I talked some more about Tyranitar and Hippowdon in the Team Options section.
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Garchomp (Analysis)
- Thread starter Chou Toshio
- Start date
Okay. Sorry for bothering you.
Blue = Corrections / Additions
Red = Deletions
Black = Comments
Can't check the whole thing in one go; will finish the rest later.
Good lord, so many mistakes...
EDIT: PHEW. Done with the GP Check, which is incidentally the first time I have attempted this.
Red = Deletions
Black = Comments
Can't check the whole thing in one go; will finish the rest later.
[box]
[Overview]
<p>Once upon a time, there was a serious stir when the first ever non-Legendary non-Shadow Tag Pokemon was banned from OU. The larger internet community was up in arms, but the Smogon consensus was rock solid—Garchomp had broken OU.</p>
<p>In 4th Generation, it seemed the absolute perfect design. Its 600 BST was perfectly laid out, 102 jumping ahead of the 100 speed “threshold,” a huge 130 Attack score, defenses amongst the bulkiest of all OU Pokemon, and just enough Special Attack to 2 HKO Skarmory with Fire Blast even from a Jolly nature. Not only were its stats superbly arranged, it possessed one of the best type combinations in the game. Dragon / Ground left Garchomp with a measly 2 weaknesses, resistance to Stealth Rock and immunity to Thunder Wave, serious boons to any offensive Pokemon. Even more awesome were its STABs, unresisted but for only a meager handful of enemies, and augmented by the incredible Outrage and Earthquake. Its bulk and speed made the perfect platform for Swords Dance, and indeed Garchomp was arguably the only Pokemon in an entire generation of play to successfully and popularly use Swords Dance without a priority move in OU. Adding the resilience granted from Yache Berry and the added frustration from Sand Veil, Garchomp was the undeniable king of OU, and its usage lead on number 2 only grew and grew until its inevitable ban.</p> (Do not mention so much about Garchomp in the past generation(s). The Overview is supposed to be short, and give a description of how the Pokemon plays in the current metagame, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages.)
<p>In the 5th generation, Garchomp finds itself re-released into a much less welcoming OU metagame. Even though it has a good base Speed of 102, Garchomp finds itself confronted by a variety of enemies, new and old, who can outspeed it. both new enemies and old—its fellow dragons Latias and Latios were not released in the era Garchomp previously ruled OU, and have completely robbed it of its titles as “fastest Dragon.” Other powerful physical attackers such as Landorus and Excadrill also give Garchomp stiff competition for a teamslot. Furthermore, with the advent of Balloon, Garchomp's STAB combo is simply not as reliable as it used to be.</p>
<p>Despite facing many stiff challenges, Garchomp manages to establish itself as one of the most powerful physical attackers in the metagame. A well-rounded stat spread, powerful dual STAB moves in Outrage and Earthquake, and a base Speed stat of 102 that enables it to outspeed many common threats such as Hydreigon make Garchomp a very dangerous sweeper who can tear entire teams apart if given the chance to set-up.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Dragon Claw / Dragon Rush
move 4: Fire Blast / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf Garchomp is terrifically placed, just edging over previously popular base 100 Speed Scarf users, as well as 5th Generation’s Onokusu and Sazandora. It also out speeds Blaziken and every Dragon Dance / Butterfly Dance user at +1. With its combination of Speed, Power and Bulk in addition to SR resistance and lack of Pursuit weakness, it could possibly find itself as the Scarf user to beat in 5th Generation’s OU. This is also arguably Garchomp’s best 5th Generation set. With a unique Speed stat that enables it to outspeed many common threats such as Haxorus and Hydreigon, a unique combination of speed, power and bulk, and valuable resistances to Stealth Rock and Electric-type attacks, Garchomp is an excellent Choice Scarf user. It is helped in no small way by its odd base Speed stat of 102, which helps it outspeed threats such as Blaziken and Volcarona which have gained one Speed boost.</p>
<p>Outrage and Earthquake are Garchomp's powerful dual STAB attacks, having great neutral coverage. However, due to the trapping effect of Outrage, Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush are viable alternatives.The choice between the two moves comes down once again to a choice over reliability and power. While Dragon Rush’s accuracy is very unreliable, its power increase is significant, especially in the early games where when one is trying to avoid mistakes predicting, and missing is less consequential</p> (Does Dragon Rush achieve any OHKOs / 2HKOs that Dragon Claw misses out on? If so, mention them.)
<p>There are two options for the fourth move. Fire Blast can 2HKO Skarmory and Ferrothorn, Pokemon that otherwise completely wall Garchomp. Aqua Tail also deserves a mention here as it helps to deal with the common users of Balloon such as Heatran and Excadrill.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Outside of Outrage and Earthquake though, The last two moveslots are fairly flexible, allowing for quite a few alternatives move options. Stone Edge deserves a mention as another way of deals with Flying-types like such as Zapdos and Gyarados early game, and also supplies a reliable way of revenging provides a much better move option for dealing with VolcaronaUrugamosu. Stealth Rock is an odd but interesting option, helping teams which lack a dedicated entry hazard-laying Pokemon for teams that lack it. The bottom line is that no matter what, Garchomp’s last move slot is going to be filler at best, so for some teams, opting to throw in have Stealth Rock as a safety valve for difficult-to-predict turns will be of great usecould provide great utility. Garchomp will also blow past the majority of Taunt users.</p>
<p>For teammates, Tyranitar is Garchomp’s partner in crime, brewing up the sand for Garchomp’s Sand Veil to activate, and robbing enemy tanks (notably bulky Water-types) of their Leftovers recovery. The Tyraniboah set makes a particularly effective partner, capable of luring in and then dismantling enemy Steel Types with Focus Punch and Flamethrower / Fire Blast. Speaking of Steel removal removal of Steel-types, Magnezone (or Evolution Stone Magneton) make a return as excellent Dragon partners also makes a good teammate.</p>
<p>Steel types in general are excellent partners for Garchomp, giving it the means of to switching away from out of incoming Dragon- and Ice-type attacks (notably from the faster Latios and Latias). In particular general, Pokemon which lay entry hazards such as Nattorei, Skarmory and Forretress help Garchomp a lot. Scarf Garchomp pressurizes the enemy with the constant threat of sweeping, and thus, entry hazards will be of great use. The weaker his team becomes the greater the threat of a Garchomp sweep, making Spikes, SR and Toxic Spike support much appreciated by this set.<p>
<p>To compliment its offensive power, Garchomp loves to see other Dragon-types and priority users amongst its teammates—Pokemon capable of either opening an opportunity for Garchomp to sweep, or in turn abusing holes that Garchomp may open. Amongst Dragon-types, Salamence and Sazandora are especially notable for their special and mixed sweeping capabilities that can severely debilitate eliminate enemy “Dragon checks.” checks to Garchomp. Amongst priority users, Roobushin is an especially notable potential partner excellent teammate, as it is able to check the faster problem opponents such as Excadrill and Terrakion that can be tough for Garchomp to handle. Jellicent can also check enemy Fighting-types and Bulky Waters, as well as check and poison Bulky Waters. It also checks problematic enemies amongst Bulky bulky Ground-types like such as Hippowdon and Gliscor.<p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Fang / Aqua Tail / Substitute
item: Haban Berry / Yache Berry
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is <i>the</i> very set that got Garchomp banned last Generation. With a Swords Dance under its belt and the excellent coverage of Dragon / Ground STAB—it can still 2 HKO the metagame! offered by its dual STAB attacks, Garchomp can 2HKO a large portion of the metagame. That said, it has lost a lot of its former glory there are several differences in the functioning of this set this generation. With the introduction of Latias and Latios into OU, Garchomp is no longer able to sport his previous title of “fastest OU dragon,” which seriously impedes his sweep. Furthermore, a simple the influx of many fast and powerful threats like Terrakion, Borutorusu Thundurus and Doryuuzu Excadrill have dramatically raised the bar as to what constitutes as “fast,” Garchomp’s sweep that much more difficult to pull off making it much more difficult for Garchomp to pull off a sweep. One more thing worth mentioning is that because of Garchomp’s ability to boost its power, of Garchomp’s potential sets, this set is the least dependent on entry hazard support out of Garchomp's other potential sets.</p>
<p>All problems aside, Swords Dance Garchomp is still not to be underestimated. Base 102 Speed is still very fast, especially with Garchomp’s top-grade defensive stats. This unique blend of power, speed, bulk and lack of weaknesses makes Garchomp a very dangerous set-up sweeper. is what gave the infamous Yache-Chomp rule of IVth Gen OU, and it can still hammer head its way through the Vth Gen metagame. (Don't keep harking back about this set in the 4th generation). It just might have to change its name to Haban-Chomp thanks to all its fellow dragons rampaging around the metagame (Mention the hold item in AC).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is once more the again a simple 252 Atk / 252 Spe offensive one, maximizing the speed and power for Garchomp’s sweep Garchomp's Speed and power. Fire Fang does 62.9% - 74.3% to Skarmory after a Swords Dance, thus ensuring a 2HKO (remove space) even through Leftovers. In this new Gen, Aqua Tail finds itself a viable option for coverage as well, and can be used to take out Balloon Pokemon which usually carry a Balloon, namely such as Doryuuzu and Heatran. Alternatively you could always try to abuse Garchomp’s Sand Veil via Substitute (though many players will curse you for this!). Curse you! Finally, Substitute is a good option for trying to abuse Sand Veil under a Sandstorm, athough you will lose out on a lot of coverage. As previously mentioned,Yache Berry—Garchomp’s old standard—is still good—, but one should give the Haban Berry serious consideration considering the popularity of Dragon types, especially the Lati twins such as Latias, Latios and Choice Scarf users (including enemy Garchomp!). Garchomp’s impressive defensive stats will let it survive even powerful Dragon-type attacks such as Choice Specs Latios’ Dragon Pulse (taking 70.9% - 83.5% damage), and Scarf Haxorus' Outrage (taking 63% - 74.2% damage), taking into consideration Haban Berry's effect. This will allow Garchomp to revenge kill these Pokemon as well. (These calculations seem slightly off, so I suggest that you check them again)</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Fang / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Band, Garchomp makes an excellent wallbreaker (remove space) able to smash through even the toughest of physical walls. With powerful STAB moves, SR resistances resistances to Stealth Rock and common Electric-type moves, and excellent defensive stats and speed along with a great base Speed of 102, Garchomp makes for a formidable Choice Band user, (albeit in a metagame where Choice Band in general has lost a lot of popularity compared to previous Generations). (remove brackets. This sentence is supposed to go here, and not at the end of the paragraph, since you are stating why Garchomp is supposed to be a good Choice Band user.) Thanks to an excellent STAB combination and alternative coverage moves in Aqua Tail and Fire Fang, it Garchomp can achieve perfect coverage within its four moves. Dragon Claw and Outrage allow give you both power and flexibility/consistency. As with most Choice sets, this set is used to hit and run is also a hit-and-run set. