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[Comp Guide] Doubles Guide & Builds


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Welcome to the Competitive Guide to PokeMMO Doubles

 

The information listed here pertains to the PokeMMO Doubles meta and is provided to help players build teams, compete in doubles, and understand common threats in this exciting format. The listed pokemon will include those having 3% or greater usage in the PokeMMO Doubles Viability Thread. If a listed pokemon falls below 3% usage in the PokeMMO Doubles Viability Thread it will not be removed and will remain listed here. The provided definitions and sets were created from my own experience in the PokeMMO Doubles meta. Feel free to suggest other sets you may have seen or used in the comments section below. 

 

Some general concepts regarding PokeMMO Doubles:

 

1. The battle format is 6v6, with each competitor using 2 pokemon at once

2. Doubles battles are typically fast paced and offense oriented, but this does not mean that stall is not viable

3. There are no bans in doubles tournaments at this time

4. The move Baton Pass is legal in the doubles format, but only during Official Tournaments where it has been toggled for use by a staff member

5. Some moves target both of your opponent's pokemon and sometimes even all of the pokemon on the field including your teammate. For a list of these moves, click here. Note though that this list includes moves up through Generation 6 which PokeMMO may currently not have access to. 

5. Strategy is most important when considering team synergy, targets of attack, and defensive switch-ins 

6. The move protect is commonly used as a defensive tactic

7. Currently, you cannot change a move after selecting it with your first pokemon, so be wary

 

1. Initiative 

Spoiler

 

- What is initiative you ask? Well in PokeMMO, initiative is simply controlling the flow of battle. An example would be to force your opponent to react to a situation and make a play that they otherwise wouldn't have done. For example, you lead with Kangaskhan and Gengar while your opponent leads with Metagross and Starmie. You have taken the initiative by threatening your opponent with Fake-Out by Kangaskhan. Your opponent will have to react to this situation by either blindly attacking, making an unfavorable switch, or attempting to predict which pokemon will take the Fake-Out flinch. In this case you might Fake-Out the Starmie, preventing it from using Psychic to kill Gengar, and then kill the flinched Starmie with Shadow Ball.  

 

How do you gain initiative? Well there are multiple ways to do this in PokeMMO Doubles. One example would be to use Fake-Out as noted above, or to make favorable offensive switches that might force your opponent to switch in turn. That or using the move protect, utilizing a status move, or focusing your attack to apply pressure on a specific threat. In the end, taking initiative is simply turning the tide in your favor. 

 

 

2. Focusing your Attacks

Spoiler

 

- The concept behind this is simply how your plan of attack will turn the tide of the match. If you focus your fire on one threat at a time during a doubles match you will inevitably remove that threat faster than you would by spreading your attacks across the field. To imagine this please refer to the following demonstrations:

 

focus_fire.jpg

- The above figure takes into account that all attacks are equal in power, that they do not miss, and that they have the same target.

- What are the pros of focusing your fire? Well if a hit from either one of your pokemon on the field fail to 1HKO one of your opponent's pokemon, then focusing your fire with both pokemon on the same target could nab that knock out. As an added benefit if your pokemon happen to be faster than the target pokemon, you would also only take one hit from your opponent considering you killed something before it could strike.

- What are the cons of focusing your fire? If your opponent Protects with the pokemon you've targeted, then you lose two attacks and get struck by one. If your opponent switches to a defensively favorable pokemon, you could fail to provide a significant amount of damage and lose momentum in the match. Also, the pokemon you do not attack could switch to an offensive option that could threaten the pokemon you have on the field.

 

 

3. Single vs Multiple Target Attacks

Spoiler

- As mentioned, some moves in PokeMMO Doubles can hit multiple pokemon on the field, whether that is both of your opponent's pokemon, your opponent's pokemon and your own, or every pokemon on the field. Multi-target moves are nerfed in PokeMMO as damage is "spread". The decrease in damage is between 20-25%. For example, Earthquake, which strikes three targets, will now attack each individual pokemon with a power of 75-80, rather than 100. This is beneficial as it spreads more damage against your opponent, but also damaging as it targets your own pokemon not using Earthquake as well. Other moves with this type of mechanic, such as Surf, can be used to heal your team while damaging your opponent. For example you use Surf which hits both of your opponent's pokemon and also your teammate as well. If this teammate has Water Absorb it can absorb the water-attack Surf and gain HP. Learninh what moves target multiple pokemon and which don't is extremely important in PokeMMO Doubles, as is understanding the subtle differences between Singles and Doubles formats. For example, Rock Slide in Singles has a 30% flinch chance, while in Doubles it has a 51% chance to flinch at least one of your opponent's pokemon barring a miss. This is due to Rock Slide hitting both of your opponent's pokemon and the probability of two chances at a 30% flinch. 

 

4. Offensive vs Defensive Play Styles

Spoiler

- Now there are many different ways to build a team in PokeMMO; hyper-offensive, all wall, balanced, etc, but in PokeMMO Doubles certain play styles tend to decrease in viability. Offensive play is almost always the best option, as there are very few pokemon that can effectively wall a threat of two attacks. Every wall has a fatal flaw that can be exploited to faint it quickly and efficiently, and this is multiplied in a doubles format. In doubles you can have two pokemon on the field with coverage that is mutually beneficial and covers the weaknesses of each other's counters, OR that have the same counter, but do so much damage that the counter is overwhelmed. An example of dual coverage would be Manectric and Gyarados vs a team with a defensive core of Venusaur, Metagross, and Snorlax. Manectric protects Gyarados from Electric-type attacks with Lightning Rod and can beat Venusaur and Metagross who otherwise threaten Gyarados. Gyarados meanwhile can beat Snorlax which frightens Manectric. An example of overwhelming coverage would be Swift Swim Rain Dance Ludiclo and Kingdra vs Snorlax. Snorlax can typically beat both of these pokemon in a Singles format, but it fails to win when both are attacking it at once. 

 

5. Team Building and Common Concepts

Spoiler

 

- There are several common team concepts in PokeMMO Doubles. They are listed as follows: Weather, Perish Trapping, Explosion, and Balanced Offense

- The concept behind a weather team is simple; set-up the a weather of your choice and abuse the benefits provided by the Sun, Rain, Hail, or Sand. Rain teams are the most common as the Rain provides the most benefits. With Swift Swim speed boosts, perfect coverage Thunder, 1.5x power boost for Water-attacks, and also Rain Dish healing, Rain can truly be a devastating force. Counter Rain teams with a Rain team of your own, or use pokemon like Tentacruel that have a defensive presence that benefits against attacks commonly used in the Rain.  

- Perish Trapping teams are about surviving long enough to trap and kill your opponent's team. The idea is to use Dugtrio with Arena Trap, Wobbuffet with Shadow Tag, or moves that can prevent your opponent from switching such as Block or Mean Look, and pair that with the move Perish Trap from your second pokemon. If you can survive for three turns you simply can switch out and your opponent loses two pokemon. You can support this play style with Light Screen/Reflect, Intimidate, Memento, Protect, and Substitute to prolong your chances of surviving. You can check this play style by removing either the Perish Trapper or the trapper from your opponent's team before they can effectively break your team. 

- Explosion teams rely on prediction. They are typically paired with the move Protect and Ghost-types to prevent hurting their own teammates. Explosion teams try to remove bulky or defensive threats first and sweep with powerful offensive options later. This play style is easily checked by predicting with Protect or switching in a Ghost-type on their Explosion. 

- Balanced offense is going to be the most common team concept you will encounter. It relies on proper defensive balance without sacrificing a powerful offensive threat. Plays typically rely on favorable switches, Protect, and prediction to hit and survive throughout the course of a match.

 

 

Special thanks to Fredrichnietze, PandaJJ, DoctorPBC, and JIceJDragon for their help in completing this guide. I couldn't have done it without each of you!

 

Enjoy!

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Spr_5b_142.pngAerodactyl

Base Stats: 515 (80/105/65/60/75/130)

 

- One of the most dominant forces in PokeMMO Doubles. Aerodactyl offers unresisted coverage with STAB Rock Slide, Earthquake, and Double-Edge, and it is able to abuse lucky flinches for an unexpected advantage. Be wary of Aerodactyl's weaknesses, as several common attacks including Surf, Ice Beam, and Rock Slide prevent it from switching in. 

- Aerodactyl is checked decently well by intimidate users such as Arcanine, Gyarados, and Salamence that benefit from the split-attack power drop on Rock Slide. Flygon and Claydol, as well as bulky waters, can offer some defense against this offensive cannon. 

- You will often see Aerodactyl paired with Tyranitar due to the added SpDef boost provided by sandstorm, as well as Helping Hand users such as Hitmontop and Vaporeon for added damage output. 

Spoiler

Choice Band

Item: Choice Band

Nature: Jolly

Ability: Rock Head

EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed

  • Double-Edge
  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake
  • Crunch / Aerial Ace / Pursuit

This is the primary set that you will encounter with Aerodactyl, as it makes use of the attack-boost from Choice Band and far above average speed that Aero has. You will typically find that CB Aero will spam Rock Slide in hopes of nabbing some easy knock-outs with a powerful STAB and/or a lucky flinch to gain an advantage. The fourth moveslot will typically not see much action but can come in handy during the end of a match. Crunch offers a powerful attack to hit Claydol and Dusclops with, while Aerial Ace is there for Ludicolo and Breloom. Pursuit can be an interesting move to use in a meta where switches are very common. 

 

Freedom Reigns

Item: Life Orb

Nature: Jolly / Naive

Ability: Rock Head

EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed

  • Double-Edge
  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake
  • Protect / Crunch / Aerial Ace / Pursuit /  Fire Blast

Scared of the negatives associated with Choice Band? Want to have the option to Protect during a match? Well then this set is for you. Simply go with a Life Orb instead of Choice Band and you can begin choosing what moves to use where exactly when you need to! Fire Blast provides coverage on Metagross without relying on Earthquake that can damage your partner. 

 

Speed Kills

Item: Choice Scarf

Nature: Adamant

Ability: Rock Head

EVs: 252 Attack / 252 Speed

  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake
  • Crunch
  • Aerial Ace / Double-Edge

 

Tired of +1 DD Gyarados and Salamence threatening your team? Bring in Scarf Aerodactyl to ruin their day, provided that they each have some damage. 

 

Spr_5b2_059.pngArcanine

Base Stats: 555 (90/110/80/100/80/95)

 

- Arcanine provides what PokeMMO Doubles loves to abuse, the ability Intimidate. In addition to Intimidate Arcanine also has a surprising amount of bulk and powerful Attack and Special Attack stats. Extremespeed also provides an additional advantage making use of that +2 priority. 

- Arcanine is easily checked by most bulky waters and other Intimidate users. Claydol and Flygon also offer appropriate defense against this beast.

- Consider Arcanine as a counter lead, considering it threatens most common leads such as Gengar, Hitmontop, and Metagross. 

