【Battle Frontier Challenge Top16】CS + Weezing-G

レンタルチームID: 0000 0006 JBYW BC

English Version Below:

はじめに

初めまして、私の名前はNJ11 (@IsAStarter)です。私は2020シーズンの中盤にプレイし始めた、比較的新規のプレイヤーです。短い期間でのいくつかの実績は非公式大会でトップカットに進出したり、Players Cup 3の北アメリカ地域大会でTOP16に入ったりしました。

この構築記事はバドレックス(黒馬)を軸とした、シリーズ10初期環境の非公式大会のために作ったパーティに関するものとなります。私の友達のGold(Yoav. R)が仲間大会で1位を達成したり、先月開かれたBattle Frontier Challenge (@BattleFrontVGC)でTOP16を達成しました。

構築経緯

シリーズ10ルールが発表され、最初に禁止伝説枠にバドレックス(黒馬)を使いたいと思いました。シリーズ8での経験から、このポケモンはルール変更による恩恵が非常に大きいと思いました。ダイマックスがないことから、特性くろのいななきにより一手のミスを咎めて全抜きすることができます。さらに、アストラルビットを安全に通すことができると相手は受けることができなくなります。

バドレックス(黒馬)を使うと決めた後、バドレックスの苦手な相手の悪タイプに格闘技で抜群をつくことができ、ねこだましでみがわりのサポートができ、フェイントでバドレックスの攻撃を通すこともできるコジョンドを採用しました。ワイドガードは相手のバドレックス(黒馬)やカイオーガとのマッチアップで役立ち、レジエレキのエレキネット、マジカルシャインなども防ぐことができます。

バドレックスとコジョンドを軸とし、ダメージを稼ぐことができてゼルネアスやザシアンに対して強いポケモンが欲しいと思いました。これにより、バドレックスを後発に置いてスイーパーとして使うこともできるようになります。
最初にガオガエンを試しましたが、防御的な性質が求めているものに合わないと感じました。そのため、とつげきチョッキ持ちのエンテイの方が良いと考えました。フェアリー技に対して受け出すことができ、ゼルネアス構築に入っているモロバレル、ウルガモスに対して打点があり、ゴリランダーやガオガエン、ザシアンに対してもねこだましを無視しつつ高打点を与えられます。
さらに、ここまでで構築の半分がねこだましを無効化することができているので、相手の交代を絡めた安全なプレイにも対応しやすい構築となりました。

攻撃面で良い軸ができたので、悪タイプに対する受け、くろいきりによるゼルネアス対策のためにガラルマタドガスを採用し、かがくへんかガスを取り入れました。あめふらし、じょおうのいげん、いたずらごころなどの特性に頼っているカイオーガ構築にもかがくへんかガスは効果的です。

次にゴリランダーを採用し、ねこだましによる圧力とグラードンやカイオーガに対して草技で高打点を持つことができるようにしました。かがくへんかガスと合わせることでイエッサンとのフィールドの取り合いに強くなれ、じょおうのいげんを無効化することもできます。

最後に、相手のイベルタルに強いポケモンと、相手のバドレックス(黒馬)とザシアンを上から殴れるポケモンが欲しかったのでレジエレキを採用しました。素早さ操作も任せることでバドレックス、エンテイ、コジョンドと並べて出す強力な選択肢も取れるようになりました。

構成

バドレックス(黒馬)

特性	じんばいったい
持ち物	いのちのたま
性格	おくびょう
実数値(努力値)	176(4)-*-100-217(252)-120-222(252)
技	アストラルビット/サイコショック まもる/みがわり

火力と素早さを最大にした252振りの単純な配分です。

いのちのたまは火力を高めるために採用し、ゼルネアスのような特防の高いポケモンを攻撃するためにサイコショックを第二のタイプ一致技に採用しました。また、相手のふいうちを防ぐためや、行動保証を得るためにみがわりを採用しました。

コジョンド

特性	せいしんりょく
持ち物	きあいのタスキ
性格	ようき
実数値(努力値)	140-177(252)-80-*-81(4)-172(252)
技	インファイト/ワイドガード フェイント/ねこだまし

こちらも単純な配分です。

コジョンドの最大の役割は相手のあくタイプに打点を持ちつつ、ゴリランダーやガオガエンなどのねこだまし持ちに対して上からのねこだましで圧力をかけることです。

ワイドガードは相手のバドレックス(黒馬)やカイオーガなど、コジョンドとその隣のポケモンを倒すための強い単体技をあまり持たないであろう構築に対してプレッシャーをかけられます。最後に、フェイントはねこだましを読んでまもるを選択する相手にさらなるプレッシャーをかけることができ、2ターン目以降にも相手の重要なポケモンを先制技で確実に仕留める状況を作り出すことができます。

