______ _____ _ _ _ _ _ _____ _ _
| __ | / \ | | / / /_/ | \ / | / \ | \ | |
| / \ || ___ || | / / _______ | \ / || ___ | | \ | |
| \__/ || / \ || |_/ / | ___ | | \ / || / \ | | | \ | |
| ____|| | | || | | / \ | | \ \ / / || | | | | |\ \ | |
| | | | | || __ \ | \___/ | | |\ \/ /| || | | | | | \ \ | |
| | | \___/ || | \ \ | ______| | | \ / | || \___/ | | | \ \| |
| | | || | \ \ | |____ | | \ / | || | | | \ \ |
|_| \_____/ |_| \_\ \_____| |_| \/ |_| \_____/ |_| \_\|
_____ _____
/ ___ | / ___ |
/ / / / / / / /
/_/ / / /_/ / /
/ / __ __ / /
/ / \ \ / / / /
/ / \ \/ / / /
/ /____ \ / / /____
/_______| \/ /_______|
Pokémon Fire Red/Leaf Green
2vs2 Strategy Guide
by shiny zangoose
Version 1.8 14/10/04
Copyright 2004 Alex Hunter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1 - Introduction and Disclaimer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello! Welcome to the first FAQ to concentrate on the forgotten aspect of the
third generation of Pokémon games: 2vs2 Battling. 2vs2 is actually very
interesting and requires quite a lot more strategy to play than it does in the
traditional 1vs1 battling. It also lasts a fraction of the time it does to play
a proper competitive 1vs1 game, where battles can last well over 100 turns,
while every 2vs2 battle that I have witnessed is over in around 20 turns max.
Stall wars which are ever so common in 1vs1 with SkarmBliss and their fellow
whores ruling the metagame just do not exist in 2vs2 meaning that some of the
lesser known pokes get their chances to shine (and some of the old cronies
still are as popular as ever).
Now after a brief introduction on 2vs2 it is time for a brief introduction on
myself. I have been coming to these boards since R/S was first released in
America and then towards the end of the summer I became heavily involved in
competitive online battling. However it is only in the past month or so that I
have realised how much potential 2vs2 actually had in it after entering a 2vs2
tournament on netbattle. I had the same misconceptions as everyone else when I
first started 2vs2. I used to think, "Get 6 pokes with EQ and who are immune to
EQ then you are on to a winner!" However I was sadly proved wrong after my
first attempt at a proper 2vs2 team was humiliated in a 6-0 thrashing. Now I
have become very good at 2vs2 and it has taken over 1vs1 as my favourite battle
style in the third generation of Pokémon.
DISCLAIMER
I would like to point out to readers is that this is a 2vs2 team building and
combo FAQ, and does not include a walkthrough of the game, or 1vs1 sets. So if
that is what you are looking for please try somewhere else, but make sure you
read this first and find out why you should be playing 2vs2 anyway!
Now that is enough for an introduction! Now on to the contents.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 2 - Contents
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1 - Introduction
Section 2 - You are reading it right now fool
Section 3 - Version History
Section 4 - Differences between 1vs1 and 2vs2 battling
Section 5 - Special Move Info in 2vs2
Section 6 - Team Building Tips
Section 7 - Combos to try out
Section 8 - Credits and Legal Stuff
Section 9 - Contact Me
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3 - Version History
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14/10/04 Version 1.8 - Yeah I really needed to proof read this FAQ more. I have
corrected several things and added some more useful combos for you lovely
people to try out. Please continue to send emails, as long as they are not
stupid and spam >:(
15/9/04 Version 1.7 - This is the third version of the FAQ. This was made
while I was waiting to see if version 1.5 was accepted. Here I have added a
few more Combos to try out and corrected some spelling errors that I had made.
I also changed the version number to version 7 because last time I submitted I
foolishly left it as version 1 when it was supposed to be 1.5 :(
14/9/04 Version 1.5 - This is the second version of the FAQ. The first version
will go down in history as one of those unfinished masterpieces. In this version
I have added A LOT more combos for you the reader of this FAQ to try out. There
is also some information about how to contact me to submit some sets of your
own. There have also been some changes made thanks to IronHead in the proof
reading department. Hopefully since you will be reading this it has been
accepted. I have also changed the format of the Team Building Tips section.
11/9/04 Version 1.0 - Yeah this is the first version of the FAQ. It has the
main bulk of information that you will need to know about 2vs2. I will add more
and more as I learn more and more about 2vs2 battling. I will add some more
combos as I discover them too.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 4 - Differences between 1vs1 and 2vs2 battling
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to this section that outlines the basic differences between 1vs1 and
2vs2 battling. I gave you a brief outline in the introduction, however I feel
that that is not great enough for you to be able to create a good 2vs2 team.
Below are the main differences between 1vs1 and 2vs2 battling:
- You use 2 Pokémon at a time instead of 1. That means that you need to think
about the effects that one Pokémon will have on the other.
- Some of the moves have got different functions in 2vs2 than in 1vs1. There
is a section in this FAQ right after this one that tells you which moves
have changed in 2vs2 and there is also a little comment from me on how I
rate the move in context of 2vs2 play.
