Hey, everyone! I am Jorge Tabuyo, better known as Tabu_24. For the people who don’t know me, I am a Spanish VGC player who started playing in March 2020. I am a person that always wants to improve how I play and become a really good player. This desire to continue improving has made me achieve some of the following results:
- 2-times Runner-up in Desafío LATAM 2 Qualifiers
- Top 3 at Rose Tower Grand Finals
- Top 8 at Desafío LATAM Grand Finals
Today, I am here to share the team that I built and with which I achieved a Top 8 at the VR x GGtoor Series 12 Challenge with the Yveltal + Zacian core.
Table of Contents
Teambuilding process
First, the week before the tournament, I started looking for a good core, and while staring at Yveltal + Zacian core I saw that they both covered each other very well: Zacian puts a lot of pressure, killing most of the Dynamax Pokémon of the opponent, and Yveltal gives a lot of support to Zacian to make Zacian’s pressure easier, and also KOs the other Restricteds that Zacian has a bad match-up against.
I added Incineroar and Grimmsnarl to give a lot of support to both Restricteds. These two help a lot with the screens + Intimidate + Fake Out and also speed control with Thunder Wave. Also, Incineroar gives a lot of rotation to the team, and the screens make Incineroar rotate easier. Furthermore, with screens and Intimidate, Yveltal can stay a lot of turns in the field.
Finally, I added the Dynamax option with the best friends: Gigantamax Venusaur and Torkoal. Venusaur was a really nice option against some Rain teams and Sun teams, boosting its Speed with the opponent’s sun or yours. It can also put opponents to sleep in some instances in which you don’t need to Gigantamax. Torkoal helps Venusaur a lot to hit Sleep Powders or just Gigantamax and hit before the opposing Pokémon.
After some days of testing, I saw that I only had 1 Dynamax option. Yveltal wasn’t a usual Dynamax and I wasn’t bringing Torkoal much either, so I chose to use Regieleki as another Dynamax option. Regieleki is just a monster: it gets a lot of OHKOs in Dynamax; without Dynamax, in Electric Terrain, it puts a lot of pressure; and it gives speed control both Dynamaxed and non Dynamaxed. It’s just incredible!
The Team
Get the team’s paste here!
Zacian-Crowned @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 76 Atk / 4 Def / 12 SpD / 172 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Behemoth Blade
– Play Rough
– Substitute
– Protect
Zacian is just the best Pokémon in the format, it’s just incredible. It is so bulky and deals a lot of damage. Also, with Substitute, it can put a lot of pressure. If you bring Zacian at the right time to the field or just set a good Substitute, you can just sweep all opposing Pokémon.
+1 76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Behemoth Blade vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Landorus-T: 338-402 (102.4 – 121.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Behemoth Blade vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Calyrex-Shadow Rider: 372-440 (105.6 – 125%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Kyogre: 151-178 (72.9 – 85.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO
148+ SpA Venusaur Max Flare (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Zacian-Crowned in Sun: 164-194 (82.8 – 97.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO
224 SpA Life Orb Transistor Regieleki Max Lightning (140 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 165-196 (83.3 – 98.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 244 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 168-198 (84.8 – 100%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Mystic Water Kyogre Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Zacian-Crowned in Rain: 168-198 (84.8 – 100%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO
Yveltal @ Assault Vest
Ability: Dark Aura
Level: 50
EVs: 172 HP / 4 Def / 68 SpA / 12 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
– Oblivion Wing
– Foul Play
– Sucker Punch
– Snarl
Yveltal is a really bulky Pokémon that can sometimes be inmortal due to Oblivion Wing, punishing opposing setups with Foul Play, reducing damage of special attackers and dealing damage with priority with Sucker Punch. It’s just a complete Pokémon.
This Yveltal spread is from Joseph Ugarte (JoeUX9). Shoutouts to him!
+1 0- Atk Dark Aura Yveltal Foul Play vs. 156 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 90-107 (48.1 – 57.2%) — 91.4% chance to 2HKO
(Neutral) 76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Play Rough vs. 172 HP / 4 Def Yveltal: 194-230 (86.9 – 103.1%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO
+1 76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Behemoth Blade vs. 172 HP / 4 Def Yveltal: 160-190 (71.7 – 85.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252+ SpA Mystic Water Kyogre Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 172 HP / 12 SpD Assault Vest Yveltal in Rain: 94-112 (42.1 – 50.2%) — 1.2% chance to 2HKO
Incineroar @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 236 HP / 4 Atk / 76 Def / 108 SpD / 84 Spe
Careful Nature
– Flare Blitz
– Taunt
– Fake Out
– Parting Shot
Incineroar is just one of the best Pokémon in the metagame. With Fake Out + Intimidate, it helps all the team get a better position and rotate with Parting Shot. With the Sitrus Berry it can tank more and stay more time in the field.
The Speed is to outspeed max Speed Amoonguss.
