Dude this core has given me so much success lately too the MSceptile Volc + Scarf/BandTar. They have super cool offensive sinergy as well as decent defensive sinergy. Not only that, Ttar and Volc chow down teams while Mega Sceptile revenge kills or cleans after them and pressures HO very well. Good job :]]Offensive Core: Volcanion + Serperior/Mega Sceptile
http://data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBxASEBQQEhIWFhQXGSAbFxgYFiMbFRsgICAgKCAkGx0kIyojJB8lIB8fLT0tKyk3OjIwIx8zODQuODQ5Li4BCgoKDQ0NGg8QGzclHyU3Mi0tMC4uKzMwNTU3LS0xLi8tLy8tLzcrNy0vKys1LTUtLTUtLS0vLS01LSs3KzUtLf/AABEIAFcAQgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAbAAADAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcFBAMCAf/EADIQAAIBAwIFAwEHBAMAAAAAAAECAwAEERIhBQYTMUEiMlFhBxRCUnGBsSMzkaEVJFP/xAAZAQADAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAX/xAAnEQACAgIBAgQHAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRAxIhInETMUHwBBQyUVKBkf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AuNFFfMjhQWYgADJJOAAPk1jHBxjiqwKABqkb2Ln/AGfhRXnyvcySWweVtT65ATjA2kcDAHgAAfyT3pL4jcvc3SXSiSNNOMM+zJjIzGRlHJOT+ig1o8r3xt7kWzOxjnLNGG30P7mCn8rbnHgg/NJv1UQWVPJQ8UUUU5cKKKKxgooorGCsXnJj9ylA/FpRvqruqsP3UkVtVl80XtvBZzTXKdSFF1OmkNqx2GDt3x3rAatUTO94i3WRcMd2KhciMgHYl9gcbZG+Dtv44TevdEyQFXeFgy49S60IYZAPYkDz2PeqTxPlfhmrrTJpwoAUzyLFojGdIiDhNAUHK6cHfI3NTvjPNxmdp4QYXYaDGQrEKpJR+wwxDMCPUMgD6mDx682LkjDwoqK6l79/wsPDr1J4Y54ySkiK6kjBwwBG3jY10VLeRYpZLEZupY5IwzRMjhY0yzhgY9Ohl1Ix9YbAIxpr4teZOIdOSSebAk07gepRg+mFVA05ZsAnU+AASTgh45oSbX2Gk9VbKdPeRIyI7qrOcIpPqY/Qea96UeSOXTFm6nQLK/tDeqRAe5diTmRvJ8dsnem6qGQUUUVghSr9pzA8MmiO3VxGD8EnO/7A/wCq1I+ZrFpOkLqEvkrp1jORnI/UYP8Ais/nqZH4dOUKvjR2IO+ta1AuuRM+0y3e54fYX7nDFFEgU6UBlQHIByfdsN+xPekQwMV62n0nbVnv+n0+tU1+Jxy8Mt7coZIlt4+oqrqeQqgJVB8DG5/b5pZju47iQysYyRjQB7FGARp+Tgjf/QqU5EJSt8HRwDle7+5feuoJIpE1i31NgxnLDb2knUTpIxv4NM/B+GmK4guJunLHJgRFH9MRYHS2CBrLDHqyNOcBT7j4cs215JamKC4jWJUCxs8ZaRcoCqhg67KGGDg42G+Ky7G24nfRtbMlssdu/TbKsqsU2wCpPbY+kLg4/SuOOSSnba4Z01FpSKzWFec1WyTLbx6ppWYArENWkHG7t7QADnc+DjJ2pH4Y9/ey/wDGXN10jD7hg9WRdvxA6XwuMNt3BKsc4oPAOA29nGI4UxsNTnGtz8sQBvv4AA7AAbV6CafKEts1KKKKIwrcW5BsZyWCtCzHJMRAU7knKEFMkk5OnP1qccU4LDbzmPriWLqFQqL05ZJFb0RqFbTIwPpJwo1DGO+m4Uj8e4Bb207XcWVnnOkDOVQk6pHRcbM2NznYnV3zkNepLJFVYqc2RvaFJeo7zK4EjQsUghTY9MeWbIB1encDIUemtDlySJ1ZjJ1GYhsuq5OFVdsAb4UZ2znJr64zw+GW3MTHAG6kEZB/cgEn6nf581P+E3DASKzOpXfYZIK/A+RioN7Kkc/1xpcFGub+S3lxDIg6mC0boWG2BqQKQc4AGkbHHjvWTwLit1EszxyRyO5MhViRG7PnePADIdQIKMp7AZ81m2nMamQvLjLRroce19JbPf2nfcHsQd8Vnff5J5v+spiLOpMrYADANnYEhjg/Pj965njez4PYw4ofLRufU/RefYZ7LjUKX7TRRzy8QkjCC3eMIofTkuzLIyLHpKrpyWXTk7ktVC5f4XcozT3c/Vmf8KArBENsrGpJzuPcdzgbDfKNyFw37vxBVVtYdXZnb+6WwPIGCp/n5zVUrtxSuBHPheKesvMKKKKoSClvnvhMk9trh/vQ5dF39Yx6l28sO2x3xTJS9xznC1tiY8mWb/zj3K7A/wBRvamxB3OSNwDWBKq5JvwOya9lSKOULrQuHKlhgY/DlTvn5rH5ito7S7lsgwlcaWL4MRV2UF1+oIIIw2wYDcgmt/lm0m66XKsEWBmmuJAp6YU5aRQg/NlsLvp2PgArfAODT8UvpVaQlXdnkm0nAUnbb1AMQQFGohcYyQBmOq14B8LKON7Pt3OW2sYs65/HZAN2x8+Mfyc1qxvNOjpZQligD4UjUBn3Fe5GfABJra5j+zW8h1yWbrNEMsI3J66j8qncP5xkg7Aeo0iWHEpLeVZYiY5EOpSN9IPyv5T5U9/1FbT8h8mSsu0f0P8A9n10n/IRtJJqZkdEydGltmx08DLFR532qu1CuKcaiu50uU1Q3DJ/WCnYSRkBZInx6sqcEeAoDD5p3I3Mwu4jHIR95j/uADAYZOl1H5WHf4bIqkUl0oTxXOT2dsZ6KKKYYy+YuGSXMDRRzvCSD6k79jjfYgA4OxB270qL9n8zONd0ixAbJDBpwfpliMd/FFFBpPzFcIt2zp5j5duk4dHw+wyWZsSSs4XbcuXOMnX2wqnGQMYre5U4AljbLAuGbu74wWb5/Qdh9P8ANFFENGxWJzNyxb3yaZBpce2RQOov0ye43Ox23oorBJ3xn7J7hJHktZVkQn0xyErIgx+GTcM2dtwMjGT86v2MNbyRSSKjrcR4jmLPqRvIKjwTjcePFflFFJVYlJNFLooooDn/2Q==
-OR-
Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power/Hidden Power Grass/Hidden Power Ice
Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid / Naive Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Giga Drain
- Focus Blast/Earthquake/Outrage
- Substitute
-OR-
Serperior @ Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power Fire
- Giga Drain/Taunt/Glare
While Volcanion has been released only recently, its position has a strong wallbreaker with good defensive utility by virtue of its unique defensive typing and ability seems to already be cemented. Its specs set posses immense sheer power which lets its severely damage, if not outright KO, many pokemon that do not resist its STAB's, and even some that do. Due to it's exclusive STAB combination alone, it is able to tear apart several common defensive cores, and, because of its respectable bulk and ability, in combination with its aforementioned offensive prowess, it is no slouch against offense, either. Steam Erruption and Fire Blast in the first two moveslots are obvious, high powered STAB's, which give this set its power. Sludge Wave gives good coverage alongside the first two moves, and lets it hit fairies, notably Azumarill, which is checked thanks to Water Absorb and its fire typing. The EV spread lets Volcanion avoid being OHKO'd by CB Azumarill's superpower after rocks and let it neatly hit 221 speed, which is enough to outspeed standard defensive Landorus-T and Modest Magnezone. The final moveslot can be used to either hit opposing Volcanion or hit water types with the preffered hidden power. Despite numerous positives, Volcanion still struggles with several common pokemon, namely bulky dragon and water types, and is threatened offensivley by electric types. While it is able to threaten these mons in some, albiet limited, capacity due to its chosen hidden power and the threat of a burn, they are significant threats nonetheless. These mons include Slowbro, Slowking, (mega) Latias, Dragonite, Mega Manectric, Thundurus(-I), etc.