Spoiler

Intimidate

Item: Leftovers / Life Orb

Nature: Brave

Ability: Intimidate

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Defense

  • Crunch
  • Flamethrower / Heat Wave
  • Extremespeed / Double-Kick
  • Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Electric

Taking full advantage of the ability Intimidate, this Arcanine provides an easy switch in on several common physical attacks. The option between Flamethrower and Heat Wave is simply by way of power vs the ability to hit multiple foes. Double-Kick is useful for Tyranitar, while Extremespeed can nab a quick hit on faster threats such as Jolteon and Starmie. The choice between Hidden Power depends on what you need to hit. HP Ice provides an answer for the dragons, while HP Electric gives you an option to hit Gyarados as well as most bulky waters. HP Grass is necessary for Swampert and is synergistic with Extremespeed for an answer to Tyranitar.

 

blastoise.png

Base Stats: 530 (79/83/100/85/105/78)

 

- With access to the supportive moves Fake-Out and Follow Me, and with good defenses and typing, Blastoise is a top tier bulky water in doubles. It is possibly the best pokemon to have next to a set-up like Salamence, Dragonite, or Tyranitar.

- Like with other Follow Me users, Blastoise does not stop spread moves from hitting its partner, which can be problematic. Rock Slide, Earthquake, Surf, and Explosion are among the options you can use to hit its partner when Follow Me has been played, at which point Blastoise becomes relatively useless. It also has limited offensive options, so be careful of not letting it become a sitting duck.

Spoiler

Support Turtle

Item: Sitrus Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Bold / Calm
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 164 Def / 92 SDef
  • Follow Me
  • Fake Out
  • Icy Wind / Ice Beam / Blizzard / HP Electric
  • Muddy Water / Hydro Pump / Protect
This set is your only reason to use Blastoise. Fake Out plus Follow Me allows you to disrupt the opponent from attacking your partner and garner you momentum throughout the match. Icy Wind is for slowing them down, while Blizzard is a more offensive option to get OHKOs on stuff like Salamence without worrying about opposing Blastoise and Follow Me. Muddy Water is your better STAB move, which can both disrupt with accuracy drops and take advantage of Torrent. Protect can be nice to stop the opponent from simply focusing down on Blastoise with Thunderbolts and Giga Drains. Sitrus Berry allows Blastoise to take some surprising hits, while leftovers will pay off more in the long run. The spread optimizes the bulk on both sides, but can be changed by preference. For the most part Blastoise will just use Follow Me, while using the other moves to wiggle out of a difficult situation.

 

Spr_5b_242.pngBlissey

Base Stats: 540 (255/10/10/75/135/55)

 

- Blissey can dominate any special attacker with its bulk alone. In addition to this, Blissey can also make use of its massive movepool to support your team and cripple your opponent's offensive threats. 

- Offensively, Blissey doesn't provide much and in a meta that relies on fast, powerful attacks, Blissey has gotten the short end of the stick. Blissey is outright stopped by most physical sweepers, but watch out for Thunder Wave that could ruin their day.

- Consider using Blissey as a pivot and cleric, while spamming status using either Thunderwave or Serene Grace. 

Spoiler

Fat Blob

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Bold

Ability: Natural Cure

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Speed

  • Thunderbolt
  • Ice Beam
  • Softboiled
  • Protect / Thunder Wave 

This move-set provides incredible coverage on many of the threats in doubles. Predict accordingly and you can safely paralyze your opponent's entire team and hit Gyarados, Salamence, Dragonite, and Flygon with 4x attacks. Guts users such as Ursaring, as well as bulky physical attackers like Snorlax and Tyranitar tend to frighten this old girl. And as you should already know, Blissey can sit on special attackers for days. 

 

Blob with Guns

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Modest

Ability: Serene Grace

EVs: 252 Defense / 252 Special Attack / 4 Speed

  • Thunderbolt / Hyper Voice 
  • Ice Beam / Flamethrower
  • Softboiled
  • Protect / Thunder Wave

When you get tired of taking hits and just want to fire back. Blissey has a unique ability in Serene Grace which abuses the secondary effects of moves by doubling their chances of occurring. Paralysis, Freeze, and Burns galore, this Blissey is sure to annoy even the most seasoned of players. Use Hyper Voice as a STAB option that can hit both of your opponents pokemon at once.

 

Nurse Blob

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Bold

Ability: Serene Grace

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense

  • Thunderbolt / Thunderwave
  • Ice Beam
  • Softboiled
  • Heal Bell

 

 claydol.gifClaydol

Base Stats: 500 (60/70/105/70/120/75)

 

- Claydol is an interesting addition to PokeMMO Doubles and offers a defensive option in a very aggressive meta. Utilizing its diverse move-pool and highly beneficial ability, Claydol can slow down even the most brazen of attackers.

- Claydol is easily checked by most bulky waters and opposing Dusclops as well.

- If you are having difficulty finding an answer to Rock Slide spam, consider Claydol.

Spoiler

Dual Screens

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Bold

Ability: Levitate

EVs: 252 HP / 216 Defense / 40 Special Defense

  • Ice Beam
  • Psychic
  • Reflect
  • Light Screen

An incredible support option that provides the ability to bolster your entire team's defenses and also strike back at the dragons with Ice Beam and frighten Gengar with STAB Psychic.

 

Boom Beach

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Relaxed

Ability: Levitate

EVs: 252 HP / 216 Defense / 40 Special Defense

  • Psychic
  • Earthquake
  • Ice Beam
  • Explosion

An offensive variant of Claydol that has excellent coverage and also a last ditch effort attack in Explosion. The only unfortunate side to this is that Gyarados can punish this Claydol in multiple ways and even survive an Explosion after Intimidate.

 

clefable.gifClefable

Base Stats: 473 (95/70/73/85/90/60)

 

- Clefable, the swiss army knife of doubles. With an insane move-pool that includes multiple support options, Clefable easily ranks as one of the most lucrative pokemon to have on the field. Unfortunately Clef is weak to some of the more common attacks in the game and also lacks the special bulk of say Blissey to really tank those incoming special attacks. 

- Clef is easily managed by really any physical attacker, although with a move-pool like this, many sweepers will want to kill it as soon as possible.

Spoiler

Support Fairy

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Calm

Ability: Cute Charm

EVs: 252 HP / 4 Defense / 252 Special Defense 

  • Follow-Me
  • Helping Hand / Cosmic Power
  • Softboiled
  • Protect

This set does not seem that viable at first glance, but when you think about the possibilities associated with it, oh boy. Pairing this with any physical attacker that wants to set up is a dream come true with the move Follow-Me, which makes any single targeting attack hit Clef and not your partner. Once your teammate has garnered say a couple Dragon Dances, use Helping-Hand which has +5 priority and offers another quick attack boost. Use Softboiled for some quick recovery and Protect when you need to avoid a smart opponent that will want to clear you from the field first. If you aren't into boosting attack, consider Cosmic Power to increase the longevity of Clefable on the field as you continue to take hits through Follow-Me. Be cautious of status users that can cripple this threat, and a team reliant on it, through Toxic or Sleep. 

 

Warrior Fairy

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Bold

Ability: Cute Charm

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Speed

  • Thunderbolt / Hyper Voice
  • Ice Beam / Flamethrower
  • Softboiled
  • Thunder Wave

Similar to an attacking Blissey, this set provides an opportunity to challenge the common physical threats in this game with super effective attacks and a threat of paralysis. 

 

Dual Screen Support

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Calm / Careful

Ability: Cute Charm

EVs: 252 HP / 128 Defense / 128 Special Defense

  • Reflect
  • Light Screen
  • Seismic Toss
  • Thunder Wave / Heal Bell / Follow-Me

When you need to bolster your defense. This Clef is designed to support your team, so spam Thunder Wave as often as you can and set those screens up before you die. Heal Bell is an option when encountering an opponent that favors Will-o-Wisp support. Follow-Me is again seen just for additional partner support. 

 

dragonite.gifDragonite

 

Base Stats: 600 (91/134/95/100/100/80)

 

- One of the two most fearsome dragon-types in the game, Dragonite presents with incredible bulk but also a fantastic move-pool. With access to Extremespeed, Superpower, and nearly any special attack, Dragonite will surely worry your opponent to no end. In doubles, Dragonite has an added advantage in its ability Inner Focus, preventing any Fake-Out or Rock Slide flinches. 

- Dragonite's vast move-pool is stellar, but it is still brought down by bulky waters and basically anything that carries Ice Beam. The difference between Dragonite and Salamence though, is that Dragonite can survive a non-STAB Ice Beam so watch out.

Spoiler

Choice Band

Item: Choice Band

Nature: Adamant

Ability: Inner Focus

EVs: 76 HP / 252 Attack / 180 Speed

  • Dragon Claw
  • Thunderpunch / Earthquake 
  • Extremespeed
  • Superpower

 

A revenge killer of sorts in the doubles metagame. While it doesn't have very much staying power with its 4x weakness to Ice Beam and its subpar speed, this Dragonite can really rack up the damage. Pair it with a Follow-Me user and hit for as long as you can. The choice between Thunderpunch and Earthquake really depends on whether your team fears Gyarados or Metagross more. Be cautious of hitting your own teammate with Earthquake and also Lightning Rod users with Thunderpunch. Also, the speed investment allows it to beat 252 Speed Metagross. 

 

Mixed Nite

Item: Life Orb

Nature: Mild

Ability: Inner Focus

EVs: 56 Attack / 252 Special Attack / 200 Speed

  • Thunderbolt / Thunder
  • Ice Beam
  • Superpower
  • Fire Blast / Extremespeed

Take on Metagross and Gyarados with relative ease with this moveset. Pairing Dragonite with a Rain Dance abuser can help to bolster Thunder to perfect accuracy. Extremespeed once again provides an option to strike back at faster pokemon like Jolteon and Starmie to try and nab a kill, but Fire Blast may be more beneficial. Use Superpower to threaten Blissey.

 

Spr_5b_051.pngDugtrio

Base Stats: 405 (35/80/50/50/70/120)

 

- Dugtrio is a trap specialist with the ability Arena Trap. Any grounded pokemon on the field for your opponent will not be able to switch out, which means that if played right you can easily take down two pokes with an offensive partner. Frail defenses and a move-pool that keeps asking for more gives this poke a bit of trouble.

- Consider Dugtrio as a counter-lead to trap Metagross and kill it with your partner. 

Spoiler

It's a Trap!

Item: Life Orb / Leftovers

Nature: Jolly

Ability: Arena Trap

EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed

  • Earthquake
  • Rock Slide
  • Thief / Aerial Ace / Substitute
  • Protect

Predict a safe switch-in on a couple pokes that can't switch out like Metagross and Starmie, and let your teammate do all the damage. Substitute and Protect in tandem help to prolong your stay on the field, while Thief or Aerial Ace increase your coverage. One downfall to this set is that Earthquake will strike both your opponents and your teammate, so be wary. You can flip the EV spread to a more bulky option in order to stay on the field longer, but this isn't advised. 

