Competitive Battling Discussion Of The Week 19
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Really PDC? Dragonite is currently ranked #1, so I can't see how you would think it would be a Dark Horse.
As for my answer to the question, I have to say Virizion, specifically the Swords Dance set.
Rain Stall is a huge playstyle right now, with the Politoed/Tentacruel/Ferrothorn core. After a Swords Dance boost, Virizion dismantles the core with Leaf Blade (Politoed and Tentacruel) and Close Combat (Ferrothorn). Close Combat also outright destroys Chansey, another common member of rain stall, at +2. Heck, if it runs Stone Edge, it can significantly weaken Dragonite, doing 45% minimum to 252/0 Careful Dnite without Life Orb. Life Orb can be used for more power, while Lum Berry (my preference) can be used to make the switch in easier (coming in on a Scald hurts).
As for my answer to the question, I have to say Virizion, specifically the Swords Dance set.
Rain Stall is a huge playstyle right now, with the Politoed/Tentacruel/Ferrothorn core. After a Swords Dance boost, Virizion dismantles the core with Leaf Blade (Politoed and Tentacruel) and Close Combat (Ferrothorn). Close Combat also outright destroys Chansey, another common member of rain stall, at +2. Heck, if it runs Stone Edge, it can significantly weaken Dragonite, doing 45% minimum to 252/0 Careful Dnite without Life Orb. Life Orb can be used for more power, while Lum Berry (my preference) can be used to make the switch in easier (coming in on a Scald hurts).
Despite Dragonite being number one, it is simply the best anti metagame Pokemon at this point. The metagame is Sun, Rain Stall, and Deoxys Screen offense. Dragonite deals well with all 3 of them. Making it rather anti metagame. I am saying it's a dark horse because it completly rose to the top because it was the best Pokemon in this metagame. Maybe it's not really a "dark horse", but it has a very sufficent roll in this metagame, especially when the round started as soon as Thunderus and Excadrill were banned. A second option would have to be Virizion as it can dismantle Rain Stall rather well.
It's a strange case, but I do agree with PDC that Dragonite is anti-metagame in the sense that it can pose a problem for most of the major playstyles at the moment. You can tailor it to beat down Rain Stall, match well against Deoxys-S leads (ugh), and its typing and bulk is a big problem for Sun Offense. Dragon Tail sets can screw with Baton Pass teams too although those aren't as popular. It can't do everything at once of course but it does seem to have a moveset for every occasion.
I wouldn't have thought of Reuniclus really but I guess it's true. TR versions can pose big problems for heavy offense if Light Screen isn't up and Scizor/Volcarona aren't around to take a hit and OHKO back. I think Rain Stall can handle both Reuniclus variants pretty well though with popular mons like Jirachi, Dragonite and maybe even Perish Song Politoed.
Agree with Virizion, what a boss. I lean more towards Calm Mind because I like being able to come in on Scald. Virizion's speed and coverage puts it at an advantage against a significant number of Pokemon in the metagame, too bad about Focus Miss though.
I wouldn't have thought of Reuniclus really but I guess it's true. TR versions can pose big problems for heavy offense if Light Screen isn't up and Scizor/Volcarona aren't around to take a hit and OHKO back. I think Rain Stall can handle both Reuniclus variants pretty well though with popular mons like Jirachi, Dragonite and maybe even Perish Song Politoed.
Agree with Virizion, what a boss. I lean more towards Calm Mind because I like being able to come in on Scald. Virizion's speed and coverage puts it at an advantage against a significant number of Pokemon in the metagame, too bad about Focus Miss though.