a Foongus rears it Pokeball-shaped head. The faces of children all over the world when the mushroom Pokemon appears suddenly in battle in this manner is the same as the faces of those on Pokemon simulators, where Foongus is just as mind-numbingly annoying. At first it is unclear what makes it so, sporting only an average defensive spread of 69/45/55. Its Grass-typing leaves it weak to the STABs of two very common Pokemon in Little Cup: Murkrow and Snover. Its secret is a gift from the Dream World: an ability that transforms the seemingly mediocre Foongus into a useful defensive pivot. Regenerator means that every time Foongus relinquishes itself from the battlefield, one third of its health is miraculously restored. To extenuate this annoying trait, Poison-typing is a godsend in a tier riddled with Fighting-types, meaning Foongus is one of the best checks to Timburr, Scraggy, Mienfoo (that lack Knock Off) and many more. Spore is a move that the Mushroom Pokemon adore, which, in tandem with the 5th generation's sleep mechanics, means that Foongus is capable of often completely removing a Pokemon from the opponent's team for the whole game. Stun Spore lets Foongus cripple many common switch-ins, such as Murkrow, who hates the paralysis that this move brings. Giga Drain further aids Foongus' recovery, while Clear Smog means Foongus is no longer set-up bait. It is a combination of ability, movepool, and to a certain extent, typing, that make Foongus the defensive threat is it. They ensure that Foongus will stay hated by foolhardy trainers on Routes 6 and 7, and by competitive battlers alike.

By Icicle Fissh


Shroomish @ Eviolite
Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 196 HP / 196 Def / 36 SAtk / 36 SDef
Bold Nature
- Spore
- Stun Spore / Toxic
- Giga Drain
- Synthesis / Hidden Power [Fire]

On a first glance, Shroomish may seem outclassed by Foongus as a bulky Grass-type and user of the friggin cheapest move in the game: Spore which is a 100% accurate sleep move. This is because Foongus has access to Regenerator and has a Fighting-type resistance. However, Shroomish has a few small advantages over it making it often worthy of a teamslot despite its few disadvantages to Foongus. The First one being a Ground-type resist. This lets Shroomish counter sand a little more reliably than Foongus since it resists Earthquake and can even take unboosted X-Scissors pretty well and recovery with Giga Drain! Poison Heal is also a great ability and further helps against sand by not allowing Lileep to spam Toxic. With Eviolite + a poisoned status, Shroomish is incredibly hard to take down. Spore and Stun Spore provide harmful status that helps support your team. Particularily strong set up sweepers like Scraggy, Misdreavus and shell smashers. However, Toxic is also a great support move for crippling switch-ins, particularily walls that wouldn't mind Stun Spore to much. Giga Drain is for Stab and recovery. The last slot is a toss up between Synthesis for recovery, and Hidden Power Fire mainly for coverage against Ferroseed and Snover switchins. I often see players using Toxic Orb on Shroomish and please don't, its stupid Eviolite provides more longetivity.

By Superpowerdude




Defensive Cores

Shelmet @ Eviolite
Trait: Shell Armor
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Spikes
- Bug Buzz
- Acid Armor
- Recover​


Lickitung @ Eviolite
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs: 196 HP / 76 Def / 236 SDef
Bold Nature
- Dragon Tail
- Wish
- Protect
- Return​


Misdreavus)@ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 36 HP / 120 Def / 80 SDef / 240 Spd
Bold Nature
- Will-o-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Heal Bell​

Shelmets role on this team is to set up Spikes. And it takes on Fighting-types that Lickitung can't. Acid Armour makes it easier for Shelmet to beat physical attackers and fighting-types obviously. Bug Buzz for Stab and so Shelmet doesn't become Taunt bait and Recover is for recovery obviously.​

Lickitung is a good mixed wall and provides the team with phasing so it can keep racking up hazard damage that is set from Shelmets Spikes. It also provides Wish support which is good to heal its self (in conjunction with Protect) and is good to pass on to team mates. Particularily Misdreavus whose major flaw is lacking recovery. Return is there primarily for a Stab move and to break random Substitutes.​