 

Choice Band

Item: Choice Band

Nature: Jolly

Ability: Arena Trap

EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed

  • Earthquake
  • Rock Slide
  • Thief
  • Aerial Ace

Come in for the revenge kill on pokes like Metagross, Starmie, and anything else that might be low on health and slower than you. Remember STAB EQ won't be as powerful because of its multiple targets.

 

Spr_5b_356.pngDusclops

Base Stats: 455 (40/70/130/60/130/25)

 

- Dusclops is the hidden gem of PokeMMO Doubles. It has a unique defensive presence that can tank multiple common hits. In addition to this it can utilize Will-o-Wisp to break down a physically offensive team that otherwise could demolish an unprepared team. It also has coverage moves in Thunderpunch and Ice Beam just to dish out some damage, or it could utilize a stall set to wear down teams a bit more slowly. Ghost-typing is also a benefit to avoid an Explosion from either side of the field. 

- Dusclops fears little, but don't expect it to last an entire match. Your opponent will undoubtedly want to take this threat off the field so expect special attackers to come onto the field to force it out. Tyranitar with STAB Crunch and GUTS users are also a bit frightening for Dusclops.

Spoiler

Burn Unit

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Impish / Bold

Ability: Pressure

EVs: 252 HP / 212 Defense / 44 Speed

  • Shadow Ball / Thunderpunch / Ice Beam
  • Will-o-Wisp
  • Protect / Substitute
  • Rest

The goal of this set is simple: stay alive as long you as you can and burn as much as you can. The ability Pressure will slowly wear down pp of your opponents all while they attempt to break you. Unfortunately for them you have quite the staying power and also a devastating move in WoW, at least for physical attackers like Metagross, Salamence, Gyarados, and Snorlax. The speed investment let's you beat Snorlax to the punch (as well as Slowbro), letting you pull off that burn. The option of an attacking move is one that is designed from what you're team has trouble with. Shadow Ball for a STAB that hurts things like Gengar and Starmie, Thunderpunch for Gyarados, and Ice Beam for Salamence, Dragonite, and Flygon. 

 

Offensive Firepower

Item: Leftovers

Nature: Relaxed

Ability: Pressure

EVs: 252 HP / 212 Defense / 44 Speed

  • Thunderpunch
  • Ice Beam
  • Will-o-Wisp
  • Protect / Rest

A variant of the above set that can dish out some offense while still maintaining a defensive and support presence. Be wary of this thing as it really messes with physical attackers in a meta dominated by them. 

 

Spr_5b_330.pngFlygon

Base Stats: 520 (80/100/80/80/80/100)

 

- Flygon is an interesting defensive presence with the offensive power of a slightly nerfed Salamence or Dragonite. Unfortunately like the other two powerful dragons it too is 4x weak to Ice-attacks. A benefit of using Flygon in doubles though is to resist Rock Slide and also be immune to common Earthquakes. 

- Flygon unfortunately can't touch bulky waters with its subpar attack power, but on the other hand Swampert and Quagsire should both be wary of a mixed set carrying Giga Drain.

Spoiler

Choice Band

Item: Choice Band

Nature: Jolly

Ability: Levitate

EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed

  • Dragon Claw
  • Earthquake
  • Thunderpunch
  • Superpower / Crunch / Quick Attack

This set makes use of Flygon's decent speed while boosting its attack. Use this Flygon to come in on an Aerodactyl Rock Slide and pray you don't get flinched the next turn. Exchange Choice Band for Choice Scarf and revenge kill most offensive threats. 

 

Fly-on-the-Wall

Item: Life Orb

Nature: Naive

Ability: Levitate

EVs: 252 Attack / 100 Special Attack / 156 Speed

  • Dragon Claw 
  • Earthquake 
  • Fire Blast
  • Superpower / Giga Drain / Thunderpunch / Protect

An interesting answer to many offensive juggernauts. Earthquake and Fire Blast put a serious hurt on Metagross while Giga Drain catches unsuspecting Swampert off guard. Dragon Claw provides a reliable STAB. Thunderpunch can be a nice defense against a Gyarados that wants to use Dragon Dance, but be wary of any Lightning Rod users. Protect is a decent option to use Flygon as a decoy on the field. 

 

 

Edited by DoubleJ
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gengar.png

Base Stats: 500 (60/65/60/130/75/110)

 
- Gengar is one of the most used doubles pokemon in PokeMMO for multiple reasons, but the biggest of all is because of its raw power. Gengar has a base 130 Special Attack stat and carries two devastating STABs. It can also utilize a massive move-pool that many players can't predict.
- Gengar has little counters in doubles play. Offensive play can dampen Gengar's presence on the field, but be cautious with this tactic considering the threat of WoW. Arcanine provides a reliable option.
Spoiler

True Warrior

Item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
Nature: Timid / Modest
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Special Attack / 4 Special Defense / 252 Speed
Shadow Ball
Sludge Bomb
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Ice / Giga Drain / Protect
This is going to be the most common Gengar you will encounter and will have the coverage to tear through a team. Hidden Power Ice is common due to the prevalence of the dragons and the fact that Shadow Ball still hits Swampert really, really hard. Protect is an option since most players will attack Gengar outright to try and remove it, creating a diversion for other pokemon to set-up or get a free hit. A Timid nature is preferred, but Modest can deliver some seriously powerful attacks. 
 
Fire-and-Ice
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Special Attack / 4 Special Defense / 252 Speed
Shadow Ball
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Ice
Will-o-Wisp
With coverage galore and the fastest Will-o-Wisp in the game, you're sure to encounter this set in a tournament. Utilize this Gengar as long as you can because sadly it won't stay on the field for long, but its presence will sure be felt. Pair it with a Fake-Out user to protect Gengar while you remove and/or burn some threats.

Spr_5b_130_m.pngGyarados

Base Stats: 540 (95/125/79/81/100/81)

 

- Gyarados is one of the most powerful physical attackers in the game, and also has ground immunity and intimidate to make it a very powerful threat. Being the best dragon dancer that is not a dragon type makes it a nice alternative to dragonite and salamence, because it is not weak to the very common ice type moves.

- Water is a medicore offensive type, meaning that gyarados can not simply sweep through teams in the same fashion as dragonite and salamence do. Its 4x weakness to electric screams for lightningrod support, as it is otherwise an easy OHKO for anything with thunderbolt in their moveset.

Spoiler

 

Dancing Water Dragon
Item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 94 HP / 252 Attack / 164 Speed
  • Dragon Dance
  • Waterfall
  • Crunch / Return / Protect
  • Earthquake / Return / Protect
This standard Dragon Dance set commonly makes use of Lightning Rod support in order to set up and afterward dish out strong attacks at a preferable speed. Protect is very useful in order to set up and avoid Fake-Out, although you then have to forgo one of your coverage moves. Earthquake is almost always better than Crunch, unless your team is susceptible to self-inflicting damage. Lum berry is usually the preferred item, unless you pair it with a Follow-Me user that can redirect status moves. You can also go Max Speed to outpace other Gyarados that may attempt to set-up alongside you. The current speed spread allows you to outpace Base 200 speedsters like Aero and Jolteon after one DD. 
 
Banded Dragon
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Speed
  • Waterfall
  • Earthquake
  • Crunch
  • Double-Edge / Bounce
Alter the speed all you want, but just understand that this bulky monstrosity is going to dish out some damage. Pair it with a Follow-Me user or a pokemon with Lightning Rod and you can go to war while tanking hits left and right. Be careful of Rock Slide and being Choice-locked.
hariyama.pngHariyama

 

Base Stats: 474 (144/120/60/40/60/50)

 

- A powerful threat with an insane base attack of 120 and an incredibly diverse moveset. A lack of reliable resistances though and a poor speed make Hariyama difficult to use, but fortunately its bulk can allow it to tank a hit so that it can strike back with power. 

- There are no outright counters to its diverse and powerful offensive movepool, but fortunately its speed and lack of good resistances leave it wide open for damage. Consider it for a lead and possibly with a Follow-Me partner so that it can spread damage even longer.

 
Spoiler

 

Slap Lead
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Attack / 128 Def / 128 SpDef 
  • Fake-Out
  • Low Kick / Cross Chop
  • Thunderpunch
  • Ice Punch

An impressively bulky lead that can support your team through Fake-Out, as well as perfect coverage on the tier with STAB Low Kick, Ice Punch, and Thunderpunch. The only downfall to Hariyama is its low speed and its predictability. Thick Fat is a better option considering how rare status is in doubles and the fact that it can now swap into predicted Ice and Fire-type attacks.

Spr_5b_214_m.pngHeracross

Base Stats: 500 (80/125/75/40/95/85)

 

- An insanely powerful threat with amazing wall-breaking capabilities, unfortunately there just aren't that many walls in doubles for it to really make a difference. The fortunate thing is that it is a bit bulky and can easily make a niche for itself in doubles without any easily abused weaknesses.

 
Spoiler

 

Bulky Offense
Item: Leftovers / Choice Band
Nature: Adamant
Ability: GUTS
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Spe
  • Megahorn
  • Rock Slide
  • Brick Break
  • Earthquake / Protect

With its relatively poor speed for an offensive juggernaut, Heracross is not going to benefit from max speed in the doubles tier. Throwing on a significant amount of bulk and letting it swing away with Choice Band provides a handy attacker for mid-to-early gameplay.

 

Endursal
Item: Salac Berry
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Def / 252 Spe
  • Megahorn
  • Rock Slide
  • Endure
  • Reversal

With endure, Heracross can surprise an offensive opponent and abuse its insane power with 200 BP Reversal at 1HP or a Swarm-boosted Megahorn. Once you've set up the Salac at 1HP pair it with a Follow-Me user and pray you can kill anything with a multi-hit move before they can touch you. 

 

Swords Dance
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
Ability: GUTS
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Spe
  • Swords Dance
  • Megahorn
  • Rock Slide / Rock Blast
  • Brick Break / EQ / Bullet Seed / Protect

Heracross has a surprising amount of bulk and can really take advantage of this with a Follow-Me partner. Resisting EQ and taking neutral damage from Rock Slide, Heracross can certainly stay on the field and go to war all while establishing a +2 attack boost via Swords Dance. The speed isn't really an issue since you want to be able to live a hit or two and remove a few of your opponents pokemon along the way. Rock Blast is there to inflict maximal target rather than the split damage by Rock Slide, and your choice of a 4th move really comes down to playstyle and what you're weak to.

hitmontop.pngHitmontop

Base Stats: 455 (50/95/95/35/110/70)

 

- Despite its deceiving stats, Hitmontop is one of the best supporters in the Doubles meta-game. The combination of Intimidate, Fake out, Helping Hand, rock resistance, and decent mixed bulk allows Hitmontop to help its partner set up, take hits, and deal damage.

- Hitmontop has a very limited offensive pressure, because it is weak to Intimidate and because fighting is a commonly resisted offensive type. Its bulk is also a bit limited with only base 50 HP, which means that it won't necessarily stay around for too long.

