shoutout & ty to Plus for his nice work on the original analysis.
Alright, we came to an agreement on #xyqc that the set order should be Swords Dance, Offensive Stealth Rock, Choice Scarf, Mega, and Tank. Additionally, the Mega EV spread should be changed to 176 Atk / 252 SAtk / 80 Spe Naughty, which allows him to outpace Adamant Bisharp.
Scarf and Tank Chomp should look like this:
SET NAME
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Aqua Tail / Fire Blast
move 4: Dual Chop / Dragon Claw
ability: Rough Skin
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
SET NAME
########
name: Tank
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Fire Blast / Toxic
ability: Rough Skin
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Set Details: RestTalk in slots 3 and 4 to increase his longevity and give him a way of absorbing status.
"(scarfchomp should be outrage | eq | rock slide / stone edge | dragon claw / fire blast after talking to qc ppl) "
Scarf and Tank Chomp should look like this:
SET NAME
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Aqua Tail / Fire Blast
move 4: Dual Chop / Dragon Claw
ability: Rough Skin
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
SET NAME
########
name: Tank
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Fire Blast / Toxic
ability: Rough Skin
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Set Details: RestTalk in slots 3 and 4 to increase his longevity and give him a way of absorbing status.
"(scarfchomp should be outrage | eq | rock slide / stone edge | dragon claw / fire blast after talking to qc ppl) "
- Garchomp has a complementary STAB combination and excellent Attack stat, allowing it to hit quite hard and reliably.
- Garchomp is fairly versatile and can take on a wide range of roles such as sweeper, breaker, or Stealth Rock user.
- It is reasonably fast with its 102 base Speed, allowing it to outspeed certain threats.
- Quite respectable bulk for an offensive Pokemon, and it can use Rough Skin to punish U-turn or deal some chip damage.
- These qualities make it a good setup sweeper. It can also use a large range of items to sweep and has a way around most of its checks, as well.
- Mega Evolution can run a mixed set to more success than Chainchomp in previous gens
- This set takes advantage of Garchomp's ability to force switches by incorporating Stealth Rock. Garchomp is also one of the few good offensive Pokemon in OU to learn Stealth Rock.
- Stealth Rock should be used when convenient. Examples of when it is best used include on things that would normally expect an attack (e.g Heatran, Aegislash)
- Earthquake is primary STAB and gives Garchomp some offensive presence.
- Outrage is used to round out Garchomp's coverage by hitting the Levitate users, Flying-types, and Ground-type resistant Pokemon, but Dragon Claw can be used over it if getting locked into Outrage is unwanted.
- Fire Blast is used to hit Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Forretress for a lot more damage. This can also help open holes for other teammates.
- Swords Dance is an option to make Garchomp an immediate threat and give it a role outside of setting up Stealth Rock.
- A Rocky Helmet works well in conjunction with Rough Skin to punish opponents that make contact such as Scizor and Tyranitar.
- A Lum Berry is a one-time protection against status. Specifically, it recovers a single burn from an opponent or self-induced confusion.
- Jolly nature with max Attack and Speed allow it to outspeed anything base 101 and below, Garchomp wants to hit as fast as hard as possible
- Naive should be used with Fire Blast as not to lower Special Attack, but Jolly should be used with Swords Dance.
- Focus Sash = AC Item. It allows Garchomp to ensure that it gets Stealth Rock up and it can be used as a lead.
- Unlike the Swords Dance set, this Garchomp is best used early game to get Stealth Rock up early
- As such, it is very common for this Garchomp to be used as a lead
- This Garchomp is more efficient at weakening things early game as opposed to flat-out sweeping with Swords Dance.
- By weakening the opponent's team (e.g. using Fire Blast on Skarmory or denting Gliscor with a +2 Outrage), cleanup sweepers can come in late game and clean up.
- Talonflame or Mega Pinsir can take advantage of Stealth Rock and can sweep teams weakened by Garchomp and their teammates.
- A powerful wallbreaker such as Kyurem-B or Mega Charizard Y to accompany Garchomp in breaking down the opponents defensive Pokemon can work.
- A Ghost-type Pokemon such as Gengar or Aegislash, or a Pokemon such as Bisharp can be good in stopping Rapid Spin attempts or taking advantage of Defog. Gengar and Aegislash can also break down physically defensive Pokemon that Garchomp cannot.
- Outrage is Garchomp's strongest move with a Choice Scarf. It should be used when the power is necessary.
- Earthquake is Garchomp's secondary move and allows it to hit Steel- and Fairy-types which don't mind Outrage.
- Rock Slide and Stone Edge are interchangeable moves for revenge killing certain threats such as Volcarona and Charizard. It also allows Garchomp to hit Togekiss and Mandibuzz super effectively.
- Dragon Claw can be used to give Garchomp a Dragon-type STAB without getting locked into Outrage. Fire Blast is used to hit Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory, which don't mind Garchomp's other moves.
- Dual Chop = AC move. It allows Garchomp to break through Substitutes when revenge killing.
- This Garchomp set employs a Choice Scarf to maximize its revenge killing potential. It can also be used to finish off weakened threats in the end game.
- A Jolly nature maximizes Speed so Garchomp can outpace as many Pokemon as possible (such as +1 Timid Volcarona). Naive should be used over Jolly if Garchomp chooses to go with Fire Blast.
- Max Attack and Speed are used for obvious reasons (as much power as possible).
- This Garchomp set acts primarily as a revenge killer and cleaner, taking advantage of the speed boost provided by the Choice Scarf to finish off weakened threats.
- It is best to preserve Garchomp as a safety net to boosted threats and not use it recklessly.
- This set lacks the power possessed by its Swords Dance set. As such, Choice Scarf Garchomp shouldn't be used to wall-break or to attack healthy, bulky foes.
- It is best not to use Outrage if the opponent has Pokemon that can abuse a locked-in Garchomp (namely Fairies or Steel-types), but mainly to clean in the end-game.