Misdreavus provides spin blocking and can use Will-o-Wisp to spread burn making physical attackers easier to beat. Shadow Ball is for Stab and along with Hidden Power [Fighting] give Misdreavus perfect natural coverage. Heal Bell protects the team from status particularily Toxic which no member likes. A Fighting-type immunity is good in this core to help with aid Lickitungs weakness to the common type​

By Superpowerdude





Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 76 Atk / 196 Def / 76 Spd
Impish Nature
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Drain Punch
- Fake Out


Foongus @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 124 HP / 156 Def / 76 SAtk / 76 SDef / 76 Spd
Bold Nature
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Clear Smog / Toxic
- Stun Spore / Toxic


Slowpoke @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 236 Def / 36 SAtk / 116 SDef
Bold Nature
- Thunder Wave / Toxic
- Slack Off / Fire Blast
- Scald
- Psychic / Fire Blast

They also all have very good support with Knock off, Spore, Thunder wave or Toxic. Wallbreakers like Murkrow are very good against them or something like Chinchou with Heal Bell support but they can be very annoying to deal with if you are not prepared for them.

Mienfoo, Foongus and Slowpokes are all gifted with Regenerator on top of their very good bulk, healing them for 33% for free upon switching making them extremely durable as they can take hit and heal up without having to stay in dangers way.

By Axisotaku



Numel @ Eviolite
Trait: Simple
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 116 Def / 156 SDef
Bold Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Stockpile
- Lava Plume



Lileep @ Eviolite
Trait: Storm Drain
Level: 5
EVs: 228 HP / 220 Def / 60 SDef
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- AncientPower
- Recover
- Stealth Rock / Toxic



Frillish @ Eviolite
Trait: Cursed Body
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SDef
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
- Recover


This defensive core works really well in my experience and it's really simple to use. The Pokemon that Numel loses to are all water types, Drilbur, Hippopotas. Lileep switches in and beats pretty much all of them. On the other hand Lileep loses to Magnemite, Pawniard, Bronzor, Ferroseed, Foongus (with toxic) and Shroomish who Numel switches in on and completely walls. The rest of the Pokemon left uncovered are Fighting-types and the odd powerful fire type like Darumaka. Relaxed is the best nature so Timburr's payback is always 50 BP in case anyone is wondering. The core still needs some support though. Scraggy and dragon dancing Dragons take on the core pretty easily. Nasty Plot Misdreavus also does well against it. Basically, quite a few set up sweepers do well against the core. Life Orb Murkrow can also break it apart (as with most defensive cores). Heal Bell support is welcome to wake Numel up early or cure Toxic which cripples Lileep and Frillish. Chinchou works well as a partner for a decent Murkrow switch in and Heal Bell support, and I use Riolu with the team to beat Dragons, Scraggy and is a good insurance against Hyper Offensive teams.

By Corkscrew


Grimer @ Eviolite
Trait: Sticky Hold
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Def / 36 SDef
Impish Nature
- Poison Jab
- Shadow Sneak
- Fire Punch
- Pain Split / Ice Punch


Chikorita @ Eviolite
Trait: Overgrow
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 196 Def / 156 SDef
Calm Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Toxic
- Synthesis


Lickitung @ Eviolite
Trait: Own Tempo
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 236 Def / 76 SDef
Impish Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Dragon Tail
- Heal Bell / Toxic / Body Slam

iirc good_luck! started this core, it's pretty effective. grimer counters fightings, chikorita counters sand, lickitung counters everything else. With two potential clerics, a wisher and a bulky attacker, this core is p nice.

The core can also spread status with Toxic on either Chikorita, Lickitung or both. The core can stay quite healthy throughout the course of the match with Pain Split on Grimer and Synthesis on Chikorita. Lickitung also provides phasing for the core in the form of Dragon Tail to ensure that some set up sweepers can't sweep this core and to rack up possible entry hazard damage.

