2xTheTap
YuGiOh main
uploaded -zard
QC: RWBY / Tone / Megazard
GP: frenzyplant / CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
Lanturn's unique set of resistances allows it to check specially offensive Electric-, Flying-, Water-, and Fire-types like Rotom-S, Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Pyroar. Its large HP stat coupled with serviceable Special Defense, which can be further augmented through the use of an Assault Vest, grants it a niche in PU as a blanket check to a large portion of the tier's special attackers. In addition to running defensive sets because of its access to support moves like Heal Bell, Lanturn can also use offensive ones thanks to its wide movepool and usable Special Attack stat, which means the Pokemon that are able to set up on or take advantage of defensive Lanturn, like Lilligant and Ferroseed, cannot always switch into Lanturn directly. Lanturn's ability to control momentum in battles is exceptional; not only is it able to block the opponent's attempts at gaining momentum with Volt Switch thanks to its ability Volt Absorb, but its own Volt Switch in conjunction with its lower Speed stat is also an effective tool for grabbing momentum as well as bringing in frail teammates like Haunter and Jynx safely. Despite Lanturn's lower Speed stat being useful in this context, it is also harmful in certain matchups, as faster offensive Pokemon with a type advantage like Shiftry and Alolan Dugtrio are able to outspeed and OHKO Lanturn. While Lanturn sports only two weaknesses, Ground- and Grass-type coverage moves are commonplace in PU and are regularly run by Pokemon that Lanturn switches into like Magmortar and Manectric. This combined with Lanturn's vulnerability to entry hazards, its lack of reliable recovery, and its lackluster Defense stat can cause Lanturn to be worn down quickly over the course of a battle. Despite these weaknesses, however, Lanturn is still an overall advantageous choice for many different team archetypes, owing to both its ability to run offensive and defensive sets and the unparalleled team support that it provides.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Scald / Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fire
item: Assault Vest
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 72 SpD / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald deals super effective damage to Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-types, and despite its low Base Power, it is still able to OHKO offensive threats like Pyroar and Aggron. Scald-induced burns wear Lanturn's foes down and cripple physical attackers. Alternatively, Hydro Pump gives Lanturn a more powerful STAB option that allows it to deal more significant damage to Ground- and Rock-types like Palossand and Regirock, as well as secure the 2HKO on Assault Vest Magmortar. Volt Switch is a great tool for applying offensive pressure and letting Lanturn pivot out of unfavorable matchups. Ice Beam grants Lanturn super effective coverage against Dragon- and Grass-types. For example, it OHKOes Alolan Exeggutor and Torterra, 2HKOes Drampa and Lilligant, and does more damage to Oricorio-E than Lanturn's other moves would, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Grass 2HKOes Gastrodon and guarantees the OHKO on Kabutops. Hidden Power Fire can be used as an alternative to Hidden Power Grass to provide coverage against Abomasnow and Ferroseed. Hidden Power Fire has a high chance of 2HKOing Jynx.
Set Details
========
Volt Absorb heals Lanturn when it is hit by an Electric-type attack and lets it block Volt Switch for its teammates. 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Lanturn's offensive capabilities; this level of investment allows Lanturn to OHKO Pyroar with Scald, as well as Flying-types like Archeops and Oricorio-G with Volt Switch after Stealth Rock damage. 184 Speed EVs are used to let Lanturn outspeed Modest Aurorus and 2HKO it with Scald. Additionally, Lanturn is able to outspeed neutral-natured base 55s like Exeggutor, Cacturne, and Golurk as well as positive-natured base 45s like Crustle and Golem. Its remaining EVs are used to augment its special bulk, which in conjunction with its Assault Vest lets it tank a wide array of special attacks. For example, the added Special Defense lets Lanturn survive two Hyper Voices from Choice Specs Pyroar and two Earth Powers from Gastrodon.