- Fire Blast should be used on a predicted switch into Skarmory or Ferrothorn in order to maximize damage on them.
- Magnezone can be used to trap and KO troublesome Steel-types so that Garchomp has an easier time cleaning in the end game.
- Dugtrio can also be used in a similar manner to Magnezone (to get rid of Steels)
- Due to the low damage output of Choice Scarf Garchomp compared to its other sets, it may be a good idea to run other powerful Dragon-types along such it. Examples of this include Kyurem-B or Latios, which can weaken or remove Garchomp's checks and counters.
- Choice Scarf Garchomp is best used as a glue for offensive and balanced teams, functioning as a good revenge killer and a good late-game cleaner at the same time.
- Swords Dance allows Garchomp to sweep teams when it gets a chance to set up
- Earthquake is its main STAB move and primary attack. Ground-type coverage works well alongside Dragon-type moves to hit most Fairies and Steel-types.
- Outrage is the secondary STAB. It hits Pokemon that are immune/resistant to EQ (such as Rotom-W, Gyarados, and Landorus-T) as well as having a higher Base Power.
- Fire Fang is for coverage against other Steel-types. In particular, it hits Skarmory and Ferrothorn for a hefty chunk of damage.
- Stone Edge is an option over Fire Fang. It allows Garchomp to hit Togekiss, which otherwise walls it. It also hits KOs Charizard regardless of which mega evolution it uses.
- Substitute = AC move. It can work in the last slot as a way of both blocking status and gives safety against faster threats at the cost of losing coverage.
- Lum Berry gives Garchomp the ability to set up without having to worry about status moves such as Will-O-Wisp. It can also recover confusion caused by Outrage.
- Life Orb makes Garchomp's attacks hit with a bit of extra power, securing extra KOs.
- Yache Berry, Garchompite = AC items | +lefties/salac if Substitute
- Yache Berry helps Garchomp shield itself from potential revenge kills or may aid it in setting up.
- Garchompite can be used on sandstorm teams for a massive power boost. It allows Garchomp to easily run through defensive teams.
- EVs give maximum Speed and Attack. This is mandatory for a physical set up sweeper and makes sure that Garchomp outpaces all non-boosted Pokemon below 101 base Speed (e.g. Jirachi, Kyurem-B, Lucario).
- Leftovers can be used if you choose to go with Substitute.
- It is best to save Garchomp for the mid-late game so that its main checks and counters have already been dealt with or weakened enough so that Garchomp can finish them off.
- Swords Dance is best used on a predicted switch when Garchomp forces something out, or when the Pokemon it is facing can do little to prevent a sweep.
- Setting up a Swords Dance is a lot easier if you have a Lum Berry as it can be done on Pokemon that rely on status to stop you.
- This doesn't mean you should directly switch into users of status moves, however.
- Be wary of using Outrage if there is still a Fairy-type on the opponent's team, as you could potentially be giving them a free turn if you use Outrage too early
- Thundurus-I makes a good partner because it can deal with Skarmory very easily, and also can utilize Prankster Thunder Wave to slow down faster threats for Garchomp to sweep through such as Latios, Keldeo, and Infernape
- Aegislash's mixed set is a good wallbreaking partner to this set. It can beat Latios, Rotom-W, and maim Landorus-T on the switch.
- Offensive Heatran can deal with Swords Dance Mega Mawile with Will-o-Wisp, can lay down Stealth Rock, and can threaten Ferrothorn and opposing switch-ins with Fire Blast
- If you want to use this set with Garchompite, using a Smooth Rock Tyranitar is highly advised to maximize the effects of Sand Force.
- Earthquake gets a nice attack boost with Sand Force, and hits extremely hard with Mega Garchomp's boosted offenses. It is Garchomp's main attack.
- Draco Meteor is used to hit common switch-ins such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, putting them into a range where they can be quickly finished off.
- Fire Blast takes advantage of Mega Garchomp's mixed capabilities, being able to hit Skarmory and Ferrothorn much harder than usual.
- Stone Edge completes Mega Garchomp's coverage, allowing it to hit Togekiss. Stone Edge also gets a boost from Sand Force and can be used to hit Rotom-W and Landorus without having Special Attack dropped.
- Max Speed is used so that Garchomp can still threaten Pokemon with its Speed before mega evolution. This includes Pokemon such as Bisharp, Mega Charizard X, and Kyurem-B.
- Because its Attack stat is already high enough, the rest of the EVs are placed into Garchomp's Special Attack to make Draco Meteor hit as hard as possible.
- Lonely increases Garchomp's main offensive stat. Special Defense isn't needed as Garchomp typically won't need to switch into special attackers.
- Rash heightens Special Attack while lowering its less useful defensive stat, Special Defense.
- Garchompite (mega evolution) is used because its offensive stats are much higher in this forme.
- This Garchomp set shines at breaking down defensive cores, so it is best used in the early-mid game.
- It is not always necessary to mega evolve Garchomp instantly, as the Speed boost while in normal form can help it outrun certain threats.
- It should not attempt to sweep, but rather dismantle defensive Pokemon so that holes can be opened up for a teammate.
- Mixed Garchomp should not attempt to stay in for prolonged periods of time as it is a lot easier to revenge kill. Hit-and-run tactics are usually the most efficient.
- Sand support is highly recommended. As a result, Smooth Rock Tyranitar or Hippowdon are excellent partners as they activate Sand Force.
- Choice Band Azumarill is also a good teammate as it benefits off of Garchomp's wall-breaking abilities and has Aqua Jet to finish up late game
- Sweepers that appreciate having their checks and counters worn down are good teammates. Swords Dance Talonflame appreciates Rotom-W and Landorus-T being KOed, so they have good compatibility.
- Sand Rush Excadrill helps clean up in Sandstorm and can use Rapid Spin to keep hazards off of the field.