Unlike many defensive cores it's one of the few defensive cores that is not completely helpless vs MixKrow most of the time:
240 Atk Life Orb Murkrow Brave Bird vs. 196 HP / 236+ Def Eviolite Lickitung: 12-16 (42.85 - 57.14%) -- 12.11% chance to 2HKO after hail

By Sarkynin


Ferroseed @Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 164 HP / 188 Def / 148 SDef
Relaxed / Impish Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Protect / Stealth Rock / Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Gyro Ball / Bullet Seed



Frillish @ Eviolite
Trait: Cursed Body
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SDef
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
- Recover

This de-evolved version of OU's famous "Ferrocent" core is a very good defensive core and is great to use on teams that force switches or have phasing due to how hard it is to get rid of Ferroseeds hazards. Basically Ferroseed sets up Spikes and Stealth Rock quite easily. Ferroseeds only weaknesses are Fire and Figthting which Frillish resists and is immune to. Frillish with its Ghost-type ensures that the opponent can't spin on it and it can also spread status with either Toxic or Will-o-Wisp. Its weaknesses, Ghost, Dark, Fire, and Electric are all resisted by Ferroseed letting the two keep switching in and out. With recovery in the form of Leech Seed and Recover if this core is played correctly it is very hard to break.

By Superpowerdude


Larvesta @ Eviolite
Trait: Flame Body
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 156 Def / 36 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Morning Sun
- Will-O-Wisp

Staryu @ Eviolite
Trait: Natural Cure
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 196 SAtk / 236 Spd
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Thunderbolt
- Rapid Spin
- Recover

Porygon @ Eviolite
Trait: Trace
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SDef
Calm Nature
- Tri Attack
- Thunder Wave
- Shadow Ball
- Recover

Basically a healthy Porygon can wall anything that isn't fighting-type with its recovery, and extremely good defenses. The Fighting-types that threaten Porygon are generally beaten by Larvesta unless they carry a Rock-type move. This is because Larvesta resists Fighting-type and has the ability Flame Body, letting it often cripple physical attackers by inflicting them with a burn. A burned Pokémon is then walled even easier by Porygon, making it virtually impossible to take it down. Larvesta has Will-o-Wisp for the times where you don't want to rely on Flame Body to burn the opponent. It also acts as a great pivot with U-turn. Much like Porygon, Larvesta also has reliable recovery in the form of Morning Sun. They both also have quite strong Stab moves with Tri Attack and Flare Blitz respectively. Staryu completes the core by providing rapid spin support to help aid Larvesta's crippling 4x Stealth Rock weakness. Like the other two members, Staryu has a powerful Stab Hydro Pump and reliable recovery with Recover. Larvesta also covers Staryu's Grass-type weakness with a 4x resist to the type and Porygon can generally wall Electric-types. A good example of this would be tracing Chinchou's Volt Absorb so you gain health when it Volt Switches or Thunderbolts. Staryu also is a status absorber with Natural Cure which is great because Toxic Obviosuly cripples Larvesta and Porygon

By Superpowerdude




This is the archive! Remember guys just another reminder to post your sets in Importable Format and include a description.​
 
Let's start this thing off with one of the most underappreciated mons in the meta!

[pimg]646[/pimg]
Shelmet @ Eviolite
Trait: Shell Armor
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SDef
Bold Nature
- Acid Armor
- Bug Buzz
- Recover
- Spikes

Scraggy is one of the most dangerous pokes in the tier, but Shelmet makes him want to crawl out of his skin. Scraggy can't touch Shelmet as he absorbs hits, boosts his defense, and recovers off any damage. For every DD Scraggy gets, Shelmet just boosts his defense another two stages, nullifying the effect of Scraggy's go-to setup move. Additionally, Shell Armor prevents critical hits which allows you to rest easy knowing hax won't come. Spikes is a great move for any defensive poke, as it allows its offensive teammates to net KOs easier. It also has very limited distribution which makes it all the more valuable. Usually, it is easy to set up a few layers as your opponent either switches Scraggy out or futilely attacks.

Shelmet doesn't just wall Scraggy though. In fact it takes nearly nothing from any Fighting type in the meta barring the rare Stone Edge Mienfoo and Head Smash Scraggy. However, both Mienfoo and Scraggy are able to use Knock Off, which annoys Shelmet and makea it a tad harder for him to wall other mons. Riolu often carries Roar, which phazes the Bug and causes him to lose his boosts. Stealth Rock also gives Shelmet trouble as he can't switch in repeatedly without losing big chunks of health.
 

mkizzy

formerly kenny

Chinchou @ Eviolite
Trait: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 132 Def / 228 SDef / 60 Spd
Calm Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Scald
- Heal Bell