Sceptile is able to outspeed and decimate almost every one of Volcanions checks thanks to its powerful STAB's. In addition, Sceptile lies on a great speed tier, thereby threatening offence which Volc alone cannot deal with. This hold true for bulky offence and even balance in so far as Volcanion is able to destroy common defensive cores and sceptile cleans up/beats checks volc's checks. Sub is chosen on Sceptile as fire/ground coverage is mostly irrelevnant due to the presence of Volcanion. Earthquake and a Naive nature could be used to hit electric's without dropping your special attack, however it generally is quite weak and is susceptible to the intimidate drop but Mega Manectric. Outrage is slashed aswell to deal slightly more damage to mega-latias than dragon pulse, and beat CM variants.
Serperior is an alternative to Sceptile that does not take up a mega slot, and that can pressure fatter builds a bit better, however it is generally inferior because it lacks immediate power and is outsped by key threats such as Mega Manectric and Raikou. It also lacks the speed to threaten offence in the same way sceptile can. Reguardless, serperior is still a good partner that can be chosen if another mega is desirable.
Mega Latias and AV slowking are two big threats because they tank a dragon pulse and leaf storm, respectivley. Sceptile can come in on a thunderbolt from Mega Latias and subsequently OHKO thanks to lighting rod, however this is risky, and CM Mega Latias wins if it sets up a CM on the switch. CB tyranitar is a good partner as it traps both the previously mentioned threats, and is a switchin to electric types which threaten Volc. This is particularly useful if Serperior is used. Skarmory and Garchomp can both set hazards, which limit switchins to Volc, and deal with sand/ground-type attacks, which otherwise is a threat to the core. Finally, Skarmory and Jolly/Air Balloon sand rush Excadrill remove hazards for Volcanion and also beat sand.
Apologies for the long post, however I felt it was somewhat justified because of volcanions new release. :]
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Resource ORAS Good Cores
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oh hey i'm not posting a volcanion core
Offensive Core: Sharpedo and Baton-Pass Scizor
The concept of this core is pretty simple: set up with Scizor and pass to the shark. At +2, Sharpedo deals absolutely insane damage at a high speed. It has problems with fighting and fairy types, especially Keldeo, which Scizor checks/lures (88 SpD survives a Specs Hydro from full). Scizor's reduced speed gives Sharpedo a safe switch.
The main obstacles to this core are fire types (especially Talonflame) and extremespeeders, like Dragonite. Gound or rock types like Garchomp, Landorus, Tyranitar, and even Rhyperior make good partners, as they can check said threats and set rocks. In addition, Breloom is an issue, as Mach Punch OHKOs Sharpedo and Spore beats Scizor. Running a grass or fairy type deals with it. Sand can also be an issue, so a Keldeo or Breloom of your own fits wonderfully. (icicle spear sash mamoswine works to check all three if you want maximum compression, but it won't give you much mileage in a game and is generally pressured to do too much)
Once 1 or 2 of your opponent's mons are eliminated, it's gg. Sharpedo OHKOs pretty much everything, all that's left is to make sure it can't be revenged. Sharpedo only gets one chance to sweep, so why not take it with a Swords Dance?
