[Overview]
<p>Tauros hasn't changed much throughout the generations. He's always been quick and powerful, and this generation is no exception. Tauros did, however, gain a few tools from the transition into Black and White. Tauros was given the Dream World ability Sheer Force, which boosts the power of moves that have additional effects. He also gained the move Work Up, which is useful to break through walls. Sadly, this is his only stat boosting move. Unfortunately, the good news for Tauros ends here. While his Attack and Speed are great, his defenses are mediocre and his typing is downright awful. All in all, Tauros can't function to his fullest extent without the correct team support to cover his flaws.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Double-Edge / Rock Climb
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Fire Blast
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tauros is renowned for his strength. Wielding a STAB 120 Base Power move coupled with Life Orb and base 100 Attack, Tauros is very strong indeed. Tauros's STAB move of choice is Double-Edge, which deals massive damage to all who don't resist it. However, if the large recoil from Double-Edge is displeasing, Rock Climb is a suitable replacement, and works well with Sheer Force. Earthquake is helpful to get a super effective hit on Rock- or Steel-types that switch in predicting a Double-Edge. Stone Edge is used to provide further coverage, forming one half of the infamous EdgeQuake combo, hitting Flying- and Ice-types super effectively. But, if you're concerned about its shaky accuracy, Rock Slide, which is boosted by Sheer Force, can replace it. The final moveslot is to hit specific threats. Zen Headbutt can be used if you want a stronger hit on Fighting-types who might survive a Double-Edge and potentially KO Tauros with a STAB move. On the other hand, Fire Blast can be used to hit Durant and Ferroseed for 4x super effective damage. Even with a Jolly nature, Fire Blast will OHKO 4 / 0 Durant. It also scores a harder hit on Ferroseed than Earthquake would. Fire Blast also carries an element of surprise: most people won't expect a Pokemon with base 40 Special Attack to run a special move.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Return is also viable in the first slot to hit hard without any drawbacks. Life Orb is the item of choice here to maximize power while retaining the ability to switch moves. It also works well with Sheer Force, as Sheer Force negates Life Orb recoil on boosted moves, thus allowing Tauros to bluff a Choice item. A Jolly nature with maximum Speed investment is used to tie with all base 110 speed Pokemon. A Naive nature is also an option to get a stronger hit with Fire Blast, but the only value of it is to always be able to 2HKO Steelix. Tauros's Attack is maxed out to dish out the most damage, and the rest of the EVs are put in HP to give a tiny bit of added bulk. Ice Beam can be run in the last slot to hit Gligar, but provides no further coverage beyond that. Flamethrower is also an option over Fire Blast, but the power is usually worth the drop in accuracy.</p>
<p>Bulky Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus shut Tauros down instantly. That's why it's recommended to carry a Fire-type or a teammate with Guts to counter bulky Ghost-types. Choice Band Emboar can switch into a Will-O-Wisp and crush bones with his powerful Flare Blitz. Magmortar and Swellow don't mind Will-O-Wisps and can fire off powerful 120 Base Power STAB moves. Take note that most Guts users will only work as a counter to Cofagrigus one time because once they make physical contact with Cofagrigus, their Guts ability becomes Mummy. This means they will no longer get the Attack boost from the burn. Steelix also can cause trouble, not being 2HKOed by any move save for Naive Fire Blast. Again, Fire-types make excellent teammates, scaring Steelix off with the prospect of super effective STAB moves.</p>
<p>The choice between Tauros's abilities are up to personal preference. Intimidate is usable to allow Tauros to switch in more often and potentially survive more hits. However, Sheer Force works in conjunction with Life Orb nicely, as Tauros has a lot of moves with secondary effects. Rock Climb, Rock Slide, Zen Headbutt, and Fire Blast are all powered up by Sheer Force. Double-Edge is illegal with Sheer Force, so the primary move with Sheer Force should be Rock Climb. Rock Slide should be used over Stone Edge if Sheer Force is the chosen ability. It would have a little less Base Power than Stone Edge, but would have better accuracy, more PP, and the added benefit of not causing Life Orb recoil.</p>
[SET]
name: Work Up
move 1: Work Up
move 2: Double-Edge / Rock Climb
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide / Ice Beam
