Introduction
What's a game of Pokemon if you don't have fun? While we can all get caught up in competitive spirit and the cliquier aspects of Smogon, the true reason all of us regularly visit this site is to have fun. I tried to encompass the more fun aspects of a metagame that people regard as stale and not fun within a team I created—the last team that I built during the BW2 era. I got the idea after hearing of a team that Vinc2612 used while defending the Smogon Frontier, with a weather trapper Heatran on a sand team. It was odd to me at first, but after hearing about how effective it was at removing rain, I decided to give it a shot.
The team fell together pretty naturally after I decided what to center it around. It's a bulky sand offense build that aims to remove all forms of opposing weather with Heatran and then pull off a sweep with either Breloom or Scizor in the mid-game. While both are slow, priority moves allow them to hit all the targets they need to beat. Once that's done, Keldeo cleans up. Latias and Hippowdon act as my failsafes against other weather builds, and Latias especially holds up extremely well against sun teams.
This thread also serves as my 1k, a testament to the amount of time that I spend on Smogon (hint: too much). I joined a bit over two years ago and have contributed here ever since. RMT was the first place on these forums that I was ever active in, so I thought posting an RMT would be a fun way to commemorate this benchmark!
The Team
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 232 Def / 16 SpD / 12 Spe
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Whirlwind
- Slack Off
Hippowdon is a great catch-all Pokemon in BW. While it's often shunted in favor of the more versatile Tyranitar, it definitely has it's strengths. For one, Hippowdon is a great check to Terrakion, who still decimates with its Choice Band set. Additionally, it provides Stealth Rock support which is necessary if I aim to get a sweep going. Sand Stream, while it doesn't directly benefit my team, provides weather control, which is necessary on pretty much every successful BW2 team if you want to face up against rain and sun offense.
My moveset is pretty standard as far as defensive Pokemon go. I have Earthquake, which I only really use to take down Pokemon if I hit them super-effectively. Whirlwind provides a phaser and a last resort check to Volcarona, while it's also helpful against SubSD Terrakion and Dragon Dance Dragons, as I can't hit them. Slack Off provides the recovery Hippowdon needs in order to stick around all game, which sets it apart from all other weather summoners. My EV spread allows me to get maximum defensive prowess by hitting a jump point, while I also retain the ability to outpace all other Hippowdon that run 4 Speed (or 8 Speed in order to creep the 4 Speed Hippowdon!).
I finally get what you've been saying
Now that we're knee deep side by side
The storm clouds are circling above us
As we struggle against the tide
Heatran @ Passho Berry
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Sunny Day
- Magma Storm
- SolarBeam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Trapper Heatran might seem a little out of place on this team, especially because you usually see it on sun teams, but it's very effective in removing Politoed, Jellicent, and other problematic Pokemon. This set is actually ridiculously useful and it lands me a lot of surprise KOs—most Water-type Pokemon on rain teams that would switch into Heatran are ruined by Magma Storm in conjugation with the Passho Berry and Sunny Day, and defensive Politoed, which is normally quite durable, is unable to break through Heatran. Offense Politoed is definitely more of a nuisance, but if I am able to land the Magma Storm hit, Choice Specs Hydro Pump won't even break through Heatran.
The moves are all pretty commonplace, though I have to admit that Hidden Power Ice doesn't see much use, especially with Salamence and Dragonite fading from popular usage; I do suppose Garchomp is always a great target to hit, though but I sacrifice the ability to attack Garchomp safely without an Air Balloon. Magma Storm is extremely useful in keeping Skarmory at bay, as bar a miss, it'll ensure Skarmory can only get one hazard on the field. If Skarmory switches out, the next Pokemon will take a heap of damage. Not being able to hit opposing Heatran is a bit of an annoyance, especially because most can hit back with Earth Power. However, Breloom, Keldeo, and Scizor (after a boost) are all good offensive checks to Heatran, and if I see an opposing Heatran on the other team, I will oftentimes go for a double switch rather than simply spamming Magma Storm.
