Excadrill Fodder: B/W OU RMT (Peaked at 1128)

[shinyskarmory]

Welcome to my second serious RMT. I've always loved flexible, offensive battling, and this team is no exception to my philosophy. When I first used this team, my main account (ShinySkarmory) was ranked near the bottom of the rankings with an 826 ranking due to numerous failed teams. Within a day or two I was at 1128 before dropping back down to a more typical level (for me at least) of 1031.

Teambuilding Process

I started with what I consider to be the most broken pokemon in standard OU: Calm Mind Reuniclus.

I wanted to add a partner to kill the pokemon Reuniclus had the most problems with, namely Scizor and Tyranitar. I added a Mixape over Conkledurr, Reuniclus' standard partner, to give myself some extra speed and wallbreaking capability.

I added Weavile to solve the dragon problem that my team was already developing, as well as to give me a great revenge killer.

Weavile HATES entry hazards, particularly Stealth Rocks, so I added Starmie for more special punch and Rapid Spinning.

I wanted to complete my FWG core with a bulky supporter, so physically defensive Celebi joined the squad.

For a lead, I chose Smeargle. I took advantage of his enormous movepool to build an effective lead set.

I wanted to replace Celebi (who wasn't doing very well at tanking physical hits) for another wall who could stop Excadrill. I chose Tangrowth for its nearly infinite switchins courtesy of Regenerator.
​

The Lead

Smeargle (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Spore
- Toxic Spikes
- Stealth Rock
- Roar

Smeargle has been possibly the most successful lead I've ever employed. He has a surprising amount of speed and bulk with the given EVs. Before the battle, I scan for a magic mirror (Espeon or Xatu) on the opposing team. If I see one, I'll lead with Smeargle, then switch to Weavile on the first turn to hopefully trap the magic bouncer with Pursuit. Otherwise, I'll Spore, then set up SR first and as many layers of other hazards as the sleep timer allows. If I get all my hazards laid, I hazard shuffle until Smeargle is KO'ed.
​

Synergy: Moot. It's a suicide lead. If he's phazed out or Taunted, I'll sac him later for a free switch.

​

The Core

Starmie @ Life Orb
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Rest
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Rapid Spin
​

This is an unorthodox Starmie set, but it's served me well. I debated endlessly in my head over whether running STAB was worth sacrificing BoltBeam's perfect coverage, but in the end it was no contest. Rapid Spin keeps hazards off the field so that Infernape and Weavile can come in freely. BoltBeam gives me powerful offensive coverage. I'll use Rest on a predicted opposing switch and then switch out myself to cure the status and keep momentum on my side.
Synergy:
Grass->Tangrowth->Reuniclus->Infernape
Electric->Tangrowth->Reuniclus
Dark->Tangrowth->Infernape
Bug->Infernape (i guess)
Ghost->Tangrowth

Tangrowth (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Sleep Powder
- Power Whip
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Earthquake
​

Tangrowth is my team's only real wall. It keeps the FWG core I had with Celebi originally, but it's only marginally better at sponging physical hits then Celebi was. Sleep Powder is to sleep its counters, Power Whip is for powerful STAB, Hidden Power Ice is yet ANOTHER anti-Dragon move, and Earthquake is there for coverage.
Synergy:
Fire->Starmie
Ice->Reuniclus
Bug->Infernape

Infernape (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naughty Nature (+Atk, -SDef)
- Overheat
- Close Combat
- Grass Knot
- U-turn
​

Infernape is the wallbreaker. I run a pretty standard MixApe set, but sometimes the tried and true is best for a team. Infernape's only purpose is to destroy barriers to Reuniclus' sweep, like Scizor, Tyranitar, Excadrill, and the like.
Synergy:
Water->Tangrowth
Ground->Tangrowth
Psychic->Weavile
Flying (lol)->Tangrowth (can take the hit most of the time)

The Cleaners

Reuniclus (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Recover
- Focus Blast
​

Reuniclus is my major mid-to-late game threat. I used to dread seeing it on Team Preview because of the way letting it get one boost could cost you the game. Now I've got one on my team, and it's great to be on the right side of its ridiculous bulk. Pretty standard CM Reuniclus, but when something works this well, you don't need to reinvent the wheel.
Synergy:
Bug->Infernape
Dark->Tangrowth
Ghost->Tangrowth

Weavile (F) @ Choice Band
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Pursuit
- Low Kick
- Ice Punch

