QC: p2 / bludz / Nedor
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared (CryoGyro )
[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T proves itself to be one of the OU metagame's premier bulky Ground-types due to its great typing, access to U-turn, and Intimidate support. It functions as a pivot, thus providing momentum and controlling the tempo of the match, while also functioning as an all-around blanket check to many physical threats in the tier such as Mega Lopunny, Excadrill, Mega Charizard X, and Tyranitar. It can set up Stealth Rock pretty comfortably, as its high Attack stat prevents many threats from coming in freely regardless of how defensive the set you run may be. Its wide movepool consisting of great options such as Swords Dance, Explosion, Knock Off, and Rock Polish also makes it a threat in many different ways; for example, it's a great Choice Scarf user filling the role of revenge killer and can also work as setup sweeper. However, Landorus-T faces competition from Hippowdon and Garchomp as a Ground-type, with the former being able to utilize Sand Stream along with its superior bulk and defensive typing and the latter being able to spread passive chip damage through Rough Skin + Rocky Helmet. Its lack of reliable recovery outside of Leftovers also leaves it relatively low on HP to manage various threats on the opponent's team, especially if you don't play cautiously. Lastly, Landorus-T packs weaknesses to Ice- and Water-type moves, meaning it cannot set up Stealth Rock without inviting the likes of Kyurem-B, Manaphy, and Keldeo in.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: U-turn / Swords Dance
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Landorus-T's main way to deal with Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X and Excadrill. Stealth Rock is used for gradually wearing down your opponent's Pokemon and punishing switch-ins, with Landorus-T being an excellent user due to its good typing and ability to switch into many physical attackers to sponge hits. U-turn makes Landorus-T a great pivot to gain offensive momentum and scout the foe's moves as well as baiting in some defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory that strong wallbreakers on your team can take advantage of without taking the risk of getting damaged beforehand. Stone Edge is the best possible coverage move for Landorus-T, allowing it to hit Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate while being able to OHKO some threats such as Mega Pinsir, which is one of the reasons why Stone Edge is a superior move to Rock Slide despite the lower accuracy. Swords Dance can be run over U-turn because it can help Landorus-T pressure bulkier Pokemon such as Clefable, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and opposing Landorus-T rather than having to U-turn into a better matchup. Toxic can be used to cripple setup sweepers and bulkier Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Hippowdon, Garchomp, and Talonflame. Knock Off is also a good option for the last slot, as it provides a nice utility for teammates or for Landorus-T itself by helping them wear down bulky Pokemon more easily. For example, you can remove Skarmory's or Ferrothorn's Shed Shell and trap them with Magnezone later, and you can remove Leftovers, Eviolite, and Smooth Rock. It also hits Psychic-types for super effective damage. However, this leaves Landorus-T vulnerable to Mega Pinsir and Talonflame. Hidden Power Ice is a completely viable option to nail opposing Landorus-T and Garchomp, but if you opt for this it's preferable run a Lax nature for higher rolls on the aforementioned foes, especially considering the Special Defense investment isn't that useful in most situations.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment and near-maximum Defense investment with a Impish nature is used to buff Landorus-T's defensive potential as much as possible to take on physical threats optimally. The 8 EVs in Special Defense allow Landorus-T to always survive Mega Manectric's Hidden Power Ice at full HP. The rest is dumped into Speed to outpace base 50 Speed Pokemon with a positive nature such as Azumarill. Intimidate strengthens Landorus-T's ability to come into threatening physical attackers. As for items, Rocky Helmet works well due to its ability to spread chip damage on threats such as Mega Lopunny and opposing Landorus-T, making it easier for its teammates or itself to pick them off later. Leftovers is the superior option on more defensive teams due to the great longevity it provides.
Usage Tips
========
One of the main reasons to use this set is setting up Stealth Rock, so try to set it up on Pokemon that are threatened by Earthquake or fear Rocky Helmet damage such as Excadrill, Mega Charizard X, Mega Lopunny, and Klefki, or just get it up as soon as possible in the match to instantly apply pressure on your opponent, potentially forcing a spin or Defog that you can take advantage of. Another reason why Landorus-T is slapped onto so many teams is its ability to come into many threatening attackers and force them out, allowing you to gain momentum, get up Stealth Rock, or get off a hefty chunk of damage on something to put you in a favorable situation. Try to KO Pokemon that threaten your team or at least will rack up damage, such as +1 Excadrill under sand, Swords Dance Talonflame, and Dragon Dance-boosted Mega Charizard X. U-turn is a great way to grab offensive momentum or scout the foe's moves, as Landorus-T can pivot into Pokemon that it would force out such as Jirachi and Excadrill and proceed to U-turn out on the opponent's expected switch out to rack up damage alongside Stealth Rock to keep the tempo of the match in your favor. Another way to use it is getting a slow U-turn after taking a hit and bringing in a teammate that matches up favorably. If you pack Swords Dance, use it early-game to break bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon and defensive Garchomp. Knock Off should be used to remove annoying items such as Leftovers, Eviolite, Shed Shell, Rocky Helmet, and Life Orb to make it easier to deal with those Pokemon later.
