[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T provides great utility and power that allow it to serve a variety of roles on a team, such as revenge killing or checking the many powerful physical attackers in the format. Intimidate and a great typing both offensively and defensively make Landorus-T an excellent pivot, which helps it switch into many threats and maintain momentum for its team thanks to U-turn. Coverage moves such as Superpower and Knock Off also allow it to beat major threats such as Mega Kangaskhan and Gengar. Landorus-T can also utilize a defensive support-oriented set as a result of its typing and Intimidate, which is very useful in a format dominated by physical attackers. However, a crippling Ice-type weakness means that checking Landorus-T isn't difficult, and many common threats such as Cresselia, Suicune, Thundurus, Blaziken, and Greninja are known to carry Ice-type moves for it. Landorus-T competes with Garchomp as a wallbreaker and setup sweeper, which is generally a better user of Swords Dance and Choice Band than Landorus-T thanks to its superior Speed and coverage. It also competes with Hippowdon on defensive sets, which has reliable recovery and Yawn to prevent it from being setup bait. Furthermore, Landorus-T's most common and effective set utilizes Choice Scarf, which means it can often be played around, which is particularly dangerous because locking into Earthquake gives a free switch in to many dangerous Flying-types and Levitate Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off / Superpower
move 4: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is a powerful STAB move with fantastic coverage that is effective for cleaning late-game, especially if the opponent lacks switch-ins to Ground-type moves. U-turn allows Landorus-T to pivot out safely against bad matchups, since Landorus-T often forces switches thanks to Intimidate and its great Attack stat. Knock Off can also capitalize on forced switches by removing items from threats such as Porygon2 or even opposing Landorus-T, which otherwise safely switch into Landorus-T. Knock Off gives Landorus-T a way to hit Gengar as well without needing to guess whether or not Gengar will Mega Evolve. Superpower has a chance to OHKO Mega Kangaskhan and also hits Ferrothorn harder than Earthquake. It can also OHKO Mamoswine, though Mamoswine commonly runs Focus Sash and OHKOes Landorus-T with Ice Shard if it hasn't been affected by Intimidate. Rock-type coverage complements STAB Earthquake well, preventing Flying-types from freely switching in. Rock Slide is preferred for its accuracy and flinch chance, while Stone Edge allows Landorus-T to beat bulkier Thundurus reliably at the cost of lower accuracy. Stone Edge's lower accuracy can be very undesirable if using Landorus-T as a Talonflame check, though. Rock Tomb is also an option that doesn't give up as much momentum as Rock Slide or Stone Edge if an enemy switches into it, since it can help a teammate outspeed a faster foe, though the Speed drop doesn't help Landorus-T much.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Landorus-T to hit as hard and fast as possible, while the leftover EVs are placed in HP. Choice Scarf allows Landorus-T to function as an effective revenge killer and pivot, hitting a comfortable Speed tier that outspeeds nearly all unboosted threats. Intimidate allows Landorus-T to switch into the many physical attackers in the format more comfortably, increasing its effectiveness as a pivot. An Adamant nature is preferred for the extra power and is necessary for the chance to OHKO Mega Kangaskhan, and the power in general allows Landorus-T to revenge kill and clean more effectively late-game. Alternatively, a Jolly nature allows Landorus-T to outspeed Adamant Mega Charizard X after a Dragon Dance and prevents Life Orb Blaziken from outspeeding it after one Speed Boost, though Adamant is generally better unless outspeeding these threats is preferable.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T is a very effective pivot, so it functions well as a lead. If the opponent lacks Mamoswine or if you don't know what to lead with, leading with Landorus-T is generally safe, since it can U-turn out of most unfavorable matchups. Avoid locking into Earthquake early as well, especially if the opponent might have a dangerous Flying-type such as Talonflame or Mega Salamence. A great defensive typing and Intimidate also mean that Landorus-T can often find several opportunities to switch in throughout the battle, which can help regain momentum. Bringing Landorus-T in after a teammate has been KOed is also effective, as this allows it to gain momentum or revenge kill a foe. Cleaning up late-game is also possible, since Landorus-T has great Attack, which is made easier if the opponent lacks any Ground-immune Pokemon, though removing threats immune to Ground-type moves should always be a priority regardless. Landorus-T has difficulty breaking through defensive teams, though, especially when locked into one move, so you're usually better off not bringing it against bulkier teams.