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This is also a relatively self-explanatory moveset. Outrage, Dragon Claw and Earthquake all have their uses and provide power, flexibility and coverage. With Adamant, you can put tremendous pressure on Skarmory, 43.7% - 52.1% damage output allowing you to guarantee the 2HKO should Stealth Rock on the field. Keep in mind though, Jolly still has an excellent chance at 2HKOing Skarmory after a second SR Switch-in, especially should Skarmory lack leftovers. For this reason, the great advantage of Jolley’s superior speed is generally preferred. (Shoddy's Damage Calculator shows that Impish Physically Defensive Skarmory takes only around 30% on average. This has already been pointed out once. Even Specially Defensive Skarmory takes only around 40%.) However, there are two options for the last move. Fire Fang is a solid option for taking out Skarmory, who can otherwise wall Garchomp, 2HKOing all variants. On the other hand, Aqua Tail once again appears as is an option to knock out deal with Balloon Doryuuzu and Heatran.</p>
<p>Because of the wall breaker nature of this Garchomp Since Choice Band Garchomp plays as a wall breaker, it will especially appreciate having setup sweepers as teammates,. Setup sweepers with priority moves, such as Conkeldurr and Lucario, are great teammates for Garchomp, since they can finish off weakened teams with ease. Despite a common Ground Type, Under Sandstorm, Excadrill is another set-up sweeper who can be a good teammate for Garchomp, as both of them benefit from the Sandstorm. Furthermore, spikes and Stealth Rock entry hazard support can put the enemy between a rock and a hard place considering all the switches that are induced by the raw power of this Garchomp set induces.</p>
[SET]
name: Chomp Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock / Dragon Claw
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Protect / Aqua Tail
item: Leftovers
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 120 Spd / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes full advantage of Garchomp’s fantastic bulk, which is statistically similar to Swampert and Heatran, thus ranking it Garchomp amongst the bulkiest of OU’s pokemon Pokemon in OU. Garchomp also has a more-than-capable support movepool to help its cause. With its new toy, Dragon Tail, Garchomp can abuse its awesome STAB combo combination while including Protect, Stealth Rock and Phazing all on the very same set. Very few Pokemon create Substitutes able to hold up to its Garchomp's Dragon Tail, With Dragon Tail, Garchomp can break through the Substitutes of most Pokemon, and this which lets it Phaze even through Taunt. A general lack of weaknesses while combining power, speed and bulk makes it Garchomp a terrific checks to a number of threats including such as Heatran, Tyranitar, Terrakion and Doryuuzu Excadrill.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The 60 Speed EVs are set first enable Garchomp to outrun neutral natured Pokemon with base 90 Speed such as Lucario, while maximizing overall durability. The 76 Def EVs in Defense letit Garchomp survive a +2 Earthquakes from Balloon Doryuuzu Excadrill. Protect allows Garchomp to scout the opponent's move and obtain some free Leftovers recovery. Substitute could replace Protect to abuse Sand Veil, though its use comes into question is questionable when taking into consideration the fact that Garchomp is not running maximum Speed. Garchomp can be EVed to make 101 HP Substitutes as well, running 188 HP EVs in such a case. Roar is also an option over Dragon Claw, for people worried about substitutes since Dragon Tail cannot phaze through a Substitute.</p>
<p>Dragon Claw could be used as a reliable Dragon-type STAB move, to replacing any of the other moves. most notably In such a case, Stealth Rock can be replaced with Dragon Claw if you have another Stealth Rock user. If you do, Rough Skin makes for a fine ability for Tank Chomp, but is unfortunately illegal with Stealth Rock. (Remove this sentence. Rough Skin is mentioned in OC anyway.) Rugged Helmet could be used along with Rough Skin for more passive damage. Haban Berry is another interesting defensive item that could be used instead of Leftovers to get surprise revenge kills along with Dragon Claw, but in both of these cases Garchomp will lose tanking ability.</p>
<p>Due Do keep in mind that because this set greatly reduces Garchomp’s speed, it will be integral to Garchomp's success to include have teammates that can deal with enemy Dragon types looking to revenge eliminate Garchomp—. This is probably the set’s greatest weakness. Skarmory and Nattorei come as especially good teammates, having the ability to sponge the Dragon- and Ice-type attacks,aimed at Garchomp. They can also work into stall or semi-stall and provide entry hazards which Garchomp can abuse with Dragon Tail.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Don't leave home without your Tyranitar or Hippowdon, for the eternal Sandstorm which they provide is necessary for Sand Veil abuse. Removing Leftovers recovery from enemies is also very critical important, especially when facing stall, and bulky Water types in particular. With Swampert essentially non-existent, the Sandstorm will be extremely helpful in stopping the likes of Vaporeon and Burungeru from getting in Garchomp's way. Tyranitar is generally the stronger teammate (remove space between "team" and "mate") for Garchomp, with Hippowdon being somewhat repetitive redundant when considering the fact that Garchomp is also a Ground-type and somewhat physically bulky. "Double-Dragon" is alive and well, and any of OU’s other dragons would love to tag-team with the land shark to break down and bust through the enemy "Dragon Counters." counters to Dragon types. Hydreigon and Salamence are especially notable to Scarf Chomp both great options, for their ability to mix-sweep, breaking walls and opening the enemy as they can break walls and soften up the enemy for Scarf Garchomp’s end game sweep. Latias and Latios prefer to team up with the slower Garchomp sets, such as Choice Band and Swords Dance, which have the capacity to break walls such as Blissey and soften up the enemy for their sweep. Not just its fellow Dragon types, but there are a host of other offensive pokemon who would love to open up a Garchomp sweep or sweep in Garchomp’s wake. Some examples are priority users like Lucario, Scizor or Roobushin.</b>
<b>Speaking of opening for up a sweep, Trappers Pokemon like Magnezone or and Wobbuffet can be used to trap and take out specific Pokemon stopping Garchomp’s sweep such as Nattorei and Skarmory (notably steel types). Steel types in general for Garchomp, being able to sponge incoming Dragon attacks (and Ice Attacks), but The very same Skarmory and Nattorei can also make great teammates for Garchomp, as they can sponge the various Dragon-type and Ice-type attacks directed at Garchomp get special mention for their ability to provide Spikes and Stealth Rock. Each set brings has different reasons, but all of Garchomp’s sets greatly appreciate Spikes and Stealth Rock entry hazard support. Skarmory and Nattorei can once again aid Garchomp by laying down Spikes and Stealth Rock. Scarf Chomp likes weakened enemies to revenge kill. Banded Chomp forces lots of switches with its power, and Tank Chomp’s PHazing isn’t the same without hazards. Even Swords Dance Garchomp cannot complain about weaker enemies when trying to sweep. (You don't mention again how entry hazards help out each set, here in [Team Options] as well. It is enough if you mention the fact that Garchomp likes entry hazards on the field.) </p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>There are some options to discuss with Garchomp. Stone Edge, Brick Break and Crunch are other attacks that Garchomp could make use of, but they are very situational in usage, and are generally repetitive redundant in coverage alongside its Garchomp's STAB attacks. Double Chop could replace Dragon Claw on almost any set, being nearly identical save changing for the 10% decrease in accuracy in exchange for some added utility against Substitute users, especially Sub-Punchers. Early 4th Gen saw the birth of Chain-Chomp, and (I must confess, Mario Bros. is the only place where I have heard about Chain-Chomps. Judging from the next sentence, it seems to be a term for pseudo-mixed Chomp. The next sentence alone should be enough.) Draco Meteor or Surf alongside with SpA EVs could still be used as a gimmick to take down enemies walls like such as Hippowdon or and Gliscor. </p>
<P>Toxic is a status move that Garchomp has, and could feature can use (even on the Choice sets) to debilitate bulky Water-types that try to check Garchomp. A Substitute and Bright Powder set could be used to try and fully abuse Garchomp’s Sand Veil, but this is generally inferior to the Yache / Haban set the given sets. Additionally, the increased speed of the metagame fast-paced metagame alongside with the popularization prevalence of Politoed and Ninetales makes this strategy much weaker less viable than it was in 4th Generation. Also, another defensive set with Sleep Talk, Rest and Dragon Tail running Rough Sin as its ability with Earthquake or Swords Dance could be used to provide Phazing and recovery, and abuse a negative priority-less Dragon Tail if it is picked by Sleep Talk (and to abuse a very fast sleep-tail). Unfortunately, Rough Skin is illegal with Sleep Talk.</p>
[Counters]
<p>While it would be hard to give name a sure counter for to all of Garchomp's sets, Skarmory will give almost all Garchomp most sets a difficult time, as it can easily wall Garchomp's STAB moves attacks. However, One Skarmory must be careful of potential fire attacks, and be weary that there is little Skarmory can do in return against Garchomp aside from Phazing it. Levitate, Flying and Balloon users have a good chance of setting up on Garchomp, especially with the increased popularity of Scarf Chomp Pokemon with an immunity to Ground-type attacks can easily set up on Choice-locked Garchomp as well. Balloon Heatran in particular, resists everything Garchomp could throw out at it save for the rare Aqua Tail. Should it get in on a Choiced attack or with its Balloon unscathed, it Heatran can comfortably stay in and finish the job with Dragon Pulse (Dragon Pulse being popularized by Explosion's power drop). Of potential set-up abusers, Doryuuzu is especially notable dangerous as it is faster than even Scarf Garchomp in the sand a Sandstorm and can OHKO it KO Garchomp should it get a Swords Dance up.</p>
<p>Finally, and we’re really pulling from the bottom of the barrel now, priority Ice users of priority Ice-type attacks like Weavile and Mamoswine can obviously revenge eliminate Garchomp, while other priority users like such as Scizor and Roobushin can beat KO Garchomp should it be heavily weakened.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Rough Skin can replace Sand Veil on most sets if (especially if you lack Tyranitar) Sandstorm is absent, but most Garchomp will only be taking 2-3 hits per game, and Sand Veil’s evasive abilities can end games.</p>
