#Draft

1 messages · Page 9 of 1

rancid kestrel
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I think what Twan's saying makes sense, though limiting removal is anxiety-inducing to me.

lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
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Are you saying you have that button you can press right now, or is this a hindsight wondering?

lofty wigeon
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Hindsight

rancid kestrel
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Ah, gotcha. I will say, I like LandoT better than Tusk as speed control, and it provides Intimidate (non-Mega Mawile IG also has it but...) and a ground immunity that can be quite nice that Tusk doesn't provide. Though obviously Tusk has its own benefits but it's not super relevant here in hindsight consideration.

lofty wigeon
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This is a dynasty league so you carry 3 mons over and redraft, Tusk is better as i could've had one of the best spinners permanently.

devout elk
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Hey guys! I’m in an Paldea dex draft league as a sub coach. Can someone rate this team for me? Okidogi and palafin are the only originals on the team and I swapped the rest during grace period 😆. I thought I did a decent job but would love others’ feedback as well. Thank you!

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rancid kestrel
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You have all of these Pokemon...? Or is this a matchup document?

devout elk
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I’m on the left

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It’s a matchup doc. 😅

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Couldn’t get a good screenshot on my phone.

rancid kestrel
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  • Can't say that I'm thrilled at your lack of ghost resistances, and your dragon resistances aren't great either. You have limited ways around both, but they aren't fantastic.
  • Webs help somewhat, but you're alarmingly slow for a Gen 9 draft - 105 as a top base speed, on a 'mon that isn't particularly great, is not amazing. At least you have webs, some decent Scarf options, some nice priority, but if I'm loading into you, I quite like my speed advantage.
  • Your lack of removal is worrying - it's just Defog on Shiftry. While you can set tons of hazards and some of your setters are actually not that bad, you have no reliable way to remove them, and removing involves removing your own hazards.
  • I see Roaring Moon on your opponent's team and Palafin on yours. Is this a 16-person drafting pool? Based on the power level and the standout few good picks (Palafin, Moon, Corv, Salamence) followed by mostly middling (non-tera Oger, Fez, Metagross, Mamoswine) or subpar (tera Rotom-Frost, Kleavor, Okidogi, Shiftry) it strikes me as just a lot of the power at the top level got spread out pretty far.

This isn't a bad team. Most everything is going to be able to take a hit and deal not insignificant damage back, though as someone who strongly believes in the structural value that speed and hazards brings to a draft, I do worry in those aspects. But you've got very few Pokemon that can't really ever come to a game, which for a 11-wide team is certainly useful. Especially as it seems you basically built everything from the ground up after the standard drafting? You're playing way from behind, and while it does show, you're not doomed from the jump.

devout elk
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Thanks for your input!

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I appreciate it

lofty wigeon
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I get 2 tera types for keldeo

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Water and Fairy ?

rancid kestrel
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Water's for sure one of them. Fairy is another decent option, as is Steel, since that resists most things that are SE against Keldeo by default, though it doesn't add super good offensive coverage in Tera Blast. Fairy's a decent bet for season-locked Teras.

kindred igloo
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@rancid kestrel

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entei got picked, what do i do?

rancid kestrel
# kindred igloo <@129787659777212416>

Other options on my list exist. You don't have to go down to exactly 0 points - it can be useful to keep that in mind, you may many times find structures that work better than specifically ending at 0 but leave points on the board.

kindred igloo
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but im not sure what to pick now

rancid kestrel
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What options seem the most motivating to you? Remember, these are low quality mons that will only be used for specific purposes, some of those purposes don't even involve showing up in battles. There aren't really wrong choices here. If I'm you, I pick Staraptor and Forry.

kindred igloo
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needed some speed

kindred igloo
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lando and what

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canion? or latias

rancid kestrel
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I don't have a ton of time to think it over but Lando Lati is what my gut instinct is saying?

kindred igloo
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appreciate you helping me out

rancid kestrel
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Happy to help! Good luck in the tour.

lofty wigeon
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Although those come at the cost of Zap or Oger W

spare relic
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https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9draft-2459790587

Update: ended up losing really badly. I got desperate with the toise after the terrible lead. I was originally thinking AV toise would be better for the hyphlosion but it ended up blowing up my team. Brought the wrong ability for drapple, prep was a flop but it’s fine we move forward.

[Gen 9] Draft: siroperation vs. so far ahead - Replays - Pokémon S...

Watch a replay of a Pokémon battle between siroperation and so far ahead! Format: [Gen 9] Draft; Date: Oct 11, 2025

rancid kestrel
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Ah, that'll happen, unfortunately. So long as you step foward like you said and don't dwell on it beyond learning what you need to, it is what it is.

sleek bronze
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this is the first draft ive done but this is my first match for vgc

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misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

sleek bronze
rancid kestrel
# sleek bronze this is the first draft ive done but this is my first match for vgc

So, you aren't going to get a ton of help with VGC draft here, @sleek bronze since it's pretty distant from standard draft, but I can put down a few thoughts.

For Speed, I'll use Tyranitar as an example of what to look at. You hit 87 Speed with your current 44 EVs. If you look on the pinned prep doc at a list of speeds at 0, 252, and 252+, you see that you outspeed 0 Speed non-Chlorophyll Cottonee by one point. Is that a benchmark that you see as important to hit? It may be, but that's a decision for you. 160+ outspeeds 0 Torracat and Lilligant, again another question for yourself. This doesn't seem motivating to me, personally, but it's a you question. Maybe you want to outspeed 0 Hoodra, but you don't need any Speed EVs for that. Just something to consider where you want to hit - no EVs need to be wasted.

  • Why do you not have any speed? 150 on Elec-H and then 88 Exca? I guess you have Sand for Exca, but you're facing a sun team. How are you ever outspeeding?
  • Why does your opponent have both Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant. Doesn't that violate Species Clause that most every league has?
  • If I'm your opponent, I load sun (HLill, Ninetales, Typh, Ursa, plus 2) and just rely on outspeeding everything on your team and KOing them before they do much. I don't really know what your response to a After You'd Facade/EQ from Ursa is, like, ever. You have a ton of 'mons that AFAIK of VGC, aren't exactly threatening. If they catch you with a Misdreveus or Hitmonlee in one of your slots with that lineup, they just pick off your few actually threatening 'mons one by one?
  • I guess if I'm you I bring TTar, Exca, GWeez, plus 3? All of your good mons look real bad into fire, even GWeez is rough in VGC Draft right because some key piece, their Ninetales or HLill or something, can just run Ability Shield? But your goal probably should be to have sand up and Exca taking KOes, because I'm not super convinced anything else on your lineup is really in this matchup.
lofty sparrow
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Why does your opponent have both Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant. Doesn't that violate Species Clause that most every league has?

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i assume this league has forme clause > species clause

cerulean aspen
sleek bronze
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and he has no form of speed control so if tailwind is up ill always be faster

rancid kestrel
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Sure, was just an example of how to look at speed EVs from someone who doesn't have a ton of VGC experience at all.

sleek bronze
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thats also why i have prankster rain dance on volbeat since rain doesnt really matter to me but its really bad for him

lofty wigeon
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First Matchup of the season
Keldeo can Tera into Water and Fairy
Typlosion can tera into Fire,Ghost,Water,Fairy

Moltres can tera into Fire and Grass
Nihlego can tera into Rock and Electric
Avalugg can tera into ghost,fighting,poison and fairy

Nat Dex, No HP or Z moves
No special bans in this match up.

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misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

carmine dragon
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I’m facing this team

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And this is my team

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@rancid kestrel

spare relic
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Ima just post this here. This is for USUM draft

-idk what’s going on with mada over there

-idk how covle got cele+garde

-idk about jparks, probably has the strongest team over here.

lofty sparrow
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abbreviating it garde instead of zyg aware aware aware aware aware

cerulean aspen
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(on the right is me)

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misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

cerulean aspen
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crown goes stupid here i think but idk

rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon First Matchup of the season Keldeo can Tera into Water and Fairy Typlosion can...

Four to-dos in this chat alone, uh oh! Let's try and not spend 30 minutes on each...

  • I do not understand your opponet's team. I don't see a ton of speed play, hazards seem subpar, I'm struggling to grasp what their first and second pick here were. Treads ATales? Rilla Kommo-o? Their team just doens't seem all that great and feels pretty disconnected from each other. No snow abusers for ATales (Avalugg doesn't count), no GTerrain abusers for Rilla...
  • Okay, their speed. They do have a lot between 110 and 100, which like, I dunno, impacts your Keldeo's speeds I guess. But Oger, Pult, and DeoS outspeed easily, and they don't have a ton of good speed control options - Scarf Nihi, Booster Speed Treads, boosting Kommo-O and that's kinda it. It doesn't sit well with me.
  • Hazards aren't great for them. You have very little removal, admittedly, but a fair amount of decent setting. They have better removal but much worse setting. I struggle to see Nihilego coming just to set hazards ever, meaning it's up to utility Kommo-o, which IDT this team can justify, and SR on Treads. Not great.
  • For them I bring ATales, Treads, Nihi, Kommo-o, Moltres, and... Manaphy? Rilla? There's prob a few correct answers. You can also drop ATales, again hard to see what it really does but also it might be the one defensive option into Pult and AVeil helps an offensive Kommo-o.
  • For you, I bring DeoS, Pult, Keld (scarf), LandoT, MMaw, then either Oger or Gambit, I think. Oger helps with speed and Manaphy/Moltres, Gambit helps with Absol/ATales. LandoT can probably solo handle hazards, leaving DeoS to just be offense, I'd think. MMaw's in your hands, I'm terrible with that 'mon. Keld should be scarf here as a revenge/cleaner with Tera Water once Rilla's not a pressing threat (LandoT helps here, Rocky?) and then Pult can prob just be like Band UTurn making it hard for your opponent to keep tempo. Does Infiltrator ignore AVeil? IDR.
rancid kestrel
# carmine dragon I’m facing this team
  • Back with the same six. What is your tera? Declare your Tera dude, stop being unable to use a tool in your toolbox. Anyways. Bring your standard six, ain't no value in your babies here.
  • Moon with Speed Booster and Scarf Zoro outspeed Caly-S, so be careful about that. But like, other than that, their speed kinda sucks here. Their fourth fastest is Base 73 Malamar? You can't be doing that, sorry - they need to have faster stuff than that.
  • Rotom Wash can be a pretty good response to RMoon, a defensive set should be able to eat Knock or whatever and threaten back with Will-O-Wisp, so I'd do that. Cinderace scares Slither Wing and Kingambit, Rotom can help w/ Azu if it doesn't get totally wrecked by Moon, their Zoro actually I'm not sure is super good here given how many fast pivoting options you have. Scizor can help defensively against stuff like Dragalge, Azu, Gambit, Sylv, and SWing depending on the set.
  • I'd use a defensive RWash and Cinderace, a Scarf Hydrei, some kinda sub setup set with Caly (sub cm/plot astral and prob dkiss and just avoid azu/sylv/gambit until you have enough boosts), Scizor can prob be some kinda bulky setup since +2 Bullet Punch seems like it'd 2HKO just about everything your opponent has? Then Rabsca sure exists.
rancid kestrel
# cerulean aspen (on the right is me)
  • I like your team more than theirs. Tera Hamu is scary, Mega Venu seems like a waste of a slot and a mega, Regidrago it's hard to see it do much of anything here and being paired w/ Zyg is doing it no favors.
  • Their team's actually kinda in a bind. Do you really bring either Zyg or Regi into Koko/Dia/Glisc? I guess Zyg threatens Ground on both of those. Can it become the broken form? I assume not. My guess is they leave Drago and either Mesprit or Venu behind, I don't think they can leave Zyg behind honestly.
  • 130-95-90 ain't it for speed. Hamu and Mesprit can run Scarf I guess, and Zyg can too but probably shouldn't. Holy smokes their hazards suck though even compared to speed - CEDge, Mesprit SR, Deog Moltres/Koko? It's ND I shouldn't be able to get that all into one paragraph alongside speed. Even if it is 8mon. None of their removals wants to fuck with Gliscor either, LOL. Hazard setting Glisc seems cool. They do have absorption, at least, I guess.
  • I think they leave Mesprit and Regidrago at home. Scarf Samu, offensive Cele - outside Gliscor it seems difficult to break Automize Meteor Beam, defesnive Moltres teraing out of Elec/Rock weakness - Steel looks good into you, specs Koko, Zyg IG Sub Coil? I dunno. MVenu can be some defensive tank response to Palafin/Glisc/Crown, probably.
  • I think you leave behind Swalot and Conk, I don't like them into what your opponent has. Maybe you bring Conk and leave behind Sceptile. Unsure. I don't see what you're seeing with ICrown, but if you see the vision run with it. I'd prioritize Palafin as my end-game breaker personally, but I dunno how I'd manage around MVenu in that world. Shuca Koko can trade down on Zyg, but fails if Zyg's behind sub. MDia prob shouldn't be utility, since MBounce doesn't work on CEdge. I still like hazard stack Gliscor, bc Molt is scared of it bad without Tera and I think the best Tera is one that doesn't try to fuck with hazard stack Glisc.
cerulean aspen
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as for breaking venu it might be acro palafin though idk how well that does

rancid kestrel
# spare relic https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1038535421371633715/1427140227197042738/i...

I'm sorry, I'm not doing three full analyses of a whole range of matchups in one, especially after three others happened and it's USUM. I'll just give some light notes and if you want more detailed stuff, feel free to post specific matchups later in the week when things are less crowded.

  • I agree that jparks is the strongest team there, for sure. A solid five, and AMuk/Hera/Galv can come to games as needed if needed when needed. My ngut instinct, though, that RWash and Heatran can take on most of their big offensive pieces if played well together, and that I don't see an immediately strong response to a combination of Zyg+LandoI beyond Gliscor.
  • Covle's pretty top heavy. Three good 'mons, Blace exists, but then their final two mons are pretty hard to find for sure of the remaining stuff. Blastoise is the only really decent defensive option into you, and that's with the asterisk of you having a Bulu. If you can figure out how to get CeleZyg to be less impactful, via Heatran or your own Zyg or RWash, you should be able to find an upper hand, I'd think.
  • Mada likes defensive structures in Draft. This looks like that - I'd expect them to figure out what pieces scare them the most and play around that - PhysDef Clef for your Zyg and Bulu, SpD Jellicent for LandoI and Tran, stuff like that. I'd not overlook their Mew or Hydrei being quietly an end-game sweeper set if they seem to not be using them much to put pressure though. My guess is one of them's a Z and the other's a Scarf, since you have a few threats that can otherwise runaway or benefit from a Trick.
rancid kestrel
cerulean aspen
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probably yeah
unfortunate

spare relic
rancid kestrel
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Yeah. I don't mind doing more deep dives on each over the course of pools, to be clear, but when I have three other matches wanting a rate and then I see a full pools lineup within those other three, I basically go "come back on thursday when this chat's inactive, come on" yknow?

As for Nido, dunno. It's not like he specifically only drafts stall, but like, check out:
SV ND replay (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9natdexdraft-2331468456-4yrtoxouojcntt22ijqcj57ttp34nlwpw), this old 2024 ORAS DFL replay (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen6draft-2227216077-50fb1y6ivvce21m1fvp5fcxmbgezap6pw) and 2024 DLWC match (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9terapreviewdraft-2117643823-ie68yyor8i8a2t7mgws8x9rz4ixzuedpw)

It's a space he feels comfortable with in Draft and I can see the angle here again too.

spare relic
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Ic. I think I understand the structure a little bit better

spiral thunder
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who do i trade for?

misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

spiral thunder
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my team isnt really good

formal haven
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Those tera captains make me shiver

cerulean aspen
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I would note that Deo-Speed is on the board

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which is probably worth considering at least

formal haven
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I would drop Espathra and Wake to be honest, I think there are 2 good tera captain options left on the board in Keldeo and Moth. You also have Bellibolt to make into a tera captain which is a great secondary tera captain if you ask me.

spiral thunder
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interesting

cerulean aspen
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Moth Garchomp Deo-S HSamu is probably not a bad core

formal haven
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^^ yeah I'd agree

spiral thunder
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alright alright

cerulean aspen
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Bellibolt or Meloetta are solid secondary tera captains asw

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the combination of Dudunsparce Maushold Chandelure Ampharos can be traded in for better pieces
ie grounded poison, fairy are the notable ones missing

formal haven
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You'd need to thin out your squad but thats not a problem. I would just exhange wake for moth both at 15, then drop Espathra entirely, chuck the Tera on Bellibolt and considering you have 9 points left you can grab Deo-S

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Fezandipity is on the board, and I'm a huge fan of Fezandipity

cerulean aspen
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as for grounded poison fairy
fezandipiti is there

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ye

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ig removal with a moth team is kind of required

formal haven
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Starting to look a bit like my Summer Seasonal draft

formal haven
cerulean aspen
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is true but it makes it easier to not run boots
a cheap spinner would be nice (maushold does not count, gets rid of hsamu spikes iirc)

formal haven
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He can only make 5 trades

cerulean aspen
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it's counted by # pickups right
if it thins the roster to 9-10 mons its probs fine... (?)

spiral thunder
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i wish we had scolipede in g9

cerulean aspen
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ye but main takeaways
iron moth deo-s are good takes here 👍

spiral thunder
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should i also try to aim for keldeo?

formal haven
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All in all here is what I would do

Trade Tera Wake for Tera Moth 15 --> 15
Trade Tera Espathra for Normal Deo-S 11 --> 17 (6 points used from the 9 you had ont he board)
Add Tera to Bellibolt --> Free
Trade Chandelure for Fezandipity 5 --> 8 (3 points used from the last 3 you had left)

If Tera capping Bellibolt is a free agent then i'd leave it here

formal haven
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And on your team Keldeo is really only worth it with tera

spiral thunder
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very very well

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thank you sm for the help :))

formal haven
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If you are allowed to drop mons without it being Free Agent trades you could look into dropping both Dunsparce and Meloetta for 12 point Weaville or Dunsparce and Mousehold for 10 point Driller

spiral thunder
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driller?