Team Options
========
Suicune covers Landorus-T's Ice- and Water-type weaknesses while Landorus-T is immune to Electric-type moves. Suicune also appreciates the Intimidate support to handle physical attackers more effectively. Mega Gengar can trap Cresselia, which is a threat for Landorus-T, since it often runs Ice Beam to beat Landorus-T, and Landorus-T usually can't beat Cresselia on its own anyway. Setup sweepers appreciate Intimidate support from Landorus-T; Blaziken, Mega Charizard X, Talonflame, Scizor, and Mega Kangaskhan all have an easier time setting up against a weakened physical attacker. Landorus-T also has an easier time cleaning up afterwards if its partner couldn't finish the job. Scizor in particular also creates an effective VoltTurn core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to threaten opposing Fire-types, which otherwise switch into Scizor easily. Electric-types such as Thundurus, Zapdos, Raikou, Rotom-W, and Mega Manectric can handle the Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Rotom-W, Raikou, or Mega Manectric can form an effective VoltTurn core with Landorus-T while Rotom-W can also handle Ice-type moves, whereas Thundurus and Zapdos appreciate having a partner that can switch into Ground-types they can't deal with such as Excadrill with Sand Rush active. Ferrothorn is a reliable partner for pivoting into, since Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet can punish physical attackers even further, and it can reliably deal with Water-types.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stealth Rock / Knock Off
move 4: Rock Tomb / Rock Slide / Knock Off
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 236 HP / 252 Def / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake provides Landorus-T with a powerful and accurate STAB move that still does a lot of damage uninvested. U-turn allows it to pivot out of difficult matchups more effectively and maintain momentum after setting Stealth Rock, which provides useful support for offensive sweepers such as Volcarona and Blaziken that can't deal with Talonflame. Not all teams need this Stealth Rock support, though, so Knock Off can be used instead for the utility of removing a foe's item. While Stealth Rock deters Talonflame from switching in, Rock Tomb can be used to prevent Talonflame from attempting to set up on Landorus-T while also lowering the Speed of any foe switching in, making it easier for Landorus-T or a teammate to deal with it. Rock Slide offers more power at the cost of accuracy if the speed control isn't necessary, though Rock Tomb is generally a better option. If covering Talonflame is not a concern, Knock Off and Stealth Rock can be used together.
Set Details
========
The given EVs maximize physical bulk while ensuring that Landorus-T outspeeds Garchomp after Rock Tomb. An Impish nature is used in order to check physical attackers better, such as the aforementioned Garchomp, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Blaziken. Investing more in Speed allows Landorus-T to outspeed various threats after Rock Tomb at the cost of bulk; 60 Speed EVs allow Landorus-T to outspeed everything up to base 110 Speed after Rock Tomb, while 92 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Pokemon with up to base 115 Speed after Rock Tomb. Intimidate complements Landorus-T's bulk, allowing it to comfortably switch into most physical attackers without taking too much damage. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers further and allows Landorus-T to function as a safe switch-in to Mega Kangaskhan.
Usage Tips
========
This set works well as a lead to try to set Stealth Rock as early as possible and is effective at forcing switches because an opponent is likely to expect Landorus-T to be running Choice Scarf. Landorus-T wants to force as many switches as possible to rack up more Stealth Rock damage, so using U-turn after setting Stealth Rock helps Landorus-T wear down the opposing team, as it can often force another switch while maintaining momentum. When setting Stealth Rock is not necessary, Landorus-T still functions as an effective switch-in to physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Blaziken, punishing them with Rocky Helmet damage as well as lowering their Attack. Landorus-T can switch into physical attackers very liberally thanks to Intimidate and its great defensive typing, though its lack of recovery means that it usually can't handle entire teams by itself. If Landorus-T is necessary to check a specific threat, avoid switching it in too much, since it needs to remain healthy in order to check stronger physical attackers such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame effectively. Landorus-T's lack of recovery or means to threaten defensive foes such as Cresselia and Slowbro make it a liability against defensive teams, so it's generally better to avoid bringing it against such teams.