コジョンドはインファイトで相手のほとんどのガオガエンを一撃で倒すことができますが、相手の水ウーラオスを意識したような耐久に多く割いたガオガエンには耐えられてしまうことは覚えておきましょう。

ガラルマタドガス

特性	かがくへんかガス
持ち物	オボンのみ
性格	おだやか
実数値(努力値)	168(220)-*-155(116)-106(4)-121(156)-82(12)
技	まもる/ヘドロばくだん ワンダースチーム/くろいきり

このマタドガスの配分は相手の悪タイプ、水悪両方のウーラオスやゼルネアス構築に対するサブプランを作ることを意識されたものです。さらに、かがくへんかガスをうまく使うことでバドレックスが相手を圧倒できるようになり、エルフーンやトルネロスの素早さ操作に対して特に有効です。

交代することで特性を発動させたり消したりすることができるのが非常に強力で、マタドガス自身の性能は並以下ですが、それを上回るメリットが得られることもあります。

エンテイ

特性	せいしんりょく
持ち物	とつげきチョッキ
性格	ようき
実数値(努力値)	192(12)-165(236)-106(4)-*-96(4)-167(252)
技	せいなるほのお/ストーンエッジ しんそく/かみくだく

配分はグラスフィールドの回復効率を最大化しました。エンテイの主な役割は柔軟に攻撃することで、相手のゼルネアス、エンテイ、バドレックス(黒馬)に対しても役割を持ちます。ガオガエンよりも優れた攻撃範囲と高い攻撃、素早さによりガオガエンでは代わりが効きません。

特にバドレックスで見ることのできない相手に対して有効で、攻撃面で非常に重要なポケモンとなっています。

ゴリランダー

特性	グラスメイカー
持ち物	おはなのおこう
性格	ゆうかん
実数値(努力値)	204(228)-165(36)-110-*-121(244)-81 ※S個体値0
技	まもる/ねこだまし とんぼがえり/グラススライダー

このゴリランダーは、カイオーガをグラススライダーで倒せる程度の攻撃を確保しつつ特殊耐久に厚く配分されています。このアイデアは友達のAbhayが考えたもので、特殊技に対して受け出す選択肢を取れるようになりました。

今回はいじっぱりではなくゆうかんで採用し、フィールドの取り合いに強くするだけでなく、相手より遅くとんぼがえりを使うことで後続のポケモンを安全に繰り出すことができます。トリックルーム構築に対してはイエッサンとのフィールドの取り合いに強いことから良い回答となります。素早さを最遅にすることでほとんどの相手からフィールドを取ることができ、コジョンドのねこだましを通すだけでなく、バドレックスのみがわりやまもるを絡めたサイクル戦も取れるようになります。

ゴリランダーはゲームプランの形成において非常に重要なポケモンです。

レジエレキ

特性	トランジスタ
持ち物	こだわりメガネ
性格	おくびょう
実数値(努力値)	156(4)-*-76(44)-146(204)-71(4)-277(252)
技	エレキボール/エレキネット 10まんボルト/ボルトチェンジ

前述の通り、レジエレキはこのパーティは主な素早さ操作役であるだけでなく、イベルタルやガラルファイヤー、ガオガエンなどのバドレックスの脅威となるポケモンに対して高打点を持つことができます。

さらに、こだわりメガネを持たせることでバドレックスと合わせて終盤のスイーパーとしても運用できます。使っていて楽しい火力で、対ザシアンにおいてはザシアンだけでなくガオガエンやスイクンなどのサポートポケモンに対しても、10まんボルトをフリーで押すことができれば大ダメージを与えられます。相手のレジエレキに余裕がないのでおくびょう最速としました。

選出と立ち回り

対バドレックス(黒馬)

先発：＋
後発：＋

ミラーではエンテイとレジエレキを出し、相手の先発バドレックスを迎え撃ちます。相手のねこだましをレジエレキに誘発させることで、エンテイがフリーで動くことができます。ゴリランダーを出すことで防御的な戦術に切り替えて終盤にバドレックスでスイープする展開に持ち込めるのも素晴らしいです。

ゴリランダー、エンテイ、レジエレキがミラーでは非常に重要となり、相手のバドレックスに対してゴリランダーとエンテイを効果的に動かすのが勝利の鍵となります。コジョンドも選択肢に入り、先述のプランがうまくいかない場合はねこだましやフェイント、ワイドガードのサポートが必要となることがあります。

対ゼルネアス

先発：＋
後発：＋

相手のゼルネアス構築のタイプに合わせて、相手のジオコントロールプランに対するベストなアプローチを見つけることが重要です。スタンダードな構築に対してはバドレックスで早々から圧力をかけていきます。エンテイとマタドガスを温存し、くろいきりやエンテイの耐久と攻撃範囲でカウンターを狙います。