I feel your grip firm on my shoulder
But this fear in my head won't subside
They patiently circle around us
As we hold out
Latias @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 16 SpA / 244 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Now that Hidden Power Fire Latias is no longer common, it's the perfect time to start playing with this set! Latias is a great failsafe against sun teams and it dismantles most common VoltTurn cores (though Landorus-T is still a nuisance). Additionally, Latias is great against opposing sun teams that carry Dugtrio. Heatran cannot be very helpful until Dugtrio is eliminated, so Latias can come out early and check most sun threats bar Volcarona. You might find it odd that I'm running 244 Speed EVs, but hitting 349 Speed is pretty arbitrary because you won't be able to beat any relevant threat, considering most Latios and Latias hit 350. 244 EVs guarantees that I beat out Terrakion, Keldeo, and Infernape, the next biggest threats.
Latias's sweeping ability is definitely hampered by rain, but I would still call it an effective Politoed check because it takes so little damage unless I'm facing a Modest Choice Specs set. Dragon Pulse has pretty good widespread coverage, and while Jirachi and can be a nuisance, I have Hippowdon to pick up there. As a precaution, never assume you can OHKO every Scizor or Ferrothorn you face, because a lot of the time you can't. Definitely weaken them a bit before attempting to go for the sweep. I've considered running a more defensive set, but I like the ability to outpace Terrakion too much to lose any Speed.
Oh father, why have they forsaken me?
You warned me that they would
Because it's passing down the bloodline
It's spoken and misunderstood
Breloom @ Life Orb / Focus Sash
Trait: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
- Spore
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed
- Swords Dance
Breloom is pretty fun to use in this metagame, and it's definitely one of the most useful Pokemon to use too due to Spore, which pretty much functions as an insta-KO bar the appearance of a Natural Cure wielder. The moveset is as standard as can be, with Swords Dance over Low Sweep because I like the ability to break out and sweep mid-game so that Keldeo has an easy time in the end-game. Mach Punch and Bullet Seed alone get most of the KOs that I need them to.
I've had trouble deciding between Life Orb and Focus Sash. On one hand, Life Orb makes Breloom all the more fearsome when I'm going for a sweep, while on the other hand, Focus Sash allows me to be more comfortable leading with Breloom against offensive teams. I generally go with a Life Orb because using Focus Sash Breloom on a sand team can be annoying, but there are times when I switch the item up. Perhaps someone can help me choose the superior item!
We're losing light
And strength of will
The darkened depths beckoning still
Then we hold on against the tide
Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Surf
- Hydro Pump
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Secret Sword
There was no other Pokemon that fit quite as well as Keldeo does on this team when I decided to add it, which was when I already had five Pokemon. I needed a powerful Choice Scarf user, but Keldeo gave me so much more. For one, it's a great answer to rain offense and it punishes the opponent for boosting my Surf. Additionally, it completes the FWG core with Heatran and Breloom, though honestly that's irrelevant because I don't switch too often. However, it's notable that I do have the synergy to switch out and preserve a Pokemon without weakening one of my walls.
Keldeo gets great coverage with just four moves. Hydro Pump isn't used that often, as I generally don't need the extra power by the time I bring Keldeo out unless I need to KO a weakened Reuniclus to begin cleaning. Surf is used much more often, as it gets STAB, can be powered up by rain should the opponent carry Politoed, and is just simply more reliable. Hidden Power Ice gives me an answer to Dragons that try to beat me through Dragon Dance, while Secret Sword covers the likes of Kyurem-B and Ferrothorn. It's not hard to see why Keldeo was considered a suspect twice given its overall great utility in the metagame!
Another storm you're left to fight alone
Remember son, you're reaping what you've sown
Under the waves we're sinking like a stone
I'm sorry son, you're reaping what you've sown
Scizor @ Flying Gem
Trait: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Swords Dance
- Acrobatics
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
My team was a little bit weak to Jellicent and Tentacruel, as they block a Keldeo sweep and can spread status, so instead of going with a Choice Band Scizor, I chose to run a Flying Gem Acrobatics set. Scizor provides more than just a sweeper; it gives me a second Steel-type to handle Dragons—mainly Latios and Latias that are Choice-locked—and it provides important priority. I typically bring Scizor out in the mid-game to break holes in the opponent's team, but if I can nab more than one boost because of a bad prediction regard my Scizor's set, I'll take advantage of it and try to go for a full sweep.