Usage Tips
========
Given its ability to switch between its coverage moves, Assault Vest Lanturn is able to use Volt Switch freely against Pokemon with an immunity to Electric-type moves. If entry hazards have been set on Lanturn's side of the field, avoid using Volt Switch too often without removing them, as they can whittle away Lanturn's HP prematurely. Use Lanturn's increased bulk from Assault Vest to switch into special attackers like Alolan Raichu, Pyroar, and Oricorio-E. However, be careful when switching into mixed attackers, especially Magmortar, Electivire, and Eelektross. The former two are able to take advantage of Lanturn's lower Defense stat with Earthquake, while Eelektross can remove Lanturn's Assault Vest via Knock Off, tank Lanturn's attacks with its own Assault Vest, and recover a portion of the HP lost via Giga Drain. While Scald can be used liberally, be careful when using it against Pokemon that can capitalize on burns inflicted by Lanturn. For example, Facade users like Stoutland and Pokemon with Guts like Gurdurr become more threatening when burned.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can switch into Ground-type moves on Lanturn's behalf are useful partners. For example, Lurantis and Servine can easily pivot into Gastrodon's Earthquake and force it out while using this opportunity to remove entry hazards via Defog. Weezing is also particularly effective in this capacity, as it can comfortably switch into attacks from Torterra, Golurk, Sandslash, and Alolan Dugtrio while threatening them in return with Will-O-Wisp or Flamethrower. Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper, such as Miltank and Drampa, are effective teammates given their ability to capitalize on Grass-type moves aimed at Lanturn. Miltank's immunity lets it set up Stealth Rock or pressure Grass-types with Toxic, while Drampa is able to use predicted Grass-type moves as a means of entering the field safely and firing off a powerful STAB- and Choice Specs-boosted move on the following turn. Other Pokemon with a resistance to Grass-type attacks work the same way; for example, Ferroseed can force out opposing Grass-types lacking Fire coverage and lay entry hazards on subsequent turns. Other Dragon-types like Alolan Exeggutor operate similarly to Drampa and find opportunities to wallbreak by taking Grass-type moves for Lanturn. Pinsir can also do this to some extent, while Lanturn's slow Volt Switch allows Pinsir enough breathing room to set up either Swords Dance or obtain a Speed boost via Z-Me First. Additionally, given Lilligant's ability to set up on and threaten out Lanturn, Pokemon that are able to check Lilligant specifically, like Oricorio-G, Skuntank, Magmortar, Drampa, and Ferroseed, are all useful for keeping Lanturn alive and Lilligant at bay. Frail attackers, especially those that require a turn of setup to function optimally, appreciate being brought onto the field safely by Lanturn's slow Volt Switch. Not only do they share beneficial type synergy with Lanturn, but sweepers like Jynx, Oricorio-G, Ninjask, and Lilligant are also effective in removing Grass- and Ground-types for Lanturn. Pyroar and Archeops also appreciate Lanturn's slow Volt Switch as well as its enhanced ability to pivot into special attacks on their behalves. In return, Pyroar and Archeops check Grass- and Ground-types for Lanturn and can ensure that defensive answers to Lanturn remain at low HP via Taunt. Ursaring and Zangoose are able to activate Toxic Orb on the turn they are brought in via Volt Switch and can break down specially defensive walls for Lanturn. Without Leftovers, Assault Vest Lanturn can be worn down quickly by entry hazards, so it works well with Rapid Spin or Defog support provided by Swanna, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, or Skuntank. Skuntank in particular is a noteworthy partner, as it has the bonus of absorbing Toxic Spikes for Lanturn. Finally, other grounded Poison-types like Roselia and Arbok keep Lanturn safe from Toxic Spikes, too, while also checking Ground- and Grass-types.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Scald
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Heal Bell / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 40 HP / 220 Def / 248 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch hits Water- and Flying-types like Swanna and Oricorio-G super effectively and allows Lanturn to grab momentum for its teammates and pivot out of checks or counters that might switch in, assuming they are not immune to Electric coverage. Scald hits Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-types such as Golem, Aggron, and Pyroar for super effective damage. Its chance to burn is useful in wearing down the opposition and crippling physical attackers that might try to take advantage of Lanturn's lower Defense stat. Toxic wears down Grass-type switch-ins like Lilligant and Cradily as well as other Pokemon that wall Lanturn's Electric- and Water-type moves like Gastrodon. Heal Bell rids Lanturn and its teammates of status afflictions. Protect eases prediction, grants Lanturn a free turn of Leftovers recovery, and can stall out foes when used in tandem with Toxic.
Set Details
========
Volt Absorb lets Lanturn heal 25% of its maximum HP when struck by Electric-type moves like Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Clefairy's Thunder Wave while granting it an immunity to them. Leftovers grants Lanturn greater longevity and mitigates its lack of reliable recovery. 40 HP EVs maximize Leftovers recovery, while placing 220 EVs in Defense allows Lanturn to survive two Earthquakes from Assault Vest Magmortar after Stealth Rock damage. Additionally, this investment lets Lanturn take an unboosted Earthquake from Alolan Dugtrio as well as Alolan Raichu's Nasty Plot- and Life Orb-boosted Psyshock. Its remaining EVs are poured into Special Defense; this level of investment prevents Lanturn from being 2HKOed by Pyroar's Choice Specs-boosted Hyper Voice. In general, Lanturn's defensive EV spreads can be tailored to a team's specific needs. For example, 120 Speed EVs can be used to let Lanturn outspeed Aggron and hit it with Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Use Lanturn's Volt Absorb to pivot into attacks for its teammates such as Manectric's Volt Switch and Alolan Raichu's Thunderbolt and to keep Lanturn healthy throughout the match so that it can take on powerful special attackers like Pyroar and Magmortar. Even with Defense investment, Lanturn's bulk should not be overestimated in light of its lack of reliable recovery; switch it out of strong physical attackers like Shiftry and Zangoose. Use Lanturn's slow Volt Switch to safely bring in frail Pokemon that cannot afford to take a hit such as Liepard, Jynx, and Kadabra. If the opponent's team includes a Pokemon with an Electric immunity like Gastrodon or Golem, it is often better to use Toxic or Scald on a predicted switch so that the opponent is unable to capitalize on Lanturn's Volt Switch. Use Heal Bell to cure Lanturn and its teammates of crippling status effects. Heal Bell's PP can be depleted easily, so be sure to conserve it during longer battles. Use Protect for an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, especially in situations where Lanturn is in danger of being 2HKOed. Additionally, Protect and Toxic can be used together to stall out Lanturn's foes. Finally, Protect is an effective tool for easing prediction against Choice-locked Pokemon and reducing the damage of incoming Z-Moves, but avoid its overuse, as this can provide the opponent with a free turn of setup.
