Empress
Warning: may contain traces of nuts
Taken over from the late PISTOLERO
Tyranitar
QC: 2/3 (Wreckdra, Sweep)
GP: 0/2
Overview
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The rise of Latios and Latias has given Tyranitar new life in the Uber tier. Its ability to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias is an invaluable asset to any team. Tyranitar also shines in a Flying- and Dark-type dominated metagame, taking on the likes of Dark Arceus, Darkrai, Ho-Oh, and Lugia effectively. Sand Stream is still as good an ability as ever, as it greatly increases Tyranitar's Special Defense, wears down foes with passive damage, and supports Sand Rush Excadrill. On the downside, Tyranitar is complete bait to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre; both get the type advantage on Tyranitar and their weathers override sand. Tyranitar is also quite slow, so it will nearly always take a hit before it does anything. Most importantly, its poor defensive typing and lack of reliable recovery make it somewhat easy to wear down, limiting its capabilities as a tank. Nonetheless, Tyranitar shines in a metagame infested with Latios, Latias, Flying-types, and Dark-types, so it is worthy of a spot on a team of any archetype, from hyper offense to full stall.
Support
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name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Pursuit / Low Kick
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
ability: Sand Stream
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
evs: 248 HP / 96 Def / 168 SpD
nature: Careful
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Tyranitar to support its team by inflicting passive damage on foes. Pursuit traps and heavily damages Latios and Latias, both of which are extremely prevalent in Ubers. Low Kick nails important Pokemon such as Darkrai, Dialga, Normal Arceus, and Dark Arceus. It also deals strong damage to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre on the switch. Rock Slide is a fairly reliable STAB attack that hits the many Flying-type of Ubers for strong damage, though Stone Edge can be used if you wish to trade reliability for power Thunder Wave cripples faster threats, particularly Mega Salamence, allowing Tyranitar to set up Stealth Rock. It can also create a turn for a teammate to enter the battlefield and set up. Roar phazes Pokemon that attempt to use Tyranitar as setup bait and can rack up passive damage alongside Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
96 Defense EVs are necessary to survive a +1 Earthquake from Adamant Mega Salamence. HP is maximized and the remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense to allow Tyranitar to take on Dark- and Psychic-types more easily. Leftovers promotes Tyranitar's longevity, as it is Tyranitar's only method of reliable recovery. Lum Berry can be used to protect Tyranitar from burns and Darkrai's Dark Void, though the item is not necessary if your team has a cleric.
Usage Tips
========
Tyranitar struggles mightily against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, so make sure they are KOed or severly weakened before sending in Tyranitar. Switch Tyranitar into Latios or Latias, then use Pursuit if you predict they will switch. If you think they will stay in, however, nail them with Thunder Wave. After forcing a switch, set up Stealth Rock in most cases. Though Tyranitar can take Flying-type attacks well, it must be careful of coverage moves that Flying-types carry, such as Earthquake on Mega Salamence
Team Options
========
Sand Rush Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand support to double its speed and become a fearsome sweeper. Primal Kyogre and Groudon appreciate the removal of Latios and Latias. Calm Mind Arceus appreciates Tyranitar's ability to scare out Ho-Oh. A cleric such as Clefable can remove status ailments inflicted on Tyranitar. Latios and Latias take on Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre very well. Wish passers such as Blissey and Alomomola provide much-needed recovery for Tyranitar. Blissey also takes on Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus very well, while Alomomola checks Primal Groudon.
Other Options
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Rock Tomb can be used to cut foes' Speed for a teammate to use the foe as setup bait. Toxic is the best thing that Tyranitar can do against Primal Groudon; the move also puts a timer on dedicated walls and bulky setup sweepers such as Lugia and Calm Mind Arceus, respectively.
Tyranitar also has a decent special movepool that can allow it to act as a lure; Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn while Ice Beam takes on Mega Salamence. Rest is Tyranitar's only option for immediate recovery, though it's a poor choice if not running Sleep Talk. Earthquake hits Primal Groudon, Mega Diancie, and most Steel-types for good damage. Mega Tyranitar is quite bulky and powerful, but it's a poor choice in Ubers. Tyranitar wishes it could hold another item and the opportunity cost of a Mega slot is too great. Dragon Tail gives Tyranitar a phazing move that is not stopped by Taunt. The move also inflicts chip damage, but it must be used alongside Thunder Wave because Xerneas blocks Dragon Tail. Counter can be used to surprise a physical attacker, particularly Primal Groudon. If running Counter, Shuca Berry will allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from Primal Groudon and KO Primal Groudon with Counter. The item also allows Tyranitar to surprise Mega Salamence and Extreme Killer Arceus.
Checks & Counters
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**Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre**: Both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can easily switch into Tyranitar, overriding the sand brought on by Sand Stream. They take pitiful damage from all of Tyranitar's moves and force it out with little trouble.
**Steel-types**: Dialga and Ferrothorn threaten Tyranitar if it lacks Low Kick, while Klefki and Genesect force Tyranitar off the battlefield even if it is carrying Low Kick.
**Ground-types**: All Ground-types are immune to Thunder Wave, giving offensive variante of Tyranitar trouble. Swords Dance Ground Arceus can use Tyranitar as setup bait and KO it with a +2 Earthquake, though it must be careful of the occasional Roar or Dragon Tail. Sand Rush Excadrill can turn Tyranitar's sand against it, OHKOing with an unboosted Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: Mega Lucario, Mega Mewtwo X, and Blaziken all outspeed Tyranitar and easily OHKO it with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Coverage Moves**: Several Pokemon that Tyranitar is supposed to check carry coverage moves that can put a dent in its health. For example, Mewtwo often runs Focus Blast, Extreme Killer Arceus and Ho-Oh can use Earthquake, and Ghost Arceus carries Brick Break.