- Shell Bell has been changed meaning everytime a move hits, the Pokémon that
used it will recover HP. For example if a Pokémon used Earthquake, then it
would regain HP in proportion to the damage done to the first enemy Pokémon,
regain HP in proportion to the damage to the second enemy Pokémon and if it
hits your ally it will regain HP in proportion to the damage it does to that
one as well. That means that you can regain HP up to 3 times each turn.
Here is an example of this in action:
Moltres used Heat Wave!
(46% damage to Zapdos)
Moltres's Shell Bell restored its HP a little!
(11% damage to Kingdra)
It's not very effective...
Moltres's Shell Bell restored its HP a little!
- Due to the fact that 2 Pokémon are allowed to attack at the same time, you
can expect that the average 2vs2 battle tends not to last as long as a
typical 1vs1 battle. It also means that the metagame is more based around
attack or be killed than stall to death. It also makes Speed vital.
- With moves that are not listed in the next section you get to choose a
Pokémon that you would wish that move to hit. If it is in the section below
then it has a different function.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 5 - Special Move Info in 2vs2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here I will list all the moves that are different than 1vs1 in their properties
in 2vs2. That means it will list all the moves that will hit both opponents
with half power, a random opponent, all Pokémon on the field except the user. I
will also add a little comment on the move to say it I think it is worthwhile
to use. Please remember that the base power listed is halved when it hits both
opponents and that when it hits all Pokémon on the field except the user it
maintains the base power listed.
Acid
Base Power - 40
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - No point in using this move with a base 20 attack, which hits both.
Air Cutter
Base Power - 55
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - The move is too weak when 2 opponents are in play so there is no
point in using this move.
Blizzard
Base Power - 120
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - A useful move to use if you like to play a bit risky. A STABed
Blizzard hits both opponent Pokémon with 90 base power. Shame about the
accuracy of 70%.
Bubble
Base Power - 20
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - YES YOU MUST USE THIS MOVE! For the slightly slower of you that was
sarcasm it hits both opponents with base 10 power so it should be avoided.
Earthquake
Base Power - 100
Hitting Info - All Pokémon on the field except the user
Comments - Arguably the best move in 2vs2 (with the exception of maybe
explosion). In my opinion I would have at least 2 or 3 users of this move on
your team but having too many users can leave your team vulnerable.
Eruption
Base Power - 150
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Would be a class move in my opinion if there were some Pokémon that
were fast enough to make use of it. Groudon would be a great user because with
base 90 speed he is still quite fast and can really pack a punch because its
base power would be 150 on each opponent at full health because the sun would
be in effect. The trouble is, Groudon is banned from most competitive play so
Eruption will never be able to have a place in 2vs2.
Explosion
Base Power - 250
Hitting Info - All Pokémon on the field except the user
Comments - Another one of the best moves in 2vs2. The only downside is that the
move protect is very common so if you get out predicted you can end up just
fainting yourself, so you should be careful when using the move.
Growl
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Actually it is quite a good move if used right. If your opponent is
using 2 Pokémon that are relying on physical attacks it can be quite useful in
causing switches.
Heat Wave
Base Power - 100
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - A good move if used in combination with sunny day because it can
really hurt both opponents. However I would use it with fire blast in case you
run into a Pokémon with flash fire or you NEED to get an OHKO on a Pokémon that
could kill you if you don't kill it first.
Hyper Voice
Base Power - 90
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Not really good enough when you could be using a move like
Earthquake.
Icy Wind
Base Power - 55
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - The 100% lowering speed on both opponent Pokémon is useful in itself
with speed playing an important part in 2vs2. The slight damage is useful as
well. I personally have never tried it, but I suggest that someone out there
gives it a shot.
Leer
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Meh could work well in conjunction with earthquake or another double
damaging move...watch out for Pokémon with the Clear Body ability.
Light Screen
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Affects both Allies
Comments - Great move. I always use it on my 2vs2 teams because it causes
special attacks to do 2/3 damage and affects both of your Pokémon.
Magnitude
Base Power - Random
Hitting Info - All Pokémon on the field except the user
Comments - It is capable of doing more damage than earthquake, however the
consistency of EQ means that Magnitude will forever be a redundant move.
Muddy Water
Base Power - 95
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Surf is better because again because of consistency. Even surf
though should be used in conjunction with rain dance though to do enough damage
to be plausible.
Outrage
Base Power - 90
Hitting Info - Random Opponent
Comments - Should not be used. Plain and simple.
Petal Dance
Base Power - 70
Hitting Info - Random Opponent
Comments - See comment about outrage.
Powder Snow
Base Power - 40
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Not worth using when there is blizzard.
Razor Leaf
Base Power - 55
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - The base power is not high enough to warrant usage.
Razor Wind
Base Power - 80
Hitting info - Hits both opponents (2 turn attack)
Comments - Since it is a 2-turn attack it is not worth using and the power is
not high enough to mean that it should be used.
Reflect
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Affects both Allies
Comments - Again an amazing move. Makes physical attacks hit with only 2/3
damage for both of your Pokémon. With earthquake and explosion being common
moves reflect means that you have a good chance of actually surviving a hit
(if you are at full health).
