Tyranitar (Analysis, GP 2/2)

shrang

shrang

General Kenobi
is a Top Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Spr_5b_248.png


Tyranitar

Tyranitar is Uber strong

[Overview]

<p>As it frequently tops the OU usage lists, it is inconceivable that Tyranitar has not considered taking over the forbidden land of Ubers as well. Indeed, while the bipartisan dictatorship of Groudon and Kyogre persecute other weather effects from coming into play, the sand tyrant stands defiant, ready to introduce sandstorm to the world of Mount Olympus. Its ability, Sand Stream, allows Tyranitar to become an extremely sturdy special tank in the Uber metagame, a tier full of special attackers. It isn't indestructible by any means, however, as Tyranitar sports nasty weaknesses to the ubiquitous Aura Sphere and Earthquake. Overall, Tyranitar is an extremely versatile Pokemon, and every team that dreams of being successful should have an answer to the dinosaur.</p>

[SET]
name: Uber Tank
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Low Kick / Superpower
move 4: Fire Blast / Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 180 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With the boost from sandstorm, Tyranitar's Special Defense is lifted to an enormous 463, and coupled with its impressive 404 HP, this allows it to weather even the mightiest of special attacks in the Uber metagame. These include Dialga's unboosted Draco Meteor, Palkia's Spacial Rend, Reshiram's Blue Flare, and so on. Unlike special walls such as Blissey and Chansey, Tyranitar can pack a punch with its attacks instead of relying on status and Seismic Toss. Using Crunch and Pursuit, Tyranitar can checkmate Giratina-O, allowing Rapid Spin to be used much more easily. It also checks unboosted Mewtwo, as it can survive a Life Orb-boosted Aura Sphere while dealing heavy damage back with STAB Crunch. It can Pursuit Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Pursuit Reshiram locked into a Fire-type attack, and Pursuit Kyogre locked into any non-Water-type attack, while also taking out Dialga with Low Kick. Tyranitar's chosen Dark-type STAB and Pursuit are the crux of this set, as they allow it to checkmate many threats, while Low Kick gives it fantastic coverage. Crunch is generally preferred as it allows Tyranitar to deal consistent damage to Dragon Tail Giratina-O, who would otherwise make Payback a 50 Base Power move.</p>

<p>The last move is a toss-up between Fire Blast, Stealth Rock, and Stone Edge. Fire Blast allows Tyranitar to fry Ferrothorn and Forretress, who might try switching in to set up hazards, and keeps Scizor away. Stealth Rock can be used if the team requires Tyranitar to set it up, while Stone Edge allows Tyranitar to fully counter Ho-Oh, as it deals heavy damage to the phoenix even when Tyranitar has been burned by Sacred Fire.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set can also be used as a lead. With Tyranitar's horrible Speed, it is almost guaranteed that you will have sandstorm up unless your opponent decides to run Abomasnow, or something ridiculous like Iron Ball Kyogre. If Tyranitar is used as a lead, Superpower and Lum Berry can be considered as the Fighting-type move of choice and the item, respectively. This allows Tyranitar to take on anything Darkrai might throw at it, avoid being put to sleep by Dark Void and OHKO with Superpower (Focus Blast does not OHKO Tyranitar).</p>

<p>Tyranitar has a few other moves it can run in the last slot, although their applications are not quite as useful as those listed. Ice Beam can be used so Garchomp does not get a free switch-in or a free setup; it also deals huge amounts of damage to Gliscor, who would otherwise be a nuisance to sand teams in general. Dragon Tail can also be used with hazard support, as Tyranitar is very good at forcing switches anyway.</p>

<p>The given EV spread allows Tyranitar to weather two Surfs from defensive Kyogre, meaning it can even switch into the leviathan and set up the sand, then switch out with the weather on its side. A Sassy nature is preferred if Tyranitar is using Fire Blast or Ice Beam, but Careful is preferred if it is not.</p>

<p>Groudon is Tyranitar's biggest enemy, as it completely walls the sand tyrant, while wiping away the sandstorm with its ability, Drought. It takes little damage from anything Tyranitar uses and OHKOes with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus, Ground Arceus, and Garchomp are next in the long line of Tyranitar counters. Kyogre can switch in and introduce rain while drowning Tyranitar with its overpowered Water-type STAB. Water, Bug, Steel, and Grass Arceus also scare the pants off Tyranitar. Terrakion can come into any attack not named Low Kick or Superpower and OHKO with Close Combat, even receiving a Justified boost from Tyranitar's STAB Dark-type attacks. Heracross can do a similar job, but will not enjoy switching into Fire Blast. If Tyranitar lacks Fire Blast, Scizor can also switch in and deal massive damage with U-turn.</p>

<p>Tyranitar's teammates, naturally, would fit into two categories: Pokemon that fit into the first category include those that can switch into Tyranitar's weaknesses or check the long line of counters just listed, while the second include Pokemon that can take advantage of Tyranitar's infinite sandstorm. Lugia and Giratina have excellent defensive synergy with Tyranitar; the former is 4x resistant to Fighting-type attacks, resists Grass-type moves, and also has a handy Ground-type immunity, while Giratina is immune to Fighting-type attacks and packs Bug-, Water-, and Grass-type resistances. Both have massive defenses to shrug off unboosted attacks as well. Palkia is 4x resistant to Water-type attacks, while Grass Arceus and Latias can also switch into them without much hassle either. If sandstorm is not central to your game plan, Kyogre is an excellent teammate to Tyranitar, as it can also switch into unboosted Water-type attacks while scaring away a lot of Tyranitar's checks, such as Scizor and Groudon. In return, Tyranitar can chase down fleeing Palkia locked into Thunder, doing enough damage so that it cannot switch into Kyogre any more. Sand abusers include Pokemon such as Excadrill, who outspeeds virtually everything in the sand, Rock Arceus, who becomes a nigh-unkillable tank, Garchomp, whose Sand Veil ability causes opponents to rip their hair out, and Landorus, who can use its Sand Force ability to decimate teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Uber Choice Band
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Low Kick
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 64 Atk / 192 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Tyranitar's high base 134 Attack and enormous Special Defense make it an excellent Choice Band user in the Uber environment. It can easily switch into many special attackers in the tier who are locked into unfavourable attacks and deal massive damage to them with Pursuit as they switch out. Such Pokemon include Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Giratina-O, and Reshiram locked into a Fire-type move. With these Pokemon removed, other Pokemon such as Kyogre can sweep a lot more easily. Crunch is Tyranitar's main STAB, although Payback is another option, since Tyranitar is slow. Payback will be weak against phazers such as Lugia and Giratina-O, though. Crunch's chance to lower Defense also allows Tyranitar to come out on top in certain situations. If you are lucky with the Defense drops, Tyranitar could potentially defeat Lugia one-on-one. Stone Edge is Tyranitar's most powerful attack, doing huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Low Kick rounds out the set, providing good coverage against Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs used give Tyranitar a high chance of surviving any unboosted Aura Sphere from Mewtwo and OHKOing back with Crunch. Max Attack can be used so Tyranitar can OHKO Scizor with Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, but this is not recommended as the bulk lost is considerable.</p>