- Earthquake provides Garchomp a form of damage output. It also helps Garchomp deal with Heatran and Aegislash in particular.
- Dragon Tail lets Garchomp phaze opponents and rack up Stealth Rock damage. It also stops opponents from setting up successfully.
- Stealth Rock is a near-mandatory move on every team. Garchomp can exploit the forces it causes to set it up easily. It also works well in tandem with Dragon Tail.
- If the team already has a Stealth Rock user, then Garchomp can run a different move in this slot (Toxic if Fire Blast is used, Fire Blast if Toxic is used).
- Rest and Sleep Talk in 3rd and 4th slots = AC moves
- Rest Talk gives Garchomp a means of restoring itself outside of relying on Wish support.
- Stone Edge = AC move and allows Garchomp OHKO Charizard-Y, Talonflame, Volcarona, and Pinsir. It can replace Stealth Rock or Toxic.
- Protect = AC move to use with Lefties to scout Choice attacks and recover HP.
- A Rocky Helmet stacks with Rough Skin to punish physical attackers, causing opponents to lose 2/8 of their total HP every time they make contact.
- The EV spread and nature provide for maximum physical bulk.
- A Lax or Relaxed nature could also be used if you do not want to hinder Fire Blast's damage output.
- Leftovers = AC Item. This gives Garchomp a way of healing its health passively, but sacrifices its utility in the passive damage provided by a Rocky Helmet.
- An EV spread of 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe with a Jolly nature can be used so that Garchomp can outspeed Adamant Lucario and max Speed Heatran.
- This Garchomp set out is best brought out to punish physical attackers that make contact. As such, bringing it into attacks such as Scizor's U-turn or Pinsir's Quick Attack is generally a good idea.
- Do not get cocky with Garchomp's ability to take hits. It relies in either the shaky RestTalk to a teammate's Wish in order to heal itself back up, and it is by no means a defensive juggernaut compared to other Pokemon in OU.
- It can be brought out at virtually any point of the game. However, it is a good idea to get up Stealth Rock as soon as possible when appropriate to do so (e.g. when opponent has a Volcarona or Dragonite).
- stuff
- Chansey handles any special attacker that threatens Garchomp and can pass him Wishes. Garchomp reciprocates this support by punishing physical attackers with its Rough Skin and Rocky Helmet combination.
- Heatran resists all of Garchomp's weaknesses and can handle Special Attackers as well. It can phaze Pokemon that attempt to set up with Roar.
- Pokemon that are weak to U-turn appreciate having Garchomp as a teammate to deal passive damage to them. Examples of this include Starmie and Deoxys-S.
- Garchomp can potentially use a Choice Band to power up its hits; however, its Mixed Mega set is a far better wallbreaker and Garchomp usually dislikes being locked into its moves.
- A SubSalac set is usable as a sweeper, but it is weak to abundant priority.
- Garchomp can opt to use Haban Berry on its sets to heal alleviate issues of being revenge killed.
Overview
########
Ever since its advent in the DPP era, Garchomp has been a force to be reckoned with in the OU metagame. With a complementary STAB combination, excellent offensive stats, and the ability to take on a wide array of roles, Garchomp makes for a key offensive threat. On top of its ability to perform many roles ranging from a mixed wallbreaker to a revenge killer, Garchomp also has quite respectable bulk for an offensive Pokemon, while simultaneously hitting a crucial Speed tier of 102, giving it the ability to outspeed threats such as Charizard and Landorus. All of these attributes allow Garchomp to be devastatingly tricky to play around and constitute the factors that make it so versatile. Moreover, the shift to XY also granted Garchomp a Mega Evolution, an alternate forme which augments its offensive stats to ridiculous heights in exchange for Speed, reawakening its artefactual ChainChomp set. Apart from Garchompite, Garchomp can also utilize a diverse range of other items on its sets, adding to its distinguished flexibility.
However, the phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none" couldn't be more applicable to our fearsome friend. Garchomp, while quite versatile, cannot pull off all of its sets at once, meaning that it will always be left wanting a little bit more. Its Stealth Rock set lacks immediate power, its mixed set lacks Speed, and its tank set lacks longevity. Additionally, Garchomp is plagued with a pesky 4x weakness to Ice, leaving it vulnerable to many revenge killers such as Thundurus and Deoxys-S.
Offensive Stealth Rock
########
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Fire Blast / Swords Dance
ability: Rough Skin
item: Focus Sash / Rocky Helmet / Lum Berry
nature: Naive / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
========
This set takes advantage of Garchomp's handy ability to force switches by incorporating Stealth Rock. A staple of almost every single team, Stealth Rock provides invaluable support, and Garchomp is one of the few good offensive Pokemon to learn it. Earthquake and Outrage act as Garchomp's two main STAB attacks, with Earthquake giving Garchomp the ability to deal with Heatran and Aegislash, while Outrage rounds off the coverage, hitting the Flying-types and Levitate users that are immune to Earthquake. Dragon Claw can potentially replace Outrage if getting locked into it is undesirable, but lacks the power that Outrage boasts. Fire Blast is an excellent choice for hitting the likes of Ferrothorn and Skarmory for a lot more damage, opening holes for setup sweepers later in the game and halting opposing entry hazard setters. Alternatively, Swords Dance can be used to make Garchomp an immediate threat to the opposing team and grants it a role outside of setting Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
The EVs are fairly straightforward, prioritizing Garchomp's Speed so it can be as fast as possible, with the rest placed in Attack to escalate the power of Earthquake and Outrage. Garchomp's main item choice is a Focus Sash, which ensures that it can get Stealth Rock up and survive otherwise deadly attacks. Alternatively, a Rocky Helmet works well in conjunction with Rough Skin to punish opponents that make contact with Garchomp, such as Scizor and Tyranitar. Finally, a Lum Berry or Life Orb are also options. The former can be used to give Garchomp a one-time cure against status, while the latter adds extra power to Garchomp's attacks if the other item choices aren't wanted. In particular, it heals a single burn from Pokemon such as Rotom-W, or a self-induced confusion from Outrage. In the case that one opts to run Swords Dance over Fire Blast, a Jolly nature is preferred as Garchomp would no longer require any Special Attack.