[/box]
[Overview]
<p>Once upon a time, there was a serious stir when the first ever non-Legendary non-Shadow Tag Pokemon was banned from OU. The larger internet community was up in arms, but the Smogon consensus was rock solid—Garchomp had broken OU.</p>
<p>In 4th Generation, it seemed the absolute perfect design. Its 600 BST was perfectly laid out, 102 jumping ahead of the 100 speed “threshold,” a huge 130 Attack score, defenses amongst the bulkiest of all OU Pokemon, and just enough Special Attack to 2 HKO Skarmory with Fire Blast even from a Jolly nature. Not only were its stats superbly arranged, it possessed one of the best type combinations in the game. Dragon / Ground left Garchomp with a measly 2 weaknesses, resistance to Stealth Rock and immunity to Thunder Wave, serious boons to any offensive Pokemon. Even more awesome were its STABs, unresisted but for only a meager handful of enemies, and augmented by the incredible Outrage and Earthquake. Its bulk and speed made the perfect platform for Swords Dance, and indeed Garchomp was arguably the only Pokemon in an entire generation of play to successfully and popularly use Swords Dance without a priority move in OU. Adding the resilience granted from Yache Berry and the added frustration from Sand Veil, Garchomp was the undeniable king of OU, and its usage lead on number 2 only grew and grew until its inevitable ban.</p> (Do not mention so much about Garchomp in the past generation(s). The Overview is supposed to be short, and give a description of how the Pokemon plays in the current metagame, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages.)
<p>In the 5th generation, Garchomp finds itself re-released into a much less welcoming OU metagame. Even though it has a good base Speed of 102, Garchomp finds itself confronted by a variety of enemies, new and old, who can outspeed it. both new enemies and old—its fellow dragons Latias and Latios were not released in the era Garchomp previously ruled OU, and have completely robbed it of its titles as “fastest Dragon.” Other powerful physical attackers such as Landorus and Excadrill also give Garchomp stiff competition for a teamslot. Furthermore, with the advent of Balloon, Garchomp's STAB combo is simply not as reliable as it used to be.</p>
<p>Despite facing many stiff challenges, Garchomp manages to establish itself as one of the most powerful physical attackers in the metagame. A well-rounded stat spread, powerful dual STAB moves in Outrage and Earthquake, and a base Speed stat of 102 that enables it to outspeed many common threats such as Hydreigon make Garchomp a very dangerous sweeper who can tear entire teams apart if given the chance to set-up.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Dragon Claw / Dragon Rush
move 4: Fire Blast / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf Garchomp is terrifically placed, just edging over previously popular base 100 Speed Scarf users, as well as 5th Generation’s Onokusu and Sazandora. It also out speeds Blaziken and every Dragon Dance / Butterfly Dance user at +1. With its combination of Speed, Power and Bulk in addition to SR resistance and lack of Pursuit weakness, it could possibly find itself as the Scarf user to beat in 5th Generation’s OU. This is also arguably Garchomp’s best 5th Generation set. With a unique Speed stat that enables it to outspeed many common threats such as Haxorus and Hydreigon, a unique combination of speed, power and bulk, and valuable resistances to Stealth Rock and Electric-type attacks, Garchomp is an excellent Choice Scarf user. It is helped in no small way by its odd base Speed stat of 102, which helps it outspeed threats such as Blaziken and Volcarona which have gained one Speed boost.</p>
<p>Outrage and Earthquake are Garchomp's powerful dual STAB attacks, having great neutral coverage. However, due to the trapping effect of Outrage, Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush are viable alternatives.The choice between the two moves comes down once again to a choice over reliability and power. While Dragon Rush’s accuracy is very unreliable, its power increase is significant, especially in the early games where when one is trying to avoid mistakes predicting, and missing is less consequential</p> (Does Dragon Rush achieve any OHKOs / 2HKOs that Dragon Claw misses out on? If so, mention them.)
<p>There are two options for the fourth move. Fire Blast can 2HKO Skarmory and Ferrothorn, Pokemon that otherwise completely wall Garchomp. Aqua Tail also deserves a mention here as it helps to deal with the common users of Balloon such as Heatran and Excadrill.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Outside of Outrage and Earthquake though, The last two moveslots are fairly flexible, allowing for quite a few alternatives move options. Stone Edge deserves a mention as another way of deals with Flying-types like such as Zapdos and Gyarados early game, and also supplies a reliable way of revenging provides a much better move option for dealing with VolcaronaUrugamosu. Stealth Rock is an odd but interesting option, helping teams which lack a dedicated entry hazard-laying Pokemon for teams that lack it. The bottom line is that no matter what, Garchomp’s last move slot is going to be filler at best, so for some teams, opting to throw in have Stealth Rock as a safety valve for difficult-to-predict turns will be of great usecould provide great utility. Garchomp will also blow past the majority of Taunt users.</p>
<p>For teammates, Tyranitar is Garchomp’s partner in crime, brewing up the sand for Garchomp’s Sand Veil to activate, and robbing enemy tanks (notably bulky Water-types) of their Leftovers recovery. The Tyraniboah set makes a particularly effective partner, capable of luring in and then dismantling enemy Steel Types with Focus Punch and Flamethrower / Fire Blast. Speaking of Steel removal removal of Steel-types, Magnezone (or Evolution Stone Magneton) make a return as excellent Dragon partners also makes a good teammate.</p>
<p>Steel types in general are excellent partners for Garchomp, giving it the means of to switching away from out of incoming Dragon- and Ice-type attacks (notably from the faster Latios and Latias). In particular general, Pokemon which lay entry hazards such as Nattorei, Skarmory and Forretress help Garchomp a lot. Scarf Garchomp pressurizes the enemy with the constant threat of sweeping, and thus, entry hazards will be of great use. The weaker his team becomes the greater the threat of a Garchomp sweep, making Spikes, SR and Toxic Spike support much appreciated by this set.<p>
<p>To compliment its offensive power, Garchomp loves to see other Dragon-types and priority users amongst its teammates—Pokemon capable of either opening an opportunity for Garchomp to sweep, or in turn abusing holes that Garchomp may open. Amongst Dragon-types, Salamence and Sazandora are especially notable for their special and mixed sweeping capabilities that can severely debilitate eliminate enemy “Dragon checks.” checks to Garchomp. Amongst priority users, Roobushin is an especially notable potential partner excellent teammate, as it is able to check the faster problem opponents such as Excadrill and Terrakion that can be tough for Garchomp to handle. Jellicent can also check enemy Fighting-types and Bulky Waters, as well as check and poison Bulky Waters. It also checks problematic enemies amongst Bulky bulky Ground-types like such as Hippowdon and Gliscor.<p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Fang / Aqua Tail / Substitute
item: Haban Berry / Yache Berry
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is <i>the</i> very set that got Garchomp banned last Generation. With a Swords Dance under its belt and the excellent coverage of Dragon / Ground STAB—it can still 2 HKO the metagame! offered by its dual STAB attacks, Garchomp can 2HKO a large portion of the metagame. That said, it has lost a lot of its former glory there are several differences in the functioning of this set this generation. With the introduction of Latias and Latios into OU, Garchomp is no longer able to sport his previous title of “fastest OU dragon,” which seriously impedes his sweep. Furthermore, a simple the influx of many fast and powerful threats like Terrakion, Borutorusu Thundurus and Doryuuzu Excadrill have dramatically raised the bar as to what constitutes as “fast,” Garchomp’s sweep that much more difficult to pull off making it much more difficult for Garchomp to pull off a sweep. One more thing worth mentioning is that because of Garchomp’s ability to boost its power, of Garchomp’s potential sets, this set is the least dependent on entry hazard support out of Garchomp's other potential sets.</p>
<p>All problems aside, Swords Dance Garchomp is still not to be underestimated. Base 102 Speed is still very fast, especially with Garchomp’s top-grade defensive stats. This unique blend of power, speed, bulk and lack of weaknesses makes Garchomp a very dangerous set-up sweeper. is what gave the infamous Yache-Chomp rule of IVth Gen OU, and it can still hammer head its way through the Vth Gen metagame. (Don't keep harking back about this set in the 4th generation). It just might have to change its name to Haban-Chomp thanks to all its fellow dragons rampaging around the metagame (Mention the hold item in AC).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is once more the again a simple 252 Atk / 252 Spe offensive one, maximizing the speed and power for Garchomp’s sweep Garchomp's Speed and power. Fire Fang does 62.9% - 74.3% to Skarmory after a Swords Dance, thus ensuring a 2HKO (remove space) even through Leftovers. In this new Gen, Aqua Tail finds itself a viable option for coverage as well, and can be used to take out Balloon Pokemon which usually carry a Balloon, namely such as Doryuuzu and Heatran. Alternatively you could always try to abuse Garchomp’s Sand Veil via Substitute (though many players will curse you for this!). Curse you! Finally, Substitute is a good option for trying to abuse Sand Veil under a Sandstorm, athough you will lose out on a lot of coverage. As previously mentioned,Yache Berry—Garchomp’s old standard—is still good—, but one should give the Haban Berry serious consideration considering the popularity of Dragon types, especially the Lati twins such as Latias, Latios and Choice Scarf users (including enemy Garchomp!). Garchomp’s impressive defensive stats will let it survive even powerful Dragon-type attacks such as Choice Specs Latios’ Dragon Pulse (taking 70.9% - 83.5% damage), and Scarf Haxorus' Outrage (taking 63% - 74.2% damage), taking into consideration Haban Berry's effect. This will allow Garchomp to revenge kill these Pokemon as well. (These calculations seem slightly off, so I suggest that you check them again)</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Fang / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Band, Garchomp makes an excellent wallbreaker (remove space) able to smash through even the toughest of physical walls. With powerful STAB moves, SR resistances resistances to Stealth Rock and common Electric-type moves, and excellent defensive stats and speed along with a great base Speed of 102, Garchomp makes for a formidable Choice Band user, (albeit in a metagame where Choice Band in general has lost a lot of popularity compared to previous Generations). (remove brackets. This sentence is supposed to go here, and not at the end of the paragraph, since you are stating why Garchomp is supposed to be a good Choice Band user.) Thanks to an excellent STAB combination and alternative coverage moves in Aqua Tail and Fire Fang, it Garchomp can achieve perfect coverage within its four moves. Dragon Claw and Outrage allow give you both power and flexibility/consistency. As with most Choice sets, this set is used to hit and run is also a hit-and-run set. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This is also a relatively self-explanatory moveset. Outrage, Dragon Claw and Earthquake all have their uses and provide power, flexibility and coverage. With Adamant, you can put tremendous pressure on Skarmory, 43.7% - 52.1% damage output allowing you to guarantee the 2HKO should Stealth Rock on the field. Keep in mind though, Jolly still has an excellent chance at 2HKOing Skarmory after a second SR Switch-in, especially should Skarmory lack leftovers. For this reason, the great advantage of Jolley’s superior speed is generally preferred. (Shoddy's Damage Calculator shows that Impish Physically Defensive Skarmory takes only around 30% on average. This has already been pointed out once. Even Specially Defensive Skarmory takes only around 40%.) However, there are two options for the last move. Fire Fang is a solid option for taking out Skarmory, who can otherwise wall Garchomp, 2HKOing all variants. On the other hand, Aqua Tail once again appears as is an option to knock out deal with Balloon Doryuuzu and Heatran.</p>
