Reports

Published on July 26th, 2015 | by Joaquin Page

8

Tlaloc’s Rain Room: Mexico Regional 1st Place Report

Hi, my name is Joaquin Campuzano (Joaquin Page) and I’m 23 years old. I’ve been playing Pokémon for a long time and I’ve always enjoyed it. This is the first year that Mexico had official tournaments and I’m really happy with my performance during this 2015 season.

The Team

I started building this team after Pokemon X and Y were released. In VGC 2014 I thought that a rain team was excellent as an anti-meta option, but this season saw rain and the team itself find its best performance.

Relevant Team Accomplishments

• 2^nd Place – Mexico 1^st Regional (April 2015)
• 1^st Place – Pokémex  TNT Tlatelolco (May 2015)
• 1^st Place – Mexico 2^nd Regional (June 2015)

Kangaskhan @Kangaskhanite

Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 248 HP / 212 Atk / 44 Def / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
– Fake Out
– Return
– Crunch > Sucker Punch
– Protect > Low Kick

When X and Y came out, I started analyzing all the available Mega Evolutions, and to no one’s surprise Kangaskhan was the obvious call as the best mega in the game. Even with the introduction of all the new Mega Evolutions such as Salamence, Kangaskhan hasn’t lost her place. I used Adamant nature from the very beginning (even before using Trick Room) and the main reason was that most defensive damage calculations were performed using a Jolly nature.

There are some Kangaskhan that work perfectly without Fake Out, but it is essential for my team to have Fake Out since it is my lead to ensure that either Trick Room or Tailwind goes up and also my only priority attack during the first regional when I didn’t use Sucker Punch. I chose Return over Double-Edge since I really don’t like the recoil damage which affected Kangaskhan’s durability on the field, plus it affected the defensive damage calculations and Return is just enough to disrupt the opponent.

For Mexico’s 1^st Regional I chose Crunch/Protect over Sucker Punch/Low Kick which actually worked great as I was able to catch many opponents by surprise while having both Fake Out and Protect. This saved me many times, and I probably wouldn’t have made the finals without this combination. I chose Crunch for that first Regional since it can assure some damage on ghost types and some other Pokémon that are capable of resisting Return.

For the 2^nd Regional I opted for a more standard Kangaskhan moveset, as most players that know me would expect me to still have Protect. Additionally, as it is well known, Sucker Punch and Low Kick provide more coverage.

• 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Low Kick (100 BP) vs 248 HP / 44 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 174-208 (82.4 – 98.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Terrakion Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 44 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 194-230 (91.9 – 109%) — 50% chance to OHKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 4 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 177-208 (83.8 – 98.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Politoed @Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 204 SpA
Modest Nature
– Surf
– Scald
– Ice Beam
– Sleep Talk > Focus Blast

When I first thought about using rain in VGC 2014 I searched for the most efficient Politoed set. Bulky Politoed sometimes tends to become dead weight when it doesn’t have enough power. Scarf Politoed, even though it came as a surprise at first, didn’t have the the bulk I wanted. That’s when I thought, “Why not take full advantage of Politoed’s own rain?” To be honest, I have no regrets over this decision as the Politoed became a powerhouse, tearing holes in my opponents’ teams. The move I used the most was Surf, unless I had to focus on getting a KO with Scald. It is really not a good position for your opponent when they find themselves with both Pokémon under 50% HP, especially after the Fake Out from Ludicolo. I used Sleep Talk for extreme conditions at the first Regional. I only got to use it once and it worked perfectly. However, with the increase of Ferrothorn usage I decided to switch to Focus Blast which can provide me a win condition in case I have to get rid of Ferrothorn.

You’re more than welcome to try some offensive damage calculations from Politoed, and I’m sure you are going to like it.

• 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Politoed: 177-208 (89.8 – 105.5%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO
• 52+ SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Politoed: 144-170 (73 – 86.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Politoed: 169-201 (85.7 – 102%) — 12.5% chance to OHKO

Ludicolo @Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 100 HP / 68 Def / 188 SpA  / 4 SpD / 148 Spe
Modest Nature
– Fake Out
– Scald
– Ice Beam
– Giga Drain

Ludicolo’s set is pretty common. It has enough EVs in Speed to outrun Choice Scarf Landorus in Rain, and the 188 Special Attack EV’s are there to have a chance to OHKO bulky Mega Salamence.

• 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 100 HP / 68 Def Ludicolo: 140-165 (83.3 – 98.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 188+ SpA Ludicolo Ice Beam vs. 52 HP / 84 SpD Mega Salamence: 168-200 (94.9 – 112.9%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

Ferrothorn @Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 148 Atk / 108 Def
IVs: 0 spe
Nature Brave
– Power Whip
– Gyro Ball
– Leech Seed
– Protect

I really love this Pokémon. Ferrothorn was part of my team when I built my VGC 2014 rain team. This year after trying out the double mega with Venusaur and seeing standard results, I decided to find a substitute for it and I think Ferrothorn was the best decision I made all season.

I really want to thank Moises Briones (NekronV) for trading me this Ferrothorn, which bailed me out at the 1st Regional (I wasn’t able to breed for a 0 IV speed Ferrothorn). There is a curious story behind this Ferrothorn – this EV spread was built for my 1^st Mexico Regional, but after some confusion with another Ferrothorn I had and my distracted nature I used a different spread with the EV’s in Special Defense instead of Defense. Whoever watched the finals of the 1^st Regional will see how I realized I made this mistake, as Ferrothorn was supposed have a chance to survive Terrakion’s Close Combat.