Team Options
========
Defensive checks to Grass-types like Weezing and Ferroseed mesh well with Lanturn. They appreciate Lanturn's ability to switch into Fire-types on their behalves, while in exchange, they are able to address many of the physical attackers that regularly target Lanturn's lower Defense stat. Furthermore, Weezing's Toxic Spikes ease the need for Lanturn to use or run Toxic, while Ferroseed's entry hazards in combination with Lanturn's Scald and Toxic are effective in wearing down foes. Lanturn also appreciates offensive checks to Grass-types, such as Jynx, Swanna, Oricorio-G, and Haunter. These Pokemon function optimally with Lanturn's slow Volt Switch given their lower defenses. Using Volt Switch too much when entry hazards are present can wear Lanturn down prematurely, so Defog and Rapid Spin support is useful in keeping it healthy. Skuntank can remove entry hazards with Defog and also checks Grass-types. Hitmonchan removes entry hazards with Rapid Spin and checks troublesome physical attackers like Absol and Zangoose, while Lanturn can switch into Flying-types like Swanna and Oricorio-G in return. Pokemon with Levitate can switch into Ground-type moves for Lanturn, making Mesprit and Weezing effective partners. Mesprit can also mitigate Lanturn's lack of reliable recovery through Healing Wish, while its U-turn forms a momentum-gaining core with Lanturn's Volt Switch. Variants of Weezing with Flamethrower can beat Alolan Dugtrio and Ferroseed for Lanturn, and Weezing in general wears down physically offensive threats to Lanturn with Will-O-Wisp. Fighting-types like Primeape appreciate Lanturn's Heal Bell support as well as its ability to switch into Flying-type moves. Additionally, Lanturn can wear down checks to Fighting-types, like Musharna and Weezing, with Toxic or one of its STAB moves. Finally, Lanturn and Primeape form a VoltTurn core together, which serves to weaken checks and counters to both.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 72 SpD / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Choice Specs Lanturn's STAB move of choice, and the boost in power provided by Choice Specs enables Lanturn to OHKO bulky Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-types such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Assault Vest Magmortar after Stealth Rock damage. Its slow, strong Volt Switch grants its teammates momentum and severely damages anything that doesn't resist Electric. Ice Beam OHKOes offensive Grass-types that might attempt to switch into Lanturn's Volt Switch or Hydro Pump like Torterra and Alolan Exeggutor. Hidden Power Grass allows Lanturn to hit Gastrodon and other Lanturn super effectively, and it does slightly more damage to defensive Carracosta than Volt Switch. Hidden Power Fire enables Lanturn to OHKO neutral-natured Abomasnow and 2HKO Ferroseed.
Set Details
========
Volt Absorb lets Lanturn pivot into Electric-type moves for its teammates and heal itself in the process. 184 Speed EVs let Lanturn outspeed Modest Aurorus, Adamant Torterra, Adamant Golurk, and everything slower. Alternatively, 200 Speed EVs can be run with Hidden Power Fire to outspeed and OHKO neutral-natured Abomasnow after Stealth Rock damage before Lanturn is hit by a Grass-type move. 252 Special Attack EVs with Choice Specs and a Modest nature maximize Lanturn's offensive capabilities. Its remaining EVs are allocated toward its Special Defense to increase its bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Lanturn's Choice Specs-boosted Volt Switch is a powerful tool for wearing down foes and keeping up momentum, but its overuse can be easily capitalized on by Ground-types like Gastrodon. The same is true of Hydro Pump, given that Pokemon with an immunity to Water-type moves like Jynx can pivot into it and use this opportunity to set up. Choice Specs Lanturn should be switched conservatively into attacks it resists, given that it lacks the bulk that its more defensive counterparts possess. Use Lanturn's powerful Hydro Pump to punish Ground-types that attempt to switch into its Volt Switch. Similarly, use Ice Beam to blast Grass-types that attempt to wall its Water- and Electric-type coverage moves. Finally, despite holding Choice Specs, Lanturn's power should not be overestimated in light of the fact that it is still unable to 2HKO specially defensive Pokemon like Clefairy, Audino, and Type: Null.