Team Options
========
Latios and Starmie both can switch into Water-type attacks and check Keldeo perfectly; Starmie can also switch into Ice-type attacks. Ferrothorn is a great partner to complete the entry hazard-stacking core and resists Water-type attacks as well; it also switches into some special wallbreakers that Landorus-T can't manage, such as non-Hidden Power Fire Latios, Mega Diancie, and Kyurem-B, somewhat comfortably. Another great hazard core partner is Klefki for the more offensive approach, as between the two, they possess great defensive synergy and are capable of checking a large portion of the metagame, with Klefki also providing a ton of utility with moves like Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Thunder Wave. Wallbreakers or hard-hitting Pokemon enjoy the slow U-turn Landorus-T can provide, such as Volcanion, Kyurem-B, Mega Medicham, and Thundurus, because they don't enjoy taking hits and all take advantage of what foes Landorus-T baits in, such as bulky Ground- and Water-types. Tyranitar is also good when paired with Landorus-T because Landorus-T tends to lure in Starmie, Latios, and Latias, which Tyranitar can trap, guaranteeing hazards on the other side of the field stay. Electric-types such as Mega Manectric and Rotom-W can complete a VoltTurn core and keep momentum throughout the match; Mega Manectric also enjoys that Landorus-T can Toxic bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon or weaken them with Swords Dance-boosted attacks, while Rotom-W helps on a more defensive front, spreading status and alleviating pressure from Landorus-T in checking many threats. Landorus-T also makes a great core in terms of synergy and hazards with Dragalge, as it can take Water-type attacks while Landorus-T is immune to Ground-type attacks that hurt Dragalge. Clefable is a solid option too, as it can take unboosted Water- and Ice-type attacks from Pokemon such as Mega Manectric, Weavile, defensive Starmie, and Lopunny, while Landorus-T can deal with Pokemon that threaten Clefable such as Excadrill, Talonflame, and Mega Charizard X and also resists Poison-type attacks. Keldeo is also a nice alternative to pair with Landorus-T because Bisharp can get out of hand due to a +1 boost from Intimidate and it enjoys the slow U-turn to wallbreak safely. Bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Slowking take Water- and Ice-type attacks directed at Landorus-T reliably, with the latter taking on special wallbreakers slightly better and the former taking pressure off Landorus-T in beating the majority of the physical metagame.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off / Explosion / Superpower
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
STAB Earthquake is easy to spam mid- and late-game without having anything immune to it; it also is able to revenge kill threats such as Choice Scarf Excadrill, Mega Alakazam, and +1 Dragonite. On a Choice Scarf set, U-turn is one of the best moves to have, functioning to gain offensive momentum and revenge kill weakened Pokemon to have switch initiative. Stone Edge is the perfect coverage move to go with Earthquake, hitting Flying-types, and it's a superior option over Rock Slide because this set needs the power to KO the likes of Dragonite, whose Outrage + Extreme Speed it cannot tank, and gain a high chance of OHKOing Tornadus-T. Knock Off cripples defensive Pokemon like Skarmory and Ferrothorn to wear them down more easily while also OHKOing Latias and Latios, which U-turn can't do; it also hits Gengar in a more reliable way and super effectively. Explosion should be considered as a last-ditch effort if you can't KO a foe with Earthquake and it is dangerous enough to sweep your team, as well dealing massive damage to bulkier Pokemon and even OHKOing them after a prior damage in the case of Clefable; it also works to gain momentum by providing switch initiative if the situation allows you to do so. Superpower nails Air Balloon Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Gyarados. Hidden Power Ice is a viable option as well to lure and eliminate opposing Landorus-T or other Pokemon 4x weak to it such as Garchomp.
Set Details
========
Full investment into Attack provides enough power to revenge kill threats such as Excadrill, Mega Charizard X, and Keldeo, the latter with a bit of prior damage. A Jolly nature with maximum investment into Speed is needed in order to grab momentum and revenge kill every single Mega Evolution such as Mega Lopunny or Mega Alakazam or Pokemon with a +1 Speed boost such as Mega Gyarados and Dragonite. Choice Scarf is the reason why this set is a great momentum grabber and revenge killer.
