Lord Emvee Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 (edited) I'm not sure if there was already a thread pertaining to this, but I didn't see it so I'll make a new one. I believe that if people understand about offensive and defensive cores in the 5th Gen metagame, it might help them improve their team building, battling, and perhaps themselves as an overall trainer. Before I begin, let me briefly talk about what defensive and offensive cores are. A defensive core is a pair of Pokemon chosen to give a team a solid set of resistances as well as the ability to switch into attacking threats. Defensive cores have the ability to fend for each other in times of crisis, allowing it to stick around long enough to beat other teams (and many times consist of a physically defensive wall and a specially defensive wall). An offensive core on the other hand, is a pair of Pokémon that can fend off each other's type weaknesses and provide damaging results to opponent teams. Many offensive cores consist of a physical attacker and a special attacker, but those conditions vary upon type coordination. That is my perception on the two types of cores, and it has helped me become a very successful battler. Anyhow, consider the examples below (click spoilers). Defensive Cores: Skarmbliss: This defensive duo, famously known as SkarmBliss, consists of a Pokemon that can take physical hits (Skarmory), and a Pokemon that can take special attacks (Blissey). Any special attacks aimed at Skarmory can be practically absorbed by Blissey (upon having a high Special Defense) stat, on the other hand, Skarmory takes the physical attacks Blissey hates and can set up Spikes to reduce an opponent's ability to switch around. Blissey can set up Stealth Rocks (paired with Skarmory's Spikes), to further damage any opponent's daring to switch their Pokemon. (Note: Movesets and EV's may vary) Skarmory (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Spikes - Whirlwind - Roost - Brave Bird Blissey (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Natural Cure EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Stealth Rock - Toxic - Softboiled - Seismic Toss ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heatran/Ferrothorn/Gliscor: It's pretty obvious but it works hella well. Ferrothorn and Heatran set up hazards, phaze, and can threaten some Pokemon, such as those Fire weak, Grass weak, etc. Gliscor is a powerful phyiscal wall that neutralizes the fighting weakness and Ground weak/neutrality, being a physical wall is just great also in general considering the Specially defensive EVs of Ferrothorn and Heatran. The Gliscor set is a more defensive wall type but the also popular IceFang/EQ/SD/Taunt set can also work. (Note: Movesets and EV's may vary) Heatran (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Flash Fire EVs: 252 HP / 252 SDef / 4 Spd Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Earth Power - Lava Plume - Roar - Stealth Rock Ferrothorn (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Iron Barbs EVs: 252 HP / 8 Def / 248 SDef Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd) - Spikes - Leech Seed - Protect - Gyro Ball (Gliscor) (F) @ Toxic Orb Trait: Poison Heal EVs: 184 HP / 40 Atk / 136 Def / 148 Spd Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk) - Protect - Fling - Earthquake - Acrobatics (Core submitted by Bullet) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cresselia/Porygon2 Although Cresselia functions as a defensive wall, it also makes a damn good Calm Mind sweeper. This set focuses on sharpening its lower SpDef stat so that it makes an all around Defensive Wall, but at the same time, strengthening its Special Attack to finish off enemies a lot easier. On the other hand, Porygon2 takes SpDef hits that would otherwise gnaw at Cresselia's HP (without having set up any Calm Minds at first). The two of them also cover each others' weaknesses (Ghost to Porygon2 and Fighting to Cresellia, bar Dark), however any damage taken can be easily recovered by Recover/Moonlight. Celestia (Cresselia) (F) @ Leftovers Trait: Levitate EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Satk Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Calm Mind - Moonlight - Psyshock - Ice Beam Analysis (Porygon2) @ Eviolite Trait: Trace EVs: 252 HP / 40 Satk / 216 SDef Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Thunderbolt - Ice Beam - Recover - Toxic (Core submitted by Ikaru) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Offensive Cores: Scrotom This offensive duo composed of Rotom-W and Scizor, became merged into one and is now called Scrotom. It's such an effective core because despite the fact that Scizor provides Physical support and Rotom-W provides Special support, Fire moves that normally kill Scizor can be taken by Rotom-W, and any Grass moves aimed at Rotom-W can be taken by Scizor. They also have Volt-Turn capabilities, so if Rotom-W isn't fit to stay in, it can use Volt Switch and go into Scizor, and vice versa (with U-Turn). It's personally my most favorite core to use. (Note: Movesets and EV's may vary) Scizor (M) @ Choice Band Trait: Technician EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - U-turn - Bullet Punch - Superpower - Pursuit Rotom-W @ Choice Scarf Trait: Levitate EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) - Volt Switch - Hydro Pump - Hidden Power [ice] - Trick Now, this is where everyone else comes in. You guys can post any other good cores you come up with. Any good ones I see will be added to the main post, along with the username of the one