Well... I rated this a looong time ago. And my suggestions were really bad, so it got hidden. I realise you don't really play Pokemon anymore, but I have some unfinished business with this team... so I'm going to rate it a second time. Wish me luck.
Lampent
Lampent isn't a great wall in NU, Fire is a pretty bad defensive typing in general tbh. Weak to the common rock, water, & ground attacks, plus loses 25% of its HP when it switches in. You do still need a spinblocker though, to keep your Cacturne's Spikes on the field, so I'm going to recommend Misdreavus. She's got great bulk with eviolite, nice offensive potential and speed, as well as Levitate to stop Ground attacks aimed at Rampardos. There's a few sets that she can run effectively, but I honestly think the defensive set is best, as your team is very frail and once you lose your offensive momentum you have no defensive core to fall back on and you're a little bit screwed.
Misdreavus (F) @ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 228 Def / 28 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt
- Shadow Ball
- Pain Split
Physically defensive, her 3 immunities let her easily check common threats such as Sawk and Gurdurr. Will-O-Wisp cripples most physical attackers. Taunt stops status from being inflicted on her, and with her high speed she can shut down most walls. Shadow Ball is STAB and hits Haunter & Kadabra hard, while Pain Split is recovery.
Cacturne
Not too bad. Leftovers isn't great on this guy, his pathetic bulk means they don't make a difference in most cases. Life Orb is good to OHKO Cinccino and Swellow with Sucker Punch, you could even consider Focus Sash if he's in the lead slot to pretty much guarantee two layers of spikes, however it's not as useful if you bring him in midgame due to the prevalence of Stealth Rock. What's also fantastic about him is that with his STAB Bullet Seed, he bypasses Golem and friends' Sturdy abilities meaning he can keep SR off the field a lot of the time. If you do run that, you have to lose the Water Absorb, but with Sand Veil you can also run Encore over Drain Punch, which can turn lots of leads into spikes setup fodder for you. I also prefer Jolly over Adamant as well, lets you outpace Adamant Samurott among other things and OHKO with Bullet Seed.
Swellow
Okay, well you have too many physical attackers, and you also need more things to take Fighting type attacks. You also lack a scarfer over 86 speed, which means that if opposing Gorebyss manage to set up a Shell Smash, it's GG no re. So in this slot, I'm going to suggest Rotom-S. Its clutch base 86 speed, when scarfed, lets it outspeed Jolly Sawk & Pinsir as well as +2 Gorebyss. It has access to two reliable STAB moves, Volt Switch to spam early game and gain momentum, as well as Trick to cripple walls. HP Grass is an option, but your Cacturne takes care of Golem no problem.
Rotom-S @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Air Slash
- Trick
- Volt Switch
As I said, Thunderbolt and Air Slash for powerful, reliable STAB. When you no longer need your scarf, you can use Trick to dump it on a wall or something else giving you trouble, and render them pretty much useless. It also handily removes the Eviolite of stuff like Misdreavus & Piloswine. Volt Switch is great to have, you can scout for switchins and then bring in a counter to scare them out again, allowing you to setup in their face.
Cinccino
With Lampent now gone, you have nothing to take powerful Fire type attacks, such as the almighty Emboar's STAB Flare Blitz. I think Miltank fits on this team in place of Cinccino perfectly. She can setup Stealth Rock, further adding to the residual damage your opponent takes when they switch in; she has Thick Fat to easily tank Fire and Ice attacks the rest of your team struggle with; and she has amazing defensive synergy with Misdreavus. Here's the set:
Miltank (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Body Slam / Seismic Toss
- Milk Drink
- Heal Bell
Stealth Rock because it racks up residual damage on threats to your team like Swellow. Body Slam spreads paralysis, allowing slower members of your team to sweep, but Seismic Toss inflicts constant damage. Milk Drink for instant, reliable recovery, and Heal Bell to cure your team of status.
Gorebyss
Great. You'll definitely want to run Timid over Modest though, to outspeed stuff like Scarfed Sawk and Pinsir after a Shell Smash.
Rampardos
Looks fine. I personally like the Rock Polish set better, it's not needed though, just a suggestion. If you do decide to use it, this is it:
Rampardos (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Rock Polish
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Fire Punch
Well, I'm done. I have much more experience in NU than when I did last time, so I think my advice has improved. This was a good team and fun to rate, although I doubt I'd want to do it a third time xD hope I helped!