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite the physical attacker set's great power, Tauros can still get walled quite easily. Eviolite Gligar, Steelix, and Cofagrigus aren't 2HKOed by the above set. This set aims to fix that. With Work Up, Tauros is able to 2HKO all of the above simply by brute force at +1 with Stealth Rock and the appropriate move.</p>
<p>Work Up forms the basis of this set by raising Tauros's Attack to sky-high levels and his Special Attack to a high enough level to hit specific targets hard enough with coverage moves. Double-Edge is Tauros's strongest STAB move and hits like a cement truck on any non-Ghost-, Rock-, or Steel-type. Rock Climb is also usable if the recoil is undesirable. Stone Edge or Rock Slide provide further coverage and are one half of the infamous Edge-Quake combo. Ice Beam is also an option if Gligar needs to be OHKOed instead of 2HKOed. Earthquake hits the Rock- and Steel-types that resist Double-Edge.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Here is a damage calculation to demonstrate what kind of strength Tauros wields at +1:</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Adamant Hitmonchan Iron Fist Ice Punch vs 252/252 Impish Eviolite Gligar: 44.3% - 52.4% </li>
<li>+1 Tauros Life Orb Double-Edge vs 252/252 Impish Eviolite Gligar: 44.3% - 52.4% </li>
<p>The damage range of Tauros's Double-Edge is the same as a 4x super effective attack with an ability boost. Tauros is very powerful at +1 and should not be underestimated. A Jolly nature is used to outspeed everything up to base 110 Speed, although a Naive nature is also acceptable with Intimidate and Ice Beam, as it gets the OHKO on Gligar at +1. With Sheer Force, however, Naive isn't needed to gain any notable KOs at all. Either Intimidate or Sheer Force can be used, but Double-Edge is illegal with Sheer Force, while Stone Edge becomes less viable with it.</p>
<p>While the previous set didn't require much team support, this one both supports and needs support. This set works well with those who want bulky walls such as Gligar out of the way. Durant is a good example because he gets walled cold by Gligar, Steelix, and Cofagrigus. Electivire works in the same vein, getting stopped by the above threats, although less so. The lack of a moveslot for Zen Headbutt or Fire Blast leaves Tauros open to getting beaten by Ferroseed, Durant, or bulky Fighting-types. Take note, though, that Durant would have to 2HKO Tauros, so he could be played around. Magneton can easily take care of the former two, hitting 4x super effectively with a Hidden Power Fire, while Cofagrigus can easily handle the latter by spreading burns around with Will-O-Wisp.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>As Normal-types often do, Tauros has an extensive movepool. He has a plethora of specially based moves, but doesn't have the Special Attack stat to take advantage of them. The only ones worth considering are Ice Beam and Fire Blast, and they should only be used to hit specific threats. Anger Point was nerfed in the generation jump; it no longer works on Substitutes. It should not be considered because most critical hits will OHKO Tauros outright. Besides, Tauros would really miss the benefits of his other abilities. Bulldoze might seem tempting as a replacement over Earthquake due to lack of recoil from Life Orb with Sheer Force, but the loss in power isn't worth it. Tauros also gets Wild Charge, which can be used to hit Alomomola. Pursuit isn't really worth a moveslot as much as one might think. There are better Pokemon to do the job, and it can be tough to find a moveslot for Pursuit. Since Payback no longer hits for double the power on the switch, it should not be considered for a moveslot either.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>There aren't many Pokemon that can freely switch in to Tauros without fear of being OHKOed or 2HKOed, but Tauros can still be easily played around. Gligar can take most attacks, but should watch out for the Work Up set or the occasional Ice Beam. Ferroseed can switch in easily if Tauros is not carrying Fire Blast and can paralyze him, thereby ruining his chances of sweeping. Bulky Fighting-types can be troublesome if Tauros is without Zen Headbutt, but Double-Edge still does a hefty chunk of damage. Faster Pokemon or Choice Scarf users can revenge kill Tauros. Sceptile is an example, packing base 120 Speed and Leaf Storm to OHKO. Bulky Ghost-types such as Dusknoir or Cofagrigus can wall Tauros for days. Steelix can live two Earthquakes, and sometimes two Fire Blasts and strike back with a strong Earthquake. Tangrowth walls Tauros, but is 2HKOed by Fire Blast. Maximum Defense Claydol can switch in on any move but Double-Edge or Rock Climb and spam Earth Power. Sharpedo outspeeds Tauros after a Speed Boost and a Life Orb-boosted Hydro Pump will KO. Finally, priority moves are a simple way to defeat Tauros; Absol and Honchkrow can both easily revenge kill Tauros with Sucker Punch.</p>