Spoiler

 

Full Support
Item: Sitrus Berry
Nature: Impish
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Speed

  • Fake Out
  • Helping Hand
  • Low Kick
  • Rock Slide / Mach Punch


Standard support set. Fake Out is a very powerful momentum-gaining move and Helping Hand is the best way to support your partner because of the lack of offense. Low Kick is your best offensive move, allowing you to dish out major damage to Snorlax and Tyranitar, as well as some chip damage to heavy pokemon like Metagross. Mach Punch is a decent alternative to take down fast pokemon with a sliver of HP left. Other options would be to go 252 HP / 252 Attack and forgo Helping Hand for a more offensive move-set that includes Earthquake.

Spr_5b_135.pngJolteon

Base Stats: 525 (65/65/60/110/95/130)

 

- Jolteon is one of the fastest pokemon in the game and has enough hitting power to deal with a range of common threats. It is the best remedy to dual screens Starmie as well as being able to OHKO threats like Gyarados and Salamence.

- Jolteon is extremely frail, so it will take massive damage from any physical hit and will easily go down to pokemon with a Dragon Dance under their belt. It also speed ties with Aerodactyl which can be very frustrating. Watch out for Espeed Dragonite as well.

Spoiler

 

Electric Doge
Item: Leftovers / Nevermeltice 
Nature: Timid
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed

  • Thunderbolt
  • Hidden Power Ice 
  • Light Screen / Substitute / Baton Pass / Shadow Ball
  • Protect

This is pretty much the only viable Jolteon set, but it works wonders. Electric + Ice has amazing coverage, and Jolteon has a few cool coverage moves up its sleeve. Fast Light Screen is a great stop to powerful things like Gengar, Substitute can be used for survivability and against double Protects, and Baton Pass is a great switch-out move because of Jolteon's incredible speed. Leftovers works well with Light Screen and Substitute, while Nevermeltice allows Jolteon to gaurantee a OHKO on Salamence. Other options would be to replace HP Ice for HP Grass in order to catch Swampert by surprise. Shadow Ball is available for an immediately powerful attack on Gengar. 

 

 

Bring the Thunder

Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry

Nature: Timid

Ability: Volt Absorb

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpAtt / 252 Spe

  • Thunder
  • HP Ice / Grass
  • Rain Dance
  • Protect / Light Screen / Substitute / Shadow Ball

A moveset with immense power, Jolteon can put the instant-hurt on nearly anything with STAB Thunder. Pair this baby with other pokemon that benefit from the rain and also a Helping Hand user to make Thunder hit that much harder.

kangaskhan.gifKangaskhan

Base Stats: 490 (105/95/80/40/80/90)

 

- Kangaskhan has access to one of the fastest Fake Outs in the game, as well as being one of few pokemon that actually deals decent damage with Fake Out. Well-rounded stats makes Kangaskhan both durable and offensive.

- Lack of other supportive moves outside of Fake Out forces Kangaskhan to run an offensive move-set, which makes it rather underwhelming after an Intimidate. Its speed is also a bit unfortunate, since a lot of powerful pokemon in doubles have 100+ base speed, and Kangaskhan also lacks any useful ability.

Spoiler

 

Fast Fake Out
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Early Bird
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed

  • Fake Out
  • Double Edge
  • Crunch / Fire Punch / Protect
  • Earthquake / Protect


This set puts on pressure with Fake Out and deals decent damage with STAB Double-Edge. Having Protect on a Fake Out pokemon can be used as a nice surprise, seeing as the coverage moves will likely not be used very much anyways. Item is totally dependent on personal preference.

Spr_5b_230.pngKingdra

Base Stats: 540 (75/95/95/95/95/85)

 

- Kingdra is one of the best Doubles weather users in PokeMMO. With the ability to run a physical, special, or even mixed set, Kingdra is a difficult counter. The only fortunate thing is that Kingdra has major 4MSS and can't be built to destroy everything.

- With incredible resistances, you can only hope to hit Kingdra with your Salamence or Dragonite before it sets up the Rain or a Dragon Dance. Blissey makes for a reliable counter to the majority of sets, as well as Tentacruel.

Spoiler

 

Rain God
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Modest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 244 HP / 252 SpAtt / 12 Speed

  • Muddy Water / Hydro Pump / Surf
  • Ice Beam
  • HP Electric / Protect
  • Rain Dance


A powerhouse of an attacker, the Rain Dance set is really only reliably stopped by Blissey or Tentacruel after the rain is established. The choice between Muddy Water, Hydro Pump, and Surf is only there for your team building and playstyle. Muddy Water has low accuracy but only hits your opponents and offers an accuracy drop of its own, Hydro Pump comes with insane power but only targets one opponent, and Surf can be used to hit both of your opponents and even heal your ally if it carries Water Absorb. 

 

 

Mixed Dance
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Naive
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Attack / 28 SpAtt / 228 Speed

  • Dragon Dance
  • Waterfall
  • Ice Beam 
  • Rain Dance / HP Electric / Outrage


This set comes with a certain amount of surprise in the doubles field and can be used with other special attacking Rain Dancers to keep up the offensive pressure. While Waterfall isn't the strongest move in the doubles game, it does offer coverage on some of the bigger threats such as Aerodactyl and Tyranitar. Ice Beam is there for the dragons while the option for the last moveset comes down to whether you need Waterfall to hit harder. HP Electric is there for Gyarados, while Outrage is there for an additional STAB move. 

 

Anti-Meta
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Modest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpAtt / 252 Speed

  • Muddy Water / Hydro Pump / Surf
  • Dragon Breath
  • Signal Beam
  • Rain Dance


For that moment when you're just sick and tired of other Rain teams or common threats bowling you over. Dragonbreath for Kingdra and other dragons that don't particularly like being paralyzed, Signal Beam for Ludicolo, and then Rain Dance to provide the speed to break through and team.

Spr_5b_272_m.pngLudicolo

Base Stats: 480 (80/70/70/90/100/70)

 

- Ludicolo is one of the most well rounded Pokemon in the doubles meta. It has the ability to run defensive or support sets thanks to its fantastic typing, incredible bulk, and great moveset, or run strong offensive sets with rain support

- Its typing leaves it with resistances to some of the more powerful moves in the meta; soaking up Earthquakes, Muddy Water's, and Meteor Mash'es with ease

- Hilariously weak against Gengar and anything packing a neutral STAB move, Ludicolo has to rely on a Swift Swim boost in the rain to stop almost any faster threat

Spoiler

 

Dancing in the Rain
Item: Lum Berry
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 164 HP/252 Attack/92 Speed
  • Waterfall
  • Swords Dance
  • Thunder Punch/Ice Punch
  • Rain Dance/Protect/Fake Out
 
The perfect scenario with this set is to have a Rain Dance user put the rain up for you, saving you from wasting two turns setting up a sweep. Waterfall is the obligatory STAB move capable of pummeling just about anything after Swords Dance and the Rain boost, Swords Dance is a must on Physical Attacking Ludicolo otherwise it just doesn't hit hard enough. Thunder Punch is the ideal coverage move, letting Ludicolo punish Gyarados, Vaporeon and other Pokemon that resist Waterfall, Ice Punch is viable if you are deathly scared of Dragons but losing coverage on Bulky waters is not recommended. The last slot is a preference slot, Protect or Fake Out if you lead with Ludi is great if you have a partner setting up Rain for you, if not Rain Dance is the best choice. The EVs allow you to hit things hard and outspeed everything bar Electrode and Ninjask in Rain, rest thrown into HP.
 
 
Nightmares of Mirror.B
Theme Song, send a link to your opponent and ask him/her to play it just before you start a sweep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCl1gwX_CVA
Item: Leftovers/Lum Berry
Nature: Modest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 164 HP/252 Spatk/92 Speed
  • Hydro Pump/Surf
  • Giga Drain
  • Ice Beam
  • Rain Dance/Protect/Fake Out
 
Ludicolo is an absolute monster in Rain. Hydro Pump is the preferred choice as the first move as it does amazing single target damage with the weather boost, the only reasons not to take Hydro Pump over Surf is if Ludicolo is being directly supported by a Water Pokemon or you are too worried about the incredibly shaky 80% accuracy. Giga Drain and Ice Beam are the two coverage moves, combined with Hydro Pump nothing resists all of Ludicolo's attacks. Like the above set the final move depends on if you have Rain support coming from a different Pokemon
 
 
The most annoying Pokemon in the meta
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
Ability: Rain Dish
EVs: 252 HP/252 Defense/4 SpDef
  • Ice Beam/Hydro Pump
  • Giga Drain
  • Leech Seed
  • Protect
 
With maximum defensive investment Ludicolo becomes a wall capable of taking on the strongest physical hitters in the tier, being able to laugh off anything Metagross, Swampert and a plethora of other Physical attackers can throw at it while still walling Rain Dance abusers. Ice Beam is preferred to Hydro Pump as it allows Ludicolo to hit Salamence and Dragonite. Protect is a staple on any wall in Doubles, combined with Leech Seed it turns Ludicolo into an almost invincible wall if played correctly. This set can be altered to a specially defensive set with hydro pump over ice beam, however it is not recommended as it takes special hits fairly well already
 
 
SupportLudi
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Calm
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 HP/44 Defense/212 Spdef
  • Fake Out
  • Icy Wind
  • Giga Drain
  • Protect/Teeter Dance/Leech Seed
 
This set is designed to support the rest of Ludicolo's team. Fake out locks down an opponent for one turn, Icy Wind slows both opponents, Giga Drain is the damage output. The last slot depends on how bad you want your opponent to get upset with you, protect does as its name suggests. Teeter Dance confuses ALL Pokemon in the battle aside from the user, so be sure to use protect on your partner and watch as the opponent is forced to double switch out or risk confusion. Leech Seed steals HP off opponents even after Ludicolo switches out.
manectric.gifManectric

Base Stats: 475 (70/75/60/105/60/105)

 

- Manectric has the same offensive presence as Jolteon while additionally having access to Lightning Rod, an amazingly useful supportive ability. Manectric takes it one step further as it is also able to hit Metagross hard with Flamethrower. It is great when used alongside Gyarados or other Electric-weak pokemon and it almost shuts down opposing Jolteon.

- Manectric does not have the speed advantage that Jolteon has, meaning that it doesn't stop Starmie or Gengar, as well is it being outsped by Aerodactyl. Furthermore Manectric lacks in special defense, making it take massive damage from just about any move in the game.

 

Spoiler

 

Electric Redirection
Item: Leftovers / Nevermeltice
Nature: Timid
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed

  • Thunderbolt
  • Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
  • Flamethrower / Light Screen / Substitute
  • Protect


This plays pretty much the same way as jolteon. Flamethrower is amazing if you can switch in on a Thunder Punch from Metagross, while substitute can help you keep the Lightning Rod on the field for longer. Again HP Grass is an option if you are worried about Swampert. 