Usage Tips
========
Unlike the some of the other sets, this particular Garchomp is best used early-game in order to get Stealth Rock on the field as soon as possible. As such, it is very common for this set to be used as a lead, but it doesn't necessarily need to be. Garchomp should ideally set up Stealth Rock on Pokemon that can't immediately threaten it or will generally switch out, such as Heatran and Excadrill. Doing so allows Garchomp to make use of the free turns it gains from prompting said switches. This Garchomp set is more efficient at weakening opposing Pokemon early in the game rather than attempting a complete sweep. For instance, it can use Fire Blast to weaken Skarmory or massively dent Gliscor with a +2 Outrage, allowing other sweepers to come in late-game and clean up the remains.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that appreciate the presence of Stealth Rock are generally good partners. Examples of this include Talonflame and Mega Pinsir, two Pokemon that can take advantage of Stealth Rock to secure KOs and sweep weakened teams. These Pokemon also appreciate Garchomp's ability to fracture defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory or Hippowdon, depending on the final move chosen. In a similar vein, powerful wallbreakers such as Kyurem-B and Mega Charizard Y pair well with Garchomp to dismantle defensive Pokemon. Garchomp also resists Rock-type moves, which both of these Pokemon are weak too.
In order to keep Stealth Rock up, having a Ghost-type teammate to block Rapid Spin can be a great idea. Aegislash and Gengar fit this role capably, with the former resisting all of Garchomp's weaknesses: Ice, Fairy, and Dragon. Bisharp is also another team option to consider, as it can exploit the evasion drop from Defog being used to remove Garchomp's Stealth Rock in order to trigger an Attack boost through Defiant.
Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Fire Blast / Dragon Claw
ability: Rough Skin
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naive / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Outrage is Garchomp's most powerful move with a Choice Scarf, but it should be used sparingly until the opponent's Steel- and Fairy-types are down or only when the extra power is mandatory. Earthquake is its secondary STAB, which hits Pokemon such as Heatran and Azumarill that are not felled by Garchomp's Dragon-type moves. Rock Slide and Stone Edge can be chosen interchangeably for revenge killing certain threats such as Volcarona and Charizard. Rock Slide has a nifty flinch chance and higher accuracy, but Stone Edge has greater power and nets a guaranteed 2HKO on Togekiss. Fire Blast is Garchomp's main option in the final move slot, roasting the likes of Ferrothorn and Skarmory, which can both shrug off Garchomp's other attacks. Alternatively, Dragon Claw can be used as a means of giving Garchomp a Dragon-type STAB without getting locked into Outrage. Similarly, Dual Chop may also be used in order to break through Substitutes when revenge killing.
Set Details
========
Employing a Choice Scarf, this particular set aims to maximize Garchomp's revenge killing capabilities by boosting its Speed. It also gives Garchomp the ability to act as a late-game cleaner after its main checks and counters have been disposed of. A Naive nature is used to boost Garchomp's Speed stat to the highest degree, allowing it to outpace as many Pokemon as possible, such as +1 Timid Volcarona. Alternatively, a Naughty nature can be used at the expense of outspeeding Pokemon such as +1 Mega Charizard X in exchange for extra power. If Fire Blast isn't used, then a Jolly or Adamant nature should be used instead. The EVs are all pumped into Garchomp's Attack and Speed stats for the obvious reasons of maximizing its power and Speed.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Garchomp acts primarily as a revenge killer and cleaner in order to take full advantage of its great Speed. Because of this, it is best to preserve Garchomp as a safety net for boosted threats and not use it recklessly. This also means that Garchomp shines in the end game, a point by which most Pokemon have already been weakened if not fainted. Because this set lacks the power possessed by its Swords Dance set, it should not be used to bash down walls or attack bulky foes that are not already weakened. Instead, it should enter the fray on free switches to finish off Pokemon.
Owing to its effect, Outrage is best used when the opponent has no Steel- or Fairy-type Pokemon so as not to give the opponent free setup opportunities. Likewise, Outrage should only be used when the power is essential to cleaning up, meaning that it will be used in the end game most of the time. Fire Blast should mainly be for hitting the formerly mentioned defensive Steel-types in order to give teammates, as well as Garchomp itself, an easier time of KOing them at a later point.
Team Options
========
Magnezone and Thundurus both have excellent synergy with Garchomp. The former resists all of Garchomp's weaknesses while simultaneously being able to trap opposing Steel-types to give Garchomp more liberal use of Outrage. Thundurus can take out opposing Dragon-types that threaten Garchomp with an assortment of moves including Thunder Wave, Hidden Power, and Focus Blast. Dugtrio can also be used in a similar manner to Magnezone, getting rid of any remaining Steel-type Pokemon so that Garchomp can use its Dragon-type STAB without having to worry about the potential consequences of being locked into it.
Due to the lower damage output of Choice Scarf Garchomp compared to its other sets, it can be a good idea to run other powerful Dragon-types alongside it. Examples of Pokemon that can fit this role include Kyurem-B and Latios, which can weaken or remove Garchomp's checks and counters. Overall, Choice Scarf Garchomp works best as a glue for offensive and balanced teams, functioning as a good fail-safe and providing support in a variety of ways.
Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Stone Edge / Fire Fang
ability: Rough Skin
item: Lum Berry / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Garchomp to augment its Attack stat, providing it with the necessary power to sweep teams after it sets up. Earthquake is its main STAB move and its primary attack; the Ground-type coverage complements its secondary Dragon-type attack, hitting the Fairy- and Steel-types that can ignore Outrage. Outrage has greater power than Earthquake and hits Pokemon immune and resistant to Earthquake, such as Rotom-W and Landorus-T. However, it comes with the disadvantage of locking Garchomp into the move for two to three turns. If getting locked into the move is not preferred, Dragon Claw is an equally viable alternative. Garchomp's final moveslot is dedicated to choosing what Pokemon can counter it; if Stone Edge is chosen, Garchomp misses out on Skarmory, Bronzong, and Ferrothorn. Conversely, if you opt to use Fire Fang, Garchomp can no longer defeat Togekiss with ease. Apart from the moves listed, Substitute can potentially be used to shield Garchomp from status and provide safety from faster threats at the cost of losing out on a coverage move.
Set Details
========
The EV spread is quite clear-cut, maximizing Speed and Attack in order to boost Garchomp's sweeping potential. A Jolly nature is chosen so not to be outsped by the assortment of Pokemon sitting just below Garchomp's Speed tier, such as Kyurem-B and Charizard. Lum Berry gives Garchomp a way to shield against status or cure the confusion induced by Outrage. Alternatively, a Life Orb adds a bit of oomph to Garchomp's attacks, securing extra KOs. Outside of the items listed, a Yache Berry can be used to weaken revenge killing attempts from the likes of Keldeo and Thundurus. One could also opt to use Garchomp's Mega Stone, Garchompite, if the ability to run through defensive teams more easily is desired. Finally, if you choose to use Substitute on the set, Leftovers is also a viable option.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Garchomp is best saved for mid- to late-game when most of its main checks and counters have already been significantly weakened or fainted. This means that you should generally try to deal with Pokemon such as Skarmory and Bronzong before you try to set up Swords Dance so that Garchomp's sweeping attempt doesn't instantly fail. Because Garchomp can force switches quite easily, Swords Dance is best used on a predicted switch or when the Pokemon it is facing can do little to prevent a sweep. Examples of Pokemon that Garchomp can attempt to set up on include Chansey, Excadrill, and some variants of Tyranitar. Keep in mind that setting up a Swords Dance is a lot easier when Garchomp has a Lum Berry, as it gives it the ability to use Swords Dance on Pokemon such as Rotom-W, which would otherwise burn it. Lastly, Outrage should only be used in situations where the opponent cannot reliably halt Garchomp's onslaught. In other words, do not use Outrage when your opponent still has a Fairy-type or healthy Steel-type remaining.
Team Options
========
Thundurus makes for an excellent partner to Swords Dance Garchomp. Not only can it deal with Skarmory, one of Garchomp's best counters, it also has access to Prankster Thunder Wave. With this support, Garchomp no longer fears faster revenge killers, such as Latios and Keldeo. Mixed Aegislash is also a good teammate, providing a means of weakening Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon for Garchomp before it begins sweeping.
Heatran has great offensive and defensive synergy with Garchomp as well. It resists Ice-, Fairy-, and Dragon-type attacks, while also being able to handle Skarmory and Ferrothorn with its Fire-type attacks. Additionally, Heatran can also set up Stealth Rock to help Garchomp pull off a sweep and can switch into any Talonflame that attempts to revenge kill Garchomp.
Smooth Rock Tyranitar is a near obligatory partner for this set if you opt to use Garchompite due to Mega Garchomp's Sand Force ability activating in the weather condition provided. Alternatively, Hippowdon could fill this role, but doubling up on abGround-types usually isn't the best idea.
Mixed
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name: Mixed
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Stone Edge
ability: Rough Skin
item: Garchompite
nature: Naughty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Mixed Garchomp takes a special role in being able to hit hard both physically and specially, meaning that few walls will be able to withstand its onslaught. Earthquake is Garchomp's main STAB attack and is boosted by Sand Force when Mega Garchomp is used under sand. Draco Meteor is a secondary STAB option to hit common switch-ins, such as Landorus-T and Hippowdon, on their weaker defensive stat so that they can be finished off later. Fire Blast also takes advantage of Mega Garchomp's mixed capabilities, hitting Pokemon such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn for impressive damage. Lastly, Stone Edge completes Mega Garchomp's coverage, allowing it to hit Pokemon such as Togekiss and Rotom-W. Stone Edge also gains a power boost from Sand Force.
Set Details
========
While it may seem foolish not to run investment in Garchomp's Attack stat, the given EV spread is used so that Garchomp can still threaten Pokemon with its Speed prior to Mega Evolution. This includes Pokemon such as Bisharp, Mega Charizard X, and Kyurem-B, which would otherwise outpace it. The rest of the EVs are pumped into Garchomp's Special Attack in order to make its Draco Meteor and Fire Blast hit as hard as possible. A Naughty nature extends this power, while lowering its less useful defensive stat. Garchompite is an obvious item choice as it allows Garchomp to Mega Evolve, granting it massive raw power.
Usage Tips
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Mixed Garchomp shines at one role above all else: breaking down defensive cores. With astonishingly high offensive stats, few defensive Pokemon can safely switch into its attacks. Because of its role as a wallbreaker, it is best used in the early- to mid-game in order to lure in and weaken Pokemon such as Skarmory and Landorus-T. It is important to know that it is not always necessary to Mega Evolve Garchomp instantly because prior to Mega Evolution, Garchomp outspeeds certain threats (such as Kyurem-B) that it otherwise cannot after it has Mega Evolved.
Moreover, it should be noted that complete sweeps are not the goal of this Garchomp set; it simply intends to dismantle defensive cores so that other teammates can come in to clean-up fractured teams. In a similar vein, Mixed Garchomp should not attempt to stay in for prolonged periods of time due to its lowered Speed and vulnerability to revenge killing. For this reason, hit-and-run tactics generally prove to be far more effective.
Team Options
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Sand support is highly recommended for this set due to the fact that a lot of Mega Garchomp's power derives from Sand Force. As a result, Tyranitar is an excellent teammate—especially when equipped with a Smooth Rock. By the same token, Hippowdon can also do this, albeit having a somewhat conflicting typing with Garchomp. Sand Rush Excadrill can also work alongside this, cleaning up with the Speed boost provided by sand and ably removing hazards from the field with Rapid Spin.
