I've been studying the Smogon threads and archives for working strategies for Gen 8 Battle Stadium Singles, but this specific team really hasn't been working out. Any advice or suggestions?
- Dragapult (WoW-Hex, Curse Support)
- Ability: Clear Body
- Item: Sitrus Berry
- Moves:
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Flamethrower
- Curse
- Nature: Timid
- EVs: 252 SpA, 4 SpD, 252 Spe
- ***I hoped I could fake people out who are expecting an Infiltrator-Specs or -Scarf Dragapult, instead this is more based on supporting the rest of the team by burning physical opponents and cutting their HP with Curse, while Clear Body prevents stat nerfs from Sticky Web and the like
- Thundurus (Prankster Support + Pivot)
- Ability: Prankster
- Item: Heavy Duty Boots
- Moves:
- Volt Switch
- Grass Knot
- Eerie Impulse
- Thunder Wave
- Nature: Calm
- EVs: 252 SpA, 4 Def, 252 Spe
- Wave-Impulse covers speed-nerfing paralysis and special nerfs, then Volt Switch for obvious reasons. But I am torn on either Grass Knot or Focus Blast to cover Rock or Ground types, but should I at all consider using a different Prankster mon like Sableye or Grimmsnarl? Should I use a Screens-Prankster or keep Thunderus?
- Blacephalon (Dynamax Specs/Scarf Sweeper)
- Ability: Beast Boost
- Item: Choice Specs/ Choice Scarf
- Moves:
- Flamethrower/ Mind Blown
- Solarbeam
- Shadow Ball
- Psyshock
- Nature: Timid
- EVs: 252 SpA, 4 SpD, 252 Spe
- I love Blacephalon, and thought it'd be perfect as a special sweeper. BUT I'm still not sure if I should keep the Choice item or use a Focus Sash instead? Or should I put away Blaceph altogether and use a different Fire sweeper like Heatran?
- Stakataka (Trick Room Sweeper)
- Ability: Beast Boost
- Item: Weakness Policy/ Life Orb/ Air Balloon
- Moves:
- Trick Room
- Body Press/ Heat Crash
- Rock Slide
- Gyro Ball/ Iron Head
- Nature: Relaxed
- EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk, 4 SpD
- I once got my rump whooped by a Stakataka with a Weakness Policy and Body Press, which inspired me to use one. But I'm still not sure which item would be best on this set; plus, should I even keep Stakataka or is it too risky to get OHKO'd from Ground or Fighting moves? Should I replace it with something like Buzzwole or Pheromosa?
- Swampert (Stealth Rock Bulk)
- Ability: Damp
- Item: Leftovers
- Moves:
- Stealth Rock
- Yawn/ Ice Punch
- Waterfall/ Liquidation
- Earthquake
- Nature: Adamant
- EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk, 4 SpD
- Swampert is one hell of a setup 'mon, of course I'd want to test it out. BUT, I was hoping that I could possibly pair it with Stakataka's Trick Room, hence Ice Punch for type coverage and Waterfall for the flinch chance. Or should I stick to the traditional Stealth-Yawn set instead?
- Tentacruel (Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin Utility)
- Ability: Liquid Ooze/ Clear Body
- Item: Black Sludge
- Moves:
- Sludge Bomb
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Nature: Timid
- EVs: 252 SpA, 4 SpD, 252 Spe
- Another great, dangerous utility 'mon. Felt like either Liquid Ooze or Clear Body would help me, Rapid Spin to get rid of hazards, and Toxic Spikes, Sludge Bomb, and Scald for the status utility