<p>Like the first set, Groudon walls Tyranitar, taking a measly 26.98% - 31.93% from Crunch. It removes the sand that Tyranitar provides for its team and OHKOes with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus resists both of Tyranitar's STABs and OHKOes with Judgement. Ground Arceus serves a similar purpose to Groudon, and walls Tyranitar even harder with access to Recover. Garchomp can switch in without much problem too. Steel Arceus and Dialga resist both of Tyranitar's STABs, but must watch out for Low Kick. Other Arceus formes with super effective STAB can take down Tyranitar pretty easily too. Bulky Kyogre can switch into Tyranitar once, wipe out sandstorm, and deal massive damage with its rain-boosted STAB. It is for these reasons that Pokemon that cover Tyranitar's weaknesses are good teammates. Lugia and Giratina resist most of Tyranitar's weaknesses. Grass Arceus, Palkia, and Latias can switch into most of Kyogre's attacks without much trouble, although its coverage moves will wear them down very quickly. Abusers of sandstorm are also great teammates to run alongside Tyranitar, and these include Excadrill, Rock Arceus, Garchomp, and Landorus.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Rock Slide is a more reliable option over Stone Edge, but it is way too weak to do anything useful. Dragon Dance and Rock Polish can be used to improve Tyranitar's horrible Speed, but it would still be too slow after one boost, while it will find itself being walled way too easily. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple an Arceus forme or two, but since Tyranitar's main counter, Groudon, is immune to it, it is quite useless. Toxic can be used to cripple Groudon. Dragon Tail or Roar can be used on the tank set in conjunction with entry hazards for some decent results. Curse can be used to boost Tyranitar's Defense, giving it excellent mixed bulk, but Groudon and other counters can KO Tyranitar faster than it can boost.</p>

<p>Tyranitar has the option of running a mixed suicide lead set, using a Hasty nature, max Speed, max Special Attack, and Ice Beam to deal heavy damage to Groudon. A Focus Sash or Air Balloon can be used to dodge an OHKO from Earthquake. This set is most effective when sandstorm is not central to the team's overall strategy. A combination of Focus Sash and Counter can also be used to surprise Groudon, but it is generally unreliable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Groudon completely walls Tyranitar, removes the sandstorm, and OHKOes with Earthquake or forces it out with Dragon Tail. Ground Arceus fulfills a similar role, while Fighting Arceus resists both STABs and OHKOes with 4x super effective Judgement. Steel Arceus also resists both STABs, but will not enjoying taking Low Kick. Garchomp and Gliscor can both switch into anything apart from the occasional Ice Beam and deal heavy damage with Earthquake. Kyogre can take an attack from Choice Band Tyranitar (albeit not very well) and deal huge amounts of damage with its rain-boosted STAB attacks. Terrakion and Lucario both enjoy switching into Tyranitar's Dark-type STAB for a Justified boost, although both need to watch out for Superpower, and in Lucario's case, Fire Blast. Heracross can also can switch into anything barring Choice Band Stone Edge and Fire Blast. All three of the Fighting-types listed above can OHKO with Close Combat. Similar to Heracross, Scizor only needs to watch out Fire Blast and needs to tread carefully around Choice Band-boosted Stone Edge, and it can OHKO in return with Superpower or deal huge amounts of damage with U-turn or Bullet Punch.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>While Tyranitar's Dream World ability, Unnerve, does not help it much, its ability to check and KO key Pokemon is augmented when Latias and Latios with Soul Dew are usable. Tyranitar's ability to switch into virtually any attack thrown around by the twins allows it to switch in and KO them without much prediction needed at all. Dream World also brings Shadow Tag Chandelure, which can trap and OHKO Groudon and Mewtwo, making Dragon Dance Tyranitar and sand sweepers much more potent. Tyranitar can also trap opposing Shadow Tag Chandelure, allowing Forretress and Ferrothorn to set up entry hazards more freely.</p>
 
Tyranitar has the stats and coverage to be an Uber, I agree with that.

You need to mention Fire Blast on the lead set a lot though, Forretress is getting more common on the lead spot and Deoxys-S is dying out. I think for the tank set, Max SpD and HP is the best way to go since it allows Tyranitar to survive 2 Surfs from Kyogre in sand. Having more Special Defense than Lugia makes the Tyrant a true tank. Tyranitar beats lead Dialga with Low Kick while Draco Meteor doesn't even come close to a 3HKO so you should mention it. If used in stall, TankTar can easily defeat any Giratina-O (wrecks most stall) without Aura Sphere or Earthquake. One of the few counters to CB Victini.

For the Choice Band set, you shouldn't say it kills Lugia and Giratina. CB Tyranitar cannot switch in on either of those walls and come out on top but the Great Walls can't come in on Tyranitar directly either for the fear of Crunch or Stone Edge in Lugia's case. Lugia has Reflect + Roost while Giratina-A's Will-O-Wisps just makes Tyranitar sad. CB Tyranitar has special bulk and STAB Stone Edge/Pursuit/Crunch over Zekrom ( should mention that a bit).

The Dragon Dance set suffered a bit. Defensive Groudon/Kyogre is getting really common. Although Kyogre is a meish counter since +1 LO Stone Edge can nearly OHKO Kyogre, it's a major issue. Giratina/Lugia got Dragon Tail which is bad news for Taunt Dragon Dancer. I don't really see many Dragon Dance Tyranitar, but can you state what are the reasons to use it? If you can get Groudon out of the way, it should sweep some stall teams.

Mixed suicide lead, do you mean Hasty ones? With Ice Beam? I seen quite a few, and they did well, although the tank set seems almost always better. Counter could work out here to OHKO Groudon if it attacks you instead of a 2-3HKO.
 
I spoke with you on PO about this but I guess i post some of my thoughts here so that we get some discussion. The Stallbreaker set seems kind of iffy to me. I think it would just be better to mention Toxic and Taunt somewhere in the AC of the Tank set, whose effectiveness i can attest to. Mention somewhere that Tyranitar hates burns since it will cripple him for the rest of the match. Most Will-O-Wisp carrying Arceus variants are a threat (other than the ones he hits super effective obviously). Normal Wallceus can outspeed it, burn it and proceed to do whatever the hell it likes and also puts Tyranitar out of commission. Mention Ghostceus with 252 HP evs can beat the Tank set if it has sustained not much previous damage. Unboosted Focus Blast 2HKOes(51.5% - 61.4%) while Crunch does 45.9% - 54.1%.Scarf should at least get an OC mention.

-
trickroom said:
One of the few counters to CB Victini.
Click to expand...
Thats a pretty big claim you know, probably should mention that. Its probably the only 100% way to exterminate Victini. Mention Blaziken as a check along with Lucario and Terrakion. HJK is gonna hurt like hell....Gliscor can check TTar pretty easily. Nothing comes even close to 3HKOing that scorpion factoring in Poison Heal while EQ does 47.5% - 56.4%. (I'm using 252 HP / 40 Def / 216 Spe as Gliscor's EV set since its the Standard one.)
 