Usage Tips
========
The main use of this set is to revenge kill threats after one of your Pokemon has been sacrificed. Try to maintain momentum as much as you can, for example by using U-turn on weakened Pokemon; you can bring in Landorus-T to force a Pokemon out, not only granting you offensive momentum or switch initiative but also racking up damage on the opponent's team and getting a fast U-turn off. Use it to check Mega Charizard X, Excadrill, and Mega Lopunny, but be wary of switching it directly in because its bulk is still average even with Intimidate; you can also use it to clean up late-game once Pokemon that resist or are immune to Ground have been removed or are weakened enough. It's also a good lead to scout your opponent's intentions as well as match up perfectly the majority of the time, and for poor matchups Landorus-T can just U-turn out. Be careful of locking Landorus-T into a move that leaves it vulnerable to a setup sweeper.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers fit perfectly as teammates, as they can beat what Choice Scarf Landorus-T baits in, granting you the upper hand in a match. The momentum grabbed by Landorus-T gives free switches in to Pokemon like Kyurem-B, Thundurus, Volcanion, Mega Heracross, Mega Gardevoir, Latios, and Magnezone that can trap Skarmory or Ferrothorn trying to switch into Landorus-T. An entry hazard setter is needed to inflict chip damage combined with U-turn; a good option is Ferrothorn, as it has nice synergy with Landorus-T defensively. Ferrothorn is able to take Water- and Ice-type attacks that threaten Landorus-T, which can take Fighting-type attacks in return. Pokemon that can weaken checks for Landorus-T are well received, such as Heatran, which can beat bulkier Pokemon such as Clefable and Skarmory and has access to Stealth Rock. Mega Manectric and Rotom-W complete a VoltTurn core to pressure bulkier builds and keep up offensive momentum. Spikes are really good with Landorus-T because many of its checks are grounded; Klefki in particular works great because it has use on offensive teams, and lead Skarmory is an option if you're taking the hyper offense path. Despite being an offensive set, this still can check some threats such as Excadrill and switch into Poison-type attacks, which Clefable appreciates; in return, Clefable can switch into multiple attacks that threaten Landorus-T, such as Kyurem-B's Ice Beam and Keldeo's Scald. Magnezone is really good to complete a VoltTurn core as well while also trapping pesky Steel-types such as Skarmory that completely counter Landorus-T, and Landorus-T in return is immune to Ground-type attacks that destroy Magnezone.
[SET]
name: Double Dance
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Rock Polish
item: Earth Plate / Lum Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake should be spammed most of the time after setting up, or even before. Stone Edge hits targets that Earthquake cannot such as opposing Landorus-T, Talonflame, Rotom-W, and Skarmory, making it the best coverage move for Landorus-T. Swords Dance is capable of boosting Landorus-T's Attack in order to sweep teams under the right circumstances. Rock Polish works best against a more offensive team, where Speed is more needed than power.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible both with and without a Swords Dance boost, dismantling defensive builds. Full investment into Speed is used in order to outpace key threats like Adamant Excadrill and fast Taunt users such as Heatran and Gliscor. Earth Plate lets Landorus-T net certain OHKOs, most notably on defensive Garchomp and Slowbro after Stealth Rock and a Swords Dance boost more than 50% of the time. An alternative EV spread of 8 HP / 176 Atk / 92 Def / 232 Spe allows Landorus-T to comfortably set up on Life Orb Excadrill and other physical attackers, which are what Landorus-T will most likely try to find a setup opportunity on, while still maintaining a Speed benchmark for Excadrill in sand after a Rock Polish; however, you can still go with maximum Speed to outpace Heatran before setting up. 176 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature alongside Earth Plate are more than enough to devastate bulkier teams. Lum Berry lets Landorus-T avoid Toxic and burn that can stop its sweep, which is useful against status-reliant stall teams, for example. Notably, it lets Landorus-T set up in front of a non-Foul Play Mega Sableye. Yache Berry is an option to check Electric-types and avoid the OHKO from Weavile's Ice-type attacks. Leftovers with a bulkier spread can be used to fit into bulky offense builds, but the lack of immediate power is significant.