Weavile is my revenge killer and late-game physical cleaner. It's one of the most unexpected threats in the current metagame (near the bottom of UU when I last checked). It may not be able to take a hit, but I solve the problem by switching it in on free switches to trap and revenge kill pokemon in early to mid game and then finish off crippled teams in late game. Pursuit allows me to easily trap and kill Psychic and Ghost types, plus weakened walls. Ice Shard gives me needed priority to prevent pokemon from getting a hit in- one solid hit on Weavile is usually fatal. Low Kick provides great coverage against Steels who think they can switch in with impunity, and Ice Punch is for devastating late-game sweeping.
Synergy:
Fighting->Reuniclus
Steel->Tangrowth
Bug->Infernape
Rock->Tangrowth
Fire->Starmie

Former Members

Celebi

Celebi @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/6 Spe
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
-Giga Drain
-Hidden Power <Fire>
-Recover
-Thunder Wave

Celebi was a great status absorber and spreader, but the pixie just didn't cut it as a physical wall.
​

​

Final Words

This team skyrocketed my main account to 1128 from 826 in 2 days of play, but then it stalled, faced with much more Scizors and Excadrills (this team's main problem) then before. I need some help getting counters to the pair that keep the team's identity intact.

Thank you for reading!
​

 

[shinyskarmory]

Reserved for Threat List.

Offensive Threats
 
[IMG]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpicon/dpicon142.png[/IMG]  Aerodactyl -More of a lead threat then an actual threat. He can Taunt  Smeargle before Smeargle can get up hazards, but Starmie or Weavile can  easily kill him.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/7/7e/Ani286MS.png[/IMG] Breloom -Infernape can break the sub with a U-turn, and then Starmie or Reuniclus can take the hit and kill it.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/534.png[/IMG] Conkeldurr -Infernape blasts the hell out of it with Overheat.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/555-normal.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://pldh.net/media/pokecons/555.png[/IMG]Darmanitan -Haven't run into one yet with this team, but the results are probably devastating.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/386-speed.png[/IMG]Deoxys-S -Only a problem as a lead if it runs Taunt. Otherwise, I Spore and set my hazards up.

[IMG]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpicon/dpicon149.png[/IMG] Dragonite -So many ice attacks on this team just to beat dragons.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/3/37/Ani395MS.png[/IMG] Empoleon -Infernape beats the living hell out of it, and Starmie can fry it.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/a/a7/196MS.png[/IMG]Espeon -Trapped and killed, courtesy of Weavile.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/530.png[/IMG] Excadrill -FFFFFFFFFUUUUUU!!!!!!! By far the greatest threat to this team under sandstorm. 
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/1/18/Ani094MS.png[/IMG] Gengar -Another Weavile trap and kill.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/d1/Ani130MS.png[/IMG] Gyarados - Starmie+Thunderbolt
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/612.png[/IMG] Haxorus -Any one of the ice type moves.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/0/03/Ani485MS.png[/IMG] Heatran -Infernape can Close Combat.
[IMG]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpicon/dpicon214.png[/IMG] Heracross -Haven't seen one yet, but it'll cause problems if Infernape is down.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/635.png[/IMG] Hydreigon -Ice type moves+Infernape handle it just fine.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/7/74/Ani392MS.png[/IMG]Infernape -Physical variants are walled by Tangrowth without a boost, special variants by Reuniclus.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/7/77/Ani385MS.png[/IMG] Jirachi -Annoying as hell, but I can generally beat it without losing a pokemon.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/1/14/Ani135MS.png[/IMG] Jolteon -Walled by Tangrowth.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/d8/Ani230MS.png[/IMG] Kingdra -Starmie and Weavile have no problems unless it's raining.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/646.png[/IMG] Kyurem -Infernape CCs.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/645.png[/IMG] Landorus -Any of the ice moves on the team OHKOs.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/381.png[/IMG]Latios -Weavile traps and kills it.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/549.png[/IMG] Lilligant -Haven't seen one, but Weavile handles it fine.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/b/b0/Ani448MS.png[/IMG] Lucario -Infernape destroys physical variants, and Reuniclus destroys special variants.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/c/cc/Ani068MS.png[/IMG] Machamp -Reuniclus stalls it out of Dynamicpunch with Recover and finishes it with Psychic.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/d8/Ani462MS.png[/IMG] Magnezone -Infernape. No steels for it to trap.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/6/67/Ani473MS.png[/IMG] Mamoswine -Infernape CC again.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/4/49/Ani376MS.png[/IMG] Metagross -Infernape roasts it as usual, after that I have problems.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/620.png[/IMG] Mienshao -Tangrowth walls it to hell and back.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/579.png[/IMG]  Reuniclus -Switch in my own, boost up to +6, and pray for a crit. If I  fail, Weavile revenges it easily once Trick Room is gone. 
[IMG]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpicon/dpicon407.png[/IMG] Roserade -Weavile again.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/373.png[/IMG]Salamence -Any Ice move.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/586.png[/IMG] Sawsbuck -Anything can handle it.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/b/b4/Ani212MS.png[/IMG] Scizor -FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUU!!!!!! I can always beat it if it's the last pokemon, but otherwise it's almost worse then Excadrill.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/560.png[/IMG] Scrafty-Walled by Tangrowth.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/492-land.png[/IMG]Shaymin -Weavile easily revenges it.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/561.png[/IMG] Sigilyph -Reuniclus is an effective counter no matter how much it boosts.
[IMG]http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpicon/dpicon235.png[/IMG] Smeargle -I run max speed, so another speed tie.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/1/19/Ani121MS.png[/IMG]Starmie -Either I speed tie with my Starmie, or I'm faster and OHKO.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/639.png[/IMG] Terakion -I can hit it extremely hard with Infernape, and Tangrowth walls it surprisingly well, even with X-Scissor
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/642.png[/IMG] Thundurus -Starmie always outspeeds and OHKOs with Ice Beam.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/641.png[/IMG] Tornadus -See^^
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/5/59/Ani248MS.png[/IMG] Tyranitar -The reason Infernape is on the team. CC OHKOs.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/d/df/003MS.png[/IMG]Venusaur -So many ice moves, so little time...
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/494.png[/IMG] Victini -Weavile can easily revenge kill, but outside of that I have problems.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/640.png[/IMG] Virizion -Infernape, Weavile, or Starmie,
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/637.png[/IMG] Volcarona -50% damage for switching in once I get rocks up. After that, easy to kill.
[IMG]http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/a/a0/Ani461MS.png[/IMG] Weavile -Weavile hits hard, but can't take any hits itself. Basically anything I have can disable or kill it.
[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex/media/icons/571.png[/IMG]  Zoroark -In disguise, I'll just treat it as whatever it is. Once the  illusion's broken, I'll clean up with Weavile or Infernape.

