Tirtouga (Revamp Son) (Done Breh)

Originally Posted by Fat Sir
<p>Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. In addition, the same good bulk combined with Solid Rock and Eviolite allows Tirtouga to be a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective moves to deal with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon, such as Staryu and Chinchou, which resist Aqua Tail, as well as being able to smash Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow and Drilbur in sand, as well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed after a Shell Smash, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as many common Choice Scarf users by one point, including Snover. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common&mdash;and OHKOing it before it can KO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable&mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate thanks to the healing. Additionally, Oran Berry can help Tirtouga obtain even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, check Murkrow, and sweep. As for other move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed, who would also otherwise wall Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and deal a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back entry hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and using its Sand Stream ability to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in this set in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, punishing your opponent for switching and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP every time it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has a chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur due to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and a Relaxed nature, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch-ins, removing Eviolites, Life Orbs, and Choice Scarfs. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon as well as to 2HKO Life Orb Drilbur, a top threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga impressive 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the later parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if Tirtouga has already been checking it earlier in the game, and the increased Defense from its nature will make a big difference. As far as other move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. Because Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire, respectively, are good options for luring and taking them out.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make good Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partner, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease, while Tirtouga in turn covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, and can set up entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types. Hippopotas can provide sand to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense, take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates, and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock duties, thus freeing up a moveslot for Tirtouga to deal with its own checks.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk in the form of Earthquake.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the metagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and either retaliate with Bullet Seed, which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk's immunity to Water-type attacks due to Dry Skin, resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the support Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do a decent job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain to swiftly OHKO the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed +2 Tirtouga make good checks to it; for example, Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can use Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>
 
IMO I think Aqua Jet should get a mention somewhere. It helps againts weakened Drilbur. LO Drilbur EQ is a 2hko (ill get calc later when not on phone) and can help revenge kill it. I think it should get a mention at least :(
(I think it was in there before, I may of missed it but I wanna see how much it does against Eviolite Drilbur for some reason.)

K I got the damage calcs


0 Atk Tirtouga Aqua Jet vs 0 HP/36 Def Eviolite Drilbur: 40.91% - 54.55%
2-3 hits to KO


0 Atk Tirtouga Aqua Jet vs 0 HP/36 Def Drilbur: 68.18% - 81.82%
2 hits to KO


236 Atk Life Orb Drilbur (+Atk) Earthquake vs 244 HP/16 Def Eviolite Tirtouga (+Def) : 60% - 80%
2 hits to KO


236 Atk Drilbur (+Atk) Earthquake vs 244 HP/16 Def Eviolite Tirtouga (+Def) : 44% - 60%
2-3 hits to KO


236 +2 Atk Drilbur (+Atk) Earthquake vs 244 HP/16 Def Eviolite Tirtouga (+Def) : 96% - 116%
50% chance to OHKO
cause SD Drilbur

12 SpAtk Tirtouga Scald vs 0 HP/0 SpDef Eviolite Drilbur: 68.18% - 81.82%
2 hits to KO


12 SpAtk Tirtouga Scald vs 0 HP/0 SpDef Drilbur: 81.82% - 109.09%
6.25% chance to OHKO


Im surprised at the last one, cause I woulda thought even little invested Scald would OHKO more of the time
 
You could mention that Missy can burn Mienfoo and Croagunk with WoW.

EDIT: Also, I've never seen a Missy set using Heal Bell and afaik it doesn't even get it. You should remove that.
 
ya this can be qc'd lgi.
added kingtorterra's suggestion.
Ive used Heal Bell missy and it's pretty good. just because it's not common doesn't mean it shouldn't be listed, especially since it's actually good.
 
You could mention that Missy can burn Mienfoo and Croagunk with WoW.

EDIT: Also, I've never seen a Missy set using Heal Bell and afaik it doesn't even get it. You should remove that.
Misdreavus gets Heal Bell and uses it pretty often when it's running a defensive set. It should definitely be mentioned...
 

iss

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Hi, I talked to you about this, but Rock Slide is pretty silly. Protect, Aqua Jet, and Toxic are all better.
 
This is now a full revamp.
I like Rock Slide on Tirtouga but if more QC members think it should be removed that's cool
 

Ray Jay

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I like Rock Slide on that set too, but you gotta at the very least give Aqua Jet a slash if not the primary slash.
 
I like AQ too but blarajan said it was too weak to deserve a slash. i for one disagree since it's what i use on my defensive tirtouga. ill give it a secondary slash to appease both parties. anything else?
 