 

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marowak.png
Base Stats: 425 (60/80/110/50/80/45)
 
Marowak is a heavy hitter that offers one major support characteristic: Lightning Rod. Partner this baby with Gyarados, or really any other flying-type that aims to avoid a Thunderbolt and you have a surefire combination that hopefully can get a few hits in.
Spoiler
Item: Thick Club
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed
Bonemerang / Earthquake
Rock Slide
Aerial Ace / Thunderpunch
Protect
The choice between Bonemerang and Earthquake is simple: do you risk hitting your teammates and can you live with lower accuracy and only one target? Beyond that, Rock Slide is a nice two-opponent hitting attack that nails a lot of the PokeMMO meta. Aerial Ace is there for Ludicolo and Heracross, while Thunderpunch is a nice move for Gyarados and anything you don't want to risk missing with Rock Slide.
Spr_5b_376.pngMetagross

 

Base Stats: 600 (80/135/130/95/90/70)
 
-Metagross is the most flexible pokemon in doubles, making it fit into nearly any team if built correctly. There is really no wrong way to build your Metagross, so there are a lot of options in addition to the provided example sets. Among its qualities, it resists the dangerous move Rock Slide, dragon moves from Salamence and Dragonite, as well as having just two weaknesses, one of which is very underpowered in doubles (fire). It is immune to Intimidate with its Clear Body, it has a huge attack stat combined with a huge move pool and it has great natrual bulk. 
-The only significant downsides with metagross is that it is slower than most of the metagame with its 70 base speed, since doubles is very fast-paced. The other one is that its special bulk, when uninvested, leaves it open to strong special attackers such as Jolteon and Gengar. The best answers to Metagross in general are Swampert and Blastoise due to their defenses and typing.

 

Spoiler

 

Dragon Slayer
Item: Lum Berry/ Sitrus Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Adamant/Jolly
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP/ 252 Attack / 252 Speed

  • Ice punch
  • Earthquake
  • Meteor Mash / Thunderpunch
  • Explosion / Protect / Thunderpunch

If there is anything such as a standard set for metagross, this is it. Metagross is the best answer to dragons in the game, so it is very natural to run Ice Punch. Earhquake gives perfect coverage, as well as hitting opposing metagross and dealing good damage in general. Thunderpunch is great for Gyarados, but oftentimes you will hit into Lightningrod users which can typically retaliate quite hard. For this reason, Meteor Mash is a great alternative, despite having medicore coverage. It is also metagross’ strongest move, allowing it to have a shot at OHKO things such as Gengar. Explosion is a very powerful move if you can pull it off, but Protect is also sensible if you want to preserve your dragon counter. Having four attacks is another option if you want to be more flexible offensively, especially good when faced with something like Blastoise. The spread simply optimizes attack and speed, in order to hit hard and outspeed opposing Metagross. Lum berry is for the occasional Will-O-Wisp users, or even Thunder Wave users, while Sitrus Berry and Leftovers provide longlivety (Leftovers goes better with Protect.)

Choice Band
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Adamant/Jolly
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP/ 252 Attack / 252 Speed

  • Ice Punch
  • Earthquake
  • Meteor Mash / Rock Slide / Explosion
  • Explosion / Trick

While being almost the same as the above set, the Choice Band set is a little more inflexible, packs more damage and possibly a few other tricks. Rock Slide is a real option here, since Metagross will 2HKO any dragon with it, and bypasses follow me. With the speed, you can also pick up some flinches with it. Explosion is worth another mention, since with the Choice Band, Metagross actually kills a lot of things with - even defensive behemots such as Vapreon lose more than 3/4th from banded Explosion. Trick is an interesting move for flexibility, as you can opt to give away the Choice Band to something that doesn’t want it and then be free to select your moves freely.

Agility
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 124 HP/ 252 Attack / 132 Speed

  • Ice Punch
  • Earthquake
  • Rock Slide / Meteor Mash
  • Agility

This set reaches 107 speed, which is enough to outspeed Marowak without any boosts, while also outspeeding everything barring Ninjask after Agility. With Agility, Metagross can become quite scary, especially next another fast threat. Except from Agility, the moves are the same as above, with Rock Slide being preferred to beat Blastoise plus Salamence due to the lack of Explosion and Thunderpunch and the ability to flinch. Items are the same as before, but it is a bit more difficult to choose since you really want both status immunty and longlivety. However, if you can pull off an agility without being burned or paralyzed, you can focus on the possible status spreaders, which is why Leftovers is recommended.

Psych Up
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Careful
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP/ 124 Spdef / 132 Speed

  • Earthquake
  • Rock Slide
  • Agility
  • Psych up
     
This is a gimmick set that can destroy any unprepared opponent. The idea is to first Psych Up a Belly Drum boost from your partner, say Snorlax, and then set up Agility to outspeed everything. The EVs reach 107 speed as above, while optimizing bulk in order to be able to set up. Between Earthquake and Rock Slide there is nothing that escapes without major damage.

 

Spr_5b_112_m.pngRhydon
Base Stats: 485 (105/130/120/45/45/40)
 
- Rhydon is a behemoth of power that can hit multiple targets with twin STABS (Rock Slide and Earthquake). Unfortunately this big fellow acts like he just got blindsided by Mike Tyson whenever a special hit comes his way. An almost guaranteed OHKO by water or grass attacks, Rhydon has a niche in doubles, but the standard meta is not it.
- Be cautious of using Rhydon with the threat of Rain teams everywhere, but understand that its insane Defensive bulk and broad moveset can let it stand up to many of our powerful physical attackers.
Spoiler

Choice Band
Item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Rock Head / Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Speed

  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake
  • Ice Punch / Megahorn
  • Superpower / Double-Edge

Prediction is key with this. Lead with this monster or bring it in on a CB locked Normal- or Rock-type attack. Also, get really really lucky. Fortunately most of Rhydon's attacks are so strong that you'll likely get a kill if you predict right. Be cautious of Hitmontop, Intimidate, and anything with a special attack.

 

Support

Item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Speed

  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake
  • Ice Punch
  • Protect

Swing in when you can to sap up a timely Electric-type attack for your Gyarados or Aerodactyl to strink freely without fear of Thunderbolt. Just be cautious though, most Electric-type users also pack an attack that can KO Rhydon. 

salamence.gifSalamence

Base Stats: 600 (95/135/80/110/80/100)

 

- Easily one of the most powerful pokemon in the game. It can run Choice Band to poke holes in your opponent's team from the get go, or run a Dragon Dance set to make sure it has the speed advantage to dismantle you slowly.

- 4x weakness to Ice-attacks and 100 base speed gives you the recipe of how to deal with Salamence, while a weakness to Rock and Dragon is also a shame. Other than this, Salamence has few weaknesses to speak of and offers a few notable Resistances as well.

Spoiler

 

True Dancing Dragon
Item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Attack / 108 Speed

  • Dragon Dance
  • Dragon Claw
  • Crunch / Protect
  • Earthquake / Fire Blast / Protect

Similar to the Gyarados Dragon Dance set, except Dragon Claw provides much better coverage. Since you can't rely on Lightning Rod support to deal with Ice-attacks, Salamence appreciates Follow-Me support from the likes of Clefable and Blastoise.

Raging Dragon
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Adamant / Jolly
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed

  • Dragon Claw
  • Earthquake
  • Crunch
  • Rock Slide


This monster tears through teams with Dragon Claw or can flinch you to death with Rock Slide. Always watch out for this set, as it will damage you badly if you don't. A Jolly nature provides you with the speed to outpace most other Dragons.

 

Mix-Mence

Item: Lum Berry

Nature: Naive

Ability: Intimidate

EVs: 252 Attack / 100 Sp Att / 156 Spe

  • Dragon Claw
  • Fire Blast / Flamethrower
  • Hidden Power Grass / Hydro Pump
  • Protect

With one of the highest special attack stats in the meta-game, a mixed attacker just makes sense. This set provides the opportunity to damage your biggest counters in Metagross and Swampert, and also offers you the chance to OHKO things like Aerodactyl and Marowak with Hydro Pump. Be cautious of your lower speed, but note that you outpace non-speed natured base 100 pokes. 

 

slaking.pngSlaking

Base Stats: 670 (150/160/100/95/65/100)

 
- Slaking has the highest base stat total of any available Pokemon currently in the game, boasting fantastic defenses thanks to its mighty base HP and respectable 100/65 defenses in tandem with a whopping attack stat. To cap it off its 100 base speed is nothing to scoff at, as it out speeds the majority of the doubles meta.
- Slaking's ability, Truant, truly is its defining factor and is the huge reason why it sees such limited use in every tier its available in. Limiting its attacking prowess to one move every two turns; to put it simply, it is the worst ability in the game.
- In a meta with Protect being one of the most used and most powerful moves available Slaking has a hard time finding play. Without proper support the majority of the tier frustrates Slaking by simply evading its attacks with Protect and wearing it down when it is "loafing around". 
- Needs a dedicated teammate with Skill Swap or Follow Me, or strong prediction skills from its user to truly shine in doubles.
Spoiler

 

Skill Swap me
Item: Lum Berry/Leftovers
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Truant
EVs: 252 Attack/252 Speed/4 HP
  • Return / Double-Edge
  • Fire Punch / Earthquake
  • Rock Slide
  • Encore
You are probably sitting at home looking at this set and saying, how on earth is that going to work.... well the idea here is simple: Slaking and its partner in crime (any pokemon with Skill Swap) come in on two Pokemon Slaking out-speeds and then Slaking attacks or Encores the previous turns Protect.Your opponent will either attack back leaving them open to a massive hit from Slaking or they will Protect. Regardless of their choice, your partner will Skill Swap Slaking and let the beast free from its neg ability Truant. On the following turn Slaking is now free to either Encore the Protect or let loose any of its attacks dealing massive damage to just about anything in the tier. Return and Fire Punch are the two main moves, capable of dealing hefty damage to just about anything. Rock Slide rounds out the coverage for Aerodactyls. The EVs are a simple 252 attack 252 speed. The speed is vital to tie with opposing max speed Salamence while getting the jump on all neutral natured Starmies, Gengars and Tauros
 
 
Hit-and-Run
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Truant
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Attack / 92 Spdef / 140 Speed
  • Return / Double-Edge
  • Fire Punch / Ice Punch / Thunderpunch
  • Earthquake
  • Rock Slide
 
90% of the time this set will not work, the only time this will work is in tandem with a Skill Swap partner or if your opponent lacks Protect (and even then this requires prediction skills to land a hit). The payoff however can be massive, Return and Fire Punch deal with the majority of the meta, Earthquake and Rock Slide provide spread moves if you aren't confident on which opponent to target. The most interesting thing about this set is the EV spread. The HP and Spdef investment allows Slaking to avoid the OHKO against Kingdra and Ludicolo, soaking both of their Rain boosted Surfs and coming away with the live, usually OHKOing one in return. The speed gets you a pass on max speed neutral nature Heracross, Dragonite, Kingdra and Gyarados, Jolly can be used to outspeed the +speed versions of the previous Pokemon, but that means Slaking loses out on a lot of its raw power and a fair few OHKOs. If you don't have a Skill Swap user, consider Follow Me if your opponent lacks Protect to save its ass against this monster. 