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oh excadrill

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idk

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whats better of the two

formal haven
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I'd say it depends on your playstyle. Weaville gives oyu a great speedtier but forces you to basically say... I will beat you in 25 turns, whereas Driller gives you a bit more balance in your team

spiral thunder
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i think i need a speedtier

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especially getting rid of my chandelure which was like purely for extending the game length

cerulean aspen
knotty grotto
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anyone down to help me speed build like in under 20-30 😭

spare relic
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Okay so one of these MUS are going to be coming up on Friday so I do want help on this. Standard USUM

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(I’m 40kultra)

rancid kestrel
# spare relic Okay so one of these MUS are going to be coming up on Friday so I do want help o...

Will do what I can, can't say I'm super fluent in this gen.

  • Def not thrilled for you to not have anything between 121 and 101 given they have Kart. Galv's not the worst bring, but into you specifically it seems a bit rough. I dunno that I bring it personally if I'm your opponent. But like, 122 Gren to 121 MPidge is rough, though you have the one up on Charizard with your Landorus, I guess.
  • Their hazards seem pretty scattershot, if I'm honest. Decent Spikes/TSpikes if they decide for a more util Gren, but other than that getting hazards up seems not super easy for them. Gliscor kinda invites in some 'mons it isn't thrilled to be facing (Zyg, RWash, hell even Bulu probably) and maybe it's just me but if Gren's spending time spike stacking that just seems like turns to kill one of their best 'mons - what exactly does it Want to click spikes/tspikes on? LandoI I guess?
  • Your hazards are rough. Three rockers - one never comes, one never wants to rocks, and Heatran's stuck picking up the ball. At least Washtom's happy to click Defog often.
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  • If I'm your opponent, AMuk seems not good here into Zyg and LandoI. It's also not thrilled about Tran or Pangoro, if I'm honest, but Pangoro I'm not convinced is great here. I'm just struggling to see what it does here that isn't covered by another 'mon. Maybe it deals with Bulu better than a PSN coverage on Gren.
  • I'd also leave behind Galvantula. It bounces off LandoI and Zygarde, while also not doing great into Heatran at all and struggling against other 'mons if they don't predict right. All for a Sticky Webs that likely gets removed solely because you have to keep hazards off for MPidge? I'm not a fan of it here. Maybe you could say Hera gets left behind, but I kinda do think it has value here if it can avoid MPidge.
  • For you, Kecleon is an obvious leave behind, maybe I just don't respect it but... I kinda don't respect it. From there, my gut instinct is either leaving behind Pangoro, but maybe there's a crazy world where you leave behind Zyg - it kinda seems uphill against most of their big pieces to me personally. But like, I don't think 95/78/71 is going to be able to take the hits it needs from, say, a boosted Charizard X or a Gren, yknow?
  • I'd put a scarf on LandoI, I'd make Zyg some kinda boosting set, RWash physdef with Defog, one of Heatran or Bulu prob need to be Passho/psn resist berry to bait and remove Gren, I'd think? I'm unsure. Maybe the proper RWash can handle Gren, but it's their only special attacker IMO and like, you gotta have something for Glisc Char Hera Meta, even if RWash wants nothing to do with Kart.
vagrant sphinx
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nat dex, i feel very confident in my core of torkoal-hilligant-walking wake but are there any holes im not noticing?

first post here so a little unsure, can provide more info if needed

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misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

lofty sparrow
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ur opps team is so bad wtf

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also how come you get to draft lunala torkoal and wake and thats all they get whats even up with the pricing

solemn warren
vagrant sphinx
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i guess i should specify its not really official drafting rules - it was randomly generated teams as a for fun thing. we offered to let him reroll but he wanted to stick it out

rigid barn
spare relic
rancid kestrel
spare relic
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And Z

rancid kestrel
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Yeah - Gren's not a pushover ever, for sure.

spare relic
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Don’t think heatran has access to flame body in USUM. So not sure what I can use for speed boost kartana

rancid kestrel
# vagrant sphinx nat dex, i feel very confident in my core of torkoal-hilligant-walking wake but ...

I'd be vaguely worried about like, Frosmoth QD or Dondozo Curse self-boosting once HLill/Chesnaut are gone, but like, like others have said, your opponent's team doesn't really have a lot of danger attached to it. Many things can do stuff, like Specs PZ is never not going to be a scare, but like, you have a sun core somehow, you have a defensive core between MAgg, Milo and Chesnaut, you have a Lunala... You should be able to have an advantage on team preview and with good play avoid giving it up.

spare relic
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Need advice on this. SV seasonal

lofty sparrow
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u ice spinner all the ground resists and then u headlong everyone else with tusker 👍

spare relic
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True

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Scarf or non scarf tusk?

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Does tusk have anything to hit ape for super effective

lofty sparrow
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i think just headlong does really good anyways

rancid kestrel
# spare relic https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/701135620789108766/1428202034149986375/im...
  • Your 110-87 drop really stings here, because that's a lot that Entei can do to boost its other stats. Barely not enough for the nature switch unless they fully don't respect 252+ Tusk (not sure they can) but a bulkier CB Entei might be a pain for you to respond without a defensive Blastoise.
  • I like their team, though I do think they have 4 near mandatory 'mons and then the other 'mons are kinda flexible. I think they always have to bring TornT, Lati, Treads, and Hamu, but then the final two are much more flexible. I would think that it would be Annihilape and Fezandpiti, but like I mentioned, I'm not sure what your Entei switchin is, so you could maybe drop Ape for it. Not a very defensive team really, bulky but hard to see what's taking sustained neutral hits other than Fez.
  • Their hazards feel like a gamble. Solo removal Spin on Treads seems worrying to me, but they probably pack Iron Head or whatever to chunk Froslass and not let it fully stall you out? And then CEdge and Ape/Treads Rocks is probably subpar but enough. But like, you can see the angle for sure - maybe less hazards presence but in exchange, a difficult team to comfortably switch into.
  • If I'm them, I leave Exeggutor at home. Yeah it's 1pt faster than Apple, I guess, but it really doesn't want to exist in a world against Ace, Lass, Tusk, Toise... IMO at least. I also leave... ape at home? It's between Ape and Fez, but I don't like not having Fez at all. If they're more scared of Tusk they might bring Ape, but Fez is a good reply to stuff like Lass Toise and your defensive 'mons IMO. I personally leave Ape behind but I can see leaving Fez behind. Maybe they leave Entei behind and don't see what I see with CB Entei?
#
  • If I'm you, I leave behind Glowking. I don't like it into Lati, Treads, Fez, Ape, or Hamu. It's a hard leave, for sure, but it seems hard to bring here. Other than that, I think I probably leave behind Jolteon, without Tera into Tera TornT, Lati (ok SBall exists) Treads and Fez I find it hard to believe it'll be able to do a ton personally. But you could also see leaving Apple behind (Torn and Lati will eat it alive and it's a bit of a Tera hog) or Hatterene (Samu Ape destroy it) but I do think Jolt's the one to leave behind.
  • I'd not make Toise Smash here, I think defensive Toise is needed for Treads/Entei/Ape somewhat and I can see Lati carrying Mirror Herb here for sure. Apple's probably your Tera here, I don't think it can be Lass given you speed tie with Lati. But make it Fairy or Steel to mindgame their Lati, probably. I like offensive Ace here, I like the Tusk suggestion and you can Scarf it if you want seeing that Toise is taking Spin.
  • Lass Apple and Hatt sets are probably within your hand, but obviously Hatt doesn't quite serve the same benefits into stuff like Hamu than normal. Nuzzle kinda goes hard here though, yeah Rage Fist boost risk but everything on their team struggles a lot more when paralyzed. I kinda don't like NP Apple personally I'm not going to lie, it seems hard into their team even with the Tera I'd think. Tera Fire maybe? Froslass can probably set hazards and be a pest I'd think.
spare relic
# rancid kestrel - Your 110-87 drop really stings here, because that's a lot that Entei can do to...

Hi afairy

Im guessing it’s the mandatory 4(torn treads lati hamu) + annihilape & entei. As usual my lack of natural ghost resist will be abused and Tera ghost np torn+ape will be looking to reck my team. Hamurott is also very annoying to deal with especially with ceaseless edge.

I think they drop fez due to it having less offensive pressure than ape & entei here. & again lack of proper switch ins will probably be abused.

Idk about dropping glowking again. It looks bad into treads & hamu but decent into lati & fez. Can also disrupt ape & torn a little bit(prob not too much since Tera). Idk I might have to use something unorthodox to get pass a team like this stacked with threats.

I think I like tusk & hatt here the most. Hatt definitely doesn’t like treads but when it’s down it definitely could dent holes in the team. Hits hamu lati ape & fez pretty hard. Entei is probably going to be annoying aswell.

Tusk can pretty much hit everything here with headlong+ice spinner like previously. Bu tusk looks decent in theory but ofc tera torn+ mixed hamu with hydro pump & potential scarf lati there is definitely tech for that, so not completely free. I might stick to the scarf suggestion

I think this time I have to bring utility defensive toise unfort. I can’t afford a mirror herb lati or Hamurott ripping my team apart. Although maybe I could Tera steel to play around lati

I’m thinking about potentially brining AV Tera hydrapple for torn & lati, but I’m afraid that might leave Hamurott too open.

Jolteon is interesting. Electric+ghost can hit a few things here but it ultimately blanks into threads

Cinderace decent. Ape and Hamurott will be annoying for it but it has coverage. How much would zen headbutt do to ape?

Froslass im not sure with treads & fez here. Speed booster treads can be a thing here to prevent lead froslass so no spikes.

rancid kestrel
#

Good thoughts as usual. I don't agree with all of it (I do think Fez is really bringable) but I can see the POV for the most part especially on other things.

As for Cinderace, Ape can't really avoid the 2HKO - 252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Annihilape: 218-260 (51.4 - 61.3%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

spare relic
#

Hmm that’s pretty nice

spare relic
# rancid kestrel Good thoughts as usual. I don't agree with all of it (I do think Fez is really b...

So basically seasonal is over https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9draft-2464340049 ik i said i was going to bring defensive toise cuz of obvious mirror herb but i thought Tera steel could beat it. I probably would have won if i made better plays and actually brought sucker punch ace. I was throwing with the hatt I should have been clicking psychic on the fez switching. I was too scared of hamu to do that

[Gen 9] Draft: siroperation vs. VanillaBase - Replays - Pokémon Sh...

Watch a replay of a Pokémon battle between siroperation and VanillaBase! Format: [Gen 9] Draft; Date: Oct 19, 2025

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This match was definitely winnable for sure I just threw in the crucial moments. AV hatt was handling torn fine, if I clicked one psychic on the fez switchin I probably win

rancid kestrel
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Unfortunate, that'll happen. All you can do is learn something from it and move upwards. More tours and leagues in the future, I'm sure.

cerulean aspen
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I have somehow gotten to 4-1 in ND Seasonal
but opp is in this server, if anyone can help w/ this mu DM ❤️

image.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

cerulean aspen
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somehow someway first tera zeraora this whole league but it might cook me

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that is a mega latias btw*

lofty sparrow
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broke: opp is in this server please dm me
woke: get help in public chat then use the exact opposite of whatever was recommended

cerulean aspen
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but I disgress

vague trout
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@rancid kestrel hey, german draft player from last time. That would be my hope for the draft starting tomorrow. Do you see big issues with my anticipated picks?

IMG_20251022_142857.jpg
#

Translation:
Katapuldra=Dragapult
Dinglu=Ting-lu
Galarlascho=glowking
Turtok=Blastoise
Maskagato=meow
Scherox=Scizor
Diancie=Diancie

cerulean aspen
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and I also don't think round 5 meowscarada is likely

vague trout
#

But I am last pick round 1&2 so I think Pult meow will be my 2 prio picks

vague trout
#

My question was about if there is something off about the combination of those mons that I am missing.

cerulean aspen
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your only ground resist is meow and that's frail

rancid kestrel
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I wouldn't prepare so far ahead, yeah. You are almost certain to not get this. Seven Pokemon seems a touch small for Draft, but not undoable. And yeah, Ting-Lu being your primary EQ answer (bc Meow can't really) isn't great for sure.

lofty wigeon
#

Lost my last week match up to Acid armor manaphy but still feeling good about my team

IMG_1969.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon Lost my last week match up to Acid armor manaphy but still feeling good about my...

Bit of a quicker one since I'm under the weather.

  • Their hazards are bad, both setting and removal. Feels like it mandates Meow+IV+Shifu+Pech+Cele+Volc unless they want to deal with hazard stacking forever?
  • Their speed's not great. 116-97? Only really one good Scarfer in Shifu and two okay ones in Meow and Volc? Eh. Easy to see Pult running away with things (shocker) seeing that their defensive core either is weak to Ghost or struggles to reliably take those hits. Like, Shifu isn't gonna be tanking Pult hits.
  • Pult seems real strong here, but Keld needs Tera to get beyond Volc, who can just Tera back to stuff it. And I'm not super sure Woger can do a ton against Volc either.
  • Deo probably trades with one, pretty reliably, if I had to guess? MMawile looks not super great here, seems like it gets hit SE by most things and Sucker Punch struggles to hit the scariest thigns very well.
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

spiral thunder
solemn warren
# spiral thunder https://pokepast.es/82775c3b45f7ac27

Lots of hard hitters for sure, and you can choose if either Jirachi or Deoxys is your lead with the other as an attacker
Tera Iron Moth is one hell of a scary sweeper if you have access to every Tera type
Samurott-Hisui can also serve as a good lead with Ceaseless Edge and Aqua Jet in case your opp chooses sash Azelf, limiting it to rocks only
Be very aware of the Enamorus as scarf contrary Superpower and Tera Blast Stellar can get out of hand REALLY quickly

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[more later hold on]

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Chomp is Chomp, being able to hit pre Tera Goodra-Hisui and Tentacruel with Earthquake, and the others with a massive Scale Shot that only Goodra-Hisui and Scizor resist
Fire Fang COULD be used against the Scizor in case the guy doesn't Terastallize it if he sees the Fire Fang coming

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Bellibolt could see use as it's deceptively bulky and I don't see many Earthquakes on your opponent's team

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And Charge Thunder stings

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Weavile is faster than Meowscarada and [hopefully] takes it out with Triple Axel before you get U-turned on
Just beware of Scarf

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Moth can also be both immune to Rotom's Will O' Wisp and scare it with Energy Ball

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Although said Ball doesn't hit anything else super effectively

rancid kestrel
# spiral thunder https://pokepast.es/82775c3b45f7ac27
  • I like this team more than the last iteration you did, for sure. Definitely feels like you have more firepower here, the speed tiers seem better, less "wasted space" so to speak. You made some good changes from last time for sure. I'm not thrilled that you're limited to just Tidy Up Maus for removal, but nothing's going to be perfect.
  • Your opponent's team is... okay. I don't particularly like it, I'll be honest. It seems to be mostly relying on Tera Enam and Meow to do most of its work for it, which like, is not the worst two captains for a vessel, but there certainly could be better out there. Their hazards would normally be rough but against you is not too bad. Setting is great - at least one reliable setter for each of the major three hazards, but Scizor and Tenta are not reliable removal. Their advantage here is that your removal is Not Good still, but that does sorta mandate Tentacruel to avoid removing their own hazard stacking.
  • I like your speed more than theirs. Their speed's good, to be clear, but 115 to 106 on two 'mons that are fairly exploitable by Weavile is not great! And like, below Enam, what is really running full speed always? LandoT, sometimes, but other than that, their big threats speed-wise are 123-115-106 and that's it. They just don't have natural speed inclincations elsewhere. At least they have a ton of 'mons that can run Scarf - Meow, Azelf, Enam, Lando, RWash, even Scizor in some worlds.
  • If I'm them, Meow Enam and Tenta are required. Two wincons and a removal option - probably physdef helmet into Weavile/Maus/Rachi/Chomp/Samu. Meow can be scarf to handle DeoS and Weavile better, and Enam can do plenty of things but I do think that typical Tera Stellar Contrary nonsense should work fine.
#
  • From there, I probably bring LandoT and RWash. One of these needs to be the scarfer if Meow isn't, but otherwise these can be defensive options - you don't want to have no special defensive options into a DeoS Iron Moth team, and RWash can probably handle that if I had to guess. Scarf Lando then? Or maybe Rocks Lando and Scarf Meow. But are you really giving up EQ spam against a team with 0 immuniites and a huge list of weaknesses?
  • Last is either Azelf or Scizor/Hoodra depending on desire. Azelf is going to be a surprisingly potent attacker here, and you cant underrate its utility movepool as a 'mon of its build from Gen 4. Hoodra is a fantastic trader, you only need 252/156 Shuca to survive every Adamant +2 EQ from Chomp if you're at full. Obviously don't rely on that, but like, hey if it can take that hit it can probably handle Hamurott or whatever. Scizor's just good utility if you go in a different direction with LandoT/Tenta. It's a useful bandage patch to whatever a team might be missing if they're scared of stuff.
  • For you, Weavile seems mandatory - it probably has to be HDB due to your lack of removal, so you do need to be worried about Scarfers. Jirachi should be able to handle most scarfers, depending on what they click, I'd think? I'd bring Jirachi. Iron Moth as a Tera option here seems good - they don't have a ton of Flying resistances and you have a ton of weaknesses to Ground, so uh, Tera Flying might be nice? That might be a bit narrow-focused.
  • I'd bring DeoS and Garchomp here, even if they aren't perfect for the job, they aren't going to be bad either. DeoS pressures even Scarf Lando, and Garchomp with EQ/Scale Shot/SEdge doesn't really have a good switch-in. But also, you probably need Chomp to put hazards out, I'd think - I wouldn't put it on DeoS here. 3A SR? Seems wack to me, but maybe that's a thing. Maybe just don't have SR and rely on Hamu CEdge? Though I'd think that Maushold needs to come for Tidy Up, so YMMV here.
knotty grotto
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anyone down to help me draft preferably dms but I can do it hear if need be

rancid kestrel
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Probably best to ask your questions here - not sure any of the draft raters do DMs help

knotty grotto
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alright

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yea tbh

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Its just one question

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does annihlape pair well with terapagos?

