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The return of the Dreaded Dragon Dance Dragonite (SM OU)


SJMistery

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There was a time on BW where a Dragonite stroke fear on the hearts of all Reborn Players.

Substitute+Dragon Dance Dragonite was so broken that even on a metagame with Kingdra and Blaziken allowed to freely go around, people even started discussing to ban it.

The arrival of the fairy type was extremely unkind to that set, but the lack of good fairies not named Clefable allowed him to still work sometimes. Eventually, Fly would be tested, but the tremendous amount of pokémon capable of taking advantage of the charge turn meant it wouldn't fare that much better in the long run.

The arrival of the Tapus and the first ever viable Haze pokemon seemed like the end of his era... it seemed:

 


 

 

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Belgabad is sorrounding itself with it's Z-Power!

+6 Dragonite used SuperSonicSkystrike!

Planet-explode.jpg

Heracross received a critical hit!

 

Belgabad (Dragonite) (M) @ Flyinium Z  
Ability: Multiscale  
Shiny: Yes  
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 52 SpD / 136 Spe  
Jolly Nature  
IVs: 0 SpA  
- Fly  
- Dragon Dance  
- Substitute  
- Roost

 

The Flynium Z allows dragonite murder Toxapex and Zygarde at +2, and the speed allows Dragonite to outspeed Weavile after a single Dragon Dance, outspeed Scarf Garchomp at +2, and stantard Landorus as well as maximum speed Tyranitar and Celesteela at +0, giving Dragonite ample setup oportunities. The defensive EVs prevent attacks like Scald, Rotom-W Volt Switch and Magma Storm from breaking the Subtitute and allow Dragonite to take less than 50% damage from Gyro Ball and Heavy Slam, allowing Dragonite to stall Ferrothorn and Celesteela in the long run. Sadly, lacking Leftovers means U-turn and Sandstorm can break Multiscale, and it negates any possibility of stalling out Clefable's Moonblast.

 

As said, sand is a terrible condition for Dragonite, but Hippowdon can be stalled out as it generally lacks any meagniful way to damage Dragonite. However, Tyranitar will straight up murder Dragonite, something that will also happen if we have to face Magearna with Ice Beam (Fleur Cannon can be stalled) as it will freeze sooner or later, or if playing on Pokemon Online, immediately -.-

In addition, having to waste the Z-Fly on Toxapex may be detrimental, and if he successfully baits it out, Dragonite will loose. Chansey with Toxic can also force a Z-Fly, and Unaware Clefable will completely stop Dragonite no matter what. Of course, this cannot be tolerated:

 

 

zawj2o3v1sfx.png

 

Jawbreaker (Marowak-Alola) (F) @ Thick Club  
Ability: Lightning Rod  
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe  
Adamant Nature  
IVs: 0 SpA  
- Fire Punch  
- Shadow Bone  
- Swords Dance  
- Bonemerang

 

I needeed a replacement anti-electric and in particular anti-Zapdos, a replacement wallbreaker for the Dragonite switch ins, a lure for Tyranitar and a replacement Magearna counter. A-Marowak fulfills all those roles at the cost of leaving the team VERY slow. It also comes in handy for those damn Scizors and Celesteelas crazy enough to lack Knock Off and Earthquake respectively. They must enjoy getting thorougly owned by Heatran or something...

 

036_ilustracion_pokemon_clefable.jpg

When Zygarde tries to use Dragon Dance

f3f.gif

 

Clefail (Clefable) @ Leftovers  
Ability: Unaware  
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA  
Bold Nature  
IVs: 0 Atk  
- Wish  
- Heal Bell  
- Protect  
- Moonblast

 

And we need a way to solve that, right? In addition, it prevents pokemon like Gyarados from trying to take advantage of Dugtrio to sweep.

 

Why not complete a Fairy-Dragon-Steel core?


 

mega_empoleon_by_shirothewhitewolf-d7h09

On his natural job:

250px-Barry_Empoleon.png

 

Tempestad (Empoleon) (M) @ Shuca Berry  
Ability: Torrent  
EVs: 248 HP / 100 SpA / 160 SpD  
Modest Nature  
IVs: 0 Atk  
- Scald  
- Ice Beam  
- Defog  
- Toxic

 

This variant of Empoleon is a nasty surprise to many Landorus that think they can scare Empoleon away to set Stealth Rock. Lacking recovery is not as important as we have Wish support. As weird as it seems, if a Zapdos is spotted, Empoleon must try to switch and Toxic him, if possible on a double switch, especially on Pokemon Online, to have two chances to see Toxic miss and ruin your day...