 

Spr_5b_080.pngSlowbro

Base Stats: 490 (95/75/110/100/80/30)

 

- Slowbro is a defensive behemoth with the special attack stat to put a hurt on any number of threats in the doubles tier. Unfortunately its slow speed hinders it greatly and you have to play Slowbro safely in order to avoid taking a loss.

- Support Slowbro is also an incredible option, but with most Slowbro sets, you need to be wary of Follow-Me Clefable which can shut you down and leave you vulnerable to being attacked by an overpowered weapon like Salamence that you would otherwise beat.

Spoiler

 

Strongbro
Item: Sitrus Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Bold
Ability: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpDef

  • Ice Beam / Icy Wind
  • HP Electric / Psychic
  • Slack Off
  • Protect / Flamethrower

An incredible option when it comes to swapping in and sitting on your opponents, this Slowbro covers the majority of the doubles tier and truly threatens the dragons. Unfortunately, Slowbro lacks access to Hydro Pump or Muddy Water and thus it lets you lose power and also strike your teammate when you use Surf. This Slowbro variant also fears Tyranitar since it is susceptible to STAB Crunch and also because it lacks any attack that can break through a +SpDef Sandstorm Tyranitar. 

 

I'm Your Bro, Bro

Item: Sitrus Berry / Leftovers

Nature: Bold

Ability: Own Tempo

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpDef 

  • Icy Wind
  • Thunder Wave
  • Slack Off
  • Protect / Skill Swap

Designed primarily as a support option, this Slowbro can really be a pain in the ass for your teammate. In a very aggressive meta, paralysis is crippling and Slowbro has the bulk to spread it around. Icy Wind is there to hit the dragons and drop the speed on anything not named Metagross. Use Skill Swap to steal Intimidate or any other ability that you might like to strip your opponent of.

 

Spr_5b_143.pngSnorlax

Base stats: 550 (160/110/65/65/110/30)
 
- Snorlax is the most powerful exploding pokemon in the game, hitting slightly harder with STAB Self-Destruct than a Metagross’ Explosion. The advantage of using Snorlax is that you are not forced to give up your steel-type in order to explode, as well as Snorlax having significantly better durability against special attackers. This means that against special attackers you can postpone "popping" and can use your high attack to dish out significant damage while remaining on the field. In particular rain teams should be wary when playing against Snorlax. With very few pokemon actually carrying fighting moves in doubles, normal-typing, together with its ice resistance from Thick Fat, is a stellar defensive presence.
-Unfortunately Snorlax has a lackluster defensive stat, as well as being pretty much the slowest pokemon in the metagame. Since you need a lot of attack to remedy potential intimidates, you will notice that Snorlax doesn’t have the staying power it has in singles. Although there are few pokemon with fighting moves, the ones that do carry them tend to shut Snorlax down completey. Hitmontop, Dragonite, and Heracross are great answers if you can avoid a full power Double-Edge coming your way. Metagross’ normal resistance and powerful physical attacks also makes it an ideal Snorlax stop, just watch out for Fire Punch and Earthquake.

Spoiler

 

BOMB
Item: Sitrus Berry / Choice Band
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def

  • Selfdestruct
  • Double Edge / Body Slam
  • Crunch / Earthquake / Fire Punch
  • Protect / Earthquake / Fire Punch

The spread might seem disappointingly simple, but this both optimizes bulk and attack power. Without a Choice Band, you still get the OHKO on non-invested Gengar with Crunch, OHKO on frail things like Jolteon with Double-Edge, as well as being able to 2HKO most of the metagame. Choice band takes this to a new level, where even the likes of Kingdra is within OHKO range of Double-Edge, while you can still survive 2 rain- and helping hand boosted Surfs. A Choice Band does reduce your bulk and flexibility, but opens up for coverage moves such as Earthquake and Fire punch, which will now 2HKO Metagross. Protect is obviously only there if you are using Sitrus Berry, but makes it easier to land a succesful Self-Destruct. Note that all of these remarks can be thrown out the window if Snorlax is intimidated, but Snorlax is all about that game-changing Self-Destruct anyways.

Belly Drum
Item: Sitrus Berry
Nature: Impish
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 244 HP/ 252 Def / 12 SDef

  • Return
  • Fire Punch / Rock Slide
  • Belly Drum
  • Protect

What did you say? We have a maniac over here? Well, Snorlax is one of the few pokemon, if any, that learns Belly Drum that could potentially use it to attack. First thing to note about this is that you need Follow Me support. After a Belly Drum, Return OHKOs everything that doesn’t resist it, as well as Aerodactyl. The only thing that would survive this is Metagross and a normal-immune Ghost-type pokemon, which both go down to Fire Punch (except Dusclops, which is a 2HKO.) Now, if you are crazy enough to actually attempt this, you might want to consider Rock Slide for the spread damage, because Snorlax is not going to stay around forever, even with Follow Me support. You can take a spread move, even 2 Rock Slides from banded Aerodactyl, but you will eventually go down, and flinches are your worst nightmare. One thing to note is that Psych Up pokemon could steal your attack bonus while you protect, which can be used to your opponent’s advantage.

 

Curselax

Item: Leftovers
Nature: Careful
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 188 HP / 104 Def / 216 SpDef

  • Curse
  • Body Slam
  • Fire Punch / Earthquake / Crunch
  • Rest / Protect 

The bane of the OU metagame, Curselax can play a promising role in the doubles meta when played efficiently. With its incredible special bulk and access to Thick Fat, Snorlax prospers across the field from special attackers and can then proceed to pull off a Curse or two. With a Curse under its belt, Snorlax can more easily stand up against previously threatening physical attackers and can have even better longevity. Be cautious though because a Curselax is still fairly limited and can be hit by both opposing pokemon to reduce its time on the field. Consider pairing this with a Follow Me user such as Blastoise to help it to set up, pull off a Rest, or even to take down threats such as Salamence or Dragonite, or even Aerodactyl with Ice Beam and a STAB Water-attack respectively. 

 

Spr_5b_121.pngStarmie

Base Stats: 520 (60/75/85/100/85/115)

 

- Starmie is one of the fastest dual-screeners in the game. In addition to this amazing ability it is also one of the best special attackers in the game, which makes Starmie a real threat to be reckoned with. It's one of the few things that can outspeed and OHKO the menacing Gengar, which is a great asset to any team.

- Being slower than Jolteon and also not being able to survive a Thunderbolt is a huge pain for Starmie. It also lacks good support moves other than screens, which makes it a sitting duck when screens are up.

Spoiler

 

Dual Screens
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Special Attack / 252 Speed

  • Psychic / Hydro Pump / Thunderbolt / Ice Beam
  • Recover / Icy Wind
  • Reflect
  • Light Screen

Very standard dual screener. Your options for offense are endless as you can pick and choose between powerful STABS over coverage moves to nail some of the more offensive threats in the game, such as Gengar, Salamence, or Gyarados. Do note that without special attack investment you do not necessarily OHKO these threats. The option for Icy Wind is one that can provide additional support for your team by crippling your opponent's speed. 

Surprising Offense
Item: Sitrus Berry / Nevermeltice / Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed

  • Psychic / Hydro Pump
  • Ice Beam
  • Thunderbolt
  • Protect

With 115 base speed and the Bolt-Beam combo, Starmie is one of the best special attackers in the game. This set can be surprising because a lot of people run dual screens Starmie and thus you might be able to nab a kill or two. Nevermeltice allows Starmie to OHKO even the bulkiest of Dragonites, while Sitrus Berry can allow Starmie to take an extra hit after some recovery. 

 

Spr_5b_260.pngSwampert

Base stats: 535 (100/110/90/85/90/60)

-Swampert has very well-balanced stats and an amazing typing. Being able to somewhat deal with Metagross, Tyranitar, Aerodactyl and the dragons makes Swampert a threat to look out for. Furthermore, resistance to poison and immunity to electric allows it to switch in to the STAB moves of the strongest special attackers in the game, Gengar and Jolteon. Swampert is a Pokemon that tends to stay around and hits a lot of things for super effective damage.
-Although it does take Sludge Bombs, it does not take Giga Drains or even Shadow Balls from Gengar very well. In general, grass pokemon like Ludicolo and Venusaur totally shut it down, as well as the occasional HP Grass Jolteon. Swampert’s speed is very poor, so it’s also prone to being double targeted by strong attackers.

Spoiler

 

'Special' Attacker

Item: Sitrus Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Relaxed
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 108 Def / 148 SAtk

  • Ice Beam / Blizzard
  • Muddy Water / Hydro Pump
  • Earthquake
  • Protect / Toxic

The merit of running a special-based set is that you can work around Intimidate. This spread makes sure that your attacks are not too weak - it is modeled after getting a OHKO with Ice Beam on non-invested Salamence, and it also gets a OHKO on Aerodactyl with Hydro Pump. It does take physical hits, especially Rock Slides. It survives two Dragon Claw from +1 Salamence with Sitrus Berry, which should give you an idea of it’s natural bulk. Do also note that Swampert’s water moves hit really hard when Torrent is activated. Finally, Toxic is a gimmick option for things like Blissey, Slowbro and other bulky waters.

‘Physical' Attacker
Item: Sitrus Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Relaxed
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Atk / 76 Def

  • Earthquake
  • Rock Slide
  • Ice Beam / Ice Punch
  • Protect / Superpower / Toxic

This is similar to the above set, but with physical investment instead. While this set hits much harder with Earthquake, as well as being able to take advantage of Rock Slide, it is very weak to intimidate. It does have the power to 2HKO standard Metagross with Earthquake, 2HKO Aeridactyl with Rock Slide, if it is not intimidated. It is recommended to run Ice Beam despite being weaker than Ice punch for this reason. This set also has the power to OHKO Tyranitar with Superpower, if you really want that.

 

tauros.pngTauros

Base Stats: 490 (75/100/95/40/70/110)

 

- An awesome lead with the power and speed to break through most teams. Tauros comes with a good typing and above average defensive stats which are only boosted by Intimidate. 

- The raging bull though is fairly one dimensional and can be countered by an opposing Intimidating. It also has trouble with Aerodactyl and other common doubles threats.

Spoiler

 

Brama Bull

Item: Choiceband
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 6 HP / 252 ATK / 252 SPEED

  • Return / Double Edge
  • Earthquake
  • Pursuit / Quick Attack
  • Rock Tomb / Facade / Iron Tail 

This beast hits hard and is fast enough to be successful in the aggressive doubles meta. A very nice lead thanks to Intimidate and with its threatening position to take anything out with a hard hitting STAB Return or Earthquake. Despite hitting fairly hard, it tends to be somewhat one dimensional and easily countered.