Team Options
========
Landorus-T appreciates teammates that can beat leads with Ice-type moves such as Mamoswine and Greninja, so Conkeldurr and bulky Water-types are effective teammates. Bulky Water-types such as Suicune also appreciate Intimidate support and switch into Water- and Ice-type moves for Landorus-T, while Landorus-T can switch into Electric-type moves. Suicune can also set up with Calm Mind and Substitute against defensive threats that Landorus-T can't deal with. Electric-types such as Rotom-W, Zapdos, Raikou, and Mega Manectric can deal with opposing bulky Water-types that Landorus-T struggles to beat. Raikou and Mega Manectric also appreciate having a teammate that can come in on Ground-type moves, and the latter outspeeds Greninja after Mega Evolving. Fire-types such as Blaziken, Talonflame, and Mega Charizard X appreciate Landorus-T's ability to switch into Ground- and Rock-type moves. They also appreciate Landorus-T's ability to wear down foes through Rocky Helmet damage and Stealth Rock in order to sweep more effectively. However, the added weakness to Water-types can be problematic. Landorus-T pairs well with sweepers in general, including Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Lucario, and Mega Mawile, due to its great defensive typing and ability to wear down foes. All three of these also struggle with Mega Blaziken and Garchomp to some extent, and Landorus-T deals with both reasonably well.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off / Superpower
move 4: Rock Tomb / Stone Edge / Rock Slide
item: Assault Vest
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is a powerful STAB move that does huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it. U-turn allows Landorus-T to function as an effective pivot and escape difficult matchups, which works well with the switches that it often forces. Knock Off allows Landorus-T to punish switches by removing the foe's item and lets it hit Gengar and Cresselia harder. Superpower can be used to hit Mega Kangaskhan and Ferrothorn harder and has a chance to OHKO the former with an Adamant nature. Rock Tomb is effective for lowering the Speed of a switch-in so that Landorus-T can beat an otherwise faster foe itself, which helps mitigate Landorus-T's otherwise average Speed. Stone Edge is much more powerful at the cost of being less accurate, and it notably allows Landorus-T to beat bulky Thundurus more reliably. Rock Slide is a middle ground option that's more accurate than Stone Edge while still being more powerful than Rock Tomb. The flinch chance can also get Landorus-T out of tight situations.
Set Details
========
The given EVs allow Landorus-T to hit as hard as possible while allowing it to outspeed all Pokemon up to base 115 Speed after Rock Tomb. The remaining EVs are placed in HP to increase Landorus-T's bulk to help it survive stronger special attacks, such as Hidden Power Ice from Life Orb Thundurus and Overheat from Timid Mega Charizard Y. If a faster Landorus-T is preferred, a spread of 252 Atk / 28 SpD / 228 Spe should be used so that Life Orb Thundurus can't OHKO Landorus-T with Hidden Power Ice. Assault Vest allows Landorus-T to function as pivot with mixed bulk combined with Intimidate reducing a foe's Attack. This is effective at luring common users of Hidden Power Ice that otherwise can OHKO Landorus-T. An Adamant nature boosts Landorus-T's Attack further and is preferred, since it can use Rock Tomb to help it outspeed foes regardless. A Jolly nature doesn't help Landorus-T outspeed many threats, though it does allow it to outspeed Adamant Mega Charizard X, Modest Volcarona, and Timid Rotom-W and Rotom-H.