Remove the Sassy slash and the Protect slash in the defensive set, and just expand more in teammates overall. Looks good.

Oh and AC Toxic for defensive.

QC 1/3.
 
keep protect in ac, idc what blara says. if you can find the room to put protect in despite defensive tirtouga's 4mss, its not a bad option considering you can further stall out ss damage and possible burn/toxic damage. also its good for scouting and lol hjk

[qc]2/3[/qc]
 

Redew

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Checking

[Overview]

<p>Behold, Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup. Tirtouga, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set, or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. WIn addition, with Solid Rock, Eviolite, and good natural bulk, Tirtouga is a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective ways ofmoves to dealing with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon like, such as Staryu and Chinchou, who resist Aqua Tail, and very well, as well as being able to smashing Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow, and Drilbur in the sand, and Aqua Jet iss well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier by one point. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common &mdash;and OHKOing it before it can OHKO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable, &mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and it can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate. Additionally, Oran Berry gives Tirtouga even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, wall Murkrow, and sweep. As for move changeother move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2 since, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed who also normally walls Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and it deals a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner since, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and its Sand Stream ability boosts CroagunkTirtouga's (I assume you mean Tirtouga) Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, putting pressure on your opponent each time they switch in, and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP everytime it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has the chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow super effectively, as well as, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur doue to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and thea Relaxed nature that is being used, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch -ins. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon, as well as 2HKOing Life Orb Drilbur, a top tier threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga an impressive display of 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the latter parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if itTirtouga has already been checking the previously mentioned threait earlier in the game. As far as moveset changeother move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. SincBecause Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire are good options for luring and taking the aforementioned switch-ins out, respectively.</p>

<p>As far as teammates, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make forgood Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partners, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness while Tirtouga covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with other Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, Leech Seed Croagunk, and setup entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types.
-everything needs eviolite.
Hippopotas can take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates, and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock using duties, thus freeing up a moveslot to deal with Tirtouga's checks, and provides sand to further bolster Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>As far as other options go, Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable. H; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk within the form of Earthquake. Other than the options just, mentionedabove, just stick with the given set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the Mmetagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and retaliate with Bullet Seed which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk' resists Water-type immunity granted byattacks due to Dry Skin, has a resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the Ssupport Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do an okay job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain for which swiftly OHKOs the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed a boosted Tirtouga make for good checks to Tirtougait. Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can employ a Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>


[Overview]

<p> Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. In addition, with Solid Rock, Eviolite, and good natural bulk, Tirtouga is a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective moves to deal with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon, such as Staryu and Chinchou, who resist Aqua Tail very well, as well as being able to smash Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow and Drilbur in sand, as well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier by one point. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common&mdash;and OHKOing it before it can OHKO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable&mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate. Additionally, Oran Berry gives Tirtouga even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, wall Murkrow, and sweep. As for other move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed who also normally walls Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and deal a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and its Sand Stream ability boosts Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, putting pressure on your opponent each time they switch in, and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP everytime it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has the chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur due to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and a Relaxed nature, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch-ins. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon, as well as 2HKOing Life Orb Drilbur, a top tier threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga an impressive display of 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the latter parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if Tirtouga has already been checking it earlier in the game. As far as other move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. Because Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire are good options for luring and taking the aforementioned switch-ins out, respectively.</p>

<p>As far as teammates, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make good Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partners, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness while Tirtouga covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with other Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, Leech Seed Croagunk, and setup entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types. Hippopotas can take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock duties, thus freeing up a moveslot to deal with Tirtouga's checks and provides sand to further bolster Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>As far as other options go, Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk in the form of Earthquake. Other than the options above, just stick with the given set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the metagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and retaliate with Bullet Seed which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk resists Water-type attacks due to Dry Skin, has a resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the support Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do an okay job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain for which swiftly OHKOs the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed a boosted Tirtouga make for good checks to it. Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can employ a Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>


Checked

[gp]1/2[/gp]
 

Woodchuck

actual cannibal
is a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
amcheck
[Overview]

