Nearing the end of Gen 6 LC on the RoA Spotlight I thought I'd take some time to do a quick RMT of a team I've been user on the ladder. It got me to #2:
Shelmet Balance:
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Shelmet is an interesting Pokemon in LC, being a very bulky spike setter with access to recovery and a fine check to Mienfoo, the best Pokemon in the tier. It's job is to pivot into Fighting and Ground attacks from mons like Mienfoo, Timburr and Drilbur, then set up a Spike or land a Toxic on whatever is expected to come out. It's useful ability Overcoat also lets it switch in to Foongus' Spore, then proceed to trap it with Infestation and set up Spikes for eternity. As good as Shelmet is on paper, however, it has many flaws which hold it back from shining. It's Eviolite is almost always Knocked Off by the mons it intends to wall, leaving it a lot more prone to their Rock-type coverage and Acrobatics in Mienfoo's case. Coupled with the fact that it is Stealth Rock weak, Shelmet rarely ever lives as long as it would like to, and it is usually only able to set up 1 layer of Spikes. Furthermore, its passive nature also leaves it as setup fodder, especially to Pawniard who is immune to Toxic. It is evident that Shelmet requires a great deal of support to make it work.
I figured Pawniard would be a naturally good teammate for Shelmet. It can set up Stealth Rock alongside its Spikes and can punish Defog from a mon trying to remove them thanks to its Defiant ability. Pawniard is an appreciator of Shelmet's ability to switch into the Fighting and Ground-type moves which target it, and in turn helps Shelmet with Flying and Rock-type moves. Pawniard can also apply instant pressure to anything that tries to use Shelmet as setup fodder thanks to its Sucker Punch. Aside from that, it is almost always spamming Knock Off once Stealth Rocks are up.
The core of Shelmet + Pawniard was looking really solid, but it's biggest issue was that it lacked good type synergy and could not switch into moves like Scald or HP Fire. Chinchou aims to remedy this issue, having great type synergy with Shelmet and being an all in one resistance to Fire, Water and Electric-moves. It is also a safer switch-in than Pawniard to birds like Vullaby and Fletchling if you're afraid of Heat Wave or Overheat respectively. When Chinchou is in, it usually gains momentum by spamming Volt Switch, however it should use Scald if the opponent carries a reliable electric immunity (e.g. Porygon, which can Trace Volt Absorb). Ice Beam can catch Grass-types on the switch, and Heal Bell is situationally useful to cure burns which target other members on the team, as well as Sludge Bomb poison on Shelmet, which is commonly seen when it is trapping Foongus.
Next, Munchlax was chosen as the team so far had no ways of dealing with Abra and HP Fighting Gastly. While Pawniard does have Sucker Punch, Abra's Focus Sash lets it live any one hit and Gastly can start a mind game with Substitute. Abra is particularly annoying as well because its Magic Guard ability negates the entry hazards which the team tries hard to set up. Munchlax's role on the team is to switch directly into Abra and Gastly with its monstrous special bulk and trap them with Pursuit, essentially removing them from the game. You should be cautious however of a potential Knock Off or a Will-O-Wisp from Gastly, these can be used to cripple Munchlax before they go down. Aside from this, Munchlax being a SpDef wall couples nicely with Chinchou and Shelmet being physically defensive. When it's not facing Abra or Gastly, it should be using Body Slam to deal big damage and fish for paralysis, or Fire Punch to hit Steels like Ferroseed.
Mienfoo being the best is splashable on many teams with this team being no exception. Mienfoo plays as the teams much needed Pawniard answer and as an offensive presence to Steel-types in general. It pairs very well with Chinchou, which takes the Flying-moves aimed at Mienfoo, and creates a nasty VoltTurn core with Mienfoo's U-Turn and Chinchou's Volt Switch. It very much appreciates the support already provided by the team; chip damage from Shelmet's Spikes, Pawniard Knocking Off opposing Eviolites, and Munchlax's ability to remove Abra and Gastly from the game, which all pave a way for Mienfoo to help clean up late-game.
Life Orb Gastly was chosen as the last Pokemon for a few reasons. A secondary check to Mienfoo was needed in the likely event that Shelmet is worn down too much or faints, however it needs to be very cautions of switching into Mienfoo's Knock Off. Gastly also rounds off the team by providing much needed special wallbreaking prowess and an answer to Fairy-types which the team still struggles to break. For the same reasons as Mienfoo, it's ability to clean up is made easy thanks to the support the team provides. Substitute is very useful on the Life Orb set for easing prediction, but is also great for not getting Pursuit trapped. Dazzling Gleam is for hitting Mienfoo as hard as possible, however this move can be whatever you prefer as Gastly's STABs hit Mienfoo hard already.
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As for its weaknesses, Archen has all the moves it needs to hit our large defensive core super-effectively. Because of this, it's best to not focus on setting up Spikes against a team with Archen, because it will have many chances to Defog as you try to play around it. Gastly will be the only thing that can outspeed it, so it is risky but excellent if you are able to bring it in on an Earthquake. Sweepers like Clamperl and Tirtouga will auto-win if they get off a free Shell Smash. Against these Pokemon, it is best to try weaken them as much as possible with whatever Pokemon you currently have out, then hope to finish them off with Pawniard's Sucker Punch. If you're still having issues with these threats, it may be worth putting Fake Out on Mienfoo for extra chip before Sucker Punch, or making Gastly Choice Scarf at the expense of less power.