For sure mention ferrothorn as a counter, especially to the CB set resisting both of your STABs and killing you with power whip/setting up Spikes is a big deal. It does fear Fire Blast and Low Kick/SP, though,so ttar can beat it, but it can much more easily beat you. Also I think fire punch deserves a mention on the CB set to take out the 4x weaks and get you a 2HKO on skarm, grass, and steel arceus.

Gira-O with W-o-W dominates the stallbreaker set, and a burnt 40BP pursuit isn't really going to hurt it much, while it can 2-3 HKO with outrage or phaze you out with dragon tail. I haven't tested it so I'm not sure, but I feel like there are other pokes (like heatran) who are much better suited for the role.

Mention wobbs in the DD sets teammates, especially since it can come in on scarf teks Close Combat something get rid of it.
 
Okay.

I don't like the Dragon Dance set. Lugia and Giratina both got Dragon Tail which is unaffected by Taunt, which means TTar can't really set up on them, and its too slow to sweep with only one DD (Arceus, Darkrai, Shaymin-S, and Mewtwo, the "fast" Ubers, can all just come in and revenge kill you or halt your sweep). Besides, there's Excadrill, who actually stands a chance at breaking Groudon and bulky Kyogres, and Rayquaza, who bests Tar in all of speed, coverage, and power. I think it should be removed, but I'll let other QC members weigh in.

I don't like the Stallbreaker set. As soon as TSpikes go up, TTar is worthless since it has no recovery, and it still loses to Groudon who is on 99% of stall teams, and it doesn't have the bulk to repeatedly come in on other special attackers. Please get rid of it.

I would like to see the fast Sash Suicide lead given another chance as it is one of the few Tar sets that can break Groudon, which, if that is a team's only weather changer, can usually clear a path for something like Excadrill.

The Tank and CB sets are fine.
 
Im with fireburn on the stallbreaker set. I tested it for a few games and it did *ok*... until I ran into the first stall team, then it failed, really, really hard. Forretress gets to spin on you until it is freaking dizzy,and the main targets of the set, spinblocking giratina formes, usually carry dragon tail and/or wisp, so they pretty much shuts you down. Also, Groudon just makes life too hard to try and break down a stall team with him on it, and toxic can piss it off, but his EQ will piss you off wayyyy more. Also, like fireburn mentioned, tspikes cripple you indefinitely, and other prominent toxic users (Lugia, for example) outspeed you and can beat your taunt with dragon tail (hates poisoning itself, though). All in all the takn set with taunt on it or something would work better, ttar just kind of nuters itself by having to carry two support moves.

Also mention that mewtwo can revenge every set with aura sphere without question. Also, if you ever see a conkeldurr, he can rip you a new one, but no one uses him anyway.

I don't really like the sashed suicide lead, the only reason to use ttar in ubers is 1) for sand, and 2) for a really bulky pursuit, and that set skips right over both perks. I would much rather go with deo-a or something for an offensive suicide approach. Baiting groudon out early is cool, but that can be covered with an OC mention, it doesn't really need its own set.
 
Okay, I've removed Stallbreaker (One less set to write, hehehe), and I'll wait on results for DD and suicide lead.
 
Tyranitar can usually sweep Classic Stall team <--- if it still exists lol. Gen 5 gave Giratina Dragon Tail so Tyranitar cannot set up on it which means Tyranitar lost his best opportunity to set up with Taunt. Lugia usually runs Dragon Tail anyway so DD Taunt Tyranitar is really hating it. The raise in popularity of Scarf users such as Scarf Kyogre ,Terrakion, Zekrom and Mewtwo really hurts DD Tyranitar. I think you should remove it or maybe you can wait for firecape / Jibaku to say something on this.

The Choice Band set is a way better way to surprise and take out Kyogre. Theorymon likes the suicide lead but for me I think it's a bit wasted. Instead of hoping to 2HKO Groudon with Ice Beam why can't Tyranitar just switch to your Groudon counter? Tyranitar is generally slower than Groudon so you still get the weather up on your side. If Tyranitar outspeeds Groudon, the weather will be sunny LOL and Tyranitar will be at 1 HP even if Groudon is 2HKOed. The opponent can just set up any Stealth Rock or Spikes then Tyranitar is dead.

shrang said:
move 4: Lock Kick
Click to expand...

Typo there?

Excadrill checks Tyranitar too because it resists both STABs and survives Low Kick.
 
trickroom said:
Theorymon likes the suicide lead but for me I think it's a bit wasted. Instead of hoping to 2HKO Groudon with Ice Beam why can't Tyranitar just switch to your Groudon counter? Tyranitar is generally slower than Groudon so you still get the weather up on your side. If Tyranitar outspeeds Groudon, the weather will be sunny LOL and Tyranitar will be at 1 HP even if Groudon is 2HKOed. The opponent can just set up any Stealth Rock or Spikes then Tyranitar is dead.
Click to expand...

Having used the suicide lead quite a lot in GenIV, I have to say that it was way better before when there was no team preview. There aren't dedicated leads anymore so -as all suicide leads- it has lost its purpose. But it was great before (not too many ppl ran a Fire move back then as opposed to standard TTar nowadays). It could be more effective against Groudon because most people run 252/252 HP/Def now to wall Arceus better (some players still invest in SpDef though)
 
contrib_qc.png

QC APPROVED 1/2

I approved the CB and Tank set. The Dragon Dance set seems to be sub par this generation like what Fireburn said. Dragon Tail hurts it as Giratina was free set up time earlier.

Also a +1 Tyranitar still underspeeds Arceus meaning things like Ghost Arceus can still come in and KO you with Focus Blast which sucks. Steel Arceus can come in and still outspeed you, burn or Judgment you.
 
Alright, it seems like Dragon Dance isn't going to get approved, so I'm going to remove it. Just the CB and tank sets.
 
Should 0 speed IVs be used on the Tank if you're running Fire Blast? While you beat Ferrothorn 1-on-1 anyway, you don't 1hko with Fire Blast so the lower speed reduces damage from Gyro Ball from 40%min to 40%max. Unless, of course, there's something slow you still want to out speed and those 31 ivs matter.
 
You say that tyranitar is the sturdiest 'physical' tank in ubers in the opening paragraph, I think you mean to say special.

Doesn't the 252 hp, 88 atk, 88 sp.a, 88 spD, Brave, Fireblast / Payback / Stealth Rock / Superpower, @ Lum spread deserve a mention? Survives unboosted focus blasted from darkrai and OHKOs with superpower, OHKOs Deoxys-s through sash with payback and SS, and some other stuff, it was featured in one of the older editions of smog (under locopokes team, I think?)
 
Write up is done. Theorymon says he wants to write up SashTar, but since this already has 2 QC checks, I'll let him write it up and get it QCed again, when that is done, it can be uploaded separately (when the site is ready for uploads). This is ready for GP checks.
 
Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

[Overview]
<p>As it frequently tops the OU usage lists, it is inconceivable that Tyranitar has not considered taking over the forbidden land of Ubers as well. Indeed, while the bipartisan dictatorship of Groudon and Kyogre persecute other weather effects from coming into play, the sand tyrant stands defiant, ready to introduce sandstorm to the world of Mount Olympus. Its ability, Sand Stream, allows it to become one of the strongest special tanks in the game, which serves it extremely well in a tier full of special attackers. Tyranitar can switch into many special attacks and set up sandstorm while these attacks bounce off it like banana peels. Never underestimate the tyrant, lest you suffer humiliation at its hands.</p>

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Low Kick / Superpower
move 4: Fire Blast / Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 180 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With the boost from sandstorm, Tyranitar's Special Defense is lifted to an enormous 463, and coupled with its impressive 404 HP, this allows it to weather even the toughest mightiest of special attacks in the Uber metagame. These include Dialga's unboosted Draco Meteor, Palkia's Spacial Rend, Reshiram's Blue Flare, and the list go so on. Unlike special walls such as Blissey and Chansey, Tyranitar can pack a punch with its attacks instead of relying on status and Seismic Toss. Using Crunch and Pursuit, Tyranitar can checkmate Giratina-O, allowing for Rapid Spin to be used freely. It can also checkmate counters unboosted Mewtwo, as it can survive a Life Orb-boosted Aura Sphere while dealing heavy damage back with STAB Crunch. It can Pursuit Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Pursuit Reshiram locked into a Fire-type attack, and Pursuit Kyogre locked into any non-Water-type attack, while also taking out Dialga with Low Kick. Tyranitar's chosen Dark-type STAB are is the crux of this set, as it allows to checkmate many threats, while Low Kick gives it Tyranitar fantastic coverage. Crunch is generally preferred since it allows Tyranitar to deal consistent damage to Dragon Tail Giratina-O, who would otherwise make Payback a 50 Base Power move.</p>

<p>The last slot move is variable. Fire Blast allows Tyranitar to fry Ferrothorn and Forretress, who might try to switch in and set up hazards, as well as and keeps Scizor away. Stealth Rock can be used if the team requires Tyranitar to set it up, while Stone Edge allows Tyranitar to fully counter Ho-Oh, as it deals heavy damage to the phoenix even when Tyranitar is burned by Sacred Fire.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set can also be used as a lead. With Tyranitar's horrible Speed, it is almost guaranteed that you will have sandstorm up unless your opponent decides to run Abomasnow, or something ridiculous like Iron Ball Kyogre. If Tyranitar is used as a lead, Superpower and Lum Berry can be considered as the Fighting-type move of choice and the item, respectively. This allows Tyranitar to take on anything Darkrai might throw at it, avoid being put to sleep by Dark Void, and OHKO with Superpower (Focus Blast does not OHKO Tyranitar).</p>

<p>Tyranitar has a few other moves it can run in the last slot, although their applications are not quite as useful as those listed. Ice Beam can be used so Garchomp does not get a free switch-in or a free setup, as well as also doing huge damage to Gliscor, who would otherwise be a nuisance to sand teams in general. Dragon Tail can also be used with hazard support, since Tyranitar is very good at forcing switches anyway.</p>

<p>The given EV spread allows Tyranitar to weather two Surfs from defensive Kyogre, meaning it can even switch into the leviathan and set up the sand, and then switch out with the weather on its side. A Sassy nature is preferred if Tyranitar is using Fire Blast or Ice Beam, but Careful is preferred if it is not.</p>

<p>Groudon is Tyranitar's biggest enemy, as it completely walls the sand tyrant, while wiping away the sandstorm with its ability, Drought. It takes little damage from anything Tyranitar uses and OHKOes with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus, Ground Arceus, and Garchomp are next in the long line of Tyranitar counters. Kyogre can switch in and introduce the rain while drowning Tyranitar with its overpowered Water-type STAB. Water, Bug, Steel, and Grass Arceus also scare the pants off Tyranitar as well. Terrakion can come into any attack not named Low Kick or Superpower and OHKO with Close Combat, or switch into a Dark attack to even receiving a Justified boost from Tyranitar's STAB Dark-type attacks. Heracross can do a similar job, but will not enjoy switching into Fire Blast. If Tyranitar lacks Fire Blast, Scizor can also switch in and deal massive damage with U-turn.</p>

<p>Tyranitar's teammates, naturally, would fit into two categories. Pokemon that fit into the first category would include those that can switch into Tyranitar's weaknesses or into checkthe long line of counters just listed, while the second include Pokemon that can take advantage of Tyranitar's infinite sandstorm. Lugia and Giratina have excellent defensive synergy with Tyranitar; Lugia the former is being 4x resistant 4x resistant to Fighting-type attacks, immune to Ground and resists Grass resists Grass-type moves and also has a handy Ground-type immunity, while Giratina is immune to Fighting-type attacks and packs resists Bug-, Water-, and Grass-type resistances. Both have massive defenses to shrug off unboosted attacks as well. Palkia is 4x resistant to Water-type attacks, while Grass Arceus and Latias can also switch into them without much hassle either. If sandstorm is not central to your game plan, Kyogre is an excellent teammate to Tyranitar, as it can also switch into unboosted Water-type attacks while scaring away a lot of Tyranitar's checks, such as Scizor and Groudon. In return, Tyranitar can chase down fleeing Palkia locked into Thunder, doing enough damage so that it cannot switch into Kyogre any more. Sand abusers include Excadrill, who outspeeds virtually everything in the sand; Rock Arceus, who becomes a nigh-unkillable tank; Garchomp, whose Sand Veil ability causes opponents to rip their hair out; and Landorus, who can use its Sand Force ability to decimate teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Lock Kick
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 56 Atk / 200 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tyranitar's enormous base 134 Attack and nigh-impenetrable Special Defense allows it to become make it an excellent Choice Band user in the Uber environment. It can easily switch into many special attackers in the tier who are locked into unfavourable attacks and deal massive damage to them with Pursuit as they switch out. Such Pokemon include Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Giratina-O, and Reshiram locked into a Fire-type move. With these Pokemon removed, other Pokemon such as Kyogre can sweep a lot more easily. Crunch is Tyranitar's main STAB, although Payback is another option since Tyranitar is slow. Payback will be weak against pseudo-hazers like such as Lugia and Giratina-O, though. Crunch's defense-lowering chance to lower Defense also allows Tyranitar to come out on top in certain situations. If you are lucky with the Defense drops, Tyranitar could potentially defeat Lugia one-on-one. Stone Edge is Tyranitar's most powerful attack, doing huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Low Kick rounds out the set, providing with good coverage on Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs used allow give Tyranitar to have a high chance of surviving any unboosted Aura Sphere from Mewtwo and OHKOing back with Crunch. Max Attack can be used so Tyranitar can OHKO Scizor with Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, but this is not recommended as the bulk lost is considerable.</p>