<p>Tauros hasn't changed much throughout the generations. He's always been quick and powerful, and this generation is no exception. Tauros did, however, gain a few tools from the transition into Black and White. Tauros was given the Dream World ability Sheer Force, which boosts the power of moves that have additional effects. He also gained the move Work Up, which is useful to break through walls. Sadly, this is his only stat boosting move. Unfortunately, the good news for Tauros ends here. While his Attack and Speed are great, his defenses are mediocre and his typing is downright awful. All in all, Tauros can't function to his fullest extent without the correct team support to cover his flaws.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Double-Edge / Rock Climb
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Fire Blast
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tauros is renowned for his strength. Wielding a STAB 120 Base Power move coupled with Life Orb and base 100 Attack, Tauros is very strong indeed. Tauros's STAB move of choice is Double-Edge, which deals massive damage to all who don't resist it. However, if the large recoil from Double-Edge is displeasing, Rock Climb is a suitable replacement, and works well with Sheer Force. Earthquake is helpful to get a super effective hit on Rock- or Steel-types that switch in predicting a Double-Edge. Stone Edge is used to provide further coverage, forming one half of the infamous EdgeQuake combo, hitting Flying- and Ice-types super effectively. But, if you're concerned about its shaky accuracy, Rock Slide, which is boosted by Sheer Force, can replace it. The final moveslot is to hit specific threats. Zen Headbutt can be used if you want a stronger hit on Fighting-types who might survive a Double-Edge and potentially KO Tauros with a STAB move. On the other hand, Fire Blast can be used to hit Durant and Ferroseed for 4x super effective damage. Even with a Jolly nature, Fire Blast will OHKO 4 / 0 Durant. It also scores a harder hit on Ferroseed than Earthquake would. Fire Blast also carries an element of surprise: most people won't expect a Pokemon with base 40 Special Attack to run a special move.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Return is also viable in the first slot to hit hard without any drawbacks. Life Orb is the item of choice here to maximize power while retaining the ability to switch moves. It also works well with Sheer Force, as Sheer Force negates Life Orb recoil on boosted moves, thus allowing Tauros to bluff a Choice item. A Jolly nature with maximum Speed investment is used to tie with all base 110 speed Pokemon. A Naive nature is also an option to get a stronger hit with Fire Blast, but the only value of it is to always be able to 2HKO Steelix. Tauros's Attack is maxed out to dish out the most damage, and the rest of the EVs are put in HP to give a tiny bit of added bulk. Ice Beam can be run in the last slot to hit Gligar, but provides no further coverage beyond that. Flamethrower is also an option over Fire Blast, but the power is usually worth the drop in accuracy.</p>
<p>Bulky Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus shut Tauros down instantly. That's why it's recommended to carry a Fire-type or a teammate with Guts to counter bulky Ghost-types. Choice Band Emboar can switch into a Will-O-Wisp and crush bones with his powerful Flare Blitz. Magmortar and Swellow don't mind Will-O-Wisps and can fire off powerful 120 Base Power STAB moves. Take note that most Guts users will only work as a counter to Cofagrigus one time because once they make physical contact with Cofagrigus, their Guts ability becomes Mummy. This means they will no longer get the Attack boost from the burn. Steelix also can cause trouble, not being 2HKOed by any move save for Naive Fire Blast. Again, Fire-types make excellent teammates, scaring Steelix off with the prospect of super effective STAB moves.</p>
<p>The choice between Tauros's abilities are up to personal preference. Intimidate is usable to allow Tauros to switch in more often and potentially survive more hits. However, Sheer Force works in conjunction with Life Orb nicely, as Tauros has a lot of moves with secondary effects. Rock Climb, Rock Slide, Zen Headbutt, and Fire Blast are all powered up by Sheer Force. Double-Edge is illegal with Sheer Force, so the primary move with Sheer Force should be Rock Climb. Rock Slide should be used over Stone Edge if Sheer Force is the chosen ability. It would have a little less Base Power than Stone Edge, but would have better accuracy, more PP, and the added benefit of not causing Life Orb recoil.</p>
[SET]
name: Work Up
move 1: Work Up
move 2: Double-Edge / Rock Climb
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide / Ice Beam
