Help for my First Team

[IEatYourSocks]

Alright, well, I'm very new with competitive battling. I think it sounds really fun, so I'm trying to make a team on Black for Wifi battles and such. Please bear with me, I'm new to this, and still have a lot to learn. Anyway, this is what I have so far:

1. Pokemon: Tentacruel
Type: Poison/Water
Nature: Calm
Moveset: Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin, Scald, and Acid Spray
EVs: 252 Special Defense, 180 Speed, 78 Defense
Hold Item: Black Sludge
Ability: Liquid Ooze

Lead Pokemon to set up an entry hazard. Rapid Spin clears away opposing entry hazards, which helps Yanmega, because Stealth Rock is awful on that thing. Scald serves as a somewhat powerful attack with a chance to burn, while Acid Spray lowers the opponent's Special Defense.

2. Pokemon: Bronzong
Type: Steel/Psychic
Nature: Relaxed
Moveset: Reflect, Light Screen, Stealth Rock, and Gyro Ball
EVs: 252 HP, 132 Defense, 126 Special Defense
Hold Item: Leftovers
Ability: Levitate

Bulky Poke to set up Stealth Rocks and be a double screener to support the rest of my team. Plus, I love Psychic types. It's a win-win. Bulky thing too.

3. Pokemon: Darmanitan
Type: Fire
Nature: Jolly
Moveset: Superpower, Flare Blitz, Rock Slide/Stone Edge (preferably Rock Slide but I don’t know if I have that TM or not), Earthquake
EVs: 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 6 HP
Hold Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Sheer Force

Physical Sweeper. Choice Scarf gives it the speed to sweep, and Sheer Force boosts some of its moves. All its moves are self-explanatory. Choice Scarf lets it sweep with ease.

4. Pokemon: Rotom-Wash Form
Type: Water/Electric
Nature: Bold
Moveset: Hydro Pump, Thunderbolt, Will-o-Wisp, Pain Split
EVs: 252 Defense, 252 Special Defense, 6 Special Attack
Hold Item: Leftovers
Ability: Levitate

This one's a pretty good wall that can dish out a decent hit. Hydro Pump and Thunderbolt serve as powerful STAB attacks, Will-o-Wisp cripples opponents as well as dealing damage every turn, and Pain Split keeps it healthy. All the defensive EVs keep it taking hits, and Leftovers regains some health to keep it alive.

5. Pokemon: Yanmega
Type: Bug/Flying
Nature: Still Deciding
Moveset: U-Turn, Bug Buzz, Air Slash, last undecided
EVs: 252 Speed, 252 Special Attack, 6 HP
Hold Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Tinted Lens

This one's a speedy Special Attacker. Just to get in some quick kills when I need them and still pack a punch. U-Turn lets me scout while still doing damage. Bug Buzz is a great STAB move, especially with Tinted Lens. Air Slash is the same. 252 Speed EVs makes it speedy, while 252 Special Attack combines with that to make a threat.

6. Pokemon: Dragonite
Type: Dragon/Flying
Nature: Jolly
Moveset: Dragon Dance, Dragon Claw, Fire Punch, and Roost
EVs: 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 6 HP
Hold Item: Life Orb
Ability: Multiscale

Dragonite's an epic Pokemon, and everyone knows. It's a somewhat bulky physical sweeper for my team. Dragon Dance brings it up to huge attack stats. Dragon Claw serves as a STAB Dragon type move that doesn't lock Dragonite in. Fire Punch provides good coverage, and Roost heals life Orb damage. Jolly Nature and 252 Speed EVs let it outrun some things, and 252 Attack plus Life Orb increases attack even more. Multiscale helps with bulk.

Well, I have all 6 Pokemon now, but I do need a few last suggestions. For example, a last move and a hold item for Yanmega. I'm thinking a Choice Scarf, but that would take away the option of U-Turn. Other than that, just some feedback would be nice. Thanks for the help, everybody!

I decided it would be best to have a non-legend team, as this is my first attempt at a team, and I don't want to carelessly waste any legendaries if I make a mistake.

 

[Rainami]

For Jumpluff, I would just go with Protect or something over Bounce.

And for Darmanitan, you might wanna consider a Scarf over Choice Band. I personally would prefer the extra speed...

Not sure on the last two slots right now.

 

[IEatYourSocks]

For Jumpluff, I would just go with Protect or something over Bounce.

And for Darmanitan, you might wanna consider a Scarf over Choice Band. I personally would prefer the extra speed...

Not sure on the last two slots right now.

Protect might be a good improvement. I'll have to think a little bit, but I probably will replace it with that. Thanks.