<p>Like the first set, Groudon walls Tyranitar, taking a measly 26.98% - 31.93% even from Choice Banded Crunch. It removes the sand that Tyranitar likes to provides for its team and OHKOes it with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus resists both of Tyranitar's STABs and OHKOes with Judgement. Ground Arceus serves a similar purpose to Groudon, and walls Tyranitar even harder with access to Recover. Garchomp can switch in without much problem too. Steel Arceus and Dialga resist both of Tyranitar's STABs, but must watch out for Low Kick. Other Arceus formes with super effective STAB can take down Tyranitar pretty easily too. Bulky Kyogre can switch into Tyranitar once, wipe out the sandstorm, and deal massive damage with its rain-boosted STAB. It is for these reasons that Pokemon that cover Tyranitar's weaknesses are make good teammates. Lugia and Giratina resist most of Tyranitar's weaknesses. Grass Arceus, Palkia, and Latias can switch into most of Kyogre's attacks without much trouble, although its coverage moves will wear them down very quickly. Abusers of sandstorm are also great teammates to run alongside Tyranitar, and these include Excadrill, Rock Arceus, Garchomp, and Landorus.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>Rock Slide is a more reliable option over Stone Edge, but it is way too weak to do anything useful. Dragon Dance and Rock Polish can be used to try and improve Tyranitar's horrible Speed, but it would still be too slow after one setup boost, while it will find itself being walled way too easily. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple an Arceus forme or two, but since Tyranitar's main counter, Groudon, is immune to it, it is quite useless. Toxic can be used to cripple Groudon. Dragon Tail and or Roar can be used on the tank set with in conjunction with entry hazards for some decent results. Curse can be used to boost Tyranitar's physical Defense, making it hard to take down from both sides giving it excellent mixed bulk, but Groudon and other counters can KO Tyranitar faster than it can boost.</p>

<p>Tyranitar has the option of running a mixed suicide lead set, using a Hasty nature, max Speed and max Special Attack, with and Ice Beam to deal heavy damage to Groudon. A Focus Sash or Air Balloon can be used to dodge an OHKO from Earthquake. This set is most effective when sandstorm is not central to the team's overall strategy. A combination of Focus Sash and Counter can also be used to surprise Groudon, but it is generally unreliable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Groudon completely walls Tyranitar, removes the sandstorm, and OHKOes with Earthquake or forces it out with Dragon Tail. Ground Arceus fulfills a similar role, while Fighting Arceus resists both STABs and OHKOes with 4x effective Judgement. Steel Arceus also resists both STABs, but will not enjoying taking Low Kick. Garchomp and Gliscor can both switch into anything apart from the occasional Ice Beam and deal heavy damage with Earthquake. Kyogre can take an attack from Choice Band Tyranitar (albeit not very well) and deal huge amounts of damage with its rain boosted Water-type STAB attacks. Terrakion and Lucario both enjoy switching into Tyranitar's Dark-type STAB for a Justified boost, although both need to watch out for Superpower, and in Lucario's case, Fire Blast. Heracross too can switch into anything apart from barringChoice Band Stone Edge and Fire Blast. All three of the Fighting-types just listed above can OHKO with Close Combat. Similar to Heracross, Scizor only needs to watch out Fire Blast and needs to tread carefully around Choice Banded Stone Edge, and in return can OHKOing in return with Superpower or dealing huge amounts of damage with U-turn and Bullet Punch.</p>

[Dream World]
<p>While Tyranitar's Dream World ability, Unnerve, does not help it much, its ability to check and KO key Pokemon are augmented when Latias and Latios with Soul Dew are usable. Tyranitar's ability to switch into virtually any attack thrown around by the twins allows him it to switch in and KO them without much prediction needed at all. Dream World also brings Shadow Tag Chandelure, which can trap and OHKO Groudon and Mewtwo, making Dragon Dance Tyranitar and sand sweepers a lot more usable much more potent. Tyranitar can also trap opposing Shadow Tag Chandelure, allowing Forretress and Ferrothorn to set up entry hazards freely.</p>

Good job, but remember, weather such as sandstorm, rain, hail etc is not capitalized!

contrib_gp.png


GP 1 / 2
 
I'm not QC but your intro is way too hype-filled. Ubers is also the land of Aura Sphere and Earthquake, so don't make it seem like Tyranitar is impenetrable when he clearly is not. Also please change that last line. The "underestimate _______ at your own peril" is severely overused.
 
Okay, I was meant to get this done like last weekend, but after accidentally closing the wrong window, I kind of left this for ages. Anyway, GP check is applied, and I've toned down the Overview. Ready for GP Check 2.
 
nitpicking -

[Overview]
<p>As it frequently tops the OU usage lists, it is inconceivable that Tyranitar has not considered taking over the forbidden land of Ubers as well. Indeed, while the bipartisan dictatorship of Groudon and Kyogre persecute other weather effects from coming into play, the sand tyrant stands defiant, ready to introduce sandstorm to the world of Mount Olympus. Its ability, Sand Stream, allows it to become an extremely sturdy special tank in the Uber metagame, which serves it extremely well in a tier full of special attackers. Tyranitar can switch into many special attacks with ease and set up sandstorm. It isn't indestructible by any means, though; Tyranitar sports nasty weaknesses to the ubiquitous Aura Sphere and Earthquake which undermine its great bulk somewhat. Overall, Tyranitar is an extremely versatile Pokemon, and every team that dreams of being successful should have an answer to the tyrant.</p>
Click to expand...

Just some stuff you missed in my check; I also added in 'jang's suggestion on Tyranitar's weaknesses to Aura Sphere and EQ and brushed up the concluding sentence a bit.
 
Unofficial GP check.

Remove
Add
Comments

shrang said:
[Overview]
<p>As it frequently tops the OU usage lists, it is inconceivable that Tyranitar has not considered taking over the forbidden land of Ubers as well. Indeed, while the bipartisan dictatorship of Groudon and Kyogre persecute other weather effects from coming into play, the sand tyrant stands defiant, ready to introduce sandstorm to the world of Mount Olympus. Its ability, Sand Stream, allows it Tyranitar to become an extremely sturdy special tank in the Uber metagame, which serves it extremely well in a tier full of special attackers. Tyranitar can switch into many special attacks with ease and set up sandstorm. It isn't indestructible by any means, though; Tyranitar sports nasty weaknesses to the ubiquitous Aura Sphere and Earthquake which undermine its great bulk somewhat. Overall, Tyranitar is an extremely versatile Pokemon, and every team that dreams of being successful should have an answer to the tyrant.</p>

