Hey guys, this is a post to go along my latest Competitive Corner video that will go into more depth that I couldn't go into in my video. There will be a few things repeated, but it will be in text form without the gorgeous layout that TheAverageJoeYT made for us!
As stated in the video, this is in relation to the VGC Format, or Doubles in general. Also, as noted, these are my OPINIONS, and while I will back it up with data and calculations, this isn't a definitive list and not every Pokemon will fit your team!
Without further ado:
#5
What Dusclops has to offer:
-Great defenses
-Solid support options
Duslops is #5 because it lacks diversity. There isn't much it can do, but what it does do, it excels at! So what does Dusclops do? It survives. Next to Cresselia, this is the bulkiest Trick Room setter in the game. It can survive basically any attack. To give you a few examples, using a spread that is seemingly optimal to me:
Those are literally the strongest super effective, STAB moves in the game/format. It survives them all. What's even crazier is that it doesn't even need eviolite. However, Aegislash and Sharpedo will OHKO you. But still, that is pretty ridiculous.
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Crunch vs. 252 HP / 160 Def Eviolite Dusclops: 114-134 (77.5 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 160 Def Eviolite Dusclops: 78-92 (53 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
252+ SpA Choice Specs Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 96+ SpD Eviolite Dusclops: 114-134 (77.5 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Those are literally the strongest super effective, STAB moves in the game/format. It survives them all. What's even crazier is that it doesn't even need eviolite. However, Aegislash and Sharpedo will OHKO you. But still, that is pretty ridiculous.
#4
What Porygon2 has to offer:
-Great defenses with Eviolite
-Useful Typing and Ability
-Good offensive presence
-Wide Movepool
Porygon2 comes in a little higher than Cofagrigus for a few reasons. First of all, Porygon2 has better overall defenses with Eviolite. Its Defense is pretty much identical to Cofagrigus, while it has better Hit Points and Special Defense. Secondly, its Typing and Ability are very useful. Normal only have one weakness and one immunity makes it a very solid type to use. Not much can break through P2's defenses, so the lack of weaknesses makes that even easier. It's access to the ability Trace gives it the ability to copy opponent's abilities. This can be good if you get something like Protean or Intimidate. In addition, it gets Download and Analytic, which has the potential to further increase it's offensive presence. Finally, its movepool is very wide. It has access to moves all over the spectrum, both offensive and status. Here are a few calcs to show you P2's defensive prowess. While not as bulky as Dusclops, it still has the ability to survive:
So basically, if you want to run a CB Mienshao, you can possibly OHKO P2. Otherwise, good luck!
252 Atk Mega Heracross Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 236 Def Eviolite Porygon2: 152-182 (79.1 - 94.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Terrakion Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 236+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 158-188 (82.2 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Adaptability Mega Lucario Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 236+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 156-188 (81.2 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Adaptability Mega Lucario Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 20 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 136-160 (70.8 - 83.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Mienshao High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 236+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 168-200 (87.5 - 104.1%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
So basically, if you want to run a CB Mienshao, you can possibly OHKO P2. Otherwise, good luck!
#3
What Gothitelle has to offer:
-Amazing Ability (Shadow Tag)
-Large support movepool
-Good defenses and offense
Gothitelle offers something that no other setter (except for Mega Gengar) can offer: Shadow Tag. This ability turns a strong lead in your favor into a sweep potential. Since most Pokemon can no switch out, you can put yourself in a very strong position. However, Gothitelle isn't just good for trapping. It also has a very good support movepool. It can pull off incredibly strong combinations with heavy hitters like Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Mawile with it's access to both Tickle and Helping Hand. This Pokemon has a lot to offer.
#2
What Aromatisse has to offer:
-Amazing Ability (Aroma Veil)
-Large support movepool
-Good defenses and good offense
Aromatisse may seem like an odd choice above something as good as Gothitelle, but I do have my reasons. First, it's ability Aroma Veil means Taunt and Encore will not affect Aromatisse or its partner. This is HUGE as both those moves are very troublesome to Trick Room setters. And unlike Oblivious (which does the same thing), Aroma Veil affects the partner as well! So this means no one needs to fear the ever present Whimsicott or the fairly used Taunt. In addition, Aromatisse gets a massive support movepool. Finally, it's defenses are fairly good, enabling it to survive nearly all super effective STAB moves.
#1
What Cresselia has to offer:
-Amazing defenses
-Good Ability
-Large support movepool
If you did not see this coming, you do not play with Trick Room enough! Cresselia has outstanding defense; 120 in Hp and Def and 130 in SpDef. Not only that, but it also has access to Levitate, making it immune to Ground attacks, which are fairly common. But what sets Cresselia even further ahead is its large support based movepool that is very similar to Aromatisse and Gothitelle. I just want to reiterate just how bulky Cresselia is. There are literally only SEVEN Pokemon in the game that can OHKO Cresselia. Those are: Mega Heracross, LO Heracross, LO Escavalier, CB Durant, Mega Sharpedo, and CB Scizor. And, to be honest, the only reason there are more here than Porygon2 is because of the typing. That's how ridiculous this thing is. Plus, a majority of those listed won't even be used!
Honorable Mentions
Like Aromatisse, Slowbro has good defenses and an ability that prevents Taunt (but Oblivious prevents Attract instead of Encore). However, its ability doesn't help its partner and it has loads of weaknesses that usually hit on its weaker special defense side. It does have the option to become the incredibly physically defensive Mega Slowbro. However, that option does make you lose its better ability.
Slowking is pretty much the exact opposite of Slowbro, minus the inability to mega evolve. So, there really isn't much else to say about it. I just couldn't figure out how to put both their pictures next to each other. *shrugs*
Cofagrigus is fairly bulky and can handle many physical threats in VGC. However, it falls a bit short on its special side. It makes up for that by have a fairly good offensive movepool that can pressure your opponent. In addition, it's ability Mummy stops many Pokemon who rely on their ability to deal their damage. Think Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence and Mega Metagross.
Gardevoir has a very solid typing and fairly good defense. However, it isn't the bulkiest of Pokemon, so it does struggle to get Trick Room up. It also has a fair few weaknesses, and while not as bad as Slowbro(king), it is a little unfortunate.
