Effective Competitive Gen V Cores

**Derpinator** · 09-01-12

Competitive Cores

Hey guys, this is my first non-RMT thread that I have started so excuse me if I leave something essential out that is normally required/standard in these kinds of threads. That is all I have to say in the ways of background information so let's get to the actual thread.

About This Thread

The only real purpose of this thread is to make competitive Pokemon team cores easily available and to allow people to know how well they work. Making a team becomes much easier when you have a core to build on and if you know what the core has trouble with because, unfortunately, every core has at least one counter. However, this isn't all bad because knowing where the core fails gives you the knowledge you need when picking the rest of your team. So, feel free to post cores that have worked for you, even if they are of your own making.

How this is Going to Work
The next few posts will be reserved for list of either offensive or defensive cores, because it is important to distinguish between the two. Also, cores don't have to be only two Pokemon, they can be three or even four Pokemon, however I would appreciate it if you limited it to three Pokemon per core. The following is the format of how I would like you to set up your core when you post it. You don't have to put pictures because I can easily put an animated sprite like those on either side of this thread's title for your Pokemon.

Format

Pokemon Names/Pictures
The following three lines in a Spoiler
Pokemon 1's Moveset with EVs, Trait and Nature
Pokemon 2's Moveset with EVs, Trait and Nature
Pokemon 3's Moveset with EVs, Trait and Nature (if applicable)
Short description of why the core works
Counters to the core
Any other options for core members
These last two can be suggested by someone who knows a counter/variation that you didn't post, so this is optional

Example

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This Skarmbliss core is a defensive core which works well because Blissey can take almost every Special Attack thrown at Skarmory thanks to its immense Special bulk while Skarmory can take the Physical Attacks aimed at Blissey (because of its below par Defense) thanks to its 140 base Defense. These two also don't share any weaknesses and can increase their longevity due to their access to healing moves.
Counters: Any Infernape running a Mixed set can easily run this duo into the ground with proper prediction. A STAB Fire Blast threatens to OHKO Skarmory while a STAB Close Combat can guarantee an OHKO on Blissey so, with proper prediction on Infernape's part, this core cannot even threaten Infernape.

The last thing I have to say is feel free to comment on other people's core ideas but please don't be rude. Have fun!

**Derpinator** · 09-01-12

Offensive Cores

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Courtesy of: TacDel

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Courtesy of: BBGun

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Courtesy of: Tiamat

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The rarely seen Blaziken can be a particularly nasty threat if left unaccounted for because it can OHKO almost anything after a Swords Dance or two. With the sun support from Groudon, Flare Blitz can ram through most common Uber players, except for any bulky variation of Giratina. To deal with Giratina, Arceus-Dark comes into play, with its insane speed and Special Attack, it is difficult to stop after Calm Mind boosts. Both of these Pokemon can guarantee a sweep after amounting a few boosts if Groudon has put Stealth Rocks in place along with inducing Sun with its Drought ability. Furthermore, it can sweep on its own against slower Pokemon with the wide coverage provided by its moveset, hitting most common Pokemon for super effective damage. To aid in the weather war, this core greatly appreciates the support of a fast Electric-type attacker and, since Arceus-Electric is no longer an option, Scarfed Zekrom comes to mind with its STAB Fusion Bolt that can guarantee an OHKO on Kyogre as long as it has amounted too many Calm Mind boosts. Also, Ferrothorn makes a nice team mate, with its access to entry hazards to aid Groudon along with its walling capabilities, made easier when in Rain induced by the opponent.
Counters: This core is extremely threatened by Rain teams with all their common team members, prominently Kyogre. Most Kyogres carry tools to get rid of every member in this core, with Hydro Pump for Blaziken and Groudon and Ice Beam for Groudon and Giratina. Also, any Rain-boosted Water-type attack has a guaranteed OHKO on 2 of the 3 Pokemon in this core if it is also STAB.

Courtesy of: Tiamat

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Courtesy of: BBGun

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This trio is built on the hope that Gorebyss can use Shell Smash and then Baton Pass those boosts, with the negative effects negated by White Herb. The two main/intended recipients of the boosts are Metagross and Landorus, a physical and a special sweeper so that a particular wall doesn't stop this trio. Each of the sweepers have movesets that aim to hit as many Pokemon as possible for at least neutral damage. Metagross has an enormous base Attack stat while Landorus receives a huge boost from Sheer Force to make his Special Attacks immensely powerful. This core appreciates a spinner as entry hazards may spell doom for this trio, especially when paired with Life Orb recoil damage.
Counters: Prankster Taunt-users, such as Whimsicott and Sableye can destroy this core's core by jeapordizing Gorebyss by preventing it from SmashPassing. Luckily, these two Pokemon, especially the latter, are rarely seen nowadays, however they are something to think about. Strong priority attackers, such as Banded Scizor and Metagross, can definitely stop this core if they can guarantee a 2HKO on Gorebyss. Gorebyss will have to switch out and returning again may be dangerous if priority attacks loom over it.
Other Team Options