Rock Slide
Base Power - 75
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - A really important move in my opinion. Many people use flyers to
counter the common usage of EQ, therefore to get an attack that can hit both of
the flyers with super effective damage is very good. It can also flinch the
opponents and if you are really lucky you can get a double flinch. It is also a
great counter of "Follow Me" where people get either Togetic or Clefable to
use Follow me while another Pokémon uses a stat upping move. I would suggest at
least one of your pokes should use this move (preferably STABed with choice
band). Aerodactyl utilises this move best with himself being immune to EQ.
Safeguard
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Affects both allies
Comments - Not as useful as reflect or light screen for the simple fact that
status is not as common in 2vs2 as it is in 1vs1 because 2vs2 is more about
fast sweeping. However it could be useful as a filler on one of your Pokémon so
you have got the protection if you might need it.
Selfdestruct
Base Power - 200
Hitting Info - All Pokémon on the field except the user
Comments - Naturally not as good as explosion but can be good on a Pokémon like
snorlax as a finisher because it gets stab off a high attack.
Spikes
Base Power - N/A
Hitting info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Since it causes both sides of pokes to be affected when they switch
in it could be quite useful, however with earthquake being as common as it is,
very few Pokémon used in 2vs2 would actually be hurt by spikes since most of
them have Levitate or are a flying type.
Splash
Base Power - Infinite
Hitting Info - Kills every pokemon in the opponents team
Comments - If you didnt realise this was a joke then please refer to your only
option :S
String Shot
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Why use this when you could use icy wind?
Surf
Base Power - 95
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - A very useful move if accompanied with rain dance. Kingdra is a
great example of a Pokémon that can use it to great effect.
Sweet Scent
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Yes everyone use this move! It is undoubtedly the best move in the
whole of 2vs2.
Swift
Base Power - 60
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Useless. Since the base power is halved you would be better off
using a move that could actually do some good
Tail Whip
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Same as leer.
Teeter Dance
Base Power - N/A
Hitting Info - All Pokémon on the field except the user
Comments - Would be great if there were better users of the move. The Pokémon
that can use it have the rather large handicap of being too predictable.
However all round confusion is good when teamed up with something with own
tempo or protect.
Thrash
Base Power - 90
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - See outrage
Twister
Base Power - 40
Hitting info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Not enough damage to warrant use.
Water Spout
Base Power 150
Hitting Info - Hits both opponents
Comments - Again like eruption it would be great in 2vs2 if there were some
faster users. Kyogre would be great in 2vs2 with this move because it is
relatively fast. It's a shame really 2 moves that would be great in 2vs2 are
limited because their best users are banned.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 5 -Team Building Tips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok. Now that you know what all differences moves have in 2vs2, it is time for
you to make a team. In my opinion there are things that are must haves in 2vs2
and here is a little list of them:
- Flyers/Levitators: Make sure that you get at least half your team
immune to earthquake. If you don't then you are going to be vulnerable.
Very vulnerable. Also try and make sure you get a good mixture of
flyers and levitators so that the shared weaknesses of your team don't
rise too high.
- Earthquake Users: Earthquake is a great move in 2vs2. You should have
at least 2 Pokémon using this move but no more than 3. If you have more
than 3 then you are going to be vulnerable to a team full of flyers and
levitators.
- Explosion Users: Explosion is one of the best moves. Try and get
something that can explode and cause massive damage all round. You
should have no more than 2 exploders because then Pokémon with the damp
ability will hamper your progress.
- Protect: Protect is an essential move in 2vs2. You will need it for
when someone uses Explosion on your team, or when you can predict
someone will want to focus their attacks on one Pokémon while the other
Pokémon laughs as it gets a free attack in. Again try and shove on
protect on most Pokémon on your team.
- Ghosts: I would strongly suggest that you have a ghost on your team.
Even though there are few options, most fit well on teams. Ghosts are
good because they are immune to explosion and means that if you expect
an explode you can switch in your ghostie and then he won't take any
damage. Gengar is the best for this role in my opinion because he
benefits from Levitate.
- Light Screen/Reflect: Another thing that I would strongly suggest is to
have a Pokémon that can set up the two screens so that you can be
slightly more protected against attacks, meaning you will last longer
to dish out damage of your own.
- Type Balance: Try and get a reasonable type balance so that you do not
have too many shared weaknesses. Make sure that you don't have more
than one thing weak to earthquake or you are in trouble. Ice and
Electric is another thing you need to watch out for because if you put
a lot of Flyers in you are going to find that your weaknesses add up.
- Intimidate: I would suggest that you used a Pokémon that makes use of
the ability intimidate because it affects both of the opponent Pokémon.
It can also force switches meaning you can get in free moves like
dragon dance or a free attack. One common strategy that leads from this
is the strategy of leading with two intimidators and hoping that you
can catch some Pokémon that rely on physical attacks. That can then
mean you can get some stat uppers while they switch out to something
else. That is the main reason I usually lead with Special Attackers.
