LC Larvitar

Hilomilo

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[OVERVIEW]

Larvitar has a great offensive STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for neutral damage, as well as access to a great setup option in Dragon Dance, which allows it to pose a threat as a decent late-game sweeper. Larvitar's Guts ability further bolsters its offensive presence and allows it to absorb status fairly well and set up without worrying about burns. In addition to its unresisted STAB attacks, Larvitar also has access to powerful coverage options like Superpower and Crunch to hit specific targets harder. However, despite its typing's excellent offensive STAB coverage, it also leaves Larvitar 4x weak to the tier's common Grass- and Water-type attacks and weak to the ever so prevalent Fighting-types. Larvitar is also quite slow before a boost and very frail, meaning that it will struggle to take a hit before setting up, and even after a boost, Larvitar's low Speed and weaknesses to common priority attacks like Aqua Jet and Vacuum Wave leave it easily revenge killed. Furthermore, Larvitar is still quite slow and weak after a boost, meaning that it will be easily revenge killed by most moderately bulky foes. Lastly, Larvitar faces competition from a similar sweeper in Tyrunt, which has a better typing and ability for setting up and a higher Attack stat, and from Shell Smash users like Shellder and Tirtouga.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 188 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Larvitar's Attack and Speed stats by one stage and enables its sweep. Earthquake is Larvitar's most powerful Ground-type STAB attack and hits anything that doesn't resist it for sufficient damage after a Dragon Dance boost. Rock Slide is a powerful secondary STAB option that offers excellent coverage alongside Earthquake and has a decent chance to flinch Larvitar's foes. Stone Edge, however, can be used over Rock Slide for more power, hitting defensive threats such as Spritzee and Slowpoke for 2HKOs after two Attack boosts. This is, however, at the cost of accuracy. Superpower rounds off Larvitar’s excellent coverage, allowing it to hit the likes of Ferroseed and Munchlax for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Larvitar to hit as hard as possible, while maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Larvitar to outpace the entire unboosted metagame after one Dragon Dance boost. The remaining EVs are put into Defense and Special Defense to provide Larvitar with a bit more staying power alongside Eviolite. Flame Orb is an option over Eviolite, allowing Larvitar to receive an Attack boost from Guts, though the boost in defenses is usually more useful for ensuring a chance to set up. Guts is the preferred ability, as it allows Larvitar to reliably absorb otherwise threatening status conditions in poison and burn and use them to gain a 1.5x boost in Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Larvitar is best used as a late-game sweeper once its checks and counters have been removed. It can, however, be put to use early-game to punch some holes in the opponent's team for another teammate to sweep late-game. It is best that bulky Water-types like Slowpoke and Staryu and Grass-types such as Foongus and Cottonee are removed before Larvitar attempts to sweep, as they will usually be able to take a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks. Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr are also important to remove from play before Larvitar tries sweeping for similar reasons. Larvitar often struggles to find setup opportunities and should thus capitalize on switches it forces to use Dragon Dance. As such, reliable setup targets include Larvesta, defensive Ponyta, and Alolan Grimer. Finally, Larvitar's general frailty means that it often won't be able to switch into attacks very reliably, meaning it is best brought out via pivot support from Pokemon like Magnemite and Vullaby or after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