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Low Kick / Superpower
move 4: Fire Blast / Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 180 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With the boost from sandstorm, Tyranitar's Special Defense is lifted to an enormous 463, and coupled with its impressive 404 HP, this allows it to weather even the mightiest of special attacks in the Uber metagame. These include Dialga's unboosted Draco Meteor, Palkia's Spacial Rend, Reshiram's Blue Flare, and so on. Unlike special walls such as Blissey and Chansey, Tyranitar can pack a punch with its attacks instead of relying on status and Seismic Toss. Using Crunch and Pursuit, Tyranitar can checkmate Giratina-O, allowing for Rapid Spin to be used freely. It also checks unboosted Mewtwo, as it can survive a Life Orb-boosted Aura Sphere while dealing heavy damage back with STAB Crunch. It can Pursuit Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Pursuit Reshiram locked into a Fire-type attack, and Pursuit Kyogre locked into any non-Water-type attack, while also taking out Dialga with Low Kick. Tyranitar's chosen Dark-type STAB and Pursuit are the crux of this set, as it allows they allow it to checkmate many threats, while Low Kick gives it fantastic coverage. Crunch is generally preferred since as it allows Tyranitar to deal consistent damage to Dragon Tail Giratina-O, who would otherwise make Payback a 50 Base Power move.</p>

<p>The last move is variable. Fire Blast allows Tyranitar to fry Ferrothorn and Forretress, who might try to switch in a switching in to set up hazards, and keeps Scizor away. Stealth Rock can be used if the team requires Tyranitar to set it up, while Stone Edge allows Tyranitar to fully counter Ho-Oh, as it deals heavy damage to the phoenix even when Tyranitar is has been burned by Sacred Fire.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set can also be used as a lead. With Tyranitar's horrible Speed, it is almost guaranteed that you will have sandstorm up unless your opponent decides to run Abomasnow, or something ridiculous like Iron Ball Kyogre. If Tyranitar is used as a lead, Superpower and Lum Berry can be considered as the Fighting-type move of choice and the item, respectively. This allows Tyranitar to take on anything Darkrai might throw at it, avoid being put to sleep by Dark Void and OHKO with Superpower (Focus Blast does not OHKO Tyranitar).</p>

<p>Tyranitar has a few other moves it can run in the last slot, although their applications are not quite as useful as those listed. Ice Beam can be used so Garchomp does not get a free switch-in or a free setup, also doing huge damage to Gliscor, who would otherwise be a nuisance to sand teams in general. Dragon Tail can also be used with hazard support, since as Tyranitar is very good at forcing switches anyway.</p>

<p>The given EV spread allows Tyranitar to weather two Surfs from defensive Kyogre, meaning it can even switch into the leviathan and set up the sand, then switch out with the weather on its side. A Sassy nature is preferred if Tyranitar is using Fire Blast or Ice Beam, but Careful is preferred if it is not.</p>

<p>Groudon is Tyranitar's biggest enemy, as it completely walls the sand tyrant, while wiping away the sandstorm with its ability, Drought. It takes little damage from anything Tyranitar uses and OHKOes with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus, Ground Arceus, and Garchomp are next in the long line of Tyranitar counters. Kyogre can switch in and introduce rain while drowning Tyranitar with its overpowered Water-type STAB. Water, Bug, Steel, and Grass Arceus also scare the pants off Tyranitar as well. Terrakion can come into any attack not named Low Kick or Superpower and OHKO with Close Combat, even receiving a Justified boost from Tyranitar's STAB Dark-type attacks. Heracross can do a similar job, but will not enjoy switching into Fire Blast. If Tyranitar lacks Fire Blast, Scizor can also switch in and deal massive damage with U-turn.</p>

<p>Tyranitar's teammates, naturally, would fit into two categories. Pokemon that fit into the first category include those that can switch into Tyranitar's weaknesses or check the long line of counters just listed, while the second include Pokemon that can take advantage of Tyranitar's infinite sandstorm. Lugia and Giratina have excellent defensive synergy with Tyranitar; the former is 4x resistant to Fighting-type attacks, resists Grass-type moves and also has a handy Ground-type immunity, while Giratina is immune to Fighting-type attacks and packs Bug-, Water-, and Grass-type resistances. Both have massive defenses to shrug off unboosted attacks as well. Palkia is 4x resistant to Water-type attacks, while Grass Arceus and Latias can also switch into them without much hassle either. If sandstorm is not central to your game plan, Kyogre is an excellent teammate to Tyranitar, as it can also switch into unboosted Water-type attacks while scaring away a lot of Tyranitar's checks, such as Scizor and Groudon. In return, Tyranitar can chase down fleeing Palkia locked into Thunder, doing enough damage so that it cannot switch into Kyogre any more. Sand abusers include Excadrill, who outspeeds virtually everything in the sand; , (< Comma 1) Rock Arceus, who becomes a nigh-unkillable tank; , (< Comma 2) Garchomp, whose Sand Veil ability causes opponents to rip their hair out; , (< Comma 3) and Landorus, who can use its Sand Force ability to decimate teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Lock Low Kick
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 64 Atk / 192 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tyranitar's high base 134 Attack and enormous Special Defense make it an excellent Choice Band user in the Uber environment. It can easily switch into many special attackers in the tier who are locked into unfavourable attacks and deal massive damage to them with Pursuit as they switch out. Such Pokemon include Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Giratina-O, and Reshiram locked into a Fire-type move. With these Pokemon removed, other Pokemon such as Kyogre can sweep a lot more easily. Crunch is Tyranitar's main STAB, although Payback is another option, (< Comma) since as Tyranitar is slow. Payback will be weak against pseudo-hazers such as Lugia and Giratina-O, though. Crunch's chance to lower Defense also allows Tyranitar to come out on top in certain situations. If you are lucky with the Defense drops, Tyranitar could potentially defeat Lugia one-on-one. Stone Edge is Tyranitar's most powerful attack, doing huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Low Kick rounds out the set, providing good coverage on Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs used give Tyranitar a high chance of surviving any unboosted Aura Sphere from Mewtwo and OHKOing back with Crunch. Max Attack can be used so Tyranitar can OHKO Scizor with Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, but this is not recommended as the bulk lost is considerable.</p>

<p>Like the first set, Groudon walls Tyranitar, taking a measly 26.98% - 31.93% even from Crunch. It removes the Sand sand that Tyranitar provides for its team and OHKOes it with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus resists both of Tyranitar's STABs and OHKOes with Judgement. Ground Arceus serves a similar purpose to Groudon, and walls Tyranitar even harder with access to Recover. Garchomp can switch in without much problem too. Steel Arceus and Dialga resist both of Tyranitar's STABs, but must watch out for Low Kick. Other Arceus formes with super effective STAB can take down Tyranitar pretty easily too. Bulky Kyogre can switch into Tyranitar once, wipe out sandstorm, and deal massive damage with its rain-boosted rain boosted STAB. It is for these reasons that Pokemon that cover Tyranitar's weaknesses are good teammates. Lugia and Giratina resist most of Tyranitar's weaknesses. Grass Arceus, Palkia, and Latias can switch into most of Kyogre's attacks without much trouble, although its coverage moves will wear them down very quickly. Abusers of sandstorm are also great teammates to run alongside Tyranitar, and these include Excadrill, Rock Arceus, Garchomp, and Landorus.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>Rock Slide is a more reliable option over Stone Edge, but it is way too weak to do anything useful. Dragon Dance and Rock Polish can be used to try and improve Tyranitar's horrible Speed, but it would still be too slow after one boost, while it will find itself being walled way too easily. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple an Arceus forme or two, but since Tyranitar's main counter, Groudon, is immune to it, it is quite useless. Toxic can be used to cripple Groudon. Dragon Tail or Roar can be used on the tank set in conjunction with entry hazards for some decent results. Curse can be used to boost Tyranitar's Defense, giving it excellent mixed bulk, but Groudon and other counters can KO Tyranitar faster than it can boost.</p>

