Lower Tier Threats

[ShootingStarmie]

Lower-Tier Threats​

Despite not being OU Pokemon, many threats such as Kingdra, Weavile, and Mew can thrive in the OU metagame. These Pokemon can fill valuable niches that no OU Pokemon can, and can also catch players who don't prepare for them off guard. The goal of this thread is to discuss the impact that lower tier Pokemon can have in the OU environment. What unique role do they fill, and what makes them so effective in OU? This thread is meant to help uncover hidden gems from some of the lower tiers, and help broaden the constraints that many players put on themselves when building teams. This thread can also be used to maybe inspire you to use something that isn't standard.

Whenever a new Pokemon is posted for discussion, the post must at least include these two pieces of information:
a. What role or niche does this Pokemon fill?
b. What makes this Pokemon effective in the current OU metagame?
You may also post a certain effective set that you think this Pokemon can run, and analyse what makes that set effective.

Talking about your experiences and perhaps providing replays could be beneficial for this thread. If you have any of these, please share for others to see your nomination in action.

A Pokemon that is completely outclassed by another in the same role should not be discussed. Same goes for Pokemon whose role is not valuable, or ones who are too weak to be competitive in the OU tier. After it has been discussed, any Pokemon that people decide fills a valuable role in the tier will be edited into the OP.

As a last note -- what I'm looking for in posted sets:

[sprite]
Pokemon @ Item
Trait: Ability
EVs: EV Spread
[X] Nature
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4

[A short description of how the set works -- around a paragraph is good enough]

Notable Lower Tier Threats:

Hide

Abomasnow by Morpheus (Hail Support / Lure)

Accelgor by DoABarrelRoll (Spikes Lead)

Aerodactyl by Trinitrotoluene (Stealth Rock Lead)

Amoonguss by ShootinStarmie (Special Wall / Utility)

Arcanine by Mence55 (Physical Sweeper)

Azelf by Hot N Cold (Suicide Lead)

Bisharp by Grimsly (SD Sweeper)

Blastoise by Asterat (Defensive Rapid Spin)

Chandelure by Starline (Special Sweeper)

Cincinno by wesley8631 (Cleaner / Sweeper)

Cobalion by Morpheus (Offensive Pivot / SR setter)

Cresselia by Shell Shocker (Physical Wall)

Darmanitan by G-Von (Sun revenge killer / Sweeper)

Ditto by X5Dragon (Revenge Killer)

Druddigon by Cowtao (Lead)

Durant by G-Von (Physical Attacker)

Dusknoir by DoABarrelRoll (Focus Punch set)

Exeggutor by cosmicdonutsummer (Mixed Sun Sweeper)

Feraligatr by RiskVsRewardPlayer (Rain Physical Sweeper)

Froslass by Hot N Cold (Spikes Suicide Lead)

Galventula by G-Von (Special Attacker)

Gothielle by namehtmas (Trapper / Support)

Heracross by Legitimate Username (Revenge Killer / Late Game Cleaner)

Heracross by DoABarrelRoll (Wall Breaker)

Honchkrow by Matt Tuck (Wall Breaker / Late Game Cleaner)

Jynx by MikeDawg (Special Sweeper)

Kingdra by X5Dragon (LO Rain Dance Sweeper)

Kingdra by TeraVoltage (Wall breaker)

Kyurem by DoABarrelRoll (Choice Scarf)

Kyurem by MX42 (Sub Roost)

Lanturn by Ronnie the Bear (SpDef Wall)

Lilligant by Scotti (Sun Sweeper)

Ludicolo by Kaifi (Anti Rain Sweeper)

Mandibuzz by mbh (Special Wall)

Meloetta by Legitimate Username (Mixed Attacker)

Mew by Shurtagal (Suicide lead)

Mew by ShootinStarmie (Stall breaker)

Mew by Moonclawz (Nasty Plot Sweeper)

Mienshao by 99_Problems (Choice Scarf)

Moltres by Chou Toshio (Wall Breaker / Sweeper)