Usage Tips
========
Assault Vest Landorus-T has the bulk to switch into both physical and special attackers, so it functions as an effective pivot. Landorus-T is a tank, so it should take advantage of its great typing and mixed bulk in order to switch into threats and retaliate with its strong attacks. Many threats rely on strong special attacks to beat Landorus-T because they aren't affected by Intimidate, so Assault Vest is effective for letting it surprise these special attackers. This includes common users of Hidden Power Ice such as Thundurus, Volcarona, and Life Orb Blaziken, as well as generally powerful special attackers like Hydreigon and Sylveon. Most opponents expect Choice Scarf from Landorus-T, so bluffing that set can be particularly effective against Flying-types such as Dragonite and Talonflame that think they have a free turn to set up after switching into Earthquake. This also makes Landorus-T a safe lead, since Choice Scarf Landorus-T is also commonly used as a lead and is effective at forcing switches.
Team Options
========
Bulky Water-types such as Suicune and Rotom-W are effective partners that can deal with Water- and Ice-types for Landorus-T and appreciate having a partner to help them take physical attacks better as well as threaten Electric-types. Paralysis support is very useful for Landorus-T due to its average Speed, especially if you're not running Rock Tomb. Thundurus, Serperior, Ferrothorn, and Zapdos are all effective partners that can offer this support. They're also all effective against bulky Water-types that give Landorus-T a difficult time. Mega Kangaskhan appreciates having a teammate that can beat Fighting-types such as Blaziken, and Assault Vest allows Landorus-T to switch into special Mega Lucario more effectively. Strong setup sweepers such as Talonflame, Mega Blaziken, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Mawile appreciate Landorus-T's ability to switch into threats such as Thundurus and Heatran, with the former three all dealing with Ferrothorn and Skarmory. Landorus-T can also use U-turn after a faster foe attacks to let them come in safely, especially if Landorus-T forgoes Speed investment. This Landorus-T is effective as part of a VoltTurn core thanks to its bulk, so common users of Volt Switch and U-turn such as Rotom-W, Scizor, Mega Manectric, and Raikou pair well with it.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Tomb
move 4: Explosion / U-turn / Knock Off / Superpower
item: Focus Sash
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Landorus-T to support powerful setup sweepers that appreciate its ability to break Focus Sash and rack up extra damage, which is generally easy to set up thanks to Focus Sash. Earthquake is Landorus-T's main STAB move, usually dealing a lot of damage when unresisted. Rock Tomb is primarily used for its ability to lower the foe's Speed, but if Focus Sash is still intact, the combination of Rock Tomb and Earthquake can disrupt faster foes like Greninja. Rock Tomb also does significant damage to Flying-types such as Talonflame, Thundurus, Charizard, and Salamence. Explosion is a last-resort option that is best used after Focus Sash has been broken, dealing huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it while allowing a teammate to come in on the next turn without taking damage. U-turn can get Landorus-T out of difficult situations with certain leads such as Breloom and Rotom-W and is generally useful or scouting if you wish to preserve Landorus-T for later in the game. Knock Off removes problematic items such as Rocky Helmet and Eviolite and hits Gengar hard, while Superpower can be used to hit Mega Kangaskhan.
Set Details
========
Focus Sash might appear unnecessary considering Landorus-T's impressive bulk, but it nearly guarantees that you can set up Stealth Rock against any common lead other than Mamoswine. Focus Sash is also useful for revenge killing foes that Landorus-T normally can't beat, such as Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Greninja. Maximum Attack and Speed investment with an Adamant nature is ideal for the most power, and with a Focus Sash there's little need for defensive investment, since setting Stealth Rock is the primary goal of this set. However, a Jolly nature can be used in order to outspeed neutral-natured Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Charizard X, and Volcarona.
Usage Tips
========
Setting up Stealth Rock is often the main priority, especially if you need it for certain sweepers to take down Talonflame, but saving Landorus-T for later can also be advantageous to safely revenge kill a foe. While Landorus-T is still useful beyond the utility of its Focus Sash, Mamoswine leads are a huge issue, so benching Landorus-T is fine if you see it at Team Preview. If running U-turn, make sure to capitalize on the momentum it provides, because Landorus-T forces a lot of switches. It's also useful for getting sweepers in safely, especially after setting Stealth Rock, since this might force another switch and rack up more damage. If running Explosion, don't be afraid to use it immediately after setting Stealth Rock if it can put a sweeper in the position to clean up quickly.