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Courtesy of: Adhesive

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Courtesy of: Adhesive

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**Derpinator** · 09-01-12

Offensive Cores Continued

**Derpinator** · 09-01-12

Defensive Cores

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This core is extremely annoying if the player switches well. Heatran absorb's any Fire-type attacks targeting Forretress to pick up a fire power boost to fuel its Lava Plume. Also, Heatran can use Torment in conjuction with Substitute and Protect to ensure its safety. Forretress is capable of taking Fighting-, Water- and Ground-type attacks with relative ease while laying down its hazards so that the duo can Toxic stall. This duo appreciates strong Grass-types to counter the likes of Swampert, so Celebi would make a wonderful addition to a team running this core.
Counters: Although it may seem difficult, there are many ways to beat this duo, most notably RestTalk users, such as Suicune and Gyarados. These two can sleep off any status condition and damage attained upon entry and fire back with Sleep Talk. Although Torment may somewhat remedy this irritant, it will inevitably destroy this duo. Coincidently, Heatran also counters this duo as it is not prepared to handle opposing Heatran that aren't running a Torment-centered moveset. It can take Lava Plume's with ease while threatening Forretress with its own Fire-type attacks. Heatran can't safely switch in on these attacks in fear of Earth Power.
Other Team Options

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Courtesy of: Derpinator

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Courtesy of: Solace

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This core is an exceptionally strong one, covering each others bases completely. When played in the rain, this duo is hard to stop, because Fire-type attacks, which could possibly be threatening, are no longer a problem under the rain. Many Pokemon are not well equipped to handle this duo, especially in the rain, and even many powerhouse Dragon-types are stopped in their tracks, completely if they carry no Fire-type attacks. These two can set up an insanely effective stall in the rain, with Ferrothorn laying down Leech Seed and both Pokemon alternating between Protect and an attack.
Counters:A Timid Magnezone running Substitute can destroy this core, or at least prevent it from doing their job because the only way to stop this is by having Ferrothorn run Bulldoze, which is useless otherwise. Strong Fire-types, such as Victini and Darmanitan, can run through this team, with V-Create/Flare Blitz destroying Ferrothorn and Fusion Bolt/Earthquake ending Tentacruel. Luckily, neither of these two Pokemon are too common so they aren't too big of a threat. Strong Fighting- and/or Ground-types also have the possibility of running this duo to the ground, so a Flying-type partner would be appreciated, especially one that is also a Dragon-type to counter the Fire-type weakness of Ferrothorn and to negate the Electric-type weakness of Flying.
Other Team Options

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Courtesy of: SmellYaLater

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Courtesy of: Tiamat

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Courtesy of: Tiamat

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Courtesy of: Tiamat

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This NU core is designed to stack and keep hazards on the opponent's side of the field. Cacturne is here to set up Spikes while also providing a considerable offensive presence with its STAB Sucker Punch and high Attack stat. However, Cacturne's defensive stats are almost nonexistent and to complicate things even further its Grass-/Dark-typing leaves it vulnerable to a variety of common attacking types. A base 55 speed doesn't help out Cacturne's cause as it will more often than not limit how often Cacturne can lay down a layer of Spikes. The rarely seen Frillish has fantastic synergy with Cacturne, as it resists almost all of its weaknesses and, more importantly, can function as a Spinblocker. While Frillish's stats may be on the low side, its access to reliable recovery, good defensive typing, and Eviolite makes it more than likely to come out on top when up against NU's common Rapid Spin users such as Armaldo and the likes. Regirock takes care of a couple of key threats to this core, mainly Skuntank and Swellow. Regirock's titanic defense stat allows it to wall physical hits from the two aforementioned Pokemon for days while threatening them back with its solid base 100 Attack stat and Earthquake/Stone Edge combo. Regirock is also a reliable user of Stealth Rock and, thanks to its exceptional bulk, it will often find time to set them up. Psychic-types such as Duosion, Gardevoir, and Exeggutor, can be a great help to this core while Cleric support can help prevent this core from being worn down by status.
Counters: Emboar may prove to be a problem because, while Frillish is immune to Fighting-type moves and resists Fire-type moves, Emboar generally tend to carry Wild Charge. Considering that Frillish has very little offensive presence and has to rely on Night Shade or a weak Scald with no chance of a burn, Emboar is more than likely to come out on top. Carrying an additional response to other Fighting-types is a great idea, as Frillish can't always be relied on to do the job, especially with its lacking Defensive stats.

**Derpinator** · 09-01-12

Defensive Cores Continued

**Derpinator** · 09-03-12

Reserved Post

**SmellYaLater** · 09-03-12

Slowbro + Amoonguss

this core lol if you haven't vs'd it then you can't understand how annoying it is anyway how this thing works is that amoonguss and slowbro cover each others weaknesses obviously but also they have the regenerator ability meaning that they can keep switching in and taking the hits and still keeping good health a great partner for these two is heatran as it can take the fire moves aimed at amoonguss and the ghost moves aimed at slowbro.

threats to this core genesect or scizor mess up this core pretty well because banded bug moves from scizor wreck bro and amoonguss while genesect can launch its powerful bolt beam combo pretty much wrecking them but this is also why heatran is a great advantage for this core because he can take the bolt beam and bug moves that bro and guss can't

anyway thats this core ;]

**Derpinator** · 09-03-12

Thanks to you too. I'm not on a computer yet because it is early rigy now and I had a dream that my thread was locked because it was "like many others," so I just woke up to make sure its only a dream.