Nidoqueen by DoABarrel Roll (SR Tank)

Porygon2 by Legitimate Username (Mixed Wall)

Quagsire by ShootinStarmie (Physical Wall)

Rotom-M by Dr Ciel (Bulky attacker)

Sableye by TeraVoltage (Stall breaker)

Sandslash by Bedschibaer (Rapid Spin)

Sawsbuck by Prosecutor Godot (Sun Sweeper)

Scrafty by DoABarrelRoll (Dragon Dance)

Shaymin by Shurtugal (Wall Breaker / Special Attacker)

Sigilyph by RedsCharizard (Mixed Wall)

Sharpedo by cirlo (Rain Sweeper)

Shiftry by Gary2346 & SoulMuse (Sun Sweeper)

Slowbro by Scarfwynaut (Physical Wall)

Slowking by Morpheus (Trick Room Sweeper)

Staraptor by Lord of Bays (Wall Breaker)

Stoutland by G-Von (Sand Revenge Killer / Late game cleaner)

Stoutland by The Great Mighty Doom (Sand Revenge Killer / Late game cleaner)

Suicune by PDC (Offensive tank)

Tangrowth by ShootinStarmie (Physical Wall)

Tangrowth by PDC (Sun Sweeper)

Tornadus by Chou Toshio (Rain Special Sweeper / Support)

Tornadus by X5Dragon (Non Rain Physical attacker)

Victini by G-Von (Sun wall Breaker)

Victini by Lord of Bays (Trick Room Sweeper)

Victini by LilOuOn (Special Lure)

Victreebel by anty208 (Sun Sweeper)

Venomoth by Bologo (Bulky Quiver Dance Sweeper / Baton Pass)

Weavile by GCSChris (Revenge Killer / Pursuit trapper)

Xatu by Sacaen (Support)

Zapdos by jpw234 (Physical Wall)

Zoroark by Meteorr (Choice Specs)

Zoroark by Jukain (Mixed attacker)

 

[X5Dragon]

I honestly thought people were gonna realize how good this pokemon can be especially facing the threats of OU today but the July stats were kind of disappointed (I think it actually dropped from last month, whatever):

Kingdra @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 HP / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Rain Dance
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Pulse/Ice Beam
- Surf/Hydro Pump

This set works wonders on weatherless teams, and since according to the last stats around 50% of team are weatherless and another 25% run Drizzle, you won't find any trouble setting up rain or even getting it for free. Rain Dance acts like an agility boost and 2.5 mystic waters all at once. A special Kingdra is preferred because for one you will not care for any burn attempts that the foe might attempt in vain, and second Kingdra's special attack arsenal takes more advantage of the situation. Speaking of which, this set tends to resort to fully accurate moves most of the time, because if something fails to hit Kingdra might not live to do much in the next turns. I did save a slot for Draco Meteor, which I feel does better against rain pokemon such as Toxicroak, Tentacruel and other pokemon such as Jellicent. Needless to be said, changing the weather against Sun teams is a death sentence, while Sand loses it passive stalling capabilities and the odd Stoutland here and there while keeping you Multi Scales and Sashes alive. Also, outspeed everything and having the freedom of choice means you can come and clean Scarf Latios, Garchomp, Hydregion, Dragonite, Terrakion, Keledo, Tornadus, Thundrus and several other pokemon and wipe the slate clean. The good thing about Rain is even when the SPA drops because you used Draco Meteor, you Water moves are still good to go because of the Rain boost.


Edit: Kingdra is mine, ALL MINE, MWAHAHAHAHA STAY THE **** away from him...please?

Edit2: Stoutland has lovely blue eyes

 

[GCSChris]

Damn it X5Dragon I was writing up Kingdra when you posted

Weavile
Weavile can fill the niche of Dragon revenge killer AND pursuit trapper. While most people consider Tyraitar and Scizor is Pursuit trap better, and Mamoswine to be the best user of Ice Shard in the tier, Weavile combines those useful traits, able to deal with both Psychic-types and Dragon-types. This gives it a huge niches in OU. It is also faster than Tyranitar, Scizor, and Mamoswine. In fact, it is faster than most of the tier, with a blazing 125 base speed. It can run Swords Dance also, turning it into a potent sweeper. Unfortunately, Weavile has horrible defensive typing, and a weakness to Stealth Rock, and bad bulk. I think this is what keeps most people away from putting Weavile on their team, but it is extremely good at what it does and should not be taken lightly.