4 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 156 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 134-162 (71.6 – 86.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO
4 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Venusaur in Sun: 270-318 (72.1 – 85%) — guaranteed 2HKO
76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Play Rough vs. 236 HP / 76 Def Incineroar: 93-111 (46.5 – 55.5%) — 14.5% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
76+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Close Combat vs. 236 HP / 76 Def Incineroar: 166-196 (83 – 98%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
-1 252+ Atk Life Orb Calyrex-Ice Rider Max Quake (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 76 Def Incineroar: 169-200 (83.6 – 99%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
-1 252+ Atk Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 236 HP / 76 Def Incineroar: 126-150 (63 – 75%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
-1 252 SpA Mystic Water Kyogre Origin Pulse vs. 236 HP / 108+ SpD Incineroar in Rain: 168-198 (84 – 99%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
Grimmsnarl-Gmax @ Light Clay
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 100 Def / 140 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
– Thunder Wave
– Spirit Break
– Reflect
– Light Screen
Grimmsnarl is one of the best support Pokémon in the format. With the screens, it helps the team a lot and gives speed control too with Thunder Wave.
The Speed is to outspeed opposing 4 or 0 Speed EVs Grimmsnarl.
(Neutral) 252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Behemoth Blade vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Grimmsnarl through Reflect: 169-201 (83.6 – 99.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Mystic Water Kyogre Max Geyser (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 140+ SpD Grimmsnarl in Rain through Light Screen: 166-196 (82.1 – 97%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Solgaleo Sunsteel Strike vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Grimmsnarl through Reflect: 157-188 (77.7 – 93%) — guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Grimmsnarl through Reflect: 153-181 (75.7 – 89.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Thundurus Max Airstream (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Grimmsnarl through Reflect: 84-99 (41.5 – 49%) — guaranteed 3HKO
Venusaur-Gmax @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Chlorophyll
Level: 50
Gigantamax: Yes
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Def / 156 SpA / 4 SpD / 92 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Leaf Storm
– Weather Ball
– Earth Power
– Sleep Powder
Venusaur is one of the Dynamax options. With the Weakness Policy, it makes the opponent think twice to click some super effective moves, and with the residual damage of G-Max Vine Lash it deals a lot of damage.
The Speed is to outspeed Shadow Rider Calyrex at +2, with Sun or when Calyrex is paralyzed by Grimmsnarl’s Thunder Wave.
156+ SpA Venusaur G-Max Vine Lash (140 BP) vs. 44 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 152-182 (83.9 – 100.5%) — guaranteed OHKO after G-Max field damage
+2 156+ SpA Venusaur Max Quake (130 BP) vs. 156 HP / 12 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 220-260 (117.6 – 139%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 156+ SpA Venusaur Max Quake (130 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Regieleki: 322-380 (103.2 – 121.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Life Orb Landorus-T Max Airstream (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 Def Gigantamaxed Venusaur: 265-312 (71.2 – 83.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Thundurus Helping Hand Max Airstream (130 BP) vs. 244 HP / 12 Def Gigantamaxed Venusaur through Reflect: 233-276 (62.6 – 74.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
Regieleki @ Life Orb
Ability: Transistor
Level: 50
EVs: 108 HP / 4 Def / 196 SpA / 4 SpD / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Electroweb
– Rising Voltage
– Hyper Beam
– Protect
Regieleki is just a monster in Dynamax. It deals a lot of damage and provides speed control both in and outside Dynamax. It’s just the perfect addition to the team.
The Speed is to outspeed +1 Speed Thundurus.
196 SpA Life Orb Transistor Regieleki Max Lightning (140 BP) vs. 156 HP / 12 SpD Zacian-Crowned in Electric Terrain: 211-250 (112.8 – 133.6%) — guaranteed OHKO
196 SpA Life Orb Transistor Regieleki Max Lightning (140 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre through Light Screen: 187-220 (106.8 – 125.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
196 SpA Life Orb Transistor Regieleki Max Lightning (140 BP) vs. 236 HP / 236+ SpD Incineroar in Electric Terrain: 187-222 (93.5 – 111%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO
196 SpA Life Orb Transistor Regieleki Max Lightning (140 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Yveltal: 252-299 (124.7 – 148%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 156+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Behemoth Blade vs. 108 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Regieleki: 274-324 (81 – 95.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
-1 116+ Atk Landorus-T Max Quake (130 BP) vs. 108 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Regieleki: 272-324 (80.4 – 95.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252+ SpA Life Orb Palkia Max Quake (130 BP) vs. 108 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Regieleki: 265-315 (78.4 – 93.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
Tournament run
This was my run at the VR Series 12 Challenge!
Swiss rounds
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | WLW |  Giuseppe Alario (Il Mule) |    |  |
This round was a good match-up but in G1 and G2 I made some mistakes that cost me G2. Ultimately I won G3 with Yveltal and Dynamax Regieleki in the early game and Zacian in the late game.