Ferrothorn is one of the best anti metagame Pokemon in the format and one of the best ways to get rid of Kangaskhan. It is also the perfect Pokémon to deal with other Rain Teams. It works perfectly in rain as it can take Fire type attacks decently, but I would prefer to deal with its threats before sending Ferrothorn onto the field. Ferrothorn is also a great end game Pokémon since it can stall many Pokemon out with Leech Seed.

• 252 Atk Terrakion Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 108 Def Ferrothorn: 150-176 (82.8 – 97.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Terrakion Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 108 Def Ferrothorn: 164-194 (90.6 – 107.1%) — 43.8% chance to OHKO
• 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Low Kick (100 BP) vs. 252 HP / 108 Def Ferrothorn: 124-148 (68.5 – 81.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 148+ Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (95 BP) vs. 180 HP / 212 Def Sylveon: 140-168 (72.5 – 87%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Gardevoir @Sitrus Berry
Ability: Telepathy
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 SpA
Bold Nature
– Psychic
– Dazzling Gleam > Moon Blast
– Trick Room
– Ally Switch

Without this Gardevoir, all the magic of the team would be lost. I started using Trick Room with the rise in usage of Tailwind, as this team can take full advantage of the speed reversal. Even some opposing Trick Room teams feel the pressure as my team can use their Trick Room to its advantage.

Gardevoir was the perfect switch in for obvious Fighting type attacks directed against Kangaskhan or Ferrothorn. Additionally, Gardevoir could use Ally Switch with its +1 priority to take Fighting type attacks without many negative effects. I believe one of the best plays I could make was having Ferrothorn and Gardevoir on the field against Kangaskhan, since if the opponent would go for a Low Kick it would hit Gardevoir for minimum damage while Ferrothorn would attack with a Gyro Ball, or if the opponent opted for the Double-Edge/Return it would take Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet damage. I was able to use this play not just against Kangaskhan but any other attacker. If needed, Gardevoir would attack using her STAB moves.

Also, Gardevoir’s ability was necessary while using Surf with Politoed without any issues.

• 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Gardevoir: 164-195 (93.7 – 111.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Gardevoir: 144-169 (82.2 – 96.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 252 SpA Gengar Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gardevoir: 138-164 (78.8 – 93.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 60 SpA Gardevoir Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Scrafty: 168-196 (97.6 – 113.9%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

Zapdos @ Weakness Policy > Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 36 HP / 64 Def / 212 SpA / 196 Spe
IVs: 30 Def
Modest Nature
– Thunderbolt
– Heat Wave
– Tail Wind
– Roost > Hidden Power Ice

At the 1st Mexico Regional, I used a bulkier version of Zapdos so I could make sure I successfully got Tailwind up and secured a +2 Special Attack boost for some extra power. However, during the weeks prior to the 2^nd Regional I started to have a lot of trouble with the rise of Charizard Y usage and I wanted to increase my chances against those teams.

I tried to use Terrakion, Landorus-T, and Life Orb Thundurus, but I was a little afraid of having to deal with opposing Ferrothorns and I wanted to have my own Fire type attack.  I decided to go back to Zapdos but use a Life Orb this time, which would ensure that I would get the OHKO on most Bulky Charizard Y and Ferrothorn while outspeeding them. I personally prefer Hidden Power Flying so I can have a better matchup against Mega Venusaur (a Pokémon that gives me a lot of trouble), but I wasn’t able to get one in time. HP Ice was really helpful in some situations against Landorus-T during the tournament.

• 212+ SpA Life Orb Zapdos Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Ferrothorn: 187-224 (103.3 – 123.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
• 212+ SpA Life Orb Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 20 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 182-218 (98.3 – 117.8%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

The Tournament

I really don’t want to extend too much, so I’m just going to leave my top 4 match against Daniel Nuñez (DannyTDS) and the Finals match that was streamed on Pokémex’s Twitch channel against Daniel Rivera (Zlatant). If you want to watch my whole journey in Top Cut for both regionals, I’m going to leave the Battle Codes at the bottom.

Top 4

Thank for the video – César Ramírez (Cesariego)

Finals

Closing and Acknowledgements

This year I started the season a little late and at that point I didn’t even think about having a chance to qualify to Worlds, but just like the saying over here goes, “Lo hecho, hecho está” (Editor’s note: this translates to “What’s done is done”), and I’m really happy with my results. I really hope that fellow Mexican players can qualify and attend Worlds so Mexico will get some representation. I also wish everybody from Latin America the best at Worlds.

I would like to thank PokéDF League for all the incredible experiences. Without them, I wouldn’t have reached the level I am at today. I would also like to thank my friend Luis Canseco (Chaivon) for all his advice and talks that we had since we met. Lastly, big thanks to my friend Cristopher Muñoz (Cris Torchic), who has always provided me with all his support.

Battle Codes:

Mexico 1^st Regional (April 2015)

• Top 8:

1. YQTW-WWWW-WW28-GGAP
2. KJGW-WWWW-WW27-G3SZ

• Top 4:

1. 8XTG-WWWW-WW27-G44H
2. 9ZCG-WWWW-WW27-G454

• FINAL:    YouTube

Mexico 2^nd Regional (June 2015)

• Top 8:

1. PAWW-WWWW-WW28-GGD5

About the Author

Joaquin Page Nick: JJK★ / JJK13P★ Soy Eeveemaniaco XD, vivo en México y mi versión favorita es Pokémon Gold!!!

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