Tyranitar
QC: 2/3 (Wreckdra, Sweep)
GP: 0/2
Overview
########
The rise of Latios and Latias has given Tyranitar new life in the Uber tier. Its ability to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias is an invaluable asset to any team. Tyranitar also shines in a Flying- and Dark-type dominated metagame, taking on the likes of Dark Arceus, Darkrai, Ho-Oh, and Lugia effectively. Sand Stream is still as good an ability as ever, as it greatly increases Tyranitar's Special Defense, wears down foes with passive damage, and supports Sand Rush Excadrill. On the downside, Tyranitar is complete bait to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre; both get the type advantage on Tyranitar and their weathers override sand. Tyranitar is also quite slow, so it will nearly always take a hit before it does anything. Most importantly, its poor defensive typing and lack of reliable recovery make it somewhat easy to wear down, limiting its capabilities as a tank. Nonetheless, Tyranitar shines in a metagame infested with Latios, Latias, Flying-types, and Dark-types, so it is worthy of a spot on a team of any archetype, from hyper offense to full stall.
Support
########
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Pursuit / Low Kick
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
ability: Sand Stream
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
evs: 248 HP / 96 Def / 168 SpD
nature: Careful
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Tyranitar to support its team by inflicting passive damage on foes. Pursuit traps and heavily damages Latios and Latias, both of which are extremely prevalent in Ubers. Low Kick nails important Pokemon such as Darkrai, Dialga, Normal Arceus, and Dark Arceus. It also deals strong damage to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre on the switch. Rock Slide is a fairly reliable STAB attack that hits the many Flying-type of Ubers for strong damage, though Stone Edge can be used if you wish to trade reliability for power Thunder Wave cripples faster threats, particularly Mega Salamence, allowing Tyranitar to set up Stealth Rock. It can also create a turn for a teammate to enter the battlefield and set up. Roar phazes Pokemon that attempt to use Tyranitar as setup bait and can rack up passive damage alongside Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
96 Defense EVs are necessary to survive a +1 Earthquake from Adamant Mega Salamence. HP is maximized and the remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense to allow Tyranitar to take on Dark- and Psychic-types more easily. Leftovers promotes Tyranitar's longevity, as it is Tyranitar's only method of reliable recovery. Lum Berry can be used to protect Tyranitar from burns and Darkrai's Dark Void, though the item is not necessary if your team has a cleric.
Usage Tips
========
Tyranitar struggles mightily against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, so make sure they are KOed or severly weakened before sending in Tyranitar. Switch Tyranitar into Latios or Latias, then use Pursuit if you predict they will switch. If you think they will stay in, however, nail them with Thunder Wave. After forcing a switch, set up Stealth Rock in most cases. Though Tyranitar can take Flying-type attacks well, it must be careful of coverage moves that Flying-types carry, such as Earthquake on Mega Salamence
Team Options
========
Sand Rush Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand support to double its speed and become a fearsome sweeper. Primal Kyogre and Groudon appreciate the removal of Latios and Latias. Calm Mind Arceus appreciates Tyranitar's ability to scare out Ho-Oh. A cleric such as Clefable can remove status ailments inflicted on Tyranitar. Latios and Latias take on Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre very well. Wish passers such as Blissey and Alomomola provide much-needed recovery for Tyranitar. Blissey also takes on Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus very well, while Alomomola checks Primal Groudon.
Other Options
########
Rock Tomb can be used to cut foes' Speed for a teammate to use the foe as setup bait. Toxic is the best thing that Tyranitar can do against Primal Groudon; the move also puts a timer on dedicated walls and bulky setup sweepers such as Lugia and Calm Mind Arceus, respectively.
Tyranitar also has a decent special movepool that can allow it to act as a lure; Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn while Ice Beam takes on Mega Salamence. Rest is Tyranitar's only option for immediate recovery, though it's a poor choice if not running Sleep Talk. Earthquake hits Primal Groudon, Mega Diancie, and most Steel-types for good damage. Mega Tyranitar is quite bulky and powerful, but it's a poor choice in Ubers. Tyranitar wishes it could hold another item and the opportunity cost of a Mega slot is too great. Dragon Tail gives Tyranitar a phazing move that is not stopped by Taunt. The move also inflicts chip damage, but it must be used alongside Thunder Wave because Xerneas blocks Dragon Tail. Counter can be used to surprise a physical attacker, particularly Primal Groudon. If running Counter, Shuca Berry will allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from Primal Groudon and KO Primal Groudon with Counter. The item also allows Tyranitar to surprise Mega Salamence and Extreme Killer Arceus.
Checks & Counters
########
**Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre**: Both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can easily switch into Tyranitar, overriding the sand brought on by Sand Stream. They take pitiful damage from all of Tyranitar's moves and force it out with little trouble.
**Steel-types**: Dialga and Ferrothorn threaten Tyranitar if it lacks Low Kick, while Klefki and Genesect force Tyranitar off the battlefield even if it is carrying Low Kick.
**Ground-types**: All Ground-types are immune to Thunder Wave, giving offensive variante of Tyranitar trouble. Swords Dance Ground Arceus can use Tyranitar as setup bait and KO it with a +2 Earthquake, though it must be careful of the occasional Roar or Dragon Tail. Sand Rush Excadrill can turn Tyranitar's sand against it, OHKOing with an unboosted Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: Mega Lucario, Mega Mewtwo X, and Blaziken all outspeed Tyranitar and easily OHKO it with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Coverage Moves**: Several Pokemon that Tyranitar is supposed to check carry coverage moves that can put a dent in its health. For example, Mewtwo often runs Focus Blast, Extreme Killer Arceus and Ho-Oh can use Earthquake, and Ghost Arceus carries Brick Break.
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