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R2 | WW |  Luciano Begot (Luciano) |     | |
This match-up was really good. Venusaur with Grimmsnarl and Zacian in the back destroyed both games. Venusaur kills and sets the G-Max Vine Lash, while Zacian in the back, with screens, cleans both games.
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R3 | WW |  Grigoris Makrikostas (Blade) |    | |
When I saw this match-up I thought about my gameplan. I had to be very precise with opposing turns of Tailwind to win with Regieleki in the back, and the gameplan came out perfectly. In G1, I knocked out Tornadus when there was no Tailwind and Dynamax Regieleki with Yveltal finished the game. G2 was really the same gameplan, which was really good, and it worked again cleaning the game with Regieleki and Yveltal.
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R4 | WW | Mattia Angelini (Matty) |  | |
This was a mirror match, but I had an advantage because of Venusaur. G1 was going really good, setting a late Gigantamax Venusaur and Zacian which killed everything thanks to the G-Max Vine Lash damage. In G2, an early Regieleki Dynamax destroyed his whole team.
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R5 | LL |  Juan C. Ortiz (MrPenguin93) |   | |
Another mirror, but my opponent had two Pokémon that were really annoying: Heat Rotom and Landorus. G1 was a really good game but Landorus and Zacian destroyed my 4 Pokémon. In G2, Dynamax Landorus in a good position caused me a lot of damage, and he finished the game with Heat Rotom and Zacian. If you want to watch this set, you can do so on his YouTube channel!
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R6 | WLW | Ilias Roufogalis (Liakos) |    | |
This match-up was good. In G1 I played well with Zacian and Yveltal to stall the Trick Room and win with Dynamax Regieleki in late game. In G2 I threw the game and Liakos played very well. Fortunately, I won G3 with Zacian in late game.
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R7 | WLL |  Yuta Takahashi (エルフィア) |  | |
This was a really good match-up. G1 I won easy thanks to the recoil of G-Max Vine Lash and Zacian. However, in G2 I played really bad and my opponent made good plays which destroyed me. Finally, in G3, a crit of Dazzling Gleam and the timer cost me the game. In conclusion, a totally deserved win: my opponent played really well!
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 | WW | Tommaso Falciani (Falcia) |  | |
I don’t remember this set too much, but I remember that Dynamax Regieleki, Zacian and Yveltal won both games. Also, a Substitute of Zacian got me the win in G2. I only had to win one more round to be in the top cut!
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R9 | WW | Teru Nakajima (まなかのん) |   | |
This was the win-and-in and when I saw the team I was really scared because of that Dialga with Prankster Thundurus and Zacian in the back. I was thinking about a useful gameplan and the only one I came up with was Gigantamaxing Venusaur in late game, while in the early game decreasing the offensive power of Dialga with Yveltal’s Snarl. The gameplan came out perfectly! In G1, a late-game Gigantamax Venusaur with Zacian cleaned the game. In G2, a Sleep Powder to Thundurus made the game really easy to clean again with Venusaur and Yveltal.
Top cut
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T32 | LWW |  Jourdan Bul-lalayao (Professor Ragna) |  | |
Testing the match-up, I saw that Regieleki put so much pressure to all the team except Landorus, so Dynamax Regieleki with Zacian and Incineroar was probably the best option. In G1, Dynamax Yveltal surprised me, and Zacian with some boosts in Speed destroyed me. In G2, an early Dynamax Regieleki put him under much pressure, giving me the victory. G3 was a little bit different because my opponent brought Landorus; a late Gigantamax Venusaur killed Zacian with the G-Max Vine Lash damage, giving me this set and letting me advance to top 16. You can watch this set on his YouTube channel.
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T16 | WW | Taro Okada (ヒオリ) |   | |
I don’t remember too much of this set. In G1, Dynamax Regieleki cleaned the game. In G2, the late Dynamax Regieleki cleaned the game again. With this set I was in the top 8: I reached the top that I wanted in my first S12 tournament!
| Round | Result | Opponent | Opponent’s team | Paste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T8 | LWL | Gabriele Mocciaro (Dalembertian) | | |
This match was the worst set I played in the whole tournament. The match-up was really good because Yveltal was comfortable against both his Restricteds. In G1, I used my Dynamax Regieleki really badly, losing all my advantage in the game and G1 itself. In G2, I made some mistakes, but I could win the game with a late Dynamax Regieleki. In G3, after I threw G1, some crits and a paralysis on Yveltal, in addition to a good adaptation by my opponent, cost me the G3 and losing in Top 8.
Conclusion
This is the end of my report. I hope you enjoyed and hope you learned a lot from this awesome team. To conclude, I think that I can improve the team by adding Landorus instead of Grimmsnarl, and alongside this change a Coba Berry Venusaur set with Helping Hand instead of Weather Ball. My friend Raúl Campoy (Rayko) would like this change a lot! 😀
Thanks a lot to all my friends that supported me during the whole tournament!
Barbarism kid can’t stop BARBARIE!