Offensive Core: Sharpedo and Baton-Pass Scizor
Sharpedo-Mega @ Sharpedonite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Poison Fang / Poison Jab
- Crunch
- Ice Fang / Waterfall
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 172 Def / 88 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Aerial Ace / Knock Off / U-Turn
- Baton Pass
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Poison Fang / Poison Jab
- Crunch
- Ice Fang / Waterfall
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 172 Def / 88 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Aerial Ace / Knock Off / U-Turn
- Baton Pass
The concept of this core is pretty simple: set up with Scizor and pass to the shark. At +2, Sharpedo deals absolutely insane damage at a high speed. It has problems with fighting and fairy types, especially Keldeo, which Scizor checks/lures (88 SpD survives a Specs Hydro from full). Scizor's reduced speed gives Sharpedo a safe switch.
The main obstacles to this core are fire types (especially Talonflame) and extremespeeders, like Dragonite. Gound or rock types like Garchomp, Landorus, Tyranitar, and even Rhyperior make good partners, as they can check said threats and set rocks. In addition, Breloom is an issue, as Mach Punch OHKOs Sharpedo and Spore beats Scizor. Running a grass or fairy type deals with it. Sand can also be an issue, so a Keldeo or Breloom of your own fits wonderfully. (icicle spear sash mamoswine works to check all three if you want maximum compression, but it won't give you much mileage in a game and is generally pressured to do too much)
Once 1 or 2 of your opponent's mons are eliminated, it's gg. Sharpedo OHKOs pretty much everything, all that's left is to make sure it can't be revenged. Sharpedo only gets one chance to sweep, so why not take it with a Swords Dance?
Specs Volcanion + Banded Ttar
+
I'm surprised that nobody posted that core yet so here I am. These two mons form a very good wall breaking core, and if played well it should break stall or fat balance fairly easily. Choice band allows ttar to trap fat mons like chansey, slowbro or mega latias more reliably than he could with a choice scarf. It also has the added benefit of dealing way more dmg to raikou, thus preventing him from revenge killing volcanion or grabbing momentum with volt switch. HP grass prevents volcanion from getting walled by gastrodon/seismitoad and is usually the better choice, while earth power can ohko opposing volcanion. Sludge wave helps with fairy types, especially mega altaria who could otherwise be a problem for this core. I run 252 speed EVs on Ttar to outspeed uninvested rotom-w and landorus-T but 172 are enough to ouspeed standard mandibuzz.
Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Earth power
Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Earth power
Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
I'm surprised that nobody posted that core yet so here I am. These two mons form a very good wall breaking core, and if played well it should break stall or fat balance fairly easily. Choice band allows ttar to trap fat mons like chansey, slowbro or mega latias more reliably than he could with a choice scarf. It also has the added benefit of dealing way more dmg to raikou, thus preventing him from revenge killing volcanion or grabbing momentum with volt switch. HP grass prevents volcanion from getting walled by gastrodon/seismitoad and is usually the better choice, while earth power can ohko opposing volcanion. Sludge wave helps with fairy types, especially mega altaria who could otherwise be a problem for this core. I run 252 speed EVs on Ttar to outspeed uninvested rotom-w and landorus-T but 172 are enough to ouspeed standard mandibuzz.
+2 252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 280-330 (85.1 - 100.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 292-345 (45.4 - 53.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Superpower vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 584-688 (90.9 - 107.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Crunch vs. 248 HP / 84+ Def Mega Latias: 320-378 (88.1 - 104.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Slowbro: 302-356 (76.6 - 90.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 292-345 (45.4 - 53.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Superpower vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 584-688 (90.9 - 107.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Crunch vs. 248 HP / 84+ Def Mega Latias: 320-378 (88.1 - 104.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Slowbro: 302-356 (76.6 - 90.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
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Scarf Volcanion + Specs Keldeo
+
So, having a Specs Keldeo is great for almost any team. Having two of them is even better. We all know what Specs Keldeo does and having a second one that now has totally different coverage and resistances is a nightmare for most teams. Naturally Latios/bulky psychics/bulky waters are the best answers to it, so this team pairs up extremely well with Scarf Tyranitar. This destroys most of the checks the enemy has through pursuit trapping and allows for a lot of proven to be good cores to pair with this as efficiently as they would with one Keldeo. Another suggestion would be NastyPass Celebi. The ability to come in and destroy bulky waters/grounds like Gastrodon and Quagsire as well as be a great Keldeo check would already make Celebi a great partner. However with NastyPassing Celebi can pass to either one of our wallbreakers to tear through the majority of teams with incredible ease. As for the sets, the Sludge Bomb or Earth Power could be switched out for Hidden Power Grass to nail opposing Quagsires and lesser Keldeos. EV spread on Volcanion is to outspeed timid Serperior while still retaining Modest making it an excellent check/counter to almost all Serperior variants. Keldeo EV spread outspeeds Jolly Pinsir and Adamant Scarf Tyranitar while always guaranteeing a 3HKO from Life Orb Volcanion Fire Blast/Steam Eruption. The amount of walls and offensive Pokemon alike that this core tears through is staggering. Some of Keldeo's biggest problems are outspeeding Serperiors and Thundurus-I as well as the very popular base 110 speed tier which Scarf Volcanion can accomplish.