Choice Band Azumarill is another effective teammate, as it can exploit Mega Garchomp's wallbreaking capabilities to clean up with Aqua Jet. Other sweepers that appreciate having their checks and counters worn down by Garchomp are also prime candidates. For instance, Swords Dance Talonflame enjoys being able to use Brave Bird without the presence of Rotom-W, making mixed Garchomp a valuable teammate. Suicune also fits under this category, valuing the removal of Pokemon such as Blissey and Ferrothorn from the game.
Tank
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name: Tank
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Toxic / Fire Blast
ability: Rough Skin
item: Rocky Helmet
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Moves
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This Garchomp set takes a new approach to its role, and while Earthquake still makes an appearance on the set, Garchomp's offensive abilities take a more backseat approach to its unique ability to work as a defensive Pokemon. Earthquake allows Garchomp to still finish off opponents and acts as a basic form of damage output. It is especially useful against Steel-type Pokemon, such as Mawile and Aegislash, which are immune to Toxic or don't mind Dragon Tail. Garchomp's second attack, Dragon Tail, is used to phaze opponents and help rack up damage from entry hazards. This means that most Pokemon cannot easily set up when facing Garchomp. Stealth Rock is a near-mandatory move on every team, and Garchomp can exploit the switches it causes to set it up with relative ease. Toxic gives Garchomp another way to hurt opponents by applying status and is an excellent move for dealing with Pokemon such as Rotom-W and Hippowdon. Fire Blast can also be used in this slot in order to hit Ferrothorn and Skarmory for extra damage.
In terms of alternative move choices, Garchomp can potentially run a combination of Rest and Sleep Talk in the third and fourth moveslots in order to compensate for the lack of reliable recovery. However, this deprives Garchomp of Stealth Rock and Toxic for support that can be provided by teammates. If the team already has a Stealth Rock user outside of Garchomp, then the third slot can be dedicated to Fire Blast for extra coverage. Stone Edge is also a decent move on the set which can be used to OHKO Charizard-Y, Talonflame, and Mega Pinsir. Lastly, if one decides to use Leftovers, Protect can be used to recover HP while scouting attacks.
Set Details
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The main idea behind tank Garchomp is to impede physical attackers by whittling down their health with the combination of Rough Skin and Rocky Helmet, which causes opponents that make contact to lose almost 30% of their total HP. The EV spread and nature provide maximum physical bulk, allowing Garchomp to take as many physical blows as possible. While an Impish nature is usually favorable, a Lax or Relaxed nature can also be used if Fire Blast is preferred over a support move.
Leftovers is an alternative item which grants Garchomp a means of passive recovery without relying on team support, but sacrifices its utility of extra passive damage. An EV spread of 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe is also viable with a Jolly nature so that Garchomp can outspeed and OHKO Adamant Lucario and maximum Speed Heatran with Earthquake.
Usage Tips
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Garchomp's offensive presence takes a backseat role in this set's success, with its new use being to punish the wide array of physical attackers in the tier. As such, bringing Garchomp in on attacks such as Scizor's U-turn and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack is generally a good idea. With a Rocky Helmet and Rough Skin, passive damage can rack up fairly quickly. Keep in mind, however, that despite the defensive investment, Garchomp is by no means a wall and should not be used to combat setup sweepers, merely to punish lighter physical attackers. Garchomp also lacks any form of recovery outside of Rest, so it doesn't want to be switching in on attacks such as Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat.
The Tank set can be brought out at virtually any point of a game, depending on when the opponent decides to use their physical attackers. However, that being said, getting up Stealth Rock as soon as possible is generally a good idea, as it allows your team to rack up passive damage more quickly. If you choose to run Protect on this set, it should be used to scout Choice-locked moves and gain extra Leftovers recovery.
Team Options
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Chansey stands out as being one of the best teammates for this Garchomp set. It can not only pass Wishes to compensate for Garchomp's lack of recovery, but it also has the benefit of luring in many physical attackers, which Garchomp can punish with its brutal combination of Rough Skin and Rocky Helmet. Moreover, Chansey can handle almost all special attackers that threaten Garchomp, such as Latios, Manaphy, and Sylveon.
Defensive Heatran resists all of Garchomp's weaknesses and can cover the special attackers that Garchomp fears as well. Heatran can also use Stealth Rock and Roar to synergize with Garchomp's access to Dragon Tail. Pokemon that are weak to U-turn greatly appreciate having Garchomp as a teammate to discourage the use of the same. Examples of these include Deoxys-S and Tyranitar.
Other Options
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Outside of the listed sets, Garchomp has a few other options. One could opt to give it a Choice Band for instant offensive power and wallbreaking capabilities. However, its mixed set generally outshines such a set in the wallbreaking department, and it would provide far too many setup opportunities. Other options in Garchomp's physical movepool include Aqua Tail, Iron Head, and Poison Jab. Aqua Tail could be used to hit Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Hippowdon for extra damage, whereas the latter two have use in hitting Fairy-type Pokemon such as Togekiss and Clefable harder. However, these moves usually provide assistance that is better provided by teammates, and they limit Garchomp's options for the rest of its moveslots.
A set comprised of a Salac Berry and Substitute could work, giving Garchomp a way of boosting its Speed when sweeping, which it cannot otherwise do. This grants Garchomp the ability to outspeed the large majority of the unboosted metagame and remedies the Speed issues of its Swords Dance set. That being said, the omnipresence of priority moves limits this set's potential, as Pokemon such as Azumarill and Scizor would be able to easily revenge kill a weakened Garchomp.
A Yache Berry or Roseli Berry are possible item choices for offensive Garchomp sets, giving it a way to soften revenge killing attempts from Ice- and Fairy-type attacks, respectively.