 

Bulls with No Horns

Item: Lum Berry
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 6 HP / 252 ATK / 252 SPEED

  • Return
  • Earthquake
  • Pursuit / Quick Attack / Swagger
  • Protect

Very similar to the Choice Band set, its very existence on the field is highly threatening to your opponent. This Tauros though is without the crippling "move-lock" that comes with a Choice Band and it can also Protect from incoming Will-o-Wisps or other attacks to help gain momentum. Swagger can be used with this set to boost the attack of teammates that carry Lum Berry and/or cripple offensive threats with confusion hax. This is highly risky though considering how hyper-offensive doubles is and the fact that you might just be helping your opponent more than hurting them.  

 

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tyranitar.gifTyranitar

Base Stats: 600 (100/134/110/95/100/61)

 

- Tyranitar is an absolute behemoth that can be used in any number of ways, from a standard bulky attacker, to a mixed sweeper, to an anti-rain juggernaut. Expect Tyranitar to be in play more often than not with the SpDef boost that comes with a Sandstorm and also with its synergy to many of the Follow Me pokes in the meta. 

- Be cautious of both Dragon Dance and Choice Band sets, considering the power and hax-ability of Rock Slide in the doubles meta.

- A powerful pokemon, but unfortunately it has one glaring weakness: a 4x weakness to fighting attacks. With this in mind, many players love to carry a defensive Hitmontop with Mach Punch.

Spoiler

 

Godzilla

Item: Lum Berry
Nature: Jolly 
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 6 HP / 252 ATK / 252 SPEED

  • Dragon Dance
  • Rock Slide
  • Crunch / Brick Break / Dragon Claw / Pursuit
  • Earthquake / Protect

Tyranitar is a very strong and specially defensive pokemon with its sandstorm up, but lacks in speed and defenses when fighting types come out due to its 4x weakness to fighting moves. The Dragon Dance set allows tyranitar to kill most apposing pokemon with its rock slide hitting both pokemon, But only getting 1 DD might not be enough as aerodactyl still outspeeds tyranitar even after 1 DD and can easily ohko you with earthquake.  Other pokemon that counter tyranitar effectively are metagross, hitmontop, and any type of intimidate pokemon or pokemon with a high defense stat that can kill tyranitar with an earthquake or special move.
 
Choice Band Godzilla
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Jolly / Adamant 
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 6 HP / 252 ATK / 252 SPEED

  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake
  • Crunch 
  • Brick Break / Dragon Claw / Pursuit

Hits hard but doesn't have a huge amount of moves. To add to that, Tyranitar isn't that fast so many pokemon can outspeed it and kill it before it is able to hit. Pair this with a Follow Me user to ensure that you can fire away with nuke-like explosiveness. 
 
Special Godzilla
Item: Lum berry / Sitrus berry
Nature: Naive / Hasty / Rash 
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 14 ATK / 252 SATK / 244 SPEED

  • Ice Beam
  • Rock Slide
  • Earthquake / Crunch / Pursuit / HP Grass
  • Flamethrower / Superpower / Fire Blast

Special Tyranitar is a surprise to all, but you need full special attack to beat pokemon like Dragonite and Metagross. 244 speed is to outspeed max speed adamant Metagross and the rest of the EVs go into attack.

 

Spr_5b_134.pngVaporeon

Base Stats: 525 (130/65/60/110/95/65)

 

- Vaporeon is an elegant beauty and one devastating support pokemon in the doubles meta. With access to Helping Hand, expect it to be paired with powerful sweepers like Aerodactyl, Salamence, and Tyranitar to destroy the competition

- In addition, it offers incredible resistances to many offensive threats and can strike back with STAB Muddy Water for a possible accuracy drop and also with a super effective counter attack in Ice Beam or Hidden Power Electric. This is also one of the best counters to Gyarados, but watch out for its Lightning Rod teammates like Manectric.

Spoiler

 

Water support

Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry
Nature: Bold / Modest
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 DEF / 6 SATK

  • Muddy Water / Surf
  • Icy wind / Ice beam / Blizzard
  • Helping Hand / Rain Dance
  • Protect

This set allows not only vaporeon to hit hard with muddy water, but also allows you to set up strategically with rain dance if you are planning on running a rain dance team or help kill another pokemon with rain dance. This set is not meant to try and kill pokemon but just  stop a sweeping pokemon or lower its opponent's speed with icy wind or accuracy with muddy water so that you can set up.

Waterbender
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry
Nature: Modest
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 44 HP / 212 DEF / 252 SATK

  • Muddy Water
  • Ice beam / Blizzard
  • HP Electric / Helping Hand
  • Protect / Hyper Voice

 

Spr_5b_003_f.pngVenusaur

Base Stats: 525 (80/82/83/100/100/80)

 

- Venusaur may just be the lost titan of doubles when you think about a tier without sleep clause and a reliance on Follow Me users like Blastoise and Clefable. Spam Sleep Powder across the board along with Leech Seed and you've created a monster that supports your team in more ways than you can think. Pair that deadly method of play with set-up pokemon like Salamence or Tyranitar and you can quickly take the momentum from your opponent.

- Venusaur also really likes Follow Me support itself to ensure it can safely Sleep the opponent. It also has nice bulk that can stand up to CB STAB Rock Slides and also EQ's. Just watch out for the 75% accuracy on Sleep Powder and the fact that you are a huge target when you enter the playing field.

 

Spoiler

 

Mother Erf'
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry
Nature: Bold
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 164 Def / 92 Spe

  • Sludge Bomb
  • Giga Drain
  • Sleep Powder
  • Leech Seed

As previously stated, this is the bread and butter Venusaur set. Sleep your opponent and pray you don't miss. Really loves support from Follow Me and can lead to sweeps through teammates that can set up like DD Salamence or Tyranitar. 

 

Father Bulk
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry
Nature: Calm
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 164 SpDef / 92 Spe

  • Sludge Bomb
  • Giga Drain
  • HP Ice / HP Fire
  • Protect

This set is designed to be as Anti-Rain as something with a weakness to Ice Beam can be. Step in and Sludge Bomb Ludicolo and Giga Drain Kingdra to wear them down while they have to individually target you rather than spam boosted multi-hit water attacks like Surf or Muddy Water. Pair this with something that has Protect and can one shot Kingdra and you have a deadly weapon right here. HP Ice is there for the dragons while HP Fire can hit Metagross for a bit of damage. 

 

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first

ok so flygon is outclassed by sala no?

why tenta?

 

also thankyou for doing this so i dont have to.  

i'll write up some strategy stuff later like "why offensive>defensive in doubles", "why run protect?", "why inititive matters so much", ect........ tomorrow after i get some sleep.

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I was working on a doubles guide myself, but it was a completely different format (it was more general strategy than specific pokemon and sets.) I might still go through with it, since it's so different. Nice work though, will be useful to look up some pokemon.

 

Yes please do!

 

 

And @Fred, not really sure why I added Tentacruel since it's only 1.7% usage. Snuck past my filter I guess. 

Edited by DoubleJ
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ok so doubles strat 101

 

-initiative

what is it you ask? in pokemon initiative is controlling the flow of the battle. one example would be forcing your opponent to react to a situation instead of whatever they had planned. the point of initiative is through strategy force your opponent to react and thus give you more turns to do things.

 

how do i gain initiative? switching pokemon that force your opponent to switch out one or both of theirs, fake out, protecting on a focused fire, switching out one of your own pokemon to one that is immune to the attack you predict, sleep, para, flinch, ect.... 

 

-focusing fire

why focus fire you ask? well refer to this handy pic from dungeons and dragons

[spoiler]

focus_fire.jpg

[/spoiler]

ofc this is assume all attacks being equal, all attacks hitting, and the pokemon in the place you are aiming will be the same pokemon when the attack hits. 

 

what are the pros of focused fire? if a hit from either one of your pokemon on the field would not 1hko, but would 2hko then you can gain extra initiative by killing that one pokemon. if you are faster you will take one hit from your opponent and he/she will take two and loose one of his/her pokemon. 

 

what are the cons of focused fire? if your opponent protects, you will loose 2 attacks and get hit by one. if your opponent switches, they could possibly be immune depending on the attack. the pokemon not getting hit could attack, or switch to a dangerous glass cannon. 

 

-single hit vs multi hit

some moves in doubles can hit 2 or 3 of 4 pokemon on the field, instead of just one. the full list is here http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Double_Battle. also while bulbapedia and smogon disagree on how much, multi target moves are nerfed 20-25%. this means that a EQ that normally has 100 base power, now has 75-80 base power, but will hit 3 targets(assuming no fly/levitate/protect) for a grand total of 225-240 damage spread out among 3 targets, one of which is your own. some moves like surf can be abused this way to heal your own water absorb pokemon while hurting your opponents. learning what moves are multi hit and how they work is extremely important for doubles players. as is understanding the differences between the singles and doubles effects. rockslide in singles has a 30% flinch chance; rockslide in doubles has a 51% chance of flinch at least one of your opponents ignoring miss chance. 

 

-offense vs defense

now their are plenty of play styles in singles; hyper offensive, "wall fag", balanced, ect... in doubles this is not so much the case. in doubles offensive will always be better then defensive. very few pokemon can actually wall several pokemon at the same time while taking 2 hits per turn. every wall has a fatal flaw that can be exploited to destroy it quickly and efficiently. in doubles you can have 2 pokemon out with coverage that is mutually beneficial that covers the weakness's of eachothers counters, OR that have the same counter, but do so much damage that the counter is overwhelmed. 

and example of dual coverage would be manetric and gyarados vs a team with the walls of bold venasaur, metagross, and snorlax. trike kills meta/vena with flame, while gyara can kill lax baring boom. 

an example of overwhelming coverage would be SS ludi + spec kingdra vs lax. lax can 1v1 beat both of them, but with rain up it will loose 2v1.

 

-common teams

  • weather(rain>sun>sand in order of usage)
  • perish
  • boom
  • offensive

for weather the idea is, you only need to set up once and then both/all of your pokemon that use that weather attack. rain is by far the most common, with sun being in the barely/never used section. i saw sand once? twice? ever.

 

perish teams are about surviving long enough to trap and kill you. the idea is use dugtrio, wobbufete, and other trapping ability's/moves while a second poke perish traps. popular support for this is dual screens, intimidate, memento, and protect everywhere. because perish hits everyone, they only have to succeed in trapping twice. after that you only have 2 pokemon left, then all the perish user needs to do is perish and live for 3 more turns. the way to beat it is to kill the trapper/s and switch out. the biggest flaw in perish teams is the lack of offensive pressure as most move slots are devoted to protect, trapping, perish, healing, ect...

 

boom teams are simple. run several explosion users and at least one ghost plus lots of protect. make your team very fast sweepery offensive, then boom on the walls/things you have trouble killing and switch in your fast hyper offensive stuff. this is ofc countered by ghost/protect so it completely relies on your ability to predict. 

 

offensive. this is pretty much what nearly everyone runs. 1-3 bulky pokes that can switch in vs key threats and lots of heavy hitters/sweepers. keep up the pressure and kill stuff using protect and switches and prediction to survive.