Modest Scarf Volcanion outspeeding key checks to Specs Keldeo and OHKO'ing:
252+ SpA Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus: 237-280 (79.2 - 93.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Volcanion Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 300-354 (99.6 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Volcanion Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 222-262 (92.1 - 108.7%) -- 50% chance to OHKO (Let's just say Steam Eruption does more lol)
Honestly this core is crazy good and anyone who enjoys making Specs Keldeo teams will have a blast. I'll upload replays when I'm at my desktop,
So, having a Specs Keldeo is great for almost any team. Having two of them is even better. We all know what Specs Keldeo does and having a second one that now has totally different coverage and resistances is a nightmare for most teams. Naturally Latios/bulky psychics/bulky waters are the best answers to it, so this team pairs up extremely well with Scarf Tyranitar. This destroys most of the checks the enemy has through pursuit trapping and allows for a lot of proven to be good cores to pair with this as efficiently as they would with one Keldeo. Another suggestion would be NastyPass Celebi. The ability to come in and destroy bulky waters/grounds like Gastrodon and Quagsire as well as be a great Keldeo check would already make Celebi a great partner. However with NastyPassing Celebi can pass to either one of our wallbreakers to tear through the majority of teams with incredible ease. As for the sets, the Sludge Bomb or Earth Power could be switched out for Hidden Power Grass to nail opposing Quagsires and lesser Keldeos. EV spread on Volcanion is to outspeed timid Serperior while still retaining Modest making it an excellent check/counter to almost all Serperior variants. Keldeo EV spread outspeeds Jolly Pinsir and Adamant Scarf Tyranitar while always guaranteeing a 3HKO from Life Orb Volcanion Fire Blast/Steam Eruption. The amount of walls and offensive Pokemon alike that this core tears through is staggering. Some of Keldeo's biggest problems are outspeeding Serperiors and Thundurus-I as well as the very popular base 110 speed tier which Scarf Volcanion can accomplish.
Modest Scarf Volcanion outspeeding key checks to Specs Keldeo and OHKO'ing:
252+ SpA Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus: 237-280 (79.2 - 93.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Volcanion Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 300-354 (99.6 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Volcanion Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 222-262 (92.1 - 108.7%) -- 50% chance to OHKO (Let's just say Steam Eruption does more lol)
Volcanion @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Earth Power/HP Ice/HP Grass
+
Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 16 SpD / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Hidden Power Electric
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Earth Power/HP Ice/HP Grass
+
Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 16 SpD / 240 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Hidden Power Electric
Honestly this core is crazy good and anyone who enjoys making Specs Keldeo teams will have a blast. I'll upload replays when I'm at my desktop,
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Holy mother of Volcanion. Whats the deal with all the volcanion cores lately?! I know there is hype with it but Jesus. BTW, modest scarf volcanion is terrible, you need to run timid nature so just dont just get revenge killed by everything above 114 speed, which is a lot (starmie, raikou, scarf tyranitar, alakazam, tornadus-therian, weavile, etc, etc, etc) so do yourself a favor and run timid or just dont run scarf on it. Thanks in advance.
