I wanted to build a team around rain, utilizing the power of Surf from an Ash-Gren under rain, and the natural speed control that comes from Swampert-Mega. So, here it is:
![Pelipper](https://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/home/normal/pelipper.png)
Pelipper @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- U-turn
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Scald
Pelipper is pretty much mandatory on a rain team, and so is Damp Rock. Pelipper also provides the team with a slow U-turn to pivot Ash-Gren in safely. Hurricane can handle the fighting types that Ash-Gren might struggle with, and scald hits surprisingly hard under rain while having a 100% burn chance.
![Greninja](https://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/home/normal/greninja-ash.png)
Greninja-Ash @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Water Shuriken
- Surf
- Dark Pulse
- Ice Beam
The star of this team, Ash-Gren. Specs provide a great power boost to secure KOs, and Surf over Hydro Pump because of better accuracy and it still hits hard in rain. Water Shuriken picks off faster weakened foes like Tapu Koko pre-Ash form and Regileiki. Dark Pulse is secondary STAB, and Ice Beam hits dragons and grass types.
![Swampert](https://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/home/normal/swampert-mega.png)
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp -> Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Superpower
Swampert provides speed control for the team, I could run Jolly to outspend scarf Kartana but I prefer the extra power. Waterfall instead of Liquidation because the flinch chance can save matches, and Earthquake nails Toxapex, who Ash-Gren struggles against. Ice Punch can surprise KO Landorus-T on a predicted E-quake, and Superpower nails Steel types and opposing Ash-Gren. Having Damp pre-Mega can stop Landouros-T from exploding.
![Ferrothorn](https://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/home/normal/ferrothorn.png)
Ferrothorn @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Endure
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
Ferrothorn is a great SR setter, and it forms a defensive core with Pelipper. Gyro Ball gets a surprising amount of KO's after Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet chip, and Leech Seed is both recovery and whittles down the opponent. Endure is a niche choice but it can be great for getting just one more turn of extra chip, to bring them into the range of a Water Shuriken KO. Ferrothorn also provides a valuable Grass and Electric resist.
![Magnezone](https://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/home/normal/magnezone.png)
Magnezone @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Body Press
- Substitute
- Iron Defense
- Volt Switch
Magnezone traps Ferrothorn, who walls Ash-Gren, and sets up on it. Body Press gives it a super effective moves for the steel types, and Substitute+Iron Defense lets it Body Press safely against a special attack. If I don't want to set up with Magnezone, then Volt Switch lets it pivot out and get in a sweeper.
(sorry no image)
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike @ Choice Band
Ability: Unseen Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Surging Strikes
- Close Combat
- U-turn
Urshifu is my third rain sweeper, and it gives the team an alternative priority. Surging Strikes is both a multi-hit move and a water move, which can be great utility. Urshifu is also my go-to if my opponent and my Magnezone trap each other, because of Surging Strikes breaking through sub and ignoring the Iron Defense boosts. Close Combat is great STAB, U-turn allows me to scout moves and pivot into Magnezone or Ferrothorn to take a hit.
Replay(s):
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8nationaldex-1225107455
More coming