Pokemon capable of dealing with Water-types, such as Snivy, Elekid, and Chinchou, make good partners, as they allow Larvitar to more reliably sweep late-game. Grass-type checks, such as Rufflet, Vullaby, and Ponyta, are also generally good partners due to them being able to deal with Grass-types that would otherwise impede Larvitar's sweep. Abra, Snubbull, and Spritzee are also good partners, as they are all examples of Pokemon capable of checking the Fighting-types that Larvitar hates dealing with. Knock Off support from Pokemon like Kabuto, Pawniard, and Mienfoo is useful for removing Eviolites from bulkier foes and making it easier for Larvitar to sweep. Memento support from the likes of Cottonee and Alolan Grimer is useful for giving Larvitar a setup opportunity and, if Larvitar is holding a Flame Orb, more or less mandatory due to its poor bulk. Slow pivot support from the likes of Mienfoo, Vullaby, and Magnemite is also helpful to Larvitar, as it prevents Larvitar from taking too much damage before setting up by granting it free switches. Lastly, entry hazard support from Pokemon like Ferroseed and Onix is useful for allowing Larvitar to break past foes with the Sturdy ability, like Magnemite and Dwebble, as well as breaking past foes like Berry Juice Snivy more easily.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Crunch is an option to hit Pumpkaboo-XL and Slowpoke for sufficient damage, but it has limited use otherwise and leaves Larvitar walled by Ferroseed. Facade is a decently powerful attack once Guts is activated, though it is reliant on Larvitar getting inflicted with status and is almost always less valuable coverage than Superpower. A Choice Scarf set is an option but is usually done better by Cranidos, as Larvitar is rather weak unless Guts has been activated. Rock Polish is an option for outpacing every Choice Scarf user in the metagame after a boost. However, Larvitar will lack power unless inflicted with status and will be quite frail if holding a Flame Orb. Larvitar can make use of its access to Stealth Rock with a utility based set, but it is outclassed by Onix in this role. Poison Jab is an option for hitting Fairy-types. However, Spritzee and Snubbull are capable of tanking a boosted Poison Jab more often than not, while Cottonee can lock Larvitar into Dragon Dance with priority Encore. Lastly, Pursuit can be used to help Larvitar function as a revenge killer and trapper, though its Pursuit will severely lack in power and more often than not take up coverage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Staryu, Slowpoke, and Shellder are all capable of taking any of Larvitar's attacks and OHKOing it with super effective STAB attacks in return. Corphish, Tirtouga, and Kabuto in particular can revenge kill Larvitar with priority Aqua Jet without taking any damage.

**Grass-types**: Grass-type Pokemon like Pumpkaboo-XL and Snivy are quite troublesome due to also being able to OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks after tanking a hit. Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as it can come in on Larvitar as it uses Dragon Dance and lock it into the move with Encore.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Mudbray and Hippopotas are capable of taking any of Larvitar's boosted attacks, KOing it with STAB attacks, and recovering off any damage taken in the process with either Rest or Slack Off.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Scraggy, and Pancham are all capable of switching in on Rock Slide, tanking any of Larvitar's other attacks, and KOing with their super effective STAB attacks. Timburr and Croagunk in particular can use their access to Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave, respectively, to revenge kill a weakened Larvitar without taking any damage.

**Fairy-types**: Spritzee and Snubbull are both bulky enough to tank even boosted hits from Larvitar and threaten it with powerful STAB attacks or super effective coverage in return. Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as its Grass-typing allows it to tank a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks, as well as lock it into Dragon Dance with Prankster Encore.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Even at +1, Larvitar is outsped and easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users like Magnemite, Pawniard, and Chinchou due to its frailty.
 
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[OVERVIEW]

