I signed up for snake 3 on a whim, not really expecting to get picked just as I had done for the first two editions. This was fair. I had never attempted to pick up DOU and other players took it seriously. I really enjoy smogon team tournaments and I felt like given the chance it might be fun to try out doubles, but I was prepared to shrug and move on as I'd done twice before. The draft was going on while Ezrael (Jon), Tman (Tommy), Spurrific (Burns), Human (Enosh), myself, and a bunch of other people irrelevant to this post were going out for an early dinner at VGC worlds. We'd all been knocked out of the tournament by that point (some of us earlier than others; Burns was a game away from cut, I was out by round 5) and were watching the draft on spotty data from the restaurant. Word came in that Jon got picked 60th by the ABRs, Enosh went 63rd, and I went 66th. Tommy and Burns were both still on the board, and given that they were both skilled players who, unlike me, had actually played DOU before, I set out to correct this injustice and get my team to pick one of them. Unfortunately I couldn't get a message through to smogtours, and by the time I was able to successfully send a "draft tman" to Eternal Spirit I was informed that we had already drafted talkingtree (love tree btw). Fortunately, they both ended up getting picked.
I'm only going to comment on the teams worth sharing. Building a novel and good DOU team every week is pretty much impossible, especially in a format that has been out for 3 years. There were a few weeks (3 of my 4 losses) where the team I brought was just not up to snuff. I'll still include those teams, but they're largely not worth discussion.
The nicknames are Hearthstone cards, with most weeks featuring decks that I was playing/interested in at that time.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-454844
Later that weekend, Tommy had mentioned that he thought Transform Mew was pretty good and an underrated threat and so I took that direction and tried it out. Blastoise felt like a potent partner, as it offers a ton of options via Fake Out (and Protect) to allow Mew to safely set speed control, and then it's an effective abuser with Water Spout. It's a very threatening Transform target as well, and double Blastoise can end games early versus some teams. SD Kartana is another extremely potent Tailwind abuser and Transform target, and it provides gas to close a game after Blastoise has blasted holes in the team. Focus Sash allows it to, when necessary, get a SD up and eat a hit before trading off the Kartana check and allowing Mew to pick up where it left off, somewhat similar to how Healing Wish functions in singles. Eject Button Incineroar allows the team's sweepers (or Goth) to get into position without eating a hit, which is often vital for mons relying on Water Spout and Focus Sash. Shadow Tag is a broken mechanic, and this team utilizes Gothitelle to keep its sweepers safe, allowing them to take KOs on mons caught out of position. The Landorus is something of a filler slot; with a Z move unused at this point and only two mons which can really deal damage, Skystrike Lando felt like a pretty good catch-all utility choice. It (especially with Gothitelle) offers a precision strike which is more or less the team's only way to efficiently remove mons like Amoonguss and Kommo-o (transforming into opposing pokemon can work but it's not great to rely on it). It's also a pretty effective third Transform target; two Landorus in Tailwind Earthquaking next to each other is pretty potent. The team overall is very fun, and while it has limitations (only two pokemon are especially offensively threatening and it has two pokemon dedicated purely to support, which means that it lacks redundancy against most threats) Gothitelle often allows it to pick its spots and run away with games. I lost to SMB because I wanted to stunt with double Blastoise in my first DOU game; there was a point midgame (turn 8, after Goth fainted) where sending in Kartana and clicking SD + Aura Sphere won the game. I saw that line, but I thought my position was good enough regardless and I ended up getting ground down in a well fought endgame.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-455666
I wasn't exactly sure how to prepare for Kyle, so I decided to explore Stakataka, an idea my vgc friend Raghav had tried when we were hanging out playing DOU on Monday after worlds. He took it in a completely different direction but the mon seemed good enough to mess around with. I decided to pair it with Gothitelle and use it as a removal tool for fairies to set up situations for clanger to Clang. Volcanion and Venusaur contribute to the fairy removal strategy while being powerful mons who can capitalize on Trick Room turns. Expert Belt Volcanion is a set that I'd like to highlight. Volcanion put up an atrocious record of 3-10 in snake, and without going too far into my thoughts on it (mon is Cheeks), its role on this team was pretty clearly defined (hit stuff including Fini hard with Trick Room and Shadow Tag support) and it struggles when splashed onto a team without a clear goal and proper support. This calc is one of the main draws of Volcanion imo
252+ SpA Expert Belt Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 252 HP / 136+ SpD Incineroar: 406-482 (103 - 122.3%)
and if you're not one shotting Incineroar you're using a mon that wins 2 out of 12 games.