Acrobatics with a Flying Gem works very well. While Jellicent and Tentacruel users are typically more cautious around Scizor nowadays because of this set, it still works pretty effectively, and there aren't very many Pokemon in OU that can handle Scizor regardless. Superpower hits Heatran and other Steel-types, and it can nab some damage against Skarmory before it uses Whirlwind. Bullet Punch is just important priority, and if I don't want to bring Keldeo out because I might give the opponent a setup opportunity, I'll either use Scizor or Breloom to take care of business.
You're reaping what you've sown
You're reaping what you've sown
You're reaping what you've sown
You're reaping what you've sown
Conclusion
Thanks for sticking with me through this RMT! The team itself is more of a fun team for me than anything. I haven't played any tournaments with it, though I've done fairly well on the PO ladder. Unlike other teams, I don't really have any different variations of the team, and it's stuck true to its original build throughout the time I've played with it. While it's balanced, it likes to be played as an offensive team, and switches are definitely not supposed to happen too often as you'll just lose your momentum. While sets might seem out of place, it's worked pretty cohesively for me!
By the way, the title is from my favorite song from the Celldweller album Blackstar. Below you can find my 1k shoutouts, as they're probably the only reason you viewed the RMT! I'm keeping it short for time's sake, but if you think I've forgotten you, just message me and I'll add you.
august: you seem to be one of the few people that comes here to have fun and i respect that a lot, that's probably why it's so fun to watch you play! wreckin it since 07
Azotal: while you're not really known at all around these parts, you're the one who cursed me by introducing me to competitive battling and this site. so fuck you. thanks for being a good friend over the years though! by the way, your 2 week pursuit of a badge that ended due to laziness shows a lot about your character :)
Bloo: you're seemingly everyone's best smogon friend but it's cool to have someone that i can talk to about irl matters since you seem to have a knack for knowing the right thing to do. of course making fun of dumb users with you has been one of the biggest reasons that i stuck around here, hope you're having fun at med school buddy
BKC: chicken!! i always assumed you were a cock before i met you because of all those random **scandals** in inside scoop but you're one of the coolest guys on smogon and i'm glad that we became friends. you're a great player and i'm definitely predicting either you or bloo to take it all in tour this year!
Ciele: cielery is cute n_n
CrashinBoomBang:
Delko: i always looked up to you when i was a littled badgeless user and you really guided me here in rmt. you convinced me to come back when i thought i wouldn't ever be a rater so thank you for that n_n you've constantly stuck up for me when things got rough here and despite not seeing you very much recently, you're still a good friend!
Dice:
dragonuser:
Eo Ut Mortus: while you don't know it, you pretty much taught me how to play this game a lot better than i used to when i joined team asia over a year ago. i used to rush through games but after going like 0-5 against you i slowed it down and got a lot better at risk vs reward so thanks for that n_n you are a nice fellow too and if i go to slu we will definitely partake in a tower of the french variety
Fiction.: introduced me to celldweller and brand new and probably a bunch of other shit i don't remember, keep me updated on tunes because you always seem to have the best music!
Foodking: yere mate
Funkasaurus: another one of my best buds on smogon! as you struggle to survive tormenting teachers, just know that i will always be here to distract you n_n
ginganinja:
Haunter:
Huntofthelion:
ium:
Jayde:
Jirachi: is QAHN. while he didn't give me a shoutout in his rmt, he is one of my best e-friends and came a long way in a short time period. a worthy fellow cute user!
