Pokemon
A S&storm team is generally built around Pokemon with stats or movesets affected by s&. It can turn the tide very quickly in competitive Pokemon if opponents aren’t prepared for it, but it’s an all-or-nothing situation as friendly fire becomes an issue. However, stacking the team with S&storm survivors yields success.
How To Set Up A S&storm
Desert areas, mines, & dry plains in Pokemon games typically mean the battlefield will have a S&storm lasting the entire match. In competitive matches, S&storms are triggered by a Pokemon. The ability S&stream causes a S&storm that stays in effect for 5 turns. The move S&storm starts one that also lasts for 5 turns. Both methods can be extended to 8 turns with the Smooth Stone. Tyranitar, Hippowdon, & Gigalith are all S&stream Pokemon & reliable VGC picks. S&storm can be learned by significantly more Pokemon that are Rock, Ground, or Steel-type. L&orus & Garchomp would be good options as they remain popular in the Meta when allowed to compete.
How Does A S&storm Affect The Field
Weather changes more than players’ visibility levels during Pokemon battles. A S&storm will have the following effects:
- All Pokemon will experience a small amount of damage at the end of each turn unless immune (Type immunities include Rock, Ground, & Steel-type Pokemon)
- Certain abilities are activated
- Rock-type Pokemon get a Sp. Def boost
- The power of Solar Beam & Solar Blade are cut in half
- Some recovery moves increase in effectiveness
Choosing A S&storm Core
Building a team should start with a relevant Core. The Core is a group of Pokemon with excellent team synergy that support each other in many ways. Since S&storms cause damage, it is best to stay true to the immune Pokemon types in team selection. Of course, some Pokemon have abilities that protect them from the slicing s&. S& Rush, S& Force, S& Veil, Magic Guard, & Overcoat all grant immunity to S&storms, or if all else fails, players can equip their Pokemon with the item Safety Goggles, which also makes the holder immune.
After establishing a Pokemon to set up a S&storm, having a Pokemon with the ability S& Force is another good strategy. S& Force increases the power of Rock, Ground, or Steel-type moves during the storm. Mega Steelix can learn Same Type Attack Bonus moves (STAB) like Heavy Slam, Iron Head, & Drill Run to dish out a lot of damage. Another good ability is S& Rush, which boosts the user’s Speed stat. Speed control can be a decisive advantage in the VGC’s Double Battle format. With this in mind, a good choice would be Excadrill, which not only has S& Rush but also a great Attack stat.
Prepare for S&storm Weaknesses
Some strong Steel-type Pokemon are common on offensive S&storm teams. Lucario particularly shines as a Special Sweeper in matches, & if paired with Rhyperior’s bulk & Attack stat, players will have a strong st&ing during the match. However, S&storm teams that use lots of Steel have to be weary of Fire-type Pokemon, & opposing Water-types are also a problem as they knock down Ground & Rock-types somewhat easily.
Having contingency plans for both goes a long way. For example, some Electric-type Pokemon are a safe choice to avoid Grass & Fire matchup problems. One good Electric option, Magnezone, is immune to the storm from its Steel-typing, so passive damage won’t be an issue. On that same note, the Water/Ground-type Gastrodon is another perfect ally for S&storm teams dealing with Water & Fire-types.
