Please note that this team is no longer usable in LC following the Sand Rush ban.
Team Preview!
Yeah, one last Gen 5 team before I convert to Gen 6 ;~;. I just recently developed a liking for Sandstorm, and it really is sad that it got nerfed, but I'm gonna end my Gen 5 battling with a Sandstorm team. I actually really like this team, but of course it's gonna have errors. But first, the teambuilding process!
Well it's a sandstorm team, so Hippopotas ofc
I needed something to take Water moves for hippo, so instead of the usual Lileep, I went with Frillish.
I did end up picking Lileep next, just because of that insane Special Defense after Sandstorm
Well it's Sandstorm in LC, which is only viable because of Drilbur
Sandshrew actually, although very similar, counters many of Drilbur's checks, softens the opposing team up for Drilbur, and is much bulkier. Even though it's not nearly as fast, only scarfers will be outspeeding it.
Like with all Sandstorm teams, Snover and Bronzor were both pains. So I chose the glue for the team that has the resistances and power I need: Magnemite!
This team also has great synergy, but i'm too lazy to type it up, so go to marriland and do it yourself. It has one ground weakness, and zero resistances, but that's not a big deal. Hippopotas can tank it anyway.
Hippopotas @ Eviolite
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 5
EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 212 Def / 100 SpD / 44 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind
Yeah, this is my tank / hazard setter / weather setter / phaser. As you can see from all the roles it plays, it is anything but dead weight. It's capable of taking on some of the top physical attackers of LC and simply phasing out set up sweepers, much like its evolution all the way up in OU. It's a pretty reliable hazard setter and will get SR up the vast majority of the time. It can take anything but a Life Orb boosted Hi jump Kick from Mienfoo, which won't happen because of Frillish. As expected, Snover can simply come in and Blizzard spam it, but in that case I'll just switch out. Unfortunately, it is not nearly as bulky on the special side, which kinda sucks. All in all though, it is a great Pokemon that defines this team.
Frillish @ Eviolite
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Def / 236 SpD
Modest Nature
- Recover
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
- Scald
Frillish also serves a variety of roles on my team. They include crippler, spin blocker, Water counter, Ice counter, and Fighting counter. Its typing is a dream come true for my team, as it counters my weaknesses. It can often come in on a Water type such as Buizel, and then burn something as it switches out. Its Water immunity allows me to smack Suction Cups on Lileep, which is nice. Mienfoo can't do anything to it and will fear a burn -- same with a lot of other physical attackers. If I really want hazards up, I'll spinblock, but it usually doesn't happen.
Lileep @ Eviolite
Ability: Suction Cups
Level: 5
EVs: 144 Def / 64 SpD / 228 HP / 72 SpA
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Stockpile
- Giga Drain
- Toxic
Lileep <3. With Suction Cups, it's "roll" can no longer be ended by a Roar. It also counters Riolu, which is not common, but nevertheless annoying. Even when only at +3, it can still stall out entire teams with ease. Giga Drain is surprisingly powerful STAB, Recover is, well, recovery, and Toxic is for stalling. Not much else to explain.
Drilbur @ Eviolite
Ability: Sand Rush
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Claw
Sandshrew @ Eviolite
Ability: Sand Rush
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 200 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Night Slash
Magnemite @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 240 SAtk / 240 Spd / 28 HP
Timid Nature
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