* Larvitar has a great offensive STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for neutral damage, as well as access to a great setup option in Dragon Dance.
* Larvitar's Guts ability allows it to set up without worrying about burns and absorb status fairly well.
* In addition to its unresisted STAB attacks, Larvitar has access to powerful coverage options like Superpower and Crunch to hit specific targets harder.
* Despite its typing's excellent offensive STAB coverage, Larvitar is 4x weak to the tier's common Grass- and Water-type attacks, and also weak to the tier's ever so prevalent Fighting-types.
* Larvitar is also quite frail and slow before boosted, meaning that it will struggle to take a hit before setting up.
* Despite its access to Dragon Dance, Larvitar is still quite weak after a boost, meaning that it will be easily revenge killed by most moderately bulky foes.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 188 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Dragon Dance is mandatory for boosting Larvitar's Attack and Speed stats by one stage and enabling its sweep.
* Earthquake is Larvitar's most powerful Ground-type STAB attack, and hits anything that doesn't resist it for sufficient damage after a Dragon Dance boost.
* Rock Slide is a powerful secondary STAB option that has a decent chance to flinch Larvitar's opponents.
* Stone Edge can be used over Rock Slide for more power, hitting defensive threats such as Spritzee and Slowpoke for 2HKOs after two Attack boosts. Mention Stone Edge's decreased accuracy.
* Superpower offers excellent coverage alongside Larvitar's STAB attacks, allowing it to hit Ferroseed and Munchlax for better damage.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in Attack allows Larvitar to hit as hard as possible, while Maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Larvitar to outpace the entire unboosted metagame after one Dragon Dance boost.
* The remaining EVs are put into Defense and Special Defense to alongside Eviolite, provide Larvitar with a bit more staying power.
* Guts is the preferred ability, as it allows Larvitar to reliably absorb otherwise threatening status conditions in poison and burn and use them to gain a 1.5x boost in Attack.
* Flame Orb is an option over Eviolite for allowing Larvitar to receive an Attack boost from Guts, though the boost in defenses is usually more useful for ensuring a chance to set up. I think this should be slashed. Guts is pretty much its only niche over Tyrunt, so why not take advantage of it?

Usage Tips
========

* Larvitar is best used as a late-game sweeper once its checks and counters have been removed. It can, however, be put to use early game to punch some holes in the opponent's team for another teammate to sweep late-game.
* It is best that bulky Water-types like Slowpoke and Staryu are removed before Larvitar tries attempting its sweep, as they will usually be able to take a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks.
* It is also best to remove Grass-types such as Foongus and Cottonee before sweeping with Larvitar, as they will also usually be able to stomach a hit and OHKO Larvitar in return. Although Fighting-types aren't as big of threats to Larvitar as Grass- or Water-types, they are still important to remove from play before Larvitar tries sweeping for similar reasons.
* Larvitar often struggles to find setup opportunities, and should thus capitalize on times in which it forces a foe out to use Dragon Dance.
* Larvitar's general frailty means that it often won't be able to switch into attacks very reliably. It is thus best brought out via pivot support or after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

* Pokemon capable of dealing with Water-types, such as Chinchou, Elekid, and Snivy make good partners, as they allow Larvitar to more reliably sweep late-game.
* Grass-type checks, such as Vullaby, Rufflet and Ponyta are also generally good partners due to being able to deal with Grass-types that would otherwise impede Larvitar's sweep.
* Abra, Snubbull and Spritzee are all examples of Pokemon capable of checking the Fighting-types that Larvitar hates dealing with.
* Knock Off support from Pokemon like Kabuto, Pawniard and Mienfoo is useful for removing Eviolites of bulkier foes and making it easier for Larvitar to sweep.
* Memento support from the likes of Cottonee and Alolan Grimer is useful for giving Larvitar a setup opportunity. Mention that Memento is more or less required if running Flame Orb.
* Slow pivot support from the likes of Larvesta, Magnemite and Vullaby is helpful to Larvitar, as it prevents it from taking too much damage before setting up.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* A Choice Scarf set is an option but is usually better done by Cranidos, as Larvitar is rather weak unless Guts has been activated. Put this third down. Crunch and Facade are both better.
* Crunch is an option for hitting Pumpkaboo-XL and Slowpoke for sufficient damage, but has limited use otherwise and leaves Larvitar walled by Ferroseed.
* Facade is a decently powerful attack once Guts is activated, though it is reliant on Larvitar getting inflicted with status and is almost always less valuable coverage than Superpower.
* Rock Polish is an option for outpacing every Choice Scarf user in the metagame after a boost. However, Larvitar will lack power unless inflicted with status and will be quite frail if holding a Flame Orb.
* Larvitar can make use of its access to Stealth Rock with a utility based set, but is outclassed by Onix in this role.
* Poison Jab is an option for hitting Fairy-types. However, Spritzee and Snubbull are capable of tanking a boosted Poison Jab more often than not while Cottonee can lock Larvitar onto Dragon Dance with priority Encore.
* Pursuit can be used to help Larvitar function as a revenge killer and trapper, though its Pursuit will severely lack in power and more often than not take up coverage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Staryu, Slowpoke and Shellder are all capable of taking any of Larvitar's attacks and in return OHKOing it with super effective STAB attacks. Carvanha, Tirtouga and Kabuto in particular can revenge kill Larvitar with priority Aqua Jet without taking any damage. Definitely mention Corphish in here, but 4 examples is a bit much.