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terapagos my only pokemon so far just deciding on a 2nd pick

rancid kestrel
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I wouldn't call them particularly synergistic beyond hitting on opposite sides of the binary, but both are strong Pokemon in Draft and provide useful tools and pressure to a team.

knotty grotto
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Im just thinking if I go hazards right I got a great spinner and someone to punish for potential spins or defogs

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also normal ghost parralel funny

rancid kestrel
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Yeah, Terap and Ape both definitely provide higher utility/team support options than your standard high-point beatstick or whatever. I dunno that either of them are particularly thrilled to run SR but both can when necessary. And there's obviously some level of type parallel, like you mentioned.

knotty grotto
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do you got any other reccomendations?

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like what pairs well with terapagos?

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hes pretty neutral

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but he doesnt like to take htis

rancid kestrel
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Hard to say without seeing a board, but Terapagos can slot into most teams fairly well - it's not like it has a specific true love partner or anything that it really clicks with.

knotty grotto
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alright

vague trout
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Deoxys speed aswell

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Very sad pult got picked one pick away from me again

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But I have 2 picks now

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What would be a nice core of 2 pokemon in this 12 pokemon format

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I have been thinking meowscarada greninja, darkrai

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And ting lu, slowking g, tusk or treads als defensive options

cerulean aspen
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honestly tera raging bolt and iron treads in the 1.500$ doesn't look bad

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(if they are allowed to tera at all)

vague trout
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Under 1.000$

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And they have a whole banlist on the right of the document

cerulean aspen
#

what does the red and blue mean

vague trout
vague trout
cerulean aspen
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I'd go meow or tusk personally

vague trout
cerulean aspen
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it's reliable removal in a meta where that's rare

vague trout
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Oh ok, so does meow and rusk do well together

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BCS meow is insanely cheap

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Especially in a league where everything is overpriced as hell

cerulean aspen
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meow is good here yeah, how many players are in this draft

vague trout
rancid kestrel
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Gonna bring this back down here. I still thing this list is pretty on-point for good 'mons to pick. Meowscarada is a good 1750 pick, it may be the only good 1750 pick depending on your POV of Latias and Oger-W. Treads is an alright 1500, TingLu, maybe something like Keldeo or Slowking/Alo or RWash but otherwise nothing sticks out really.

vague trout
#

I understand, if I'm going for tusk what mon would fit it especially well

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Since I have 2 picks basically

rancid kestrel
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Tusk provides one-time speed control, decent hazard support, and the threat of boosting while being physically bulky. I dunno that it specifically fits especially well with something, but I wouldn't let Tusk be the only hazard play on your team. There are going to be few wrong answers at this point, Tusk is pretty "splashable", it doesn't need specific partners, but I would prioritize picking up a fast Pokemon personally - the gulf between say, Meow or Weavile and Kilowattrel or Swellow is like, pretty big. One of those duos is clearly way more harder to work against in the builder.

vague trout
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Alright so I will go meow as my first pick

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I think that's fine

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then as my second pick tusk probably

rancid kestrel
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Meow and Tusk is for sure a solid start.

vague trout
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I will look what steel types are going to be left fo pick

rancid kestrel
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Yeah, probably. I don't know that type synergy is the most urgent thing to solve but a good Steel type is going to be worth way more than a mediocre one.

vague trout
knotty grotto
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This my team so far im in between clerics

IMG_1736.png
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Mainly the 3 eeveelutions

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

knotty grotto
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Umbreon, vaporeon, and Sylveon

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But any other recommendations are welcome I’m just wondering if there’s one that’s kinda clearer than the others

vague trout
# rancid kestrel Yeah, probably. I don't know that type synergy is the most urgent thing to solve...

It's my turn again, I got meow meow and tusk which is probably the best thing I could have gone for from value in my position. Now I'm looking for a good steel type. Tinkaton seems interesting since it's typing matches well with tusk and it is on the rather special defensive side. It also provides rocks to help tusk. It is also available for only 1000$ which is quite low especially for PDL standards. The one thing im unsure of is that she lacks momentum and doesn't hit hard without hammer. There is also Metagross, Scizor and other rather cheap steel types. Do you maybe have other ideas that could fit well

rancid kestrel
rancid kestrel
# knotty grotto This my team so far im in between clerics

Without a sheet it's impossible to know any more details, availability or point values or what have you. That said, if you're on pick 6, I'm not sure why you're actively seeking out a one-trick Cleric. Most rosters don't need a cleric at all, though Ape/Terap do benefit some from healing. But like, even still, why are you actively seeking out cleric? I would be building a team, not picking 'mons to support specific choices, at least currently.

You have nothing faster than 111 or between 110 and 90. This doesn't work in SV, the latter especially. You need something around 100, and ideally something around 115 or 120. These should be usable Pokemon that provide threats - Miltank doesn't cut it, nobody is EVing to ensure they outspeed a Miltank.
You have no removal aside Terapagos, that's something you need to fix ASAP. Terapagos can spin, yes, but you're hobbling one of your best 'mons by forcing them to play hazard removal every game at the cost of being able to make use of Tera Shell or setup, or whatever.
You (by nature of picks like DeoD, Lycan, and Thundy) have very few resistances or defensive Pokemon. Electric, Fairy, Ground, and Water are all pretty spammable types, not on every team but many teams will be able to fire off Volt Switches or Earthquakes with zero cost. Types like Dragon Dark Ice and Ghost are not universally common but are very hard to handle when you do run into something that can spam those types. You're not going to be able to cover for everything here at this point, but you're leaving yourself open for a lot of damage.

These are the things I notice with your picks. I'm not saying you have a bad team, but my gut instinct is that I'd sooner be patching up these concerns I have with the team than chasing down eeveeulutions or Wish.

knotty grotto
#

Thanks

vague trout
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The one thing I'm quite sure of is Noivern Tera Normal since legit everything useful that can tera is banned apart from maybe gambling gyrados

rancid kestrel
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If you want to, sure. It'd give you a fast 'mon and Defog.

vague trout
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And also I didn't get Pult 😔

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Yeah btw are the mentioned steel types the only ones you would pick or are there also other ones

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I kinda don't see corv since he cost 1.500$ for PDL reasons

rancid kestrel
vague trout
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Did you lose Access

rancid kestrel
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You're asking me if I see any Steel types available. I literally do not have the document open. I can't know what Steel types are available. A lot of people come through here and my computer is not going to be happy with me if I keep even more Google docs indefinitely open, I already average 4 open at a time just by default.

vague trout
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Ah okay

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Thanks

rancid kestrel
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The link I shared should provide a decent ranking of SV Steel-types

vague trout
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Yeah I seen it now

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I was kinda confused at first but I figured

vague trout
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

vague trout
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my team until now.

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some fairy and ground weakness but should be alright since grounded poison and flying is not drafted yet

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and diancie is my tera

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my speed tier is more of an issue,

rancid kestrel
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I think that "but should be alright since grounded poison and flying is not drafted yet" is probably indicative of not a great perspective on drafted, but yes, I really do see a lot of question marks on how you take EQs or EPs, yeah.

But yeah, your speed tiers continue to look worse and worse. Your hazards look slightly better now with Blastoise removal but still not great, but like, Having four Pokemon between 87 and 70 is pretty rough. I'd be fixing speed tiers ASAP.

vague trout
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and looking for something in 110-119

rancid kestrel
#

Can't really comment about picks since I don't have the doc open but I dunno if either of those are particularly good picks. But maybe they are the best available? Moltres is not a great solo-Ground immune since it folks to a single rock-type move, and like, I dunno what Mimikyu does for you at all?

vague trout
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and fills the speed

rancid kestrel
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What speed does it filll...?

vague trout
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its 96

rancid kestrel
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If you're getting Moltres anyway (which frankly can't really run speed) what is a 96 doing for you?

vague trout
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yeah you right

rancid kestrel
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Is the 96 going to be your 100-region?

vague trout
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i should go porygon and bun mimikyu

rancid kestrel
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...Porygon...? Do you mean Porygon-Z?

vague trout
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yes

rancid kestrel
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You have an 87. Why do you need a 90?

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Your blank is 123 to 87 and you're aiming for a 90?

vague trout
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im struggling with answers in the higher sped tiers

rancid kestrel
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If I'm you, I'm trying to find something useful at around 110, and something useful around 100.

vague trout
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only keldeo seems kinda ok for the price but that would be another fairy weakness

rancid kestrel
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You have a Metagross and a Diancie, and potentially a Moltres. I'm not super worried about Fairy switch-ins here.

vague trout
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hm

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im struggling to adapt the weaknesses from the document to actual gameplay i think

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so keldeo would be a reasonable pick?

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drafting is really hard

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because in my head the stuff im thinking about makes sense until you question it.

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lowkey im cooked

rancid kestrel
# vague trout im struggling to adapt the weaknesses from the document to actual gameplay i thi...

Yes, that's part of Draft - this is also in part due to some of the picks you made, such as Meow Tusk and Bolt, all sharing weaknesses. It has some benefits - three very strong Pokemon that are going to be hard to respond to, but at the cost of "oh how do I switch into a Ribombee" yknow? No draft is perfect, and many good drafts have glaring weaknesses or struggles.

I would take Keldeo. You absolutely need something at that speed tier, and while it doesn't help with many of your weaknesses, you are already leaning in a more aggressive team direction.

You are not cooked. Drafting is hard, yes, and with time you will improve your skills in it. Take a step back and appreciate that you have a really scary team - Meow, Keld, Tusk, and Bolt are all very scary and difficult to respond to. Are you going to struggle against someone spamming Fighting, Fairy, or Ground type moves? Yeah. You're going to have to pick up a usable low-tier that can take those types of hits. Moltres does well into all of those typings, but obviously has its own weaknesses attached.

You are only cooked if you think you are cooked. The only way to have a 0-100 matchup is to decide you have a 0-100 matchup when you see a game and give up and don't even try. Nothing is unwinnable, and you have a lot of powerful tools at your disposal to work with. Find something around 100. Find something that can switch into these types. Maybe two things.

You're trying a new type of game where it requires a skill and experience you simply don't have yet. Draft and ladder formats are not the same, it doesn't transfer 1 to 1. This is part of it. You are going to be able to compete with this team, there is good here too. And then future drafts your teams will be more thought through, better crafted, and the stuff in your head you think up are going to make sense even when you do question it.

You just gotta get there. And step one of not getting there is going "I'm cooked" before draft is even over.

vague trout
rancid kestrel
#

It's not possible for an SV Draft to not have problems. That's what this place is for. Looking for those problems and finding them.

vague trout
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but as you said its an expierience and the only way from here is to do the best in the position im already in and not repeating the same mistakes

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but yeah thanks again i will probably go moltres keldeo and then for eq ep, speed tier answers

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when its my turn again

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i think with keldeo as a priority

rancid kestrel
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Makes sense to me

vague trout
#

have a great day

cerulean aspen
#

sv nd... 4-2, 2 wins and in, if i lose I'm out
we may be cooked.

image.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

formal haven
#

Lead bulky Mence, tera grass instantly I think with Helmet/lefties or something defensive, Qwilfish alone isn't enough to deal with Palafin, Gliscor and Conk. They don't have a spinner, so you can look to run spikes Qwilfish here, there is also no dark type for them so there are stored power Mesprit angles if you want to consider that. Or you can just run scarf with Mystic power as a free click.

rancid kestrel
#

Wrong angle

#

They're anobodydraft

formal haven
#

Ah well then keep that in mind

#

I would run Boomburst Throat Spray/Specs Palafin here, well for the reasons afforementioned but also just triple intimidate. If you want physical you can run clear amulet. I think you'll want to mega Diancie early as hazards can become annoying for you. Tera Fairy with Terablast on Gliscor looks really strong, could run double dance

cerulean aspen
#

was thinking double dance crown here w/ tera fairy but double dance gliscor is a good shout as well

rancid kestrel
# cerulean aspen sv nd... 4-2, 2 wins and in, if i lose I'm out we may be cooked.
  • You're only cooked if you decide you're cooked. This may be a bit of an uphill battle, but it's for sure not decided before it's veen begun. Your opponent has a ridiculous hyper offensive team (their most defensive 'mon is what, a Qwilfish?) that seems like it'd fall apart if something doesn't go its way. How is there another Koko? Didn't you just face one last time you were here? So many pools...
  • They have hazards and removal, but it's hard to see it really being present. Sure, Qwilfish can bring (T)Spikes and Koko or Sala can Defog, but like, it doesn't seem likely that either would happen. Qwil's probably got its time busy even if Salamence is helping should they try to answer you defensively like Twan mentioned. Plus, you have MDia, so like, hazard stacking into you feels not great. Maybe Rocks on Treads since MDia's terrified of it, but otherwise, their hazards seem weak here.
  • Their speeds are strange. Barely anything below 100, and then weirdly clumped between 100 and 116. MMane I guess appreciates ETerrain but I don't really get why it's here otherwise - they already have a 130, a 135 isn't adding anything. Plus, their 116 and 106 more often than not are going to be jumping the speed tiers. I don't get the angle there. I guess "outspeed and be impossible to switch into" but like, eh?
  • If I'm them, I drop Maushold - too easy to have Helmet on so many of these 'mons and make it impossible to do anything with, and... it may be MMane. It falls flat into Glisc and I again am struggling to see what it brings here. Maybe Mesprit gets dropped but there's a lot less utility if so. I'd drop MMane and Maus and bring the other six.
#
  • For you, I really like Swalot here as an answer to Valiant, though that means it probably can't run Helm to handle Maus risk. Maybe you just don't run Helm and hope that MDia/Crown can handle it? I dunno that I like it, but maybe I'm respecting Maushold too much.
  • Sceptile gets left behind. Sorry it probably never comes in my mind, it's just not good and into a buncha resists this isn't its moment. I'd leave Conkeldurr behind as well, other than like, oh man it can Mach Punch Treads/Maus, I can't see it accomplishing much here.
  • I like Twan's suggestion of Special Palafin a lot. I'd personally put it in a Scarf, but I could be wrong here and overpredicting the SpA boost on Valiant. Could see scarf Koko? I dunno. You may just have to deal with getting outsped - but thats kinda how their team is built.
  • Whether or not Crown or Gliscor is your Tera user is probably going to be an in-game decision. I think that Crown offers little more than being the double dancer in this set, I think Glisc is going to be doing "more" outside of that role in the sense that, if you end up teraing Glisc, Crown becomes much less useful, and the inverse Glisc can still be useful? But also like, running two double dancers into a hyper offense team is probably not wise. Maybe Crown's the Helmet user for Maus (and like, offensive Salamence IG?) and then Glisc is the Tera focus? But like, you can probably make both of them able to use Tera and play it by ear in-game.
cerulean aspen
#

was thinking perhaps if treads and qwilfish are chipped (not hard considering what offense I have), polish diancie could go really crazy
moonblast diamond storm earth power rock polish?
then something like specs crown to force damage onto treads
defensively idk, it's most likely going to be a trade game

#

agree with the swalot bring though it may be a bit passive into treads qwilfish, going to def bring EQ / clear smog / toxic +1 here

rancid kestrel
#

It gets Knock. Could be useful to remove an item on a Paradox relying on ETerrain for its boost - LO Val, Shuca Treads, that kinda stuff

cerulean aspen
#

yeah could def consider that
defensively I do wonder how I even beat mence
tera blast flying / eq / dd already packs most of the team at +1
i think it is almost forced scarf koko here

rancid kestrel
#

Scarf Koko makes sense to me like I mentioned, yeah

lofty wigeon
#

Being offered Chien Pao (No SD) for dragupult in this league should i pull the trigger ?