 

[NightArch]

Feraligatr @ Mystic water
Trait: Torrent
EVS: 184 hp / 252 atk / 72 spe
Adamant Nature
-Waterfall
-Aqua jet
-Sword dance
-Ice punch/Crunch/Superpower
Feraligatr has a nice niche as a Late game sweeper. With help from his favourite partner, Politoed, He can hit pokes like a truck with a rain boosted waterfall, but that's not why it's a great late game sweeper. The potential comes from his priority move: Aqua jet. It may seem weak at first but when you get rid of feraligatr's checks/counters, he can have a easier time setting up a Sword dance and then proceed to late game sweep with a rain boosted aqua jet. His decent bulk also allows him to set up as he can take hard hits from pokes such as a Choice banded Close combat from a terrakion. For the last slot, Feraligatr also has 3 moves that give it good coverage. Ice punch allows him to deal with dragonite and landorus, Crunch allows him to deal with jellicent that walls my feraligatr, and finally superpower allows him to hit ferrothorn who also walls my feraligatr. Dont be surprised if you got swept by him.

 

[Chou Toshio]

@ Sharp Beak
Trait: Prankster
EVS: 4 def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
naive
-Hurricane
-Superpower
-U-turn
-Tailwind

I think this thing is so beast that half the time people even forget that it is still UU. Huricane is just so incredibly beastly. Flying is truly destructive as STAB, and this is the most powerful flying attack in the game after Ho-Oh's Brave Bird. Sure it has no recourse against SR-- but lots of Pokemon succeed even with an SR weak. Hell, so much of the metagame has no recourse against this thing's STAB hurricane! Just hitting so damn hard and fast is its niche entirely. Even a lot of resists don't want to take Hurricane on, and Superpower makes foes like Tyranitar and Blissey Wary of switching in at all.

Also, while it doesn't have any status moves, Prankster is still a magnificent ability, and Tailwind provides incredibly dangerous support. Taunt is also terrific with Prankster, and can mess with a lot of teams. While we're talking about moves not mentioned here, Heat Wave is really dangerous if rain is not set up, and can really mess with Sun Teams, and Prankster Tailwind can really ruin Venusaur's day too (as it can mess with any Speed boosting setup sweeper).

 

[MikeDawg]

Pokemon @ Life Orb/Leftovers
Trait: Dry Skin
EVs: 4 Def/252 SAtk/252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Lovely Kiss
- Ice Beam
- Nasty Plot

Jynx is one lower tier mon that is often dismissed before it is even considered, namely due to its nu status. But that isn't to say it doesn't find a new position in ou. Take ludicolo for example. While swift swim was allowed, it was an incrediby potent sweeper. After it lost that support, it dropped not only from ou but all the way to the depths of nu as that ou-exclusive support was what provided its niche. Jynx is very similar due to its ability dry skin. It has little use from ru to uu as there is no rain support and jynx doesnt really match up without it. It thrived in nu since that is the tier where it was on equal or greater footing with other mons. Just like swift swimmers though, ou's drizzle gives jynx a new niche as a sub np sweeper. It is able to recover the damage from sub incredibly quickly, meaning it can use life orb with little detriment. It's access to lovely kiss offers it ample setup opprotunities. While one move ice coverage isnt ideal, its easy setup means that it isn't impossible to get up to +4/6. It's abysmal defense means that if it isn't behind a sub, it is very prone to revenge killing. It needs a decent amount of support, but jynx will not dissapoint (and is rather fun!)

