Doubles strategy - Guts?

Is this a viable doubles tactic?

I usually like to Scarf my Heracross (since it’s rather slow in comparison to most of its threats), but that frequently forfeits the Guts boost, since you lack a status orb (& imo Guts is best for Heracross…). So instead, in doubles I’d put up Sableye & Heracross together, Burn Heracross on my first move and proceed to use Heracross to sweep.

Sableye also doesn’t just serve one purpose; it’s a very common Pokemon in doubles and is therefore not just a one trick pony and loses its use after it burns Heracross.

Sets

Sableye @ LeftoversAbility: PranksterEVs: 252 HP, 252 Def, 4 Sp. DefNature: Impish- Will-O-Wisp- Recover- Foul Play/ Rain Dance (explained latter)- Taunt

Heracross @ Choice ScarfAbility: GutsEVs: 252 Atk, 252 Speed, 4 HPNature: Adamant- Close Combat- Megahorn- Stone Edge- Night Slash

Support candidates

So I can’t base my strategy completely around Heracross, because if it faints I’m done for. So here are some candidates for support:

Latias @ Light Clay (Soul Dew?)Ability: LevitateEVs: 252 HP, 252 Speed, 4 Sp. AtkNature: Timid- Reflect- Heal Pulse- Dragon Pulse- Light Screen/ Roost

I don’t know whether to make Latias Dual Screens, because if I do I think she’ll be short lived. Heal Pulse is self explanatory, in order to replenish Heracross' health from burn damage.

(Also is Soul Dew banned on Smogon doubles?)

Chansey @ EvioliteAbility: Natural CureEVs: 252 Def, 252 Sp. Def, 4 HPNature: Bold- Wish- Heal Pulse- Protect- Toxic

Just because I like Chansey better than Blissey. Psyshock also does less damage because of Evo, and she’s much more capable of surviving a fighting move.

Espeon @ Light ClayAbility: Magic BounceEVs: 252 HP, 252 Speed, 4 DefNature: Timid- Reflect- Light Screen- Moonlight/ Wish/ Psychic- Baton Pass

A Dual Screener that isn’t susceptible to Taunt and therefore no need for an attacking move. Even if a Pokemon has Mold Breaker, it’s unlikely that they will have Taunt. Baton Pass to get the heck out of dodge.

Cresselia @ Light ClayAbility: LevitateEVs: 252 HP, 120 Def, 132 Sp. DefNature: Bold- Light Screen- Reflect- Icy Wind- Moonlight/ Lunar Dance

I can’t decide which 2 of these 4 would be better for my purposes. I have to consider status ailments as well, and Latios & Cresselia are both susceptible to them with no method of recovery; Espeon doesn’t have Heal Pulse; Chansey isn’t a dual screener. Moonlight is also only 25% outside of normal & sunny weather.

Sweepers

In the case that Heracross does faint, I need to have prepared other options.

Kingdra @ Life OrbAbility: Swift SwimEVs: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 Speed, 4 HPNature: Modest- Surf- Dragon Pulse- Ice Beam- Rain Dance/ HP Grass

I guess not putting Rain Dance on Kingdra would be placing too much confidence in Sableye. Also considering that only Chansey has Protect, maybe Hydro Pump would be a better option…

Zapdos @ Life OrbAbility: PressureEVs: 252 Sp. Atk, 252 Speed, 4 HPNature: TImid- Heat Wave- Thunderbolt- HP Ice- Roost

Zapdos serves as a sweeper that doesn’t require additional set up from its team mates.

So would this work? Or too gimmicky?

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

Yeah, that’s really epic. Stolen already :D jk.

It’s definitely good enough to power Hera up, but that really lessens how long Crossy gets to sweep for. A few priority attacks and hazard damage means that it won’t be able to “sweep”. It could take about 2 Pokemon down, but that would be it. Another nitpick, Heracross isn’t incredibly fast, and common Scatters (Terrakion and co.) OHKO it anyway. My best suggestion to fully utilise your strategy would be to run Jolly Nature over Adamant.

This means that it can outspeed Terrakion at the least. Hope I helped you :)