Rant on Volcanion aside, Genesect Gothitelle can be a pretty oppressive combination as well, and Genesect continues to pile on the fairy hate. Jon brought a similar team to his week 2 game as well, swapping Diancie in for Stakataka and Incineroar for Volcanion.
These teams aren't good. Week 3 I didn't know what to bring/didn't have any ideas so tree made me some bleh Charizard stuff, Week 4 I tried to get cute with Encore Gardevoir + Shadow Tag. Both were sound beatings by better players. I'd like to have these games back so I could have real games versus two of the top players in the tour, but, I had my shot. They don't deserve more discussion.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-459323
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-463045
Crackhead Rain. The first viable team I built in DOU, I made it back during SPL for Jon because I wanted him to run more Kingdra. He didn't like it but made Gardy Rain instead so I shut up about it. The team has gas and follows it up with more gas, and any support options are there only because they allow the team to deal more damage in the face of metagame threats. Kingdra and Swampert in the rain are absolutely nutty and I have no clue why people didn't bring them more frequently. Ludicolo is quite potent as well and it provides a more controlled pace to the "Death by Water" gameplan. Tsareena ensures that the team doesn't have to stop clicking water moves because of Fake Out, and slow U-turns let the hitters get in prime murder position. It also fights Fini. Scarf Politoed is better than any other set on this team, Pelipper is the primary early game rain setter to capitalize on Damp Rock and Politoed serving as a potential cleaning threat in its own right can often make the difference, especially against Metagross and Kartana. Scarf Encore is the primary counterplay against Wide Guard, and it can put in work against CM Fini, Porygon2, etc.
Rain is good.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-460640
I didn't have anything good so tree made this. The team feels a little bit wonky to pilot early game, it can struggle to find its footing for the first few turns but after turn 3 or 4 a switch flips and you find yourself in a position with a couple Nature's Madness already placed into back mons and Gothitelle sitting next to a Nihilego that's stacking beast boosts or a +2 Scizor and the game snowballs.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-460874
Jon pointed out that some pairs of pokemon had really strong winrates in the combo usage stats. I tried to make a team based off of pairs of pokemon's winrates. I ended up with a bunch of good mons that don't do anything. It tested out ok but got beaten up in the game. I also could've played better.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-462474
Jon passed me this team, read about it in his thread (weeks 3 and semifinals). Max HP Max+ Sdef Lando is the truth. The main tip for using this team is set up Volcarona early, everything else then falls into place.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-463628
I made this team during week 9 to fight Stratos. It did really well in its tests, winning against nearly everything we put it up against. The issue was it had a negative Stax sample matchup, and after opening the week with trash talk like this in the DOU discord
I couldn't choose to not walk the walk; hard rain's Stax sample matchup is Quite Good so I brought that instead. I brought this to semifinals because we had already lost and Jon asked me if I could hold off from using the team I'd planned to bring against Emilio, and this was something in my builder. I think it's definitely one of the more solid teams that I've built; Goth Kommo-o Scizor isn't at all new but it's generally potent. Genesect abuses Shadow Tag well, and AV Koko gets a lot of value. Wild Charge probably deserves a bit more play than it gets, it hurts Charizard a lot more than special moves.
BONUS
Oh what could have been. Emilio and I both independently came up with Clanger Rain and he ran it in finals:
He would've used it in semis but, like me, wanted to hold off on bringing it because the series was already over. They're the two most potent offensive threats in the tier
and putting them on the same team is just very powerful. The pacing of the team is a little odd; you kind of spin your wheels a bit getting into position to throw a haymaker and then every couple of turns Kingdra says "pick" and a couple mons die. Venu, Koko, and Encore Politoed pressure CM Fini, with the former two providing strong general damage output. Taunt Incin pays lip service to Trick Room, which is pretty well covered by Venu + Kingdra anyways. Clang Rain is insane, defensive synergy be damned. When HH Muddy Water ohkoes Tapu Lele and Mega Metagross who needs a steel type?
