mattj
blatant Nintendo fanboy
As we all know VGC is doubles not singles. This gives us the unique opportunity to have one pokemon immediately support its partner during a single turn. But one pokemon supporting it's partner goes beyond the obvious moves like Helping Hand and Ally Swap. One pokemon's offensive and defensive typing can support its partner's weaknesses. Its ability can draw threatening attacks away from its ally. Its stats can allow it to outspeed certain specific threats to its partner, or survive specific attacks to KO back.
Now that we have the typing, abilities, stats, movepools, are beginning to learn the new mechanics, and have a working damage calculator we can begin to discover these new supportive pairs.
Although the full VGC '17 banlist hasn't been officially announced, it has been datamined. It's basically the Alolan pokedex minus Zygarde, Solgaleo, Lunala, Magearna, Marshadow, and Necrozoma. Species and item clauses are obviously in effect.
To get things started, here are a few that I've been thinking about while pouring over the new mons:
Garchomp w/Focus Sash/Life Orb/Yache Berry/etc
Rough Skin
Jolly
4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
@L50: 184/182/115/90/105/169
Earthquake, Dragon Claw, Poison Jab, Protect
+
Celesteela w/Steelium Z/Flyinium Z/Big Root/etc
Beast Boost
Modest
252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
@ L50: 204/108/123/174/122/81
Flash Cannon, Air Slash, Giga Drain, Protect
This pair focuses on complimentary typings.
Celesteela's Flying type allows Garchomp to Earthquake freely. Its Steel typing takes care of Garchomp's Fairy, and Ice weaknesses. And Garchomp's Ground typing takes care of Celesteela's Electric and Fire weaknesses.
Their STABs also work great together offensively too. Between the two of them they threaten Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Koko, Gengar, Guzzlord, Xurkitree, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Salamence, Metagross, and a whole lot more!
I went with a Special based Celesteela because I don't *like* leading with two pokemon that could be weakened by Intimidate. But Celesteela definitely does have several reasonable physical options.
Gyarados w/Life Orb/Waterium Z/White Herb/Charti Berry/etc
Intimidate
Adamant
4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
@L50: 170/194/99/72/121/133
Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Ice Fang, Crunch
+
Togedemaru w/Steelium Z/Life Orb/Focus Sash/etc
Lightningrod
Jolly
4HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
@L50: 141/147/84/54/93/162
Fake Out, Zing Zap, Gyro Ball, Spiky Shield
This combo focuses on complimentary abilities and facilitating setup.
Togedemaru draws and absorbs the only real threatening type attacks away from Gyarados. It assists Gyarados's Dragon Dance with Fake Out. Gyarados covers Togedemaru's defense deficit with Intimidate and counters its Fire, and Ground type weakness with its STAB Waterfall.
Oricorio (Pom Pom Style[Electric/Flying]) w/Focus Sash/Life Orb/Electrium Z/etc
Dancer
Modest
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
@L50: 151/81/90/165/90/145
Revelation Dance[Electric], Air Slash, Hidden Power (Ice), Protect
+
Ribombee w/Mental Herb
Shield Dust
Timid
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
@L50: 136/67/80/147/90/193
Quiver Dance, Pollen Puff, Moonblast, Protect
This cute couple abuses the new ability Dancer.
Ribombee is nearly guaranteed to get a Quiver Dance with the Mental Herb blocking Taunt and Shield Dust blocking Fake Out. Assuming Dancer activates when your partner uses a dancing move, when Ribombee uses Quiver Dance not only will Ribombee boost itself, but it'll boost Oricorio too. And because Ribombee is faster Oricorio it will then get to attack with it's newly raised SAtk.
I went with Electric/Flying Oricorio because it's probably, generally the best forme, as Zapdos and Thundurus have shown in the past. But any type should work fine. Fit your team's needs. You could go with Ghost/Flying in order to ignore Fake Out, which has been ever present in past VGC seasons. And assuming Dancer activates after using Protect, this may not even be an issue.
