Official Pokemon Discussion. (The 5th gen starts now)

[Dark]

You can find Heart Scales in Vermillion while Surfing. Just use your Itemfinder.

 

That's another two things I like about HGSS. First, the Itemfinder isn't worthless, and is an awesome radar that works while walking, running and biking. The Radar in DPPt was crap.

 

And, they have you two selected Key Items. That way, I can have my Bicycle and my Itemfinder running at the same time. One thing I wish they did was to make, not two gears, but Mach and Acro Bikes which switched with B or something. Because I loved doing wheelies. D:

[Weather Report - Stand]

Sorry for interrupting this intense conversation, but can somebody tell me what I need to be doing right with my SANDSTORM!!-based team?

 

[spoiler=Sandstorm]Basically, I've got these guys locked in already:

 

Hippowdon (LEAD): Iggy Da Fool

Impish, Leftovers, 176 HP, 84 DEF, 248 SpD

Toxic, Stone Edge, Stockpile, Slack Off

 

Lucario: Star Platinum

Adamant, Life Orb, 252 Atk, 4 Def, 252 Spe

Swords Dance, Close Combat, Extreme Speed, Ice Punch

 

Empoleon: D. Blue Moon

Modest, Petaya Berry, 12 HP, 12 Def, 252 SpA, 232 Spe

Agility, Substitute, Surf, Grass Knot

 

This one is one I made to compensate for the weaknesses of the team in an overly straightforward manner, and though she works pretty good for me SO FAR, I'm sure I'll have to replace her.

 

Gliscor: Purple Hermit

Jolly, Expert Belt (Sand Veil), 4 Hp, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

U-Turn, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang

 

What I'm currently working on:

 

Metagross: Judgment

Adamant, Choice Band, 252 HP, 236 Atk, 12 Def, 8 Spe

Meteor Mash, Earthquake, Bullet Punch, Explosion

 

Tyranitar: The World

Jolly, Choice Scarf, 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

Stone Edge, Pursuit, Earthquake, Superpower

 

 

Alternatively, I'm also working on an Ubers Rain Dance team, and I'm trying to pick between seven different pokes.

 

[spoiler=Ubers Rain Dance]So here I go.

Kyogre (LEAD): Aqua Necklace

Modest, Lum Berry, 252 Hp, 4 Def, 252 SpA

Thunder Wave, Surf, Ice Beam, Thunder

 

Manaphy: Diver Down

Timid, Life Orb, 80 Hp, 252 SpA, 176 Spe

Tail Glow, Rest, Surf, Ice Beam,=

 

Palkia: S2 Heaven

Timid, Choice Scarf, 4 Atk, 252 Spa, 252 Spe

Outrage, Surf, Thunder, Spacial Rend

 

Ludicolo: Oasis

Calm, Leftovers, 252 Hp, 40 Def, 216 SpD

Leech Seed, Protect, Grass Knot, Toxic

 

Kingdra: Oh Lonesome Me

Lonely (Swift Swim), Life Orb, 252 Atk, 80 SpA, 176 Spe

Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Outrage, Draco Meteor

 

Kabutops: Scary Monster

Adamant (Swift Swim),Life Orb, 4 Hp, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

Swords Dance, Waterfall, Low Kick, Stone Edge (should I give it Stealth Rock??)

 

Mewtwo: D4C

Timid, Life Orb, 4 Hp, 252 Spa, 252 Spe

Thunder, Ice Beam, Aura Sphere, Calm Mind

 

Obviously a recurring theme in here is the usage of Life Orb, which I'll probably need to fix later.

 

 

So, what should I be doing differently? Do I need to toss in a Blissey cleric? Should I be trying a different strategy? Please send me your ideas so that I can stop being stupid!!

[Felix]

Sorry for interrupting this intense conversation' date=' but can somebody tell me what I need to be doing right with my SANDSTORM!!-based team?