Overall I had a blast playing DOU during snake. I hope to stick around for gen 8 DOU, thanks for making me feel welcome.
I'm only going to comment on the teams worth sharing. Building a novel and good DOU team every week is pretty much impossible, especially in a format that has been out for 3 years. There were a few weeks (3 of my 4 losses) where the team I brought was just not up to snuff. I'll still include those teams, but they're largely not worth discussion.
The nicknames are Hearthstone cards, with most weeks featuring decks that I was playing/interested in at that time.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-454844
Consecration (Blastoise-Mega) @ Blastoisinite
Ability: Rain Dish
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Water Spout
- Aura Sphere
- Fake Out
- Protect
Time Out (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Trick Room
- Heal Pulse
- Helping Hand
- Protect
Shirvallah the Cat (Incineroar) @ Eject Button
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 32 Def / 136 SpD / 88 Spe
Careful Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Fake Out
- U-turn
Holy Wrath (Kartana) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Sacred Sword
- Protect
High Priest Thekal (Landorus-Therian) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 96 HP / 160 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Fly
- U-turn
- Protect
Zephrys the Great (Mew) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Synchronize
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Tailwind
- Fake Out
- Transform
- Taunt
Ability: Rain Dish
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Water Spout
- Aura Sphere
- Fake Out
- Protect
Time Out (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Trick Room
- Heal Pulse
- Helping Hand
- Protect
Shirvallah the Cat (Incineroar) @ Eject Button
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 32 Def / 136 SpD / 88 Spe
Careful Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Fake Out
- U-turn
Holy Wrath (Kartana) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Sacred Sword
- Protect
High Priest Thekal (Landorus-Therian) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 96 HP / 160 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Fly
- U-turn
- Protect
Zephrys the Great (Mew) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Synchronize
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Tailwind
- Fake Out
- Transform
- Taunt
Later that weekend, Tommy had mentioned that he thought Transform Mew was pretty good and an underrated threat and so I took that direction and tried it out. Blastoise felt like a potent partner, as it offers a ton of options via Fake Out (and Protect) to allow Mew to safely set speed control, and then it's an effective abuser with Water Spout. It's a very threatening Transform target as well, and double Blastoise can end games early versus some teams. SD Kartana is another extremely potent Tailwind abuser and Transform target, and it provides gas to close a game after Blastoise has blasted holes in the team. Focus Sash allows it to, when necessary, get a SD up and eat a hit before trading off the Kartana check and allowing Mew to pick up where it left off, somewhat similar to how Healing Wish functions in singles. Eject Button Incineroar allows the team's sweepers (or Goth) to get into position without eating a hit, which is often vital for mons relying on Water Spout and Focus Sash. Shadow Tag is a broken mechanic, and this team utilizes Gothitelle to keep its sweepers safe, allowing them to take KOs on mons caught out of position. The Landorus is something of a filler slot; with a Z move unused at this point and only two mons which can really deal damage, Skystrike Lando felt like a pretty good catch-all utility choice. It (especially with Gothitelle) offers a precision strike which is more or less the team's only way to efficiently remove mons like Amoonguss and Kommo-o (transforming into opposing pokemon can work but it's not great to rely on it). It's also a pretty effective third Transform target; two Landorus in Tailwind Earthquaking next to each other is pretty potent. The team overall is very fun, and while it has limitations (only two pokemon are especially offensively threatening and it has two pokemon dedicated purely to support, which means that it lacks redundancy against most threats) Gothitelle often allows it to pick its spots and run away with games. I lost to SMB because I wanted to stunt with double Blastoise in my first DOU game; there was a point midgame (turn 8, after Goth fainted) where sending in Kartana and clicking SD + Aura Sphere won the game. I saw that line, but I thought my position was good enough regardless and I ended up getting ground down in a well fought endgame.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-455666
Tirion Fordring (Stakataka) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 248 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Rock Slide
- Trick Room
- Protect
Savage Roar (Kommo-o) @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Clanging Scales
- Flamethrower
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
Shadowstep (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 92 Def / 136 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Helping Hand
- Taunt
- Trick Room
- Protect
Eviscerate (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
- Ice Beam
- Iron Head
Flamestrike (Volcanion) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 124 HP / 252 SpA / 132 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Steam Eruption
- Heat Wave
- Sludge Bomb
- Protect
Wild Growth (Venusaur-Mega) @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 200 HP / 160 SpA / 148 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Protect