IMG_1977.png
rancid kestrel
#

If you want to? I wouldn't personally, but the trade is not really a downgrade when it comes to power/presence, so like, if you want some Pao experience and wanna give it a whirl, why not, yknow?

vague trout
#

Well

#

Good news I got keldeo

#

Bad news motres got picked

#

At the other hand I have Metagross, Diancie as a fairy switch in

#

So maybe this is the chance for a better ground immunity

#

Like uxie or mesprit

#

And then go for another budget flying/defog

rancid kestrel
#

If that's the direction you want to head, sure. I'd be still worried about fairies personally. And then you still don't have anything around Base 100 so I'd look into that if I were you - Uxie doesn't fit super well in that context.

vague trout
#

Since speed is worrying

#

And it's the cheapest thing to go with ogerpon grass without tera and tornadus I

rancid kestrel
#

Sure, sometimes cheap picks are goig to feel less than ideal, makes sense to me

#

Kinda sucks that it's another ground weakness but WCYD

vague trout
#

Yeah

#

Atleat I can tera her I guess

#

I will look into other ground immunities and flying types afterwards

#

And maybe fairy resist

#

If that makes sense

vague trout
#

Welp my turn and back to ground answers again lmao

#

Elektross looks appealing

#

costs about nothing

#

Oricoro fire for defog 💀

#

Temu moltres

#

And then some poison or steel type for fairies that is ground neutral

#

Maybe vileplume

vague trout
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

vague trout
#

i have zero funds and need a ghost resist

#

hes my only saviour

#

apart from him what should the last pick be

#

btw scyther and salazzle should be my teras

lofty sparrow
#

ngl does eelektross do anything here

vague trout
#

but ig ground immunity

#

and pivoting

rancid kestrel
#

I would get a normal-type as a 1pt ghost resist personally. Something like a Munchlax or Togetic or Porygon. That would be my personal inclination.

cerulean aspen
#

think I lost to moonblast crit onto max spdef gliscor

#

welp

vague trout
rancid kestrel
#

Up to you. These 'mons are all unlikely to ever come to a game, they're just there in emergencies. I wouldn't be considering Vullaby here personally, but like, it isn't going to be a problem if you take Vullaby.

lofty wigeon
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

lofty wigeon
#

Stumped on the Koko Bundle :/

#

Scarf Deo can actually revenge kill it

lofty sparrow
#

holy koko bundle

#

is this the 1 matchup where youre actually forced to run scarf pult

#

other than that their ground resist is fucking fantom and phantump so lando prolly goes crazy if u position correctly

#

their scarf ape looks like a problem if ur lando is offensive tho

#

i guess a lot of this matchup is going to be dependent on whether scarf pult / deo-s can clean before you lose to their unwallable shit

rancid kestrel
#
  • Dunno that I'm the biggest fan of your opponent's team. Yeah, Koko Bundle, Ape and Tusk in isolation are alright/good, Ferro and Reuini can't be entirely ignored, but stuff like Venomoth and MHoundoom fall flat here, I don't see the value of Rotom-Fan, and Phantump is I guess a mascot 'mon. It seems like a pretty straightforward 6 to pick here for me if I'm in your opponent's shoes, and it isn't great, because you go from 130 to 90 and 87 to 30 in Speed tiers.
  • It really does seem like Bundle and Koko are the starts of the show here. I don't know really that Ape or Tusk are gonna do a ton here, especially into LandoT and a theoretical Mawile Intimidate.
  • Their hazards seem uninspired. Ferro kinda carries it, and their removal is mostly 'mons that don't wanna remove, except Tusk. And I've already kinda complained about their speed earlier. Bundle's always going to be scary, but I'm not super sure this team really has the structure to work without hard relying on Bundle, and maybe I guess Ape or Koko.
#
  • I think Scarf Pult can do a lot here, it outspeeds Speed Bundle and can OHKO with DMeteor. But that obviously opens you up to a Koko switchin? I dunno. I guess I could see Scarf Deo just as well. One of the two, you'll figure it out for yourself. Obviously both are coming, Pult scares the life out of Ape and Reuni, and a special Pult can toast Moth and/or Thorn with FThrower, probably.
  • LandoT probably needs to come, 91 is a good speed tier here and Intimidate will help. I think a specially defensive version can help with Koko, since I dunno how you handle it otherwise. Maybe AVest Gambit? Feels a bit like pulling for straws. 252/252 Lando still gets 3HKO'd by DGleam which can't be good. And 150 Rage Fist from -1 Ape is good odds to 2HKO you? Surely the prep isn't AVest Gambit... I'm going to assume AVest Kingambit and PhysDef Lando.
  • Mega Mawile can probably come, it's always real good even if I'm no good at using it. Final 'mon is probably Keldeo? It can at least take one Freeze Dry from non-boosted Bundle and Vacuum Wave does minimum 78 to uninvested Bundle.
#

Forgot to reply oops, @lofty wigeon

lofty wigeon
#

Thank you !
and also yes Trevenant is their team mascot.

Deo Speed with Tbolt is nasty on terrain but has trouble killing Tusk especially if it's Vested.

spiral thunder
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

cerulean aspen
#

Off the bat, Booster Speed Iron Moth looks insane, their sun only boosts Fiery Dance. Dragalge / bulky gouging fire are their only checks, and they're not that hard to chip down (boots morning sun gouging fire excepted). Something like Fiery Dance / Tera Blast Ground / Gleam / +1 (Agility)?

Garchomp into a team where the ground resist is Hisui Lilligant + immunity in Hydreigon is also amazing. i assume balloon Tinkaton is coming for Chomp though, so beware of that. Something like mixed chomp could work to snipe Tusk as well.

rancid kestrel
# spiral thunder https://pokepast.es/4aa7c304148b8942
  • What is your opponent's tera choices...? Neither of them actively make use of Tera, but I guess they aren't actively worse with Tera. But like, the Tera could've been Hydrei+HLill or something which would've been much more potent. An unfortunate situation for your opponent.
  • I dislike this speed situation for your opponent. You cannot be relying on Sun GF/GT and HLill for your speed control, like 125-105-100 is bonkers to me. HLill isn't even speed threat control since half the time it's going to be like 600+ Speed and potentially boosted. Ninetales I guess can run max speed, but like, probably doesn't want to? At least Hydrei can serve as a Scarfer.
  • Their removal is mid. Sorry to GT and Glimm but it's not super good, because this team is inherently sun HO. Defog HLill is surely a throw. Is Tusk going to even bring Spin? Surely they have to at least bring it if Glimm's some suicide lead, but like, when are they getting turns to remove or setup hazards really? Their hazard setting also isn't great if you remove Glimm from the equation - it's what, Rocks on GT and Tink? That's kinda it. So like, they can't have both a setup Tusk and a suicide Glimm. I honestly don't know that they have space for Glimm at all.
  • Ninetales has to come. So does HLill and GF. GF can be a bulkier RHelm set for Maus maybe? Kinda conflicts with the IMoth answer I'd expect a Scarf Darkrai or Hydrei for like, emergency speed control, but if we're honest, the other probably should also be coming. Leaving behind a Darkrai is kinda bonkers. I could see leaving behind Hydrei, though, I'm not sure what it provides if it isn't a scarfer. Haban bait set for Chomp?
#
  • Let's say we leave behind Hydrei. Two slots left - Tusk surely is one of those slots, but what's the final one? Could see Balloon Tink for Chomp, could see removal and hazards on Glimm, could see Dragalge specifically to handle Iron Moth. My guess is Tales/HLill/GF/Darkrai/Tusk/Tink, though depending on which they're more scared of (Chomp vs Moth), the Tink could be Dragalge.
  • I don't know what their response is to Chomp or Moth, like S&S mentioned above. I don't like Chomp as much as they do, but I do like Iron Moth here. But like, both do come and both sets do work well.
  • DeoS and Weavile for sure also come, Weavile could be like CB Ice Shard, you can probably figure out the needed stats to snipe at non-tera Tusk, HLill, weaker Darkrai, Hydrei, Dragalge... Though you don't really have removal so like, use it carefully. DeoS could be Scarf though it doesn't seem likely to be useful, I'd expect Victory Dance which means you no longer outspeed? But maybe they have coverage needs and can't fit VD. You could just also set up hazards. DeoS is endlessly customizable.
  • Two slots left. I wonder if Bellibolt comes here with Tera Flying and is just a defensive check to HLill/Tusk? Like they have exclusively physical attacking sun sweepers, but your physical walls match up poorly into their attacking types. Flying at least gets you away from most of those two's attacks, doesn't do a ton for you in GF's case though.
  • Final slot could legit be Maushold here, I'm struggling to see where they fit RHelm as is the nature with these HO gimmick teams. HSam is also probably usable, though Water+Dark only really helps you aganst GFire here I'd think, and if it is a defensive set, then you're struggling with the SPunch predicts anyways. I really don't think any of the other 'mons can really come, maybe a Jirachi lure set for... Tusk? Surely that isn't worth it.
lofty wigeon
#

Next matchup into the undefeated player, Tera Zarude is gross but their speed tiers seem bad

IMG_2017.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

vague trout
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

vague trout
#

my team is on the left side

#

my first game really hyped

#

what would yall play in this matchup

#

i have tera ground syther and tera grass salazzle while he has tera flying rhydon and tera fairy appletun

cerulean aspen
# vague trout what would yall play in this matchup

first of all you have a much better team than they do, good job
tusk spins really easily on their hazards (their blocker is dirge)
meowscarada with triple axel knock uturn (do you even need flower trick here?) is super solid
to check their offensive pieces metagross and surprisingly keldeo does fairly well into weavile

#

their removal is just defog skuntank and (i think empoleon gets defog)?
so hazard stacking is good, you have spikes + rocks on diancie and rocks on tusk if you want
if I'm them it's probably weavile rockpon sylveon mienshao appletun +1?

#

maybe empoleon, maybe galar articuno to pretend to check tusk and keldeo

#

something like a sub cm surf vac wave keldeo really doesn't have a lot of switchins

lofty sparrow
#

ngl just keep getting like band meow in and it just wins

#

and run keldeo for weavile

vague trout
#

i was thinking bout keldeo meow aswell

#

diancie tusk metagross keldeo meow

#

does the 6th pick matter that much?

#

it should be a check

#

elekross vilepume or something

#

for ground

#

i see scarf mienshao for them

lofty sparrow
#

i dont think scarf mienshao is that much of a threat?

#

u can bring vileplume if ur scared ig

rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon Next matchup into the undefeated player, Tera Zarude is gross but their speed ti...
  • This player is undefeated...? This would not be the roster I'd pull out of lineup for a team that goes entirely undefeated. Tera Zarude's good but not the showstopper it was earlier this year and is stuck with subpar Teras (especially into you), they have a reasonable enough six to pull but it comes with mostly little defensive backbone, they have a bit of logical inconsistency in their hazards, and their speed is obviously not ideal.
  • I'm gonna sorta assume that it's leaving behind Buzz, Diancie, Muk, and Donphan. I don't see a ton of value in any of them, maybe Buzzwole since most of your attackers are physical, but Special Pult/Deo kinda just wreck it? But it's probably super useful against MMaw and Gambit.
  • Their speed sucks for sure. 105-119 is like, not the end of the world, but not great for sure either. Maybe see a Trailblaze Zarude when it comes in on Keld or OgerW or something to then outspeed most things? Scarf Dengo or RWash? Not super sure what your Scarf Dengo Shadow Ball switchin is beyond Gambit - not the easiest bring into Ace Wash Buzz Muk IMO.
  • Wack combo of Terap Dengo Ace for hazard situ. I guess Ace isn't running Court Change often? It probably has to into you because even 252 Dark Pulse isn't a good roll for them to 2HKO. But it seems like this weird "we never want hazards on our field" energy but what the Gholdengo there for? Dianice hazardstack? No shot.
#
  • I think the big Q is if Buzzwole comes. I think it does personally, but what gets left behind if so? Noivern? Terap or RWash are needed for special defense, Zarude and Dengo are their big damage dealers, Ace could maybe see left behind into Pult Oger Keld LandoT but that seems silly to me.
  • For you, DeoS Pult for sure come, if you want to scarf Pult to play fastest on the field sure whatever, but I think a Specs could be a huge pain for them to deal with properly. DeoS shouldn't really set hazards here, they can remove it well, so it can do something else.
  • Lando should come here, Intim is going to be great. Mawile too, always a strong Pokemon I think. Maybe there's a world where it's Gambit instead, but I don't think that's this world? You'll know better than I.
  • Final two, one of Keld/Oger should come, and whether it's two is a question of if you want it over Gambit - I don't see a ton of value anywhere else. Keld could be Scarf? Oger is Oger, doesn't look great here but is also an Oger. I think it's Scarf Keld here personally, since it can outpace +1 Zarude. Final 'mon is up to you, I haven't given much thought to the NFEs or Typh (Typh looks bad here and I'm not sure what Prankster gets you) so the option in my head is "pick 2 of Oger MMaw Gambit"?
#

55th I will take a look at yours next in a few minutes

rancid kestrel
vague trout
#

yea

rancid kestrel
# vague trout
  • Like S&S mentioned, your team's much better at the top than theirs. Meowscarada and Keldeo do a ton here, and their power level drops rapidly off after Weavile and OgerC. That's not to say stuff like GArticuno Empoleon or Skeledirge are bad, but your comparisons are Great Tusk, Raging Bolt, and Metagross or Diancie - I like yours better than theirs. Also, just so I don't forget it since I saw the convo - Vileplume doesn't resist Ground, so it's not your Rhydon check here. I guess it could do well into Cornerpon here?
  • They have pretty good speed here, though what of these show up in-game is a bigger question - Mienshao has a nice base 125 ATK but doesn't really pose a major threat really I'd think. GArticuno takes some work to get it up and running, and you have stuff like RBolt and Meow seriously threatening it. Weavile and OgerC for sure come, but then what's their next fastest 'mon? Some versions of their team (a Webs-focused one, for example) would be going from 110 or 105 to potentially 66? That's quite the drop.
  • They have... no removal? Like, they flatly have no response to a hazard going up. Folks, you can't be doing that! No proper removal, no Magic Bounce, nothing. At least Skuntank can absorb Toxic Spikes, I guess. Take a trip to the shoe store for this team to pick up six pairs of Heavy Duty Boots...
  • For them, Weavile OgerC Skeledirge seem mandatory to me. I'd bring Sylveon as a special wall (beware Salazzle) and Wishpasser, but it'll help specifically against Raging Bolt and maybe Toise. I think a cheeky Mirror Herb on Mienshao or Garticuno could work if you expect a Shell Smash Toise, or like, idk, SD Scyther? Alternatively, a Red Card on the Sylveon or like, an Appletun.
#
  • Anyway, those four are a good core (Weav Oger Dirge Sylv) - the remaining two will be pretty flexible. Maybe they want to force Tera presence and exploit a bit of a lack of Ground resists and bring Rhydon, maybe it's just Mienshao and GArticuno, Empoleon is never going to not be worth consideration... I'm less convinced that stuff like Skuntank, Vikavolt, or Greedent have much of any value here.
  • For you, I think S&S has a good head on their shoulders - Keldeo and Meow seem to do a ton here, unsurprising. I actually don't think Raging Bolt is great here, non-tera RB is much less valuable, and into stuff like Tera Fairy Appletun, OgerC, Dirge, and Weavile, it strikes me as maybe not an automatic bring.
  • Tusk seems good here, as does Diancie - I wouldn't put myself above trying to hazardstack, and you really don't want to be using Meow to put up that stuff. If you think they're going to boots-stack, hey Meow gets Knock, but Diancie I wouldn't think mandatory - you should bring Tusk, though.
  • The remaining two or three slots are pretty flexible. I like Metagross here, Weavile and OgerC really don't like it - a PhysDef Meta should take hits from both pretty well, I'd think. I would bring Diancie personally. Last 'mon is probably... Eelektross? Seems like it could be of value here. I can also see offensive Scyther or TSpikes/utility Salazzle coming. Raging Bolt is never BAD, but it doesn't seem great here. Worth maybe some consideration. SpD Blastoise seems kinda good actually, but I haven't run calcs. I wouldn't consider Vullaby/Vileplume much at all.
  • Put a Scarf on Keld, a Band on Meow, utility Great Tusk, physdef Metagross with like WP if you wanna be cheeky, hazardstack Diancie, and then IDK. SpD Blastoise if the calcs look good, one of Scyther/Salazzle if not.
vague trout
#

and his knock is lowk good into rhydon since i dont have 2 gamble what attack i use since i knock his eviolithe

#

or maybe knock boots of other mons for my diance hazards

#

but tbf if i get a knock off rhydon with meow blastoise just wins against rhydon

#

and blastoise offers more against other stuff even without knock

#

you are probably right, is my rhydon fear unreasonable?

rancid kestrel
#

I don’t know how reasonable or unreasonable it is. I’d do calcs against your Tusk set you expect to bring, Eelektross, Metagross, Blastoise - see how much damage it’s outputting and what have you.

vague trout
#

will do 👍

lofty wigeon
#

Is anyone here familiar with LC SV ? In a teraless league and stumped on where to go next

spiral thunder
#

won!! am 2-3 now

#

:))

spiral thunder
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
# spiral thunder https://pokepast.es/adbb8dfaa2634530
  • So, sun. Sun can be a fairly restricting playstyle, since it often mandates running some stuff that maybe would be best off left at home. Nobody wants to bring Torkoal, but without it, nothing comes online. There's also a weird subsection of Rilla-Sneasler, I'm not sure why that's there to be frank.
  • Their speed's good on paper, and you probably do need to respect it EV-wise, you can't just assume Tail/Wake/Shocks are all Speed Booster, y'know? But like, a lot of their mons are going to be faster than you expect, which isn't super ideal for you. Scarf on ChiYu or Ape, Proto on Tail/Wake/Shocks, you're going to be struggling with speed here.
  • They have mediocre removal, but Spin on Torkoal isn't the worst. They have a lot of good setup for Rocks, but (T)Spikes are going to mostly be 'mons that want to do other things. But if I'm them, I maybe bring hazardstack into you, because your only removal is Tidy Up. So Maus might have to be mandatory for you here, though hazardstack on Sun is really difficult.
  • If I'm them, I'm not bothering with the GTerrain silliness or hazardstack. I don't think Sneasler does super well into you at a glance, it takes up space that is better spent elsewhere. I also want to avoid a situation where I've gotten CEdge'd or whatever and am stuck removing all my hazards to get hazards off.
  • Torkoal has to come, Wake has to come, Chi-Yu has to come, IMO. I make Chi-Yu scarf here, I don't trust the sun, and since I'm also bringing Corv, it does seem like it can get enough free turns here to get Defog off, and this is also my helmet answer for Maus/Weav/Samu, so I can more rely on hazards not impeding my Chi-Yu too much.
#
  • Two slots left. Here is a bunch of flexibility - they could gterrain, they could Tail+Shocks utility/hazard stack, hell even Annihilape could come. I don't think Lilligant or Drifblim are particularly likely, but I suppose they aren't impossible. I bring Tails+Shocks personally, but there are other avenues.
  • For you, I think DeoS is my only default "must bring" - could put Rain Dance on it, though make sure you're not getting outsped by stuff - you outspeed Shocks Speed, but nothing faster. Choice Scarf in theory outspeeds Unburden Sneasler. But be careful flying too close to the sun. I think Fez has to come, it looks usable as a way to stuff Walking Wake, which is like, their biggest offensive threat. It can also help against Chi-Yu pending tera?
  • I probably bring Weavile, it's going to be the fastest thing when sun isn't up if they don't have a Scarf and you're going to be lacking damage here for sure. I also bring Maushold, I absolutely cannot go into this game without removal I think. Scarf Maus is weirdly tempting but this is probably another Icarus. Scarf Weavile..?
  • Iron Moth seems usable here. It actually looks like it has some nice coverage options here, Boots and 4A is probably what I'd try? And then the final 'mon is probably like, PhysDef Bellibolt or a Band Samu or something. It's hard to build against sun especially when they have these weird alt 'mons too. You'll figure out what works best for you.
vague trout
#

idk if this is the right channel for that but it was my draft match so idk

rancid kestrel
#

This isn't really the place for replay reviews yeah, though some folks do share their replays for the fun of it - won't be much analysis of those things though here.

vague trout
#

ah ok where should i put this

rancid kestrel
#

I'm not aware of any space that is specific for replay analysis/review, though I imagine places like Smogon Draft's #1320229793270337536-help channel or other similar places that some leagues may have could be more receptive to it?

lofty wigeon
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

what pool are you in @lofty wigeon

lofty wigeon
#

5

#

Latios as a levitate mon with expanding force is intriguing

rancid kestrel
#

The question is what do you trade for it. Sneasler seems like an okay drop, but then you don't have anything above 110. Could toss like, Gouging I guess?

lofty wigeon
#

with sneasler what's the point of terrian tho

rancid kestrel
#

I mean, it's not like Fini has no use, but yeah.

lofty wigeon
#

It's lele not fini if that changes anything

rancid kestrel
#

Nah, same thought

#

Not a useless 'mon but stranger without Sneasler for sure

#

120-110-95 is not the end of the world, for sure.