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite the physical attacker set's great power, Tauros can still get walled quite easily. Eviolite Gligar, Steelix, and Cofagrigus aren't 2HKOed by the above set. This set aims to fix that. With Work Up, Tauros is able to 2HKO all of the above simply by brute force at +1 with Stealth Rock and the appropriate move.</p>
<p>Work Up forms the basis of this set by raising Tauros's Attack to sky-high levels and his Special Attack to a high enough level to hit specific targets hard enough with coverage moves. Double-Edge is Tauros's strongest STAB move and hits like a cement truck on any non-Ghost-, Rock-, or Steel-type. Rock Climb is also usable if the recoil is undesirable. Stone Edge or Rock Slide provide further coverage and are one half of the infamous Edge-Quake combo. Ice Beam is also an option if Gligar needs to be OHKOed instead of 2HKOed. Earthquake hits the Rock- and Steel-types that resist Double-Edge.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Here is a damage calculation to demonstrate what kind of strength Tauros wields at +1:</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Adamant Hitmonchan Iron Fist Ice Punch vs 252/252 Impish Eviolite Gligar: 44.3% - 52.4% </li>
<li>+1 Tauros Life Orb Double-Edge vs 252/252 Impish Eviolite Gligar: 44.3% - 52.4% </li>
<p>The damage range of Tauros's Double-Edge is the same as a 4x super effective attack with an ability boost. Tauros is very powerful at +1 and should not be underestimated. A Jolly nature is used to outspeed everything up to base 110 Speed, although a Naive nature is also acceptable with Intimidate and Ice Beam, as it gets the OHKO on Gligar at +1. With Sheer Force, however, Naive isn't needed to gain any notable KOs at all. Either Intimidate or Sheer Force can be used, but Double-Edge is illegal with Sheer Force, while Stone Edge becomes less viable with it.</p>
<p>While the previous set didn't require much team support, this one both supports and needs support. This set works well with those who want bulky walls such as Gligar out of the way. Durant is a good example because he gets walled cold by Gligar, Steelix, and Cofagrigus. Electivire works in the same vein, getting stopped by the above threats, although less so. The lack of a moveslot for Zen Headbutt or Fire Blast leaves Tauros open to getting beaten by Ferroseed, Durant, or bulky Fighting-types. Take note, though, that Durant would have to 2HKO Tauros, so he could be played around. Magneton can easily take care of the former two, hitting 4x super effectively with a Hidden Power Fire, while Cofagrigus can easily handle the latter by spreading burns around with Will-O-Wisp.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>As Normal-types often do, Tauros has an extensive movepool. He has a plethora of specially based moves, but doesn't have the Special Attack stat to take advantage of them. The only ones worth considering are Ice Beam and Fire Blast, and they should only be used to hit specific threats. Anger Point was nerfed in the generation jump; it no longer works on Substitutes. It should not be considered because most critical hits will OHKO Tauros outright. Besides, Tauros would really miss the benefits of his other abilities. Bulldoze might seem tempting as a replacement over Earthquake due to lack of recoil from Life Orb with Sheer Force, but the loss in power isn't worth it. Tauros also gets Wild Charge, which can be used to hit Alomomola. Pursuit isn't really worth a moveslot as much as one might think. There are better Pokemon to do the job, and it can be tough to find a moveslot for Pursuit. Since Payback no longer hits for double the power on the switch, it should not be considered for a moveslot either.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>There aren't many Pokemon that can freely switch in to Tauros without fear of being OHKOed or 2HKOed, but Tauros can still be easily played around. Gligar can take most attacks, but should watch out for the Work Up set or the occasional Ice Beam. Ferroseed can switch in easily if Tauros is not carrying Fire Blast and can paralyze him, thereby ruining his chances of sweeping. Bulky Fighting-types can be troublesome if Tauros is without Zen Headbutt, but Double-Edge still does a hefty chunk of damage. Faster Pokemon or Choice Scarf users can revenge kill Tauros. Sceptile is an example, packing base 120 Speed and Leaf Storm to OHKO. Bulky Ghost-types such as Dusknoir or Cofagrigus can wall Tauros for days. Steelix can live two Earthquakes, and sometimes two Fire Blasts and strike back with a strong Earthquake. Tangrowth walls Tauros, but is 2HKOed by Fire Blast. Maximum Defense Claydol can switch in on any move but Double-Edge or Rock Climb and spam Earth Power. Sharpedo outspeeds Tauros after a Speed Boost and a Life Orb-boosted Hydro Pump will KO. Finally, priority moves are a simple way to defeat Tauros; Absol and Honchkrow can both easily revenge kill Tauros with Sucker Punch.</p>