 

To wrap this up, I wanted to include a pivot and a revenge killer, if possible a Steel type capable of dealing with Tapus. I have a ditaste for this pokemon, but I have to admit, Magnezone sucks on this gen, or it did until poor Duggy got banned, so I have little choice but to use:

 

playmat__scizor_ascension_by_kerrts-d85a

Basic Scizor strategy guide:

spam_wall.jpg?x=648&y=348&crop=1

 

Spambot (Scizor) @ Scizorite  
Ability: Light Metal  
EVs: 250 HP / 200 Def / 60 Spe  
Impish Nature  
IVs: 0 SpA  
- Roost  
- U-turn  
- Bullet Punch  
- Knock Off

 

Updated spread to outspeed stantard Magnezone.

 

And making a return from my first team on Reborn, my favourite scout on the game, that on this new gen seems to be much more viable than in any previous gen:

 

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Gyarados used Dragon Dance 3 times!

Gyarados mega evolved and used Waterfall

X fainted:

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Revenge! (Ditto) @ Choice Scarf  
Ability: Imposter  
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD  
Relaxed Nature  
IVs: 1 Atk / 1 SpA / 0 Spe  
- Transform

 

U-turn from Scizor means easy scouting to see if the opponent has trash sets you can capitalize on like non-EQ Landorus or Pursuit SD Scizor, easy revenge killing, and easy sweeps, and most importantly, DOZENS OF LAUGHS AND SALT for all those (CENSORED) (CENSORED) (CENSORED) (CENSORED) that keep using trash like Shell Smash Cloyster and Dragon Dance Salamence and full offensive Dragon Dance Charizard X.

 

 

TIPS FOR TEAM ORDER: Scizor must be put in lead position. From that:

 

If playing on a simulator that does not allow you to shuffle the team right before playing, Dugtrio and Dragonite must ocuppy the 5th and 6th slots in the team, as that will make them much less likely to be called by Dragon Tail, ruining Multiscale and Focus Noobsash when hazards are up. Clefable must be put 2nd for the same reason, as he is the main answer to Garchomp, Dragonite and Zygarde, the three pokemon in OU with access to Dragon Tail you will see most commonly. Empoleon will go in 3rd place so you can Defog the rocks or poison the dragon type, relying on the Shuca Berry to survive the ground attack of choice. Ditto goes 4th because despite being less crippled by hazards, he also dislikes switching in on them, especially Toxic Spikes.

From that, choose the lead most useful depending on the team matchup. Ditto, Scizor and to a lesser extent Dragonite will usually be your leads, but if you spot a Magnezone and a Scizor-weak pokemon, and the opponent does not have another 100% reliable Scizor answer, try to lead with Dugtrio, as nine times out of ten, they will find the possibility of trapping Scizor on the first turn too tempting to resist.

 

If playing on console, put the rest of the team in a random order, Ditto is on 3rd or 4th place, as enemy players have a proved lack of attention to what lies on those spots. From there, shuffle the entire team considering:

a) As before, depending on if you see Dragon Tail and Storm Throw users, order the team into the best configuration to deal with them. Marowak and Dragonite ALWAYS last against those teams.

8) If the enemy has a team chock full of answers to certain pokemon, and multiple probable users of Dragon Tail/Roar, seriously consider going only with 5 pokemon, as every time the useless pokemon is sent out, you WILL loose a lot of momentum and possibly the game. Plus, the less pokemon you have, easier will be to left Dragonite alone so he cannot be phazed anymore and can get yet another last-pokemon-sweep. And no, I am not joking. When I used a variant with Aegislash on Wi-Fi, I usually went 5-6 if the opponent had no Uber pokemon, and never felt any detrimental effects. One big thing of this team, is that you CAN keep on after loosing one or two team members.

c) If the enemy team lacks any Flying resist but has Hippowdon and other pokemon likely to use Roar, try to go for the style and go ONLY with Dragonite. That'll show them!

 

GENERAL USE

In general:

Zapdos is a MAXIMUM priority target as it is by far the best Dragonite counter. Defeat or poison him no matter the cost.

 

 

 

Against offensive teams, Landorus is an easy Ditto bait, and it means free SR! Make use of that. Ferrothorn's Leech Seed can be stalled by U-turning constantly on Ditto after removing Ferro's item. But try to first find out if he carries Gyro Ball and either Thunder Wave or Toxic. If he does not, Dragonite can easily set up on him, and switch out if you mispredict a Leech Seed. Also, burned Ferrothorn is set up bait regardless of what he has. Landorus can be set up on freely if he lacks Smack Down as HP Ice won't even come close to KOing, not even with a critical hit; and Stone Miss is easy to stall out and will need a very timely crit to deal with Dragonite. The Double Dance variant with Z-Stone Edge can be dangerous, but Ditto can take a +1 Stone Edge and Landorus cannot take a +2 one, so you know what to do if he dares to boost even once. The one with Fly can be easily dealth with via Substitute and Fly to dodge the incoming strikes.

 

 

Dragonite must be sent to sweep the moment the enemy checks are dealth with. Ice Beam from non-specs-Protean Greninja will fail to KO, don't hesitate to boost right on it to win the 1 vs 1. Remember that getting a second and sometimes even a third Dragon Dance is top priority to deal with certain pokemon, so if you get even the smallest opening to get them, take it.