I also just went with Hidden Power Ice because that's my go-to. Pick whatever to fit your team's needs.
Now, a lot of people have understandably expressed doubt at the offensive capabilities of this tweetybird/princessbutterfly combo. So I took the time to run several very relevant calcs for Oricorio. They show that with the proper support and prediction this is a viable mon.
Vs Salamence
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Salamence: 224-268 (130.9 - 156.7%)
252 Atk Life Orb Salamence Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 122-146 (80.7 - 96.6%)
252 Atk Life Orb Salamence Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 114-135 (75.4 - 89.4%)
Vs Garchomp
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Garchomp: 212-252 (115.8 - 137.7%)
252 Atk Life Orb Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 121-142 (80.1 - 94%)
252 Atk Life Orb Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 112-133 (74.1 - 88%)
Vs Metagross
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 114-135 (73 - 86.5%)
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 148-175 (94.8 - 112.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 103-123 (68.2 - 81.4%)
252+ Atk Metagross Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 130-154 (86 - 101.9%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 26-31 (17.2 - 20.5%)
Vs Aerodactyl
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Aerodactyl: 264-312 (169.2 - 200%)
252 Atk Life Orb Aerodactyl Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 143-172 (94.7 - 113.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
Vs Alolan Ninetales
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Alolan Ninetales: 105-124 (70.4 - 83.2%)
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Alolan Ninetales: 136-161 (91.2 - 108%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Alolan Ninetales Ice Beam vs. +1 4 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio-Electric: 102-122 (67.5 - 80.7%)
0- Atk Alolan Ninetales Ice Shard vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 42-50 (27.8 - 33.1%)
Vs Weavile
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Weavile: 118-141 (81.3 - 97.2%)
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Weavile: 153-183 (105.5 - 126.2%)
252 Atk Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 186-218 (123.1 - 144.3%)
252 Atk Weavile Ice Shard vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 86-104 (56.9 - 68.8%)
Vs Silvally
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Normal Silvally: 109-130 (63.7 - 76%)
252 Atk Life Orb Normal Silvally Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 144-172 (95.3 - 113.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Ice or Rock Silvally Multi-Attack vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 168-198 (111.2 - 131.1%)
Vikavolt w/Life Orb/Choice Specs/Assault Vest
Levitate
Modest
252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
@L50: 184/81/111/216/95/63
Thunderbolt, Bug Buzz, Hidden Power Ice, Discharge
+
Garchomp w/Choice Scarf/Life Orb/Focus Sash/Rocky Helmet
Rough Skin
Jolly
4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
@L50: 183/182/115/90/106/169
Earthquake, Dragon Claw, Iron Head, Rock Slide
This duo makes use of complimentary abilities and typing to allow each of the pokemon to use attacks that would otherwise harm their partners.
Vikavolt's Levitate lets Garchomp Earthquake freely. And Garchomp's Ground typing lets Vikavolt Discharge freely. Garchomp's STAB Earthquake takes care of Vikavolt's Poison and Fire weaknesses.
This is the first time that I can think of that a Dis/Quake combo has existed with a serious Discharger that didn't make the lead combo double weak to ice!
Trevenant w/Sitrus Berry/Mental Herb/Life Orb/Focus Sash/etc
Harvest/Frisk
Brave 0 Spd
252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
@L50: 192/178/96/85/103/54
Trick Room, Wood Hammer, Shadow Claw, Will-O-Wisp
+
Incineroar w/Life Orb/Incinium Z/etc
Intimidate/Blaze
Brave 0Spd
@L50: 202/183/110/100/111/58
Fake Out, Darkest Lariat, Flare Blitz, Protect
This tricky twosome focuses on complimentary typings, and supporting each other with their moves.
Incineroar assists Trevenant's Trick Room with its Fake Out. Trevenant takes care of Incineroar's Water, Ground, and Rock weaknesses with its STAB Wood Hammer and neuters its Fighting type weakness with Will-O-Wisp. And Incineroar takes care of Trevenant's Ice and Ghost weaknesses with its STAB Flare Blitz.