多くの場合有利ではありますが、ゼルネアス構築に化身ランドロスが入っている場合は少し厳しくなり慎重なプレイが求められます。

対ザシアン

先発：＋
後発：＋

ザシアン構築は一般的にガオガエンやゴリランダーなどの防御的な選択肢が多くあります。私はコジョンドとレジエレキを出して上から高打点を与えていくのが好きです。コジョンド、レジエレキ、エンテイのサポートのおかげで、終盤にバドレックスが一掃する状況を作ることができます。

第一のプランがうまくいかない場合の別のプランとして、コジョンドとバドレックスを並べて出すこともできます。

対カイオーガ

先発：＋
後発：＋

カイオーガ、トルネロス、アマージョ、ガオガエンなどの相手にはこれらを選出します。トルネロスを素早く処理し、アマージョに対してゴリランダー、マタドガス、コジョンドで攻めていきます。さらに、かがくへんかガスのおかげでゴリランダーがねこだましやグラススライダーを通すことができるようになります。

このマッチアップではリソースコントロールが重要で、ゴリランダーとバドレックスをうまく使えば勝つことができますが、ダメージをうまく蓄積させられないと負けてしまいます。

対グラードン

先発：＋
後発：＋

スタンダードなグラードン構築に対してはこれらを選出します。ねこだましやフェイントをエンテイの隣で柔軟に選択することで強力な攻撃をうまく通すことができ、削った相手をバドレックスで一掃します。ゴリランダーは第二のねこだまし役として役立ち、グラススライダーで相手のグラードンにも打点を持てます。

こだわりスカーフ持ちのエンテイ、バルジーナ、クロバットなどにはレジエレキも有効ですが、グラードンには注意して動かす必要があります。

対トリックルーム

トリックルームパーティの種類にもよりますが、こだわりメガネレジエレキのエレキボールを使って攻撃的に立ち回るか、ゴリランダーとコジョンドのねこだましで防御的に立ち回るかのどちらかで考えます。

さいごに

さいごに、この記事の編集や校正に協力してくれたTheKingVillager (James Evans)にまずは感謝したいです。ありがとう！

パーティの調整の相談に乗ってくれて、Battle Frontier, Rose Tower, Mt.Silverなどの大会で結果を残してくれたGold (Yoav Reuven)とLemonPiVGC (Tom Dowling)にも感謝します。彼らの選出やマッチアップデータのおかげでパーティの細部を調整することができました。また、ゴリランダーの配分の案と、環境初期のマッチアップについて考えてくれたAbhay Iyerにも感謝です。最後に、素晴らしい練習相手となってくれたBrady Smith, Joseph Ugarte, Mattie Morganにも感謝します。この6体にたどり着くまで、彼らに何度も打ち負かされました。

また、ダブルバトルのコミュニティの発展に大きく貢献し、レポートや構築記事を公開してくれているリバティノートのスタッフにも多大なる感謝をしたいです。この構築記事を掲載していただいたことにも感謝します。この記事を読んでくれた方がこのパーティを使って楽しんでもらえると嬉しいです！

レンタルチームID: 0000 0006 JBYW BC

パーティ作成者

NJ11

Mediocre VGC Player.

English Version

Rental Team ID: 0000 0006 JBYW BC

Introduction

Hi, my name is NJ11 (@IsAStarter), I’m a relatively new player who began playing in the middle of the 2020 season. Some of my accomplishments in this short span of playing include multiple top cuts in grassroots events and a Top 16 finish in the North American Players Cup 3 regional qualifier.

This team report features Calyrex Shadow-Rider and was built for, adapted, and played across several early Series 10 ladder tournaments and grassroots events. It achieved first place in a few ladder tournaments and finished Top 16 in the Battle Frontier Challenge (@BattleFrontVGC) held last month, piloted by my friend Gold (Yoav. R).

Team Building Process

When the Series 10 rule set was announced, the first restricted Pokémon I wanted to use was Calyrex-S. Based on how it performed in Series 8, I felt that this Pokémon had benefited greatly with the ruleset change thanks to its ability to punish an opponent’s mistakes and transition into snowballing with Grim Neigh, with the opponent having no way to make up for their lack of positioning with Dynamax. Additionally, being able to safely pin slots down with Astral Barrage made it so that switch-ins regardless of their defensive investment aren’t able to withstand its constant pressure.

After deciding on Calyrex-S, I moved onto integrating Mienshao as a complimentary piece to have a reliable Fighting-type to beat Dark-types, as well as support Calyrex-S by giving it turns to set up Substitute with Fake Out and break opposing teams with a combo of Feint + Calyrex’s powerful attacks. Wide Guard also allowed for more offensive leads into the mirror match-up vs Calyrex-S, Kyogre teams, stopping Electroweb from Regieleki, and preventing free Dazzling Gleam spam.

