aquas0und CCWa1

Hey guys! It's aquas0und, back with another team I used for the Water Core Challenge. Water was the type I had been waiting for, as it is my favorite type and the core looked fun to play with. In general, Water is a really good type with a good amount of diversity. I hadn't laddered seriously with Water in a long time, so the Core Challenge was a way I could get back into it and get a feel with how Water fares in this meta. Also, shout-outs to Mega-Pikachu for always tying peaks with me and keeping me on my toes!

Just a bit about the teambuilding process: the core for this challenge consists of Mega-Sharpedo and Manaphy. I actually built this team with just Mega-Sharpedo in mind, noticing its ability to potentially sweep late game, chew holes in the opponent's team with really powerful Crunches, or remove a dangerous threat with a quick Destiny Bond. Destiny Bond is interesting in particular; it dissuades your opponent from attacking and gives Sharpedo a chance to get another attack in. Because of his frailty to priority and weakness to Fighting, I added Slowbro who served as a reliable switch-in to physical hitters. The paralysis support was invaluable as well, helping to neutralize potential threats. Swampert was added as the premier electric immunity. Stealth Rock is definitely key in helping my sweepers get their KOs, and having a secondary physical tank is just useful. Needing a way to get rid of hazards and help with the Grass weakness, Tentacruel was added. It's a decent special tank which was definitely needed as the team itself doesn't do too well versus special attackers, and instead relies on status and fast sweepers to take them out. Keldeo complements Sharpedo very well in my opinion, as it values Sharpedo's ability to remove Psychic types. It also helps tremendously against Dark, Normal, and Steel teams. Last but not least we have Manaphy, the second half of the core. It's actually really versatile and helps the team by threatening opposing teams with Tail Glow and appropriate coverage. Its bulk is also very useful in a pinch. Manaphy can take a hit against most threats and weaken them, cripple them with a burn, or at least break their Focus Sash.

Sharpedo @ Sharpedonite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Destiny Bond/Substitute

Manaphy @ Lum Berry
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tail Glow
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball

Slowbro @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Slack Off
- Thunder Wave
- Foul Play

Swampert @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Scald
- Roar

Tentacruel @ Black Sludge
Ability: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 248 HP / 152 SpD / 108 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Acid Spray
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic Spikes/Knock Off

Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hidden Power [Flying]
- Hydro Pump

Like I mentioned, certain Pokemon that hit from the special side give this team a hard time. One notable Pokemon is Galvantula, who may run both Thunder and Giga Drain/Energy Ball which can blow holes in the team early on in the match. If Sharpedo is gone, Mega-Gardevoir has fun with this team, being able to 2HKO/OHKO the rest of my team with the appropriate move. Dragon teams in particular are difficult to face. Mega-Altaria, Kyurem-B, Latios/Latias, and Hydreigon are all threats. The keys are to keep Manaphy healthy so that it can tank a hit and fire off a crucial Ice Beam, and to use Sharpedo in a way where it can take out at least 2 Pokemon with Crunch and Destiny Bond. On the physical side, Mega-Pinsir has the potential to sweep the entire team under the right circumstances if it sets up a Swords Dance. Ground teams are also scary, as this team doesn't have a Ground immunity and Banded Excadrill really hurts on top of Mamoswine, Garchomp, and Landorus.

Thanks to scpinion for coming up with this core! It was a lot of fun and it was nice to see Water have some success without having to use Greninja or Azumarill.