As for the Scarf/Band issue, I'm going with a Band on that one. I want maximum power out of the thing. However, you do bring up a good point, I need something to be scarfed to have some good speed, because that's something my team lacks. I'll see to it that one of my last 2 slots is something with speed. Going to put that in my post now.

 

[Rainami]

If you want something with Speed, Sharpedo or Yanmega can skyrocket their speed with Speed Boost, no Scarf needed. Im mainly just suggesting this because Im a huge Sharpedo fanboy, but you can pretty much slap a Scarf on any Pokemon with decent speed and it will work effectively. The choices are endless.

Im also noticing a lack of pure offensive power. Everything but Darmanitan and to an extent Rotom is a wall. You need something that can hit really hard, while still preferably being fast. Another thing Sharpedo and Yanmega do...

 

[IEatYourSocks]

If you want something with Speed, Sharpedo or Yanmega can skyrocket their speed with Speed Boost, no Scarf needed. Im mainly just suggesting this because Im a huge Sharpedo fanboy, but you can pretty much slap a Scarf on any Pokemon with decent speed and it will work effectively. The choices are endless.

Im also noticing a lack of pure offensive power. Everything but Darmanitan and to an extent Rotom is a wall. You need something that can hit really hard, while still preferably being fast. Another thing Sharpedo and Yanmega do...

Yes, I've always prefered more defensive Pokemon XD But you are right. I think Yanmega would be a good choice, as it has awesome Special Attack and Speed. Plus, Darmanitan's physical, so, it'd be very useful to have a special attacker. However, I've researched, and it's movepool isn't super appealing. All I see that I'd really want on it is Bug Buzz and possibly Air Slash. Any suggestions for some good offensive moves?

 

[Rainami]

Im not exactly an expert on singles teams, I admit, but what about U-turn? If the opponent sends out a Steel type to take Yanmegas attacks, you can switch in Darmanitan immediately to kill it.

 

[IEatYourSocks]

Im not exactly an expert on singles teams, I admit, but what about U-turn? If the opponent sends out a Steel type to take Yanmegas attacks, you can switch in Darmanitan immediately to kill it.

Normally, i'd immediatly use this, but with a Choice Scarf, Yanmega's locked into only one move. But, I do think U-Turn could still have its uses...ah, what the heck. It'll come in handy at some time. I should edit this into my post. I shall do that now.
Though, I was looking at its abilities...and they're both incredible. I can't choose what to pick! XD One is Speed Boost, which raises speed every turn, and the other is Tinted Lens, which makes not very effective moves do double damage. Speed Boost would make it faster than just about anything, but Tinted Lens would make it more of a powerful, offensive Pokemon.

 

[Rainami]

No, Yanmega would not have a Scarf. Speed Boost makes a Scarf pointless. If you go with Speed Boost, that is.

Its really up to you what you wanna do, both abilities are great. Personally, I prefer Speed Boost.

 

[IEatYourSocks]

No, Yanmega would not have a Scarf. Speed Boost makes a Scarf pointless. If you go with Speed Boost, that is.

Its really up to you what you wanna do, both abilities are great. Personally, I prefer Speed Boost.

I suppose Speed Boost would be more beneficial. That way, I'd have freedom of moves, and could equip something that boosts special attack or something, though, probably not a Choice band. It'd also be easier to scout with U-turn. So, I think I'll just go with that. I'll just look for something with type coverage to pick as a 4th move.

I guess for my last guy, I'll just look up a list of everything that can learn Stealth Rock, and pick something with some balanced stats to go with it.

 

[Rainami]

Sounds good.

Alright. Im not an expert on Stealth Rock, so dont ask me for advice. xD

 

[IEatYourSocks]

Sounds good.

Alright. Im not an expert on Stealth Rock, so dont ask me for advice. xD

XD That's alright. Bulbapedia can give me all the info I need. I just want some Stealth Rocks, because they are very important, at least in single battles.
Thanks for all the help!

 

[Du Sundavar Freohr]

Since you're missing a good special attacker, I've always like reuniclus. With trick room, psychic, shadow ball and focus blast plus a life orb and the ability magic guard, it's so amazing words cannot even begin to describe it.

By the way, nice avatar

 

[IEatYourSocks]

Since you're missing a good special attacker, I've always like reuniclus. With trick room, psychic, shadow ball and focus blast plus a life orb and the ability magic guard, it's so amazing words cannot even begin to describe it.

By the way, nice avatar

Although I love Reuiniclus to death, I did pick up a good special attacker: Yanmega. And my last spot is reserved for something with Stealth Rock.

And wai thank you. Your avatar is quite fantabulous as well.