With Calyrex-S and Mienshao forming a solid base, I wanted to incorporate something I could use as flex slot and secondary damage dealer that could match up into Xerneas and Zacian teams, so I could have more options to position Calyrex-S in late-game situations as opposed to being forced to lead it every time.
Initially, I tested Incineroar, but I realized that it was more defensive in nature and wasn’t quite suited to carry out everything I wanted from it. This is where I figured Assault Vest Entei would be better. Being able to have a Fairy-type move switch-in that could deal with both common redirection supports on Xerneas teams (Amoongus & Volcarona) as well as hit Rillaboom, Incineroar, and Zacian hard without being suspectable to Fake Out cycling was useful. Furthermore, having half of the team immune to Fake Out also collectively raised the team’s offensive capability to attack switches and punish safer plays.
Furthermore, having half of the team immune to Fake Out also collectively raised the team’s offensive capability to attack switches and punish safer plays.

With a good offensive core in place, I added Weezing-Galar to provide Neutralizing Gas, a defensive swap in for Dark-type moves, and Haze as a secondary way to handle Xerneas. Neutralizing Gas also allowed for a better overall approach against Kyogre teams, as those teams rely heavily on abilities like Drizzle, Queenly Majesty, and Prankster to operate effectively.

I also added Rillaboom to have additional Fake Out pressure and a good Grass-type that could hit both Kyogre and Groudon hard which was especially nice when Neutralizing Gas could allow for sustained terrain control against Indeedee and canceling Queenly Majesty Tsareena.

Finally, I incorporated Regieleki as my last slot since the team desperately needed something for Yveltal compositions as well as faster Pokémon that could deal heavy hits to opposing Calyrex-S/Zacian when needed. It also acted as the speed control on this team, and provided strong lead options alongside Calyrex-S, Entei, and Mienshao.

The Team

Calyrex-Shadow

Ability	As One
Item	Life Orb
Nature	Timid
Stats(EVs)	176(4)-*-100-217(252)-120-222(252)
Moves	Astral Barrage/Psyshock Protect/Substitute

Simple set. 4/252/252 for most possible speed + damage output.

Life Orb is used to further boost damage output. I opted for Psyshock as a secondary STAB that could hit opposing specially defensive Pokémon like Xerneas hard. I also went with Substitute on this set to have more options on dead turns or potential Sucker Punch turns to punish them and set up a temporary barrier.

Mienshao

Ability	Inner Focus
Item	Focus Sash
Nature	Jolly
Stats(EVs)	140-177(252)-80-*-81(4)-172(252)
Moves	Close Combat/Wide Guard Feint/Fake Out

This set is straightforward as well, once again 4/252/252 is used for the maximum speed and damage output possible.

Mienshao’s primary role on the team is to provide a quick and easy Dark-type stopper as well as a fast Fake Out to pressure slower Fake Out Pokémon like Rillaboom and Incineroar. Wide Guard is used to pressure against opposing Calyrex-S teams as well as Kyogre teams that might not have powerful single-target moves to remove Mienshao and its partner. Finally, Feint is used to put additional pressure on Pokémon that might want to go for Protect anticipating Fake Out, it creates situations where you can force a momentum push very quickly and at times end the game by turn 2 or 3 if you’re able to remove an important piece of your opponent’s team.

It should be noted Mienshao can pick up knockouts on most variants of Incineroar, however, the ones that run considerable physical bulk for Urshifu Rapid-Strike can potentially live a Close Combat just barely.

Weezing-Galar

Ability	Neutralizing Gas
Item	Sitrus Berry
Nature	Calm
Stats(EVs)	168(220)-*-155(116)-106(4)-121(156)-82(12)
Moves	Protect/Sludge Bomb Strange Steam/Haze

This Weezing set was mainly created as an additional match-up for Dark-types, both Urshifu forms, and a safety blanket for Xerneas. In addition, playing with Neutralizing Gas is also excellent for utility, especially because it gives Calyrex-S more options to dominate offensively, specifically against Pokémon that set up priority speed control like Whimsicott and Tornadus.

Overall, having the choice to turn abilities on and off is very powerful, and while Weezing itself is a bit subpar, knowing when to use Neutralizing Gas more than compensates for its flaws.

Entei

Ability	Inner Focus
Item	Assault Vest
Nature	Jolly
Stats(EVs)	192(12)-165(236)-106(4)-*-96(4)-167(252)
Moves	Sacred Fire/Stone Edge Extreme Speed/Crunch

This set is built with offense in mind with the HP stat being adjusted for Grassy Terrain recovery. The main role I wanted Entei to fulfill was being a flexible offensive option that could also act as a blanket check against Xerneas, Zacian, and Calyrex-S. In this regard I favored it more than Incineroar due to its offensive coverage and combination of impressive Physical Attack and Speed stats was something that Incineroar couldn’t replicate.

Overall, this Pokémon ended up being a very important complementary piece, especially in games where Calyrex-S wasn’t a viable option.