Checks & Counters
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**Physical Walls**: Physical walls are a great means of handling some Garchomp sets. Specifically, Skarmory can manage Garchomp with relative ease, only dreading Fire Blast. Gliscor and Landorus-T can also ably switch into Garchomp, but do not appreciate the nuking power of mixed Garchomp's Draco Meteor, and does not have reliable recovery to tank multiple hits. Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Donphan are other bulky Ground-types that can proficiently defeat Garchomp, with Quagsire boasting the perk of ignoring Swords Dance boosts thanks to Unaware.
**Fairy-types**: Togekiss is an amazing counter to Garchomp, being immune to both of its two main STABs and only fearing the rare Stone Edge. Togekiss can either outright attack Garchomp with its Fairy-type STAB, set up on it, or use Defog. Similarly, physically defensive Clefable can take on the majority of Garchomp's sets and does not fear Swords Dance by virtue of its ability, Unaware. Other examples of Fairy-types that can handle Garchomp include Azumarill and Sylveon, which can both tank unboosted Earthquakes and OHKO back with their STAB attacks.
**Revenge Killers**: Most revenge killers of Garchomp prey on its vulnerability to Ice-type attacks and its Speed tier. In particular, Weavile and Mamoswine cannot easily switch into Garchomp, but they can OHKO Garchomp with their priority STAB Ice Shards. Thundurus, Greninja, and Keldeo can also all outspeed all non-Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and handle it with their individual moves. Other speedy revenge killers, such as Latios and Deoxys-S, can also easily revenge kill Garchomp.
**Status**: One of Garchomp's shortcomings is its susceptibility to status. Pokemon such as Mandibuzz and Quagsire can poison Garchomp with Toxic to hinder its longevity and then proceed to stall it out with their respective recovery moves. Moreover, the burn status also greatly hinders Garchomp, as it halves its Attack stat. Physically defensive Rotom-W is immune to Garchomp's Earthquake and can burn it with Will-O-Wisp.
Overview
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SET NAME
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name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Fire Fang / Stone Edge
ability: Rough Skin
item: Yache Berry / Garchompite
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
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Set Details
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Usage Tips
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Team Options
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name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Swords Dance / Fire Blast
ability: Rough Skin
item: Lum Berry / Focus Sash
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
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Set Details
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Team Options
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name: Mixed
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Stone Edge
ability: Rough Skin
item: Garchompite
nature: Naughty
evs: 224 Atk / 32 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
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Set Details
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Usage Tips
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Other Options
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Checks & Counters
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- Excellent STAB typing and high attack allow it to hit hard
- Good user of Stealth Rock, it is rather fast and has respectable bulk
- Good set up sweeper as it can utilize different items efficiently to set up and sweep
- Unique 102 base Speed allows it to outpace certain important threats though still being outsped by Pokeon such as Keldeo, Gengar, and Thundurus-I
- Mega Evolution can run a mixed set to more success than Chainchomp in previous gens
SET NAME
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name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Fire Fang / Stone Edge
ability: Rough Skin
item: Yache Berry / Garchompite
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
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- Swords Dance helps Garchomp sweep defensive teams when given the opportunity to set up
- Earthquake is the primary attack and STAB move, allows it to hit Pokemon such as Aegislash and Heatran hard
- Outrage is the secondary STAB attack, allows it to hit many Pokemon that are immune to Earthquake such as Rotom-W, Aegislash, Landorus, Thundurus, and Gyarados.
- Dragon Claw can be considered over Outrage if being locked into Outrage is concerning -- such as in the case of Fairy-type Pokemon on the opponent's team
- Fire Fang helps Garchomp take down Ferrothorn, Forretress, and Skarmory easier
- Stone Edge can be used over Fire Fang if one wishes to hit Togekiss, as it would otherwise be immune to both of Garchomp's STAB moves.
- You can also consider running Substitute in the last slot. You lose the ability to beat things like Skarmory but Dragon- and Ground-type coverage is still decent, and you have more safety against faster threats
Set Details
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- EVs maximize Speed and Attack, max speed allows it to beat Pokemon such as Landorus-I and Thundurus-T with a Jolly nature, as well as others below 101 base Speed such as Jirachi, Volcarona, Celebi, and Kyurem-B
- Yache Berry helps it survive Ice-type attacks from faster Pokemon such as Starmie, Greninja, and Keldeo, giving Garchomp the opportunity to survive a hit and attack back.
- Garchompite can be used on teams with Sandstorm support, and hits noticeably harder than the standard Yache set due to Sand Force and the base Attack boost.
- The additional bulk gives it the ability to survive priority attacks from Scizor or Breloom better, but the drop in Speed makes it lose to anything base 92 Speed and above
- Other berries can be used in place of Yache Berry: Lum helps it against random Scald burns, Will-o-Wisp users, and Toxic users, Haban berry helps it survive against certain variants of Latias and Latios
- Life Orb can be used to secure the kill on Pokemon like Gliscor and Landorus-T with Outrage. It hates the recoil but makes it even more threatening
Usage Tips
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- Like most set up sweepers, it is best to save this type of Garchomp mid-late game so its checks and counters are weakened for the most part
- Switch it in safely on defensive teams, and Swords Dance on a predicted switch. This strategy can be used for Pokemon such as defensive Excadrill, Heatran, and even Pokemon like Ferrothorn to an extent.