Also, Z-Fly must be saved up for either a pokemon capable of surviving/blocking a Fly and being able to retaliate afterwards (Tapu Koko, Mew, Zygarde) or a against Volcarona if nothing can truly deal with Dragonite, as Z-Fly will not trigger the inevitable Flame Body burn. Also remember that Haze, Curse and Perish Song go through Substitute and that some can even hit mid-fly. So don't hesitate so use Z-Fly on whoever happens to be carrying them if you know they will stay in.

 

 If facing a stall team, preserve Ditto at all costs, and ALWAYS send him on Sableye mega. Getting hit by Knock Off is the best thing that can happen there, if you catch the Knock Off, you essentially win as Ditto will become impossible to PP stall, and limiting the Sableye switches will ease Empoleon's time setting up Stealth Rock, and spamming Scald and Toxic.

Spam Knock Off to remove as many Leftovers and Rocky Helmets as possible, and try to save up Marowak for Chansey, who will be the priority target. You can Defog by copying Skarmory anyway so don't let Empoleon get too worn down.

Save up the Z-Fly until either Skarmory or Toxapex falls, and NEVEr be reckless about using it as your opponent normally has more than two functional brain cells and s/he WILL try to bait it out. And you will NEVER sweep with either pokemon around and Z-Fly wasted, unless by some miracle Marowak gets some Defense drops on the Unaware pokemon.

 

 

Ice Beam users in general: They have a nasty tendency to freeze half of the team, and Clefable ALWAYS ends up frozen if you dare try using Heal Bell near the Ice Beam spammer of choice.

 

The known broken OU attack spammers: Zygarde Band, Mega Medicham, Specs Tapu Lele, Hoopa Unbound, Mega Loppuny and Specs Magearna. They will all probably take something out every time they attack if not played horribily bad, or at least deal heavy damage to anything that comes in, regardless of wether he resists the attack or not. Fortunately, Clefable can take two Thousand Arrows from Zygarde after Stealth Rock if he uses Protect in the middle, and Ditto will give all of them a taste of their own medicine.

 

Chansey: This annoying blob can take virtually any attack of the team, and will only fall to a perfectly played Dugtrio and Scizor. If Dugtrio is not present, tough, Ditto can freely copy Heal Bell and Wish for all eternity and turn the match right around.

 

Quick VolTurn teams. Dugtrio is not exactly the bulkiest Ground Type, Taunt Tapu Koko can stop Dragonite even at +1, and multiple Intimidate users will wall him and will probably win in the long run.

 

Suicune with Protect: For some reason, Pressure fails to work on Fly sometimes, not sure if it is a glitch on the simulators or Fly ignores Pressure due to being a two-turn move, but regardless, this pokemon must be treated with extreme care, as only Dragonite and Clefable combined and with careful use of Heal Bell will be able to stall him out and sweep past him. If you count and he runs out of Scald, tough, you can get a laugh off with Ditto and Scizor.

 

And the biggest threat to the team:

Inexperience. This is a SJMistery quality team, and that means, by definition, only somebody with a LOT of experience, precision and prediction capability can run it efectively, and only a top-notch player can run close to flawlessly. Essentially, this can be considered as one big Aegislash. Epically hard to use, but fantastic potential and results.

 

 

Importable

 

Spoiler

Spambot (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite  
Ability: Light Metal  
EVs: 250 HP / 122 Def / 136 Spe  
Impish Nature  
IVs: 0 SpA  
- Roost  
- U-turn  
- Bullet Punch  
- Knock Off  

Clefail (Clefable) @ Leftovers  
Ability: Unaware  
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD  
Bold Nature  
IVs: 0 Atk  
- Wish  
- Heal Bell  
- Protect  
- Moonblast  

Tempestad (Empoleon) (M) @ Shuca Berry  
Ability: Torrent  
EVs: 248 HP / 100 SpA / 160 SpD  
Modest Nature  
IVs: 0 Atk  
- Scald  
- Ice Beam  
- Defog  
- Toxic  

Revenge! (Ditto) @ Choice Scarf  
Ability: Imposter  
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD  
Relaxed Nature  
IVs: 1 Atk / 1 SpA / 0 Spe  
- Transform  

Belgabad (Dragonite) (M) @ Flyinium Z  
Ability: Multiscale  
Shiny: Yes  
EVs: 252 HP / 56 Def / 52 SpD / 148 Spe  
Jolly Nature  
IVs: 0 SpA  
- Fly  
- Dragon Dance  
- Substitute  
- Roost  

Jawbreaker (Marowak-Alola) (F) @ Thick Club  
Ability: Lightning Rod  
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe  
Adamant Nature  
IVs: 0 SpA  
- Fire Punch  
- Shadow Bone  
- Swords Dance  
- Bonemerang  

 

 

 

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