<p>Tyranitar has the option of running a mixed suicide lead set, using a Hasty nature, max Speed, (< Comma) and max Special Attack, and Ice Beam to deal heavy damage to Groudon. A Focus Sash or Air Balloon can be used to dodge an OHKO from Earthquake. This set is most effective when sandstorm is not central to the team's overall strategy. A combination of Focus Sash and Counter can also be used to surprise Groudon, but it is generally unreliable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Groudon completely walls Tyranitar, removes the sandstorm and OHKOes with Earthquake or forces it out with Dragon Tail. Ground Arceus fulfills a similar role, while Fighting Arceus resists both STABs and OHKOes with 4x effective Judgement. Steel Arceus also resists both STABs, but will not enjoying taking Low Kick. Garchomp and Gliscor can both switch into anything apart from the occasional Ice Beam and deal heavy damage with Earthquake. Kyogre can take an attack from Choice Band Tyranitar (albeit not very well) and deal huge amounts of damage with its rain-boosted rain boosted STAB attacks. Terrakion and Lucario both enjoy switching into Tyranitar's Dark-type STAB for a Justified boost, although both need to watch out for Superpower, and in Lucario's case, Fire Blast. Heracross too can switch into anything barring Choice Band Stone Edge and Fire Blast. All three of the Fighting-types listed above can OHKO with Close Combat. Similar to Heracross, Scizor only needs to watch out Fire Blast and needs to tread carefully around Choice Banded Stone Edge, OHKOing in return with Superpower or dealing huge amounts of damage with U-turn and Bullet Punch.</p>

[Dream World]
<p>While Tyranitar's Dream World ability, Unnerve, does not help it much, its ability to check and KO key Pokemon are is augmented when Latias and Latios with Soul Dew are usable. Tyranitar's ability to switch into virtually any attack thrown around by the twins allows it to switch in and KO them without much prediction needed at all. Dream World also brings Shadow Tag Chandelure, which can trap and OHKO Groudon and Mewtwo, making Dragon Dance Tyranitar and sand sweepers much more potent. Tyranitar can also trap opposing Shadow Tag Chandelure, allowing Forretress and Ferrothorn to set up entry hazards freely.</p>
Click to expand...

EDIT: Proofread and finalized. Stamp?
 
Amateur GP Check

add remove comments
[Overview]
<p>As it frequently tops the OU usage lists, it is inconceivable that Tyranitar has not considered taking over the forbidden land of Ubers as well. Indeed, while the bipartisan dictatorship of Groudon and Kyogre persecute other weather effects from coming into play, the sand tyrant stands defiant, ready to introduce sandstorm to the world of Mount Olympus. Its ability, Sand Stream, allows it to become an extremely sturdy special tank in the Uber metagame, which serves it extremely well in a tier full of special attackers. Tyranitar can switch into many special attacks with ease and set up sandstorm. It isn't indestructible by any means, though; however, as Tyranitar sports nasty weaknesses to the ubiquitous Aura Sphere and Earthquake which undermine its great bulk somewhat. Overall, Tyranitar is an extremely versatile Pokemon, and every team that dreams of being successful should have an answer to the tyrant.</p>

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Low Kick / Superpower
move 4: Fire Blast / Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 180 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With the boost from sandstorm, Tyranitar's Special Defense is lifted to an enormous 463, and coupled with its impressive 404 HP, this allows it to weather even the mightiest of special attacks in the Uber metagame. These include Dialga's unboosted Draco Meteor, Palkia's Spacial Rend, Reshiram's Blue Flare, and so on. Unlike special walls such as Blissey and Chansey, Tyranitar can pack a punch with its attacks instead relying on status and Seismic Toss. Using Crunch and Pursuit, Tyranitar can checkmate Giratina-O, allowing for Rapid Spin to be used freely allowing Rapid Spin to be used much more easily. It also checks unboosted Mewtwo, as it can survive a Life Orb-boosted Aura Sphere while dealing heavy damage back with STAB Crunch. It can Pursuit Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Pursuit Reshiram locked into a Fire-type attack, and Pursuit Kyogre locked into any non-Water-type attack, while also taking out Dialga with Low Kick. Tyranitar's chosen Dark-type STAB and Pursuit are the crux of this set, as it allows to checkmate many threats, while Low Kick gives it fantastic coverage. Crunch is generally preferred since it allows Tyranitar to deal consistent damage to Dragon Tail Giratina-O, who would otherwise make Payback a 50 Base Power move.</p>

<p>The last move is variable a toss-up between Fire Blast, Stealth Rock, and Stone Edge. Fire Blast allows Tyranitar to fry Ferrothorn and Forretress, who might try to switch in a and set up hazards, and keeps Scizor away. Stealth Rock can be used if the team requires Tyranitar to set it up, while Stone Edge allows Tyranitar to fully counter Ho-Oh, as it deals heavy damage to the phoenix even when if Tyranitar is burned by Sacred Fire.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set can also be used as a lead. With Tyranitar's horrible Speed, it is almost guaranteed that you will have sandstorm up unless your opponent decides to run Abomasnow, or something ridiculous like Iron Ball Kyogre. If Tyranitar is used as a lead, Superpower and Lum Berry can be considered as the Fighting-type move of choice and the item, respectively. This allows Tyranitar to take on anything Darkrai might throw at it, avoid being put to sleep by Dark Void and g OHKOed with Superpower (Focus Blast does not OHKO Tyranitar).</p>

<p>Tyranitar has a few other moves it can run in the last slot, although their applications are not quite as useful as those listed. Ice Beam can be used so Garchomp does not get a free switch-in or a free setup,; it also doing deals huge amounts of damage to Gliscor, who would otherwise be a nuisance to sand teams in general. Dragon Tail can also be used with hazard support, since Tyranitar is very good at forcing switches anyway.</p>

<p>The given EV spread allows Tyranitar to weather two Surfs from defensive Kyogre, meaning it can even switch into the leviathan and set up the sand, then switch out with the weather on its side. A Sassy nature is preferred if Tyranitar is using Fire Blast or Ice Beam, but Careful is preferred if it is not.</p>

<p>Groudon is Tyranitar's biggest enemy, as it completely walls the sand tyrant, while wiping away the sandstorm with its ability, Drought. It takes little damage from anything Tyranitar uses and OHKOes it with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus, Ground Arceus, and Garchomp are next in the long line of Tyranitar counters. Kyogre can switch in and introduce rain while drowning Tyranitar with its overpowered Water-type STAB. Water, Bug, Steel, and Grass Arceus also scare the pants off Tyranitar as well. Terrakion can come into any attack not named Low Kick or Superpower and OHKO with Close Combat, even receiving a Justified boost from Tyranitar's STAB Dark-type attacks. Heracross can do a similar job, but will not enjoy switching into Fire Blast. If Tyranitar lacks Fire Blast, Scizor can also switch in and deal massive damage with U-turn.</p>