#

Not ideal but not doomed.

cerulean aspen
#

Playoffs have begun.
ND Ubers

image.png
sly fable
#

I normally don’t ask for help but semi new to competitive Pokémon and I’m stuck with a team I don’t really know how to fully work with since I’m filling in for someone after they drafted
I would like help with sets and stuff please

#

Team was chien-pao landerous grimmsnarl dragonite metagross and breloom

rancid kestrel
rancid kestrel
cerulean aspen
#

somehow, someway, I went into playoffs with a 4-4 record and 2/3 of the top kill leaders
as well as the 2nd best differential in the division...
but niemad is one of the players I lost to in reg season
iirc it was flame charge solgaleo in the endgame that won

rancid kestrel
# cerulean aspen Playoffs have begun. ND Ubers
  • Why doesn't your opponent have an Arceus or a mega? Feels weird since their team doesn't seem super much like good enough to justify that. Sure, some good 'mons, but their team really is Zac/Etern/TornT/Solg + two of Lati/Wash/Volc/TingLu.
  • ArcE being your second fastest 'mon is rough into Zac/Etern/TornT. Scarf Palkia? You kinda don't have other Scarf options. But like is Scarf Palkia doing enough to Zac/Etern? Gods I'm not good enough at NDUbers to really go in depth here...
  • I don't like their hazards game. Exclusively Defog on 'mons that are hard to bring Defog on, when your primary setter is TingLu? But you don't have an absorber for Etern TSpikes.
  • I don't see a reason for them to not bring their best four. From there, I'd bring a Scarf Latias and Klefki for screens, since you're speed-deficient and most of their 'mons can be setup threats. But I can bring Ting-Lu for hazards, Rotom-Wash for taking hits from CalyI, that kinda stuff.
  • For you, presumably CalyI comes, it's your best 'mon right? Deoxys helps with speed, ArcE is an Arceus. Palkia with scarf and Terap for removal? You could maybe leave behind Tera, Treads maybe is slightly better into Torn/Zac/Etern if they dont carry Fire-type moves (they should, you have a CalyI). I probably bring OgerC here, but I could see Steela or Prima coming. Sorry this is a bit of a weaker review, I definitely think you can win this but I'm not knowledgeable enough in this meta to really see the lines.
cerulean aspen
sly fable
#

These are the mons that got drafted and cant use gimmicks

A1650712-1DA5-4527-BAF2-B445BF877E1C.jpg
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

Okay. You're not going to get a ton of help for VGC here, it's pretty distant from standard SV Draft. Are you playing in-game, which is what you mean by "don't have time to get them"?

What opponent are you preparing for? I have to assume you can adjust your team and sets between opponents, that's a functional core tenet of draft, so without knowing your opponent's options it's hard to know what could be best here.

sly fable
#

Aw damn ok ;-;, this is on a cobblemon server (silly Ik) and have to get lucky to fine a legendary and I work a lot, don’t know who my next opponent is since we find out weekly who we are fighting that week

rancid kestrel
#

Oh, Cobblemon. You're definitely not going to find help here for that, sorry, Cobblemon is meaningfully different from standard 'mons to the point where there's a full rule in the server that asking for Cobblemons help in places like #comp-general is flatly not allowed

#

We have a command for it I think?

#

!cobblemon

misty plumeBOT
#

Please take a moment to review the rules of the competitive section: https://discord.com/channels/192713314399289344/1373406929317269624

Do not ask for assistance with fangames, Minecraft/Roblox mods, or other such titles. These games/mods have mechanics and available Pokémon which do not match those in the actual Pokémon games or Smogon's formats, and are often played with arbitrary rulesets.

sly fable
#

Alr, Ty

lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
#

Well done, grats!

lofty wigeon
#

first match up in a team league
Nat dex no tera

IMG_2044.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

lofty wigeon
#

(not able to make changes to my team till next week)

formal haven
#

Your team is really slow, the gap between Sneasler and Lele is basically illegal. Since most Fairies get a psychic move you're also a bit limited to dealing with fairies with only 1.5 resists, which means Gholdengo is going to be working overtime. I do like the hazard stack with Lele + Sneasler, but I think you are better off trading Gouging for something a bit faster. As it stands everything from 110 to 119 can run an attack boosting nature which includes some monsters like Ogerpons, Latis, Mega Diance, Mega Gallade. I would look to fill that gap with something if you could

lofty wigeon
#

I'm also ground weak so it helps with that too

formal haven
#

Ah yeah that should help out a lot of the gaps in your team

rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon first match up in a team league Nat dex no tera
  • Not a Wobb game, given that they seem to have infinite pivoting options. I'm not sure where their hazard setting comes from, and their 116-100-88 drop is unfortunately not really something you can take advantage of, especially since to me this seems like a Tapu Lele scarf game.
  • Yeah I dunno what their hazards plan is. When Kecleon is half of your hazard setting, you've messed up, for sure. They have decent removal and Court Change goes around Dengo, but like, are they hoping you hazard-stack them to get up their hazards? I guess you do have a Hamu, but like, that can't be a good plan.
  • I'm honestly not sure what their team is. Torn has okay synergy with most things and has a regen partner in Alo, but without Tera is it really your star player? Ace, Val, Zap, Melm, hell even Exca and Alo are reasonable threats, but like, what's the path here? Just a buncha beatsticks supported by a regen core?
#
  • I count seven Pokemon that I want to bring to every game for them (sorry to Flapple and Kecleon, I guess), so the question is which gets left behind. Alomomola and TornT seem necessary, between Hamu/Tusk/Goug for the former and Lele/Dengo for the latter. I wouldn't leave Zap behind either, Alo could use some help on the physical side of things. Honestly, is Cinderace left behind here? Seems not great into Sneasler, Gouging, Tusk, Samu... but are they going to give up Court Change? I guess it's not like Dengo wants to switch into Exca clicking Spin.
  • For you, I don't think Wobb or the NFEs can come, so I think you're relying on your default six here. I think Lele should be scarf here, Tusk feels more utility here to me, Dengo I think needs Balloon, but like, these are logical decisions that then end up in "oh IV destroys me" doesn't it? Can Sneasler handle IV? I guess if IV switches out it loses the Booster boost and then Lele outspeeds, but man I'm really not seeing the IV response here.
  • Maybe Dengo is the IV answer and you just let the spins happen? How often is Hamu clicking CEdge into this team, anyway, maybe on Alo or Zap only? Everything else feels like you wanna be clicking Razor Shell, and even Zap you kinda don't wanna touch bc Static. I dunno.
  • Gouging Fire I'm not super sure how to use in this game, since IV always outspeeds if you're both Booster'd/+1. But IV surely can't OHKO Gouging Fire, right? 252 Specs Moonblast doesn't do 80% even to 0/0. Is that the IV angle? 252 Band Hamu AJet does around 35 to 0/0 IV, but that's a hard commitment to make, and it's not like IV's their only threat either. But I'm not super sure what Gouging does otherwise I guess? It threatens Melm I suppose, but like, 252+ Band DIB is not doing 90% to Tusk, and with a Helmet and a Headlong Rush (50-60 to 252/0 Melm) you probably position it to be revenge killed surely. Kinda went rambly here but I think I touched on most things?
lofty wigeon
# rancid kestrel - I count seven Pokemon that I want to bring to every game for them (sorry to Fl...

A lot of what you're saying I was already considering while I was making the team which hopefully means i'm learning a bit from you, I appreciate how much help you've been

I think my IV angle is Roar on Gouging or revenging it off of unburdened Sneal
I think Lele is specs here over scarf unfortunately, it can't unrun a boosted IV or a scarf Torn T. I'm able to speed creep exca for the energy ball ohko

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

I'm not sure I see Scarf Torn coming, but that's a fair concern. What's Shuca Gold doing if it's not actually hitting Exca back? As for RMoon, I kinda think MSun over DD, I don't think Goug here really should be a sweeper? I dunno.

lofty wigeon
#

last match up, and it's a win and in to playoffs

IMG_2052.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

lofty wigeon
cerulean aspen
#

you kill fini you win no

lofty wigeon
#

took g dar as his first pick

#

totally not the reason i got dragu at 5

cerulean aspen
#

so their removal is eleki spin, fini defog, and some other shitters not worth mentioning

lofty wigeon
#

M Maw just kinda solos this

cerulean aspen
#

could you put this on the "HOME" page

#

easier to see

lofty wigeon
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

lofty wigeon
#

Oops

#

Yeah Screens deo onto mawile ?

cerulean aspen
#

hrm

#

okay

#

idk if screens is great since fini can always defog it

#

and kartana probs blows up mmaw with sacred sword anad lives sucker (probably)

#

unfortunately a gdarm check for you just doesn't exist, mmaw and keld are not sturdy checks
Kingambit is a bit better

lofty wigeon
#

Can't defog in front of Mawile tho

#

otherwise Pult starts going silly

cerulean aspen
#

I mean... Defiant Kingambit can punish Defog Fini

#

tbh with Deo-s I would just go hazard stack knock psycho boost here, idk

lofty wigeon
#

Plus +2 punch after rocks has a 62 chance to kill

cerulean aspen
#

ieleki can't break lando/pult and if you get a free +2 on kingambit it might be game

rancid kestrel
#

(ill do in depth thoughts tmrw on both these games fwiw)

lofty wigeon
#

Scared sword only foes 39% +4 is killing

lofty wigeon
#

he just wanted a clearer picture

rancid kestrel
#

oh the organizational shit is different, oops

#

tomorrow anyways. maaaaaybe i find time tonight

lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon
  • I don't like their team much - where is their star player like S&S said? Sure, you don't have a real GDarm answer, but like, that's not a top tier. I also don't like how quickly their 'mons fall off. Nine Pokemon but are Hakamo-o, Togekiss, or Flygon ever able to come? But like, surely they don't leave their TCs both out? But like, who do you leave behind for Flygon? Eleki?
  • Yikes, their speed. 200-109-100? It's not like you're positioned to take advantage of it, but are they running double Scarf or something? I don't see the Speed control here really otherwise beyond like, Best Boost Kart. Seems like one of GDarm, Flygon, or Fini have to be Scarfing each week.
  • This setting is carried by Ting, and their removal's okay but sucks to be basically all Defog and then the most abusable Rapid Spinner when Ting really wants to hazard stack for GDarm and the other scarfers. What's reasonably running removal here beyond Eleki? Fini, I guess? Kart can't be running Defog as the fastest 'mon surely.
  • If I'm them, I'm figuring out what isn't coming. Hakamo-o is the easy first drop. It's actually a touch harder from there. I don't see what Kiss does here, it doesnt have any Bad matchups and like, Fairy's nice into Pult I guess, but it seems too slow and frail to succeed here. I drop it. Finally, I think I drop Flygon. I don't like my mess dealing with MMaw Fairy type, LandoT ground immunity+Intim, and then a faster scarier Pult. However, the other drop option here is Glowking, though Chilly Reception goes brr - that's why I'm keeping it, but Glowking into Pult Lando Gambit seems not super great, yknow?
#
  • GDarm should be Scarf, if it isn't, then Kart or Flygon. Lu should be hazardstack, your removal is bad and I bet Fini can Whirlpool remove it. But maybe its needed for Pult? Either way Lando lets in GDarm pretty freely on removals. Physdef Fini with Scald since you're basically all Physical. SpDef Glowking to handle Keld, probabyl, Regieleki for removal and a dream that eventually Lando stops existing...
  • For you, I'm of a similar mind to S&S - MMaw looks good here, I like DeoS and Pult as per usual. Wow, your top three 'mons are good, who knew. Past that things get complicated. Lando has to come for removal at least. Keldeo should come, you can figure out a good Tera here probably - Steel seems decent defensively to me, its not Keld's job to handle Kart anyway, leave that to Lando probably.
  • Final mon, it's probably OgerW, I'm not huge on Draft Gambit personally. Trailblaze SD Superpower Cudgel/PWhip? Could fuck up Kart/GDarm something fierce and then the final move depends if you wanna fuck up Fini or Glowking harder.
icy wyvern
#

I was told I could post here for team building help. They have some interesting rules but I'll just start by posting my team.

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

What format is this for, @icy wyvern

icy wyvern
#

Its National Dex Single battle

#

im not great with terminology, I hope thats correct

rancid kestrel
#

Like, a ladder team?

icy wyvern
#

Im sorry, could you define ladder team?

rancid kestrel
#

Like, what is this team intended for?

icy wyvern
#

oh I see

#

its for a tournament being held by my friends

#

I joined so I could get some more experience with pvp but I'm out of my depth. xD

rancid kestrel
#

And in this tournament, did you and your friends pick Pokemon ahead of time and are limited to using just those Pokemon?

icy wyvern
#

yes. we picked a total of 9 pokemon and are allowed to make team changes between matches, however our oppponents are chosen at random based on round robin rules

rancid kestrel
#

Okay, and what Pokémon do you have that aren’t listed, and what nine Pokemon does your opponent have that you are planning to use this team against?

icy wyvern
#

my full roster is: Indeedee-F, Umbreon, Magearna, Tentacruel, Goodra, Tsareena, Toucannon, Abomasnow, Hitmonchan

#

I can also post what everyone else has if that helps

rancid kestrel
#

I need specifically whatever roster your opponent has that you intend to bring this team to play against.

icy wyvern
#

hmmm. okay.

#

team 3 is my next opponent

rancid kestrel
#

When I have some time I will do a writeup of my thoughts. Probably in a few hours or more, at worst tomorrow.

icy wyvern
#

Thank you very much. Theres no rush, as I have until Wednesday to build.

rancid kestrel
#

@icy wyvern - what are the Tera and Z-Move rules? I assume Dynamax is banned? Am I safe to assume that, say, Abomasnow does not have access to Mega or that Goodra cannot be Hisuian Goodra?

icy wyvern
#

Tera rules are normal I think. One pokemon per match can tera

rancid kestrel
#

But it's every Pokemon can use every Tera type?

icy wyvern
#

yeah

rancid kestrel
#

That's definitely not normal for Draft, but sure. Let me write up my thoughts.

icy wyvern
#

Thank you. 😀

rancid kestrel
#
  • I will only briefly touch on the structure, this league is particularly strange and a glance at the rosters has me perplexed. It's not the end of the world, people can do what they want, but while this is within normal ND parameters, Tera aside, the Pokemon selected are so far outside the average range that it makes it difficult to apply standard Draft advice.
  • There is one Pokemon at or above Base 100, a confusing place to be. Traditionally, Pokemon like Tentacruel and Tinkaton run little to no Speed in Draft, as they need defensive stats and are rarely outrunning any of the game-relevant Pokemon. In this game, they are the fastest and third fastest Pokemon respectively.
  • You have no real hazard setting, while your opponent has little hazard removal. If I had seen just these, I could've maybe convinced myself that these teams were closer to standard - it doesn't feel like randomly assigned Pokemon or picking favorites given there's reasonable hazard play here. It's unfortunate that they have a Toxapex and reasonable removal and that you can't really put Spikes on Magearna (it's your best 'mon, and the best 'mon in the game by far and maybe the league, it can't be wasted spikestacking).
  • With these kinda structures, it can help to identify weaknesses. You struggle against Ice Flying Fairy, which can be taken advantage of by nothing really except for Tera. I would be worried about offensive Tinkaton and Tera Toxtricity.
  • Your opponent has a pretty bad lack of resistances to Ghost, and a more manageable problem with Dragon. However, their huge problem IMO is Ground, with a ton of weaknesses and only two resistances being frail in Shiinotic and Golisopod.
#
  • If I'm your opponent, my angle is offensive Tinkaton and a Tera Flying Toxtricity - the former is hard to really wall, SD Gigaton PlayRough is really only managed by Tentacruel, which doesn't have great healing options. Toxtricity can help with the Ground weakness and Flying does quite well against the Electric resists you have.
  • From there, I add Milotic to guard against Magearna, Mudsdale and Toxapex for further defensive options, and then Morpeko for some more offense plus potential removal.
  • If I'm you, I like Goodra, what with their struggle against Dragon. Tentacruel needs to come for removal, I don't see your Defoggers making the cut realistically. Umbreon should come as well, I think I like Wishpassing given your lack of easy healing on your best 'mons. Plus you need something defensive, Phys Tenta for Tink and SpD Umbreon for stuff like Toxtricity. It can be PhysDef if you have other prep for Tox.
  • Mage is the best 'mon you have and the centerpoint of your team. This is probably what should be using Tera, and I don't know which type you'd prefer but I think I'd bring Ground w/ CM FleurCannon TBolt TeraBlast?
  • The rest of your Pokemon are less motivating for the final two slots. I vaguely like Scarf Trick Indeedee, speed control's always nice and Trick can mess up a strategy of your opponent's. Just don't give it to Toxtricity or Morpeko.
  • From there, last 'mon will depend what you want. I can see the most value in like, Tsareena, but I don't really think you have a wrong answer so long as you enjoy and try to have fun. My advice is all just my own thoughts, so long as you like what you've built and you enjoy your battle, win or loss, then that's the goal!
icy wyvern
rancid kestrel
#

Up to you! I am bad at using TR in singles so I can't say I'm the best at giving advice here. I think that TR isn't actively bad, but in this matchup I'd not want to move second after Torkoal, Mudsdale, Pex, or Golisopod, personally.

icy wyvern
#

Good point. I'll probably shelf TR for my next match

rancid kestrel
#

Something to consider, yeah.

icy wyvern
#

What is "SD"?

rancid kestrel
#

Swords Dance

icy wyvern
#

oh okay, makes sense. so it looks like my biggest worry is probably tinkaton and Toxtricity. from watching my opponents last match its clear they think like you. xD

rancid kestrel
#

That's the conclusion I've reached, yeah. Others may think different things, but those are my thoughts.

icy wyvern
#

I appreciate it. this helps a lot

icy wyvern
#

It looks like a Scarf on my Magearna could be an effective sweep with Ground Tera > Tera Blast?

rancid kestrel
#

Scarf Mage is a good option, yeah, if you like that feel free to try it out!

icy wyvern
#

I think I will. 🙂

#

I think I like the trick indeedee idea too, but I know she likes to use Spore with Shiinotic, so Im thinking to Trick an assault vest onto it...

rancid kestrel
#

You can't Trick while holding an Assault Vest.

icy wyvern
#

ah... thats true

#

got ahead of myself 😅

rancid kestrel
#

Happens, no worries

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

cerulean aspen
#

?

formal haven
#

Opponent about to show up with that Calyrex-Shadow-Rider and 4 more mons because their team has a fusion

serene shale
#

Bro tell me that's not possible, right

cerulean aspen
#

is this you? like, do you want advice in this match...?