Team Options
========
Choice Specs Lanturn fits well on offensive teams that are geared toward setting up multiple entry hazards because of Lanturn's ability to force switches with its STAB moves. Therefore, Spikes or Toxic Spikes setters like Ferroseed, Crustle, and Weezing are effective partners, as their entry hazards are conducive to weakening Grass- and Ground-types that are forced to switch into Lanturn's attacks. Additionally, Lanturn resists most of Crustle's weaknesses, and it is able to pressure special attackers for Weezing and Ferroseed. Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G can be used to block Rapid Spin for these entry hazard setters, too, and share good synergy with Lanturn; for example, Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type moves for Oricorio-G, which can switch into Ground-type moves and check Grass-types for Lanturn. Haunter operates similarly and also appreciates being brought onto the field via Lanturn's slow Volt Switch. Primeape forms a momentum-gaining VoltTurn core with Lanturn and can revenge KO +1 Lilligant in case it has used Lanturn as setup fodder, and Primeape's ability Defiant is useful in deterring entry hazards from being removed via Defog. In return, Lanturn can pressure many of the Flying-types that give Primeape trouble. Archeops pressures Grass-types threatening to Lanturn and keeps up offensive pressure with Taunt or momentum with U-turn. Lanturn reciprocates by switching into Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves aimed at Archeops. Moreover, Lanturn's slow Volt Switch brings in Archeops safely and conserves its HP so that it's less likely to be put into Defeatist range. Offensive Grass-types that can remove Gastrodon, like Abomasnow and Shiftry, are useful for allowing Lanturn to lock into its STAB moves. Lilligant is an excellent offensive partner to Lanturn, given that Lanturn's Choice Specs-boosted attacks are able to remove Pokemon that may potentially cut Lilligant's sweep short, like Assault Vest Magmortar and Choice Scarf Swanna. Zangoose also appreciates Choice Specs Lanturn as a teammate; not only is Lanturn able to bring Zangoose in safely with its slow Volt Switch, which also activates Zangoose's Toxic Orb, but Lanturn also breaks down Pokemon that resist Normal for Zangoose so that it's able to freely fire off its powerful Facades.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thunderbolt is an option over Hidden Power Grass and Hidden Power Fire on Lanturn's offensive sets for when Gastrodon, Abomasnow, and Ferroseed have already been accounted for by Lanturn's teammates. The extra power from Thunderbolt allows Assault Vest Lanturn to OHKO Archeops and Choice Specs Lanturn to OHKO Wishiwashi and Lapras. Discharge can be used too, as it has a chance of paralysis that is useful in matchups against faster attackers. Soak can be used in tandem with Lanturn's Electric-type moves to score a super effective hit on Pokemon that would otherwise wall Lanturn, like Ferroseed, but Soak takes up a slot that it would've used for Toxic or Heal Bell on defensive sets or Hidden Power Grass or Fire on offensive ones. Whirlpool and Toxic can be used together to trap opposing Lanturn, but like with Soak, Lanturn's other moves are more practical overall. Normalium Z can be used in place of Leftovers on Lanturn's bulky pivot set for a full heal from Z-Heal Bell. However, a one-time heal does not grant Lanturn the longevity required for longer battles. Ion Deluge in conjunction with Volt Absorb allows Lanturn to absorb Normal-type attacks like Rapid Spin and heal itself for 25% of its maximum HP. Additionally, this combination prevents Choice-locked Normal-types like Pyroar and Stoutland from beating Lanturn. Lanturn can run a set of Rain Dance, Hydro Pump, Thunder, and Volt Switch with a Damp Rock to better support rain teams in need of an immunity to Electric-type moves, to act as a bulky pivot to bring in frail sweepers safely and as a secondary Rain Dance setter. Additionally, Rain Dance increases the potency of its STAB moves. Rest and Sleep Talk can be used to keep Lanturn healthy and allow it to continuously pivot in and out of battle. However, such a set lacks counterplay for Grass-types and Gastrodon, which causes Lanturn to be forced out more often. Signal Beam provides stronger coverage against Dark- and Psychic-types while still hitting Grass-types super effectively. For example, Ludicolo, Exeggutor, and Shiftry all take more damage from Signal Beam than Lanturn's other moves. However, Signal Beam takes up a slot Lanturn would normally use for hitting Ferroseed or Gastrodon harder. Charge Beam can be used on Lanturn's Assault Vest set so that it can attack with the same power as its Choice Specs set while retaining its ability to switch between moves. This is a lackluster option, however, given that Hidden Power Grass and Hidden Power Fire are more practical for beating common switch-ins to Lanturn. Finally, Water Absorb is an alternative over Volt Absorb for pivoting into Water-types like Floatzel and Swanna more efficiently, but such a tactic should only be employed when Lanturn's teammates already have a means of pivoting into Electric-type attacks.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Gastrodon and Torterra resist Lanturn's STAB attacks and can use a predicted Volt Switch or Scald to switch into Lanturn. However, they must be careful of Hidden Power Grass and Ice Beam, respectively, as well as Toxic. While they are unable to switch into Lanturn reliably due to the risk of being hit by Scald or Hydro Pump, offensive Ground-types like Golurk, Alolan Dugtrio, and Speed-invested Sandslash are able to outspeed and OHKO Lanturn with their STAB moves.
**Grass-types**: Cradily and Ferroseed wall Lanturn's STAB attacks and can use Lanturn to set up entry hazards or whittle it away with Toxic in Cradily's case. Other Grass-types like Abomasnow and Shiftry easily force Lanturn out via their STAB moves, although they must be careful of switching into Hidden Power Fire and Ice Beam, respectively. Lurantis can use Lanturn as a way to boost its Special Attack via Contrary Leaf Storm, while it is able to heal any status that Lanturn might inflict on it or its teammates with Aromatherapy.
**Physical Wallbreakers**: Zangoose and Stoutland are able to target Lanturn's lower Defense stat and bring it down with a powered-up Facade or a Choice Band-boosted Return. Similarly, Passimian's Choice Band-boosted Close Combat allows it to OHKO even bulky Lanturn with Stealth Rock damage factored in.
**Setup Sweepers**: Mesprit with Substitute and Calm Mind can use some of Lanturn's weaker attacks or status moves as an opportunity to set up multiple boosts. Lilligant can easily set up a Quiver Dance in Lanturn's face and recover any HP lost via Giga Drain. Lastly, Type: Null avoids the 3HKO from even Choice Specs Lanturn's Hydro Pump, meaning Lanturn can be used for Type: Null to boost its Attack via Swords Dance.
**Residual Damage**: Given Lanturn's lack of reliable recovery, passive sources of damage can limit the number of times Lanturn can pivot into attacks for its teammates. Entry hazards set by Pokemon like Weezing and Ferroseed are crippling to Lanturn. Toxic is similarly threatening to variants of Lanturn lacking Heal Bell.