We don't have Intimidate Incineroar yet. But even without it right now the typing and movesets alone make these two one of the better Trick Room setup leads in VGC history.
Torkoal w/Heat Rock/Life Orb/Firinium Z/Grassinium Z/Iron Ball/Focus Sash/Assault Vest/etc
Drought
Quiet 0Spd
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 SDef
@ L50: 146/105/160/150/122/22
Overheat, Heatwave, Solarbeam, Protect
+
Lilligant w/Life Orb/Grassinium Z/Focus Sash/Choice Specs/etc
Chlorophyll
Modest
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Leaf Storm, Petal Dance, Hidden Power (Ice), Protect
This pair focuses on abusing weather abilities and supportive typing.
Torkoal's Drought sets up the sun, which activates Lilligant's speed doubling Chlorophyll ability. Lilligant's STAB Leaf Storm smashes Torkoal's Water, Ground, and Rock weaknesses. And Torkoal's sun boosted Overheat takes care of Lilligant's Ice weakness.
But what about you?
There are a whole lot more useful combos than those I provided. What useful, powerful, or surprising complementary pairs have you been considering? Share them and I'll paste them into the OP for reference.
Now that we have the typing, abilities, stats, movepools, are beginning to learn the new mechanics, and have a working damage calculator we can begin to discover these new supportive pairs.
Although the full VGC '17 banlist hasn't been officially announced, it has been datamined. It's basically the Alolan pokedex minus Zygarde, Solgaleo, Lunala, Magearna, Marshadow, and Necrozoma. Species and item clauses are obviously in effect.
To get things started, here are a few that I've been thinking about while pouring over the new mons:
Garchomp w/Focus Sash/Life Orb/Yache Berry/etc
Rough Skin
Jolly
4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
@L50: 184/182/115/90/105/169
Earthquake, Dragon Claw, Poison Jab, Protect
+
Celesteela w/Steelium Z/Flyinium Z/Big Root/etc
Beast Boost
Modest
252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
@ L50: 204/108/123/174/122/81
Flash Cannon, Air Slash, Giga Drain, Protect
This pair focuses on complimentary typings.
Celesteela's Flying type allows Garchomp to Earthquake freely. Its Steel typing takes care of Garchomp's Fairy, and Ice weaknesses. And Garchomp's Ground typing takes care of Celesteela's Electric and Fire weaknesses.
Their STABs also work great together offensively too. Between the two of them they threaten Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Koko, Gengar, Guzzlord, Xurkitree, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Salamence, Metagross, and a whole lot more!
I went with a Special based Celesteela because I don't *like* leading with two pokemon that could be weakened by Intimidate. But Celesteela definitely does have several reasonable physical options.
Gyarados w/Life Orb/Waterium Z/White Herb/Charti Berry/etc
Intimidate
Adamant
4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
@L50: 170/194/99/72/121/133
Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Ice Fang, Crunch
+
Togedemaru w/Steelium Z/Life Orb/Focus Sash/etc
Lightningrod
Jolly
4HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
@L50: 141/147/84/54/93/162
Fake Out, Zing Zap, Gyro Ball, Spiky Shield
This combo focuses on complimentary abilities and facilitating setup.
Togedemaru draws and absorbs the only real threatening type attacks away from Gyarados. It assists Gyarados's Dragon Dance with Fake Out. Gyarados covers Togedemaru's defense deficit with Intimidate and counters its Fire, and Ground type weakness with its STAB Waterfall.
Oricorio (Pom Pom Style[Electric/Flying]) w/Focus Sash/Life Orb/Electrium Z/etc
Dancer
Modest
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
@L50: 151/81/90/165/90/145
Revelation Dance[Electric], Air Slash, Hidden Power (Ice), Protect
+
Ribombee w/Mental Herb
Shield Dust
Timid
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
@L50: 136/67/80/147/90/193
Quiver Dance, Pollen Puff, Moonblast, Protect
This cute couple abuses the new ability Dancer.
