My (still-changing) HO Team

[Sevans]

Featuring Scrafty!

Okay, so I’ve been frustrated trying to build a good team that has counters to everything, so instead I decided to try HO (hyper offense). Instead of countering everything, I can just sweep! Well, sometimes.

See, I haven’t been able to get it just right, and I have tried MANY different things. Overall, I seem to be having better luck with a physical team, so my sweepers should be physical. The goal for me posting here is to get feedback about my team, and more importantly, suggestions for me to try.

Peaked at 1327 pts
(22:13:15) ±Porygon: Your rank in Wifi OU is 327/37342 [1327 points / 414 battles]!
With a different version of the team. I got there because Scrafty swept really well, few people stopped me from smash-passing with Gorebyss, and I won about 10 battles in a row. Then people got smart, it seems, and many teams I versed had Conckeldurr / Toxicroak and wouldn’t let me smashpass. I won about ten battles in a row, then started to lose, then changed my team, then kept losing

I decided to bring back the old version for rates instead; realizing it looks like I put no thought into the team in the spoiler under this sentence

Spoiler: My Fail Team

;135;Jolteon (M) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Rain Dance

:637:Volcarona (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Flame Body
EVs: 252 Def / 252 SAtk / 4 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Bug Buzz
- Fiery Dance
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Quiver Dance

:560:Scrafty (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch

:612:Haxorus (M) @ Sitrus Berry
Trait: Mold Breaker
EVs: 152 HP / 24 Atk / 80 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw

;373;Salamence (F) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Flamethrower
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw

;482;Azelf @ Light Clay
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Energy Ball
- Stealth Rock

So here it is in its current stage (I told you, I have been changing it a lot, and it is on PO so I can try anything, no worrying about breeding or stuff like that)(exported from PO, so I don’t have to type it):

;381;Latiawesome (Latios) (M) @ Light Clay
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Surf/Dragon Pulse Dragonbreath
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Memento

Latios provides memento... wait, uh I meant... momentum. People rarely expect a dual screens Latios, and it encourages them to switch to a "counter" that can take its strong special attacks. Dragon Breath provides neat paralysis support. I'm thinking of giving Latios a specific coverage move, so it can come in on something my team has problems with and do damage. Otherwise I lose momentum.

CURRENTLY TESTING CM (offensive) LATIOS IN THIS SPOT.

:579:Fetus (Reuniclus) (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature (+SAtk, -Spd)
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

This Reuniclus, right from Smogon, finds a nice spot on my team. (S)He has good offensive synergy, and although (s)he rarely clean-sweeps, he counters and disrupts many opponents. Added in Round 1 Replacements.

:560:GhettoLizard (Scrafty) (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch

I LOVE THIS SCRAFTY. I will not get rid of it; it sweeps. Started with shed skin + lefties, used that for a while, but after switching to Moxie + Lum I love the results. If I play smart and give scrafty some boosts, it sweeps teams that lack high defense pokémon or priority when at low health. (Conkeldurr… BLEH, It completely counters Scrafty even when he’s around +4 ATK.) Drain Punch replenishes health. Moves get near-perfect coverage (speaking of that, Toxicroak also loves to Bulk Up vs Scrafty, and Scrafty can’t do much about it)


;149;Draco Aeroga (Dragonite) (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Fire Punch
- EQ

Not sure I love it yet, I like it, but don't love it. Bulky, not-insanely-fast, Multiscale. Sorta standard, except that I have Waterfall, as it provides good coverage, only resisted (in common OU) by Ferrothorn. Takes a while to setup, which makes it more... blah. Added in R1 Replacements.
Fire Punch and EQ provide perfect coverage with Dragon Claw. I determined I needed both, as heatran and ferrothorn were giving me problems.

;212;Scissors (Scizor) (M) @ Iron Plate
Trait: Technician
EVs: 244 HP / 96 Atk / 168 SDef
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Roost Brick Break
- Bug Bite
- Bullet Punch
- Swords Dance

I had this Scizor, then stopped using it, but I find that I was using it wrong. I wasn't playing a very good HO, and tended to switch out when the inevitable fire-type switched in. I now will almost always bullet punch a fire type and die instead, but it still does decent damage (bar the 4x resisting Heatran) I have added a fighting move, I will see if Superpower or Brick Break is better. I realized that I was never roosting anyways. Also, this Scizor (at full HP) survived a HP fire from a magnezone, and I'd like to be able to hit it back for super effective damage.