 

Basically, I've got these guys locked in already:

 

Hippowdon (LEAD): Iggy Da Fool

Impish, Leftovers, 176 HP, 84 DEF, 248 SpD

Toxic, Stone Edge, Stockpile, Slack Off

 

[b']Hippowdon lead for a sandstorm; generic decision, fine. Put Stockpile isn't really the best chioce, Roar and Stealth Rock are Hippowdon's best choices considering SS is quite reliant on Passive Damage.[/b]

 

Lucario: Star Platinum

Adamant, Life Orb, 252 Atk, 4 Def, 252 Spe

Swords Dance, Close Combat, Extreme Speed, Ice Punch

 

Empoleon: D. Blue Moon

Modest, Petaya Berry, 12 HP, 12 Def, 252 SpA, 232 Spe

Agility, Substitute, Surf, Grass Knot

 

This one is one I made to compensate for the weaknesses of the team in an overly straightforward manner, and though she works pretty good for me SO FAR, I'm sure I'll have to replace her.

 

This team is probably more prone to being ass raped by strong Fighting moves rather than Water moves, plus if you want a Pokemon to compensate a weakness, it's not a fantastic idea to make it a sweeper that'll be cutting it's own Health. Wish Passing Vaporeon would be much better at doing the job you want him to and it's not weak to fighting moves. Mantine is also a possibility being neutral to Grass, resistant to Fighting and immune to both Ground and Water. Running two Water types would be a bad idea either.

 

Gliscor: Purple Hermit

Jolly, Expert Belt (Sand Veil), 4 Hp, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

U-Turn, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang

 

What/why?

 

What I'm currently working on:

 

Metagross: Judgment

Adamant, Choice Band, 252 HP, 236 Atk, 12 Def, 8 Spe

Meteor Mash, Earthquake, Bullet Punch, Explosion

 

Tyranitar: The World

Jolly, Choice Scarf, 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

Stone Edge, Pursuit, Earthquake, Superpower

 

Hippowdon or Tyranitar, and it should be lead Tar if it's Sandstorm.

 

 

 

This isn't a Sandstorm team:/ You have pokemon with Sandstream but you aren't taking advantage of any of the benefits,. None of your Pokemon other than Tyranitar receive it's a +1.5 SpD increase, but running it with Scarf screws that up. Basically, your generic Sweepers are totally out of place here. You either want something bulky and strong that's made even bulkier with SS, or a wall that gains obscene Defenses with SS. CurseCradily or Shuckle can fulfill these positions. Think of Offensive Bulky or Passive Damage whoring.

[Weather Report - Stand]

This team is probably more prone to being ass raped by strong Fighting moves rather than Water moves' date=' plus if you want a Pokemon to compensate a weakness, it's not a fantastic idea to make it a sweeper that'll be cutting it's own Health. Wish Passing Vaporeon would be much better at doing the job you want him to and it's not weak to fighting moves. Mantine is also a possibility being neutral to Grass, resistant to Fighting and immune to both Ground and Water. Running two Water types would be a bad idea either.[/b']

 

This isn't a Sandstorm team:/ You have pokemon with Sandstream but you aren't taking advantage of any of the benefits,. None of your Pokemon other than Tyranitar receive it's a +1.5 SpD increase, but running it with Scarf screws that up. Basically, your generic Sweepers are totally out of place here. You either want something bulky and strong that's made even bulkier with SS, or a wall that gains obscene Defenses with SS. CurseCradily or Shuckle can fulfill these positions. Think of Offensive Bulky or Passive Damage whoring.

 

Well, alright, thanks Felix, I'll try raising the Tyrannitar and see which one I like better as a lead-in. And I'll also look into the Cradily and Shuckle you mentioned, because all I had in mind when building this set was "use guys resistant to Sandstorm!", not "Remember that Sandstorm also boots some stats!". Now, is my Lucario fine? Would a Baton Pass Vaporeon be fine as the Wish-Vaporeon you suggested? And what is the general consensus on Metagross?

[Felix]

Batton Pass just wastes a move slot, Standard Wish Support would be preferable, Wish/Protect/Surf/Toxic. Possibly if other Pokemon are spreading Toxic around, run Heal Bell instead. This can also work well if some of your Pokemon are using Rest and not Sleep Talk.

[T3RA PROWL3R]

Grass looks shady

Fire looks . . . well, . . . Kinda like one of those things in a children's cartoon. Oh, wait.

