SONM Pokémon VGC '16 Thread - Nationals 14th-15th May!

[Xenoblade Hero]

On the contrary to a lot of players I'm actually really looking forward to playing this format, having some previous experience with Ubers. The huge power creep actually balances things out due to the amount of available creep options and the need for 4 other, non-Uber Pokemon. The main problem comes in finding out the sets of opposing Pokemon (random Sash Mega Rayquaza comes to mind) which can be covered with the BO3 format VGC is

[Decretum]

http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/ ... announced/

GS Cup is back! Never saw this coming; I'm hyped

Saw it coming a year ago m8

[Gazooki]

I'm actually relatively excited by this new meta. Sure it's gonna be dominated by weather wars but there are some seriously underrated counterpicks people are sleeping on. Any metagame in which Golduck is potentially viable is cool by me.

[Cinaclov]

I'm so hyped for this. Really struggled with 2015 but historically I've done well with smaller more restricted formats (which ironically GS cup is, despite on paper being the most open). Can't wait to get going. It's almost a shame I've got 3 premier challenges left to do, but I guess it's the last chance I'll have to play Sand for a year so I'd better make the most of it

[Gazooki]

Hot tip: The new weathers are dependent on the abilities being on the field, not the Pokemon itself, so if you can suppress the ability it could give you the upper hand, forcing your opponent to either switch or play on without the advantage of their chosen weather. Not really started building any teams yet but already I can see that there's a lot of depth to this meta despite how it might initially appear. Really looking forward to seeing how it pans out.

[Decretum]

That's the case with every weather effect technically.

But yeah strong weather is only present while the ability is in effect

Cloud Nine is relevant as is Skill Swap

[evilpinkdragon]

Worry Seed / Gastro Acid b o i s
Also if you're wanting to prolong your own primal weather Skill Swap is your friend

[Aren142]

Something I've discovered from messing around on showdown, VGC10 strategies are surprisingly effective. It could give you an edge over younger opponents at the very least.

[Xenoblade Hero]

Seems like Kangaskhan/Xerneas/Groudon is the core to beat atm. They cover each others weaknesses very well. Maybe attempt some Mega Ray shenanigans to get around it

[Sabrofra]

Will Kang ever be abolished from VGC? ¬¬

Anyway, after thinking about potential teams, I'm actually pretty excited about the new format now. However, my main man Conkeldurr will now be pretty crap to use in the new meta. Rip Conk.

[evilpinkdragon]

Same with my bae Mega Heracross, literally no way I can use him now with all the fairies/fire/rayquaza around

[Cinaclov]

Something I've discovered from messing around on showdown, VGC10 strategies are surprisingly effective. It could give you an edge over younger opponents at the very least.

Not mine . It involved using Imprison Azelf to prevent your opponent from Protecting then going nuclear on their undefended bodies (Explosion was slightly broken back then, 250BP attack that was effectively 500 as it halved your opponents defence ). I also used LifeOrb Infernape Overheat to OHKO opposing Groudon but thanks to that additional Fire typing on Primal that no longer works

[Aren142]

I miss the good old days of Explosion. Mega Metagross Explosion could have been everything I ever dreamed of.

[fluffyKittan]

Nick ran a clowny shiftry mega blastoise lead for rain, double fakeout into shiftry explosion and stoise protect before bringing in kyogre. If they don't lead with groud (which they should do like 90% of the imte) you're gooseberry fool though. Shiftry out speeds p much all fake outs due to clorophyl

[evilpinkdragon]

It seemed alright tbh.
Also Crobat seems really popular right now, which makes me rather happy. Quick Guard is actually pretty good on it these days

[Xenoblade Hero]

I'm all over Rayquaza atm, seems to handle the metagame and get around the most common core really well with FO support. If I can attend some upcoming Regionals I'll probably end up bringing a team that I've been testing with it in, it ended up going 17-3 on Showdown

[Sabrofra]

The VGC '16 rules are now live, starting from today. Now I should probably go make a team...

[Decretum]

I ran the best team already ngl

[Xenoblade Hero]

Anyone else going to Wakefield on Saturday? I should be going, it'll be my first '16 tournament of the season

[fluffyKittan]

I have played 1 VGC game on showdown and I won so I am retiring form the format to maintain my 100% record.

[Gazooki]

Anyone else going to Wakefield on Saturday? I should be going, it'll be my first '16 tournament of the season

I would be but I haven't even started thinking about this year's meta. Feeling a bit disillusioned with competitive tbh. Not a fan of the format and I really can't be bothered soft-resetting and breeding stuff at the moment.

[Decretum]

Paid entry plus alternative plans for the weekend were available so nope. It sucks, because it's a really good location for it, they've just ruined any appeal for me

[fluffyKittan]

Getting to wakey is a f00kin nightmare anyway, Leeds is much more accessible.

[evilpinkdragon]

why would you want to go to leeds tho :^)

[Aren142]

Watch your mouth, young lady.

But yeah, not going and probably not going Glasgow either just because I hate this format with a passion.