QC: RWBY / Tone / Megazard
GP: frenzyplant / CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
Lanturn's unique set of resistances allows it to check specially offensive Electric-, Flying-, Water-, and Fire-types like Rotom-S, Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Pyroar. Its large HP stat coupled with serviceable Special Defense, which can be further augmented through the use of an Assault Vest, grants it a niche in PU as a blanket check to a large portion of the tier's special attackers. In addition to running defensive sets because of its access to support moves like Heal Bell, Lanturn can also use offensive ones thanks to its wide movepool and usable Special Attack stat, which means the Pokemon that are able to set up on or take advantage of defensive Lanturn, like Lilligant and Ferroseed, cannot always switch into Lanturn directly. Lanturn's ability to control momentum in battles is exceptional; not only is it able to block the opponent's attempts at gaining momentum with Volt Switch thanks to its ability Volt Absorb, but its own Volt Switch in conjunction with its lower Speed stat is also an effective tool for grabbing momentum as well as bringing in frail teammates like Haunter and Jynx safely. Despite Lanturn's lower Speed stat being useful in this context, it is also harmful in certain matchups, as faster offensive Pokemon with a type advantage like Shiftry and Alolan Dugtrio are able to outspeed and OHKO Lanturn. While Lanturn sports only two weaknesses, Ground- and Grass-type coverage moves are commonplace in PU and are regularly run by Pokemon that Lanturn switches into like Magmortar and Manectric. This combined with Lanturn's vulnerability to entry hazards, its lack of reliable recovery, and its lackluster Defense stat can cause Lanturn to be worn down quickly over the course of a battle. Despite these weaknesses, however, Lanturn is still an overall advantageous choice for many different team archetypes, owing to both its ability to run offensive and defensive sets and the unparalleled team support that it provides.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Scald / Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fire
item: Assault Vest
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 72 SpD / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald deals super effective damage to Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-types, and despite its low Base Power, it is still able to OHKO offensive threats like Pyroar and Aggron. Scald-induced burns wear Lanturn's foes down and cripple physical attackers. Alternatively, Hydro Pump gives Lanturn a more powerful STAB option that allows it to deal more significant damage to Ground- and Rock-types like Palossand and Regirock, as well as secure the 2HKO on Assault Vest Magmortar. Volt Switch is a great tool for applying offensive pressure and letting Lanturn pivot out of unfavorable matchups. Ice Beam grants Lanturn super effective coverage against Dragon- and Grass-types. For example, it OHKOes Alolan Exeggutor and Torterra, 2HKOes Drampa and Lilligant, and does more damage to Oricorio-E than Lanturn's other moves would, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Grass 2HKOes Gastrodon and guarantees the OHKO on Kabutops. Hidden Power Fire can be used as an alternative to Hidden Power Grass to provide coverage against Abomasnow and Ferroseed. Hidden Power Fire has a high chance of 2HKOing Jynx.
Set Details
========
Volt Absorb heals Lanturn when it is hit by an Electric-type attack and lets it block Volt Switch for its teammates. 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Lanturn's offensive capabilities; this level of investment allows Lanturn to OHKO Pyroar with Scald, as well as Flying-types like Archeops and Oricorio-G with Volt Switch after Stealth Rock damage. 184 Speed EVs are used to let Lanturn outspeed Modest Aurorus and 2HKO it with Scald. Additionally, Lanturn is able to outspeed neutral-natured base 55s like Exeggutor, Cacturne, and Golurk as well as positive-natured base 45s like Crustle and Golem. Its remaining EVs are used to augment its special bulk, which in conjunction with its Assault Vest lets it tank a wide array of special attacks. For example, the added Special Defense lets Lanturn survive two Hyper Voices from Choice Specs Pyroar and two Earth Powers from Gastrodon.
Usage Tips
========
Given its ability to switch between its coverage moves, Assault Vest Lanturn is able to use Volt Switch freely against Pokemon with an immunity to Electric-type moves. If entry hazards have been set on Lanturn's side of the field, avoid using Volt Switch too often without removing them, as they can whittle away Lanturn's HP prematurely. Use Lanturn's increased bulk from Assault Vest to switch into special attackers like Alolan Raichu, Pyroar, and Oricorio-E. However, be careful when switching into mixed attackers, especially Magmortar, Electivire, and Eelektross. The former two are able to take advantage of Lanturn's lower Defense stat with Earthquake, while Eelektross can remove Lanturn's Assault Vest via Knock Off, tank Lanturn's attacks with its own Assault Vest, and recover a portion of the HP lost via Giga Drain. While Scald can be used liberally, be careful when using it against Pokemon that can capitalize on burns inflicted by Lanturn. For example, Facade users like Stoutland and Pokemon with Guts like Gurdurr become more threatening when burned.