#

the way its worded is a bit weird

#

oh okay
what's the paste?

#

it's Bo3?

#

or -2 differential loss in which case who predicts that

#

💀

#

even more 💀

vague trout
#

this is my next matchup

#

im on the left

#

tricky this time i think

rancid kestrel
#

What are their Tera Captains?

rancid kestrel
vague trout
#

oh right mb

#

they have tera water hisui avalugg and tera ice jolteon

#

while i have tera ground scyther and tera grass salazzle

rancid kestrel
# vague trout
  • I like their top tiers here, IV Chomp backed up by Hamu and Glowking is pretty good. Their tertiaries, however, are a touch weaker - Moltres and Tinkaton make a decent six, but where is the flexibility? Jolteon is alright but single track, HAvalugg is a mostly failed 'mon, and then what? Trevenant?
  • Their speed tiers look not great, but it's about alright if you squint, 130-116-102-94 is like, you aren't missing any meaningful space really. But it's not ideal either, because the next thing after Chomp that wants to run speed is Hamu at 85, and IV/Chomp both will be able to increase speed.
  • Their hazards are never going to be bad with Chomp and Hamu really, but like, look at their removal. Solo-Spin ft a bunch of mediocre 'mons? Are they going to try to force that stuff? Moltres and Jolt already kinda push boots, so maybe they just run a buncha Boots? But like, they're good at setting and terrible at removal.
  • I really do think that its just their top six here. Maybe they drop either of Molt/Tink (Molt into Salazzle/Keld/Tusk/Toise/Bolt, Tink into Salazzle/Tusk/Meta don't seem great but these are still good mons) to pick up Jolt and or a spinner? Hitmonchan at least doesn't have a glaring weakness to a major piece of yours.
#
  • IDK what IV does here but you can probably make it sad with Metagross...? Hard to know what side it hits. AV Meta's maybe not terrible with some defensive investment? Check your calcs. I hate IV so much I can never predict physical vs special.
  • Chomp can be rocks sd, that's what I'd run at least at first glance. EQ+Scale Shot covers everything barring Balloon Diancie and/or Tera. Scarf Hamu here IMO, defensive/utility Tink and Molt, generic good stuff. Maybe I'm a hater but I don't like Jolt here, AV Meta probably eats it for breakfast? And like, Diancie exists? I think Glowking does work even with the threat of Tusk, it seems useful against Bolt and Toise and can probably stand up to some Meow?
  • For you, Meow does work here, IDK what switches into PRough happily besides Moltres. I bring Tusk for spinning, I like a scarf Keldeo here, it seems like once a team has been put through the ringer, I'm not sure what's stopping Keld.
  • Bolt seems fine here, Chomp makes your life hell but otherwise you kinda have the run of the place for the most part? I think Meta's gotta come like mentioned, and then the final 'mon is probably either Dianice or Blastoise depending on how your team develops further.
#

Bit of a shorter one given what you've said about already being ready and just wanting takes.

  • I like your Rain variant here for sure, Bascu does a ton here if rain is up, and Spectrier becomes a lot harder to handle. Horoark finally has its first matchup ever in SV where it has value, so congratulations to it. I also like Screens here, but I don't think it can really coexist with rain.
  • Double 130 only to drop to 100 in speed is bonkers to me. Is the Flygon doomed to be Scarf every game? Tusk I guess can Scarf. I refuse to believe Mabostiff is ever a real choice.
  • Their hazard removal is not good. Just Tusk? Yikes. At least they can put hazards up with Skarm. Your hazards aren't better, to be clear. They might just hazardstack you.
  • Spec / Flygon / Fez / Tusk / Skarm + one of Tran, Milo, or Jolteon. Gut instinct, Milo. Identify the Horo via hazards or HP%, then go to town with Tera Flygon and Spectrier. That'd be my game plan, I think.
  • Toed / Bascu / Arch / OgerW / Horoark + 1. Probably Latios, but I can see attempt at Screens Rain with Grimm, or like, SpD Moltres for another Spec answer? But like, it's probably Scarf Latios, I'd think.
rancid kestrel
#

Up to you - I don't do feedback in direct messages, but as always it's just my personal thoughts on things.

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

Latios to Latias is probably fine, though I question how often a rain team is going to have the time to pull those off, probably.

Pelipper IMO is a better setter than Politoed. Magnezone feels a bit whatever, but if it's what the costs necessitate? Removal/setting is mostly the same level, speed tiers are still whatever. Can't say I'm thrilled that your fairy resist goes from Moltres to Magnezone, that's for sure a downgrade.

#

all that makes sense to me. if your lati is already playing support then latias prob is better positioned

lofty wigeon
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

Can't do a review until tomorrow but what Shifu is that and what are the Tera/Z-Move rules?

lofty wigeon
#

No worries just double checked and they are also in this server

#

Just raw tho, no tera

rancid kestrel
#

Z-Moves?

lofty wigeon
#

Only gimmick is mega, HP banned as well if that's notable

#

also it was the wrong person so i'm good

cerulean aspen
#

Quick notes version:
their removal is defog mowtom and spin brambleghast (2 grasses). Unfortunately, Bramble bonks Dengo really easily. However, spikes chipping potential tankchomp / heatran / fez / manaphy into range of sneasler is good.
Speaking of Sneasler it is 1000% your win condition this game. Close Combat / Dire Claw / Throat Chop / SD + Psychic Seed absolutely blows up your opponent's team with spikes support.

Their hazards game into you is unfortunately very good as well, spikes chomp + spinblocker bramble into tusk is not great.

#

I think the path to winning is just getting Sneasler in once you confirm everything is in +2 range, which is not hard considering your hazards game w/ spikes

rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon
  • Not the biggest fan of their speed tiers. Ambipom isn't a real Pokemon, they're cluttered in the 100-90 range (bad for you contextually) and its 130-102? You can't take advantage of like, any of this, really. Who's their scarfer? Shifu I guess. Chomp can but shouldn't.
  • Their hazard setting is meh. Relies too much on Chomp and harder-to-bring 'mons. Tran can set Rocks I guess. Their removal are 'mons that are really hard to bring but kinda have to come. At least they have decent absorption.
  • So Spec, Chomp, and Shifu have to come. I assume Shifu's the scarfer here, since Scarf Spec doesn't outspeed Unburden Ada Sneasler anyway. I hope Chomp isn't relegated to setting hazards, it's kinda needed for like, Gouging/Dengo/Hamu to some extent. PhysDef Chomp might be a play here.
  • Bramble comes, its good into your hazard play Hamu aside, but it can in theory outspeed and PWhip but Sucker exists. But yeah they wanna keep hazards off etc. No item Dengo might be a legit reply to Bramble? You lose Balloon or whatever into Chomp but a PhysDef Tusk can probably help there.
  • Final two mons are two of Mana, Fez, and Tran. I bring the latter two, if they don't do Tusk fending off Tusk then they'll need something for Sneasler here, and 252/252+ Red Card Heatran lives +2 Ada CC up to 90%. Is that worth it? I dunno. Like, 252/252 Spectrier can tank Throat Chop, but surely that isn't real. 252/252+ Chomp lives up to 90%.
  • For you, Sneasler/Lele obviously have to come. I bring itemless Dengo to figure out Brambleghast, and I bring Tusk and scarf Hamu to play hazards gameplay there. Final 'mon is probably Gouging Fire, but I could see a world where Wobboffet fucks up some defensive counterplay option intended for Sneasler or something else. But like, that's probably not real.
lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
#

Oh. That's what I get for not looking closely. Latios is probably just a straight upgrade to Wobb as a general statement.

cerulean aspen
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

cerulean aspen
#

All Z-A megas have their first form abilities

#

the one MU where singles* Incineroar looks like god

rancid kestrel
cerulean aspen
full meteor
#

Wanted some pointers on possible options for my team composition.. I am open to all help, and ideally a few suggestions on changes to my team.

My current record with this team in the draft league that im in is 2-1 (+9) so its going fairly well with this setup. The format is NatDex Draft; each team can have one tera captain and one mega. The mega of the pokemon is separate to the actual pokemon (so two players could have the same pokemon technically, the just have to use the mega if thats what was drafted).

Dont worry about what the other teams may have, just want to increase my own team's synergy.

image.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
full meteor
rancid kestrel
#

Can I have a link to the board, @full meteor?

formal haven
#

And are the tera captains taxed? Free or only under a certain amount of points?

rancid kestrel
# full meteor Wanted some pointers on possible options for my team composition.. I am open to ...

I'll respond to this first, since it's just a team reivew, sure. I'll get to you S&S soon/later.

  • Bisharp should not be your TC, it honestly won't even be coming to most games honestly. Enamorus and Raging Bolt are fantastic TCs, both perform notably worse when not able to Tera, and both will be regular players in your games. Shifu and Ape can Tera if they're free, but shouldn't be free. Glastrier and Gliscor both exist as possible options as well, but it certainly shouldn't be Bisharp.
  • Nothing faster than 110 is alarming. Many threats lay around 110, 120, etc, and your 110 is Espeon, a 'mon that is not really bringable to your average Draft game. It just isn't threatening and doesn't do much. That's not to say you don't need a 110 area 'mon, you certainly do, but Espeon alone isn't really cutting it, and it certainly will struggle being your fastest 'mon. At least you have decent scarfers in Shifu Ape HArc.
  • Your fairy resists aren't great. HArc doesn't want to take hits, tho Amoonguss is alright. Just not really serviceable as your only Fairy resist. You also don't have a Ghost resist really at all, meaning it will be hard to stop something like Specs Darkrai spamming it.
  • You have zero hazard removal beyond Defog Gliscor. Gliscor is going to be forced to come every week and dedicate 1/4th of its moveset to removing hazards. This severly limits its ability to run stall or SD Facade sets. That's quite alarming.
  • If I'm looking for 'mons to drop to replace with things to fix the above, I drop any/all of Espeon, Glastrier,
#

Oh this is a much higher power league than your roster made it seem, oh dear.

full meteor
#

i expected that response tbh

rancid kestrel
#

They let Dragapult and Chien Pao be Tera Captains...

formal haven
#

Damn what the hell are those tera captains. It's like they took the natdex board with Tera Bans from SV, unbanned a few things but forgot to ban Tera

rancid kestrel
#

Is there some low point tera rule that I'm missing? That's the only thing that makes sense.

formal haven
#

Yeah you are, its 12 or less

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Get Hydrapple, its 12 points and tera Hydrapple is objectively worth like 14/15 on this board

full meteor
rancid kestrel
#

how many changes can you make

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5?

formal haven
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7 according to the rules

jade solar
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why did no one pick pult and chien as tera caps tho

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if they aren't tera banned

rancid kestrel
#

#1320229793270337536 message

formal haven
jade solar
#

ah

full meteor
#

and thank you all

rancid kestrel
#

Some possible things you could/should change

  • Drop Raging Bolt. Tera banned 18pt Bolt is a bad pick. Garchomp, MMaw, hell even MLop/MMedi or Zera are still on the board and are great.
  • I'd also drop Enam personally, Tera-free EnamI is maybe worth 15pt but you can get like, OgerH or Scream Tail or Latias - something with a decent speed tier.
  • Get Hydrapple somehow. Make that your Tera Captain.
formal haven
#

Hmm I do think you are going to have to overhaul your entire team to be honest. I think the best spinner that is still on the board is going to be the 10 point Blastoise. I would also suggest grabbing a mega, Lopunny fixes both your speed tier and give you a strong beat stick. You can also just 1 for 1 trade Bolt for it. Then you can upgrade Enam to Greninja/Lati to fill the gap towards Lopunny. Lastly drop Glastier for something lower points so you can upgrade Bisharp to Hydrapple(Tera Fairy+Water/Steel is my suggestion) and most likely Espeon for Blastoise

rancid kestrel
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I like those changes a lot, Twan's smarter than me for sure and managed to piece together things ^

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Dunsparce would be my gut instinct 4pt pick (if I've done the math right on the Glast->Apple swap) if only because I still don't like the Ghost matchup since Lop/Gen can't take hits and Lati makes things Worse yknow

formal haven
#

Single leftover point +1
Bolt --> Mega Lopunny +1
Enam-I --> Lati +2 or Gren -2
Bisharp --> Hydrapple -4
Espeon --> Blastoise -3
Drop Glastrier to make up for the points

rancid kestrel
#

(i recommend gren personally!)

formal haven
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^^ I do too

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You might drop Shifu Rapid if you do tho, because you have a better fighting and better water to bring with you. You might want to swap that out

rancid kestrel
#

Eh, doing so leaves no base 100 region 'mon really

formal haven
#

I was going to suggest Jirachi but that makes you pretty ghost weak

rancid kestrel
# cerulean aspen
  • Not sure how you're taking hits from Mega Delphox. SpD Incin, I guess? Stunfisk is for sure not coming so I suppose it's Incin.
  • 134 to 105 to 95 is rough. Lots of space for Meow and IV and Mega Skarm to have fun.
  • I don't know what either of these megas do, I'll be totally honest. I know MSkarm's an offense threat now but I assume MDelph is more or less just a level up?
  • They have no response to Rock or Ghost as types. Flying is also pretty good into them. Not really able to do much of those but hey MSkarm can do Rock and Flying probably and Ghost, I dunno, IV or Mew have coverage?
  • Their setting is exclusively Gliscor. Their removal is a touch better but it's just Defog. You have infinite hazard options somehow despite it being 8mon, and you have Spin. Point in your favor if Delphox doesn't wreck you first.
  • They probably leave behind Glace and Leav right? Can't see either doing a ton here. So their defensive core is like, Fini Aegi? Not the most solid backbone ever created. But like, they have scary 'mons theoretically, but stuff like non-Tera Zarude, Gen9 Aegi, Gliscor - thse things work better theoretically than practically I think.
full meteor
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I appreciate the help

cerulean aspen
#

with so much anti-mega delphox I'm not sure if I even need the mirror coat / payapa tentacruel
that coule be freed for something like ice beam / spinner / psn move

rancid kestrel
#

The mew set stands out to me as something else that could be improved. How much does it really need to increase its speed? It seems to me like attacking from the other side of the binary might be useful, given how many physical attackers you have in roster and the likelihood that they'd prep for that more than special attack

cerulean aspen
#

though Nasty Plot could be strong
or life orb agility special set

rancid kestrel
#

I think more of like, Mew being a cleaner once Delphox is handled (or even just raw SBall as it switches in expecting to do a follow-up Encore or something)

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
#

@lofty wigeon did you delete your matchup?

lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
#

Did you have a matchup you wanted reviewed? I had some free time before lunch right now I was intending to put my thoughts together on here with but the matchup was gone.

lofty wigeon
rancid kestrel
#

fair

hollow musk
#

Hi I'm looking for help finding answer to my team in draft. Not quite sure how to use the draft document but ill do my best to provide all information.

The format rules are following Reg H on showdown. Bo3 closed team sheet, open teras.

Attached is my (left) 10 picks, vs my opponents (Right) 10 and I am having a hard time cooking up an answer for this.

this is what I have cooked up so far https://pokepast.es/86a7c254074c2e86

the idea is to lead sableye and volc, and this will work into most leads they have with the exception of smeargle gholdengo. If they figure out that lead, I think i have to try to counter the following game with incin, garg league.

the smeargle set I want to prep for is fake out, follow me, spore, protect with a sash, I think over prepping for something else would make this near impossible. Roughly what I think i am expecting is something like this. https://pokepast.es/12a2ebb8d4342663

what i want some help with is trying to figure out a potential better answer for smeargle ghold lead.

I appreciate the help

image.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

You aren't going to get a ton of good advice, VGC Draft isn't a very common format for the folks active here, espeically since the team you've shared is... your opponent's? But

  • You're missing 4 EVs on Smeargle.
  • Why do your Pokemon have 252 Speed? You're not speed tying with anything, so there's a bunch of wasted EVs in Speed that could go in defensive stats, no?
  • What does this team do against a Tera Water Garganacl? Thunder Gholdengo? That seems hard to call.
hollow musk
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there are 2 pokepastes there, if you take another look, the first one being mine

rancid kestrel
#

Yeah, I've only just now noticed a second paste higher up.