<p>Because of the wall breaker nature of this Garchomp Since Choice Band Garchomp plays as a wall breaker, it will especially appreciate having setup sweepers as teammates,. Setup sweepers with priority moves, such as Conkeldurr and Lucario, are great teammates for Garchomp, since they can finish off weakened teams with ease. Despite a common Ground Type, Under Sandstorm, Excadrill is another set-up sweeper who can be a good teammate for Garchomp, as both of them benefit from the Sandstorm. Furthermore, spikes and Stealth Rock entry hazard support can put the enemy between a rock and a hard place considering all the switches that are induced by the raw power of this Garchomp set induces.</p>
[SET]
name: Chomp Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock / Dragon Claw
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Protect / Aqua Tail
item: Leftovers
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 120 Spd / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes full advantage of Garchomp’s fantastic bulk, which is statistically similar to Swampert and Heatran, thus ranking it Garchomp amongst the bulkiest of OU’s pokemon Pokemon in OU. Garchomp also has a more-than-capable support movepool to help its cause. With its new toy, Dragon Tail, Garchomp can abuse its awesome STAB combo combination while including Protect, Stealth Rock and Phazing all on the very same set. Very few Pokemon create Substitutes able to hold up to its Garchomp's Dragon Tail, With Dragon Tail, Garchomp can break through the Substitutes of most Pokemon, and this which lets it Phaze even through Taunt. A general lack of weaknesses while combining power, speed and bulk makes it Garchomp a terrific checks to a number of threats including such as Heatran, Tyranitar, Terrakion and Doryuuzu Excadrill.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The 60 Speed EVs are set first enable Garchomp to outrun neutral natured Pokemon with base 90 Speed such as Lucario, while maximizing overall durability. The 76 Def EVs in Defense letit Garchomp survive a +2 Earthquakes from Balloon Doryuuzu Excadrill. Protect allows Garchomp to scout the opponent's move and obtain some free Leftovers recovery. Substitute could replace Protect to abuse Sand Veil, though its use comes into question is questionable when taking into consideration the fact that Garchomp is not running maximum Speed. Garchomp can be EVed to make 101 HP Substitutes as well, running 188 HP EVs in such a case. Roar is also an option over Dragon Claw, for people worried about substitutes since Dragon Tail cannot phaze through a Substitute.</p>
<p>Dragon Claw could be used as a reliable Dragon-type STAB move, to replacing any of the other moves. most notably In such a case, Stealth Rock can be replaced with Dragon Claw if you have another Stealth Rock user. If you do, Rough Skin makes for a fine ability for Tank Chomp, but is unfortunately illegal with Stealth Rock. (Remove this sentence. Rough Skin is mentioned in OC anyway.) Rugged Helmet could be used along with Rough Skin for more passive damage. Haban Berry is another interesting defensive item that could be used instead of Leftovers to get surprise revenge kills along with Dragon Claw, but in both of these cases Garchomp will lose tanking ability.</p>
<p>Due Do keep in mind that because this set greatly reduces Garchomp’s speed, it will be integral to Garchomp's success to include have teammates that can deal with enemy Dragon types looking to revenge eliminate Garchomp—. This is probably the set’s greatest weakness. Skarmory and Nattorei come as especially good teammates, having the ability to sponge the Dragon- and Ice-type attacks,aimed at Garchomp. They can also work into stall or semi-stall and provide entry hazards which Garchomp can abuse with Dragon Tail.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Don't leave home without your Tyranitar or Hippowdon, for the eternal Sandstorm which they provide is necessary for Sand Veil abuse. Removing Leftovers recovery from enemies is also very critical important, especially when facing stall, and bulky Water types in particular. With Swampert essentially non-existent, the Sandstorm will be extremely helpful in stopping the likes of Vaporeon and Burungeru from getting in Garchomp's way. Tyranitar is generally the stronger teammate (remove space between "team" and "mate") for Garchomp, with Hippowdon being somewhat repetitive redundant when considering the fact that Garchomp is also a Ground-type and somewhat physically bulky. "Double-Dragon" is alive and well, and any of OU’s other dragons would love to tag-team with the land shark to break down and bust through the enemy "Dragon Counters." counters to Dragon types. Hydreigon and Salamence are especially notable to Scarf Chomp both great options, for their ability to mix-sweep, breaking walls and opening the enemy as they can break walls and soften up the enemy for Scarf Garchomp’s end game sweep. Latias and Latios prefer to team up with the slower Garchomp sets, such as Choice Band and Swords Dance, which have the capacity to break walls such as Blissey and soften up the enemy for their sweep. Not just its fellow Dragon types, but there are a host of other offensive pokemon who would love to open up a Garchomp sweep or sweep in Garchomp’s wake. Some examples are priority users like Lucario, Scizor or Roobushin.</b>
<b>Speaking of opening for up a sweep, Trappers Pokemon like Magnezone or and Wobbuffet can be used to trap and take out specific Pokemon stopping Garchomp’s sweep such as Nattorei and Skarmory (notably steel types). Steel types in general for Garchomp, being able to sponge incoming Dragon attacks (and Ice Attacks), but The very same Skarmory and Nattorei can also make great teammates for Garchomp, as they can sponge the various Dragon-type and Ice-type attacks directed at Garchomp get special mention for their ability to provide Spikes and Stealth Rock. Each set brings has different reasons, but all of Garchomp’s sets greatly appreciate Spikes and Stealth Rock entry hazard support. Skarmory and Nattorei can once again aid Garchomp by laying down Spikes and Stealth Rock. Scarf Chomp likes weakened enemies to revenge kill. Banded Chomp forces lots of switches with its power, and Tank Chomp’s PHazing isn’t the same without hazards. Even Swords Dance Garchomp cannot complain about weaker enemies when trying to sweep. (You don't mention again how entry hazards help out each set, here in [Team Options] as well. It is enough if you mention the fact that Garchomp likes entry hazards on the field.) </p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>There are some options to discuss with Garchomp. Stone Edge, Brick Break and Crunch are other attacks that Garchomp could make use of, but they are very situational in usage, and are generally repetitive redundant in coverage alongside its Garchomp's STAB attacks. Double Chop could replace Dragon Claw on almost any set, being nearly identical save changing for the 10% decrease in accuracy in exchange for some added utility against Substitute users, especially Sub-Punchers. Early 4th Gen saw the birth of Chain-Chomp, and (I must confess, Mario Bros. is the only place where I have heard about Chain-Chomps. Judging from the next sentence, it seems to be a term for pseudo-mixed Chomp. The next sentence alone should be enough.) Draco Meteor or Surf alongside with SpA EVs could still be used as a gimmick to take down enemies walls like such as Hippowdon or and Gliscor. </p>
<P>Toxic is a status move that Garchomp has, and could feature can use (even on the Choice sets) to debilitate bulky Water-types that try to check Garchomp. A Substitute and Bright Powder set could be used to try and fully abuse Garchomp’s Sand Veil, but this is generally inferior to the Yache / Haban set the given sets. Additionally, the increased speed of the metagame fast-paced metagame alongside with the popularization prevalence of Politoed and Ninetales makes this strategy much weaker less viable than it was in 4th Generation. Also, another defensive set with Sleep Talk, Rest and Dragon Tail running Rough Sin as its ability with Earthquake or Swords Dance could be used to provide Phazing and recovery, and abuse a negative priority-less Dragon Tail if it is picked by Sleep Talk (and to abuse a very fast sleep-tail). Unfortunately, Rough Skin is illegal with Sleep Talk.</p>
[Counters]
<p>While it would be hard to give name a sure counter for to all of Garchomp's sets, Skarmory will give almost all Garchomp most sets a difficult time, as it can easily wall Garchomp's STAB moves attacks. However, One Skarmory must be careful of potential fire attacks, and be weary that there is little Skarmory can do in return against Garchomp aside from Phazing it. Levitate, Flying and Balloon users have a good chance of setting up on Garchomp, especially with the increased popularity of Scarf Chomp Pokemon with an immunity to Ground-type attacks can easily set up on Choice-locked Garchomp as well. Balloon Heatran in particular, resists everything Garchomp could throw out at it save for the rare Aqua Tail. Should it get in on a Choiced attack or with its Balloon unscathed, it Heatran can comfortably stay in and finish the job with Dragon Pulse (Dragon Pulse being popularized by Explosion's power drop). Of potential set-up abusers, Doryuuzu is especially notable dangerous as it is faster than even Scarf Garchomp in the sand a Sandstorm and can OHKO it KO Garchomp should it get a Swords Dance up.</p>
<p>Finally, and we’re really pulling from the bottom of the barrel now, priority Ice users of priority Ice-type attacks like Weavile and Mamoswine can obviously revenge eliminate Garchomp, while other priority users like such as Scizor and Roobushin can beat KO Garchomp should it be heavily weakened.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Rough Skin can replace Sand Veil on most sets if (especially if you lack Tyranitar) Sandstorm is absent, but most Garchomp will only be taking 2-3 hits per game, and Sand Veil’s evasive abilities can end games.</p>
[/box]
Good lord, so many mistakes...