Team Options
========
This Landorus-T set is best paired with setup sweepers, since they greatly appreciate the Stealth Rock damage and surprise KOs that Landorus-T can get for them. Examples of effective partners include Mega Kangaskhan, which appreciates the residual damage to deal with Cresselia and Suicune, and Mega Lucario, which can KO Talonflame with +2 Extreme Speed. Mega Blaziken also loves Stealth Rock to bring down Talonflame, and Mega Charizard X can set up on bulky Water-types that often switch into Landorus-T. Breloom and Mamoswine are both problematic leads for Landorus-T, so teammates that can deal with them are ideal. Rotom-W helps a lot with Mamoswine, Safety Goggles Aegislash completely walls Breloom, and Mega Venusaur deals with both of them thanks to Thick Fat and an immunity to Spore. While Ferrothorn is weak to Fighting-type moves, it can help check Breloom with a combination of Iron Barbs damage and Gyro Ball.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Swords Dance can be used with a Focus Sash to let Landorus-T function as a sweeper, though its Speed is lacking for a sweeper and still leaves it vulnerable to being revenge killed. Choice Band allows Landorus-T to function as a powerful wallbreaker thanks to its huge Attack and decent Speed. However, it is generally outclassed by Garchomp, which has a better Speed tier and usable secondary STAB moves. Toxic can be used on the defensive set in order to cripple other walls such as Cresselia and Hippowdon that otherwise don't mind switching into Landorus-T. Landorus-T has an acceptable base 105 Special Attack to utilize Hidden Power Ice, which can be an effective lure, since Landorus-T usually can't do much to an opposing Landorus-T. It can also surprise Garchomp and Mega Salamence, though it has no other targets beyond them. Yache Berry can be used to survive Ice-type coverage moves such as Hidden Power Ice from Thundurus and Ice Punch from Tyranitar, though unless you wish to run Stealth Rock, Assault Vest is generally better. Fissure can be used on Assault Vest sets and defensive sets to punish bulky threats that might otherwise be able to switch in completely safely, such as Suicune, Ferrothorn, and Porygon2, though it's difficult to fit it on a set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Suicune, Rotom-W, and Mega Slowbro can take anything from Landorus-T and retaliate with their respective Water-type STAB moves or even Ice Beam. Rotom-W in particular is immune to Earthquake and doesn't fear anything from Landorus-T except losing its item to Knock Off.
**Ice-type Move Users**: Ice-type moves are very common on many top threats for dealing with Garchomp, so Landorus-T has a difficult time against common users of these moves. Bulky Water-types, Cresselia, Greninja, Mamoswine, Zapdos, Thundurus, Porygon2, Gengar, and even Blaziken are all viable users of Ice-type moves that can beat Landorus-T. However, more offensive threats often hit Landorus-T's Special Defense, so they must be wary of Assault Vest variants.
**Mega Heracross**: Mega Heracross resists all of Landorus-T's common moves bar Rock-type moves and is generally bulky enough to switch into and 2HKO offensive variants with Rock Blast or Bullet Seed. Unlike many physical attackers, it also doesn't fear Rocky Helmet, since neither move makes contact.
**Physical Walls**: While Landorus-T has a huge Attack stat, it has trouble breaking through physically bulky threats because it rarely runs boosting moves or items. Cresselia, Porygon2, Gliscor, Mega Venusaur, Skarmory, Hippowdon, Ferrothorn, and even opposing Landorus-T can be difficult for Landorus-T to break through unless they've been weakened already. However, Porygon2 and Ferrothorn must be wary of switching into Superpower.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Landorus-T often relies on Intimidate to check physical attackers, but it has no way to take powerful speical attacks if it doesn't have an Assault Vest. Mixed Mega Salamence, Serperior, and Hydreigon can all give Landorus-T a difficult time, especially Choice Scarf variants that are locked into the wrong move. Locking into Earthquake can also give the likes of Latios and Mega Charizard Y an easy turn to hit Landorus-T hard.
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