Volcanion goes extremely well literally every fairy so it goes fantastically well with mons like mega altaria, mega gardevoir, azumarill, clefable, etc. In fact, Im gonna post a core so it doesnt look like a post that belongs on the metagame discussion thread.
Offensive core
+
So apparently Im one of the few people that doesnt think mega altaria "shit" or "waste of a movepool" or "not worth to entertain a build around it" so yeah, lets post a core with it. I still like mega altaria and the cushion it provides against pretty powerful mons like keldeo and mega charizard X and still being a potent win con when the time comes. Double-edge is hilariously strong, meaning it is a move that does impressive damage unboosted. The rest is a typical dragon dance set. Body slam is also a really nice option despite being noticeably weaker than return. Getting a para is always fun. Of course mega altaria needs a huge amount of support (just like most dragon dancers not named mega charizard X, shit is bonkers) to break past bulky things, mainly steels so enter nidoking. Nidoking is amazing and dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Profficient balance breaker destroying the steel and fairy types mega altaria need to clean later on. Food for most clefable variants and roasting every steel type is fantastic hence why they work so well together. Pressuring mega venu is also dope. Etc, etc. Good stuff!
Cheers!
Volcanion goes extremely well literally every fairy so it goes fantastically well with mons like mega altaria, mega gardevoir, azumarill, clefable, etc. In fact, Im gonna post a core so it doesnt look like a post that belongs on the metagame discussion thread.
Offensive core
Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Double-Edge / Body Slam
- Earthquake
- Roost
Nidoking @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower
- Ice Beam
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Double-Edge / Body Slam
- Earthquake
- Roost
Nidoking @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower
- Ice Beam
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
So apparently Im one of the few people that doesnt think mega altaria "shit" or "waste of a movepool" or "not worth to entertain a build around it" so yeah, lets post a core with it. I still like mega altaria and the cushion it provides against pretty powerful mons like keldeo and mega charizard X and still being a potent win con when the time comes. Double-edge is hilariously strong, meaning it is a move that does impressive damage unboosted. The rest is a typical dragon dance set. Body slam is also a really nice option despite being noticeably weaker than return. Getting a para is always fun. Of course mega altaria needs a huge amount of support (just like most dragon dancers not named mega charizard X, shit is bonkers) to break past bulky things, mainly steels so enter nidoking. Nidoking is amazing and dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Profficient balance breaker destroying the steel and fairy types mega altaria need to clean later on. Food for most clefable variants and roasting every steel type is fantastic hence why they work so well together. Pressuring mega venu is also dope. Etc, etc. Good stuff!
Cheers!
Specs Volc+Tpunch MMeta
This is a pretty neat core that I thought of while thinking about building with Volcanion and I've used it to great success. Basically Volcanion is annoyed by bulky waters, the lati twins, and special sponges. Mega metagross is amazing at pressuring all of those mons, especially with thunderpunch. This may not be the standard set, but it works quite well on the build that I've used it on. Tpunch pressures shit like cune, jelli, and others that pressure volc, although hp elec volc+gknot meta is also a viable option to run, but i prefer to lower one of the attacking stats of the mon im using than its defenses. metagross is still annoyed to death by shit like mega scizor, gastrodon, RH Lando, MSab, etc. All of these mons are dunked on by specs hp grass volc and give it free chances to come in and fire off a steam eruption (or u can click hp grass to lure the mon in case of gastro). I really like using this core and I recommend you check it out.