Everyone is probably familiar with this defensive set, perhaps one of the most well-known sets within the metagame. As the case may be, Chinchou may be one of the best defensive Pokemon in the whole tier, with an excellent defensive typing that completely halts any Murkrow that isn't carrying HP Grass and has access to a great combination of Rest / Sleep Talk / Heal Bell, both providing recovery and support for the other mons on your team. Scald of course also aids it in its quest to be a support mon, crippling opposing Pokemon with that (seemingly 9.9) 100% burn. Chinchou, again with its excellent typing, is easy to switch in as long as your opponent doesn't predict it (although this goes without saying.) All in all, Chinchou is one of the premier defensive threats in LC in its current state.
 
Nice Pokémon guys! Both added Chinchou is one of the staple defensive mons in the tier and Shelmet is quite underated and can handle almost all Fighting-types in the tier and almost all physical attackers after it starts using Acid Armour.

This is a defensive core that me and Nebuchadnezzar came up with. Its not perfect but it is still effective and displays good type and role synergy.

Shelmet @ Eviolite
Trait: Shell Armor
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Spikes
- Bug Buzz
- Acid Armor
- Recover

Lickitung @ Eviolite
Trait: Own Tempo
EVs: 196 HP / 76 Def / 236 SDef
Bold Nature
- Dragon Tail
- Wish
- Protect
- Return

Misdreavus)@ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 36 HP / 120 Def / 80 SDef / 240 Spd
Bold Nature
- Will-o-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Heal Bell

Shelmets role on this team is to set up Spikes. And it takes on Fighting-types that Lickitung can't. Acid Armour makes it easier for Shelmet to beat physical attackers and fighting-types obviously. Bug Buzz for Stab and so Shelmet doesn't become Taunt bait and Recover is for recovery obviously.

Lickitung is a good mixed wall and provides the team with phasing so it can keep racking up hazard damage that is set from Shelmets Spikes. It also provides Wish support which is good to heal its self (in conjunction with Protect) and is good to pass on to team mates. Particularily Misdreavus whose major flaw is lacking recovery. Return is there primarily for a Stab move and to break random Substitutes.

Misdreavus provides spin blocking and can use Will-o-Wisp to spread burn making physical attackers easier to beat. Shadow Ball is for Stab and along with Hidden Power [Fighting] give Misdreavus perfect natural coverage. Heal Bell protects the team from status particularily Toxic which no member likes. A Fighting-type immunity is good in this core to help with aid Lickitungs weakness to the common type.
 

Rowan

The professor?
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
I have used that core quite a bit Superpowerdude and it does have fantastic synergy in terms of defensive synergy and the roles that they play (hazard setter, shuffler, spinblocker). The core does need rapid spin support as Shelmet hates Stealth Rock and Lickitung often falls to powerfull moves like Hydro Pump and Blizzard if rocks/spikes are up. That was the main core in the only stall-ish team I've managed to make.

In general though, I find stall in Little Cup really hard to play with and I often need at least one (usually more) offensive Pokemon (usually scarf Murkrow) to check set-up sweepers like Scraggy and Shell Smashers. There are also quite a lot of powerful wall-breakers that can really rip apart defensive cores like Life Orb Murkrow and Snover. The presence of Knock Off Mienfoo is also very annoying with defensive teams. I think defensive cores are good, but they work best in balanced teams so you have ways to dish out damage. I don't find full stall works well at all in LC.
 
Defencive core: Regenerator

Mienfoo, Foongus and Slowpokes are all gifted with Regenerator on top of their very good bulk, healing them for 33% for free upon switching making them extremely durable as they can take hit and heal up without having to stay in dangers way.


Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 76 Atk / 196 Def / 76 Spd
Impish Nature
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Drain Punch
- Fake Out


Foongus @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 124 HP / 156 Def / 76 SAtk / 76 SDef / 76 Spd
Bold Nature
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Clear Smog / Toxic
- Stun Spore / Toxic


Slowpoke @ Eviolite
Trait: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 236 Def / 36 SAtk / 116 SDef
Bold Nature
- Thunder Wave / Toxic
- Slack Off / Fire Blast
- Scald
- Psychic / Fire Blast

They also all have very good support with Knock off, Spore, Thunder wave or Toxic. Wallbreakers like Murkrow are very good against them or something like Chinchou with Heal Bell support but they can be very annoying to deal with if you are not prepared for them.
 