 

[ShootingStarmie]

Great examples so far guys. Although @Chou Toshio I'd prefer it if you spilt each set into a single post. It makes it easier for me to add the sets to the OP, and adding "Tornadus / Moltres" doesn't look nearly as neat as I'd like it to. Thank you for your contribution regardless. @MikeDawg I like your suggestion and your description, but could you please follow the format that to OP provided (I know it wasn't there while you posted, but I've edited it now to prevent this in the future). Once you add it I'll add your post to the OP.

Thanks everyone for your contributions so far

 

[G-Von]

Stoutland@Life Orb/Choice Band
Trait: Sand Rush
EV's: 252 Attack/252 Speed/4 Def
Adamant Nature
-Frustration (because im a hipster duh)
-Wild Charge
-Ice fang
-Superpower

Man this thing surprised me the first time I started using him not too long ago. Upon entry with Sandstorm support, Stoutland has its speed doubled and can then outspeed many scarfers. 85/90/90 HP and defenses make it relatively bulky uninvested while it's base 100 attack may seem low, but ends up hitting things pretty damn hard. The reason why it resides all the way down in the depths of NU is because of the lack of permanent sand. Its main niche is being a late game Sandstorm sweeper and the reason why its so effective in the OU metagame is because of its ability helps it outrun so many fast threats.

 

[Chou Toshio]

＠Tornadus-- while we're talking about hurricane abusers who kick ass on sun...

Is truly niche, but truly ridiculous when played correctly. While it lacks Speed, and has a terrible SR weak, Moltres has a lot of key resistances that make it a wonderful defensive asset (less now that Lando was banned, but hey everything has its flaws). More importantly, it shares the exact same insane Hurricane off the same base SpA as Tornadus!! It also has Fire Blast, which means sun has to be even MORE scared by getting rid of Rain, and even sand teams are still threatened. Its Fire Blast is so powerful that it is destroying Jirachi even under rain! 125 SpA is also strong enough to really mess with Heatran with HP Ground, and Tyranitar can't exactly feel safe around a potential HP fighting (which also wins against Heatran), or U-Turn off of 100 base attack.

Specs or Agility Sweeper, Moltres can be a lethal threat with the right support-- especially if it has Tornadus Tailwind support, and the two go about hammering their mutual checks.

 

[Starline]

Chandelure @ Life Orb
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Shadow Ball
- Flamethrower
- Pain Split

Chandelure might not be the sturdiest of spinblockers, but unlike Jellicent and Sableye it can actually take some things down before it gets forced out. Just come in on something that doesn't threaten you (Ferrothorn is everywhere and has got to be the easiest setup bait ever) and set up a substitute, then hit the switch-in hard before leaving again or using Pain Split. If they try to trap you with Tyranitar, you're behind a sub so you can still switch out safely. Other Pursuit users like Scizor and Metagross can't come in on Chandelure anyway. This set doesn't even mind its Stealth Rock weakness much because of the fast Pain Split.

Edited because I had two threads open and originally put the wrong post here.

 

[Princess Bubblegum]

Slowbro @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Psychic
- Slack Off

Slowbro is a criminally underused Pokemon in the BW meta. Slowbro is quite frankly an amazing wall, walling out most of OU's physical threats. It is easier to label the Pokemon Slowbro can't deal with: Scizor,Tyranitar, Breloom, and even against those Pokemon, Slowbro may be able to take a hit, none of them can switch easily into Slowbro either. Its walling potential is made even better with it's access to generator, making it a pain to take out and almost impossible to wear down without crazy spikes support, and despite being Pursuit 'weak' it doesn't take all that much from pursuit.

252 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 182-216 (46.19 - 54.82%)
252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 194-230 (49.23 - 58.37%)
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 296-350 (75.12 - 88.83%) -- 6.25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Only Choice band Tyranitar comes anywhere close to KOing it, the rest can recover most it it's health back thanks to Regenerator, not bad at all.