<p>Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. In addition, its good bulk combined with Solid Rock, and Eviolite, and good natural bulk, allows Tirtouga isto be a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective moves to deal with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon, such as Staryu and Chinchou, who resist Aqua Tail very well, as well as being able to smash Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow and Drilbur in sand, as well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed after a Shell Smash, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as many common Scarfers by one point. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common&mdash;and OHKOing it before it can OHKO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable&mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate thanks to the extra help. Additionally, Oran Berry givescan help Tirtouga obtain even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, wall Murkrow, and sweep. As for other move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed, who also normallywould also otherwise walls Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and deal a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and using its Sand Stream ability to boosts Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in this set in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, putting pressure on your opponent each time theynishing your opponent for switchin,g and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP every (add space) time it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has thea chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur due to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and a Relaxed nature, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch-ins. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon, as well as 2HKOing Life Orb Drilbur, a top tier threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga an impressive display of 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the latter parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if Tirtouga has already been checking it earlier in the game, and the increased Defense from its nature will make a big difference. As far as other move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. Because Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire, respectively, are good options for luring and taking the aforementioned switch-ins out, respectively.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make good Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partners, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness while Tirtouga covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with other, while Tirtouga in turn covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, Leech Seed Croagunk, (you go on to mention that tirtouga + ferro has problem with fighting-type attacks... should ferro really be staying in on croagunk?) and can setup entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types. Hippopotas can provide sand to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense, take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates, and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock duties, thus freeing up a moveslot to deal with Tirtouga's checks and provides sand to further bolster Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p> for Tirtouga to deal with its own checks.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk in the form of Earthquake. Other than the options above, just stick with the given setAny other sets not mentioned here are most likely not viable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the metagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and either retaliate with Bullet Seed, which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk resists's immunity to Water-type attacks due to Dry Skin, has a resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the support Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do an okay decent job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain for whichto swiftly OHKOs the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed a boosted+2 Tirtouga makefor good checks to it. Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can employ ause Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. In addition, its good bulk combined with Solid Rock and Eviolite allows Tirtouga to be a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective moves to deal with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon, such as Staryu and Chinchou, who resist Aqua Tail very well, as well as being able to smash Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow and Drilbur in sand, as well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed after a Shell Smash, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as many common Scarfers by one point. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common&mdash;and OHKOing it before it can OHKO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable&mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate thanks to the extra help. Additionally, Oran Berry can help Tirtouga obtain even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, wall Murkrow, and sweep. As for other move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed, who would also otherwise wall Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and deal a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and using its Sand Stream ability to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in this set in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, punishing your opponent for switching and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP every time it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has a chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur due to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and a Relaxed nature, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch-ins. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon as well as 2HKO Life Orb Drilbur, a top threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga an impressive display of 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the later parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if Tirtouga has already been checking it earlier in the game, and the increased Defense from its nature will make a big difference. As far as other move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. Because Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire, respectively, are good options for luring and taking the aforementioned switch-ins out.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make good Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partner, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease, while Tirtouga in turn covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, and can setup entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types. Hippopotas can provide sand to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense, take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates, and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock duties, thus freeing up a moveslot for Tirtouga to deal with its own checks.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk in the form of Earthquake. Any other sets not mentioned here are most likely not viable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the metagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and either retaliate with Bullet Seed, which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk's immunity to Water-type attacks due to Dry Skin, resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the support Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do a decent job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain to swiftly OHKO the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed +2 Tirtouga make good checks to it. Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can use Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>
 

michael

m as in mancy
is a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
<p>Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. In addition, ithe same good bulk combined with Solid Rock and Eviolite allows Tirtouga to be a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective moves to deal with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon, such as Staryu and Chinchou, whoich resist Aqua Tail very well, as well as being able to smash Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow and Drilbur in sand, as well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed after a Shell Smash, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as many common Choice Scarf users by one point, including Snover. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common&mdash;and OHKOing it before it can OHKO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable&mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate thanks to the extra helphealing. Additionally, Oran Berry can help Tirtouga obtain even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, wallcheck Murkrow, and sweep. As for other move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed, who would also otherwise wall Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and deal a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back entry hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and using its Sand Stream ability to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in this set in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, punishing your opponent for switching and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP every time it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has a chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur due to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and a Relaxed nature, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch-ins, removing Eviolites, Life Orbs, and Choice Scarfs. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon as well as to 2HKO Life Orb Drilbur, a top threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga an impressive display of 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the later parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if Tirtouga has already been checking it earlier in the game, and the increased Defense from its nature will make a big difference. As far as other move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. Because Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire, respectively, are good options for luring and taking the aforementioned switch-ins out.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make good Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partner, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease, while Tirtouga in turn covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, and can set up entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types. Hippopotas can provide sand to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense, take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates, and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock duties, thus freeing up a moveslot for Tirtouga to deal with its own checks.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk in the form of Earthquake. Any other sets not mentioned here are most likely not viable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the metagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and either retaliate with Bullet Seed, which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk's immunity to Water-type attacks due to Dry Skin, resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the support Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do a decent job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain to swiftly OHKO the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed +2 Tirtouga make good checks to it.; for example, Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can use Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>
<p>Tirtouga, being the cutest and arguably the most powerful Shell Smash user in Little Cup, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While you're distracted by its cuteness, Tirtouga will either be sweeping your team with its Shell Smash set or walling your Murkrow with its support set. Thanks to its unique and cute combination of Shell Smash, Sturdy, and good bulk, Tirtouga can find a lot of sweeping opportunities. In addition, the same good bulk combined with Solid Rock and Eviolite allows Tirtouga to be a formidable defensive pivot as well. Unfortunately, Tirtouga is countered by two very common Pokemon in the metagame, Croagunk and Ferroseed. Both of the aforementioned counters also have STAB super effective moves to deal with our cute turtle.</p>