I'd like to point out that Superpowerdude's core can also be used with Porygon over Lickitung, which gives it an easier time dealing with ghost sweepers. You're missing out on a wishpasser and phazer, but getting a mon that can cripple stuff with twave and has more overall utility

frillish/lileep is kinda interesting too
 

Rowan

The professor?
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Talking of Lileep and Frillish, let's add a third mon to the mix... tried and tested FWG



Numel @ Eviolite
Trait: Simple
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 116 Def / 156 SDef
Bold Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Stockpile
- Lava Plume



Lileep @ Eviolite
Trait: Storm Drain
Level: 5
EVs: 228 HP / 220 Def / 60 SDef
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- AncientPower
- Recover
- Stealth Rock / Toxic



Frillish @ Eviolite
Trait: Cursed Body
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SDef
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
- Recover


This defensive core works really well in my experience and it's really simple to use. The Pokemon that Numel loses to are all water types, Drilbur, Hippopotas. Lileep switches in and beats pretty much all of them. On the other hand Lileep loses to Magnemite, Pawniard, Bronzor, Ferroseed, Foongus (with toxic) and Shroomish who Numel switches in on and completely walls. The rest of the Pokemon left uncovered are Fighting-types and the odd powerful fire type like Darumaka which is where Frillish steps in. Relaxed is the best nature so Timburr's payback is always 50 BP in case anyone is wondering. The core still needs some support though. Scraggy and dragon dancing Dragons take on the core pretty easily. Nasty Plot Misdreavus also does well against it. Basically, quite a few set up sweepers do well against the core. Life Orb Murkrow can also break it apart (as with most defensive cores). Heal Bell support is welcome to wake Numel up early or cure Toxic which cripples Lileep and Frillish. Chinchou works well as a partner for a decent Murkrow switch in and Heal Bell support, and I use Riolu with the team to beat Dragons, Scraggy and is a good insurance against Hyper Offensive teams.
 


Lileep @ Eviolite
Trait: Storm Drain
Level: 5
EVs: 228 HP / 220 Def / 60 SDef
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Recover
- Stealth Rock / Ancient Power
- Toxic

Quake in the presence of what surely is one of the best defensive tanks in Little Cup: Lileep. Commonly paired with Hippopotas, due to the Hippo's ability to summon Sandstorm, which, thanks to Lileep's secondary Rock-typing, grants it an invaluable boost to Special Defense. 66 / 77 / 87 is a mind blowing defensive spread for a Little Cup Pokemon; in conjunction with Eviolite and Sandstorm, it becomes really hard to kill. It manages to check some of the tier's top threats, partly due to its Storm Drain ability, meaning Water-types cannot hope fell this mighty pre-historic plant with their STABs, reduced to hurling weak Ice Beams its way, which Lileep can shrug off with Recover. Storm Drain's handy Special Attack boost suddenly turns Lileep into a reasonably hard-hitter, 2HKOing most of the many Water-types that reside in the tier. Recover is an invaluable move for Lileep, meaning it is incredibly hard to wear down. Reliable recovery is something many potentially fantastic defensive Pokemon wish they had (see: Misdreavus.) Alas, Lileep's Rock-typing is a double-edged sword, leaving it with an unfortunate weakness to Fighting, one of the most common attacking types in the tier. As long as you have this weakness patched up, (often by Hippopotas, capable of taking on a few things Lileep struggles with and vice versa) then you have on your hands a fantastic tank.

EDIT: Damnit Corkscrew, ninja'd me on Lileep. >.<
 
Great discussion and good sets guys I am glad this got off to a great start. I guess I will adress everyones posts seperately

@Corkscrew yes the core does have great synergy and the roles they play Spikes, Phazing/wish passing and spinblocking/burn spreading go hand in hand. I also completely agree on your defensive core statement they work great on balanced teams and balanced teams are very dominant in Little Cup, there are many good examples of rmts that utilise a defensive core and an offensive core and one that comes to mind is iss's rising which uses a defensive core off Mienfoo, Porygon, and Staryu while the team can place great offensive pressure with Snover, Murkrow and Drifloon.