- If running Lum Berry, you also have opportunities to set up Swords Dance on a status move such as Will-o-Wisp and Toxic. This is also helpful against Scald users like Jellicent
- Be wary of using Outrage if there is still a Fairy-type on the opponent's team, as you could potentially be giving them a free turn if you use Outrage too early
Team Options
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- Best used on offensive teams, as Swords Dance has great wall-breaking potential and can apply offensive pressure in a pinch
- Thundurus-I makes a good partner because it can deal with Skarmory very easily, and also can utilize Prankster Thunder Wave to slow down faster threats for Garchomp to sweep through such as Latios, Keldeo, and Infernape
- Rotom-W can also threaten Skarmory, and can switch into Ice-type attacks from Pokemon like Starmie or Mamoswine
- Offensive Heatran can deal with Swords Dance Mega Mawile with Will-o-Wisp, can lay down Stealth Rock, and can threaten Ferrothorn and opposing switch-ins with Fire Blast
- If using Mega Garchomp, Smooth Rock Tyranitar and Hippowdon are important for keeping the Sand Force boost for Garchomp
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name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Swords Dance / Fire Blast
ability: Rough Skin
item: Lum Berry / Focus Sash
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Moves
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- Garchomp is a good user of Stealth Rock because it can force switches from Pokemon like Heatran and Aegislash, then set up Stealth Rock
- Earthquake is primary STAB and gives Garchomp some offensive presence
- Outrage is used to round out Garchomp's coverage by hitting the Levitate users, Flying-types, and Ground-type resistant Pokemon
- Dragon Claw can be used if one does not wish to be locked into Outrage, though the damage output is noticeably weaker
- Swords Dance gives Garchomp extra sweeping capabilities if it is still around late game, and makes Garchomp an additional threat to the opponent's team
- Fire Blast can be used to hit Ferrothorn, Skarmory and Forretress harder, though Garchomp trades coverage for sweeping capabilities
Set Details
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- Jolly nature with max Attack and Speed allow it to outspeed anything base 101 and below, Garchomp wants to hit as fast as hard as possible
- In the case of Fire Blast, Naive is used so there is no drop in damage
- Lum Berry is useful for both setting up Stealth Rock and sweeping, as Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock during a Toxic or Will-o-Wisp, or it can utilize Lum Berry to set up Swords Dance
- Focus Sash can be used so Garchomp functions more like a suicide lead. It can set up Stealth Rock against Pokemon like Starmie, Latias, and Latios. Or, it can simply choose to kill those threats instead
- Rocky Helmet is also an item to consider which is pretty useful against weaker U-turns, Aegislash Shadow Sneaks, or Talonflame Flare Blitzes in order to rack up more residual damage in tandem with Rough Skin
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- Unlike the Swords Dance set, this Garchomp is best used early game to get Stealth Rock up early
- As such, it is very common for this Garchomp to be used as a lead
- This Garchomp is more efficient at weakening things early game as opposed to flat-out sweeping with Swords Dance
- By weakening the opponent's team, cleanup sweepers can come in late game and finish up
Team Options
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- Gengar, Talonflame, Starmie are all decent options to consider to aid in a late-game cleanup in combination with Garchomp, as they are all able to take down physically bulky threats with ease
- Ferrothorn and Forretress can make good entry hazard combinations with Garchomp because they can set up Spikes while luring in things like Heatran, which Garchomp can switch into
- Similarly, Garchomp can bring in Pokemon like Gliscor, Skarmory, and Hippowdon, which both Ferrothorn and Forretress can spikestack on
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name: Mixed
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Stone Edge
ability: Rough Skin
item: Garchompite
nature: Naughty
evs: 224 Atk / 32 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
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- Earthquake gets a nice attack boost with Sand Force, and hits extremely hard with Mega Garchomp's boosted offenses
- Draco Meteor is used to hit common switch-ins such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, putting them in a 2HKO range with Stealth Rock up.
- Fire Blast takes advantage of Mega Garchomp's mixed capabilities, being able to hit Skarmory and Ferrothorn much harder than usual because it is a specially based attack
- Stone Edge completes Mega Garchomp's coverage, allowing it to hit Togekiss. Furthermore, Stone Edge gets a nice boost from Sand Force
Set Details
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- Naughty nature is used for maximum mixed damage output, as it can dent many bulky teams easily with Earthquake and Draco Meteor
- 32 Special Attack EVs allow for Garchomp to 2HKO the standard Hippowdon with Draco Meteor and Earthquake under Sand
- Max Speed EVs let Garchomp hit 283, capable of outspeeding all Heatran and Adamant Lucario, as well as most bulky Rotom-W sets.
- However, it is outsped by max Speed Gyarados, max Speed Rotom-W, and Kyurem-B
Usage Tips
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- This set is best used to take down slower, defensive teams
- Best used early-mid game to take down walls
- Should be brought in safely with a U-turn or a double switch
- Hit and run with this set. Stay in and fire off attacks accordingly, then switch out
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- Sandstorm support is highly recommended, so Smooth Rock Tyranitar or Hippowdon are common teammates to use. They can also set up Stealth Rock to help Mega Garchomp break down defenses
- Sand Rush Excadrill helps clean up in Sandstorm and can use Rapid Spin if need be to keep Garchomp healthy
- Swords Dance Aegislash can take advantage of weakened physical walls and can clean up lategame with Shadow Sneak as well
- Choice Band Azumarill is also a good teammate as it benefits off of Garchomp's wall-breaking abilities and has Aqua Jet to finish up late game
Other Options
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- A Band set can be used for some instant offense and pure physical power
- Toxic could be used to cripple incoming Hippowdon or Landorus switches
- If used on rain, Aqua Tail can be considered on the Swords Dance set to hit Landorus, Gliscor, and Hippowdon harder
- A Scarf set can be used to revenge kill certain threats -- this would be used more as a clean up sweeper as opposed to a wall-breaking type of sweeper
- Substitute in tandem with Swords Dance can be considered as well, but the lack of coverage hurts its ability to sweep. It can be utilized with Salac Berry to outspeed the majority of the metagame
Checks & Counters
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- Skarmory
- Ferrothorn
- Bronzong
- Gliscor
- Landorus-T
- Hippowdon
- Starmie
- Latias
- Latios
- Thundurus-I
- Keldeo
- Greninja
- Talonflame
- Scizor
- Mamoswine
- Weavile
- Cloyster
- Donphan
- Mega Mawile
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