EDIT: PHEW. Done with the GP Check, which is incidentally the first time I have attempted this.
Hey just a little thing I find Salac Berry could also be a nice choice on SubSD Chomp tbh. You did mention that speed was a big bummer there, but had no mention of Salac Berry and I don't get that. I would always opt for Salac > Haban and if Ice Shard isn't a potent threat then Salac > Yache.
I would like to suggest Salac Berry as a choice to SubSD. Of course if you don't use Sub as the last moveslot then I suppose Yache or Haban would be better.
I would like to suggest Salac Berry as a choice to SubSD. Of course if you don't use Sub as the last moveslot then I suppose Yache or Haban would be better.
This is a really small issue, but I would put the Chomp Tank set above the Choice Band set on the analysis. From what I've seen on the server, the Tank set is more popular than the Banded set and arguably a better set.
Found an error:
Using Yache/Haban Berry, the damage on Skarmory is this:
718 Atk vs 416 Def & 334 HP (65 Base Power): 162 - 192 (48.50% - 57.49%)
.
This damage on physically defensive Skarmory is wrong because it includes Life Orb, which the Garchomp in the analysis does NOT have.
Using Yache/Haban Berry, the damage on Skarmory is this:
718 Atk vs 416 Def & 334 HP (65 Base Power): 162 - 192 (48.50% - 57.49%)
.
Had to bump this thread to comment about this set.
Idk if you've tested it RL, but this set is the best set in the metagame currently IMO. It's crazy bulky, and with Haban it survives just about any dragon attack... it annihilates slower teams, and is too bulky for faster teams. It opens up the way for sweepers like SD Luke to come in on weak Ice Beams from things like Milotic, Vaporeon, Suicune, etc...
I believe this should be wary. Also should Phazing be capitalised?
Under team options, the second paragraph has a <b> tag before it instead of a <p>.
I'll look into fixing the Skarmory thing and updating this tomorrow.
Just FYI though-- and I hate to put his effort to waste but-- there is SO much in that GP check I disagree with Calm Pokemon master, so I doubt I will actually make many of the changes [in the same way as] in your suggestions. I did write this before learning/reading Smogon's Pokemon grammar standards (and it's my first analysis, so there was a lot of stuff I didn't know), but those things I can/will fix myself now.
If any of the other GP Team members want to argue about it-- find me on IRC and we can discuss this in #grammar. Right now though, just warning, you will find me peeved if you stamp that check and expect me to change my writing that way.
Just FYI though-- and I hate to put his effort to waste but-- there is SO much in that GP check I disagree with Calm Pokemon master, so I doubt I will actually make many of the changes [in the same way as] in your suggestions. I did write this before learning/reading Smogon's Pokemon grammar standards (and it's my first analysis, so there was a lot of stuff I didn't know), but those things I can/will fix myself now.
If any of the other GP Team members want to argue about it-- find me on IRC and we can discuss this in #grammar. Right now though, just warning, you will find me peeved if you stamp that check and expect me to change my writing that way.
You really should update this with the new format Chou. Team Options is removed and Counter--->Checks and Counters and Optional changes---> Other options
Alright thanks for the heads up barry
Like I said, I will give this a format/Pokemon-prose overhaul tomorrow, but expect the writing style and content to remain largely the same.
Like I said, I will give this a format/Pokemon-prose overhaul tomorrow, but expect the writing style and content to remain largely the same.
Ok, I just finished a pretty big update (both of content and prose) to this Analysis. I'm ready for GP checks now.
If you wanna mention it bulky Cloyster is probably the single best counter in the game. Garchomp isn't protected by Substitute or Yache Berry because of Icicle Spear and a +2 Lefties Outrage won't even KO after SR. Even Sand Veil hax won't save you because it only takes 3 of the 5 100% accurate non-invested Icicle Spears to gurantee an OHKO vs 0/0 Chomp. CB Earthquake won't 2HKO, but Outrage or Draco Meteor (lol) will.
It is a very viable pokemon now because of the Icicle Spear buff and if you want to check my RMT you can see a bunch of other useful things it does.
It is a very viable pokemon now because of the Icicle Spear buff and if you want to check my RMT you can see a bunch of other useful things it does.
That's very true Yee. I'll mention Cloyster-- I just didn't think about it because in the back of my mind, I thought people wouldn't want to counter Garchomp with Cloyster because it would severely detract from Cloyster's chances of a Shell Break sweep-- but hey, better to miss out on a Shell Break sweep than get swept by Garchomp...
Hey, minor nitpick because it hasn't been released yet, but as Outrage is an egg move wouldn't DW Garchomp be useless?
Lol, another nitpick about Cloyster- im not talking about a Shell Breaker- I was describing a defensive version with near max defense, thats what it needs to take a +2 Lefties Outrage after SR. Maybe a max HP Shell Breaker would work barring LO and SR but that doesnt sound like a fun situation at all if you wanna sweep with Cloyster. A basic shell breaker probably wouldn't even survive a +2 Lefties outrage at full health. Sorry bout the misunderstanding, I forgot how much hype was around Shell Break sets. This is almost like mentioning a Tornadus without Hurricane- so weird and out of the ordinary I would forget it even existed.