 

[Data-Roxas]

Hey, for Yanmega's first move, you could go with Protect or Quiver Dance. Protect gives you a free speed boost, while quiver dance is just a superb boosting move, although it might be redundant with speed boost. As for it's nature, if you're looking for speed, get Timid, but get Modest for power. So, basically:

-If you go with speed boost, choose protect and probably modest nature, since speed is hardly something to worry about then
-If you go with Tinted lens, i'd probably take Quiver Dance, and the nature would depend on whether or not you want power or speed more

 

[crimson_king]

normally, I would suggest a Ferrothorn for SR, but you have def covered.

Tyranitar would be a great SR setup, maybe a modest set up with Fire Blast and Dark Pulse as well. Plus you get sandstorm, which adds more residual damage.

Scizor would work well with Technician and a band, just put a baton pass on Yamega (though he would be a passer instead of sweeper) and let bullet punch rip. Probably not what you are looking for though.

Heatran could work well, but I don't think he can SR

 

[IEatYourSocks]

Hey, for Yanmega's first move, you could go with Protect or Quiver Dance. Protect gives you a free speed boost, while quiver dance is just a superb boosting move, although it might be redundant with speed boost. As for it's nature, if you're looking for speed, get Timid, but get Modest for power. So, basically:

-If you go with speed boost, choose protect and probably modest nature, since speed is hardly something to worry about then
-If you go with Tinted lens, i'd probably take Quiver Dance, and the nature would depend on whether or not you want power or speed more

I think I'll go for Speed Boost and Protect, with a Modest Nature. Maybe an item to boost Special Attack along with it. Thanks!

normally, I would suggest a Ferrothorn for SR, but you have def covered.

Tyranitar would be a great SR setup, maybe a modest set up with Fire Blast and Dark Pulse as well. Plus you get sandstorm, which adds more residual damage.

Scizor would work well with Technician and a band, just put a baton pass on Yamega (though he would be a passer instead of sweeper) and let bullet punch rip. Probably not what you are looking for though.

Heatran could work well, but I don't think he can SR

Yeah, I have enough walls on my team, so Ferrothorn wouldn't be so great.
As for Tyranitar, I do love it as a Pokemon, but it'd be doing residual damage to all my other Pokemon as well, so, not a fan of sandstorms. He would be a perfect team member when I someday make a sandstorm team, though.
Not looking for a Baton Bass set here. I'm just looking for a walled team with some means of attacking.
Yeah, I looked it up, Heatran can't learn Stealth Rock, which sucks, because Heatran would've been awesome.

 

[Space Opera]

Heatran can actually learn Stealth Rock, but only through TM in Gen IV. If you need a Pokémon that can defend well on the Special side of the spectrum, then Heatran is a great choice.

 

[Data-Roxas]

well, since you also need a rapid spinner, to keep Yanmega from taking damage equal to 1/2 it's health each switch-in under stealth rocks, i'd suggest Forretress or Tentacruel. Both learn rapid spin, and can set up at least one of the hazards you want. Tentacruel also has the option of running Acid Spray and something along the lines of Hydro Pump, or Surf, if you don't trust accuracy. Forretress, however, would be pretty much limited to set-up unless you gave it Gyro Ball.

 

[IEatYourSocks]

Heatran can actually learn Stealth Rock, but only through TM in Gen IV. If you need a Pokémon that can defend well on the Special side of the spectrum, then Heatran is a great choice.

Really? Thanks for letting me know. That definitely makes Heatran a much more viable option.

well, since you also need a rapid spinner, to keep Yanmega from taking damage equal to 1/2 it's health each switch-in under stealth rocks, i'd suggest Forretress or Tentacruel. Both learn rapid spin, and can set up at least one of the hazards you want. Tentacruel also has the option of running Acid Spray and something along the lines of Hydro Pump, or Surf, if you don't trust accuracy. Forretress, however, would be pretty much limited to set-up unless you gave it Gyro Ball.

Tentacruel does seem like a good option. Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin, Hydro Pump, and Acid Spray does sound like a pretty satisfactory moveset. However, I am considering rearranging the whole team: basically getting a lead Pokemon that's bulky and can learn both Screens moves and either Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes. Do you think that would be better, or would just Tentacruel be enough? I'm also debating whether or not to replace Jumpluff as a lead if I do choose the second option, though it will definitely be replace with the first. Maybe Tentacruel or Cresselia would be a good lead?

 

[Data-Roxas]

well, my general opinion with setup is that you want it done and out of the way, as soon as possible. That way, it affects more of the opposition. I may be wrong here, but it seems like a solid concept. And Tentacruel probably wants Lefties or Black Sludge, btw. as for team rearranging, i'll let someone else field that. That's not my specialty zone.