Ribombee is nearly guaranteed to get a Quiver Dance with the Mental Herb blocking Taunt and Shield Dust blocking Fake Out. Assuming Dancer activates when your partner uses a dancing move, when Ribombee uses Quiver Dance not only will Ribombee boost itself, but it'll boost Oricorio too. And because Ribombee is faster Oricorio it will then get to attack with it's newly raised SAtk.
I went with Electric/Flying Oricorio because it's probably, generally the best forme, as Zapdos and Thundurus have shown in the past. But any type should work fine. Fit your team's needs. You could go with Ghost/Flying in order to ignore Fake Out, which has been ever present in past VGC seasons. And assuming Dancer activates after using Protect, this may not even be an issue.
I also just went with Hidden Power Ice because that's my go-to. Pick whatever to fit your team's needs.
Now, a lot of people have understandably expressed doubt at the offensive capabilities of this tweetybird/princessbutterfly combo. So I took the time to run several very relevant calcs for Oricorio. They show that with the proper support and prediction this is a viable mon.
Vs Salamence
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Salamence: 224-268 (130.9 - 156.7%)
252 Atk Life Orb Salamence Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 122-146 (80.7 - 96.6%)
252 Atk Life Orb Salamence Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 114-135 (75.4 - 89.4%)
Vs Garchomp
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Garchomp: 212-252 (115.8 - 137.7%)
252 Atk Life Orb Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 121-142 (80.1 - 94%)
252 Atk Life Orb Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 112-133 (74.1 - 88%)
Vs Metagross
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 114-135 (73 - 86.5%)
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 148-175 (94.8 - 112.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 103-123 (68.2 - 81.4%)
252+ Atk Metagross Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 130-154 (86 - 101.9%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 26-31 (17.2 - 20.5%)
Vs Aerodactyl
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Aerodactyl: 264-312 (169.2 - 200%)
252 Atk Life Orb Aerodactyl Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 143-172 (94.7 - 113.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
Vs Alolan Ninetales
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Alolan Ninetales: 105-124 (70.4 - 83.2%)
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Alolan Ninetales: 136-161 (91.2 - 108%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Alolan Ninetales Ice Beam vs. +1 4 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio-Electric: 102-122 (67.5 - 80.7%)
0- Atk Alolan Ninetales Ice Shard vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 42-50 (27.8 - 33.1%)
Vs Weavile
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Weavile: 118-141 (81.3 - 97.2%)
+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Weavile: 153-183 (105.5 - 126.2%)
252 Atk Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 186-218 (123.1 - 144.3%)
252 Atk Weavile Ice Shard vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 86-104 (56.9 - 68.8%)
Vs Silvally
+1 252+ SpA Oricorio-Electric Revelation Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Normal Silvally: 109-130 (63.7 - 76%)
252 Atk Life Orb Normal Silvally Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 144-172 (95.3 - 113.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Ice or Rock Silvally Multi-Attack vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Oricorio-Electric: 168-198 (111.2 - 131.1%)
Vikavolt w/Life Orb/Choice Specs/Assault Vest
Levitate
Modest
252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 Def
@L50: 184/81/111/216/95/63
Thunderbolt, Bug Buzz, Hidden Power Ice, Discharge
+
Garchomp w/Choice Scarf/Life Orb/Focus Sash/Rocky Helmet
Rough Skin
Jolly
4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
@L50: 183/182/115/90/106/169
Earthquake, Dragon Claw, Iron Head, Rock Slide
This duo makes use of complimentary abilities and typing to allow each of the pokemon to use attacks that would otherwise harm their partners.
Vikavolt's Levitate lets Garchomp Earthquake freely. And Garchomp's Ground typing lets Vikavolt Discharge freely. Garchomp's STAB Earthquake takes care of Vikavolt's Poison and Fire weaknesses.
This is the first time that I can think of that a Dis/Quake combo has existed with a serious Discharger that didn't make the lead combo double weak to ice!