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 248 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Rock Slide
- Trick Room
- Protect
Savage Roar (Kommo-o) @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Clanging Scales
- Flamethrower
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
Shadowstep (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 92 Def / 136 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Helping Hand
- Taunt
- Trick Room
- Protect
Eviscerate (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
- Ice Beam
- Iron Head
Flamestrike (Volcanion) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 124 HP / 252 SpA / 132 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Steam Eruption
- Heat Wave
- Sludge Bomb
- Protect
Wild Growth (Venusaur-Mega) @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 200 HP / 160 SpA / 148 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Protect
252+ SpA Expert Belt Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 252 HP / 136+ SpD Incineroar: 406-482 (103 - 122.3%)
and if you're not one shotting Incineroar you're using a mon that wins 2 out of 12 games.
Rant on Volcanion aside, Genesect Gothitelle can be a pretty oppressive combination as well, and Genesect continues to pile on the fairy hate. Jon brought a similar team to his week 2 game as well, swapping Diancie in for Stakataka and Incineroar for Volcanion.
Zygarde @ Soft Sand
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 64 HP / 216 Atk / 28 SpD / 200 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Glare
- Coil
- Protect
Kartana @ Grassium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 120 HP / 136 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Leaf Blade
- Sacred Sword
- Substitute
- Protect
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 56 HP / 200 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Overheat
- Tailwind
- Protect
Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam
- Defog
Scrafty @ Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 136 SpD / 108 Spe
Careful Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Genesect @ Assault Vest
Ability: Download
EVs: 184 Atk / 100 SpA / 224 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 64 HP / 216 Atk / 28 SpD / 200 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Glare
- Coil
- Protect
Kartana @ Grassium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 120 HP / 136 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Leaf Blade
- Sacred Sword
- Substitute
- Protect
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 56 HP / 200 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Overheat
- Tailwind
- Protect
Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dazzling Gleam
- Defog
Scrafty @ Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 136 SpD / 108 Spe
Careful Nature
- Fake Out
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Genesect @ Assault Vest
Ability: Download
EVs: 184 Atk / 100 SpA / 224 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
Murloc Tidecaller (Tapu Fini) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 56 Def / 160 SpA / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Protect
Coldlight Seer (Incineroar) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 136 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Snarl
- U-turn
Leeroy Jenkins (Gardevoir-Mega) @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 128 HP / 56 Def / 72 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Encore
- Protect
Tip the Scales (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 176 SpD / 32 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Trick Room
- Heal Pulse
- Protect
Sir Finley (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 120 HP / 176 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Protect
Nightmare Amalgam (Celesteela) @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 128 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Heavy Slam
- Fire Blast
- Protect
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 56 Def / 160 SpA / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Protect
Coldlight Seer (Incineroar) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 136 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Snarl
- U-turn
Leeroy Jenkins (Gardevoir-Mega) @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 128 HP / 56 Def / 72 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Encore
- Protect
Tip the Scales (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 176 SpD / 32 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Trick Room
- Heal Pulse
- Protect
Sir Finley (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 120 HP / 176 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Protect
Nightmare Amalgam (Celesteela) @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 128 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Heavy Slam
- Fire Blast
- Protect
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-459323
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-463045
Conjurer's Calling (Politoed) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Encore
RenoTheRelicologist (Kingdra) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Ice Beam
Archmage Antonidas (Swampert-Mega) @ Swampertite
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 8 HP / 252 Atk / 248 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Superpower
- Protect
Zephrys, the Great (Tsareena) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Queenly Majesty
EVs: 252 HP / 24 Def / 232 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 1 Spe
- Power Whip
- Helping Hand
- High Jump Kick
- U-turn