Metagross-Mega @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Thunder Punch
- Pursuit
Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Sludge Bomb
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Thunder Punch
- Pursuit
Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Sludge Bomb
Gastrodon + Torn-T
+
Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Curse
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Curse
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Curse Gastrodon is completely shut down by Grass-types such as Breloom, Tangrowth and Serperior. It also faces difficulty in handling Pokemon which are immune to Earthquake such as Lati@s and Skarmory which it can't touch at all. Tornadus-T helps to alleviate this by outspeeding and OHKOing the Grass-types with Hurricane while threatening Latios with Knock Off (OHKOes after Rocks, guaranteed if there is 1 round of LO recoil). Tornadus-T also shuts down Mew and Skarmory with Taunt so that they can't recover health or fire off Will-O-Wisps. Meanwhile, Gastrodon counters all Electrics except Grass Knot Thundurus and is a good check to Bisharp and Tyranitar (don't switch into Banded Crunch!). The core is severely annoyed by Rotom-W, Mega Charizard-Y, Freeze-Dry Mamoswine and Kyurem-B so a way to take care of these Pokemon is recommended.
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Latios + Mega scizor (offensive core)
I like to begin by saying scizor and latios cover each other weakness very well latios resists fire and scizor resists fairy and dragon but there is more to this core than that i like running Earthquake on latios to lure heatran and megnezone so that scizor can sweep after they die this works very well because both zone and heatran resist both of latios stabs and they are very common switch also you can even switch latios into heatran or zone faking defog and just killing them with Earthquake also with latios running earthquake there is no need for scizor to run super power so you can freely run the bulky SD set also bulky scizor can switch into darks like weavile and bisharp helping latios be a little more free to drop draco's also Earthquake can help killing t-tar after a draco if it has been previously whittled a bit.
Sets notes:
feel free to change bug bite to knock off and feel free to change recover to defog to suit your team or to suit your personal preference
I like to begin by saying scizor and latios cover each other weakness very well latios resists fire and scizor resists fairy and dragon but there is more to this core than that i like running Earthquake on latios to lure heatran and megnezone so that scizor can sweep after they die this works very well because both zone and heatran resist both of latios stabs and they are very common switch also you can even switch latios into heatran or zone faking defog and just killing them with Earthquake also with latios running earthquake there is no need for scizor to run super power so you can freely run the bulky SD set also bulky scizor can switch into darks like weavile and bisharp helping latios be a little more free to drop draco's also Earthquake can help killing t-tar after a draco if it has been previously whittled a bit.
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 44 Atk / 16 Def / 200 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Earthquake
- Recover
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 44 Atk / 16 Def / 200 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Earthquake
- Recover
Sets notes:
feel free to change bug bite to knock off and feel free to change recover to defog to suit your team or to suit your personal preference
Alright, so you guys have probably noticed, but I've been a bit lazy with managing this thread and believe it's time to hand it off to someone else.
As for who my successor will be, I will allow anyone who is interested in running this thread the opportunity to PM me with detailed responses to the following questions:
1. Why should I choose you over anyone else? Or in other words, what makes you the most qualified person for the job?
2. If you were given the opportunity to improve this thread, what changes would you make, and why?
It's probably unnecessary, but it's just to make sure I won't have any regrets with who my successor turns out to be. I'll lock this thread for the time being, and leave the final post on here with who I've chosen to run the next thread.
Edit: I'll leave the applications open for 24 hours, so get them in while you can!
As for who my successor will be, I will allow anyone who is interested in running this thread the opportunity to PM me with detailed responses to the following questions:
1. Why should I choose you over anyone else? Or in other words, what makes you the most qualified person for the job?
2. If you were given the opportunity to improve this thread, what changes would you make, and why?
It's probably unnecessary, but it's just to make sure I won't have any regrets with who my successor turns out to be. I'll lock this thread for the time being, and leave the final post on here with who I've chosen to run the next thread.
Edit: I'll leave the applications open for 24 hours, so get them in while you can!
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1. Look at my profile picture and be amazed. Look at the quality work I've been doing with sample team thread and how active I keep it ._. I have a lot of badges that have nothing to do with being good at this game.
2. Remove all these Volcanion cores. Why? Cause all I see is volcanion everywhere good god I'm sure I'm not the only one who is tired of them.
Got another contender right here.
Almost forgot about this, but I have decided on who will run the next Good Cores thread! Congrats to Infernal for getting the job to run the next Good Cores thread!
At this time, I'd like to go ahead and share some of the bright ideas Infernal came up when answering the 2nd question, and some of the ideas weren't hers alone, as other applicants also had similar ideas.
