Introduction
I decided to get back into Pokemon and have been playing PU for a while. I started off my return with an idea I had in mind for a PU team. So here it goes:
Team Building Process
I started off with the nice offensive core of Floatzel + Zebstrika because they can cover each other's checks fairly well.
Then I decided that I wanted a nice offensive SR lead. Golem always appealed to me because of the Custap Berry + Sturdy + Explosion combo, so I decided to put it in.
I needed some support for SR suicide lead to make sure that SR stays. If I already clicked Explosion and they can just Defog / Rapid Spin, then bye bye Stealth Rocks. So I decided to have Pawniard to counter Defog and Misdreavus to completely block Rapid Spin. They also exert some offensive pressure.
Now, I wanted a Mixed sweeper to take care of tanks that can completely wall Floatzel and Zebstrika (namely Audino). Simisage can help wear down these walls or downright defeat it.
Team Overview
Golem @ Custap Berry
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Explosion
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Standard suicide SR lead. I click SR and then the opponent usually activates Sturdy. My next decision is either to hit them back with Stone Edge / Earthquake (if it is super-effective) or click Explosion (if they don't have any Ghost-types).
Zebstrika @ Life Orb
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat
- Hidden Power [Ice]
This is also another standard set for Zebstrika. I don't really need to get into depth here.
Floatzel @ Mystic Water
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Taunt
- Baton Pass
Now, I was experimenting with Floatzel and found out that most opponents who have a more defensive team would take care of Simisage and Pawniard so they can just wall with Audino. I decided to use a combination of Taunt + Baton Pass. Taunt ensures they switch out, while Baton Pass enables me to switch, without making unnecessary predictions. Hydro Pump + Mystic Water hits very hard and I really don't want residual damage from stuff like Life Orb. Ice Beam deals with Grass-types.
Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
- Superpower
Standard mixed sweeper set for Simisage.
Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
This set is a lot like Bisharp's main set and I intended it to be like that. If played correctly, I can just use Swords Dance and alternate between Knock Off or Sucker Punch. I can also use Iron Head if the opposing 'mon resists Dark-types.
Misdreavus @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
Nasty Plot is for set-up, Will-O-Wisp enables it to cripple Physical sweepers, Shadow Ball is a must STAB. Thunderbolt is a rather interesting choice because it enables me to hit Dodrio, Simipour, and Floatzel pretty hard, especially when Zebstrika is down.
Well that's it for now. All advice / help is appreciated!