Water looks like a ****

 

 

I like the looks of the grass, the strength of the Fire, and everything else of the Water.

---

Otherwise, it depends on the evolutions, or if I find a non-starter that I liek more.

[Weather Report - Stand]

Batton Pass just wastes a move slot' date=' Standard Wish Support would be preferable, Wish/Protect/Surf/Toxic. Possibly if other Pokemon are spreading Toxic around, run Heal Bell instead. This can also work well if some of your Pokemon are using Rest and not Sleep Talk.

[/quote']

 

I see, I get it.

 

So, to further bother you, I believe that from what you said, THIS would be a preferable team:

 

Tyranitar: Jolly, 4 HP, 252 ATK, 252 SPE (Or the Hippowdon I enjoy very much)

Item: ? (Leftovers? Chople Berry(probably not))

Stone Edge

Pursuit

Earthquake

Superpower

 

Lucario: Adamant, 252 ATK, 4 DEF, 252 SPE

Life Orb

Swords Dance

Close Combat

Extreme Speed

Ice Punch

 

Metagross: Adamant, 252 HP, 236 ATK, 12 DEF, 8 SPE

Choice Band

Meteor Mash

Earthquake

Bullet Punch

Explosion

 

Vaporeon: Bold, 188 HP, 252 DEF, 68 SPE

Wish

Protect

Surf

Toxic

 

Cradily: Careful, 252 HP, 4 DEF, 252 SPD

Chesto Berry

Curse

Rock Slide

Seed Bomb

Rest

 

Shuckle: Impish, 248 HP, 252 DEF, 8 SPD (though the Acupressure set looks fun to use...)

Leftovers

Rest

Encore

Toxic

Knock-Off

 

Maybe I should toss in a Forretress, but that can be looked at on a later date.

[Dark]

TTar would really love to run Babiri Berry, so Scizor doesn't make quick work of it with Bullat Pawnch.

 

If you also want me to take a look at your team, I can.

[Weather Report - Stand]

Why, yes pweaze, Mr. Dark! I'd glady have you look at my teams I just posted earlier.

 

CURRENT SANDSTORM

Hippowdon (LEAD): Iggy Da Fool

Impish, Leftovers, 176 HP, 84 DEF, 248 SpD

Toxic, Stone Edge, Stockpile, Slack Off

 

Lucario: Star Platinum

Adamant, Life Orb, 252 Atk, 4 Def, 252 Spe

Swords Dance, Close Combat, Extreme Speed, Ice Punch

 

Empoleon: D. Blue Moon

Modest, Petaya Berry, 12 HP, 12 Def, 252 SpA, 232 Spe

Agility, Substitute, Surf, Grass Knot

 

Gliscor: Purple Hermit

Jolly, Expert Belt (Sand Veil), 4 Hp, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

U-Turn, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang

 

What I'm currently working on:

 

Metagross: Judgment

Adamant, Choice Band, 252 HP, 236 Atk, 12 Def, 8 Spe

Meteor Mash, Earthquake, Bullet Punch, Explosion

 

Tyranitar: The World

Jolly, Choice Scarf, 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

Stone Edge, Pursuit, Earthquake, Superpower

 

POSSIBLE SANDSTORM

Tyranitar: Jolly, 4 HP, 252 ATK, 252 SPE (Or the Hippowdon I enjoy very much)

Item: Babiri Berry?

Stone Edge

Pursuit

Earthquake

Superpower

 

Lucario: Adamant, 252 ATK, 4 DEF, 252 SPE

Life Orb

Swords Dance

Close Combat

Extreme Speed

Ice Punch

 

Metagross: Adamant, 252 HP, 236 ATK, 12 DEF, 8 SPE

Choice Band

Meteor Mash

Earthquake

Bullet Punch

Explosion

 

Vaporeon: Bold, 188 HP, 252 DEF, 68 SPE

Wish

Protect

Surf

Toxic

 

Cradily: Careful, 252 HP, 4 DEF, 252 SPD

Chesto Berry

Curse

Rock Slide

Seed Bomb

Rest

 

Shuckle: Impish, 248 HP, 252 DEF, 8 SPD (though the Acupressure set looks fun to use...)