1. Having a group/team/council run the thread instead of 1 person
I really liked this idea as sometimes a single person can be a bit unsure about some cores, or can get busy or lazy with the thread and basically not do their job in keeping this thread up to date. A team of people managing it have a much higher likelihood at keeping the thread up to date, and for something as important as this thread, it's a fantastic idea.
2. Periodic posts
This was another great idea, as I usually added the cores randomly, so being able to occasionally say why certain cores were or weren't added can be nice towards the public. That and also feedback on some cores from time to time to let people know what they need to fix in order for their core to get added really helps out with trying to fill up this thread with good cores with solid explanations.
3. Fixing up the OP
This was touched on by some users in terms of wanting to make it more aesthetically appealing, but one thing that Infernal surprised me with, was catching the reasoning for how a core would be added. At the moment it just says "post your own cores and if enough good reasoning is provided I'll add them to the archive," and that really doesn't give a lot to go on, especially for newer users that want to just put 2 mons together, call it a core and expect it be added. Having some kind of requirements or examples of good posts can lead to posts with higher quality, which at the end of the day, can really help newer users easily understand how that core works and be able to use it with more ease.
I don't wanna go on too much longer with this, but as for the final thing I have, will be that I went ahead and picked 2 other applicants to work with Infernal as the group/team/council to run the thread. So congrats to Nedor and starry blanket for being the other 2 people. I picked these 2 based on their responses to my questions, which were excellent just like Infernal's, so that's why I picked them. Also, if they would like to add any of the other applicants (or anyone I can approve of) to their team, they are more than welcome to
As for everyone else that applied, I can imagine your facial expression looks something like this:
However, don't feel like your answers to the 2nd question will go unnoticed, as you all provided some great ideas, and I'll make sure they get implemented (probably not every single idea, but most of them were good and beneficial, so yeah, most of them).
I had a good run with this thread, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to have run this thread :)
At this time, I'd like to go ahead and share some of the bright ideas Infernal came up when answering the 2nd question, and some of the ideas weren't hers alone, as other applicants also had similar ideas.
1. Having a group/team/council run the thread instead of 1 person
I really liked this idea as sometimes a single person can be a bit unsure about some cores, or can get busy or lazy with the thread and basically not do their job in keeping this thread up to date. A team of people managing it have a much higher likelihood at keeping the thread up to date, and for something as important as this thread, it's a fantastic idea.
2. Periodic posts
This was another great idea, as I usually added the cores randomly, so being able to occasionally say why certain cores were or weren't added can be nice towards the public. That and also feedback on some cores from time to time to let people know what they need to fix in order for their core to get added really helps out with trying to fill up this thread with good cores with solid explanations.
3. Fixing up the OP
This was touched on by some users in terms of wanting to make it more aesthetically appealing, but one thing that Infernal surprised me with, was catching the reasoning for how a core would be added. At the moment it just says "post your own cores and if enough good reasoning is provided I'll add them to the archive," and that really doesn't give a lot to go on, especially for newer users that want to just put 2 mons together, call it a core and expect it be added. Having some kind of requirements or examples of good posts can lead to posts with higher quality, which at the end of the day, can really help newer users easily understand how that core works and be able to use it with more ease.
I don't wanna go on too much longer with this, but as for the final thing I have, will be that I went ahead and picked 2 other applicants to work with Infernal as the group/team/council to run the thread. So congrats to Nedor and starry blanket for being the other 2 people. I picked these 2 based on their responses to my questions, which were excellent just like Infernal's, so that's why I picked them. Also, if they would like to add any of the other applicants (or anyone I can approve of) to their team, they are more than welcome to
As for everyone else that applied, I can imagine your facial expression looks something like this:
However, don't feel like your answers to the 2nd question will go unnoticed, as you all provided some great ideas, and I'll make sure they get implemented (probably not every single idea, but most of them were good and beneficial, so yeah, most of them).
I had a good run with this thread, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to have run this thread :)
- Status