Your numel, lileep, frillish core is an excellent example of the classic fire/water/grass combo as you mentioned there are some stuff that the core can't wall like scraggy, missy, lo krow and that goes to show how important offense is in tandem with a defensive core.

@axisotaku that core is pretty good and I see it a lot on the ladder. Fighting-types have a very hard time breaking the core with foongus and slowpoke carrying resists and Mienfoo being known to beat Scraggy. The utility that this core provides in the form of Knock Off, Stun Spore, Spore, Toxic, etc makes it great for crippling the opponent so your sweepers can come in lategame to clean up. Regenerator makes this core durable enough to last very long so it can continually wall and cripple threats throughou the game.

@Chielee actually I was thinking about Porygon when putting the core in a team. The reason I chose lickitung was because I was curious about wish. Porygon provides a wall to Misdreavus acces to Thunderwave to cripple threats and a great form of recovery in Recover.

@Icicle Fissh good submission! Lileep is definitely one of the best mixed walls in the tier. You didn't get ninjad by Corkscrew, he used it in a core its still acceptable to post about an individual pokemon and describing it in detail like you did.

All sets and cores will be added to the op once I get on my computer. (this is a phone post)
 
@ Axisotaku Honestly, I've attempted this core many times and it isn't very good in this meta. You mentioned Murkrow being a problem and you were absolutely right. He beats every member of the core 1 on 1, which means the rest of the team has to pick up the slack to check Krow. I'm not saying that the core can't be effective, but when it loses to the #3 most used poke in the tier, it definitely has its problems.
 
The Regen core is actually really good this meta. Foongus takes care of pesky fighting types, Mienfoo provides knock off support and a check to Scraggy, and Slowpoke adds that fire and ice resist. Slowpoke can deal with Murkrow 1 v 1 with a combination of Slack Off and Scald (or toxic/para) since it has good physical bulk. If you really think Murkrow is a problem add a Porygon or a Physical Lickitung to that core and you are set.
 
I'm not saying it's bad, I just know that Murkrow can be a huge pain to it. That being said, one "defensive" poke that can take care of Murkrow is Archen.

[pimg]596[/pimg]

Archen @ Eviolite
Trait: Defeatist
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 100 Atk / 76 Def / 76 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Rock Slide / Stone Edge
- Acrobatics
- U-turn / Stealth Rock

Archen is the only Flying resist in LC with reliable recovery outside of Rest. This alone is a huge asset as Murkrow can tear apart unprepared teams. Roost allows you to switch in more and also get yourself out of Defeatist range, which can cripple the archaic bird otherwise. Rock Slide is preferred for better accuracy as this is a defensive set, but Stone Edge can be used for greater damage. Acrobatics is a solid STAB move that gets powered up if your Eviolite gets Knocked Off. U-turn is good for momentum while Stealth Rock punishes the opponent for switching. Either move is great, honestly and it just depends on what your team needs.

This set is one of the few in all of Little Cup that walls LO MixKrow. That, in and of itself, is flat out incredible. Archen OHKOs with Rock Slide, while Murkrow helplessly attacks hoping for a critical hit. You have to be clever with Roosting though, as Sucker Punch is a clean 2HKO.

Edit: Not sure if Archen is "defensive" enough to warrant consideration in this thread as he is still very threatening offensively with this set, but I figured he was worth mentioning anyway.
 
Ok added in everything. Good job guys.

To answer your question Nebuchadnezzar I think Archen is defensive enough for the tier. After all it walls Murkrow decently which many 'dedicated walls' can't even do it is still quite bulky and it has utility in the form of Stealth Rock or U-turn to grap momemtum.

Also your statement about Axis's core is quite true Murkrow is threatening to it, however Murkrow threatens to 2hko almost every Pokémon in Little Cup so having other ways to deal with it (fast scarfer, priority) works great while the defensive core can support the offensive mons by spreading status and Mienfoo can give offensive Pokémon free switch ins with U-turn. This is one of the reasons why I think full stall is impossible, because Life Orb Krow, and many other offensive threats make it to hard to wall the majority of the metagame.
 