Anyway, this is the best set IMO. Scald is obvious STAB that also can burn opponents with the right luck. Ice Beam is pretty much mandatory, hurting Dragon-types hard along with Gliscor and Landorus-T, allowing Slowbro to counter them. Psychic allows Slowbro to more effectively check Toxicroak, Terrakion, Cloyster, and Gyarados, as well as hurting Keldeo and Breloom if need be, its also great to break Tentacruel's Sustitute. Slack off recovers health if Slowbro needs immediate recovery.

 

[Schpoonman]

Staraptor @ Choice Band
Trait: Reckless
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Double Edge
- Close Combat
- U-turn

Definitely one of the hardest-hitting Pokemon in the OU tier, when using attacks boosted by Reckless. Adamant Brave Bird and Double Edge can 2HKO SpDef Jirachi with Spike support, and Jolly Reckless Brave Bird (and Double-Edge) is more powerful than Dragonite's Adamant Outrage. Staraptor hits with nuclear force, but has to rely on recoil moves to deal his damage, and this is only compounded by terrible defenses and a weakness to Stealth Rock. Still, Brave Bird and Close Combat have excellent synergy together and Staraptor is an offensive juggernaut that is extremely difficult to wall.

 

[ShootingStarmie]

I'm really liking everyone's contributions so far. I'm seeing some really under-rated yet solid sets posted. Keep it up guys!

 

[Reymedy]

Slowbro @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Psychic
- Slack Off

Slowbro is a criminally underused Pokemon in the BW meta. Slowbro is quite frankly an amazing wall, walling out most of OU's physical threats. It is easier to label the Pokemon Slowbro can't deal with: Scizor,Tyranitar, Breloom, and even against those Pokemon, Slowbro may be able to take a hit, none of them can switch easily into Slowbro either. Its walling potential is made even better with it's access to generator, making it a pain to take out and almost impossible to wear down without crazy spikes support, and despite being Pursuit 'weak' it doesn't take all that much from pursuit.

252 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 182-216 (46.19 - 54.82%)
252+ Atk Choice Band Scizor Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 194-230 (49.23 - 58.37%)
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 296-350 (75.12 - 88.83%) -- 6.25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Only Choice band Tyranitar comes anywhere close to KOing it, the rest can recover most it it's health back thanks to Regenerator, not bad at all.

Anyway, this is the best set IMO. Scald is obvious STAB that also can burn opponents with the right luck. Ice Beam is pretty much mandatory, hurting Dragon-types hard along with Gliscor and Landorus-T, allowing Slowbro to counter them. Psychic allows Slowbro to more effectively check Toxicroak, Terrakion, Cloyster, and Gyarados, as well as hurting Keldeo and Breloom if need be, its also great to break Tentacruel's Sustitute. Slack off recovers health if Slowbro needs immediate recovery.

I don't see why Ice Beam > Twave.
Gliscor and Lando can't hurt you bar status (anyway if gliscor wants to toxic, he'll do it as he's faster), it also reduces greatly the number of switch in (think about Latias who doesn't care that much about Ice Beam, Rotom-W, Jirachi, stuff like Crunch Luke, Kyurem-b etc..). And well Nite has Scale to take one Ice Beam, and sometimes a Lum to sponge a Twave so it's a status-quo here. The only downside is Chomp but this one can't deal much unless SD (I'm pretty sure he takes an IB) and probably Thundy (you'd be bold to do something against him with Slowbro).
It also eases alot the prediction and stop set-uppers. Say, Breloom switchs in, you Twave, now you can fire off that Psychic, same goes for any sweeper. Imagine now a Volcarona about to set-up on your helpless Slowbro and then proceed to destroy your team, stop him !
Not saying Ice Beam is bad, but I'll put Twave instead of almost all my Slowbro teams imo.

Good idea to bring the Bro in here though.