Leftovers

Rest

Encore

Toxic

Knock-Off

 

POSSIBLE UBERS RAIN DANCE (seven guys listed)

Kyogre (LEAD): Aqua Necklace

Modest, Lum Berry, 252 Hp, 4 Def, 252 SpA

Thunder Wave, Surf, Ice Beam, Thunder

 

Manaphy: Diver Down

Timid, Life Orb, 80 Hp, 252 SpA, 176 Spe

Tail Glow, Rest, Surf, Ice Beam

 

Palkia: S2 Heaven

Timid, Choice Scarf, 4 Atk, 252 Spa, 252 Spe

Outrage, Surf, Thunder, Spacial Rend

 

Ludicolo: Oasis

Calm, Leftovers, 252 Hp, 40 Def, 216 SpD

Leech Seed, Protect, Grass Knot, Toxic

 

Kingdra: Oh Lonesome Me

Lonely (Swift Swim), Life Orb, 252 Atk, 80 SpA, 176 Spe

Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Outrage, Draco Meteor

 

Kabutops: Scary Monster

Adamant (Swift Swim),Life Orb, 4 Hp, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

Swords Dance, Waterfall, Low Kick, Stone Edge (should I give it Stealth Rock??)

 

Mewtwo: D4C

Timid, Life Orb, 4 Hp, 252 Spa, 252 Spe

Thunder, Ice Beam, Aura Sphere, Calm Mind

(Throw the previously mentioned Vaporeon in? Maybe)

[Dark]

Just at a glance (I'll do a more in-depth criticism later on today), I see your SD Luke has Ice Pawnch. That's fine, but I definitely see a lot more potential with Crunch. Granted your TTar has Pursuit and nothing else on your team has Ice-type attacks, you don't really gain much coverage. If you intended to hit Gliscor, Sand Veil will screw you over. And if you intended to hit Flying-types, I can't think of too many prominent ones who could shake off a +2 Crunch. And with Crunch, you get some pretty nice damage on Gengar, and Dusknoir (who you could probably 2HKO at +2). It's just a suggestion, nothing major.

 

Another nitpick I have is that you have... absolutely... no... special... attackers. While special is the weaker attack stat because of Blissey, Sandstorm teams can usually dispose of her. And if that does happen, you can take a lot of advantage by using a special attacker AFTER your opponent's special wall has been eliminated. The only actual special move on your entire team is Vappy's Surf... which will be a 17HKO on most things. I don't know what you'd replace (and with what), but consider that if Blissey goes down, you are almost set for a free special attacker's sweep.

[Weather Report - Stand]

Hmm... well, I'll think about Crunch, but what types of Special Attackers can you think of that go with my theme? I'm stumped on that... but mostly because I don't have much creativity.

[Dark]

Heatran, CM Latias with Lefties (but not a support set, just exchange LO for Lefties), maybe even special Luke without Specs.

[Weather Report - Stand]

Hmm... I see where the Lucario's coming from, since it WAS kinda obvious... and I have an Adamant Heatran in storage I saved for just this sort of occasion!! Maybe I'll compare a supporter Latias to that Vaporeon, unless somebody tells me that's a stupid move...

[Dark]

If you are going to run a Heatran, I'd definitely say Mild with Sub + 3 Attacks or Sub + Explosion + 2 Attacks. So it looks like you are running a Scarf, but you aren't. :D

[Weather Report - Stand]

If you are going to run a Heatran' date=' I'd definitely say Mild with Sub + 3 Attacks or Sub + Explosion + 2 Attacks. So it looks like you are running a Scarf, but you aren't. :[b'][/b]D

 

Hmm... well, I'll think about Crunch, but what types of Special Attackers can you think of that go with my theme? I'm stumped on that... but mostly because I don't have much creativity.

[Flame Dragon]

Hmm... I see where the Lucario's coming from' date=' since it WAS kinda obvious... and I have an Adamant Heatran in storage I saved for just this sort of occasion!! Maybe I'll compare a supporter Latias to that Vaporeon, unless somebody tells me that's a stupid move...

[/quote']

Never use an Adamant Heatran. It lowers it's special stat and raises it's attack, killing any use it may have.