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can switch into Ground-type moves on Lanturn's behalf are useful partners. For example, Lurantis and Servine can easily pivot into Gastrodon's Earthquake and force it out while using this opportunity to remove entry hazards via Defog. Weezing is also particularly effective in this capacity, as it can comfortably switch into attacks from Torterra, Golurk, Sandslash, and Alolan Dugtrio while threatening them in return with Will-O-Wisp or Flamethrower. Pokemon with the ability Sap Sipper, such as Miltank and Drampa, are effective teammates given their ability to capitalize on Grass-type moves aimed at Lanturn. Miltank's immunity lets it set up Stealth Rock or pressure Grass-types with Toxic, while Drampa is able to use predicted Grass-type moves as a means of entering the field safely and firing off a powerful STAB- and Choice Specs-boosted move on the following turn. Other Pokemon with a resistance to Grass-type attacks work the same way; for example, Ferroseed can force out opposing Grass-types lacking Fire coverage and lay entry hazards on subsequent turns. Other Dragon-types like Alolan Exeggutor operate similarly to Drampa and find opportunities to wallbreak by taking Grass-type moves for Lanturn. Pinsir can also do this to some extent, while Lanturn's slow Volt Switch allows Pinsir enough breathing room to set up either Swords Dance or obtain a Speed boost via Z-Me First. Additionally, given Lilligant's ability to set up on and threaten out Lanturn, Pokemon that are able to check Lilligant specifically, like Oricorio-G, Skuntank, Magmortar, Drampa, and Ferroseed, are all useful for keeping Lanturn alive and Lilligant at bay. Frail attackers, especially those that require a turn of setup to function optimally, appreciate being brought onto the field safely by Lanturn's slow Volt Switch. Not only do they share beneficial type synergy with Lanturn, but sweepers like Jynx, Oricorio-G, Ninjask, and Lilligant are also effective in removing Grass- and Ground-types for Lanturn. Pyroar and Archeops also appreciate Lanturn's slow Volt Switch as well as its enhanced ability to pivot into special attacks on their behalves. In return, Pyroar and Archeops check Grass- and Ground-types for Lanturn and can ensure that defensive answers to Lanturn remain at low HP via Taunt. Ursaring and Zangoose are able to activate Toxic Orb on the turn they are brought in via Volt Switch and can break down specially defensive walls for Lanturn. Without Leftovers, Assault Vest Lanturn can be worn down quickly by entry hazards, so it works well with Rapid Spin or Defog support provided by Swanna, Shiftry, Hitmonchan, or Skuntank. Skuntank in particular is a noteworthy partner, as it has the bonus of absorbing Toxic Spikes for Lanturn. Finally, other grounded Poison-types like Roselia and Arbok keep Lanturn safe from Toxic Spikes, too, while also checking Ground- and Grass-types.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Scald
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Heal Bell / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 40 HP / 220 Def / 248 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch hits Water- and Flying-types like Swanna and Oricorio-G super effectively and allows Lanturn to grab momentum for its teammates and pivot out of checks or counters that might switch in, assuming they are not immune to Electric coverage. Scald hits Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-types such as Golem, Aggron, and Pyroar for super effective damage. Its chance to burn is useful in wearing down the opposition and crippling physical attackers that might try to take advantage of Lanturn's lower Defense stat. Toxic wears down Grass-type switch-ins like Lilligant and Cradily as well as other Pokemon that wall Lanturn's Electric- and Water-type moves like Gastrodon. Heal Bell rids Lanturn and its teammates of status afflictions. Protect eases prediction, grants Lanturn a free turn of Leftovers recovery, and can stall out foes when used in tandem with Toxic.
Set Details
========
Volt Absorb lets Lanturn heal 25% of its maximum HP when struck by Electric-type moves like Togedemaru's Zing Zap and Clefairy's Thunder Wave while granting it an immunity to them. Leftovers grants Lanturn greater longevity and mitigates its lack of reliable recovery. 40 HP EVs maximize Leftovers recovery, while placing 220 EVs in Defense allows Lanturn to survive two Earthquakes from Assault Vest Magmortar after Stealth Rock damage. Additionally, this investment lets Lanturn take an unboosted Earthquake from Alolan Dugtrio as well as Alolan Raichu's Nasty Plot- and Life Orb-boosted Psyshock. Its remaining EVs are poured into Special Defense; this level of investment prevents Lanturn from being 2HKOed by Pyroar's Choice Specs-boosted Hyper Voice. In general, Lanturn's defensive EV spreads can be tailored to a team's specific needs. For example, 120 Speed EVs can be used to let Lanturn outspeed Aggron and hit it with Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Use Lanturn's Volt Absorb to pivot into attacks for its teammates such as Manectric's Volt Switch and Alolan Raichu's Thunderbolt and to keep Lanturn healthy throughout the match so that it can take on powerful special attackers like Pyroar and Magmortar. Even with Defense investment, Lanturn's bulk should not be overestimated in light of its lack of reliable recovery; switch it out of strong physical attackers like Shiftry and Zangoose. Use Lanturn's slow Volt Switch to safely bring in frail Pokemon that cannot afford to take a hit such as Liepard, Jynx, and Kadabra. If the opponent's team includes a Pokemon with an Electric immunity like Gastrodon or Golem, it is often better to use Toxic or Scald on a predicted switch so that the opponent is unable to capitalize on Lanturn's Volt Switch. Use Heal Bell to cure Lanturn and its teammates of crippling status effects. Heal Bell's PP can be depleted easily, so be sure to conserve it during longer battles. Use Protect for an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, especially in situations where Lanturn is in danger of being 2HKOed. Additionally, Protect and Toxic can be used together to stall out Lanturn's foes. Finally, Protect is an effective tool for easing prediction against Choice-locked Pokemon and reducing the damage of incoming Z-Moves, but avoid its overuse, as this can provide the opponent with a free turn of setup.