Rillaboom

Ability	Grassy Surge
Item	Rose Incense
Nature	Brave
Stats(EVs)	204(228)-165(36)-110-*-121(244)-81 *0 Spe IV
Moves	Protect/Fake Out U-turn/Grassy Glide

This Rillaboom was EV trained to be very bulky on the special side while also having enough physical attack to pick up standard Kyogre with a Grassy Glide. This was an idea my friend Abhay and I came up with, as it made it so that this team had another bulky option to swap into special attacks.

Over time I adjusted this set from being Adamant to Brave nature, as this allowed Rillaboom more opportunities to maintain board control thanks to an overall slower U-Turn, letting the team’s offensive choices pivot in safely. Having the terrain control with slow Rillaboom also gives this team a better answer to Indeedee and Psychic Terrain on Trick Room teams. With 0 speed investment, this allows for Rillaboom to win more terrain battles and opens up Mienshao to cycle Fake Out alongside it while Calyrex-S can weave in Substitutes and Protects to waste resources.

Rillaboom is an important glue Pokémon that holds this team’s game plans together.

Regieleki

Ability	Transistor
Item	Choice Specs
Nature	Timid
Stats(EVs)	156(4)-*-76(44)-146(204)-71(4)-277(252)
Moves	Electro Ball/Electroweb Thunderbolt/Volt Switch

As mentioned earlier, Regieleki is this team’s main source of speed control, but it also doubles as a powerful damage dealer that can pressure Pokémon like Yveltal, Moltres, and Incineroar that pose a threat to Calyrex-S.

Moreover, Choice Specs gives this team another offensive breaker that can soften opposing teams up for Calyrex-S to close games out. I enjoyed the damage output, particularly in the Zacian match-up, as Regieleki gives both Zacian and support Pokémon like Incineroar, Suicune, and even other Regieleki a lot of trouble if it gets a free turn to click Thunderbolt. I opted for Timid Max Speed investment on this set because this team couldn’t afford to lose speed ties against opposing Regieleki.

Common Game Plans

VS Calyrex-S

Front: +
Back: +

When I play other Calyrex-S, I like to approach it with Regieleki and Entei so I can potentially catch opposing Calyrex-S at lead. Most times I use Regieleki as Fake Out bait so that opposing Mienshao doesn’t have a free option to double target my Entei for free. Most times this lead puts on a lot of pressure immediately and having Rillaboom as a defensive switch that can also apply terrain and potentially knock out weakened Pokémon is very nice.

Overall, Rillaboom, Entei, and Regieleki are vital to playing the mirror effectively, and Rillaboom and Entei must be played efficiently as their ability to survive a hit from Calyrex-S is the key to winning. Mienshao is also a viable option, I tend to use Mienshao as an adjustment in case the prior game plan doesn’t work and additional Fake Out, Feint, and Wide Guard support is required.

VS Xerneas

Front: +
Back: +

Depending on the type of Xerneas team you’re playing, it’s important to look at the supporting pieces and figure out your best approach in cutting off Xerneas’s Geomancy game plan. Against standard teams, I like to pressure them early with Calyrex-S as it can punish more passive leads. I keep Weezing-G and Entei in the back so they can come in and close the games out with Haze support coupled with good offensive coverage from Entei.

Most times this is very straightforward, but Xerneas teams that have Landorus-Incarnate present a bit more of a challenge and need to be played around more carefully.

VS Zacian

Front: +
Back: +

Zacian teams generally have a lot of bulky options, namely Rillaboom and Incineroar. Against Zacian teams, I like to use Mienshao and Regieleki as a lead to pressure fast damage right away, particularly against variants that use Choice Scarf Urshifu-Rapid Strike. The support of Mienshao, Regieleki, and Entei allows you to cover a lot of options, and more importantly, they give Calyrex-S favorable mid-game and late-game board states where it can come in and clean up.

An alternative game plan can also be to outright lead Mienshao and Calyrex-S together, but I find this better as an adjustment in case the first approach doesn’t work.

VS Kyogre

Front: +
Back: +

Against standard Kyogre, Tornadus, Tsareena, and Incineroar, the four above can do well. Removing Tornadus early in games and getting a heavy hit off into Tsareena generally just allows Rillaboom, Weezing-G, and Mienshao to win. Moreover, Neutralizing Gas gives Rillaboom a lot of openings to click Fake Out or Grassy Glide that can be useful for removing Kyogre or weakened Pokémon while also potentially stalling Tailwind turns.

This matchup comes down to resource control, and if you’re able to manage your Rillaboom and Calyrex-S well, it makes the game much easier, however, losing either without getting meaningful damage off makes it extremely tough to recover from.

VS Groudon

Front: +
Back: +

Against standard Groudon teams, I like these four. Having the flexibility of Fake Out and Feint alongside Entei at lead gives you an excellent way to get powerful attacks off and weaken things down for Calyrex-S to finish off. Rillaboom provides additional Fake Out support that can also hit Groudon super effectively with Grassy Glide.