Changes in bold
Removals in red
Comments in bold red
[Overview]
<p>Once upon a time, there was a serious stir when the first ever non-Legendary, (comma) non-Shadow Tag Pokemon was banned from OU. The larger internet community was up in arms, but the Smogon consensus was rock solid—Garchomp had broken DPP OU. On paper it seems the perfect design, with a base stat spread that guarantees top level speed, power and bulk coupled with a near flawless STAB combo and terrific defensive typing. Its movepool isn't huge, but STAB Outrage and Earthquake provide STAB attacks with incredible coverage and power, with Swords Dance completing an impressive trio of quintessential moves.<p>
<p>In the 5th Generation, Garchomp finds itself in a much less welcoming OU metagame. To put it simply, 102 speed is not what it used to be, and Garchomp finds itself often confronted by a variety of enemies that can outspeed it, from the ranks of old enemies and new BW Pokemon alike. Latias and Latios completely change Garchomp's metagame situation, stealing the title of "Fastest Dragon in OU." The large variety of powerful similar sweepers available, (comma) including its fellow Dragons and the new Ground-type sweepers Landorus and Excadrill leave Garchomp with stiff competition for a team slot. Furthermore With the advent of Balloon, its STAB combo is also simply not as reliable as it used to be.</p>
<p>Despite the new challenges it faces, Garchomp is still Garchomp; it still wields its fantastic offensive power, one of the bulkiest stat spreads of OU, and it still a Speed stat and STAB-combination that are not to be underestimated. It will be sure to remain a familiar face.(backspace)</p>
(sweet overview)
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Dragon Claw / Dragon Rush
move 4: Fire Blast / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf Garchomp is terrifically placed, just edging over the base 100 Speed threshold, blitzing past Salamence, Haxorus and Hydreigon. It also outspeeds Blaziken and every Dragon Dance / Butterfly Dance user at +1. With its combination of Speed, power and bulk, (comma) in addition to a sweet Stealth Rock resistance and lack of Pursuit weakness, Garchomp could possibly find itself as the Choice Scarf user to beat in BW OU. This is also arguably Garchomp's best 5th Generation set.</p>
<p>Earthquake's power, accuracy and coverage with Dragon-type moves is incredible, especially with the STAB boost. Outrage delivers tremendous power for sweeping, while Dragon Claw or Dragon Rush are better early-game moves that provide Dragon-type STAB without locking Garchomp in. The choice between the two moves comes down to, once again, a choice between reliability and power. While Dragon Rush's accuracy is very unreliable, its power advantage is significant, and really shine in the early-game on transition turns, (comma) when one is trying to avoid mistakes predicting, and missing is less consequential. The choice between Fire Blast and Aqua Tail is a decision on filler moves to use against specific targets. Fire Blast can 2HKO physically defensive Skarmory, (comma) and also deals with Ferrothorn, as well as all the other Bug- and Steel-type Pokemon; (semi-colon) It should be noted that while Bronzong does have a significant OU presence and shrugs off Garchomp's Fire Blast with ease, it shrugs off Fire Fang with ease as well. (what's the point of this sentence?) despite Garchomp's physical orientation, the difference in Base Power of the moves and the heavily lopsided defenses of Skarmory and Forretress leaves Fire Fang completely inferior to Fire Blast. Aqua Tail gets a mention here for being a convenient out against Balloon-abusing Pokemon, most notably Heatran and Excadrill.</p>
(backspace)
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Only Outrage and Earthquake are essential to the functionality of the set, while the last two slots leave room for quite a bit of flexibility. Stone Edge deserves a mention as another way of dealing with Flying-types like Zapdos and Gyarados in the early-game, and also supplies a relatively reliable attack for revenge killing Volcarona. Stealth Rock is an odd but interesting option for teams that lack it. The bottom line is that Garchomp's last move slot is always going to be filler at best, so for some teams opting to throw in Stealth Rock for difficult to predict turns could provide great utility. Garchomp will also outspeed the majority of Taunt users.</p>
<p>For teammates, Tyranitar is Garchomp's partner-in-crime, brewing up the sand for Garchomp's Sand Veil, and robbing enemy tanks (notably bulky Water-types) of their Leftovers recovery. The TyraniBoah set makes a particularly effective partner, capable of luring in and dismantling enemy Steel-types with Focus Punch and Flamethrower or Fire Blast. Speaking of Steel removal, Magnezone makes a return as an excellent Dragon partner to any Dragon.</p>
<p>Steel-types in general are excellent partners for Garchomp, letting it easily switch away from incoming Dragon and Ice attacks. In particular, Spike users like Ferrothorn, Skarmory and Forretress are especially welcome. Choice Scarf Garchomp presses the enemy with a constant threat to sweep, without even needing any setup. The weaker the enemy team becomes, (comma) the greater the threat of a Garchomp sweep, making Spikes, Stealth Rock, and Toxic Spike support much appreciated by this set.<p>
<p>To complement its offensive power, Garchomp loves to see other Dragon-types and priority users amongst its teammates—being capable of opening an opportunity for Garchomp to sweep, or abusing holes that Garchomp may open. Amongst dragons, Salamence and Hydreigon are especially notable for their special and mixed sweeping capabilities that can severely debilitate enemy checks, though Dragonite's many sets can easily achieve similar results. Amongst priority users, Conkeldurr is an especially notable potential partner, able to check the faster problem opponents Excadrill and Terrakion. Jellicent can also check enemy Fighting-types, as well as check and poison bulky Water-type Pokemon. It also happens to check bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon and Gliscor.<p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Fang / Aqua Tail / Substitute
item: Yache Berry / Haban Berry
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
(backspace)
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is the set that got Garchomp banned last generation. With a Swords Dance under its belt, (comma) and the coverage of Dragon and Ground STAB—it could 2HKO the metagame! That said, it has lost a lot of its former glory. With the introduction of Latias and Latios into OU, Garchomp is no longer the fastest OU Dragon, which seriously impedes its sweep. Furthermore, a simple influx of many fast and powerful threats like Terrakion, Thundurus and Excadrill have dramatically raised the bar on Speed, (comma) and put a serious damper on Garchomp's sweeping prospects. One thing worth mentioning is that because of Garchomp's ability to boost its power, this set is the least dependent on entry hazard support of Garchomp's potential sets.</p>
<p>All problems aside, Swords Dance Garchomp is still not to be underestimated. Base 102 Speed is still very fast, especially in combination with Garchomp's awesome defensive stats. This unique blend of power, speed, bulk and lack of weaknesses is what gave the infamous Yache-Chomp unstoppable power in DPP, and it can still hammer head its way through the BW metagame even now.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is the simple 252 Atk / 252 Spe offensive one, maximizing the speed and power for Garchomp's sweep. Fire Fang does 62.9% - 74.3% to Skarmory after a Swords Dance ensuring a 2HKO even through Leftovers. In BW, Aqua Tail finds itself a viable option for coverage as well, and can be used to take out Balloon Pokemon, namely Doryuuzu and Heatran. Alternatively, (comma) you could always try to abuse Garchomp's Sand Veil ability with Substitute. On a quick note, Pursuit Tyranitar is probably the best possible teammate for Swords Dance Garchomp; not only does it provide sand support—neutralizing enemy Leftovers and activating Sand Veil—it can ensure the removal of Latias and Latios from the enemy team. Once Latios and Latias are removed from the picture, Yache Berry Garchomp becomes much more difficult to bring down. Other Pursuit users like Scizor can also be effective.</p>
(backspace)
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Blast / Fire Fang / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Choice Band Garchomp makes an excellent wallbreaker, being capable of smashing through even the toughest of physical walls. Thanks to its excellent STAB combination and alternative coverage moves, it can achieve perfect coverage. Dragon Claw and Outrage allow you with both power and flexibility/consistency. This set is used to hit and run. With powerful STAB moves, SR resistance and excellent defensive stats and speed, In a metagame where Choice Band in general has lost a lot of popularity (compared to previous generations), Garchomp makes for a formidable Choice Band user (albeit in a metagame where Choice Band in general has lost a lot of popularity compared to previous Generations).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This is also a relatively self-explanatory Moveset. Outrage, Dragon Claw and Earthquake all have their uses and provide power, flexibility and coverage. Choosing between Fire Blast and Fire Fang is a bit more complicated when the boost from Choice Band is added to the mix. Adamant Fire Fang does 40.7% - 47.9% damage to physically defensive Skarmory and 52.7% - 62.3% to the specially defensive variants. Inversely, Fire Blast does 51.5% - 61.1% to the former and a mere 35.3% - 41.9% to the latter. The choice should probably be made while considering the most current metagame shifts. Fire Blast is probably a good bet if you are using Jolly Garchomp.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Because of the wallbreaking capabilities of this Garchomp, it will especially appreciate set-up sweeper teammates, most preferably priority users like Conkeldurr and Lucario, which are incredibly proficient at finishing off weakened teams. Despite a common typing, and thus, shared weaknesses, Excadrill can be a very capable teammate by similar logic, and both enjoy the same sand weather. Furthermore Spike and Stealth Rock support can put the enemy between a rock and a hard place considering all the switches induced by the raw power of this Garchomp's attacks.</p>
(backspace)
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock / Dragon Claw
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Protect / Aqua Tail
item: Leftovers
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 120 SpD / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes full advantage of Garchomp's fantastic bulk, which is statistically higher than Swampert and Heatran, ranking it amongst the bulkiest of OU's Pokemon, and capable support movepool. With its new toy, Dragon Tail, Garchomp can abuse its awesome STAB combo while including Protect, Stealth Rock and phazing all on the same set. Very few Pokemon create Substitutes able to hold up to its Dragon Tail, which lets it phaze even through Taunt. A general lack of weaknesses combined with power, speed and bulk makes it a terrific check to a number of threats, (comma) including Heatran, Tyranitar, Terrakion and Excadrill.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are set first to outrun neutral base 90 Speed Pokemon, with the remaining EVs utilized to maximize Garchomp's durability. 76 Def EVs let it survive a +2 Earthquake from Balloon Doryuuzu. Protect lets Garchomp scout and lets Garchomp heal a bit more with Leftovers. Substitute could replace Protect to abuse Sand Veil, but it loses a lot of utility with the relatively low speed and power of this Garchomp set. Garchomp can be EV'd to make 101 subs as well. Roar is also an option over Dragon Tail, providing perfect accuracy and phazing through Substitute (though it has issues with Taunt).</p>