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Here's a replay: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen6lc-1788139582
And that's the team. It's very hard to test properly because of the ladder being dead, however thanks to some help from a friend, the team is tried to some extent and the verdict is it's quite solid! As I'm not the most experienced at this format, suggestions for improvement are always welcome! Have fun if you do use my team, not that you'd have much time to anyway.
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Other ORAS LC teams I've been using:
Shelmet Balance:
Shelmet @ Eviolite
Ability: Overcoat
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Bold Nature
- Spikes
- Infestation
- Toxic
- Recover
Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Stealth Rock
Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Heal Bell
Munchlax @ Berry Juice
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Body Slam
- Fire Punch
- Pursuit
- Recycle
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- High Jump Kick
Gastly @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Dazzling Gleam
- Substitute
Ability: Overcoat
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Bold Nature
- Spikes
- Infestation
- Toxic
- Recover
Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Stealth Rock
Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Heal Bell
Munchlax @ Berry Juice
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Body Slam
- Fire Punch
- Pursuit
- Recycle
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- High Jump Kick
Gastly @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Dazzling Gleam
- Substitute
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Shelmet @ Eviolite
Ability: Overcoat
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Bold Nature
- Spikes
- Infestation
- Toxic
- Recover
Ability: Overcoat
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 156 Def / 236 SpD
Bold Nature
- Spikes
- Infestation
- Toxic
- Recover
Shelmet is an interesting Pokemon in LC, being a very bulky spike setter with access to recovery and a fine check to Mienfoo, the best Pokemon in the tier. It's job is to pivot into Fighting and Ground attacks from mons like Mienfoo, Timburr and Drilbur, then set up a Spike or land a Toxic on whatever is expected to come out. It's useful ability Overcoat also lets it switch in to Foongus' Spore, then proceed to trap it with Infestation and set up Spikes for eternity. As good as Shelmet is on paper, however, it has many flaws which hold it back from shining. It's Eviolite is almost always Knocked Off by the mons it intends to wall, leaving it a lot more prone to their Rock-type coverage and Acrobatics in Mienfoo's case. Coupled with the fact that it is Stealth Rock weak, Shelmet rarely ever lives as long as it would like to, and it is usually only able to set up 1 layer of Spikes. Furthermore, its passive nature also leaves it as setup fodder, especially to Pawniard who is immune to Toxic. It is evident that Shelmet requires a great deal of support to make it work.
Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Stealth Rock
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Stealth Rock
I figured Pawniard would be a naturally good teammate for Shelmet. It can set up Stealth Rock alongside its Spikes and can punish Defog from a mon trying to remove them thanks to its Defiant ability. Pawniard is an appreciator of Shelmet's ability to switch into the Fighting and Ground-type moves which target it, and in turn helps Shelmet with Flying and Rock-type moves. Pawniard can also apply instant pressure to anything that tries to use Shelmet as setup fodder thanks to its Sucker Punch. Aside from that, it is almost always spamming Knock Off once Stealth Rocks are up.
Chinchou @ Berry Juice
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Heal Bell
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Heal Bell
The core of Shelmet + Pawniard was looking really solid, but it's biggest issue was that it lacked good type synergy and could not switch into moves like Scald or HP Fire. Chinchou aims to remedy this issue, having great type synergy with Shelmet and being an all in one resistance to Fire, Water and Electric-moves. It is also a safer switch-in than Pawniard to birds like Vullaby and Fletchling if you're afraid of Heat Wave or Overheat respectively. When Chinchou is in, it usually gains momentum by spamming Volt Switch, however it should use Scald if the opponent carries a reliable electric immunity (e.g. Porygon, which can Trace Volt Absorb). Ice Beam can catch Grass-types on the switch, and Heal Bell is situationally useful to cure burns which target other members on the team, as well as Sludge Bomb poison on Shelmet, which is commonly seen when it is trapping Foongus.
Munchlax @ Berry Juice
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Body Slam
- Fire Punch
- Pursuit
- Recycle
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Body Slam
- Fire Punch
- Pursuit
- Recycle
Next, Munchlax was chosen as the team so far had no ways of dealing with Abra and HP Fighting Gastly. While Pawniard does have Sucker Punch, Abra's Focus Sash lets it live any one hit and Gastly can start a mind game with Substitute. Abra is particularly annoying as well because its Magic Guard ability negates the entry hazards which the team tries hard to set up. Munchlax's role on the team is to switch directly into Abra and Gastly with its monstrous special bulk and trap them with Pursuit, essentially removing them from the game. You should be cautious however of a potential Knock Off or a Will-O-Wisp from Gastly, these can be used to cripple Munchlax before they go down. Aside from this, Munchlax being a SpDef wall couples nicely with Chinchou and Shelmet being physically defensive. When it's not facing Abra or Gastly, it should be using Body Slam to deal big damage and fish for paralysis, or Fire Punch to hit Steels like Ferroseed.