  • What in the world is the Sableye set doing w/ RD? Quash??
  • Why is FT on Kommo-o into a rain team? You aren't the response to Dengo surely.
  • Still EVs here, 252 Speed doesn't make sense in Draft unless you're legitimately speed tying with something else, in which case, you're running +SPE nature to ensure the speed tie.
hollow musk
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so 252 speed on incin could be refined more, but its so incin can outspeed jolly typhlosion after a flame charge.

252 speed on kommo actually puts him 1 speed point higher than gholdengo

rain dance on sunny day being on sableye is to mess with his leads, if he leads typhlosion, I rain dance, if he leads pelli, i can sunny day. Quash is a safety incase he tailwinds and i need to take a KO
Life orb, tera dark pick up 1HKOS on basc, typh, and ghold if they dont tera.

rancid kestrel
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Sure, I don't actually know VGC well enough to know details - I dunno that other folks who frequent this chat might have better ideas on VGC Draft. But those were just the things that caught my eye as like, Draft evergreen thoughts.

hollow musk
rancid kestrel
#

I mean, I think the VGC RMT space would send you here. There are maybe VGC Draft communities that have draft help spaces, but I'm not familiar with those.

misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

Will take a more in depth look tomorrow, but no Draft game is ever over before it starts. At a glance you both have 'good mons, and while Spectrier is a dangerous threat, I don't think it's unsurmountable.

rancid kestrel
#

Is Shed Tail permitted?

rancid kestrel
#
  • These teams confuse me. Obviously, both are built around a few extraordinary threats (Meow Shifu vs Spec TeraApple RMoon) and have otherwise not spent a ton on supplemental stuff, but I'm still not understanding a lot here.
  • Let's start with Speed. How did you both miss 110 entirely, or 100? 119 to 94 and 121 to 97 are bonkers ranges, that's so much space given up for seemingly no solid reason. And then on top of it, RMoon's likely to Booster Speed! It's truly just a hard to grasp lineup on both sides when it comes to Speed here.
  • Hazards aren't a ton better than speed. Their setting is almost entirely dependant on Glimmora, though ocassionally Pert can chime in, but like, not really. At least they have some decent hazard removal? None of them can run removal each week well, but all three can reasonably run removal every ~3rd week, give or take, probably.
#
  • But then your hazards aren't much better, being mostly dependant on your arguably best Pokemon Meowscarada, and then I guess you have Webs too. You just flatly do not have Rocks, since Golem isn't real. Your team just can't set Rocks. And then your removal is non-existent, since Hitmontop doesn't have the space to fit on games, but like, kinda has to sometimes? At least you have absorption (on another 'mon that can't really come).
  • Lil bit of a prediction of who comes, now. Spectrier, Roaring Moon, and Hydrapple (into you, probably Tera Steel? Fairy and Water are also possible answers depending on how much they respect Meow and Dengo respectively) are probably mandatory. I bring Corv to help with Shifu and Meow as well as removal of hazards. Tinkaton can help against Dengo and TornT, sorta, and then I prob bring Cyclizar if it can Shed Tail, Pert if I'm still scared of special attackers, and Iron Hands if not.
  • For you, I'm ignoring Bee, sorry, I know you have a Dengo but that's a Spectrier and I think that Webs are pretty gimmicky. Meow comes, Shifu comes, and I think even non-Tera, Torn can probably come third as it's just that good. The final three are probably some combination of Dengo, RWash, Hitmontop, Arcanine, and Bee, in that order probably. I don't see removal as being possible to leave behind, but I'm not sure Dengo+RWash can handle the defensive core responsibilities necessary into Spec RMoon IHands Apple, yknow? Maybe Torn gets left behind and you take the first four.
lofty wigeon
#

next match up for this week

IMG_2083.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
lofty wigeon
#

this one has no Tera, and no z moves or HP

rancid kestrel
#

cant split this into 2 because im -33 and -47 on any possible split, sob

#
  • I can't say I'm the biggest fan of your opponent's team. With the maybe exception of Glowking+Kyurem, it just sorta seems like a buncha good 'mons thrown together without any view of a larger plan. What's making use of Koko's ETerrain? Who is Dengo there to support with its GaG hazard nonsense - Omastar? Is there a larger consistent gameplan here that makes use of these good Pokemon, or is it just kinda thrown together? Because it looks like the latter to me and not the former. You both having Tusk Dengo is wack. Sorry. What a mess, lol.
  • 130-110-95-87 is not the speed tiers I'd like. Unfortunately, you have a practically identical 120-110-95-87, though your 120 is more fake speed than their 130 is, and Lele probably wants to run some defensive EVs? You have a better Scarfer though, since I'm not convinced into Dengo/Lele that Kyurem wants to run Scarf.
  • I don't like their hazards. Removal's alright, but I'm not convinced Mandibuzz often finds a slot on the team and Koko doesn't want to be saddled with removal. But their hazard setting is Omastar, mostly fake, and then a handful of other 'mons who'd rather be doing other things most games - you don't get OgerH to spikestack with it, yknow? At least Mandi's like, decent into Dengo/Lati/Sneas/Tusk somewhat. But is that worth bringing it? I'm not convinced.
  • The question when building here is not what comes, but what doesn't come. Answer one is Omastar, sorry to it but not in this game. Too many things can reasonably run Mirror Herb and you don't outspeed Scarf Lele anyway, and are you really hazard stacking with Omastar? Sure you have Dengo, but...
#
  • The other thing that has to stay behind is... Mandibuzz unironically seems useful here, but what are you leaving behind to bring it? Glowking and make Kyurem harder to use? Tusk and rely on Mandibuzz to handle Dengo preventing removal? Maybe you just leave Mandibuzz behind. It's not OGerH, surely? OgerH is just generically good enough that een into Lati Sneasler Lele whatever that you can make it work, right?
  • Dengo is Scarf here IMO, you have a bad Ghost weakness and packing that Speed is going to help break apart your team. Koko is maybe Screens here, it vaguely looks like something that would fuck up calcs that Sneasler or Lati really rely on. Tusk is probably dealing with hazards and being a PhysDef response, Glowking and Kyu handle SpDef and sweeping threats. OgerH as just a breaker, maybe pivoting to mess with your team to set up Dengo/Kyurem.
  • For you, another week another Wobb bench. Maybe there's an angle, but like, I'm not exactly going to be a Wobb respecter. I think Missy's also not the angle here, your Ghost weakness is bad enough already. I'm not seeing what Thwackey brings here, I don't see the angle of like, oh Koko's terrain is a big deal here that Lele doesn't "solve", personally, yknow? Maybe Eviolite SpD Thwackey is your miracle Dengo switchin, but 70/60 without checking calcs isn't super motivating.
#
  • They have a pretty exploitable ground weakness, though stuff like OgerH and Koko have means of responding. I kinda wonder if Scarf Tusk is the play over Scarf Hamu, but that's a you call. Sneasler and Lele will do standard stuff as usual, you may wanna try to slot in Brick Break on Sneasler for the screens I think are coming? IDK if you have the moveslots for it.
  • Your Dengo prob should be Balloon for their Tusk, and if your Tusk isn't Scarf then it's either Lati (to counter their Scarfer) or Hamu. But Hamu has Sucker so IDK if I'm so worried about mindgames, given that I'm expecting their Dengo to be Scarf. They don't have a much better option for speed control beyond Koko.
#

@lofty wigeon oops forgot to ping

lofty wigeon
fossil badger
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

fossil badger
#

opponent team

IMG_0220.jpeg
rancid kestrel
#

what is your full team, please?

lofty wigeon
fossil badger
#

we also got dragonite, clefable, riolu, and raichu alola in the back

rancid kestrel
#

I'll try to put some thoughts together later, but VGC Draft is not commonly played by the folks who do rating here, so I will do my best for some generic draft advice.

fossil badger
#

that’s okay

spice peak
#

would be great to have it on image so i can think more easily

fossil badger
#

unfortunately the doc is kinda outdated

spice peak
#

that being said I think not bringing ur dnite is a big mistake especially when your opponent has Rilla sneasler torracat

#

I'd definitely do tera ghost on chienpao over stellar to alleviate some fake out pressure

#

possibly stomping tantrum + tera steel/fairy on kommo instead of poison

fossil badger
#

oh fuck wrong one

2025_11_28_0n1_Kleki.png
spice peak
#

appreciate it

#

I think their biggest threat into u is the arch

#

so ideally u want to kill it as fast as possible

#

I'd expect them to bring arch politoed kingsra Rilla sneasler cornerpon

#

definitely do sitrus over eject button

fossil badger
#

yeah if i can get +2 with kommo o I kinda win

spice peak
#

you want longevity to spam wide guard often

fossil badger
#

Wait should i go quick guard

#

My opponent doesn’t have a good spread move

spice peak
#

you can do it but I don't necessarily think you have to

#

muddy water

#

they're gonna run muddy water on both toed and kingdra

fossil badger
#

oh yeah

spice peak
#

and maybe icy wind

#

I'd keep the wide guard

fossil badger
#

lokix kinda ohkos kingdra with one first impression

spice peak
#

not if it protects

#

I'd honestly just run dragonite over lokix

#

inner focus tailwind or some sort

#

to have speed control vs rain

fossil badger
#

Jumpluff has tailwind

#

my strat is to turn the rain to sun

spice peak
#

I'm aware

#

I just think you might have a harder time to do it than expected

#

It's not particularly bulky lol

fossil badger
#

Yeah, I don’t know if i should also lead Hitmontop and set the sun up

spice peak
#

between ogerpon sneasler

#

jumpluff will have a really hard time

#

and i wouldn't ever justify teraing jumpluff on this matchup

fossil badger
#

so what should i lead

spice peak
#

I was thinking u could lead top + dnite, it's not a passive lead

#

bulky enough to tank hits and dish something back

fossil badger
#

if he leads arch though that might be a problem

spice peak
#

I could see something like white herb sneasler or some sort as something they could bring

spice peak
fossil badger
#

Hitmontop won’t do enough damage and because my Dragonite isn’t trained in Speed he can outspeed and OHKO Dragonite

spice peak
#

....is this in-game lol

fossil badger
#

No

spice peak
#

then ev dragonite to be faster than arch?

#

It's naturally faster

fossil badger
#

DNite is base 80 arch is base 85

spice peak
#

wait

fossil badger
#

Although he probably won’t invest too heavily into Speed

spice peak
#

arch won't run max speed

#

It'll run bulk

lofty wigeon
#

Yeah Arch is all about longevity unless it's scarfed

#

and you can beat a scarfed one

spice peak
#

If it's max speed that means it's gonna be far easier to deal with

#

meaning it's not gonna be bulky at all

fossil badger
#

but what can dragonite do

spice peak
#

spinner > crash on pao vs Rilla too

#

scale shot tailwind stomping tantrum protect would be a fine set I think

#

you just stomping + cc the arch

#

or just tailwind cc

fossil badger
#

who in the back

spice peak
#

two of heatran pao or kommo

fossil badger
#

couldn’t multiscale survive one draco

spice peak
#

you want inner focus

fossil badger
#

alr

spice peak
#

your opponent has at least 3 fake out users

fossil badger
#

oh yeah my last opponent was caught off guard by the tera poison kommo o

#

but this opponent can see the replay so

spice peak
#

is it not open tera

fossil badger
#

it is

#

but he didn’t account for it in his prep

spice peak
#

lol

#

I think it's just like

#

poison is a very bad defensive tera for this matchup specifically

#

ur opponent has no fairy coverage and instead has dragon coverage

#

so u want something that resists that/immune to that

queen zealot
# fossil badger it is

btw if you just want tera stellar on Chien pao for extra damage I recommend getting tera ghost to protect ur sash after one protect and dodge cc from sneasler

spice peak
#

yeah that's what I said

#

definitely do tera ghost over stellar

#

you don't need the extra damage

queen zealot
#

also i feel like leech life is unnecessary here

spice peak
#

I'd just drop lokix altogether honestly

fossil badger
#

i’m not bringing lokix anymore

queen zealot
spice peak
#

I think it's a deadweight

#

in this matchup

#

between intimidate and potential fake out pressure

fossil badger
#

should i run 76 speed to outspeed arch

queen zealot
spice peak
#

I'd ev dragonite to be faster than modest kingdra

queen zealot
#

what dragonite set are you running?

spice peak
#

w tera steel

fossil badger
#

scale shot stomping tw protect

queen zealot
#

but stomping is good for arch i guess

spice peak
#

that's also something you can run alternatively if you want to play more offensively

queen zealot
#

btw respect sneasler with rilla a lot

fossil badger
#

modest kingdra hits 137

queen zealot
#

its very threatening towards you

spice peak
#

so be 138 speed dnite

fossil badger
#

Ill have to go + speed 252 then

queen zealot
#

if u think 252 is too much of a waste

fossil badger
#

that provides incredible switch ins for archaludon

spice peak
#

not necessarily

fossil badger
#

well into archaludon

spice peak
#

if it leads arch and u have sword of ruin out

#

u can threaten it with stomping

queen zealot
#

I feel like u could use Lokix to bait fake out from rilla and if not just first impression and still do a ton with rilla teraing

spice peak
#

sure it baits fake out but it's not going to be threatening without first impression

queen zealot
#

oh btw wouldnt u want to train hitmontop in speed so u can prevent fake out from rilla from hitting

spice peak
#

^ I'd do that

queen zealot
#

eviolite torracat seems so fun lol

spice peak
#

torracat is eh but it's matchup here is good

#

not having knock sucks

queen zealot
#

tbh the team isnt really that offensive

#

I think u could just go full offensive dnite

#

heatran here is not good at all 😭

fossil badger
#

psycological warfare

spice peak
#

I think heatran is needed in case of av tera fairy arch

#

otherwise he really has no answer for it

#

luckily your opponent doesn't have a comfey otherwise I'd just pack it up and go home

queen zealot
#

heatran matches up into arch really well but being threatened by 3/4 of the opposing team is just so not worth it

#

but u could def bench it just incase

spice peak
#

it's a necessary evil regardless

queen zealot
#

is it OTS btw?

spice peak
#

no

#

unlikely

#

It's just open tera

fossil badger
#

cts but tera open

#

bo3

queen zealot
#

ic

#

I feel like we haven’t talked about ogerpon

#

The guy is worrying

#

Especially because of sturdy

fossil badger
#

she also dies to kommo o and has nothing for it

#
  • dies to heatran
spice peak
#

I mean it has encore

queen zealot
spice peak
#

I think you're equipped enough to deal with it but I'd wary of encore

#

and u have intimidate top anyway

queen zealot
#

ic thats fine then

spice peak
#

just be careful to not get your kommo-o / top get encored

fossil badger
#

well theres mental herb

queen zealot
spice peak
#

you want sitrus for longevity

queen zealot
#

If ur not doing that already

#

Like someone with all possible outcome trams

#

teams

#

and most likely combinations

#

If u feel like ur not clicking or brining something enough then you can always change it up

#

im gone now bye bye

spice peak
#

u prob can ask in smog draft server for m4m and maybe someone will take u up

fossil badger
#

bye

#

oh yeah what should i put for kommo o’s 4th move

#

it was poison jan

#

jab

spice peak
#

tantrum

#

u want something to hit chandy just in case

fossil badger
spice peak
#

?

#

how does it touch chandy?

fossil badger
#

for arch

spice peak
#

u have body press already

#

dont double up with low kick

#

u dont want ur kommo to get walled by chandelure

fossil badger
#

no on dnite

spice peak
#

oh

#

low kick would be better yes

fossil badger
#

im wondering if i go tw scale shot or full offense

spice peak
#

preference

#

tantrum i think might just be better overall than low kick cuz it also hits sneasler/torracat