Team Options
========
Defensive checks to Grass-types like Weezing and Ferroseed mesh well with Lanturn. They appreciate Lanturn's ability to switch into Fire-types on their behalves, while in exchange, they are able to address many of the physical attackers that regularly target Lanturn's lower Defense stat. Furthermore, Weezing's Toxic Spikes ease the need for Lanturn to use or run Toxic, while Ferroseed's entry hazards in combination with Lanturn's Scald and Toxic are effective in wearing down foes. Lanturn also appreciates offensive checks to Grass-types, such as Jynx, Swanna, Oricorio-G, and Haunter. These Pokemon function optimally with Lanturn's slow Volt Switch given their lower defenses. Using Volt Switch too much when entry hazards are present can wear Lanturn down prematurely, so Defog and Rapid Spin support is useful in keeping it healthy. Skuntank can remove entry hazards with Defog and also checks Grass-types. Hitmonchan removes entry hazards with Rapid Spin and checks troublesome physical attackers like Absol and Zangoose, while Lanturn can switch into Flying-types like Swanna and Oricorio-G in return. Pokemon with Levitate can switch into Ground-type moves for Lanturn, making Mesprit and Weezing effective partners. Mesprit can also mitigate Lanturn's lack of reliable recovery through Healing Wish, while its U-turn forms a momentum-gaining core with Lanturn's Volt Switch. Variants of Weezing with Flamethrower can beat Alolan Dugtrio and Ferroseed for Lanturn, and Weezing in general wears down physically offensive threats to Lanturn with Will-O-Wisp. Fighting-types like Primeape appreciate Lanturn's Heal Bell support as well as its ability to switch into Flying-type moves. Additionally, Lanturn can wear down checks to Fighting-types, like Musharna and Weezing, with Toxic or one of its STAB moves. Finally, Lanturn and Primeape form a VoltTurn core together, which serves to weaken checks and counters to both.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 72 SpD / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Choice Specs Lanturn's STAB move of choice, and the boost in power provided by Choice Specs enables Lanturn to OHKO bulky Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-types such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Assault Vest Magmortar after Stealth Rock damage. Its slow, strong Volt Switch grants its teammates momentum and severely damages anything that doesn't resist Electric. Ice Beam OHKOes offensive Grass-types that might attempt to switch into Lanturn's Volt Switch or Hydro Pump like Torterra and Alolan Exeggutor. Hidden Power Grass allows Lanturn to hit Gastrodon and other Lanturn super effectively, and it does slightly more damage to defensive Carracosta than Volt Switch. Hidden Power Fire enables Lanturn to OHKO neutral-natured Abomasnow and 2HKO Ferroseed.
Set Details
========
Volt Absorb lets Lanturn pivot into Electric-type moves for its teammates and heal itself in the process. 184 Speed EVs let Lanturn outspeed Modest Aurorus, Adamant Torterra, Adamant Golurk, and everything slower. Alternatively, 200 Speed EVs can be run with Hidden Power Fire to outspeed and OHKO neutral-natured Abomasnow after Stealth Rock damage before Lanturn is hit by a Grass-type move. 252 Special Attack EVs with Choice Specs and a Modest nature maximize Lanturn's offensive capabilities. Its remaining EVs are allocated toward its Special Defense to increase its bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Lanturn's Choice Specs-boosted Volt Switch is a powerful tool for wearing down foes and keeping up momentum, but its overuse can be easily capitalized on by Ground-types like Gastrodon. The same is true of Hydro Pump, given that Pokemon with an immunity to Water-type moves like Jynx can pivot into it and use this opportunity to set up. Choice Specs Lanturn should be switched conservatively into attacks it resists, given that it lacks the bulk that its more defensive counterparts possess. Use Lanturn's powerful Hydro Pump to punish Ground-types that attempt to switch into its Volt Switch. Similarly, use Ice Beam to blast Grass-types that attempt to wall its Water- and Electric-type coverage moves. Finally, despite holding Choice Specs, Lanturn's power should not be overestimated in light of the fact that it is still unable to 2HKO specially defensive Pokemon like Clefairy, Audino, and Type: Null.