 

[Princess Bubblegum]

I don't see why Ice Beam > Twave.
Gliscor and Lando can't hurt you bar status (anyway if gliscor wants to toxic, he'll do it as he's faster), it also reduces greatly the number of switch in (think about Latias who doesn't care that much about Ice Beam, Rotom-W, Jirachi, stuff like Crunch Luke, Kyurem-b etc..). And well Nite has Scale to take one Ice Beam, and sometimes a Lum to sponge a Twave so it's a status-quo here. The only downside is Chomp but this one can't deal much unless SD (I'm pretty sure he takes an IB) and probably Thundy (you'd be bold to do something against him with Slowbro).
It also eases alot the prediction and stop set-uppers. Say, Breloom switchs in, you Twave, now you can fire off that Psychic, same goes for any sweeper. Imagine now a Volcarona about to set-up on your helpless Slowbro and then proceed to destroy your team, stop him !
Not saying Ice Beam is bad, but I'll put Twave instead of almost all my Slowbro teams imo.

Good idea to bring the Bro in here though.

The thing is Slowbro, at least for me, actually needs to be able to KO those threats, in particular Dragons, crippling them isn't enough, the ability to outright kill off Dragonite, Garchomo, Salamence, ect, after a little prior damage is priceless.

Also, if I were to paralyze Volcarona by accident, I would lose to it. I combat it via Blissey's Toxic. :p

 

[TGMD]

I know this has already been done, but I don't think the set is optimal, and I think it could do with some more information:

Stoutland @ Choice Band
Trait: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Return
- Superpower
- Wild Charge
- Pursuit

Stoutland has a great niche in the metagame as being one of the very few real sand abusers left. With Excadrill, Sand Veil, and the recent Landorus-I, one of the few viable Sand Force users left (although it barely ever used that set), now gone, the only Pokemon in OU that really gain any sort of boost from sand are rock types. However, the only Rock types in OU are Tyranitar and Terrakion. So, at the current time, it may seem like there's no reason to run sand other than to remove rain / sun, and / or use Tyranitar or Hippowdon as a way to help out a Pokemon that doesn't benefit from sand whatsoever (eg. Tyranitar traps mons Keldeo). That is unless you plunge into the depths of NU to find Dog aka Stoutland.

Now with that unnecessarily long story-like intro paragraph out of the way, let's move onto Stoutland's merits. First of all, under sand, Stoutland is faster than the entire metagame other than Scarfed base 108s+, which pretty much only includes Keldeo, Terrakion, maybe Gengar, and Latios if we're looking solely at viable Scarf users. In addition, although Stoutland lacks a very high Attack stat, it has some pretty solid, powerful coverage, and can OHKO pretty much every sweeper in the game, making it an incredibly solid revenge killer, as well as a sweeper. Finally, Stoutland has some incredibly solid bulk, it can survive every single priority move in the game other than a Mach Punch from a Life Orb / Fight Gem / Choice Band Breloom, that includes even the likes of Choice Band Conkeldurr, who does a maximum of 94.53% with Mach Punch.

Stoutland is not without it's bad points however, it does need support to reach it's full potential, and that means sand, and either Magnezone / Spikes support, as it's pretty much useless outside of sand, and it's Returns aren't powerful enough to break through steel types, which may not seem like a problem, since it has Superpower, but that's simply not spammable due to it's lack of power and the debuffs it causes. However, Stoutland's pros certainly outweighs it's cons, and it does an amazing job as one hell of a revenge killer and of the last few sand abusers.

 

[hyperbeem]

Mew @ Leftovers
Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 60 HP / 252 Atk / 196 Spe
Adamant nature
- Swords Dance
- Zen Headbutt
- Sucker Punch
- Drain Punch

Explanation:

Part 1

Subsection 1:
-Beat Reyscarface without hax

Hide

-Unexpected
-Sucker punch handles fast stuff l (gar, lati, starm, etc)
-Zen hits like a truck (fuck ice punch it's garbage)
-Drain punch = good recovery
-Lefties for survivability
-Outspeeds mamo and dnite and stuff (base 80s)
-KING

 

[dadoux]

Slowking @ Life Orb
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 232 HP / 252 SAtk / 24 SpD
Quiet nature
- Trick Room
- Surf
- Psyshock
- Ice Beam / Fire Blast / Shadow Ball