Against variants that use Choice Scarf Entei, Mandibuzz, or Crobat, you can adjust with Regieleki although it needs to be positioned carefully around Groudon.

VS Trick Room

Based on the type of Trick Room team you’re playing against, you can use more offensive tools like Choice Specs Regieleki’s Electroball, or more passive options with Rillaboom/Mienshao’s Fake Out support + Substitute/Protect Calyrex-S.

Conclusion

To conclude, I wanted to start by acknowledging TheKingVillager (James Evans) I’m super appreciative that you were able to proofread this on such short notice and help with the editing, thank you so much! I wanted to thank Gold (Yoav Reuven) and LemonPiVGC (Tom Dowling) for all of their help concerning playtesting and how both piloted the team to success across Battle Frontier, Rose Tower, and Mt.Silver. They were instrumental in providing valuable battle/match-up data to make small adjustments to the team. I also wanted to credit Abhay Iyer for helping with the Rillaboom testing as well as practicing matchups early in this teams building process. Finally, I wanted to thank Brady Smith, Joseph Ugarte, and Mattie Morgan for being excellent practice opponents. They handed me multiple losses before I finally figured out the correct six for this team.

A huge shout out to the Liberty Note staff for doing the work they do in making reports and teams accessible as to the Doubles Community. I’m very grateful for them allowing me to talk about this team and publish this for all of you. I hope you enjoyed reading and hope that the team is successful for those who use it!

Rental Team ID: 0000 0006 JBYW BC

Author

NJ11

Mediocre VGC Player.

Rental Team ID: 0000 0006 JBYW BC

Introduction

Hi, my name is NJ11 (@IsAStarter), I’m a relatively new player who began playing in the middle of the 2020 season. Some of my accomplishments in this short span of playing include multiple top cuts in grassroots events and a Top 16 finish in the North American Players Cup 3 regional qualifier.

This team report features Calyrex Shadow-Rider and was built for, adapted, and played across several early Series 10 ladder tournaments and grassroots events. It achieved first place in a few ladder tournaments and finished Top 16 in the Battle Frontier Challenge (@BattleFrontVGC) held last month, piloted by my friend Gold (Yoav. R).

Team Building Process

When the Series 10 rule set was announced, the first restricted Pokémon I wanted to use was Calyrex-S. Based on how it performed in Series 8, I felt that this Pokémon had benefited greatly with the ruleset change thanks to its ability to punish an opponent’s mistakes and transition into snowballing with Grim Neigh, with the opponent having no way to make up for their lack of positioning with Dynamax. Additionally, being able to safely pin slots down with Astral Barrage made it so that switch-ins regardless of their defensive investment aren’t able to withstand its constant pressure.

After deciding on Calyrex-S, I moved onto integrating Mienshao as a complimentary piece to have a reliable Fighting-type to beat Dark-types, as well as support Calyrex-S by giving it turns to set up Substitute with Fake Out and break opposing teams with a combo of Feint + Calyrex’s powerful attacks. Wide Guard also allowed for more offensive leads into the mirror match-up vs Calyrex-S, Kyogre teams, stopping Electroweb from Regieleki, and preventing free Dazzling Gleam spam.

With Calyrex-S and Mienshao forming a solid base, I wanted to incorporate something I could use as flex slot and secondary damage dealer that could match up into Xerneas and Zacian teams, so I could have more options to position Calyrex-S in late-game situations as opposed to being forced to lead it every time. Initially, I tested Incineroar, but I realized that it was more defensive in nature and wasn’t quite suited to carry out everything I wanted from it. This is where I figured Assault Vest Entei would be better. Being able to have a Fairy-type move switch-in that could deal with both common redirection supports on Xerneas teams (Amoongus & Volcarona) as well as hit Rillaboom, Incineroar, and Zacian hard without being suspectable to Fake Out cycling was useful.

Furthermore, having half of the team immune to Fake Out also collectively raised the team’s offensive capability to attack switches and punish safer plays. With a good offensive core in place, I added Weezing-Galar to provide Neutralizing Gas, a defensive swap in for Dark-type moves, and Haze as a secondary way to handle Xerneas. Neutralizing Gas also allowed for a better overall approach against Kyogre teams, as those teams rely heavily on abilities like Drizzle, Queenly Majesty, and Prankster to operate effectively.

I also added Rillaboom to have additional Fake Out pressure and a good Grass-type that could hit both Kyogre and Groudon hard which was especially nice when Neutralizing Gas could allow for sustained terrain control against Indeedee and canceling Queenly Majesty Tsareena.

Finally, I incorporated Regieleki as my last slot since the team desperately needed something for Yveltal compositions as well as faster Pokémon that could deal heavy hits to opposing Calyrex-S/Zacian when needed. It also acted as the speed control on this team, and provided strong lead options alongside Calyrex-S, Entei, and Mienshao.