<p>Dragon Claw could replace any move to provide reliable Dragon-type STAB, preferably over Stealth Rock, (comma) should you have another Stealth Rock user. If you don't use Stealth Rock, Rough Skin makes for a fine alternative ability for Tank Chomp. Just be aware that it is illegal with Stealth Rock. Rocky Helmet could be used with Rough Skin for even more passive damage. Haban Berry is another interesting defensive item that could be used to get surprise revenge kills with Dragon Claw, but giving up on Leftovers represents a big loss in tanking ability.</p>
<p>Do keep in mind that because this set greatly reduces Garchomp's Speed, it will be integral to include teammates that can deal with enemy dragons looking to revenge kill Garchomp—probably the set's greatest weakness. Skarmory and Ferrothorn come as especially good teammates, able to sponge Dragon attacks, work into stall or semi-stall teams, and provide entry hazards to make the most of with Tank Chomp's Dragon Tail. Bronzong is also capable of handling most dragons (notably Choice Specs Latios), and can also provide Stealth Rock support, freeing Garchomp of the role and allowing it to abuse Rough Skin.</p>
(backspace)
[Other Options]
(backspace)
<p>There are some options to discuss with Garchomp. Stone Edge, Brick Break and Crunch are other attacks Garchomp could make use of. Unfortunately, they all have very situational use and are generally repetitive alongside its STAB attacks. Dual Chop could replace Dragon Claw on almost any set, sacrificing 10% accuracy for the ability to potentially hit through Substitutes. Early DPP saw the birth of mixed Garchomp, and Draco Meteor or Surf combined with some Special Attack EVs could still be used as a gimmick to take down enemies like Hippowdon and Gliscor.(backspace)</p>
<P>Toxic is a status move Garchomp has, and could feature (even on the Choice sets) to debilitate bulky Water- or Ground-types that try to check Garchomp. Substitute can be used to try and fully abuse Garchomp's Sand Veil. Unfortunately, a much faster metagame, a ban on Bright Powder and Lax Incense, and an overwhelming popularity of Politoed and Ninetales makes Sand Veil abuse much more difficult in BW. Also, a defensive set with RestTalk could be used for reliable recovery, as well as that fast Dragon Tail. Unfortunately, (comma) Rough Skin is illegal with Sleep Talk.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>It's hard to name a perfect counter for Garchomp, but Skarmory will give almost all Garchomp sets a difficult time by easily walling its STAB moves. One must be careful of potential Fire-type attacks, and be aware that there is little Skarmory can do against Garchomp aside from phazing it. Hidden Power Ice Levitate Bronzong handles Garchomp very well, and can even absorb its Fire-type attacks with relative ease. While it may seem like an over-specialized counter, it is surprisingly useful in BW, being able to counter the very dominant threats Latios, Landorus, Excadrill and Gliscor, (comma) in addition to Garchomp. Cloyster is another OU viable Pokemon that can generally completely counter Garchomp. Its huge physical bulk allows it to shrug off Garchomp's attacks even after taking Stealth Rock damage, and BW's boosted Icicle Spear will make short work of Garchomp. You may not want to include Cloyster as a sole Garchomp check because filling that role will detract from Cloyster's sweeping abilities, but be aware that it is a very powerful check.</p>
<p>Levitate Pokemon, Flying-types, and Balloon users have a good chance of setting up on Garchomp, especially with the increased popularity of the Choice Scarf set. Balloon Heatran, (comma) in particular, (comma) resists everything Garchomp could throw out save for the relatively rare Aqua Tail. Should Heatran get in against Garchomp on a Choiced attack or with its Balloon unscathed, it can comfortably stay in and finish the job with Dragon Pulse or Hidden Power Ice (both being more easily fit into Heatran's set due to BW's Explosion nerf). Amongst potential set-up sweepers, Excadrill is especially notable as it is faster than Scarf Chomp in the sand and can OHKO it should it get Swords Dance up. It even resists Dragon-type attacks (though it will not like taking Outrage).</p>
<p>Finally, scraping the bottom of the barrel, Ice Shard users like Weavile and Mamoswine obviously revenge kill Garchomp effectively, while other priority users like Scizor and Roobushin can beat Garchomp should it be heavily weakened. Deoxys-S will outspeed the Choice Scarf set and can eliminate it with Ice Beam.</p>
(backspace)
[Dream World]
<p>Rough Skin can replace Sand Veil on most sets (especially if you lack Tyranitar or Hippowdon), but most Garchomp will only be taking two to three hits per game, and Sand Veil's evasive abilities can dramatically change the outcome of games with a timely miss.</p>
Removals in red
Comments in bold red
[Overview]
<p>Once upon a time, there was a serious stir when the first ever non-Legendary, (comma) non-Shadow Tag Pokemon was banned from OU. The larger internet community was up in arms, but the Smogon consensus was rock solid—Garchomp had broken DPP OU. On paper it seems the perfect design, with a base stat spread that guarantees top level speed, power and bulk coupled with a near flawless STAB combo and terrific defensive typing. Its movepool isn't huge, but STAB Outrage and Earthquake provide STAB attacks with incredible coverage and power, with Swords Dance completing an impressive trio of quintessential moves.<p>
<p>In the 5th Generation, Garchomp finds itself in a much less welcoming OU metagame. To put it simply, 102 speed is not what it used to be, and Garchomp finds itself often confronted by a variety of enemies that can outspeed it, from the ranks of old enemies and new BW Pokemon alike. Latias and Latios completely change Garchomp's metagame situation, stealing the title of "Fastest Dragon in OU." The large variety of powerful similar sweepers available, (comma) including its fellow Dragons and the new Ground-type sweepers Landorus and Excadrill leave Garchomp with stiff competition for a team slot. Furthermore With the advent of Balloon, its STAB combo is also simply not as reliable as it used to be.</p>
<p>Despite the new challenges it faces, Garchomp is still Garchomp; it still wields its fantastic offensive power, one of the bulkiest stat spreads of OU, and it still a Speed stat and STAB-combination that are not to be underestimated. It will be sure to remain a familiar face.(backspace)</p>
(sweet overview)
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Dragon Claw / Dragon Rush
move 4: Fire Blast / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf Garchomp is terrifically placed, just edging over the base 100 Speed threshold, blitzing past Salamence, Haxorus and Hydreigon. It also outspeeds Blaziken and every Dragon Dance / Butterfly Dance user at +1. With its combination of Speed, power and bulk, (comma) in addition to a sweet Stealth Rock resistance and lack of Pursuit weakness, Garchomp could possibly find itself as the Choice Scarf user to beat in BW OU. This is also arguably Garchomp's best 5th Generation set.</p>
<p>Earthquake's power, accuracy and coverage with Dragon-type moves is incredible, especially with the STAB boost. Outrage delivers tremendous power for sweeping, while Dragon Claw or Dragon Rush are better early-game moves that provide Dragon-type STAB without locking Garchomp in. The choice between the two moves comes down to, once again, a choice between reliability and power. While Dragon Rush's accuracy is very unreliable, its power advantage is significant, and really shine in the early-game on transition turns, (comma) when one is trying to avoid mistakes predicting, and missing is less consequential. The choice between Fire Blast and Aqua Tail is a decision on filler moves to use against specific targets. Fire Blast can 2HKO physically defensive Skarmory, (comma) and also deals with Ferrothorn, as well as all the other Bug- and Steel-type Pokemon; (semi-colon) It should be noted that while Bronzong does have a significant OU presence and shrugs off Garchomp's Fire Blast with ease, it shrugs off Fire Fang with ease as well. (what's the point of this sentence?) despite Garchomp's physical orientation, the difference in Base Power of the moves and the heavily lopsided defenses of Skarmory and Forretress leaves Fire Fang completely inferior to Fire Blast. Aqua Tail gets a mention here for being a convenient out against Balloon-abusing Pokemon, most notably Heatran and Excadrill.</p>
(backspace)
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Only Outrage and Earthquake are essential to the functionality of the set, while the last two slots leave room for quite a bit of flexibility. Stone Edge deserves a mention as another way of dealing with Flying-types like Zapdos and Gyarados in the early-game, and also supplies a relatively reliable attack for revenge killing Volcarona. Stealth Rock is an odd but interesting option for teams that lack it. The bottom line is that Garchomp's last move slot is always going to be filler at best, so for some teams opting to throw in Stealth Rock for difficult to predict turns could provide great utility. Garchomp will also outspeed the majority of Taunt users.</p>
<p>For teammates, Tyranitar is Garchomp's partner-in-crime, brewing up the sand for Garchomp's Sand Veil, and robbing enemy tanks (notably bulky Water-types) of their Leftovers recovery. The TyraniBoah set makes a particularly effective partner, capable of luring in and dismantling enemy Steel-types with Focus Punch and Flamethrower or Fire Blast. Speaking of Steel removal, Magnezone makes a return as an excellent Dragon partner to any Dragon.</p>
<p>Steel-types in general are excellent partners for Garchomp, letting it easily switch away from incoming Dragon and Ice attacks. In particular, Spike users like Ferrothorn, Skarmory and Forretress are especially welcome. Choice Scarf Garchomp presses the enemy with a constant threat to sweep, without even needing any setup. The weaker the enemy team becomes, (comma) the greater the threat of a Garchomp sweep, making Spikes, Stealth Rock, and Toxic Spike support much appreciated by this set.<p>
<p>To complement its offensive power, Garchomp loves to see other Dragon-types and priority users amongst its teammates—being capable of opening an opportunity for Garchomp to sweep, or abusing holes that Garchomp may open. Amongst dragons, Salamence and Hydreigon are especially notable for their special and mixed sweeping capabilities that can severely debilitate enemy checks, though Dragonite's many sets can easily achieve similar results. Amongst priority users, Conkeldurr is an especially notable potential partner, able to check the faster problem opponents Excadrill and Terrakion. Jellicent can also check enemy Fighting-types, as well as check and poison bulky Water-type Pokemon. It also happens to check bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon and Gliscor.<p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Fang / Aqua Tail / Substitute
item: Yache Berry / Haban Berry
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
(backspace)