Usage Tips
========
Use this set to break bulkier Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Clefable, and Slowbro for a teammate like Mega Lopunny to take advantage of mid- or late-game. You can also use this set to clean late-game, setting up a Swords Dance against slower builds, which tend to be bulkier, or a Rock Polish against offensive or fast builds, which, conversely, require Speed over power because they typically are more frail. Try to set up in front of physical attackers or Pokemon that can't do much back such as Hippowdon and Choice Scarf Keldeo locked into Secret Sword, and aim to eliminate all users of priority before attempting to sweep, such as Weavile, Scizor, Azumarill, and Talonflame. You should use wallbreakers early- or mid-game to weaken Landorus-T's checks or find an opportunity to eliminate threats like Rotom-W before attempting a sweep. Don't play your Landorus-T like a physical wall early-game, as its HP should be preserved as much as possible if you are using it as your main wincon or sweeper. If you choose Lum Berry, you can play more recklessly in term of setup, but without the Earth Plate boost Landorus-T won't 2HKO Quagsire on the switch even with Stealth Rock. Earth Plate can give Landorus-T a better matchup against stall, but it is recommended you set up on non-status move users or try to bluff another set, such as bluffing Knock Off on Chansey or bluffing Stealth Rock to bait Mega Sableye or Skarmory in.
Team Options
========
Other strong attackers appreciate Landorus-T's ability to weaken the opponent's team, such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Scizor, Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, Alakazam, and Keldeo. On the other hand, Landorus-T appreciates teammates that can break its checks for a mid- or late-game sweep such as Mega Heracross, Mega Medicham, Volcanion, Magma Storm + Power Herb + Solar Beam Heatran, and Mega Charizard X. Clefable is great teammate, as it can absorb status in case you're not packing Lum Berry and appreciates that Landorus-T can break Steel-types and special walls so it can freely set up some Calm Minds to clean up. Magnezone traps Skarmory, which can phaze Landorus-T with Whirlwind or stall it out of Stone Edge PP. A defensive Pokemon like Slowbro that is capable of checking what a more offensive variant of Landorus-T cannot break through throughout the course of a match such as Excadrill is appreciated.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge / Smack Down
move 3: Swords Dance / U-turn / Knock Off
move 4: Stealth Rock
item: Earth Plate / Lum Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
========
With an Adamant nature and Earth Plate boost, Earthquake hits like a truck and can be spammed in any stage of the match. Stone Edge provides the best coverage with Earthquake by hitting Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Talonflame. Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's Attack and enables it to hit ridiculously hard, granting it even greater wallbreaking potential to hurt bulkier teams. Also, with a Swords Dance boost Landorus-T can force switches to get up Stealth Rock, which is the main point of this set. Smack Down is an option to lure and eliminate some common switch-ins in Skarmory and Rotom-W, allowing you to freely click Earthquake the turn after or, if they have another Flying-type or Levitate user, get up Stealth Rock. U-turn is an option over Swords Dance if you prefer an offensive pivot; if you choose this move, Earth Plate is pretty much necessary to make up for the loss of power. Smack Down is also a much more valid option on U-turn sets to grab offensive momentum. Knock Off can remove items such as Eviolites and Leftovers, to cripple and wear down opposing builds quickly, and Shed Shell, in case you have Magnezone in the back. Explosion is an option to weaken some bulky Pokemon and pick them off with another teammate or to block Defog.
Set Details
========
Earth Plate provides much more damage output in general, allowing you to crush Quagsire on the switch, for example, if an Adamant nature is chosen. Lum Berry can be used to shrug off status once and get Stealth Rock up on Mega Sableye by forcing it out after clicking Swords Dance. Yache Berry is a nice option to lure and eliminate Electric-types, most of which pack Hidden Power Ice, and Ice-types. Leftovers lets Landorus-T check Excadrill and Mega Charizard X more than once. Passho Berry allows Landorus-T to set up on Water-types that don't have an Ice-type attack and beat Starmie one-on-one. A Jolly nature is an option to outpace Pokemon like Jolly Excadrill or neutral-natured base 100 Speed Pokemon. Maximum Attack is mandatory to break bulkier teams, as is maximum Speed so Landorus-T isn't dead weight against faster teams packing Hidden Power Ice Heatran, for example. An alternative spread of 192 HP / 136 Atk / 180 Spe with an Adamant nature aims to switch into Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Excadrill, and Talonflame, hits an extra point in Attack and still hits hard, and allows Landorus-T to outspeed Jolly Breloom and Bisharp as well as Timid Volcanion.
