Marble Palace - Miscellaneous Guides - Team Building Strategies

Team Building Strategies

To enjoy any version of Pokémon, one needs a team. And, of course, to maximize one's enjoyment of Pokémon, one must have a good team. But what is a good team? You've probably heard of people who are nearly unbeatable and probably wonder how they acquired such a fantastic team. I am not one of those people. I am a relative newcomer to online Pokémon battling and would only consider myself moderately good at best. Nonetheless, I went from losing 0-6 at everything (and nearly getting beaten by an Ash team, that was embarrassing), to someone who actually wins (or comes close to winning) more often than not. (And now just a general warning: this guide may give you good Pokémon choice, but that's only half the battle. This guide won't give you tactics because frankly, I feel tactics are something that need to be learned on the battlefield).

Step One-Planning

You need a team. First thing to do is turn off your computer. Yes, turn it off or at least get far away from it so your not tempted to use it. Why?

This is your team. It must be what works for you. If you use the computer you'll be tempted to use someone else's sets and not yours. If you make your own set's you'll understand how they're meant to be used, because you made them.
Standard is boring, not to mention predictable. Surprise your opponent so he or she won't know what to expect. If you're ever at Azure Heights, search for Mr. K's first tourney and you'll see a classic example of how no one knew how to deal with a crazed Body Slamming Wigglytuff.
This goes especially for GSC. If you look at other people's teams, you'll just make up teams to counter there's. Bad idea. If you play overly counter-defensive, you're team may function well against that team, but it will be defeated by nearly anything else.

(By the way, I make an exception to not using your computer if your just visiting a strictly Pokédex site. Sometimes you just need to know if that Pokémon actually learn the attack you want it to.)

While your planning this team out, think about balance. Does your entire team have survivability problems? Is the team all Special Attacks? Is everyone slow? Variety is a team's friend. Variety means the team is more able to deal with various types of teams. Also look for weaknesses against types. Having 3 Pokémon weak to the same type (unless no one in their right mind would use that type of attack) is generally a bad idea. Look for it now, or get embarrassed on the battlefield (I speak from experience, my first team had 4 members weak to Ground. It died horribly.) Another part of balance is making the team with enough synergy to be strategic by without too much reliance. Will other Pokémon aid each other without being extremely dependent? Will your team fall apart if one Pokémon is brought down? It can be very hard to find this balance, but if you think about it beforehand you can perfect it later.

Step Two-Modifications

So you think you're prototype team is pretty good? Turn that computer back on and connect to the internet. Look at some strategies at some Pokémon message boards. Do you think any will work better than your's? Would they fit into your team? If so integrate maybe one or two. Next step is to get your team rated. No matter how good you are or how good your team is, there's something you've overlooked. Get it rated at multiple forums, even one's considered n00bish. You never know, someone there might just have that one piece of advice that makes your team complete. Take advice you understand and respect. If you know something is wrong, don't integrate it into your team, but don't criticize the person giving the advice either (they just did you a favor, even if you didn't appreciate it). If you don't understand something, ask, and if you still don't understand it, don't put it in your team. You'll have no idea how to use those strategies effectively. Once your done, thank everyone profusely. Then they'll probably give you a team rate next time you post.

Step Three-The Ultimate Test

Create your team on GS Bot or the PBS depending on what version of Pokémon your team is for. Battling anyone, whether you know that are good, bad, or moderate. The first battles are all about getting a feel for your team. See who pulls their weight. See which move sets work or don't. Make changes, and when you've made a few get them rated again (but please don't get them rated after changing one moveset; you'll be universally hated). After you've fought a few battles, see if your team if winning (or at least not losing horribly) regularly. If it's losing badly, do a bit off analysis. Why is the team losing. If you can, ask people you're battling. Also, keep your team dynamic. Try new things for the sake of trying them. Don't worry about your reputation and just keep on battling. Not only will you get a feel for your team, you'll pick up tactics and advice at the same time.

Disclaimer: These are team building strategies that worked for me and I think can work for most. They may not work for you. By reading this guide, you refuse to hold Schwa responsible for loss of battles or free time.