 

[whitesocks]

So when I first looked at your team, I automatically noticed your weakness to strong Fighting moves, such as, but not limited to: Terrakion, Virizion, hell even Infernape if yours goes down (I say this because you could always speed tie for the kill if anything). My main concern is CB Terrakion honestly, considering he 2HKOs Skarmory, the #1 Physical wall in the game, your Tangrowth will have the same fate. I'm actually surprised that you swapped out Celebi for it, it would have definitely come in handy.
__
To be quite honest, your entire team lacks reliable switch-ins.
Lets look at the weathers first.
Sand
Excadrill can hit each of your members with a Super-Effective move, no problem. If you let it get a boost you might as well tell your opponent GG.
Landorus with its Substitute set, which is becoming the "standard" set, hurts this team massively. Another instance were you have no safe switch-in, because no one on your team would like to take a Sand Force boosted Earthquake/ Stone Edge in combination with HP Ice.
__
Actually forget going over every weather, I'm just going to sum up everything simply. Sweepers destroy your team in every way shape and form. Which means your going to have to drop some members in order to patch some holes.
Members I would consider dropping are Starmie, Infernape, Tangrowth and Smeargle because in a metagame like this, going into battles with 5 Pokemon make things a lot harder than they need to be.
___
I understand this is the majority of your team but they just don't fit well together, I would consider looking over some of the other RMTs and finding some "Bulky Offense" teams. Read how those Pokemon work and see what you like that can fit in your play style. The reason I am not suggesting any different Pokemon is just because there is so much you need to change in order for this team to become consistently successful.
___
Sorry for the lengthy post but I had a lot to say. ^^
I hope this didn't discourage you but I am just giving you my input.
I hope you consider my changes!

 

[shinyskarmory]

@WhiteSocks: You're absolutely right about Excadrill being a bitch to kill with this team. The entire reason I switched Tangrowth for Celebi was because Tangrowth can take an X-Scissor (which 99% of Excadrill run) better then Celebi.

Smeargle gets hazards up which cripple opposing team members and make it easier for Reuniclus and Weavile to sweep. Moreover, generally when Smeargle is killed I can bring in Weavile and revenge kill, tying the score back up. I don't think that's playing 5 on 6 at all.

You're right though, the team does have problems, like any team does.

 

[HoiPolloi]

I know that you want to keep the identity of your team, but if you want to improve it, you really need to replace some pokes.

1. You wrote, that you switched Celebi for Tangrowth, so that you can X-scissor better. But after a Swords Dance Excadrill 2HKOs it. If you want to check Excadrill use:

Skarmory @ Leftovers
EV: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe Impish
- Stealth Rock/Spikes
- Roost
- Bravebird
- Whirlwind

Break the Air Ballon with Bravebird and then Whirlwind. After that you can Roost or set Stealth Rock/Spikes up.