Porygon @ Eviolite
Trait: Trace
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 196 Def / 76 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Thunder Wave
- Tri Attack
- Shadow Ball

Porygon, the nightmare of the Six hundred and eighty-five Japanese children which it hospitalized after the infamous anime episode "Electric Soldier Porygon." Alas, these children are not the only ones to suffer at the polygonal hands of the virtual Pokemon, most of the Little Cup community has felt the wrath of Porygon. It's fantastic Base Stat Total of 395 provides it with fantastic bulk and power, meaning it is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that belong to the exclusive "not-2HKOed-by-Life Orb-Murkrow," group, as most LO Krows carry Drill Peck. Alas, Brave Bird will normally 2HKO, but not before Porygon has crippled it with a Thunder Wave or even dealt a significant 72.72 - 86.36% with Tri-Attack, which also has a nifty 20% chance to inflict Murkrow with one of a freeze, a burn or a paralysis. It is not only the wallbreaking machine that is Life Orb Murkrow who struggles to break Porygon, much of the tier falls to its sheer bulk and access to the coveted Recover. Trace is the ace up Porygon's proverbial sleeve, meaning it copies the abilities of the Pokemon it switches into, and retaining them until Porygon relinquishes the battlefield. This opens up a whole world of possibilities, notably Prankster and Regenerator, two very common abilities in the tier, both of which further extenuate Porygon's utility.

There are two things that Porygon hates: status and powerful Fighting-types. Toxic in particular rains on its parade, rendering it somewhat useless. Thankfully, a partner that can deal with both of these things is defensive Misdreavus, able to Heal Bell away any status Porygon may be afflicted with as well as taking on those pesky Fighting-types. As long as one has all of Porygon's weaknesses covered, you will drive your opponet even more crazy than the parents who had to spend the night in A and E with their seizure-suffering children.
 

apt-get

it's not over 'til it's over
is a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnus

Grimer @ Eviolite
Trait: Sticky Hold
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Def / 36 SDef
Impish Nature
- Poison Jab
- Shadow Sneak
- Fire Punch
- Pain Split / Ice Punch


Chikorita @ Eviolite
Trait: Overgrow
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 196 Def / 156 SDef
Calm Nature
- Aromatherapy
- Giga Drain
- Toxic
- Synthesis


Lickitung @ Eviolite
Trait: Own Tempo
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 236 Def / 76 SDef
Impish Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Dragon Tail
- Heal Bell / Toxic / Body Slam

iirc good_luck! started this core, it's pretty effective. grimer counters fightings, chikorita counters sand, lickitung counters everything else. With two potential clerics, a wisher and a bulky attacker, this core is p nice.
 
Ok added porygon and sarks core. I hope you don't mind sark but I expanded the descriptions little so new players would be more informed on how the core works for what its worth.

Nice start to the project people keep up the good work!
 

apt-get

it's not over 'til it's over
is a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
^I'd also like to note that it's one of the few defensive cores that is not breaked apart by MixKrow most of the time:
240 Atk Life Orb Murkrow Brave Bird vs. 196 HP / 236+ Def Eviolite Lickitung: 12-16 (42.85 - 57.14%) -- 12.11% chance to 2HKO after hail

(12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 16)


While for the loved-and-trusted porygon...
240 Atk Life Orb Murkrow Brave Bird vs. 236 HP / 196+ Def Eviolite Porygon: 12-16 (46.15 - 61.53%) -- 96.48% chance to 2HKO after weather
 
^ Thanks for that added.

here is one of the most annoying Pokémon in LC:

Cottonee @ Eviolite
Trait: Prankster
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Def / 196 SDef / 76 Spd
Impish Nature
- Substitute / Protect
- Leech Seed
- Stun Spore
- Encore / Taunt

Cottonees acces to Prankster makes it a very annoying support Pokémon. It may not have the bulk that other Pokémon have in this thread but it makes up for it in its priority status moves. Leech Seed + Substitute give it priority 'Subseeding' letting it stall the opponent whilst gaining health back in return. Protect is also often used to scout what the opponent is going for without losing 25% of your health. If the opponent goes for a move like Substitute or Dragon Dance then either Taunt or Encore will help to shut it down. Although not too bulky Cottonee has decent defense factoring in Eviolite, and it resists the main moves of common Water-types like Chinchou and Staryu. Stun Spore allows Cottonee to cripple threats. In summary, it is practically impossible to get a set up sweeper to set up when Cottonee is around and that is the main reason why it deserves a spot on this list.
 