Mafeking: one of my first good grammar friends on smogon who quit soon after he joined :( come back buddy
mostwanted: lol
Nachos:
Omicron: went through a lot with omi :o at first you kinda hated me for posting so much in c&c (and looking back, i can see why) but i guess we kinda bonded over gp and dream world. it was sad to see ya go but you're off doing bigger and better things
PDC:
PenguinX:
Pocket: Once upon a time there was a 60 year old man. He lived in Norway. Nobody knew his name,they all called him Pocketman. You probably ask why they called him pocket man, well i tell you why. He in a VERY wierd way rapes people. Believe me this story is true although its very wierd. He has been arrested in custody by the police now. He rapes everyone from a homofil to a pedofil. This is the way he does it: He wanders around the streets in a coap and a jeans pants. And when its very few people around the streets and he sees for example a littled kid boy or girl (it could be a grown up too) he says this: "hey boy i've hurt my hands a little bit can you pick up my cellphone from my pocket" the boy says:"sure thing man" The boy put his hand in the guys pocket. and he feels like the pocket is too long, and when he comes to the buttom of the ocket he feels something yucky(the pocketmans dick). And pocketman takes a knife from his other wallet stabs the kid and rapes him. Believe me i'm norwegian and its true over 2,000 people have been raped by this man. This thread might seem totally NON INTERESTING but i'm bored and i just wanna say this. reply your thoughts about this man or write your own story about the subject. submitted by The Undertaker
PttP:
ShakeItUp:
sirndpt:
Stone_Cold:
tab: is cute!! oddly enough, he's a driving force around rmt even though he appears to be lazy n_n
Trinitrotoluene:
VN.:
(will fill these in as I go n_n)
Azotal: while you're not really known at all around these parts, you're the one who cursed me by introducing me to competitive battling and this site. so fuck you. thanks for being a good friend over the years though! by the way, your 2 week pursuit of a badge that ended due to laziness shows a lot about your character :)
Bloo: you're seemingly everyone's best smogon friend but it's cool to have someone that i can talk to about irl matters since you seem to have a knack for knowing the right thing to do. of course making fun of dumb users with you has been one of the biggest reasons that i stuck around here, hope you're having fun at med school buddy
BKC: chicken!! i always assumed you were a cock before i met you because of all those random **scandals** in inside scoop but you're one of the coolest guys on smogon and i'm glad that we became friends. you're a great player and i'm definitely predicting either you or bloo to take it all in tour this year!
Ciele: cielery is cute n_n
CrashinBoomBang:
Delko: i always looked up to you when i was a littled badgeless user and you really guided me here in rmt. you convinced me to come back when i thought i wouldn't ever be a rater so thank you for that n_n you've constantly stuck up for me when things got rough here and despite not seeing you very much recently, you're still a good friend!
Dice:
dragonuser:
Eo Ut Mortus: while you don't know it, you pretty much taught me how to play this game a lot better than i used to when i joined team asia over a year ago. i used to rush through games but after going like 0-5 against you i slowed it down and got a lot better at risk vs reward so thanks for that n_n you are a nice fellow too and if i go to slu we will definitely partake in a tower of the french variety
Fiction.: introduced me to celldweller and brand new and probably a bunch of other shit i don't remember, keep me updated on tunes because you always seem to have the best music!
Foodking: yere mate
Funkasaurus: another one of my best buds on smogon! as you struggle to survive tormenting teachers, just know that i will always be here to distract you n_n
ginganinja:
Haunter:
Huntofthelion:
ium:
Jayde:
Jirachi: is QAHN. while he didn't give me a shoutout in his rmt, he is one of my best e-friends and came a long way in a short time period. a worthy fellow cute user!
Mafeking: one of my first good grammar friends on smogon who quit soon after he joined :( come back buddy
mostwanted: lol
Nachos:
Omicron: went through a lot with omi :o at first you kinda hated me for posting so much in c&c (and looking back, i can see why) but i guess we kinda bonded over gp and dream world. it was sad to see ya go but you're off doing bigger and better things
PDC:
PenguinX:
Pocket: Once upon a time there was a 60 year old man. He lived in Norway. Nobody knew his name,they all called him Pocketman. You probably ask why they called him pocket man, well i tell you why. He in a VERY wierd way rapes people. Believe me this story is true although its very wierd. He has been arrested in custody by the police now. He rapes everyone from a homofil to a pedofil. This is the way he does it: He wanders around the streets in a coap and a jeans pants. And when its very few people around the streets and he sees for example a littled kid boy or girl (it could be a grown up too) he says this: "hey boy i've hurt my hands a little bit can you pick up my cellphone from my pocket" the boy says:"sure thing man" The boy put his hand in the guys pocket. and he feels like the pocket is too long, and when he comes to the buttom of the ocket he feels something yucky(the pocketmans dick). And pocketman takes a knife from his other wallet stabs the kid and rapes him. Believe me i'm norwegian and its true over 2,000 people have been raped by this man. This thread might seem totally NON INTERESTING but i'm bored and i just wanna say this. reply your thoughts about this man or write your own story about the subject. submitted by The Undertaker
PttP:
ShakeItUp:
sirndpt:
Stone_Cold:
tab: is cute!! oddly enough, he's a driving force around rmt even though he appears to be lazy n_n
Trinitrotoluene:
VN.:
(will fill these in as I go n_n)