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
ability: Sturdy
item: Splash Plate
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash Tirtouga is easily the most common Shell Smash user in Little Cup. After a Shell Smash, Tirtogua is free to destroy most teams once its checks are weakened or removed. Aqua Tail is the STAB move of choice, as it is needed for some significant OHKOs in conjunction with Splash Plate. Stone Edge coupled with Aqua Tail gives you pretty good neutral coverage, hitting Pokemon, such as Staryu and Chinchou, which resist Aqua Tail, as well as being able to smash Lileep. Aqua Jet rounds off the set by enabling Tirtouga to defeat Sucker Punch Murkrow and Drilbur in sand, as well as being a good move in general for defeating weakened Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The Speed EVs let Tirtouga hit 22 Speed after a Shell Smash, thus letting it outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as many common Choice Scarf users by one point, including Snover. The HP and Defense EVs are to ensure that Tirtouga can check Murkrow efficiently throughout the match while the Attack EVs are necessary to do as much damage as possible. Splash Plate may seem gimmicky, but its power boost to Aqua Tail enables Tirtouga to OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2. Although Mienfoo is very common&mdash;and OHKOing it before it can KO Tirtouga with Hi Jump Kick is very valuable&mdash;Oran Berry is a very viable option over Splash Plate, especially with Spikes support. With Spikes, Tirtouga can still OHKO standard Mienfoo at +2 and can survive priority moves that plague Tirtouga with a Splash Plate thanks to the healing. Additionally, Oran Berry can help Tirtouga obtain even more opportunities to set up Shell Smash, check Murkrow, and sweep. As for other move options, Earthquake can be used over Aqua Jet to OHKO Croagunk at +2, as Croagunk normally walls Tirtouga, while Hidden Power Fire is useful for OHKOing Ferroseed, who would also otherwise wall Tirtouga.</p>