:637:Bugma (Volcarona) (M) @ Sitrus Berry
Trait: Flame Body
EVs: 4 HP / 248 Def / 252 SAtk / 4 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Quiver Dance

I use this more for dragon surprise (with HP[ice]). The only problem is that heatran forces me out and there's nothing I can do about it except add heatran counters (which I did) EDIT: 4 HP EVs give Volcarona an even HP number. Normally shunned, this is better with Sitrus berry, as Sitrus activates at 1/2 HP (pretty sure), but not 1/2 HP +1. This means Volcarona comes into rocks at 3/4 health.

Okay, so that’s my team now. Remember, I’m mainly looking for suggestions to test out. Thanks to anyone who helps out!

Spoiler: Other Things I've Tried

Notable mentions from before, feel free to suggest I bring them back, I have brief explanations for things that need explaining. I will update if I find more.

;468;Togekiss (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Air Slash
- Thunder Wave
- Aura Sphere

Never really worked like I wanted it to. REPLACED ROUND 1

;368;Gorebyss (M) @ White Herb
Trait: Hydration
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shell Smash
- Surf
- Substitute
- Baton Pass

Shell Smash. Baton Pass. Sweep. If only it were that simple. REPLACED ROUND 1

Jolteon (M) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Rain Dance

Rain Dance to screw with opposing weather. The only problem with this Jolteon is when the opponent has something that HP[ice] won't kill and that is immune to Volt Switch (looking at opposing electric types with Volt Abosorb)

Salamence (F) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Flamethrower
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw

Salamence is good for sweeping, however I find it dies too easily. Flamethrower>Fire Blast>Fire Fang because Flamethrower is 100% accurate (>Fire Blast) and Pokés that EQ and D-Claw don't hit for neutral or more are usually more physically defensive (>Fire Fang)

Jirachi @ Wide Lens
Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Thunder Wave
- Zen Headbutt
- Drain Punch
- Iron Head

Worked when it got a Shell Smash, otherwise not that sweepy.

Infernape (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Blaze
EVs: 108 Atk / 148 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Stealth Rock
- Close Combat
- Flamethrower
- Toxic

Toxic for the stuff that Infernape just can’t hit otherwise. Main point to setup SR, which I longer do on this team...

Latios (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Surf
- Dragon Pulse
- Psyshock

Starmie @ Life Orb
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Psyshock/Psychic
- Surf

Cloyster (F) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Skill Link
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Icicle Spear
- Razor Shell
- Rock Blast
- Shell Smash

 

[floatzel98]

Using energy isn't bad on Azelf but change the nature to Timid at least. Got to go now so i'll give a real rate later.

 

[Sevans]

Using energy isn't bad on Azelf but change the nature to Timid at least. Got to go now so i'll give a real rate later.

Oh wow, I didn't even realize I forgot to change that. Changed the team to more closely resemble the original though, because I realize the original version is much better.

 

[dildadonz]

It's a HO team so it needs Latios and the screens it has to stay strong otherwise your team will crumble. Latios is a great dual screener as it can comfortably set up screens with a more appropiate spread. It doesn't have the bulk to set up screens again so I don't advise you to waste time with moves like surf. Just use draco meteor as you would likely be memento'ing so you should use this moveset.

Latios@Light Clay
Timid/ Levitate
252 Spe/ 252HP/ 4Def
~Draco Meteor
~Light Screen
~Reflect
~Memento

Gorebyss and Togekiss together just waste time setting up and screens. They don't really add anything, Gorebyss can be easily predicted and is complete taunt bait. You should focus more on just one side of the spectrum rather then keeping a balance so you can break down walls more easily. If your worried about ststus I suggest you use lum berry on one of your Pokemon.

 

[Sevans]

It's a HO team so it needs Latios and the screens it has to stay strong otherwise your team will crumble. Latios is a great dual screener as it can comfortably set up screens with a more appropiate spread. It doesn't have the bulk to set up screens again so I don't advise you to waste time with moves like surf. Just use draco meteor as you would likely be memento'ing so you should use this moveset.

Latios@Light Clay
Timid/ Levitate
252 Spe/ 252HP/ 4Def
~Draco Meteor
~Light Screen
~Reflect
~Memento

Gorebyss and Togekiss together just waste time setting up and screens. They don't really add anything, Gorebyss can be easily predicted and is complete taunt bait. You should focus more on just one side of the spectrum rather then keeping a balance so you can break down walls more easily. If your worried about ststus I suggest you use lum berry on one of your Pokemon.

I have lums on multiple pokés, it's not that bad of a problem, it's just that an early-switched-in Ferrothorn can really mess up my momentum.