<p>Tyranitar's teammates, naturally, would fit into two categories. Pokemon that fit into the first category include those that can switch into Tyranitar's weaknesses or check the long line of counters just listed, while the second include Pokemon that can take advantage of Tyranitar's infinite sandstorm. Lugia and Giratina have excellent defensive synergy with Tyranitar; the former is 4x resistant to Fighting-type attacks, resists Grass-type moves and also has a handy Ground-type immunity, while Giratina is immune to Fighting-type attacks and packs Bug-, Water-, and Grass-type resistances. Both have massive defenses to shrug off unboosted attacks as well. Palkia is 4x resistant to Water-type attacks, while Grass Arceus and Latias can also switch into them without much hassle either. If sandstorm is not central to your game plan, Kyogre is an excellent teammate to Tyranitar, as it can also switch into unboosted Water-type attacks while scaring away a lot of Tyranitar's checks, such as Scizor and Groudon. In return, Tyranitar can chase down fleeing Palkia locked into Thunder, doing enough damage so that it cannot switch into Kyogre any more. Sand abusers include Pokémon such as Excadrill, who outspeeds virtually everything in the sand; Rock Arceus, who becomes a nigh-unkillable tank; Garchomp, whose Sand Veil ability causes opponents to rip their hair out; and Landorus, who can use its Sand Force ability to decimate teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Crunch / Payback
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Lock Kick
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 64 Atk / 192 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tyranitar's high base 134 Attack and enormous Special Defense make it an excellent Choice Band user in the Uber environment. It can easily switch into many special attackers in the tier who are locked into unfavourable attacks and deal massive damage to them with Pursuit as they switch out. Such Pokemon include Choice Scarf Palkia locked into any attack apart from Surf, Giratina-O, and Reshiram locked into a Fire-type move. With these Pokemon removed, other Pokemon such as Kyogre can sweep a lot more easily. Crunch is Tyranitar's main STAB, although Payback is another option since Tyranitar is slow. Payback will be weak against pseudo-hazers such as Lugia and Giratina-O, though. Crunch's chance to lower Defense also allows Tyranitar to come out on top in certain situations. If you are lucky with the Defense drops, Tyranitar could potentially defeat Lugia one-on-one. Stone Edge is Tyranitar's most powerful attack, doing huge damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Low Kick rounds out the set, providing good coverage on against Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs used give Tyranitar a high chance of surviving any unboosted Aura Sphere from Mewtwo and OHKOing back with Crunch. Max Attack can be used so Tyranitar can OHKO Scizor with Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, but this is not recommended as the bulk lost is considerable.</p>

<p>Like the first set, Groudon walls Tyranitar, taking a measly 26.98% - 31.93% even from Crunch. It removes the Sand that Tyranitar provides for its team and OHKOes it with Earthquake. Fighting Arceus resists both of Tyranitar's STABs and OHKOes with Judgement. Ground Arceus serves a similar purpose to Groudon, and walls Tyranitar even harder with access to Recover. Garchomp can switch in without much problem too. Steel Arceus and Dialga resist both of Tyranitar's STABs, but must watch out for Low Kick. Other Arceus formes with super effective STAB can take down Tyranitar pretty easily too. Bulky Kyogre can switch into Tyranitar once, wipe out sandstorm, and deal massive damage with its rain-boosted STAB. It is for these reasons that Pokemon that cover Tyranitar's weaknesses are good teammates. Lugia and Giratina resist most of Tyranitar's weaknesses. Grass Arceus, Palkia, and Latias can switch into most of Kyogre's attacks without much trouble, although its coverage moves will wear them down very quickly. Abusers of sandstorm are also great teammates to run alongside Tyranitar, and these include Excadrill, Rock Arceus, Garchomp, and Landorus.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>Rock Slide is a more reliable option over Stone Edge, but it is way too weak to do anything useful. Dragon Dance and Rock Polish can be used to try and improve Tyranitar's horrible Speed, but it would still be too slow after one boost, while it will find itself being walled way too easily. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple an Arceus forme or two, but since Tyranitar's main counter, Groudon, is immune to it, it is quite useless. Toxic can be used to cripple Groudon. Dragon Tail or Roar can be used on the tank set in conjunction with entry hazards for some decent results. Curse can be used to boost Tyranitar's Defense, giving it excellent mixed bulk, but Groudon and other counters can KO Tyranitar faster than it can boost.</p>

<p>Tyranitar has the option of running a mixed suicide lead set, using a Hasty nature, max Speed, and max Special Attack, and Ice Beam to deal heavy damage to Groudon. A Focus Sash or Air Balloon can be used to dodge an OHKO from Earthquake. This set is most effective when sandstorm is not central to the team's overall strategy. A combination of Focus Sash and Counter can also be used to surprise Groudon, but it is generally unreliable.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Groudon completely walls Tyranitar, removes the sandstorm and OHKOes with Earthquake or forces it out with Dragon Tail. Ground Arceus fulfills a similar role, while Fighting Arceus resists both STABs and OHKOes with 4x effective Judgement. Steel Arceus also resists both STABs, but will not enjoying taking Low Kick. Garchomp and Gliscor can both switch into anything apart from the occasional Ice Beam and deal heavy damage with Earthquake. Kyogre can take an attack from Choice Band Tyranitar (albeit not very well) and deal huge amounts of damage with its rain-boosted STAB attacks. Terrakion and Lucario both enjoy switching into Tyranitar's Dark-type STAB for a Justified boost, although both need to watch out for Superpower, and in Lucario's case, Fire Blast. Heracross too can also switch into anything barring Choice Band Stone Edge and Fire Blast. All three of the Fighting-types listed above can OHKO with Close Combat. Similar to Heracross, Scizor only needs to watch out Fire Blast and needs to tread carefully around Choice Banded Stone Edge; it can OHKOing in return with Superpower or dealing huge amounts of damage with U-turn and or Bullet Punch.</p>

[Dream World]
<p>While Tyranitar's Dream World ability, Unnerve, does not help it much, its ability to check and KO key Pokemon are augmented when Latias and Latios with Soul Dew are usable. Tyranitar's ability to switch into virtually any attack thrown around by the twins allows it to switch in and KO them without much prediction needed at all. Dream World also brings Shadow Tag Chandelure, which can trap and OHKO Groudon and Mewtwo, making Dragon Dance Tyranitar and sand sweepers much more potent. Tyranitar can also trap opposing Shadow Tag Chandelure, allowing Forretress and Ferrothorn to set up entry hazards more freely.</p>
 
Yeah sorry I haven't been able to update this yet, I'm really busy with uni work at the moment. Hopefully I might be able to pull out 10-30 minutes on the weekend to implement both of these checks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top