This pokemon is actually really good as a late game sweeper in today's metagame. In a metagame with really high speeds, a lot of fighting pokemons and stuff, Slowking work perfectly, notice how Keldeo who is a really big top tier atm is totally walled by this set, changing his statut from a dangerous thread as a cute set-up fodder. The set is pretty self explanatory, Surf is the obvious stabb (OHKOing Scizor and Skarmory under the rain !), Psyshock can wreck a lot of pokemon, Breloom, Keldeo, Terrakion, Tentacruel and Toxicroak for a quick list. The last move is your choice, Ice beam is a clean OHKO on Garchomp, Dragonite, and does a good amound of damage on the L@ti twins, Fire blast is good if you really hate Ferrothorn like I do and it can destroy Scizor, Jirachi and Skarmory without the Rain support, and Shadow ball is for Pokemons like Jellicent. Regenerator is also a great ability, making Slowking able to do some quick damage and comeback for the lategame.

 

[Reymedy]

The thing is Slowbro, at least for me, actually needs to be able to KO those threats, in particular Dragons, crippling them isn't enough, the ability to outright kill off Dragonite, Garchomo, Salamence, ect, after a little prior damage is priceless.

Also, if I were to paralyze Volcarona by accident, I would lose to it. I combat it via Blissey's Toxic. :p

It is probably coming from the fact that I play Slowbro in balance teams then. I don't really see his use in stalls exept "mb" in Sand with a regenerator core + spikes. But then you have to use a Spin blocker probably and Jellicent is so redundant. Gengar doesn't fit so well in teams that can't accelerate the pace a bit. Granted, a Slowbro/Amoonguss/Hippo/Skarm/Gengar/Terrak could be effective and is actually close to a bunch of my HippoSands.

 

[ShootingStarmie]

Slowking @ Life Orb
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 232 HP / 252 SAtk / 24 SpD
Quiet nature
- Trick Room
- Surf
- Psyshock
- Ice Beam / Fire Blast / Shadow Ball

This pokemon is actually really good as a late game sweeper in today's metagame. In a metagame with really high speeds, a lot of fighting pokemons and stuff, Slowking work perfectly, notice how Keldeo who is a really big top tier atm is totally walled by this set, changing his statut from a dangerous thread as a cute set-up fodder. The set is pretty self explanatory, Surf is the obvious stabb (OHKOing Scizor and Skarmory under the rain !), Psyshock can wreck a lot of pokemon, Breloom, Keldeo, Terrakion, Tentacruel and Toxicroak for a quick list. The last move is your choice, Ice beam is a clean OHKO on Garchomp, Dragonite, and does a good amound of damage on the L@ti twins, Fire blast is good if you really hate Ferrothorn like I do and it can destroy Scizor, Jirachi and Skarmory without the Rain support, and Shadow ball is for Pokemons like Jellicent. Regenerator is also a great ability, making Slowking able to do some quick damage and comeback for the lategame.

Omg I love this set. I used Slowking recently on one of my teams, and it's so good in cleaning Rain teams late game while also providing a solid Keldeo check for your team. Ii personally like Leftovers over Life Orb, as I feel switching into something like Specs Toed + LO recoil to too much, and I don't think you miss out on any significant KOs. Adding this to the OP because it's epic.

 

[Mence55]

Arcanine @ Life Orb
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 HP / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- ExtremeSpeed
- Wild Charge/Crunch
- Flare Blitz

Arcanine may not be common in OU but it has its own unique set for it to shine.First it has the great ability Intimidate and average bulk it gives Arcanine an opportunity to switch into Physical attackers and hit back hard.Second its fantastic coverage moves like has Close Combat,Flare Blitz,Crunch and Wild Charge it has the moves to hit like a truck when played correctly.Third its access to the move Extremespeed the best priority move it takes out low HP pokemons and fast frail pokemon like Salamence,Infernape,Volcarona,etc.

There is one word that could explain this dog.
Badass!

