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Battle Like Gary Oak: AI Builds a Gen 9 OU Team

06-09-2025

Gary Oak's Gen 9 OU Challenge: AI-Enhanced Battles

Gary Oak is legendary for his competitive spirit and strong Pokémon line-up. Inspired by Gary's iconic team, we used Poké Team Builder's AI to craft and test a Gen 9 OU competitive squad. While it wasn't as dominant as Ash's team, it still delivered some thrilling victories and taught valuable lessons.

🏆 Team Overview

This team, highlighting Gary's signature Pokémon, blended nostalgia with competitive viability. On Pokémon Showdown, the team scored some impressive wins, but it faced tougher matchups compared to our Ash-inspired team. Nevertheless, it shined through strategic maneuvering, particularly thanks to the synergy of its iconic members.

Meet Gary's Team

1. Blastoise @ Heavy-Duty Boots

Blastoise sprite Ability: Torrent
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Nature: Modest

  • Rapid Spin
  • Hydro Pump
  • Ice Beam
  • Aura Sphere

AI Explains: Blastoise serves as both hazard control and a potent offensive presence. Equipped with Heavy-Duty Boots, it clears entry hazards easily, while its powerful moves punish common threats and bulky switch-ins.

2. Arcanine-Hisui @ Choice Band

Arcanine-Hisui sprite Ability: Intimidate
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant

  • Head Smash
  • Flare Blitz
  • Extreme Speed
  • Morning Sun

AI Explains: Choice Band Hisuian Arcanine delivers immense physical damage. Intimidate softens physical attackers, and Extreme Speed secures key KOs. Morning Sun is unconventional with Choice Band but can offer situational healing if predicted well.

3. Umbreon @ Leftovers

Umbreon sprite Ability: Synchronize
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Nature: Calm

  • Wish
  • Protect
  • Foul Play
  • Toxic

AI Explains: Umbreon provides indispensable special defense support. Its reliable Wish-Protect combo keeps the team healthy, while Toxic and Foul Play punish setup sweepers and physical threats.

4. Exeggutor @ Sitrus Berry

Exeggutor sprite Ability: Chlorophyll
Tera Type: Grass
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Nature: Quiet
IVs: 0 Atk

  • Leaf Storm
  • Psychic
  • Giga Drain
  • Trick Room

AI Explains: Exeggutor sets Trick Room, reversing the tempo to benefit slower teammates. Its powerful special moves threaten key defensive cores, while Sitrus Berry provides crucial healing mid-battle.

5. Rhydon @ Eviolite

Rhydon sprite Ability: Lightning Rod
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Nature: Impish

  • Stealth Rock
  • Earthquake
  • Stone Edge
  • Megahorn

AI Explains: Rhydon is the team's defensive anchor, setting up Stealth Rocks and checking physical attackers effectively. With Eviolite, it reliably absorbs hits and retaliates with powerful attacks.

6. Dodrio @ Choice Scarf

Dodrio sprite Ability: Early Bird
Tera Type: Normal
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly

  • Brave Bird
  • Double Edge
  • Quick Attack
  • Swords Dance

AI Explains: Dodrio serves as the team's speedy revenge killer. With Choice Scarf, it outspeeds major threats, and powerful STAB moves like Brave Bird and Double Edge ensure swift KOs.

🔥 Challenges and Learnings

While the team provided some memorable victories, several battles highlighted clear struggles—especially against faster, offensive threats and strong special attackers. AI analysis identified that adding a dedicated special defensive pivot or speed-control support could significantly enhance this team's effectiveness.

🎖️ Final Thoughts

Battling with a Gary Oak-inspired team offered both nostalgia and strategic challenges. Even when the wins didn't come easily, the battles provided valuable insights into team synergy and balance, which Poké Team Builder's AI expertly highlighted for future iterations.

Want to craft your own dream team or revisit Pokémon history with modern competitive insights? Give the Poké Team Builder a try today!

Good luck out there, Trainers! — The Poké Team Builder Team