The Team

Calyrex-Shadow

Ability	As One
Item	Life Orb
Nature	Timid
Stats(EVs)	176(4)-*-100-217(252)-120-222(252)
Moves	Astral Barrage/Psyshock Protect/Substitute

Simple set. 4/252/252 for most possible speed + damage output.

Life Orb is used to further boost damage output. I opted for Psyshock as a secondary STAB that could hit opposing specially defensive Pokémon like Xerneas hard. I also went with Substitute on this set to have more options on dead turns or potential Sucker Punch turns to punish them and set up a temporary barrier.

Mienshao

Ability	Inner Focus
Item	Focus Sash
Nature	Jolly
Stats(EVs)	140-177(252)-80-*-81(4)-172(252)
Moves	Close Combat/Wide Guard Feint/Fake Out

This set is straightforward as well, once again 4/252/252 is used for the maximum speed and damage output possible.

Mienshao’s primary role on the team is to provide a quick and easy Dark-type stopper as well as a fast Fake Out to pressure slower Fake Out Pokémon like Rillaboom and Incineroar. Wide Guard is used to pressure against opposing Calyrex-S teams as well as Kyogre teams that might not have powerful single-target moves to remove Mienshao and its partner. Finally, Feint is used to put additional pressure on Pokémon that might want to go for Protect anticipating Fake Out, it creates situations where you can force a momentum push very quickly and at times end the game by turn 2 or 3 if you’re able to remove an important piece of your opponent’s team.

It should be noted Mienshao can pick up knockouts on most variants of Incineroar, however, the ones that run considerable physical bulk for Urshifu Rapid-Strike can potentially live a Close Combat just barely.

Weezing-Galar

Ability	Neutralizing Gas
Item	Sitrus Berry
Nature	Calm
Stats(EVs)	168(220)-*-155(116)-106(4)-121(156)-82(12)
Moves	Protect/Sludge Bomb Strange Steam/Haze

This Weezing set was mainly created as an additional match-up for Dark-types, both Urshifu forms, and a safety blanket for Xerneas. In addition, playing with Neutralizing Gas is also excellent for utility, especially because it gives Calyrex-S more options to dominate offensively, specifically against Pokémon that set up priority speed control like Whimsicott and Tornadus.

Overall, having the choice to turn abilities on and off is very powerful, and while Weezing itself is a bit subpar, knowing when to use Neutralizing Gas more than compensates for its flaws.

Entei

Ability	Inner Focus
Item	Assault Vest
Nature	Jolly
Stats(EVs)	192(12)-165(236)-106(4)-*-96(4)-167(252)
Moves	Sacred Fire/Stone Edge Extreme Speed/Crunch

This set is built with offense in mind with the HP stat being adjusted for Grassy Terrain recovery. The main role I wanted Entei to fulfill was being a flexible offensive option that could also act as a blanket check against Xerneas, Zacian, and Calyrex-S. In this regard I favored it more than Incineroar due to its offensive coverage and combination of impressive Physical Attack and Speed stats was something that Incineroar couldn’t replicate.

Overall, this Pokémon ended up being a very important complementary piece, especially in games where Calyrex-S wasn’t a viable option.

Rillaboom

Ability	Grassy Surge
Item	Rose Incense
Nature	Brave
Stats(EVs)	204(228)-165(36)-110-*-121(244)-81 *0 Spe IV
Moves	Protect/Fake Out U-turn/Grassy Glide

This Rillaboom was EV trained to be very bulky on the special side while also having enough physical attack to pick up standard Kyogre with a Grassy Glide. This was an idea my friend Abhay and I came up with, as it made it so that this team had another bulky option to swap into special attacks.

Over time I adjusted this set from being Adamant to Brave nature, as this allowed Rillaboom more opportunities to maintain board control thanks to an overall slower U-Turn, letting the team’s offensive choices pivot in safely. Having the terrain control with slow Rillaboom also gives this team a better answer to Indeedee and Psychic Terrain on Trick Room teams. With 0 speed investment, this allows for Rillaboom to win more terrain battles and opens up Mienshao to cycle Fake Out alongside it while Calyrex-S can weave in Substitutes and Protects to waste resources.

Rillaboom is an important glue Pokémon that holds this team’s game plans together.

Regieleki

Ability	Transistor
Item	Choice Specs
Nature	Timid
Stats(EVs)	156(4)-*-76(44)-146(204)-71(4)-277(252)
Moves	Electro Ball/Electroweb Thunderbolt/Volt Switch

As mentioned earlier, Regieleki is this team’s main source of speed control, but it also doubles as a powerful damage dealer that can pressure Pokémon like Yveltal, Moltres, and Incineroar that pose a threat to Calyrex-S.