- Moves that hit both Opponents: Please, when you are using attacks that
hit both pokemon, make sure that you take the fact that the base power
is halved and that if you used a different move like Fire Blast or
Hydro Pump you could get an OHKO or near to one. However if you use
these moves properly it can save you, because you do not need to worry
about people protecting some of your moves, which can be really handy
in 2vs2. Remember you can still do quite a lot of damage with these
moves to both of the enemy pokemon, but be sure that if you use these
moves in conjunction with their higher base damage partners, so you can
choose which move is best to use in a certain situation. I hope I made
this bit clear, if you didn't understand it then please would you email
me so that I can change it so that everyone can understand this
important aspect.
Also there is this little formula that I use when I am composing a new 2vs2
team:
- One Pokémon that can take Special Hits well.
- One Pokémon that can take physical Hits well.
- Two special attacking Pokémon that work well in combination.
- Two physical attacking Pokémon that work well in combination.
With that formula usually it gives a good success rate. Some of the positions
can overlap as well, meaning you can get something that can take physical hits
well and also dish them out leaving a gap for another Pokémon that can take up
another slot.
Well those are some of the more essential things that you need to make a team
that can compete on the highest level. Here are some other general stuff that
you should try and take advantage of. There is also some criticism on some of
the common strats that are not as effective as they are cracked up to be.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MIMICING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mimicing is a very useful thing to take advantage of in 2vs2. You can mimic
your allies move and then use that to your advantage. It can be very useful
if there is a Pokémon that you think that would own if it could only just
learn a certain move. Well with mimic you can get that extra move. A good
example is EggyTres that IronHead and I came up with where Moltres Mimics
Exeggutor's Solar Beam after setting up sunny day. It can work wonders if
people don't expect it. You can also mimic follow me which is quite good
because the current users of follow me are not really built especially for the
task. I saw someone use this on Netbattle and it was unexpected, which makes
it a very nice thing to try out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SKILL SWAPPING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Skill Swapping is another good tactic. Skill Swapping levitate on to Metagross
can almost make it unbeatable as it sweeps the entire field. Another thing you
can try is to skill swap slaking. However this is a very risky strat because
skarm is still a bit annoying in 2vs2 for the sole reason that it is immune to
EQ AND can take the physical hits with taking as much damage as a fly does
when banging into a solid metal wall. Well that is kinda what skarmory is!
There are also other things that you may wish to skill swap, but remember the
longer the chain, the less likely that it is going to work. Swapping pure
power on to slaking via a chain is possible, however it takes time to setup
and might not work. REMEMBER THAT WONDER GUARD CANNOT BE SKILL SWAPPED.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SWAGGER/FLATTER WITH PERSIM BERRY/OWN TEMPO
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Swagger/Flattering with your ally having the Own Tempo ability is something
that you can try while gaining the attack boost and avoiding confusion. However
due to the lack of good Pokémon with the own tempo ability the same effect can
be gained if you used a Pokémon with the item persim berry, which cures
confusion. However with using the berry it means you can only do this once on
that Pokémon meaning that it is not as good as it may seem.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TEETER DANCING WITH PROTECT/OWN TEMPO
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Teeter Dancing when a Pokémon uses protect is another good strat which can
work wonders if you are lucky and it gets set up. However the main users of
this (Spinda/Cacturne) are Pokémon that are quite predictable meaning that
the opponents can attack these Pokémon fast at the start in an attempt to avoid
teeter dance from being used.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HELPING HAND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Using helping hand is another good strat that you can try out. This can really
help quite a lot on a Pokémon that normally could not OHKO a certain Pokémon
Pokémon but with the boost that helping hand gives it can OHKO it without
trouble. It works well with special sweepers.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LIGHTNING ROD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Another thing you might want to try out is a Pokémon that is weak to electric
and a Pokémon with lightning rod. The trouble is that most of the Pokémon
with lightning rod are not that good unfortunately or it would be something
to try out. I would suggest Marowak as your best bet, because he is not weak
to Earthquake and he is immune to electric. Another classic example of using
lightning rod is to have Rhydon and Gyarados, with Rhydon having protect. This
means that Rhydon can protect on the Gyarados earthquake, and also meaning if
the opponent wants to earthquake to get rid of rhydon then it will be a wasted
move. Thanks again to IronHead for pointing that out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IMPRISON
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Imprisoning some of the common moves of 2vs2 is another thing that you could
try to do. Moves like Earthquake and protect can be really annoying in 2vs2.
The solution? Imprison them! I saw MasamuneXGP from netbattle do this when
facing one of my preliminary 2vs2 teams and it absolutely owned. A good
Pokémon to use this particular strat is Dusclops. This is because it has good
defences to withstand attacks and because it is a ghost type and is immune to
exploders. A very good strategy and props to Masa who I think used it first.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
POISONPOWDER + GUTS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Poisonpowder + Guts is in my opinion one of the most overrated 2vs2 combos
that exists. As soon as you see a Pokémon with guts and a Pokémon that can use
poisonpowder you know what is going to happen. That means you will focus your
attacks on the Pokémon with guts and it will most likely faint, and then the
opponent will then send out a Pokémon to replace it and that will get poisoned.
There was this time when I was on netbattle and I was facing such a combo.
