VGC 2016 Team

Definitely taking constructive criticism on this team, and I'd love concrit about EV spreads as well. I'm no good at making "custom" EV spreads, so I generally just go with the old 4/252/252 and leave it like that. I also feel as if I have too many Ice type weaknesses. If that's the case, I'd like to get advice on what to replace Giratina with, as I use Landorus and Rayquaza the most often. If you experts have any suggestions, then I'm open to them! Thanks in advance!

Talonflame @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Tailwind
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- Will-O-Wisp

Meant KO any fighting types, and it can also take out Ferrothorn, which I've been seeing increasingly more often. Obviously Tailwind is for speed control and Will-o-wisp cripples physical attackers, though I am open to taking WoW off because I don't get to use it that much. I'm honestly on the fence about Talonflame in general because I don't get to use it much. The item...kinda helps against Kanga? But honestly, I just put it on there because I wasn't sure what else to give it...

Rayquaza-Mega @ Focus Sash
Ability: Delta Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Tail
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Ascent
- Protect

Okay, I know you guys probably think that I'm ridiculous for putting Aqua Tail on a Rayquaza, but I can't tell you the number of times that it's OHKOed Primal Groudon in strong winds. It's fantastic. And obviously, its ability when it goes Mega is great when I need to control the weather. I'm not taking it off unless you guys have a better idea. inb4 "make it a Special Attacker", that's what Giratina is for. Dragon Claw is to take out other Dragons, and Dragon Ascent is just mandatory. Focus Sash has helped me out a lot, especially when I lose a speed tie or the other team has a Tailwind up and I do not.

Hitmontop @ Lum Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Helping Hand
- Wide Guard
- Close Combat
- Fake Out

I generally start with Hitmontop if I feel that the opponent is going to start with a Primal. Wide Guard helps me block their signature moves et al (Eruption, Water Spout), and the Dazzling Gleam of other Pokemon. Fake Out is useful, too. Intimidate isn't anything to complain about, either. The Lum Berry helps every now and then with Paralysis or a Burn, but it's super handy whenever a stupid Dark Void Smeargle comes around. I don't use Hitmontop a ton, but when I do, it's a super handy support mon. Oh, and its Close Combat helps with Ferrothorn and other steel types!

Landorus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake

Landorus does good work. EQ is really great alongside Rayquaza, Giratina, Talonflame, Wide Guarded Hitmontop, or even Scizor if it uses Protect. Rock Slide helps me against other Talonflames and Reshiram. U-turn helps when I'm trapped by Gothitelle or just for extra damage if I need/want to switch out. Knock Off is great and does a ton of damage when I use it at the right time on the right mon.

Scizor @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Technician
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Protect

Scizor is fantastic against any Fairy or Psychic type. After Swords Dance (which it can usually pull off), Bug Bite OHKOs Cresselia and Bullet Punch OHKOs Xerneas. Sitrus Berry gives it the extra bulk it needs.


Giratina-Origin @ Griseous Orb
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Dragon Pulse
- Thunderbolt
- Earth Power

I like Giratina, but I feel like it's my weakest link on this team, since I have 2 other Pokemon (Ray and Lando) that are 2x weak to ice. I don't feel like I need another ice type weakness. My question is, what should I replace Giratina with? The thing that I like best about Giratina is its bulk. It can take a Dragon Claw, Ice Beam, etc. I also like its movepool. Thunderbolt helps put a dent in Primal Kyogre and Earth Power helps to damage Primal Groudon. Dragon Pulse takes out other Dragons and Shadow Ball takes out other ghosts.


That's it for me. Feel free to give me any constructive criticism. I'm here to learn. Thanks!