<p>Some of Tirtouga's best teammates are those who can defeat its most common checks: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Magnemite is an excellent partner, as it can trap and defeat Ferroseed with Hidden Power Fire and deal a lot of damage to Croagunk with Volt Switch and Thunderbolt, thus enabling Tirtouga to sweep with greater ease. Larvesta is another great partner, as it can comfortably switch into both Ferroseed and Croagunk, OHKO Ferroseed, and 2HKO Croagunk. If you're not running Oran Berry, entry hazards are a big problem for Tirtouga; for that reason, Staryu, Natu, and Drilbur are great teammates for their ability to get rid of or bounce back entry hazards. Ferroseed has great synergy with Tirtouga and can set up Spikes for its turtle friend, thus making sweeping a much less daunting task for Tirtouga. Finally, Hippopotas is a good partner for beating Croagunk, setting up Stealth Rock, and using its Sand Stream ability to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Relaxed
evs: 244 HP / 16 Def / 12 SpA / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Unlike the Shell Smash set, Tirtouga forgoes a powerful boosting move in this set in order to support its team. Stealth Rock is a must on nearly all Little Cup teams, punishing your opponent for switching and stripping twenty-five percent of Murkrow's HP every time it switches in. Scald is an excellent STAB move that deals considerable damage and also has a chance to burn Mienfoo, a common Tirtouga switch-in. Rock Slide is very useful for hitting Murkrow, Larvesta, and Shelmet super effectively. Although the situation may not commonly occur due to Tirtouga's medicore Speed stat and a Relaxed nature, Rock Slide's chance to flinch an opponent is worth mentioning. Knock Off is a great overall move in Little Cup for further lessening the defensive and even offensive prowess of Tirtouga's switch-ins, removing Eviolites, Life Orbs, and Choice Scarfs. Aqua Jet is a useful priority move that can be used to take out weakened Pokemon as well as to 2HKO Life Orb Drilbur, a top threat in Little Cup.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Eviolite is mandatory on nearly all Stealth Rock users in Little Cup, ensuring that Tirtouga will find many chances to not only set up Stealth Rock, but also check common threats, such as Murkrow and Larvesta. Solid Rock, Special Defense investment, and a naturally good Defense stat ensures that Tirtouga will be taking even super effective hits well. Don't be too afraid of taking a Thunderbolt from a Chinchou or another prominent special attacker if need be, as the given set gives Tirtouga impressive 25 / 26 / 21 defenses. Relaxed is needed to take physical hits repeatedly. For example, in the later parts of a match, Tirtouga will need to be able to check SubRoost Murkrow even if Tirtouga has already been checking it earlier in the game, and the increased Defense from its nature will make a big difference. As far as other move options, Protect is an interesting option for scouting for random super effective moves, status, Fake Out, and making your opponent cry as their Hi Jump Kick misses. Because Tirtouga's best switch-ins are Croagunk and Ferroseed, Earthquake and Hidden Power Fire, respectively, are good options for luring and taking them out.</p>

<p>As far as teammates go, Pokemon that can take advantage of or defeat Croagunk and Ferroseed make good Tirtouga partners. Larvesta is an excellent Tirtouga partner, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting-type weakness and can switch into and demolish Croagunk and Ferroseed with relative ease, while Tirtouga in turn covers Larvesta's Flying-type weakness. Ferroseed has near perfect synergy with Tirtouga, can switch into powerful Water-type attacks, and can set up entry hazards alongside opposing Ferroseed. When using Ferroseed in conjunction with Tirtouga, make sure that you have a very efficient way of dealing with Fighting-types. Hippopotas can provide sand to boost Tirtouga's Special Defense, take on the Fighting-type attacks that Tirtouga hates, and can relieve Tirtouga of its Stealth Rock duties, thus freeing up a moveslot for Tirtouga to deal with its own checks.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Tirtouga isn't blessed with many other viable options. A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is somewhat viable; however, it doesn't accomplish anything that the Shell Smash set couldn't already do, except for using Eviolite or an Oran Berry over Splash Plate. Also, a mixed Shell Smash set lacks consistency, as it relies on two moves with 80% accuracy. A bulky Choice Band set may be viable, as it still serves as an excellent check to Murkrow, but now has an extra moveslot to deal with Croagunk in the form of Earthquake.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>One of Tirtouga's largest flaws is that it's efficiently checked by two common Pokemon in the metagame: Ferroseed and Croagunk. Ferroseed is arguably Tirtouga's best check, as it can take any hit, even after a Shell Smash, and either retaliate with Bullet Seed, which OHKOes Tirtouga even through Sturdy, or set up entry hazards. Croagunk's immunity to Water-type attacks due to Dry Skin, resistance to Rock-type attacks, and access to powerful STAB Fighting-type moves and priority make it an excellent Tirtouga check. However, Ferroseed and Croagunk will fall to any Shell Smash Tirtouga with Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake, respectively. Although Ferroseed is an excellent check to Shell Smash Tirtouga, it must be wary of an untimely Scald burn versus the support Tirtouga. Although less efficient checks than Croagunk and Ferroseed, Lileep and Slowpoke both do a decent job of checking Shell Smash Tirtouga; Lileep has Giga Drain to swiftly OHKO the Shell Smash set, while Slowpoke's Regenerator ability ensures that it's able to consistently check Tirtouga throughout the match. Other than dedicated walls, Choice Scarf users that can take a boosted Aqua Jet and outspeed +2 Tirtouga make good checks to it; for example, Chinchou resists Aqua Jet and can use Thunderbolt to destroy Tirtouga.</p>


Only a few changes here, mostly little prose things. Emphasised outspeeding +1 Snover after a Shell Smash, and clarified how Knock Off reduces the offensive switch-ins (with this, you're the more experienced LC player; if you don't think adding ", removing Eviolites, Life Orbs, and Choice Scarfs" helps people, feel free to not implement it)

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