My team is kind of a bulky sweeper type team, but with a couple (it has varied) all-out sweeper s for late-game. After much doctoring and removing such pokes as Milotic, Steelix, Gengar, and Alakazam, I have arrived with the team I have today. This post includes the most recent changes I've made to it to adapt to the metagame better. It is good but I only have about a 60% win rate with it. Just wanted some feedback on how to make that higher. :P
Sorry if I'm too in depth just skim read. ;) You should see most of the problems I point out yourself but I'm not entirely sure how to handle them without starting from scratch.
Tentacruel @ Black Sludge
Nature: Bold
Ability: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spe
- Rapid Spin
-Sludge Wave
-Scald
-Hidden Power [Fire]
Summary:
Fairly simple set-up, most my special/fighting wall and rapid spinner with a little utility. My main problem is not being able to deal with Knock Off as he is the one that would take it best but losing Black Sludge weakens him considerably. Being Absol, my mega can't really take that either.
Heracross @ Choice Scarf
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
-Close Combat
-Megahorn
-Stone Edge
-Earthquake
Summary:
This is kind of my version of the Choice Band set on BW Smogon, only I decided the Scarf gave much more value to my team. Jolly allows me to outspeed Greninja (who is a large threat to my team) and some other common scarfers like Tyranitar and Gardevoir. The attack drop from not using the band is noticeable, however, and I will end up leaving Brelooms with 2 HP :/. I suppose Adamant would fix that but I thought Jolly was a little better. He also is my main sponge for status (namely Will-O-Wisp) and also my secondary EQ. Basically he fills the role scarfed Gengar did before him.
(That's Right!) Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Nature: Sassy
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP/4 Def/252 SpD
-Giga Drain
-Knock Off
-Earthquake
-Hidden Power [Fire]
Summary:
Tangrowth!!! This is seriously my favorite Pokémon and he catches everyone off-guard. Unlike most off-guard-catching-pokes however, he is actually incredibly useful and attuned to the current metagame. He is kind of my unbreakable wall and EQ sponger. I have tried Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ice on him, but I needed the fire coverage. Ice is definitely better though, so some insight on that could help.
Cloyster @ Focus Sash
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Overcoat (just kidding, Skill Link)
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
-Ice Shard
-Icicle Spear
-Rock Blast
-Shell Smash
Summary:
My main priority, ice coverage, and rock utility, as well as general sweepiness. I decided not to use Rapid Spin, but since I already have two I don't think it's that big of a deal. The main problem being that I lead with Tentacruel since he almost always has the best coverage/ability to handle opposing Pokémon he will often die on the fifth turn, and Excadrill is by no means bulky (even with my shaky set).
Absol @ Absolite
Nature: Naive
EVs: 224 Atk/32 Sp.A/252 Spe
-Sucker Punch
-Knock Off
-Fire Blast
-Superpower
Summary:
My Ferrothorn/Scizor/Heatran killer as well as general beast. Can't really lose either STAB but need something to counter Fairies. I can usually handle them well but could be useful to do so without switching.
Excadrill @ Shuca Berry
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 HP/ 252 Atk/4 SpD
-Rapid Spin
-Earthquake
-Brick Break
-Swords Dance
Summary:
Excadrill is what I need the most help on. I want a bulky rapid spin, but I want SD (so no Assault Vest). If that really is the best set then I'll run it anyways, but I'm avoiding using double items. I have screwed around with the third moveslot, trying Poison Jab, Rock Slide, SR (maybe?). I'm not really sure what to put there but I figured I could use some Fighting coverage so I'm just using that now. EVs are also weird, as with HP he takes hits, but I'm not sure if I should just max speed or not go attack and do Sp. D or defense instead. As for the item I've tried Air Balloon, Life Orb, Focus Sash, and the Assault Vest. What works best for my team?
Conclusion:
Sorry if this is a bit lengthy compared to average RMTs :P. I'm aware that my love for lower-tiered pokes is slightly weakening me, but I really don't care. Pokémon replacement suggestions are acceptable but note that Tentacruel and Tangrowth are the base of my team. I have an underlying weakness to flying types and a weakness to ground that I would like to deal with better. I have also switched around such pokes as Dragonite and Conkeldurr, in addition to the pokes listed above, and considered Terrakion, Tyranitar (although I might have to go Unnerve, or lose Cloyster and change Excadrill's ability to Sand Rush), and Hawlucha.
Thanks to everyone who replies or reads!!!