#

but low kick is also ok

fossil badger
#

eh i think i should

#

go full offense

#

fletchinder dies to espeed

#

fletchling*

#

yeah he’s def not sending out kingdra without rain

lofty wigeon
#

First match of Top 8

IMG_2088.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

cerulean aspen
#

Iron Valiant goes stupid here

rancid kestrel
# lofty wigeon First match of Top 8
  • Can't say I'm a fan of their team. It's a buncha sorta-good 'mons, but nothing stands out as really incredible. Blace was good once, sure, Hydrei's an alright scarfer sure, Melm can't be ignored and stuff like the sun subsection or Smeargle can cause problems, but like, where's their Dragapult?
  • 115-107-98 is okay. It's not good into you, to be clear, and Blace hates being slower than Oger/Keld. Maybe they get speed off Webs or something. But webs only goes so far into Clear Body Pult, DeoS, LandoT, MMaw/Gambit not caring...
  • Their hazards play is Glimm and Smeargle. Wild. At least they have some removal options, but like, Hydrei's not running Defog right? So it's what, Glimm again? Torkoal if they wanna bring Sun? When your second best hazard player is Hydrei (excluding smeargle), it's a problem.
  • Realtalk, does Blace even come to this game? The waters scare the shit out of it, the slow Steels give it hell w/ Sucker Punch, I honestly think you leave it behind if you're them. Raikou's fine I? think, it hates the Steels but Fairy's a decent defensive type into most things. PhysDef CM Raikou? Alternatively, fast offensive Kou w/ Tera Ice. Both variants hate the Steels but wow shocker.
  • Hydrei comes as a Scarfer, 4A is probably fine and has the coverage needed, Meteor DPulse TBolt FBlast probably works. Glimm has to come for hazards, stock Earth Power for the steel-types.
#
  • I really think you don't bring sun if Blace is left behind. Melm can come, it can trade into like, everything not named Lando/LK Gambit probably. The problem is that it leaves mostly shitty 'mons for the final two slots. Gyarados isn't terrible, I guess, but I don't really know what it does here. Power Herb Bounce? Are you really relying on Glimm to keep Rocks off?
  • Final 'mon... God is it really Blace? Maybe it's MVenu to mess with the Water-types. Honestly that feels better. Defensive MVenu and then SpD Raikou or something. I dunno. I don't like their team.
  • For you, I like DeoS as always, it can outspeed scarf Hydrei (beware Scarf Blace). Pult seems like a nobrainer, Infiltrator can help vs Sub Raikou, Clear Body on risk of Webs.
  • If you want to push their draft offensively, Oger+Keld causes them problems and MMaw+Gambit does too. But then that's leaving LandoT at home and risking hazard hell. Easiest drop is probably Oger, not sure what it's adding that Keld doesn't already provide - it's not like you're desperate for the Grass coverage here, yknow?
  • My gut instinct is LO 4a Deo, a Choice Pult (inclination Specs but thats only bc IDK what Band Pult does to Melm/Dachs w/o calcs), Scarf Keld, utility LandoT, and I'll leave the MMaw and Gambit up to you. Run Low Kick on Gambit and don't get outsped by Melm.
rancid kestrel
# cerulean aspen
  • I dunno how Mega Skarmory exists still. You both have one, that's fun. I/ like their top level pieces more than yours, though the falloff is quick - like, what's their sixth 'mon? Vaporeon? Far cry from Pech/Tusk, yknow? Like it really is just Deo Skarm Weav Pech Tusk +1 always and forever. Not exactly the sturdiest of defensive cores, Skarm/Pech/Vap.
  • You don't really have the way to take advantage of it, but like, where are their Dragon/Fire/Ground/Ghost resists? Then again, they're going to see your Poison struggles, as well as your Flying weakness. Skarm can't stop both. Maybe you bring Tenta or Stunfusk, I guess - I don't think you should, but.
  • Lots of speed spacing for Mew here, but not much else of note. I assume if you're seeing a ton of value in IV that you're hoping to Booster Speed SD/NP 3a? Get in on Vap or smth after things have been weakened? Sure, I see it.
  • Their hazards are okay, but I assume MSkarm isn't a hazard setter, lol. So it kinda leaves it to Deo. At least they have spin and absorption. You, on the other side, have infinite hazards but no real way to remove their hazards w/o removing your own. Tenta's going to go through The Horrors against Pech.
  • So, we basically know their 6. Yours is presumably similarly constricted - Meow IV Skarm Mew. Incin could be of value as a physical response to Deo/Weav/Skarm? Check the -1 Superpower calcs first. Tenta I really don't like in this matchup, but what does that leave you. Stunfisk?
  • I like a Scarf Meow here, you have responses to Weavile. Figure out how to not get done over by Pech. Special Mew? Maybe. IV and Skarm are the sets you want them to be, Mew... I dunno. Agility 3a could do numbers at the end of a game, but maybe that's IV's job. Trick could be of value against Pech/Vap, if you can make it work.
  • Is your final two just Incin Stunfisk? That seems wild to me, but I really don't like Tenta's chances here. Do your calcs etc obv, but I can't see Tenta having a good day at all.
cerulean aspen
#

I feel like a more specially offensive tentacruel could be solid to punish pech

rancid kestrel
#

252 SpA Tentacruel Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Pecharunt: 144-171 (37.8 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

#

im not convinced ngl

cerulean aspen
#

ee

cerulean aspen
#

lost the game, wasn't able to get webs up
weavile lived a life orb vac wave from mew
and encore volbeat stopped cm valiant

old wraith
#

vgc open tera draft, mine is the one on the left

i feel like i should try bringing tr with wyrdeer

Screenshot_2025-12-04_at_1.49.08_PM.png Screenshot_2025-12-04_at_1.49.15_PM.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

old wraith
#

av twater bm might be good

#

or maybe fire

rancid kestrel
# old wraith vgc open tera draft, mine is the one on the left i feel like i should try bring...

Light thoughts since it's VGC which is not traditional SV Draft

  • They dont seem to have a ton of like, power, outside of sun. Sure ChiYu can do things, sure FMane can be offensive, but it seems like a hard commit to sun being mandatory which can be taken advantage of (Geezing preventing it, offensive OgerH hitting wild power levels, Bolt ability activation)
  • I dunno what they do against your OgerH. The things that can outspeed it don't really stand a chance to KO it? Maybe Icy Wind FMane into like, powerful fire hit or something.
  • Why do they have a Maushold? What is its purpose here? That's a bonkers expensive support 'mon when you have FMane and Murkrow already.
  • I think your comments about BM make sense to me. I think Fire makes more sense - better into FMane and Venu, and Bruxish doesn't strike me as the big bad evil guy of their opponent's team yknow?
old wraith
fossil badger
#

i won last game but this matchup seems hopeless

IMG_0225.jpeg image.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

fossil badger
#

left is my team

shadow ice
#

Hey guys seeing as you play draft clearly; where does one sign up to do Draft?

#

TYTY

rancid kestrel
#

Please don't advertise non-Smogon locations in the Smogon Discord

#

@shadow ice - there are plenty of spaces always looking, if you join the Smogon Draft discord, you can find an advertisement space

shadow ice
#

cool cool thankS!

spice peak
# old wraith vgc open tera draft, mine is the one on the left i feel like i should try bring...

some quick thoughts; sun is better for you than it is for them, they don't have a good answer for ogerpon because ivy cudgel and its coverages kills almost everything, their biggest threat into you is the tusk so if u can remove it quickly it should be fine. raging bolt can be safety goggles cm to avoid sleep powder shenanigans, ursaluna can be av to tank hits from flutter chiyu w tera fire, i think your team matches up really well against theirs

spice peak
# fossil badger i won last game but this matchup seems hopeless

matchup looks dire but i think this is still doable, i think heatran will be your best friend here, maybe some wisp heavy slam set for flutter can work, ironpress pjab/iron head kommo-o also doesn't look bad, pao needs to be sash or u can run some janky life orb tera fire set, dnite can be banded iron head outrage espeed tantrum or something

old wraith
old wraith
# old wraith ty

nice i won, honestly i shouldve been prepared for imprison tr but yeah ogerpon did really well and ursa had some clutch lives

lofty wigeon
misty plumeBOT
rancid kestrel
#

you can find it here.

fossil badger
fossil badger
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

fossil badger
jade solar
#

Been a while since i've talked here 😅 but i have a pretty tough MU on my hands here. Entered a CAP mon draft and it's week 3 now. 1-1 +1 so far. Missing mon there is Naviathan. Pretty defensively open to Nav and Bloodmoon, so need some help for this.

Screenshot_2025-12-09_at_11.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
# jade solar Been a while since i've talked here 😅 but i have a pretty tough MU on my hands ...
  • CAP is fun! Let's see how much I remember meaningfully from my contributions towards Draft. Welcome back, no worries.
  • Their speed structure doesn't feel great. Talonflame at 126 doesn't provide a ton of pressure normally, especially if it wants to be defensive. That being said, a more agressive Talonflame does well into you. But then dropping to 105 is rough. MAla's always a threat, obviously, but figuring out what the speed control here is isn't super easy. Pajantom or Plasmanta I guess, but I like Pajantom's offense into you better.
  • OTOH, I don't really know what your speed control is at all. Scarf Treads can't be real, surely it isn't Syclant? Pult can't solo-carry speed control for you, and you're rarely going to have space for Cutiefly webs.
  • That said, their removal and setting is alarmingly weak. CAP rarely likes to give hazards to their mons unless it's intented to be hazardly inclined, and its pretty represented here. Removal is... alright, I guess, I kinda don't respect Florges but Talonflame can run Defog weekly I guess. But setting exclusively on Gastro, when they already have Plasmanta on the roster? Pajantom isn't, shouldn't, be setting TSpikes into you, especially with reasonable absorption in Okidogi.
  • Your hazard removal is way better, Defog Molt + Spin Treads is for sure serviceable. You just kinda don't have your own hazards for some reason (see above on CAP's hazard-shy approach I guess) so I dunno. Double Fire/Flying and yet I don't actually know how much threatened they are of SR being present. They're more scared than you are, their non-F/F removal is way less real than yours.
#
  • If you're correct on being worried about Nav and UrsaBM, then that's like basically their whole team determined. Surely they don't leave behind MAla, so we're at three now.
  • Gastro feels obligated, if only for hazards, and so does Talonflame for a similar reason. I guess you could expect them to Icarus themselves and drop either/both, with Gastro being the easier drop, but I really don't think that's legit.
  • Final mon has to be speed control here, given Syclant and Pult having pretty easy clicks offensively, and I think it's gotta be Pajantom. If you think they drop either or both of their hazard duo, then my guess is Florges is next most likely to come, though I know less about Plasmanta than I do Florges. I just see Florges as a reasonable way to thud Pult progress.
  • For you, I think Syclant and Pult are mandatory. Syclant 2HKOs most reasonable Nav with EP and OHKOs BM with IB. Pult looks capable of making significant progress with UTurn. One of these should probably be scarf as I'm not sure what your ability to take down MAla is without.
  • MGallade is probably worth taking here, I don't know what set or moves since it seems like it wants infinite coverage, but you'll probably fill this out based on what you think you're needing help against at the end, I think.
  • Treads for hazards utility, and then two of Molt/Dogi/Prim as a defensive core, I think? My guess is Molt Prim, but maybe I'm underestimating Dogi. I don't think I am into MAla+BM, though.
jade solar
#

I'm just mainly scared for dd naviathan because after one dd nothing in my team even remotely can try and put up a fight with it

#

like it's not even close, and syclant can only do so much with EP

rancid kestrel
#

If it's Scarf Syclant and you've damaged it enough, EP can get the revenge kill

jade solar
#

This is a rough team i had in mind for this MU at first

#

needs some fixes for sure, but kind of stuck on how i approach this MU

rancid kestrel
#

Yeah, this about tracks. Only grumble I'd have is that I think Dogi's maybe not who I think has a ton of value in this matchup, but it makes more sense for sure if you have a deep fear of Nav.

jade solar
#

I'll have to test it out a bit too see how it goes, then i can prob substitute molt in if needed

lofty wigeon
#

so not a game per say but still on topic, this draft league is a keepers league so i can lock 3 pokemon to my rooster and i will have them already when we start the next draft.
Additionally i can take more than 3 but after 3 each extra keeper has its base points raised by one so an 16 would be a 17.

As of now im thinking i lock Draga,D speed and Lando T/keldeo.

IMG_2119.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

Dragapult for sure, it's flexible and it's never going to be bad. DeoS is flexible too but does feel a bit pigeon-hole when it comes to the builder at large and like, the flexibility of what you can fit in. Lando's a good grab, Keldeo maybe a bit less so.

My gut instinct is Pult Lando and then one of Keld/MMaw/Deo, order depending on how comfortable you are in them? Not really seeing another meaningful grab, and IDT your options are so bad that you'd opt out of getting three. Deo's probably like, the most logical grab there, but I think my gut instinct is Keld if I'm in your boots.

formal haven
#

I agree with Dragapult. That is one of the very best draft mons. Based on the bottom part its not free tera. As such I find Tera Keldeo to have slightly less value. I'd also just nab Lando-T, and you have a very strong 2 mon core to work with. Honestly I think that leaving it at that is worth it, unless it impacts your budget for next year by having these locked mons for free.(Seems highly unlikely) Deo-S feels a bit meh with Pult and Lando since you have one of the fastest mons already, so the value of deo-s drops a little and you have one of the best rockers so there Deo-S also loses some value. If it's free tera then I do think keeping Tera Keldeo is worth it. Mega Mawile is fine, but there are other strong options for your megas here

dire oar
#

Hi, can we ask for mock battles here?

rancid kestrel
#

This is not the place for that, no

grave lantern
#

Hey Guys, my friend is hosting a draft tourney, and we did the picks last night. For my team, I got Giratina, Decidueye, Alcremie, Porygon 2, Comfey and Sinistcha.
these are the other teams that my opponents got: (Mons that are highlighted in orange have an alternate forme in use)

image.png
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

rancid kestrel
#

@grave lantern What are you asking here?

grave lantern
#

how should i build my team?

rancid kestrel
#

For which opponent?

grave lantern
#

im up against the one with goldengo for my first match, and i also cant change up my team throughout the tourney

rancid kestrel
#

...You can't change your team throughout the tour...?

grave lantern
#

yep 😔

rancid kestrel
#

So this just isn't Draft, not really.

#

Only six Pokemon and you can't ever change sets?

grave lantern
#

well, we did have to draft the mons for our team

#

we can change items and ivs but i dont think we can change the moves

rancid kestrel
#

I would find out the rules of the format ASAP.

#

Because this is incredibly non-standard and minor technical differences are pretty notable given the amount of limitations present.

grave lantern
#

ok, ill go ask for the rules rn

#

it is just a casual tourney that my friend is hosting, but the rules are as follows:
no changing movesets during the tour
no showdex
no changing items, ivs, natures, etc
and thats it

rancid kestrel
#

Christ. Okay. Well so this isn't really Draft at all, then. You have a very defensive six, so I would build a primarily stall-focused team relying on Tina/Comfey/P2/Sinis to be a defensive core that will be hard to defeat.

grave lantern
#

wait i forgot stall is banned

rancid kestrel
#

...excuse me?

grave lantern
#

yep, they banned stall teams cuz a lot of the players in the tour are super sweaty

rancid kestrel
#

How is "stall teams" being defined here, exactly?

grave lantern
#

teams that involve using sub, recover, spikes, acid armor, etc

#

there is no set in stone definiation, but some examples are:
sub, recover, acid armor, rest on alcremie

rancid kestrel
#

I'm going to be totally honest with you here. You picked a team that really can only shine when stalling, in a league that "bans stall".
You aren't playing Draft, this is so incredibly off how Draft normally functions, that to call this Draft only really means "we picked our Pokemon". Everything else surrounding this is simply not how Draft works.
I wish you luck with finding a way to not run afoul of whatever they define "stall" as given your defensive six Pokemon, but this is not Draft and you aren't going to find help here.

grave lantern
#

oh i see, thanks for the help

rancid kestrel
#

Godspeed.

grave lantern
#

do you know where would be the best place for me to get help team building?

rancid kestrel
#

I don't know any place. Maybe a casual Pokemon space that doesn't actually try to play competitively? I can't imagine any Draft space that could help you, and there's no competitive space that exists in Smogon that plays with anything similar to the rules your friends play with that could be helpful.

#

You aren't playing a competitive format, so no competitive space is going to be much hepful.

grave lantern
#

yeah, that makes sense

#

alright, thanks again for the help 👍

rancid kestrel
#

Thumbs up

dire oar
misty plumeBOT
#

New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

dire oar
#

oh I didnt realise I would ping 3 thousand ppl oops

spice peak
#

is this reg i or reg h

#

it is reg h

dire oar
#

uh the draft happened in reg h ye sorry

spice peak
#

no paradox/ruins etc

#

i'll take a look

#

but my first thought is having incin + indeedee together is really bad

dire oar
#

yeah thats fair, ive neevr played vgc before so just took incineroar first round cause I heard its good on every team lol

spice peak
#

it is notoriously way worse in draft

dire oar
#

hm I see, what can I replace it with then? I was considering arcanine

spice peak
#

i'd try to get torkoal over incin

dire oar
#

oh ok

spice peak
#

i think what i'd consider is

#

torkoal lilligant kommo-o > feraligatr incin amoonguss

#

lilligant offers speed control outside of trick room and has after you to make torkoal move first

#

it also has sleep powder so you won't really miss amoonguss

#

(you also have indeedee that can redirects attack)

#

kommo-o gives you a secondary wincon with stuff like clangorous soul / sd / ironpress

dire oar
#

oh ok, with amoonguss my plan was to rage powder while setting up trick room, then sporing on next turn

#

whats the problem with feraligatr here? ig its just not adding anything to the team rn?

spice peak
#

yeajh

#

yeah

#

i think the most ideal way to set up trick room is to just

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trick room with hatterene and follow me with indeedee

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it's at least not stoppable

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because if your opponent has safety goggles they'd ignore your rage powder anyway

dire oar
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oh yeah fair enough

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tysm

spice peak
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nw

fossil badger
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won last game 2-0, i think this one should be easy but I don’t wanna get overconfident (reg f draft, right is my team)

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misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

jade solar
# jade solar Been a while since i've talked here 😅 but i have a pretty tough MU on my hands ...

@rancid kestrel https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9natdexdraft-2499605294-1t45j65dvngxpleftwa9300xyiu2252pw
won the game, naviathan was missing ironically which was weird but mixed LO pult with sucker definitely helped this game

[Gen 9] NatDex Draft: Mooses Gangooses vs. VagueParallels - Replays...

Watch a replay of a Pokémon battle between Mooses Gangooses and VagueParallels! Format: [Gen 9] NatDex Draft; Date: Dec 14, 2025

mystic sundial
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This is a friends team. I just wanted to get other people’s opinions on how their team is and if there’s any changes they should make. Format is Gen 9 singles

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misty plumeBOT
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New [Gen 9] Draft RMT @olive halo, @formal haven, @ripe pine, @rancid kestrel, @final marten, @spice peak, @tidal frigate, @random geyser, @lean horizon. I won't notify you again for at least 6 hours.

weary ibex
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So I am doing a draft league based on the one Wolfy did a bit ago. Here is the doc. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UpZYlzkHuexOhxEYA4Me099jnG3vaO_bAhaI2AR-H5U/edit?usp=sharing

I am looking at maybe 3 teams rn and I wanted to see what yall would recommend more here. The biggest idea that would probably cost the most is Archaludon. Ive never used him but I think bridge is kinda funny. I also thought of using Torkoal, since I love Turtles in general. Another that was considering is maybe try a goofy pledge team and see how far I can go. I dont have a grand idea on what the teams are going to look like but that is kinda what I am looking at when it comes to starting to set up my first team.

Google Docs
Dadcord Draft League Season 2
weary ibex
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So turns out I am second to last in my draft. So archaludon is pretty much dead LOL. I guess I can go Torkoal jumpluff, hisuian typholsion, and a few other things. I can also try and grab basculegion and still do rain without Arch

fossil badger
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bro i lost because yall would nit respond

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why bro

lofty sparrow
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no one rates vgc draft

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💔