Trevenant w/Sitrus Berry/Mental Herb/Life Orb/Focus Sash/etc
Harvest/Frisk
Brave 0 Spd
252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
@L50: 192/178/96/85/103/54
Trick Room, Wood Hammer, Shadow Claw, Will-O-Wisp
+
Incineroar w/Life Orb/Incinium Z/etc
Intimidate/Blaze
Brave 0Spd
@L50: 202/183/110/100/111/58
Fake Out, Darkest Lariat, Flare Blitz, Protect
This tricky twosome focuses on complimentary typings, and supporting each other with their moves.
Incineroar assists Trevenant's Trick Room with its Fake Out. Trevenant takes care of Incineroar's Water, Ground, and Rock weaknesses with its STAB Wood Hammer and neuters its Fighting type weakness with Will-O-Wisp. And Incineroar takes care of Trevenant's Ice and Ghost weaknesses with its STAB Flare Blitz.
We don't have Intimidate Incineroar yet. But even without it right now the typing and movesets alone make these two one of the better Trick Room setup leads in VGC history.
Torkoal w/Heat Rock/Life Orb/Firinium Z/Grassinium Z/Iron Ball/Focus Sash/Assault Vest/etc
Drought
Quiet 0Spd
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 SDef
@ L50: 146/105/160/150/122/22
Overheat, Heatwave, Solarbeam, Protect
+
Lilligant w/Life Orb/Grassinium Z/Focus Sash/Choice Specs/etc
Chlorophyll
Modest
4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Leaf Storm, Petal Dance, Hidden Power (Ice), Protect
This pair focuses on abusing weather abilities and supportive typing.
Torkoal's Drought sets up the sun, which activates Lilligant's speed doubling Chlorophyll ability. Lilligant's STAB Leaf Storm smashes Torkoal's Water, Ground, and Rock weaknesses. And Torkoal's sun boosted Overheat takes care of Lilligant's Ice weakness.
But what about you?
There are a whole lot more useful combos than those I provided. What useful, powerful, or surprising complementary pairs have you been considering? Share them and I'll paste them into the OP for reference.
Tapu Bulu + Xircutree
+
Tapu Bulu's grassy terrain reduces the power of incoming earthquakes and has an insanely powerful wood hammer to get rid of ground types. It also has megahorn to hurt grass types.
Xircutree hits ridiculously hard even without a boost (and can use tail glow if you want to get silly) and deletes opposing flying types (especially celesteela) that wall tapu bulu.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/vgc-17-complimentary-pairs.3587286/#post-7090666
Tapu Bulu's grassy terrain reduces the power of incoming earthquakes and has an insanely powerful wood hammer to get rid of ground types. It also has megahorn to hurt grass types.
Xircutree hits ridiculously hard even without a boost (and can use tail glow if you want to get silly) and deletes opposing flying types (especially celesteela) that wall tapu bulu.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/vgc-17-complimentary-pairs.3587286/#post-7090666
Tapu Koko + Pelipper
+
Here's your rain abusers for VGC17. Pelipper has almost everything you'd want from a support mon that politoed can't do, such as have recovery, u-turn, and speed control (though at least politoed got icy wind with tutors). Its secondary STAB lets it get past grass types. It's also immune to all the ground moves that are being thrown around. Tapu Koko resists all the electric attacks that pelipper baits, and can abuse the rain with perfectly accurate electric-terrain-boosted thunders.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/vgc-17-complimentary-pairs.3587286/#post-7090666
Here's your rain abusers for VGC17. Pelipper has almost everything you'd want from a support mon that politoed can't do, such as have recovery, u-turn, and speed control (though at least politoed got icy wind with tutors). Its secondary STAB lets it get past grass types. It's also immune to all the ground moves that are being thrown around. Tapu Koko resists all the electric attacks that pelipper baits, and can abuse the rain with perfectly accurate electric-terrain-boosted thunders.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/vgc-17-complimentary-pairs.3587286/#post-7090666
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