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is the set that got Garchomp banned last generation. With a Swords Dance under its belt, (comma) and the coverage of Dragon and Ground STAB—it could 2HKO the metagame! That said, it has lost a lot of its former glory. With the introduction of Latias and Latios into OU, Garchomp is no longer the fastest OU Dragon, which seriously impedes its sweep. Furthermore, a simple influx of many fast and powerful threats like Terrakion, Thundurus and Excadrill have dramatically raised the bar on Speed, (comma) and put a serious damper on Garchomp's sweeping prospects. One thing worth mentioning is that because of Garchomp's ability to boost its power, this set is the least dependent on entry hazard support of Garchomp's potential sets.</p>
<p>All problems aside, Swords Dance Garchomp is still not to be underestimated. Base 102 Speed is still very fast, especially in combination with Garchomp's awesome defensive stats. This unique blend of power, speed, bulk and lack of weaknesses is what gave the infamous Yache-Chomp unstoppable power in DPP, and it can still hammer head its way through the BW metagame even now.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is the simple 252 Atk / 252 Spe offensive one, maximizing the speed and power for Garchomp's sweep. Fire Fang does 62.9% - 74.3% to Skarmory after a Swords Dance ensuring a 2HKO even through Leftovers. In BW, Aqua Tail finds itself a viable option for coverage as well, and can be used to take out Balloon Pokemon, namely Doryuuzu and Heatran. Alternatively, (comma) you could always try to abuse Garchomp's Sand Veil ability with Substitute. On a quick note, Pursuit Tyranitar is probably the best possible teammate for Swords Dance Garchomp; not only does it provide sand support—neutralizing enemy Leftovers and activating Sand Veil—it can ensure the removal of Latias and Latios from the enemy team. Once Latios and Latias are removed from the picture, Yache Berry Garchomp becomes much more difficult to bring down. Other Pursuit users like Scizor can also be effective.</p>
(backspace)
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Blast / Fire Fang / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Choice Band Garchomp makes an excellent wallbreaker, being capable of smashing through even the toughest of physical walls. Thanks to its excellent STAB combination and alternative coverage moves, it can achieve perfect coverage. Dragon Claw and Outrage allow you with both power and flexibility/consistency. This set is used to hit and run. With powerful STAB moves, SR resistance and excellent defensive stats and speed, In a metagame where Choice Band in general has lost a lot of popularity (compared to previous generations), Garchomp makes for a formidable Choice Band user (albeit in a metagame where Choice Band in general has lost a lot of popularity compared to previous Generations).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This is also a relatively self-explanatory Moveset. Outrage, Dragon Claw and Earthquake all have their uses and provide power, flexibility and coverage. Choosing between Fire Blast and Fire Fang is a bit more complicated when the boost from Choice Band is added to the mix. Adamant Fire Fang does 40.7% - 47.9% damage to physically defensive Skarmory and 52.7% - 62.3% to the specially defensive variants. Inversely, Fire Blast does 51.5% - 61.1% to the former and a mere 35.3% - 41.9% to the latter. The choice should probably be made while considering the most current metagame shifts. Fire Blast is probably a good bet if you are using Jolly Garchomp.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Because of the wallbreaking capabilities of this Garchomp, it will especially appreciate set-up sweeper teammates, most preferably priority users like Conkeldurr and Lucario, which are incredibly proficient at finishing off weakened teams. Despite a common typing, and thus, shared weaknesses, Excadrill can be a very capable teammate by similar logic, and both enjoy the same sand weather. Furthermore Spike and Stealth Rock support can put the enemy between a rock and a hard place considering all the switches induced by the raw power of this Garchomp's attacks.</p>
(backspace)
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock / Dragon Claw
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Protect / Aqua Tail
item: Leftovers
nature: Jolly
ability: Sand Veil
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 120 SpD / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes full advantage of Garchomp's fantastic bulk, which is statistically higher than Swampert and Heatran, ranking it amongst the bulkiest of OU's Pokemon, and capable support movepool. With its new toy, Dragon Tail, Garchomp can abuse its awesome STAB combo while including Protect, Stealth Rock and phazing all on the same set. Very few Pokemon create Substitutes able to hold up to its Dragon Tail, which lets it phaze even through Taunt. A general lack of weaknesses combined with power, speed and bulk makes it a terrific check to a number of threats, (comma) including Heatran, Tyranitar, Terrakion and Excadrill.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are set first to outrun neutral base 90 Speed Pokemon, with the remaining EVs utilized to maximize Garchomp's durability. 76 Def EVs let it survive a +2 Earthquake from Balloon Doryuuzu. Protect lets Garchomp scout and lets Garchomp heal a bit more with Leftovers. Substitute could replace Protect to abuse Sand Veil, but it loses a lot of utility with the relatively low speed and power of this Garchomp set. Garchomp can be EV'd to make 101 subs as well. Roar is also an option over Dragon Tail, providing perfect accuracy and phazing through Substitute (though it has issues with Taunt).</p>
<p>Dragon Claw could replace any move to provide reliable Dragon-type STAB, preferably over Stealth Rock, (comma) should you have another Stealth Rock user. If you don't use Stealth Rock, Rough Skin makes for a fine alternative ability for Tank Chomp. Just be aware that it is illegal with Stealth Rock. Rocky Helmet could be used with Rough Skin for even more passive damage. Haban Berry is another interesting defensive item that could be used to get surprise revenge kills with Dragon Claw, but giving up on Leftovers represents a big loss in tanking ability.</p>
<p>Do keep in mind that because this set greatly reduces Garchomp's Speed, it will be integral to include teammates that can deal with enemy dragons looking to revenge kill Garchomp—probably the set's greatest weakness. Skarmory and Ferrothorn come as especially good teammates, able to sponge Dragon attacks, work into stall or semi-stall teams, and provide entry hazards to make the most of with Tank Chomp's Dragon Tail. Bronzong is also capable of handling most dragons (notably Choice Specs Latios), and can also provide Stealth Rock support, freeing Garchomp of the role and allowing it to abuse Rough Skin.</p>
(backspace)
[Other Options]
(backspace)
<p>There are some options to discuss with Garchomp. Stone Edge, Brick Break and Crunch are other attacks Garchomp could make use of. Unfortunately, they all have very situational use and are generally repetitive alongside its STAB attacks. Dual Chop could replace Dragon Claw on almost any set, sacrificing 10% accuracy for the ability to potentially hit through Substitutes. Early DPP saw the birth of mixed Garchomp, and Draco Meteor or Surf combined with some Special Attack EVs could still be used as a gimmick to take down enemies like Hippowdon and Gliscor.(backspace)</p>
<P>Toxic is a status move Garchomp has, and could feature (even on the Choice sets) to debilitate bulky Water- or Ground-types that try to check Garchomp. Substitute can be used to try and fully abuse Garchomp's Sand Veil. Unfortunately, a much faster metagame, a ban on Bright Powder and Lax Incense, and an overwhelming popularity of Politoed and Ninetales makes Sand Veil abuse much more difficult in BW. Also, a defensive set with RestTalk could be used for reliable recovery, as well as that fast Dragon Tail. Unfortunately, (comma) Rough Skin is illegal with Sleep Talk.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>It's hard to name a perfect counter for Garchomp, but Skarmory will give almost all Garchomp sets a difficult time by easily walling its STAB moves. One must be careful of potential Fire-type attacks, and be aware that there is little Skarmory can do against Garchomp aside from phazing it. Hidden Power Ice Levitate Bronzong handles Garchomp very well, and can even absorb its Fire-type attacks with relative ease. While it may seem like an over-specialized counter, it is surprisingly useful in BW, being able to counter the very dominant threats Latios, Landorus, Excadrill and Gliscor, (comma) in addition to Garchomp. Cloyster is another OU viable Pokemon that can generally completely counter Garchomp. Its huge physical bulk allows it to shrug off Garchomp's attacks even after taking Stealth Rock damage, and BW's boosted Icicle Spear will make short work of Garchomp. You may not want to include Cloyster as a sole Garchomp check because filling that role will detract from Cloyster's sweeping abilities, but be aware that it is a very powerful check.</p>
<p>Levitate Pokemon, Flying-types, and Balloon users have a good chance of setting up on Garchomp, especially with the increased popularity of the Choice Scarf set. Balloon Heatran, (comma) in particular, (comma) resists everything Garchomp could throw out save for the relatively rare Aqua Tail. Should Heatran get in against Garchomp on a Choiced attack or with its Balloon unscathed, it can comfortably stay in and finish the job with Dragon Pulse or Hidden Power Ice (both being more easily fit into Heatran's set due to BW's Explosion nerf). Amongst potential set-up sweepers, Excadrill is especially notable as it is faster than Scarf Chomp in the sand and can OHKO it should it get Swords Dance up. It even resists Dragon-type attacks (though it will not like taking Outrage).</p>
<p>Finally, scraping the bottom of the barrel, Ice Shard users like Weavile and Mamoswine obviously revenge kill Garchomp effectively, while other priority users like Scizor and Roobushin can beat Garchomp should it be heavily weakened. Deoxys-S will outspeed the Choice Scarf set and can eliminate it with Ice Beam.</p>
(backspace)
[Dream World]
<p>Rough Skin can replace Sand Veil on most sets (especially if you lack Tyranitar or Hippowdon), but most Garchomp will only be taking two to three hits per game, and Sand Veil's evasive abilities can dramatically change the outcome of games with a timely miss.</p>
This was actually... quite bad towards the end.. what happened, chou? O_o
Uh, that's not how the move works. Either they all hit or none of them hit. Just a little nitpick but wanted to say for this for accuracy sakes.
I still agree Cloyster is any garchomps biggest threat which doesn't carry stone edge though. On that note, can CB Stone Edge OHKO a defensive Cloyster after SR?
Not even close- CB Stone Edge does 52%-61.2% to a 252/216 relaxed Cloyster, and no Chomp will be firing off Stone Edges on any set. It caps out at 69.1 to a 252/4 def version, not 83.6-94.1. Even a +2 LO Outrage won't KO my version as it does 80.3%-94.7%. Chomp will more likely try to KO with Earthquake to not get locked in, which does 66.4%-78.3%, so even with Rocks and Sandstorm up you have a low chance of being KOed, and you'll be very comfortable against more common sub+lefties/resist berry versions regardless, while rapid spinning away rocks that ChompTank may try to set up.
This is quite off topic so I would like no more debate on Cloyster and to leave it up to the guy writing the analysis.
Edit- Sorry for the misunderstanding PandorasBox1 I didn't notice you added SR damage to the calc.