There was an Ursaring and a butterfree. With me having at least half a brain I
could guess what was going to happen. I then killed Ursaring with ease and then
the fool decided to send out umbreon. Butterfree used poisonpowder and the end
result was that both the opponents' Pokémon were poisoned. The only thing that
that strat managed to achieve was me bent over in laughter.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FAKE-OUTING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fake Outing is actually something that I have seen work well. I can't remember
who I was facing on Netbattle but fake out can take out one of your Pokémon
which you would expect to be able to kill one of theirs meaning the second
ally Pokémon can then kill the Pokémon that was faked out. A very interesting
thing to do. The down side naturally is that it can only be used on the first
turn but usually one fake out can really ruin your strategy.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FOLLOW ME
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Follow Me + Stat upping is something which I have seen and not liked. It can
work with the right Pokémon but usually it is easy to counter with a Pokémon
like Aerodactyl using rock slide. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT USE FOLLOW ME +
BELLYDRUM CHARIZARD. It just does not work and it is just screaming out for a
rock slide which is the usual follow me counter.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DOUBLE EXPLODING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Double Exploding if used right can take out 4 opponent Pokémon at the cost of 2
of yours. I have managed to pull it off once or twice and it has been quite
fun. I got a metagross and used agility and then Gengar uses Protect so that he
will be able to take no damage so he can explode next turn. Metagross then
explodes which takes out 2 of the opponent Pokémon. The opponent then sends out
two fresh Pokémon which are then subject to an explosion by gengar which can
either faint or badly damage both opponent Pokémon. The trouble with this combo
is that if you get out predicted you can get screwed up badly. But if you are
playing someone who dosen't know the importance of protect in 2vs2 you are well
and truly in the money.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RAIN DANCE/SUNNY DAY
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rain Dance/Sunny Day theme teams are fun. However make sure that your entire
team does not revolve around sunny day or rain dance. If you do you will be
weak to teams that so similar things. For example if you used rain dance your
opponent could predict this and then attack using Hydro Pump and Thunder while
you are on the set up turn. It is best to have 3 pokes relying on
Sunny Day/Rain Dance and 3 that do not need it. Because if you have your whole
team dependant on it and your sunny dayer/rain dancer gets killed then your
whole team goes down the drain.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FOLLOW ME PUNCHING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Follow Me Punching has been suggested by people as a potential good strat for
2vs2. In theory it would seem that it would work quite well as no-one could
directly hit the Pokémon that plans to punch. However there are massive
problems with this suggested strategy. The thing is that moves like Earthquake
, rock slide, surf and the like, all hit the other Pokémon as well as the one
that uses follow me. That would mean that the Pokémon who was going to focus
punch would not be able to focus punch and at the end of the turn you would
end up with one poke that has taken a load of damage for no effect. That is
why I do not believe that Follow Me Punching is a good idea. However if you
do manage to come up against someone who tends not to like double hitting
moves then this might work, but in general I would give this tactic a skip.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ENDURE-EXPLODE-REVERSALING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EndureExplodeReversaling is another strategy that has been built up as a good
thing for you to try and do. However there are quite a few flaws with this.
The first of these is that there are 2 Pokémon you will face, you can only hit
one of them and the one that you do not hit, will kill you. Also with double
intimidate being a common tactic your attack will be 2 levels lower meaning
that you will not do as much damage as you would intend to do. Also it can get
screwed over by people who use protect on the explosion, because when you see
certain pairs, you can be pretty certain what it is meant to do unless your
opponent has stuck two random Pokémon together in hope that it might work and
they will scrape a win.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INSTANT-REST-BELLING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
InstantRestBelling is a possible in 2vs2 where you use rest and get a
heal-beller that uses heal bell on the turn that you use rest. It can work
wonders if your Heal Beller doesn't get killed because the only feasible one
to use in 2vs2 is Miltank because Bliss dies too easy to physical attacks.
It also dies to explosion too. However it might be worth a shot if you want to
try and make 2vs2 as bad as 1vs1 is, but hopefully you shall all be proved
wrong!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TAUNT-EXPLODING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Something me and IronHead were discussing. It is kind of an extension to the
double explode I was talking about before. You get 2 pokes who can explode to
use taunt meaning that the other pokes can't use protect for the next turn.
Then on the next turn you use explosion on both your pokes, and if you are
lucky then you can kill 4 pokes in one go. Weezing is a great Pokémon for
doing this because it can use Fire Blast Shadow Ball Taunt AND Explode. That
means it can counter the inevitable steels/ghosts that are going to be
switched in when predicting the explosion. Untested but in theory it could
work well.
That is all I can think of as strategies go. Now in the next section you will
find a list of combos that you may wish to give a go when playing 2vs2 in the
future. Quite a few of these combos are common and known as standards in 2vs2.