Alexstrasza (Ludicolo) @ Waterium Z
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Energy Ball
- Fake Out
- Ice Beam
Luna'sPocketGalaxy (Pelipper) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Hurricane
- Brine
- Protect
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Encore
RenoTheRelicologist (Kingdra) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Ice Beam
Archmage Antonidas (Swampert-Mega) @ Swampertite
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 8 HP / 252 Atk / 248 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Superpower
- Protect
Zephrys, the Great (Tsareena) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Queenly Majesty
EVs: 252 HP / 24 Def / 232 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 1 Spe
- Power Whip
- Helping Hand
- High Jump Kick
- U-turn
Alexstrasza (Ludicolo) @ Waterium Z
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Energy Ball
- Fake Out
- Ice Beam
Luna'sPocketGalaxy (Pelipper) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Hurricane
- Brine
- Protect
Rain is good.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-460640
Reno (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Atk / 56 SpD / 64 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Luna (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 136 SpD / 24 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Pulse
- Taunt
- Trick Room
- Protect
Alex (Nihilego) @ Rockium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 16 HP / 80 Def / 172 SpA / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Protect
Tony (Victini) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 168 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpA / 40 SpD / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
- Blue Flare
- Glaciate
- Energy Ball
- U-turn
Jeff (Tapu Fini) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 24 SpA / 56 SpD / 24 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Nature's Madness
- Icy Wind
- Protect
Zilly (Landorus-Therian) (M) @ Yache Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 64 Def / 96 SpA / 96 Spe
Modest Nature
- Earth Power
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Atk / 56 SpD / 64 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Luna (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 136 SpD / 24 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heal Pulse
- Taunt
- Trick Room
- Protect
Alex (Nihilego) @ Rockium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 16 HP / 80 Def / 172 SpA / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Protect
Tony (Victini) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 168 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpA / 40 SpD / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
- Blue Flare
- Glaciate
- Energy Ball
- U-turn
Jeff (Tapu Fini) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 24 SpA / 56 SpD / 24 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Nature's Madness
- Icy Wind
- Protect
Zilly (Landorus-Therian) (M) @ Yache Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 64 Def / 96 SpA / 96 Spe
Modest Nature
- Earth Power
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-460874
Tar Creeper (Incineroar) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Atk / 20 Def / 136 SpD / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Fake Out
North Sea Kraken (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 192 HP / 136 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Icy Wind
- Fusion Bolt
- Ice Beam
Kodorider (Landorus-Therian) (M) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 216 SpD / 40 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Earth Power
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
Piloted Shredder (Metagross-Mega) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Ice Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Protect
Bonemare (Suicune) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 29 Spe
- Scald
- Toxic
- Tailwind
- Roar
Fire Fly (Tapu Koko) @ Fairium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Protect
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Atk / 20 Def / 136 SpD / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Fake Out
North Sea Kraken (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 192 HP / 136 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Icy Wind
- Fusion Bolt
- Ice Beam
Kodorider (Landorus-Therian) (M) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 216 SpD / 40 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Earth Power
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
Piloted Shredder (Metagross-Mega) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Ice Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Protect
Bonemare (Suicune) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 29 Spe
- Scald
- Toxic
- Tailwind
- Roar
Fire Fly (Tapu Koko) @ Fairium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Protect
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-462474
Wardruid Woatli (Metagross) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Thunder Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Protect
Oasis Surger (Volcarona) @ Buginium Z
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Protect
Crystal Merchant (Tapu Koko) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 76 SpD / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Nature's Madness
- Taunt
Untapped Potential (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 56 SpA / 160 SpD
Quiet Nature
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Fusion Bolt
- Dragon Tail
Zephrys, the Great (Landorus-Therian) (M) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 216 SpD / 12 Spe
Calm Nature
- Earth Power