Team Options
========
Choice Specs Lanturn fits well on offensive teams that are geared toward setting up multiple entry hazards because of Lanturn's ability to force switches with its STAB moves. Therefore, Spikes or Toxic Spikes setters like Ferroseed, Crustle, and Weezing are effective partners, as their entry hazards are conducive to weakening Grass- and Ground-types that are forced to switch into Lanturn's attacks. Additionally, Lanturn resists most of Crustle's weaknesses, and it is able to pressure special attackers for Weezing and Ferroseed. Ghost-types like Haunter and Oricorio-G can be used to block Rapid Spin for these entry hazard setters, too, and share good synergy with Lanturn; for example, Lanturn resists Ice- and Electric-type moves for Oricorio-G, which can switch into Ground-type moves and check Grass-types for Lanturn. Haunter operates similarly and also appreciates being brought onto the field via Lanturn's slow Volt Switch. Primeape forms a momentum-gaining VoltTurn core with Lanturn and can revenge KO +1 Lilligant in case it has used Lanturn as setup fodder, and Primeape's ability Defiant is useful in deterring entry hazards from being removed via Defog. In return, Lanturn can pressure many of the Flying-types that give Primeape trouble. Archeops pressures Grass-types threatening to Lanturn and keeps up offensive pressure with Taunt or momentum with U-turn. Lanturn reciprocates by switching into Water-, Ice-, and Electric-type moves aimed at Archeops. Moreover, Lanturn's slow Volt Switch brings in Archeops safely and conserves its HP so that it's less likely to be put into Defeatist range. Offensive Grass-types that can remove Gastrodon, like Abomasnow and Shiftry, are useful for allowing Lanturn to lock into its STAB moves. Lilligant is an excellent offensive partner to Lanturn, given that Lanturn's Choice Specs-boosted attacks are able to remove Pokemon that may potentially cut Lilligant's sweep short, like Assault Vest Magmortar and Choice Scarf Swanna. Zangoose also appreciates Choice Specs Lanturn as a teammate; not only is Lanturn able to bring Zangoose in safely with its slow Volt Switch, which also activates Zangoose's Toxic Orb, but Lanturn also breaks down Pokemon that resist Normal for Zangoose so that it's able to freely fire off its powerful Facades.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thunderbolt is an option over Hidden Power Grass and Hidden Power Fire on Lanturn's offensive sets for when Gastrodon, Abomasnow, and Ferroseed have already been accounted for by Lanturn's teammates. The extra power from Thunderbolt allows Assault Vest Lanturn to OHKO Archeops and Choice Specs Lanturn to OHKO Wishiwashi and Lapras. Discharge can be used too, as it has a chance of paralysis that is useful in matchups against faster attackers. Soak can be used in tandem with Lanturn's Electric-type moves to score a super effective hit on Pokemon that would otherwise wall Lanturn, like Ferroseed, but Soak takes up a slot that it would've used for Toxic or Heal Bell on defensive sets or Hidden Power Grass or Fire on offensive ones. Whirlpool and Toxic can be used together to trap opposing Lanturn, but like with Soak, Lanturn's other moves are more practical overall. Normalium Z can be used in place of Leftovers on Lanturn's bulky pivot set for a full heal from Z-Heal Bell. However, a one-time heal does not grant Lanturn the longevity required for longer battles. Ion Deluge in conjunction with Volt Absorb allows Lanturn to absorb Normal-type attacks like Rapid Spin and heal itself for 25% of its maximum HP. Additionally, this combination prevents Choice-locked Normal-types like Pyroar and Stoutland from beating Lanturn. Lanturn can run a set of Rain Dance, Hydro Pump, Thunder, and Volt Switch with a Damp Rock to better support rain teams in need of an immunity to Electric-type moves, to act as a bulky pivot to bring in frail sweepers safely and as a secondary Rain Dance setter. Additionally, Rain Dance increases the potency of its STAB moves. Rest and Sleep Talk can be used to keep Lanturn healthy and allow it to continuously pivot in and out of battle. However, such a set lacks counterplay for Grass-types and Gastrodon, which causes Lanturn to be forced out more often. Signal Beam provides stronger coverage against Dark- and Psychic-types while still hitting Grass-types super effectively. For example, Ludicolo, Exeggutor, and Shiftry all take more damage from Signal Beam than Lanturn's other moves. However, Signal Beam takes up a slot Lanturn would normally use for hitting Ferroseed or Gastrodon harder. Charge Beam can be used on Lanturn's Assault Vest set so that it can attack with the same power as its Choice Specs set while retaining its ability to switch between moves. This is a lackluster option, however, given that Hidden Power Grass and Hidden Power Fire are more practical for beating common switch-ins to Lanturn. Finally, Water Absorb is an alternative over Volt Absorb for pivoting into Water-types like Floatzel and Swanna more efficiently, but such a tactic should only be employed when Lanturn's teammates already have a means of pivoting into Electric-type attacks.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Gastrodon and Torterra resist Lanturn's STAB attacks and can use a predicted Volt Switch or Scald to switch into Lanturn. However, they must be careful of Hidden Power Grass and Ice Beam, respectively, as well as Toxic. While they are unable to switch into Lanturn reliably due to the risk of being hit by Scald or Hydro Pump, offensive Ground-types like Golurk, Alolan Dugtrio, and Speed-invested Sandslash are able to outspeed and OHKO Lanturn with their STAB moves.
**Grass-types**: Cradily and Ferroseed wall Lanturn's STAB attacks and can use Lanturn to set up entry hazards or whittle it away with Toxic in Cradily's case. Other Grass-types like Abomasnow and Shiftry easily force Lanturn out via their STAB moves, although they must be careful of switching into Hidden Power Fire and Ice Beam, respectively. Lurantis can use Lanturn as a way to boost its Special Attack via Contrary Leaf Storm, while it is able to heal any status that Lanturn might inflict on it or its teammates with Aromatherapy.
**Physical Wallbreakers**: Zangoose and Stoutland are able to target Lanturn's lower Defense stat and bring it down with a powered-up Facade or a Choice Band-boosted Return. Similarly, Passimian's Choice Band-boosted Close Combat allows it to OHKO even bulky Lanturn with Stealth Rock damage factored in.
**Setup Sweepers**: Mesprit with Substitute and Calm Mind can use some of Lanturn's weaker attacks or status moves as an opportunity to set up multiple boosts. Lilligant can easily set up a Quiver Dance in Lanturn's face and recover any HP lost via Giga Drain. Lastly, Type: Null avoids the 3HKO from even Choice Specs Lanturn's Hydro Pump, meaning Lanturn can be used for Type: Null to boost its Attack via Swords Dance.
**Residual Damage**: Given Lanturn's lack of reliable recovery, passive sources of damage can limit the number of times Lanturn can pivot into attacks for its teammates. Entry hazards set by Pokemon like Weezing and Ferroseed are crippling to Lanturn. Toxic is similarly threatening to variants of Lanturn lacking Heal Bell.
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