Others I have made up myself. However if I have made up a combo that you think
you made up first, all we can put it down to is that great minds think alike.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ROLE PLAYING
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Role Playing is a possible stratagy that you might want to try out, where you
take the ability of your partner pokemon or the opponent. A great user of this
would be stantler, because it gets intimidate which is an ability that is not
very useful after he has been switched in, and if he switches out his ability
will have the same effect again. You can role play things like swift swim or
levitate. It is however quite risky but if you do get it set up it can be
quite sexy. You could also role play pure power off medicham and get powerful
attacks etc.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PSYCH UP
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Psych up is another risky thing that you might want to give a shot. You could
get a poke to stat up like salamence or gyarados, then send in a pokemon that
Psychs up these changes. However since stat up moves are not that common in
2vs2 it is not as good as it first may seem but it might be worth a shot if
you like to live on the edge :)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 6 -Combos to try out
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the Combos to tryout section of my FAQ! The combos here will be put
in a specific format so that it is easy to understand what is going on. Here is
the template for all the combos that will be listed below so you can gain the
most out of this section:
===============================================================================
-Pokémon 1 + Pokémon 2 Combo:
Pokémon 1's Moveset:
Pokémon 1@item
Personality: Which stats to focus Evs in
Move 1
Move 2
Move 3
Move 4
Pokémon 2@item
Personality: Which stats to focus Evs in
Move 1
Move 2
Move 3
Move 4
Comment: This is where a comment about how to use the strategy and what I think
about the effectiveness of the strategy
===============================================================================
Ok then now that I have explained the format to you, here are a list of some of
the combos that I think you should try out.
===============================================================================
-Slowbro + Slaking Combo:
Slowbro's Moveset:
Slowbro@leftovers
Bold: SpAtt Def HP and SpDef
Swagger
Skill Swap
Psychic/Ice Beam
Surf
Slaking's Moveset:
Slaking@leftovers
Jolly: Attack Speed (SpDef HP Def if you want a more tankish slaking)
Return
Earthquake
Shadow Ball
Slack Off
Comment: This is a strategy that is used in Colosseum. Unfortunately it does
require a fair amount of setup but you can give one of the enemy pokes
truant which can force a switch. What you do is you use Slowbro to use
skill swap on slaking. This then gives Slaking Own Tempo. Slaking then
hits a powerful attack. The second turn slaking can Return away and on
this turn you can switch out slowbro for another poke is you want to
avoid messing around with the rest of the setup that's needed for this
. On the third turn slowbro skill swaps truant on to the opponent and
then on the 4th turn swaggers at slaking. Keep Swaggering until you
die, or attack if you wish. Then send out a Pokémon that is immune to
earthquake (preferably a special attacker that can take down skarmory)
then watch slaking sweep. In my opinion it is a rather over rated
strategy because it takes so long to set up, however if your opponent
lets you set up you should have an easy win.
===============================================================================
-Kingdra + Zapdos Combo:
Kingdra's Moveset:
Kingdra@leftovers
Modest: SpAtt Speed
Rain Dance/Protect
Surf/Hydro Pump
Ice Beam
Mimic
Zapdos's Moveset:
Zapdos@leftovers
Timid: SpAtt Speed
Rain Dance/Protect
Thunder
HP Ice
Thunder Wave
Comment: My variation on the traditional Kingdra + Zappy combo is where you get
kingdra to mimic thunder off zapdos and laugh as pokes go down the
toilet. Only one of the two Pokémon needs rain dance however so keep
that in mind. Give protect to which ever Pokémon you feel in your
opinion needs it the most. Once set up I have managed to sweep entire
teams with it. It was this combo that single handily helped me in my
first battle in this 2vs2 tournament that I am participating in. Surf
is very good on kingdra, however I prefer to use Hydro Pump because
with Hydro Pump you are virtually guaranteed to get an OHKO on things
but with surf you are not. A very good combo to use.
===============================================================================
-Gengar + Metagross Combo:
Gengar's Moveset:
Gengar@leftovers
Hasty: Speed Attack
Skill Swap
Psychic/Shadow Ball
Protect
Explosion
Metagross's Moveset:
Metagross@leftovers
Adamant: Attack Speed Defence
Meteor Mash
Earthquake
Explosion
Agility
Comment: Another one of my 2vs2 concoctions. It was explained earlier on when
I told you about double exploding. Skill Swap is very useful if you
want metagross to sweep before exploding and sacrificing gengar. This
combo has again saved me many many times before but it is very risky
and difficult to pull off.
===============================================================================
-Salamence + Gyarados Combo:
Salamence's Moveset:
Salamence@leftovers
Modest: SpAtt Spd
Fire Blast
Hydro Pump
Protect
Dragon Claw
Gyarados's Moveset:
Gyarados@leftovers
Jolly: Attack Speed Defences
Earthquake
Dragon Dance
HP Flying
Protect
Comment: The idea of this team pairing is double intimidate. You get 2 Pokémon
that have intimidate and it then forces your opponent to switch if he
uses two physical Pokémon. The idea is that Salamence attacks with the
special attacks and that Gyarados attacks with the physical attacks.
You can also go with both of them as physical attackers, but then in
my opinion that leaves you vulnerable to Pokémon like Skarmory who is
still an evil thing in 2vs2. Overall it is a very effective combo but
if you face two special attackers at the start, you can end up getting
messed over.