 

[Cancerous Maximus]

Cincinno @ Life Orb
Trait: Skill Link
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Encore
- Tail Slap
- Rock Blast
- Bullet Seed

Cincinno is a really underrated pokemon which can function as a Cleaner in Higher tiers. Encore locks defensive pokemon like Forretress into undesirable moves. Tail Slap actually does quite alot with STAB. Rock blast and bullet seed function as extra coverage. Life Orb allows it to deal more damage without being made not to switch moves. Jolly Nature allows it to outspeed other threats.

 

[Alter]

I take it we're allowed to post defensive “threats” as well, no?

Cresselia @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SAtk
Bold Nature
IVs: 2 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Moonlight
- Toxic / Reflect

This Pokemon perfectly fits the role of a defensive Sun wall. Not only does it possess ridiculously huge 120 / 120 / 130 base defense stats, it is also backed up with a 66% recovery move under its favored weather condition and a usable Special Attack stat. While the EV spread may scream physically defensive, Cresselia can also take a myriad of hits from the special side as well. This set's main role is to halt physical attackers and use Moonlight to stay healthy. Toxic is prefered over Reflect as it allows Cresselia to beat Pokemon like Keldeo and Jellicent. Ice Beam and HP Fire both target the Pokemon that are x4 weak to each respective move, meaning it hits Landorus, Gliscor, Scizor, Ferrothorn, Forretress, Dragonite, Salamence and Garchomp all for x4 super-effective damage. What makes it so effective in the current OU metagame is that there are little offensive threats that can overpower it and most that can (e.g. Tyranitar, Heatran) are dismantled by the friendly assistance of Dugtrio. Reflect is an option over Cresselia as it can minimize the damage it takes from set-up sweepers and can be used to support team mates of Cresselia. A physically defensive spread is preferred as Cresselia already has a higher Special Defense and physically offensive Pokemon are more common things that Cresselia can wall with its useful resistance to Fighting. The IVs give Cresselia HP Fire whilst minimizing damage taken from confusion and Foul Play.

 

[Ryanor]

@wesley8631 I've tried this set out a while ago and it works really well, but I'd prefer King's Rock rather than Life Orb. You can bluff a choice item and every move has around 40% chance to flinch your opponent, which is great, specially paired with its high speed.

 

[ShootingStarmie]

Well, I may as well contribute to my own thread right?

Amoonguss @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 228 SDef / 28 SAtk
Calm Nature
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stun Spore / Clear Smog


Amoonguss is a funny little mushroom Pokemon that can succeed in the OU environment. It's main niche is being able to switch into boosted Water type attacks easily, while also putting a Pokemon to sleep thanks to Spore. Amoongus has solid 114 / 70 / 80 defenses, and it's typing allows it to switch into Keldeo, Politoed, and Rotom-W easily. It also can check a few physical attackers, like Breloom and Terrakion. Regenerator is an amazing ability, as it allows Amoonguss to recovery 33% of it's health every time it switches out, allowing Amoonguss to stay around for the majority of the match. The given EV spread provides Amoonguss with as much special bulk as possible while also giving it the ability to break +2 Keldeo's Substitutes 100% of the time with Giga Drain. A more physical spread with a Bold nature is usable in order to better take on Pokemon such as Breloom and Conkeldurr, but Amoonguss will lose its ability to wall the aforementioned Drizzle threats.

Spore is a fantastic move, as it basically removes one Pokemon from the game. Giga Drain is STAB, and offers decent recovery as well as an attack to hit Keldeo, Politoed, and other powerful water types. Hidden Power Ice is the suggested coverage move, as it hits a lot of Pokemon such as Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Dragonite for super effective damage. These attacks are coming off a decent base 85 SpAtk, and allows Amoonguss to not become set up fodder for these Pokemon. Stun Spore is used to paralyse faster threats that like to switch into Amoonguss, such as Latios, offensive Heatran, and Lucario, thinking they can force Amoonguss out or use it as set up fodder. Clear Smog is slashed however to become a solid counter to CM Keldeo and SD Breloom.

Very great Pokemon, although I expect it's usage to drop drasctically if Keldeo if banned.