I'm not gonna use Draco Meteor. I tried it; it doesn't actually kill stuff. I don't mean stuff in general, I mean that I usually set up screens first and then attack (on those rare occasions that I attack instead of memento-ing), and the "stuff" that Latios is faced with after screening is rarely KOd by Draco Meteor because everyone (smart) accounts for Latios when building their tea . Actually, thinking about it now, I almost never need the attack. I'm gonna test HP[fire].

I agree that Gorebyss is predictable, but I like to switch it in after latios mementos, giving the opponent no chance to taunt it. I don't switch in on obvious taunt users. Gorebyss doesn't really waste time unless it is taunted.

Togekiss comes in later in the game (usually) and won't take away screen time. Because of the bulk of my team in general, It's not as important for me to setup before the screens are down. Togekiss works, but it's slow. Looking for a viable replacement.

I do agree that Togekiss and Gorebyss can be replaced, and am perfectly willing to try any pokés that seem reasonable in their spots.

I actually think of my team as physical right now, which is odd, but I do. I mixed the spectrum simply because I tested special pokés and they worked.

 

[Ttar's stone edge]

try cloyster with skill link instead of gorbyss. Gorbyss is kinda weak, and a shell smash set with white herb will boss out a lot of unsuspecting teams. Ive had a lot of teams forfeit cause they we not expecting it. As for togikiss, consider a renunculious or however it's spelt? The psychic thing. That deals with the fighting types better. Don't quote me on a set though. Well, im done here. Hope those suggestions help.

 

[Utopian]

1) magic coat on latios
2) deoxys out classes/lasts latios
3) this isn't HO, read a guide before making a "HO" team. A HO team only has either special sweepers or physical sweepers! And this can be disguised by using multiple sweeping pokemon such as Luke and ape, as both can be a physical of special sweeper.

 

[SilentOmen]

try cloyster with skill link instead of gorbyss. Gorbyss is kinda weak, and a shell smash set with white herb will boss out a lot of unsuspecting teams. Ive had a lot of teams forfeit cause they we not expecting it. As for togikiss, consider a renunculious or however it's spelt? The psychic thing. That deals with the fighting types better. Don't quote me on a set though. Well, im done here. Hope those suggestions help.

The only problem is that everyone who is experienced in competetive play expects Cloyster to do the very thing you suggested. Shell Smash Skill Link Cloyster is pretty much the standard set. I can pretty much find a number of threads on smogon and find the set on Smogon's pokedex for Cloyster. It's far from "unsuspected". It will catch people new to competetive off guard, but not the players higher on the rating ladder. But I'm not discouraging the advice. Gorebyss is easier countered and just as predictable for it.

 

[greatguy]

Meganium

OK, I am not experienced in in competitive play, so don't hate me if this is stupid:

Meganium with dual screens, PoisonPowder, and Synthesis might hurt? It takes minimal damage and heals itself while waiting for you to die. A fire type like Infernape could help if that comes up?

 

[SilentOmen]

OK, I am not experienced in in competitive play, so don't hate me if this is stupid:

Meganium with dual screens, PoisonPowder, and Synthesis might hurt? It takes minimal damage and heals itself while waiting for you to die. A fire type like Infernape could help if that comes up?

Sorry, but Meganium isn't that great a choice tbh. Meganium takes neutral to Brick Break (Haxorus can run it). Meganium is also a terrible defensive choice being a pure grass type. Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug and Poison all cause Meganium grief. You did try. Also, Poison Powder shouldn't be used when Toxic is MUCH more viable. Your set also runs the risk of becoming complete taunt bait, only being able to use struggle if it stays in.

Jets is actually right. Deoxys-D is actually one of the best dual screeners running. You can try running Espeon and such, but they are more frail.

 

[Ttar's stone edge]

Deoxys D with rocks and screens is a good idea actually. They roll rather well, but have something like night shade to ensure fixed damage, so you don't need to worry about atk or satk evs.

 

[Sevans]

First off, thanks for all the suggestions everyone!
Now, let's get to business.

try cloyster with skill link instead of gorbyss. Gorbyss is kinda weak, and a shell smash set with white herb will boss out a lot of unsuspecting teams. Ive had a lot of teams forfeit cause they we not expecting it. As for togikiss, consider a renunculious or however it's spelt? The psychic thing. That deals with the fighting types better. Don't quote me on a set though. Well, im done here. Hope those suggestions help.

As SilentOmen said, everyone is expecting a Shell Smash on Cloyster. I could try it, but it seems my team is going down a bulkier route. I can still try though.
To Reuniclus; That's really freaky; I sorta ninja'd you with that as I was testing him just before you posted this. Trick room Reuniclus over Gorebyss, I will edit my original post later today if Reuniclus keeps doing good.