===============================================================================
-Aerodactyl + Claydol Combo:
Aerodactyl's Moveset:
Aerodactyl@choice band
Jolly: Attack Speed
Earthquake
Rock Slide
HP Flying
Double Edge
Claydol@leftovers
Calm: Hp Def SpDef
Earthquake
Ice Beam
Light Screen
Reflect
Comment: The great thing about this combo is that everyone expects claydol to
explode. That means that they will protect. That means that claydol
can get a free turn to get up a screen and then Aero can then wait
until next turn to do the damage. Then you can take advantage of
double Earthquake. Then when they send out Salamence for Intimidate
to stop the damage from physical attacks, claydol Ice Beams it to
death. The amounts of times I have seen people switch in Salamence in
on these two, and the look of surprise as they are ice beamed back to
hell. Double Screens and psychology work to your advantage in this
combo.
===============================================================================
-Exeggutor + Moltres Combo:
Exeggutor's Moveset:
Exeggutor@leftovers
Modest: Speed SpAtt HP
Sleep Powder
Sunny Day
Solar Beam
Psychic
Moltres@leftovers
Modest: Speed SpAtt
Fire Blast
Heat Wave
Mimic
Protect
Comments: Ah the brain child of me and IronHead. Once set up this combo is a
beast. Sleep Powder is a great disabler as Moltres gets to Heat Wave
everything in existence...however the slight disadvantage is that it
is difficult to set up if the opponent focuses all its attacks on the
eggmonster. I have seen this in full flow and I must say that it is
frightening. Eggy is slow enough to get a sunny day in so that if it
was facing ZapDra it would override the rain dance, which is always a
huge plus.
===============================================================================
-Zapdos + Nidoqueen Combo:
Zapdos's Moveset:
Zapdos@persim berry
Modest: SpAtt HP Def SpDef
Thunderbolt
HP Ice
Agility
Thunder Wave/Protect
Nidoqueen's Moveset:
Nidoqueen@leftovers
Impish: Attack Def HP SpDef
Flatter
Protect
Earthquake
Sludge Bomb
Comments: This was sent in to me by rhythm. It is the standard "flatter + berry
combo" which I told you about before. It is quite cool if you get it
to work. Agility means Zappy can get more focused on Def not speed
and then Queen Flatters Zappy for huge SpAtt boost. Then Queen can
EQ without fear of hurting Zappy. Quite a good combo if it can get
setup.
===============================================================================
-Jumpluff + Umbreon Combo:
Jumpluff's Moveset:
Jumpluff@leftovers
Jolly: Spd Hp Def SpDef
Leech Seed
Sleep Powder
Encore
Protect
Umbreon's Moveset:
Umbreon@leftovers
Impish: HP Def SpDef
Mean Look
Toxic
Rest
Protect
Comments: This is a combo that attempts to bring the stallish metagame of 1vs1
into 2vs2. The idea is that Umbreon Mean Looks while Jumpluff Leech
seeds. Umbreon Mean Looks both and Jumpluff leech seeds both. That
would mean that Jumpluff would regain A LOT of HP back each turn.
Jumpluff can also use Sleep Powder on the first turn to help the set
up of this combo. Encore is useful to encore Earthquake because
Jumpluff will not be taking any damage. I have been meaning to test
out this combo for some time now and I will get back to you my
faithful FAQ readers and tell you the results.
==============================================================================
- Clefable + Gyarados Combo:
Clefable's Moveset:
Clefable@leftovers
Calm: HP Def SpDef
Follow Me
Softboiled/Moonlight if you dont have box
Protect
Thunder Wave
Gyarados's Moveset:
Gyarados@leftovers
Jolly: Spd Att Defences
Dragon Drance
Earthquake
HP Flying
Protect
Comments: This is the infamous 2vs2 move "Follow Me". The best use of it so far
is for stating up with one Pokémon while the other one gets used as
a punching bag. It can work quite effectively unless naturally your
opponent is clued up to the ways on 2vs2 and has a Pokémon that
carries rock slide. I have seen similar things tried and failed and
some tried and turning out quite well. If your opponent has no
follow me counter on his team then you should be really happy.
Remember folks that Clefable with Softboiled is only available via
Pokémon BOX.
===============================================================================
- Rapidash + Tauros Combo:
Rapidash's Moveset:
Rapidash@leftovers
Jolly: Att Spd
Bounce
Overheat
Return
Protect
Tauros's Moveset:
Tauros@leftovers
Jolly: Att Spd
Return
Earthquake
HP Ghost
Iron Tail
Comments: Old school stuff here made up before the game was even released by a
guy called "farfetch'd" on the R/S board. The idea is that tauros
uses Return on the first turn on a Pokémon, then Rapidash uses
bounce. On the bounce, tauros uses Earthquake which damages both of
the opponents assuming they do not have levitate or are a flying
type. The thing is with bounce is that they do not know who the
intended target is so they can't get a free switch to something
else. This is really just in to give you an idea of what some people
predicted the 2vs2 metagame to be like.
==============================================================================
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 7 -Credits and Legal Stuff
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok first I will deal with the Legal Stuff then I will go on to thanking all the
wonderful people out there who made this guide possible...so on with the legal
blah.
