Lecture on Team Archetypes in Pokémon

Introduction

• Focus: Understanding team archetypes in Pokémon.
• Main Concepts:
  • Play style vs. Archetype:
    • Play Style: How a team is used in practice.
    • Archetype: How a team is structured.
  • Important Archetypes: Stall, Hyper Offense, Balance Umbrella.

Key Archetypes

• Stall:

  • Focuses on defense, minimal offensive power.
  • Relies on status conditions, hazards, and low-damaging moves.
  • Example: Hydrael Stall team (uses status moves like Poison Sting).

• Hyper Offense:

  • Involves intentionally sacking Pokémon to win.
  • Example Pokémon: Roaring Moon.
  • Example Moves: Sticky Web, Meteor Beam.

• Balance Umbrella: Everything between stall and hyper offense.

  • Can include semi-stall and offensive teams.
  • Example Team: Semi Stall with Meara and future sight support.

Differences Between Archetypes

• Stall:

  • No intention to break or sack Pokémon.
  • Defense-focused, relies on survivability.

• Hyper Offense:

  • Intends to let Pokémon be KO'ed and to break opponent defenses.
  • Example Team: HO team with Pokémon like Romby and Glamora.

• Balance Umbrella: A spectrum of bulk and offense.

  • Example: Offensive team with regenerator Cindero.
  • Tactics include pivoting moves (e.g., U-turn).

Influences on Game Structure

• Game Length:

  • Bulkier teams result in longer games.
  • More offensive teams have shorter games.

• Checks and Counters:

  • Bulkier teams need solid long-term counters.
  • Offensive teams can use temporary checks.

Team Building Tips

• Building on Spectrum:

  • Allow team composition to evolve naturally.
  • Avoid mixing hyper offense or stall with balance Pokémon.

• Game Length Considerations:

  • Factor in the duration of games when choosing items and moves.
  • Temporary items are more viable in shorter games (e.g., Booster Energy).

Summary

• Focus on three main archetypes: Stall, Hyper Offense, Balance Umbrella.
• Allow team composition to direct itself naturally without overthinking archetype labels.
• Consider game length and avoid mixing incompatible play styles within the same team.

Final Notes

• Exam Reminder: Final exam in Building and Battling 101 is in a month.
• Differences within the balance umbrella are minor but worth noting for game length and specific tactics.
• Aim for teams that are offensively and defensively comfortable with their game length.

Conclusion

• Only worry about three archetypes: Stall, Hyper Offense, and Balance
• Good luck with team building and battling!