2. Smeargle does nothing than setting hazards up and phazing. For the later it isn't bulky enough and for hazards there are much better options. If you want Toxic Spikes, you could use Tentacruel. It adds some special bulk to the team, so you can run max defense on your Reuniclus (it doesn't need max SpDef with Calm Mind). It also can use Rapid Spin and burn threats with scald. If you use Tentacruel, put Stealth Rock on Skarmory and Spikes and Toxic Spikes on Tentacruel.

3. If you use Tentacruel with Rapid Spin, you could also replace Starmie with something, because with Starmie and Infernape you have two really frail pokes in your core. I would keep Infernape as a wall breaker (it is really cool, but maybe put some more SpAtk on it, so that you can do some damage to Jellicent with Grass Knot) and replace Starmie with a poke, that has some bulk and can hit for some good damage. Maybe Latias (adds a really useful electric resistance).


I hope you like my suggestions, altough they change your team alot.

 

[shinyskarmory]

To respond to you, HoiPolloi: this team is less about bulk and stalling then it is about offense and win condition battling.

Sure, I may start the game revenge killing. But as soon as my opponent is forced to send in something that I don't have to switch to kill, I have just gained the advantage. If I can kill the pokemon that will stop my late-game sweep, I have just won. Sure, it might take me a few turns more to win. But the bottom line (and the purpose of this team) is this:

IF you have no Scizor, Excadrill, Jellicent, or Ttar left and I still have Reuniclus, I have just won.

IF I have Weavile and your remaining pokemon are weak to Ice, I have just won.

If Tangrowth (previously Celebi) has the remainder of your team walled, even if he's the only mon I have, I have just won.

In fact, any method of victory is fine by me, but these are my three main goals. If I can set up any of the above scenarios, game over. This is aggresive offense, not stall.

I'm sorry if this comes off as rude, HoiPolloi. I'm glad that you made real suggestions to add to the team, unlike the other person who just told me the team sucked.

 

[2sly4u]

I second HoiPolloi's Skarmory suggetion. Not only is your team totally destroyed by Excadrill, but you have four Bug weaknesses and a mere one resist, and that's the frail Infernape. You also have no Dragon resists; I know Weavile can revenge kill most, but you'll still lose at least one team member whenever your opponent has a Dragon. Skarmory solves all these problems. However, use the standard EV spread of Impish 252HP/232 Def/24 Spe

Your Starmie is just odd. As soon as the opponent figures out it doesn't have Surf, it becomes setup fodder for threats such as Excadrill, Jirachi, and DD Tyranitar. Almost as bad, it has problems beating common SpinBlockers without STAB so you have problems with stall (most stall team carry a Reuniclus check nowadays) Starmie's Special Attack is solid, but nowhere near good enough to not carry STAB. Give it Surf over Ice Beam. Recover is almost always the better recovery move as well; Natural Cure removes the need for status removal, and the opponent knows Starmie has to switch after Resting so you lose all your momentum.

Use Spikes over Toxic Spikes on Smeargle if you don't use Skarmory. Since your team is so offensively oriented, Toxic Spikes will end up doing less damage in the long run than normal ones.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[fatsnorlax]

If Tangrowth isn't cutting it against Excadrill, then try this:

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252hp/184def/74spd
Swords Dance(Taunt)/Earthquake/Ice Fang(Facade)/Protect(Taunt)
Tanks Exca and Terrakion like a boss. GL and cool team.

 

[whitesocks]

I'm sorry if this comes off as rude, HoiPolloi. I'm glad that you made real suggestions to add to the team, unlike the other person who just told me the team sucked.

Now hold on a minute, I never said the team sucked. What I said was that you have a lot of problems, here is what they are. I also said because of how many problems there are, I really don't know where to start with helping you. Due to the formatting of your team, I assumed that Pokemon such as Skarmory wouldn't fit in too well, just because standard Skarmory sets lack the offensive momentum your current team runs on (Unless you want to be the first to use Weak Armor Skarm in a non-gimmicky way...).
___
I was fearing this reaction though. After looking over the post I guess I did come off a bit harsh but sometimes thats the type of criticism people need.

I apologize for coming off rude.

If Tangrowth isn't cutting it against Excadrill, then try this:

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252hp/184def/74spd
Swords Dance(Taunt)/Earthquake/Ice Fang(Facade)/Protect(Taunt)
Tanks Exca and Terrakion like a boss. GL and cool team.

However now he has a bigger problem with Sub Landorus.
Using standard sets like the one you mentioned is way too obvious now a days and with every team and their mother having a counter for it, its going to be more of a down fall than an asset. I think the Skarmory set that the above posters suggested would be better, as Skarmory counters most Sand sweepers currently.