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- High Jump Kick
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- High Jump Kick
Mienfoo being the best is splashable on many teams with this team being no exception. Mienfoo plays as the teams much needed Pawniard answer and as an offensive presence to Steel-types in general. It pairs very well with Chinchou, which takes the Flying-moves aimed at Mienfoo, and creates a nasty VoltTurn core with Mienfoo's U-Turn and Chinchou's Volt Switch. It very much appreciates the support already provided by the team; chip damage from Shelmet's Spikes, Pawniard Knocking Off opposing Eviolites, and Munchlax's ability to remove Abra and Gastly from the game, which all pave a way for Mienfoo to help clean up late-game.
Gastly @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Dazzling Gleam
- Substitute
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Dazzling Gleam
- Substitute
Life Orb Gastly was chosen as the last Pokemon for a few reasons. A secondary check to Mienfoo was needed in the likely event that Shelmet is worn down too much or faints, however it needs to be very cautions of switching into Mienfoo's Knock Off. Gastly also rounds off the team by providing much needed special wallbreaking prowess and an answer to Fairy-types which the team still struggles to break. For the same reasons as Mienfoo, it's ability to clean up is made easy thanks to the support the team provides. Substitute is very useful on the Life Orb set for easing prediction, but is also great for not getting Pursuit trapped. Dazzling Gleam is for hitting Mienfoo as hard as possible, however this move can be whatever you prefer as Gastly's STABs hit Mienfoo hard already.
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As for its weaknesses, Archen has all the moves it needs to hit our large defensive core super-effectively. Because of this, it's best to not focus on setting up Spikes against a team with Archen, because it will have many chances to Defog as you try to play around it. Gastly will be the only thing that can outspeed it, so it is risky but excellent if you are able to bring it in on an Earthquake. Sweepers like Clamperl and Tirtouga will auto-win if they get off a free Shell Smash. Against these Pokemon, it is best to try weaken them as much as possible with whatever Pokemon you currently have out, then hope to finish them off with Pawniard's Sucker Punch. If you're still having issues with these threats, it may be worth putting Fake Out on Mienfoo for extra chip before Sucker Punch, or making Gastly Choice Scarf at the expense of less power.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a replay: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen6lc-1788139582
And that's the team. It's very hard to test properly because of the ladder being dead, however thanks to some help from a friend, the team is tried to some extent and the verdict is it's quite solid! As I'm not the most experienced at this format, suggestions for improvement are always welcome! Have fun if you do use my team, not that you'd have much time to anyway.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other ORAS LC teams I've been using:
Onix @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Taunt
Vullaby @ Eviolite
Ability: Overcoat
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 76 Atk / 236 Def / 76 SpD
Impish Nature
- Roost
- U-turn
- Brave Bird
- Defog
Shellder @ Eviolite
Ability: Skill Link
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
Impish Nature
- Shell Smash
- Rock Blast
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Drain Punch
Diglett @ Focus Sash
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Sucker Punch
- Memento
Gastly @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Trick
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Taunt
Vullaby @ Eviolite
Ability: Overcoat
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 76 Atk / 236 Def / 76 SpD
Impish Nature
- Roost
- U-turn
- Brave Bird
- Defog
Shellder @ Eviolite
Ability: Skill Link
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
Impish Nature
- Shell Smash
- Rock Blast
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard
Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Drain Punch
Diglett @ Focus Sash
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Sucker Punch
- Memento
Gastly @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Level: 5
EVs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Trick
Axew @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
Level: 5
EVs: 4 HP / 220 Atk / 36 Def / 220 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 7 HP
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Chop
- Superpower
- Poison Jab
Snivy @ Light Clay
Ability: Contrary
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Taunt
- Leaf Storm
Drilbur @ Focus Sash
Ability: Mold Breaker
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Tomb
- Stealth Rock
Magby @ Berry Juice
Ability: Vital Spirit
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Belly Drum
- Flame Charge
- Mach Punch
- Return
Abra @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Guard
Level: 5
EVs: 236 SpA / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 30 Spe
- Encore
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Psychic
Clamperl @ Deep Sea Tooth
Ability: Shell Armor
Level: 5
EVs: 244 SpA / 76 SpD / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Shell Smash
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
Ability: Mold Breaker
Level: 5
EVs: 4 HP / 220 Atk / 36 Def / 220 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 7 HP
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Chop
- Superpower
- Poison Jab
Snivy @ Light Clay
Ability: Contrary
Level: 5
EVs: 236 HP / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Taunt
- Leaf Storm
Drilbur @ Focus Sash
Ability: Mold Breaker
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Tomb
- Stealth Rock
Magby @ Berry Juice
Ability: Vital Spirit
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Belly Drum
- Flame Charge
- Mach Punch
- Return
Abra @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Guard
Level: 5
EVs: 236 SpA / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 30 Spe
- Encore
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Psychic
Clamperl @ Deep Sea Tooth
Ability: Shell Armor
Level: 5
EVs: 244 SpA / 76 SpD / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Shell Smash
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
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