 

Other good special pokemon are the Rotom forms and Jolteon. Also you could make Luke a special attacker which will really catch a person off guard.

[Tentacruel]

I've been planning on doing a standard Calm Mind/Taunt set with Mewtwo, but I just got an evil idea to give it a Bulk Up setup. Any comment?

[Dark]

I've been planning on doing a standard Calm Mind/Taunt set with Mewtwo' date=' but I just got an evil idea to give it a Bulk Up setup. Any comment?

[/quote']

 

That's nice and all, and with a heavy investment in Attack and Special Defense, it would work nicely with Bulk Up, but...

 

What attacks are you using? Mewtwo doesn't really have too many physical options, and you need a good Dragon- or Dark- or Ghost-type move to make it anywhere in Ubers.

[JadenxAtemYAOI]

Inuyasha show Fails at life.

 

Which pokemon does he look like? FAIL

 

[J-Max]

What would be a good strategy for Umbreon? I hear it's a oretty crappy Pokemon overall but I need a Dark Type for my team.

[Hass Mac]

Umbreon..... is the total opposite of crappy....... he has such high defenses that even shuckle will have a hard time.....

[Mehmani]

Everyone knows that the Church disagrees with Pokemon, so it is therefore evil and ungodly.

[Weather Report - Stand]

Hmm... I see where the Lucario's coming from' date=' since it WAS kinda obvious... and I have an Adamant Heatran in storage I saved for just this sort of occasion!! Maybe I'll compare a supporter Latias to that Vaporeon, unless somebody tells me that's a stupid move...

[/quote']

Never use an Adamant Heatran. It lowers it's special stat and raises it's attack, killing any use it may have.

 

Other good special pokemon are the Rotom forms and Jolteon. Also you could make Luke a special attacker which will really catch a person off guard.

 

Now looking at a Heatran for the... second? time in my life, I see that using an Attack-based moveset would be suicide, as you've said. So... I guess that a good moveset would be:

 

NICKNAME: MAGICIAN'S RED!! (gotta go with the name theme)

(4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe)

Mild

Shuca Berry

Substitute

Explosion

Magma Storm

Earth Power

 

Eh? How's it look? I'm also now interested in these sets:

 

Lucario: Stone Free

(4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe)

Modest

Life Orb

Aura Sphere

Shadow Ball

Hidden Power Ice if I have the patience to attain it

Vacuum Wave

 

Latias: DEATH 13 (obligatory odd name)

(252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe)

Timid

Leftovers

Dragon Pulse

Wish

Roar (or Thunder Wave?)

Reflect

[-Berserker-]

Inuyasha show Fails at life.

 

Which pokemon does he look like? FAIL

 

 

And it's name is Entei...

[Dark]

What would be a good strategy for Umbreon? I hear it's a oretty crappy Pokemon overall but I need a Dark Type for my team.

 

It is a crappy Pokemon regardless of high defenses, but if you are going a more offensive route with your other five Pokemon, Mean Look + Baton Pass + Wish + Attacking move wouldn't be that bad of an idea. Mean Look to trap your opponent or Wish to heal stuff. Baton Pass out to keep your opponent trapped or to heal your teammate. Attacking move so Taunt doesn't kill you.

 

SAPPHIRE UPDATE

 

All of my Pokemon are Lv44 or higher, before Victory Road. At the end of Victory Road, I want them all to be Lv47 or higher, because I only want to be 8 to 10 levels underleveled for Steven. The only exception is Magneton, who won't be coming into Victory Road because I have two HM slaves (Wailord and Tropius). But here is the run-down of all my Pokemon. I won't be listing natures because I don't have any majorly crappy ones and they don't matter all too much.

 

Blaziken (45) @ Charcoal

Dig, Slash, Brick Break, Flamethrower

 

Ludicolo (44) @ Miracle Seed

Giga Drain, Ice Beam, Surf, Toxic

 

Gardevoir (46) @ Nothing

Shadow Ball, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Calm Mind

 

Magneton (44) @ Nothing

Tri Attack, Spark, Thunderbolt, Thunder Wave

 

Flygon (45) @ Soft Sand

Crunch, Dragon Claw, Earthquake, HYPER BEAM