UU Threats Discussion: HG/SS

Use this thread to discuss threats in the UU tier (Smogon) now that the Heart Gold and Soul Silver moves have been implemented. I'll start off with a few sample sets and discussion starters.


Ambipom @Life Orb
-Fake Out
-Double Hit/Return
-Taunt/Low Kick/Payback
-U-turn
Technician, Jolly
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 4 HP

-Because Ambipom got access to Low Kick, it's picked up QUITE a bit in terms of use. Besides already being a venerable threat with a VERY strong Fake Out, Taunt, U-Turn, and Nasty Plot Passing (among other things), Ambipom can now easily OHKO threats such as Aggron, Bastiodon, and Probopass which, otherwise, would wall it completely. With even LESS to stand up to Ambipom now, there's no reason for it to be more used. Even in OU, where T-Tar is rather prevalent, Ambipom can be considered a rather nasty threat.


Aggron @Leftovers
-Substitute
-Thunderwave
-Head Smash
-Focus Punch
Rock Head, Adamant
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 4 HP

-Aggron got one VERY big boost in HG/SS: Head Smash. Head Smash with Aggron's Rock Head ability gives him a powerful, STAB'd 150 power Rock move with virtually no drawback besides barely reliable accuracy. A team unprepared to deal with a Scarfed, Banded, or Rock Polish Aggron is in for some MAJOR problems. I myself run a combination Head Smash/SubPunch Aggron with T-Wave that's been working out fantastically. While Rock/Steel does come with some nasty weaknesses, they also have a very useful set of resistances, and Aggron's naturally high Def lets him pretty happily switch into plenty of threats. Many things (such as an Ambipom not packing Low Kick) can easily be walled and Subb'd against upon switching, in which case you can get in a free T-Wave, Focus Punch, Head Smash, or even another Sub to scout, since most things will outrun you.


Ludicolo @Leftovers
-Leech Seed
-Ice Beam
-Giga Drain
-Counter
Rain Dish, Bold
204 HP, 208 Def, 96 Sp.Atk

-While Ludicolo didn't really get much anything worth speaking of for HG/SS, I find it has a VERY useful collection of resistances that lets it easily handle a wide variety of threats. With the right spreads, it can easily take down a lot of otherwise troublesome Pokemon- even Aqua Jet Feraligatr (The Scizor of UU) can barely scratch a well-EV'd Ludicolo.


Whiscash @Leftovers
-Dragon Dance
-Earthquake
-Waterfall
-Stone Edge
Anticipation, Adamant
156 HP, 128 Atk, 224 Spd (318 Spd after one DD)

-Whiscash doesn't seem like much at first. Usually, he's just an inferior Gastrodon. But now, with his bulk and Dragon Dance, Whiscash, overlooked even during the battle itself, can become a destructive threat. High HP and overall high Def and Sp.Def stats lets it set up with relative ease. Of course, if a Grass type switches in against you while you're still early in setup (one or two DD's maybe), you might want to consider switching- particularly against the likes of, say, Venusaur or Torterra. But after a few easy DD's (opponents usually feel safe enough that they practically LET you set up), you can easily sweep their whole team. I'll work on a mixer set to utilize Ice Beam later. We'll see how it goes.

Some of the primary things i'm looking forward to are Water Spout Blastoise, Power Whip Venusaur, and Dragon Dance Tropius

Blastoise @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Torrent
Modest nature
252 Sp Atk, 132 Spe, 124 HP
- Water Spout
- Hydro Pump/Surf
- Ice Beam
- HP-Grass

Provided i've done my math right, you should be past timid espeon with those speed EV's. The only things beyond that I could think of were ambipom and random scarfers, so i'm sure an alternative EV spread could be manufactured. Hydro Pump is obligatory "after green" STAB attack for wrecking your foes. Ice Beam for grassers and dragons, and Hp-Grass for quagsire and gastrodon. Blastoise makes a better spouter than it's UU counterpart Wailord due to his higher speed, meaning he can afford to run a modest nature.

Venusaur @ Leftovers/Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
Adamant nature
252 Atk, 252 Spe, 6 HP
- Swords Dance
- Power Whip
- Earthquake/Return
- Sleep Powder

Finally, SD Venusaur can warrant some serious usage with that insanely powerful STAB attack to work with. Earthquake has good coverage in UU, but leaves you open to grass types, making return an option. Sleep Powder can put somebody out of commision long enough for you to get a few extra dancing steps in, and force some switches. Not too bad all said...

Tropius @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
Jolly nature
252 Atk, 244 Spe, 12 HP
- Dragon Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Earthquake
- Aerial Ace/Roost

Dragon Dance Tropius is going to have so much coolness value, it's not even funny. He might pack lower speed and attack than whiscash, but he does support superior defenses (albeit lesser typing) If my math is right, after a single dance he should be beyond the reach of +speed base 100's like ninetales. Leaf Blade is primary sweeping option hitting everything reliably enough. Earthquake is another good coverage move that can do some serious damage to steels that wall you pretty harshly, as well as fire types and such. Aerial Ace is good for secondary STAB, but only offers coverage on bugs for the most part. Roost can be used to shed that nasty life orb and stealth rock damage you'll be absorbing.

If tropius got a better physical flying attack than aerial ace, then he could do somer serious damage in the lower tiers where bugs and grass reside. DD, Roost, Leaf Blade, and Brave Bird...I can dream...

Another thing I wanna throw out there, is that i'm excited about Extreme Speed Dragonite. W00T ^_^