- Stone Edge
- Defog
- U-turn
Flobbidinous Floop (Mew) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Transform
- Tailwind
- Fake Out
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Thunder Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Protect
Oasis Surger (Volcarona) @ Buginium Z
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Protect
Crystal Merchant (Tapu Koko) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 76 SpD / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Nature's Madness
- Taunt
Untapped Potential (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 56 SpA / 160 SpD
Quiet Nature
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Fusion Bolt
- Dragon Tail
Zephrys, the Great (Landorus-Therian) (M) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 216 SpD / 12 Spe
Calm Nature
- Earth Power
- Stone Edge
- Defog
- U-turn
Flobbidinous Floop (Mew) @ Iapapa Berry
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Transform
- Tailwind
- Fake Out
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7doublesou-463628
Thanks (Tapu Koko) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Atk / 176 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Volt Switch
- Nature's Madness
- Wild Charge
- Dazzling Gleam
For The (Incineroar) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 56 Atk / 20 Def / 160 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Fake Out
Fun (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Trick Room
- Taunt
- Helping Hand
- Protect
Season (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Atk / 88 SpD / 32 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Bakers (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- U-turn
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower
:munch: (Kommo-o) @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Clanging Scales
- Flamethrower
- Flash Cannon
- Protect
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Atk / 176 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Volt Switch
- Nature's Madness
- Wild Charge
- Dazzling Gleam
For The (Incineroar) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 56 Atk / 20 Def / 160 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Fake Out
Fun (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Trick Room
- Taunt
- Helping Hand
- Protect
Season (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Atk / 88 SpD / 32 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Bakers (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- U-turn
- Energy Ball
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower
:munch: (Kommo-o) @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Clanging Scales
- Flamethrower
- Flash Cannon
- Protect
I couldn't choose to not walk the walk; hard rain's Stax sample matchup is Quite Good so I brought that instead. I brought this to semifinals because we had already lost and Jon asked me if I could hold off from using the team I'd planned to bring against Emilio, and this was something in my builder. I think it's definitely one of the more solid teams that I've built; Goth Kommo-o Scizor isn't at all new but it's generally potent. Genesect abuses Shadow Tag well, and AV Koko gets a lot of value. Wild Charge probably deserves a bit more play than it gets, it hurts Charizard a lot more than special moves.
BONUS
Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Ice Beam
Politoed @ Eject Button
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 96 SpD / 164 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Helping Hand
- Encore
- Icy Wind
Tapu Koko @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunder
- Protect
- Dazzling Gleam
Kommo-o @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Mild Nature
- Clanging Scales
- Poison Jab
- Focus Blast
- Protect
Incineroar @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 136 SpD / 72 Spe
Careful Nature
- U-turn
- Flare Blitz
- Fake Out
- Taunt
Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 140 HP / 200 SpA / 168 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Protect
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Ice Beam
Politoed @ Eject Button
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 96 SpD / 164 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Helping Hand
- Encore
- Icy Wind
Tapu Koko @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunder
- Protect
- Dazzling Gleam
Kommo-o @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Mild Nature
- Clanging Scales
- Poison Jab
- Focus Blast
- Protect
Incineroar @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 136 SpD / 72 Spe
Careful Nature
- U-turn
- Flare Blitz
- Fake Out
- Taunt
Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 140 HP / 200 SpA / 168 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Protect
Oh what could have been. Emilio and I both independently came up with Clanger Rain and he ran it in finals:
He would've used it in semis but, like me, wanted to hold off on bringing it because the series was already over. They're the two most potent offensive threats in the tier
In terms of ability to straight up end a game, I'll stand by this statement. Metagross is a better mon because it has greater defensive utility, and Charizard-Y is comparable/has different major weaknesses + uses a mega slot. Deoxys is close but it doesn't pretend to be able to take a hit, and it's a single target attacker so it needs to have a partner next to it to avoid trading. When it comes to pumping out raw damage, spread attackers are the way to go, and those two are the best imo. Fight me on this point I'm down to throw hands.
Overall I had a blast playing DOU during snake. I hope to stick around for gen 8 DOU, thanks for making me feel welcome.