Firstly concerning the content of this FAQ:
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other
web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a
violation of copyright.
Secondly I need to point out that I don't own Pokémon and that it all belongs
to Nintendo and Game Freak. Just to make sure that that covers it I will have
to add this notice as well to prevent me from getting sued.
All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their
respective trademark and copyright holders.
Now on with the credits!
Here is a list of people/random objects/things I would like to thank for making
this guide possible:
- Nintendo/Game Freak: Thank you guys for making one of the best series of
games ever! The hours of entertainment you have managed
to give to me and millions of other people throughout
the world is enormous. A big thank you and I hope as a
fan there will be many more games to come!
-GameFaqs/CJayC: Thanks to you for your wonderful site and for hosting
this FAQ. This site again has provided many people with
great information and hours of fun browsing the boards.
Keep up the good work!
-My Brain: Thanks to my brain for helping me type this FAQ out and
allow me to play games. Good Job son!
-Notepad: Thanks Notepad for letting me type this FAQ. Simple but
effective.
-Metapad: Thanks metapad for being better than notepad. Since I
own a tacky PC notepad will not allow to have large
files saved. Therefore I turned to you metapad person.
Thanks a bunch!
-mIRC: Thanks mIRC for letting me chat to many people out there
and play Pokémon via the bots.
-Netbattle: For the listings of all the attacks so I could check up
on their effects in 2vs2 play. And also for helping me
battle after the bots stopped coming. Netbattle can be
found at
http://www.netbattle.net.
-Netbattle Forums: There was a topic on the Netbattle Forums about 2vs2.
On there, there was some suggestion of some strategies
that might be useful in 2vs2. I did some research into
them and I am putting my results into this FAQ. If you
contributed to that topic on Netbattle then this thank
you extends to you as well.
Now it comes to actual people who have helped me throughout my time playing
Pokémon. In no particular order here they are:
-IronHead: A big thanks and a hug for IronHead who has always been
very friendly from ever since I first met him on mIRC.
Thanks for helping me out on some of my teams and helping
make up some strats in 2vs2 like EggyTres which is
mentioned above. Also an even bigger hug is needed for
helping me proof read the FAQ. Thanks a bundle dude!
-Redeyesruler190: Thanks to you for getting me on to mIRC in the first
place. Without you I would never have met such people as
I have over the past year and a bit. Good Luck Redeyes
wherever you are.
-Ultima96: Thank you Ulti for being my mentor as it were. Thanks for
showing me how to play. Also for being a great laugh in
chat.
-Synre: For showing me that there is no perfect team and you
should always keep trying. The amount of times I have
made a team that I thought was unbeatable just to see it
be destroyed with ease by your teams. Thanks man.
-AJ: For like taking over ownership of #gfaqs. And also for
being a great battler and always giving me great battles.
-Shroomie: Thanks for just being around. You always seem to cheer up
even the most darkest of days. Good Luck with Cross
Country!
-Asuka: For being a great sparring partner in battles and also
being brave enough to sport a bright pink shirt in
public.
-LordS: Because he is a great battler and has helped me grow in
experience by insulting me every time I make a mistake.
-NdMan: Andy for being English and one of the best battlers out
there. Also according to him I need to add "sexy" to my
FAQ 56 times. Only 55 now :p. Also thanks for making
Darkpad which had so much potential. Its just a shame
that there are no longer any bots to run it on :(
-Blueshirt: Thanks for pointing out some silly errors of mine, also
thanks for being such a great dude in the community in
general. Also regarding this comment you sent do me:
"I am completely pwning you in the use of the word
"sexy". At last count I had somewhere near 100 ;)"
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
Ha owned :P
-Rhythm: For being an easy battle to get my confidence up! Just
kidding myles, thanks for being around and being fun to
talk to all that.
-Kari & Mewtwo: For making a 2vs2 tourney that really got me into 2vs2ing
without that I would have never known as much as I do now
about the subject. Thanks a lot for uncovering an aspect
to Pokémon battling that I had never tried before.
And finally a big shout out to you. The reader of this FAQ. By reading this you
are making me feel that my work has been useful and has helped you become a
better 2vs2 player.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 9 - Contact Me
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to contact me with suggestions for the FAQ, have a combo to submit
or feel that you should be included in the credits, then you can contact me
via my email address:
[email protected]
Some rules about sending me emails are listed below:
- Don't email me asking help for the game, or for 1vs1 strategies. If you want
1vs1 help I suggest that you look at Blueshirts excellent guide. Infact I am
so nice here is a link!
http://db.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/file/pokemon_frlg_moves.txt
- Don't ask me to create a team for you or to rate an existing one. I will not
reply because I have better things to do. If you post it on the boards
however if I am drifting past it I will rate it there.
- Make the subject of your email "2vs2 FAQ". If that is not the subject then
I will not read it. Plain and simple.
- No attachments whatsoever. If you send me an attachment on your email then I
will just ignore it even though it may be innocent.
- If you submit information and would like to be included in the credits,
please tell me by what name I should put in there.
- Tell me what site you viewed this FAQ from please.
So on that note until next time, Toodles!
______________________________________________________________________________
END OF FAQ. HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING IT!