Moreover, Choice Specs gives this team another offensive breaker that can soften opposing teams up for Calyrex-S to close games out. I enjoyed the damage output, particularly in the Zacian match-up, as Regieleki gives both Zacian and support Pokémon like Incineroar, Suicune, and even other Regieleki a lot of trouble if it gets a free turn to click Thunderbolt. I opted for Timid Max Speed investment on this set because this team couldn’t afford to lose speed ties against opposing Regieleki.

Common Game Plans

VS Calyrex-S

Front: +
Back: +

When I play other Calyrex-S, I like to approach it with Regieleki and Entei so I can potentially catch opposing Calyrex-S at lead. Most times I use Regieleki as Fake Out bait so that opposing Mienshao doesn’t have a free option to double target my Entei for free. Most times this lead puts on a lot of pressure immediately and having Rillaboom as a defensive switch that can also apply terrain and potentially knock out weakened Pokémon is very nice.

Overall, Rillaboom, Entei, and Regieleki are vital to playing the mirror effectively, and Rillaboom and Entei must be played efficiently as their ability to survive a hit from Calyrex-S is the key to winning. Mienshao is also a viable option, I tend to use Mienshao as an adjustment in case the prior game plan doesn’t work and additional Fake Out, Feint, and Wide Guard support is required.

VS Xerneas

Front: +
Back: +

Depending on the type of Xerneas team you’re playing, it’s important to look at the supporting pieces and figure out your best approach in cutting off Xerneas’s Geomancy game plan. Against standard teams, I like to pressure them early with Calyrex-S as it can punish more passive leads. I keep Weezing-G and Entei in the back so they can come in and close the games out with Haze support coupled with good offensive coverage from Entei.

Most times this is very straightforward, but Xerneas teams that have Landorus-Incarnate present a bit more of a challenge and need to be played around more carefully.

VS Zacian

Front: +
Back: +

Zacian teams generally have a lot of bulky options, namely Rillaboom and Incineroar. Against Zacian teams, I like to use Mienshao and Regieleki as a lead to pressure fast damage right away, particularly against variants that use Choice Scarf Urshifu-Rapid Strike. The support of Mienshao, Regieleki, and Entei allows you to cover a lot of options, and more importantly, they give Calyrex-S favorable mid-game and late-game board states where it can come in and clean up.

An alternative game plan can also be to outright lead Mienshao and Calyrex-S together, but I find this better as an adjustment in case the first approach doesn’t work.

VS Kyogre

Front: +
Back: +

Against standard Kyogre, Tornadus, Tsareena, and Incineroar, the four above can do well. Removing Tornadus early in games and getting a heavy hit off into Tsareena generally just allows Rillaboom, Weezing-G, and Mienshao to win. Moreover, Neutralizing Gas gives Rillaboom a lot of openings to click Fake Out or Grassy Glide that can be useful for removing Kyogre or weakened Pokémon while also potentially stalling Tailwind turns.

This matchup comes down to resource control, and if you’re able to manage your Rillaboom and Calyrex-S well, it makes the game much easier, however, losing either without getting meaningful damage off makes it extremely tough to recover from.

VS Groudon

Front: +
Back: +

Against standard Groudon teams, I like these four. Having the flexibility of Fake Out and Feint alongside Entei at lead gives you an excellent way to get powerful attacks off and weaken things down for Calyrex-S to finish off. Rillaboom provides additional Fake Out support that can also hit Groudon super effectively with Grassy Glide.

Against variants that use Choice Scarf Entei, Mandibuzz, or Crobat, you can adjust with Regieleki although it needs to be positioned carefully around Groudon.

VS Trick Room

Based on the type of Trick Room team you’re playing against, you can use more offensive tools like Choice Specs Regieleki’s Electroball, or more passive options with Rillaboom/Mienshao’s Fake Out support + Substitute/Protect Calyrex-S.

Conclusion

To conclude, I wanted to start by acknowledging TheKingVillager (James Evans) I’m super appreciative that you were able to proofread this on such short notice and help with the editing, thank you so much! I wanted to thank Gold (Yoav Reuven) and LemonPiVGC (Tom Dowling) for all of their help concerning playtesting and how both piloted the team to success across Battle Frontier, Rose Tower, and Mt.Silver. They were instrumental in providing valuable battle/match-up data to make small adjustments to the team. I also wanted to credit Abhay Iyer for helping with the Rillaboom testing as well as practicing matchups early in this teams building process. Finally, I wanted to thank Brady Smith, Joseph Ugarte, and Mattie Morgan for being excellent practice opponents. They handed me multiple losses before I finally figured out the correct six for this team.

A huge shout out to the Liberty Note staff for doing the work they do in making reports and teams accessible as to the Doubles Community. I’m very grateful for them allowing me to talk about this team and publish this for all of you. I hope you enjoyed reading and hope that the team is successful for those who use it!

Rental Team ID: 0000 0006 JBYW BC

Author

NJ11

Mediocre VGC Player.