 

[hr]

 

how is this JJ? should i write up more esoteric strats? should i go more in depth with the moves or is the bulba link good enough?

 

also should probably add forrtress, lapras, pory2, gard, wobbu, exeggutor, hypno, lanturn, blastoise, espeon, and maaaaaybe vileplume/char.

 

fort can dual screen and can live quiet a bit + boom/spikes support.

 

lapras is perish team and it can surf/water absorb abuse with vapo with enough bulk to be scary. 

 

pory2 can trace everything and just piviot all day and support with status.

 

gard can trace everything and piviot and do  significant damage with it's great movepool, or wow, or dual screen, or pain split weaken things like lax/bliss so another member can pick it off.

 

wobu is the most important member of any perish team, but it can also trap things and encore/safegaurd support. (counter/mirror coat fix when?)

 

exeggutor is the best sun abuser and can also wall or boom or screen or leech stall.

 

hypno can wish pass/dual screen/swagger(your team mates with lum/safegaurd to get att boost)/status/and put up some decent offensive pressure.

 

lanturn can hit most of the major players not named bliss/lax hard enough to make them think twice about switching in+ can cleric/status/screen

 

blastoise can fake out, encore, follow me, counter, mirror coat, iron def up, and has a good offensive movepool.

 

espeon with support can cm up and sweep fairly easy. intimidate/screen support is on most teams anyways, and espy can outspeed most threats in a meta where few dark types roam and only one steel is very popular(meta dies to hp ground/fire thou) and only 2 other psychic's are on the "this might pop up" list. can m sun, screen itself, and synch scares away most status.

 

vileplume is arguably the second best sun abuser, but eh.

 

charizard is the other arguably second best sun abuser that hits like a truck, but rockslide ;-;

 

 

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Hey Fred, I paraphrased the great work you did in the above post and added it to the OP. Thank you for that. Also in regards to the other pokemon listed, I decided to create this guide based on my viability list. While there are pokemon that are disregarded, it also offers players the chance to see the common sets on highly used threats. The pokemon added to this list have 3% usage or higher. This is similar to the OU guide only listing sets that are considered OU, while UU and NU have their own strategy lists. This guide is for the "OU" of doubles I guess. In the end it will never be limited though and can always be added to when JJ is "bored at school/work". 

 

Thanks for you help!

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Just wanted to say that I believe breloom will become viable now that sleep clause is no longer in effect. Also, after fake out is available for blastoise again, blastoise will also become a viable pokemon. But I guess you can just wait for the usage to go up before you add them to the list.

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more likely sleep spam vena or misnosis gar or maybe sub + yawn jolt/yawn lax. for sleep to work you need to be able to either force things out and sleep pokes switching in, or tank the hits and sleep something. fragile pokes like breloom wont work unless they can outspeed a majority of the teir and are offensive enough to force out a decently large number of things AND have switch ins.

 

breloom is too slow, too fragile, bad predictable movepool, and cant switch in vs anything. 

 

vena thou

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  • 2 weeks later...

No feel free! Just stick to more generalized and popular sets though please

Nice. I don't feel like revealing my secrets anyways, so I can do some standard sets. Feel free to edit whatever you disagree with.

 

Gyarados

Base Stats: 540 (95/125/79/81/100/81)

- Gyarados is one of the most powerful physical attackers in the game, and also has ground immunity and intimidate to make it a very powerful threat. Being the best dragon dancer that is not a dragon type makes it a nice alternative to dragonite and salamence, because it is not weak to the very common ice type moves.

- Water is a medicore offensive type, meaning that gyarados can not simply sweep through teams in the same fashion as dragonite and salamence do. Its 4x weakness to electric screams for lightningrod support, as it is otherwise an easy OHKO for anything with thunderbolt in their moveset.

 

[spoiler]Dancing Dragon
Item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 94 HP / 252 Attack / 164 Speed

Waterfall
Earthquake / Protect
Crunch / Protect
Dragon Dance

Standard dragon dance set. This set commonly makes us of lightningrod support in order to set up, and can then dish out strong attacks at a high speed. Protect is very useful in order to set up and avoid fake outs, although you then have to forgo one of your coverage moves. Earthquake is almost always better than crunch, unless your team is especially weak to ground. Lum berry is usually the prefered item, unless you pair it with a follow me pokemon that can redirect status moves.[/spoiler]

 

Hitmontop

Base Stats: 455 (50/95/95/35/110/70)

- Despite its deceiving stats, hitmontop is one of the best supporters in the game. The combination of intimidate, fake out, helping hand, rock resistance and decent mixed bulk allows hitmontop to help its partner set up, take hits and deal damage.

- Hitmontop has a very limited offensive pressure, because it is weak to intimidate and because fighting is a commonly resisted offensive type. It's bulk is also a bit limited with only base 50 HP, which means that it won't necessarily stay around for too long.

 

[spoiler]Full Support
Item: Sitrus Berry
Nature: Impish
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Speed

Fake Out
Helping Hand
Low Kick
Rock Tomb / Mach Punch

Standard supporter set. Fake out is a very powerful momentum-gaining move, helping hand is the best way to support your partner because of the lack of offense. Low kick is your best offensive move, allowing you to fo major damage to snorlax and tyranitar, as well as some chip damage to heavy pokemon like metagross. Rock tomb makes hitmontop on of the the best aerodactyl counters in the game, as well as allowing it to slow down things that threatens your partner. Mach punch is a decent alternative to take down fast pokemon with a sliver of HP left.[/spoiler]

 

Jolteon

Base Stats: 525 (65/65/60/110/95/130)

- Jolteon is one of the fastest pokemon in the game and has enough hitting power to deal with a range of common threats. It is the best remedy to dual screens starmie as well as being able to OHKO threats like gyarados and salamence.

- Jolteon is extremely frail, so it will take massive damage from any physical hit and will easily go down to pokemon with a dragon dance under their belt. It also speed ties with aerodactyl which can be very frustrating.

 

[spoiler]Electric Doge
Item: Leftovers / Nevermeltice
Nature: Timid
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed

Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Ice
Light Screen / Substitute / Baton Pass
Protect

This is pretty much the only jolteon set, but it works wonders. Electric + ice has amazing coverage, and jolteon has a few cool coverage moves up its sleeve. Fast light screen is a great stop to powerful things like gengar, substitute can be used for survivability and against double protects, and baton pass is a great switch-out move because of jolteons incredible speed. Leftovers works well with light screen and substitute, while nevermeltice allows jolteon to garuantee a OHKO on salamence.[/spoiler]

 

Kangaskhan

Base Stats: 490 (105/95/80/40/80/90)

- Kangaskhan has access to one of the fastest fake outs in the game, as well as being one of few pokemon that actually deals decent damage with fake out. Well-rounded stats makes kangaskhan both durable and puts on offensive pressure.

- Lack of other supportive moves than fake out forces kangaskhan to run an offensive moveset, which makes it rather underwhelming after an intimidate. It's speed is also a bit unfortunate, since a lot of powerful pokemon in doubles have 100+ speed, and kangaskhan also lacks any useful ability.

 

[spoiler]Fast Fake Out
Item: Leftovers / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Early Bird
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed

Fake Out
Double Edge
Crunch / Protect
Earthquake / Protect

This set puts on pressure with fake out and deals decent damage with double edge. Having protect on a fake out pokemon can be used as a nice surprise, seeing as the coverage moves will likely not be used very much anyways. Item is totally dependent on personal preference.[/spoiler]

 

Manectric

Base Stats: 475 (70/75/60/105/60/105)

- Manectric has the same offensive presence as jolteon while additionaly having access to lightningrod, an amazingly useful supportive ability. Manectric takes it one step further as it is also able to hit metagross hard with flamethrower. It is great when used alongside gyarados or other electric/thunderwave weak pokemon and almost shuts down opposing jolteon.

- Manectric does not have the speed advantage that jolteon has, meaning that it doesn't stop starmie or gengar, as well is it being outsped by aerodactyl. Furthermore manectric lacks in special defense, making it take massive damage from just about any move in the game.

 

[spoiler]Electric Redirection
Item: Leftovers / Nevermeltice
Nature: Timid
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed

Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Ice
Flamethrower / Light Screen / Substitute
Protect

This plays pretty much the same way as jolteon. Flamethrower is amazing if you can switch in on a thunderpunch from metagross, while substitute can help you keep the lightningrod on the field for longer.[/spoiler]

 

Salamence

Base Stats: 600 (95/135/80/110/80/100)

- Easily one of the most powerful pokemon in the game. It can run choice band to put holes in your team from the get go, or run a dragon dance set to make sure it has the speed advantage and dismantle you slowly.

- 4x weakness to ice and 100 base speed gives you the recipe of how to deal with salamence. Weakness to rock ad dragon is also a shame, but other than this, salamence has few weaknesses to speak of.

 

[spoiler]True Dancing Dragon
Item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Attack / 108 Speed

Dragon Claw
Earthquake / Protect
Crunch / Protect
Dragon Dance

Same as the gyardos dragon dance set, except dragon claw gives much better coverage. Since you can't rely on lightningrod support to deal with ice moves, salamence appreciates follow me supports from the likes of clefable and blastoise.


Raging Dragon
Item: Choice Band
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed

Dragon Claw
Earthquake
Crunch
Rock Slide

This monster tears through teams with dragon claw, or can flinch you to death with rock slide. Always watch out for this set, as it will damage you badly if you don't.[/spoiler]

 

Starmie

Base Stats: 520 (60/75/85/100/85/115)

- Starmie is one of the fastest dual screeners in the game. In addition to this amazing ability it is also one of the best special attackers in the game, which makes starmie a real threat to be reckoned with. It's one of the few things that can outspeed and OHKO the menacing gengar, which is a great asset to any team.

- Being slower than jolteon and also not being able to survive a thunderbolt is a huge pain for starmie. It also lacks good support moves other than screens, which makes it a sitting duck when screens are up.

 

[spoiler]Dual Screens
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Timid
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Special Attack / 252 Speed

Psychic / Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
Reflect
Light Screen
Recover

Very standard dual screener. The coverage move depends on whether you want to hit gengar, salamence or gyarados. Do note that without special attack investment you do not necessarily OHKO these threats.


Surprising Offense
Item: Sitrus Berry / Nevermeltice
Nature: Timid
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed

Psychic / Hydro Pump
Ice Beam
Thunderbolt
Protect

With 115 base speed and a boltbeam combo, starmie is one of the best special attackers in the game. This set can be surprising because a lot of people run dual screens starmie. Nevermeltice allows starmie to OHKO even the bulkiest of dragonites, while sitrus berry can allow starmie to take an extra hit.[/spoiler]

 

Okay, I got tired of this now. Maybe I'll throw in some others later.

 

EDIT: Wtf is this spoiler madness? I can not seem to be able to fix it... It looks awful this way >.<

EDIT 2: I think I fixed the spoilers now...

Edited by PandaJJ
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