1) magic coat on latios
2) deoxys out classes/lasts latios
3) this isn't HO, read a guide before making a "HO" team. A HO team only has either special sweepers or physical sweepers! And this can be disguised by using multiple sweeping pokemon such as Luke and ape, as both can be a physical of special sweeper.

I realize that Deoxys does better than Latios, however I like the memento Latios gives, and it causes people to switch. I do not feel I need magic coat on Latios however, because almost no one will ever try to taunt it.

Sry, but I was pretty sure making the team fully one thing was just a suggestion... and the main reason this is strongly suggested is because apparently most teams only carry one dedicated physical wall. However, I've been encountering multiple bulk up pokémon, and need special stuff to hit them. (I don't want to have to fight over it, but IMHO Hyper Offense means keeping switching to a minimum, and trying to setup and sweep as many times as possible)

The only problem is that everyone who is experienced in competetive play expects Cloyster to do the very thing you suggested. Shell Smash Skill Link Cloyster is pretty much the standard set. I can pretty much find a number of threads on smogon and find the set on Smogon's pokedex for Cloyster. It's far from "unsuspected". It will catch people new to competetive off guard, but not the players higher on the rating ladder. But I'm not discouraging the advice. Gorebyss is easier countered and just as predictable for it.

Exactly. Okay, I may try the Cloyster then I guess.

Sorry, but Meganium isn't that great a choice tbh. Meganium takes neutral to Brick Break (Haxorus can run it). Meganium is also a terrible defensive choice being a pure grass type. Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug and Poison all cause Meganium grief. You did try. Also, Poison Powder shouldn't be used when Toxic is MUCH more viable. Your set also runs the risk of becoming complete taunt bait, only being able to use struggle if it stays in.

Jets is actually right. Deoxys-D is actually one of the best dual screeners running. You can try running Espeon and such, but they are more frail.

But Latios forces switching, and it keeps away taunters at least long enough to setup both screens, simply because Latios is a much more threatening poké.

Deoxys D with rocks and screens is a good idea actually. They roll rather well, but have something like night shade to ensure fixed damage, so you don't need to worry about atk or satk evs.

Done explaing why IMO, Latios>Deo-D.

Right now I have D-Nite>Togekiss, and Reuniclus>Gorebyss. I will edit my post later, gotta go to school now.

 

[SilentOmen]

But Latios forces switching, and it keeps away taunters at least long enough to setup both screens, simply because Latios is a much more threatening poké.

Ha ha, sorry! I suppose my tone could have been taken as "replace Latios". I was just trying to discourage Meganium. Latios isn't that bad a screener either. A little less bulky than Deoxys, but it has it's means to get the job done.

Deoxys is there though as a test option when you hit road bumps. Also, I believe you are right on the HO terminology. Though HO discourages mixed, it isn't really against the rules. The reason they do discourage it is that once the wall of your specific offensive choice goes down, you pretty much run the team through with your offensive sweepers. The problem with mixing your offensives is that you run into trouble countering both physical and special walls.

 

[Sevans]

Ha ha, sorry! I suppose my tone could have been taken as "replace Latios". I was just trying to discourage Meganium. Latios isn't that bad a screener either. A little less bulky than Deoxys, but it has it's means to get the job done.

Deoxys is there though as a test option when you hit road bumps. Also, I believe you are right on the HO terminology. Though HO discourages mixed, it isn't really against the rules. The reason they do discourage it is that once the wall of your specific offensive choice goes down, you pretty much run the team through with your offensive sweepers. The problem with mixing your offensives is that you run into trouble countering both physical and special walls.

Yeah, that's why I thought it was recommended to keep it one way. So far, though, I haven't had and problems with walls stopping sweeps; I usually kill them w/o too much trouble. Sometimes, I admit, I do switch when there is a wall even though this is HO, so that I can get an appropriate counter. I believe the reason this team has little problem with walls it that every pokémon (bar Latios) is a setup pokemon, and sets up in the face of walls. I also have the right moves to kill common defensive pokémon

UPDATED MY TEAM.

 

[dildadonz]

Just a niptick, you should replace roost on dragonite with something like earthquake, extremespeed or fire punch/ blast as roost with screens is kind of a waste. Your not meant to tank hits but obliterate opposing forces. It just wastes screens. It does provide healing but coverage is needed on an offensive team to minimise switching.

 

[sanae]

Try this Yanmega instead of Volcarona.

Yanmega (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Speed Boost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Protect
- Bug Buzz
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Air Slash

 

[Sevans]

Tried yanmega.
No good. I need the bulk of Volcarona in that spot.