that posted it. They can be from any tier (UU, OU, Uber, etc). You should format it exactly how I did, with core name, a detailed description, and movesets. If anyone has trouble reading it due to small text, hold down the ctrl button and scroll up with your mouse. This is mainly so that we can fit other well-thought cores people come up with and keep it closely organized. Nevertheless, I'm hopeing this will not only help you guys learn, but will help you act upon it. Good luck. Edited February 28, 2012 by -Heroic- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neo Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Isn't that from TBT's core page >_> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Emvee Posted February 23, 2012 Author Share Posted February 23, 2012 (edited) I promise you that it isn't. Anyhow, perhaps you should post something more constructive next time, since after all the point of this thread is to try and help out people that need it, not to pose unnecessary off topic questions at it. Also TBT is a wasteland. Edited February 23, 2012 by -Heroic- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phazer Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Note that Blissey's used more over other special defensive walls because of it's huge HP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullet Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Just a few cores I've tried and have worked to some extent. Most of the EVs and moves are just sample sets, they can be extensively tinkered with. OU: Heatran/Ferrothorn/Gliscor(defensive) (Heatran) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Flash Fire EVs: 252 HP / 252 SDef / 4 Spd Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Earth Power - Flamethrower - Roar - Stealth Rock (Ferrothorn) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Iron Barbs EVs: 252 HP / 8 Def / 248 SDef Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd) - Spikes - Leech Seed - Protect - Gyro Ball (Gliscor) (F) @ Toxic Orb Trait: Poison Heal EVs: 184 HP / 40 Atk / 136 Def / 148 Spd Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk) - Protect - Fling - Earthquake - Acrobatics description: It's pretty obvious but it works hella well. Ferrothorn and Heatran set up hazards, phaze, and can threaten some Pokemon, such as those Fire weak, Grass weak, etc. Gliscor is a powerful phyiscal wall that neutralizes the fighting weakness and Ground weak/neutrality, being a physical wall is just great also in general considering the Specially defensive EVs of Ferrothorn and Heatran. The Gliscor set is a more defensive wall type but the also popular IceFang/EQ/SD/Taunt set can also work. Jellicent/Forretress/Chansey(defensive) (Jellicent) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Water Absorb EVs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spd Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Taunt - Recover - Will-O-Wisp - Scald note: Forry has 0 speed IV (Forretress) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sturdy EVs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 SDef Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd) - Toxic Spikes - Stealth Rock - Rapid Spin - Gyro Ball (Chansey) (F) @ Eviolite Trait: Natural Cure EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Aromatherapy - Toxic - Softboiled - Seismic Toss Pretty fucking annoying. Ferrothorn/Jellicent is a classic core that people should know and I'm not gonna post, but this expands on that with Forretress instead, who can set up more varied hazards. Chansey provides a really annoying wall for Special attackers that can rip down Jellicent with SE moves and Forretress just because it has poor SpDef. Jellicent is a great anti-stall mirror, with Taunt, and Chansey's Toxic or Forry's T Spikes easily whittle stuff down. Not that much else to say. Will post more cores(added to this post) as I sort through my old teams. Thundurus/Scizor(offensive) (Thundurus) (M) @ Life Orb Trait: Prankster EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Nasty Plot - Thunderbolt - Hidden Power [ice] - Focus Blast (Scizor) (M) @ Choice Band Trait: Technician EVs: 228 HP / 252 Atk / 28 Spd Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) - U-turn - Bullet Punch - Superpower - Pursuit Tenshi? Offensive? What has this world come to? The premise is pretty simple, Nasty Plot Thundurus is a ridiculous wrecking ball, its few counters include faster sweepers, Chansey(let's try our luck with +2 Focus Blasts!) and umm... Quagsire I guess? Scizor does an excellent job of assisting Thundurus, ripping through special walls, inflicting heavy damage to most fast and frail Pokemon that can scare out Thundurus, and tanking the ever so common Ice moves bound to be thrown at Thundurus, while Thundurus clears troublesome juggernauts such as Jellicent from Scizor's rampage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neo Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 I'll post what I wanna post, and you'll like it. (Will Edit post later with cores [Gotta sift through my teams {which sucks {{Hey I used all the parenthesis like devices :feelsgd: }}}]) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Emvee Posted February 23, 2012 Author Share Posted February 23, 2012 (edited) @Bullet: I like the Heatran+Ferro+Gliscor combo (Lava Plume > Flamethrower on Heatran though since it's a Spdef wall and greater chance of burn would be worth it to keep it alive longer perhaps). I'll add that to the main post. Edited February 23, 2012 by -Heroic- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maelstrom Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 (edited) Alakazam for offensive core: +Spd/-Atk or +SpA/-Atk 252 Spd, 252 SpA, 4 Spc Def Trait: Magic Guard Item: Life Orb Psychic Shadow Ball Focus Blast Wild Card move (Encore, Disable, Charge Beam, Energy Ball, Calm Mind, Psyshock, taunt) Definitely an offensive finisher. This thing has amazing power and speed on it's own. Then give it the ability to use life orb without repercussion and this thing is lethal. It's ability also allows it to ignore damage from weather, hazards, burn, and poison so you can switch this into any hazard and nearly any wall that's trying to set up- which is perfect for bringing in late game and sweeping the house. It's first three moves give it all sorts of coverage and the 4th move is really up to personal preference. Encore and Disable both work to wreck someone trying to set up. Encore is pro for movelocking pokemon in non-damaging moves so that they either have to switch out or flat out eat a loss. Disable is great for shutting down scarves, bands, etc, and pokemon that set up and/or generally only use one attack move and the go-to counter for toxicroak's sucker punch. Energy ball is for more type coverage. Charge beam is good for finishing weakened pokemon while boosting your already incredible SpA to help make sure it ohko's whatever they try to match it up with next. Used less often is the Lum/synchronize alakazam that counters gimping stallers with their own medicine while coming out it just healthy. Probably best paired with Disable so it doesn't simply try again (if you're expecting the foe to actually survive a hit). Sporeloom has nightmares of this Kazam. Edited February 27, 2012 by Maelstrom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullet Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 One man core? Sounds legit xd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Ikaru Posted February 28, 2012 Administrators Share Posted February 28, 2012 Nobody mentioned the standard Fire/Water/Grass core? Still seems pretty effective to me imo I used to run, uh... Lemme find it. Firebolt (Rotom-H) @ Choice ScarfTrait: Levitate EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) - Thunderbolt - Trick - Overheat - Hidden Power [ice] MyBoots (Virizion) @ Life Orb Trait: Justified EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Giga Drain - Focus Blast - Calm Mind - Hidden Power [ice] Venus (Milotic) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Marvel Scale EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Scald - Rest - Sleep Talk - Dragon Tail I'm not sure if this is classed as offensive, though... It looks like it should be. Worked like a charm in a majority of the battles I used it in. The theme I generally have in all my teams is covering weaknesses, so, that's the idea here as well. Two steel-types were also on the team as well as Latias for the Levitate and multitude of resistances. The entire team was a "core", so to speak, but this was what I started with. A different version of the team exists though, where Milotic was replaced with Suicune (or maybe it was the other way around). Aurora (Suicune) @ LeftoversTrait: Water Absorb EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Calm Mind - Roar - Ice Beam - Scald More offensive, although still did the same job of being a physically bulky water-type and definitely helped with the resistances/immunites theme I always have. ____________________________________________ Also, one defensive core I (potentially; that is, I didn't look anywhere for it and believe it to be my own creation...sorta) came up with myself: Celestia (Cresselia) (F) @ LeftoversTrait: Levitate EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk) - Calm Mind - Moonlight - Psychic - Ice Beam Analysis (Porygon2) @ Eviolite Trait: Trace EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) - Thunderbolt - Ice Beam - Recover - Toxic Self-explanatory, I think, given the natures and EVs... Although Cresselia is meant to set up more than just be a wall, it does take Physical hits extremely well; just as Porygon2 takes Special hits the same way. They also cover each others' weaknesses, sans Dark, but outside of Sucker Punch, I think Ghost is chosen over Dark where possible (or logical) in terms of offense anyway, isn't it? It's no SkarmBliss, and Moonlight isn't a very reliable recovery option, but it's something. ...and I just really love these two Pokemon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Emvee Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 I'm liking the idea of Cresselia and Porygon2. I'm just gonna modify the EV's a tiny bit if that's ok with you, so that they can function a little better. Also Psyshock might be a better idea on Cresselia than Psychic in case Blissey or Chansey switches in. Anyways, I'll add them to the Defensive Core list. Thank you. That's fine; I just dumped into each defensive stat without any second thoughts lol ~Ikaru Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasedawg98 Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I have had a good amount of sucess with the chandelure, bisharp, salamence offensive core lately. chandelure can take fighting and fire attacks for bisharp and ice attacks for salamence, bisharp can take ice attacks for mence and dark, ghost, and psychic attacks for chandy. Mence can take ground attacks for bisharp and chandelure, it can take fighting attacks for bisharp, and it can take fire attacks for bisharp. :feelsgd: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.