Bronzor @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 220 HP, 4 Att, 68 Def, 4 SpAtt, 148 SpeDef, 16 Spe
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Toxic
- Flash Cannon/ Stealth Rock/ Rest / Skill Swap

With its Steel/Psychic Typing and its ability, Levitate, Bronzor's sole weakness is fire. With the given spread, Bronzor's defense reaches 16, and its special defense reaches 17. Add in an eviolite, and you get a very very bulky wall. However, its mediocre attack and special attack stats mean that its main way of "dealing damage" is through toxic. Bronzor is bulky enough to set up both screens before passing it on to a sweeper like Cranidos or a Shell Smasher like Shellder or Tirtouga who are given ample time to set up and sweep. Flash Cannon provides another way to attack, and Stealth Rock for racking in some extra damage. Rest is Bronzor's only means of recovery. Skill Swap helps if Magnet Pull Magnemite or Nosepass comes in to trap it, or if Sand Rush Drilbur (This however makes it susceptible to earthquake) or Skill Link Shellder attempt to sweep through your team

Threats: Scraggy can come in and Dragon Dance for as long as it likes, for it doesn't fear toxic a lot due to shed skin. Misdreavus can Nasty Plot twice and 2HKO it (3HKO if Light Screen is up). Shell Smash Tirtouga, Swords Dance Drilbur, technically anything that can set up on this guy is a threat to him. Taunt also stops Bronzor in its tracks, as it relies mainly on status moves.


I'm pretty new here so forgive me if this is pretty bad. I'm pretty sure it has flaws that I haven't brought up yet, so if there's anything wrong please tell me.
 
@ Cxinlee added your set. It wasn't too bad although I did make sime slight tweaks. Also at the end I wrote about how the regular tank set is usually better unless you want to use dual screens. Nice job and I hope you contribute more :)

@ Nebuchadnezzar reserving Pokémon is fine so guys feel free to do it if you want!
 

Ferroseed@Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: IV 0 - 164 HP / 188 Def / 148 SDef
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Protect
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Gyro Ball

About defensive LC pokemon is quite important to highlight Ferroseed. With excellent defensive values, good teammate of Frillish and Chinchou (see previous set) it can be used as an entry hazard, so difficult to take it down also considering about eviolite (of course) and the ability Iron Barbs, so annoying for the opponent.

Leech Seed and Protect hold back many situations, also strengthens HP. Spikes is the primary reason to use Ferroseed, Gyro Ball or Bulled Seed are good attacking moves (above all the first)
 
I like how a lot of sets have been posted! The Quaser nice submission! Although I found the description a little bit vague. Not to worry because I will edit the description to make it a little bit better later ( mainly explaining what its move do among other things)

Just to add to the discussion I believe what makes a Defensive Pokémon viable in Little Cup is if its able to check some common threats in the metagame, while also being able to support the team in some way. Whether it be setting up hazards, acting as a Cleric, providing rapid spin support, spreading status like Spore, Toxic, Stun Spore, Thunder Wave, beating stat uppers (clear smog, whirlwind, encore) I also think recovery is great on these defensive Pokémon although some of them might not have acces to it. Lets look at some common examples and see if they A) check common Pokémon in the tier, B) provide useful support and C) have recovery

Foongus
A) checks common Water-types: Chinchou and Staryu, also its Fighting-type resist and Clear Smog come in handy against Timburr and Scraggy
B) Provides utility in the form of status spreading (Spore, Stun Spore) and stopping set up sweepers (Clear Smog)
C) it has recovery in Giga Drain and Regenarator

Porygon
A) good mixed wall capable of walling strong special attackers especially (Misdreavus, Abra)
B) It can spread Thunder Wave
C) It has Recover

Ferroseed
A) checks Chinchou, Staryu, Tirtouga and many other Water-types
B) provides support in the form of entry hazards (Spikes Stealth Rock) and status (ThunderWave)
C) has recovery (sort of) in the form of Leech Seed

It may not be essential to have these three things but they are definitely good assets on a defensive mon that I always look for when trying to fit them on my team. Of course some defensive Pokémon are still great without recovery! e.g Bronzor
 

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