Usage Tips
========
The point of this set is to become more threatening offensively by hitting much harder with a lot of Attack investment, essentially providing Landorus-T with wallbreaking potential to pressure bulkier teams and thereby open a window to set up Stealth Rock. Set up Swords Dance on Pokemon that cannot OHKO Landorus-T, on foes that can't touch it such as non-Roar Hippowdon, or, if you pack Lum Berry, on Pokemon that rely on status moves to deal with Landorus-T, such as non-Foul Play Mega Sableye, so you force them out or KO them. If you force them out, go for Stealth Rock. The whole idea of multiple items like Lum Berry, Yache Berry, Earth Plate, or Passho Berry is to lure some threats so your teammates have an easier time late-game. This set struggles to consistently check strong physical attackers such as Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Charizard X, so use it conservatively. Whether you need Stealth Rock up or to break a team with a Swords Dance boost is your choice; aim for whichever benefits your game plan in the long term.
Team Options
========
Mega Lopunny, Mega Charizard X, or any strong physical attacker likes Landorus-T wearing down bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, opposing Landorus-T, and defensive Garchomp. A offensive Grass-type such as Breloom can beat bulky Water-types that Landorus-T struggles with, but this leaves your team vulnerable to Ice-type attacks. Klefki is a great offensive partner that perfectly pairs with Landorus-T in an offensive entry hazard-setting core, as the two possess great defensive synergy and are capable of checking a large portion of the metagame, with Klefki also providing a ton of utility with moves like Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Thunder Wave. Landorus-T can lure some Pokemon depending on the type of Berry you choose or if you pack Smack Down; for example, Swords Dance Mega Scizor has an easier time once Electric-types have been removed with the help of Yache Berry. Smack Down is also good to remove Skarmory and Rotom-W for Mega Scizor. Latios takes on Keldeo, reliably switches into Water-types, and can hit them harder with Draco Meteor; once again, watch out for Ice-type attacks. Keldeo is a good teammate, as it takes on common threats to Landorus-T such as Bisharp and Weavile. Tyranitar can Pursuit trap Latios, Latias, and Starmie to ensure Stealth Rock stays on the field, as well having great synergy with Landorus-T. Mega Manectric and Raikou like Ground-types being weakened.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A lead Focus Sash set can be considered for surprising Ice-types and other annoying leads that want to prevent Landorus-T from getting up Stealth Rock; normally when this item is used Landorus-T carries Explosion to prevent Defog after getting up Stealth Rock. Normal Gem + Explosion has a niche on teams with offensive Flying-type cores, as it can weaken Rotom-W and bulky Ground-types. Gravity is a nice equivalent to Smack Down because they basically do the same thing, limiting Skarmory and Rotom-W switch-ins. Gravity can be chosen over Smack Down because it is active, for five turns which another teammate can also advantage of; however, it also could benefit your opponent, as it makes every move 100% accurate. Substitute paired with Bulk Up or Swords Dance could make Landorus-T a good setup sweeper that can avoid status while breaking teams; such a set could also carry Salac Berry to clean late-game.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Landorus-T cannot threaten most Water-types, while they can force it out with their STAB moves. Some examples include Keldeo, Slowbro, Rotom-W, and Manaphy.
**Ice-types**: Weavile, Mamoswine, and Kyurem-B can eliminate Landorus-T with their powerful Ice-type STAB move of choice, and the former two can pick off faster sets with their priority Ice Shard. It is important to note many cannot switch in without being eliminated by U-turn or taking 25% from Stealth Rock.
**Bulky Ground-types**: Opposing Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and Gliscor can come in on Landorus-T and set up Stealth Rock freely. However, they can easily be taken care of with Swords Dance-boosted attacks or crippled by Toxic.
**Grass-types**: Most Grass-types such as Tangrowth, Chesnaught, and Mega Venusaur can force out non-Swords Dance Landorus-T due to their typing and strong Grass-type STAB moves.
**Bulky Steel-types**: Skarmory can remove Landorus-T's entry hazards, wall it, and even beat Swords Dance sets by phazing them with Whirlwind or KOing them with Counter. Ferrothorn can wear Landorus-T down faster than it can do the same to Ferrothorn. Bulky Mega Scizor can also set up on Landorus-T without Swords Dance.
**Faster Revenge Killers**: Pokemon with Ice-type coverage in general can be a pain for non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Raikou, Gengar, Tornadus-T, and Mega Manectric are great examples, but they will have to be wary of the uncommon Yache Berry. Mega Latias not only can outpace Landorus-T and KO it with Ice Beam but also has the necessary bulk to tank Knock Off from Choice Scarf Landorus-T.
**Strong Special Wallbreakers**: While Landorus-T has great physical bulk, its middling Special Defense makes it vulnerable against Mega Charizard Y, Latios, Serperior, and Hydreigon despite it having a neutrality to their STAB moves.
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