**Grass-types**: Grass-type Pokemon like Pumpkaboo-XL and Snivy are also capable of taking a hit and OHKOing Larvitar in return with super effective STAB attacks. Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as it can come in on Larvitar as it uses Dragon Dance and lock it onto the move with Encore.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Mudbray and Hippopotas are capable of taking any of Larvitar's boosted attacks, KOing it with STAB attacks, and recovering off any damage taken in the process with either Rest or Slack Off.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Scraggy and Pancham are all capable of switching in on Rock Slide, tanking any of Larvitar's other attacks, and KOing with their super effective STAB attacks. Timburr and Croagunk in particular can use their access to Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave to revenge kill Larvitar without taking any damage.

**Choice Scarf users**: Even at +1, Larvitar is outsped and easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users in Magnemite, Chinchou, Mienfoo and Pawniard due to its frailty. 4 examples are too much.


Comments in bold. 1/3
 

Xayah

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[OVERVIEW]
  • Mention that its low speed and weakness to common prio moves (Vacuum Wave, Mach Punch, Aqua Jet) make it easily revenge killed by Scarfers and prio users
  • Mention that while Larvitar has good coverage, it struggle to break through some of the bulkier Pokemon in the tier, like Spritzee, Pumpkaboo-XL, and Slowpoke.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite / Flame Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 188 Spe
  • Tahu said this already, Guts is Larvitar's only niche over Tyrunt (and most other DDancers), so taking advantage of it with Flame Orb is really good. As such, slash it
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Mention that Rock Slide / Stone Edge have really good neutral coverage with EQ. Also mention examples of things it hits
Team Options
========
  • Mention Mienfoo over Larvesta in the last line. More relevant
Checks and Counters
===================
  • Mention Corphish in stead of Carvanha in your AJet users. Carv usually doesn't run it (runs Psychic Fangs)
  • Mention Fairy-types. Both Spritzee and Snubbull can take Larvitar's hits even after a boost, while Cottonee locks it into DDance.
QC 2/3, write me up Scotty
 

churine

lunatic+
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small af amcheck

in overview, "Guts... and allows it to set up without worrying about burns and absorb status fairly well." the last part of this sentence is worded quite ambiguously, sounds like absorbing status is itself a status infliction. make it seem more clear that Guts ignores burns, making it absorb them or somethin similar.

in usage tips, in the second last sentence, you should add something about it being especially frail if holding a Flame Orb, that it almost needs a pivot.

in checks and counters, say that Toxicroak should be careful of Earthquake.
also say that Granbull lowers Tyranitar's Attack stat with Intimidate.
also i think Fighters should be listed third, then bulky Grounds, since theyre a lot more common and threatening.

thats some good shit
 

Corporal Levi

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xayah's notes: https://pastebin.com/8gdrFQMm

Overview:
I feel like this comes off as too optimistic. Maybe change some of the wording or add an extra line at the end to show that Larvitar isn't very good.
Mention Shell Smashers alongside Tyrunt.

Usage Tips:
I wouldn't say Fighting-types are lesser threats to Larvitar, since they force it out every time all the same.
Change Grassium Ponyta to defensive Ponyta as Z-Sunny Day Ponyta also denies Larvitar setup opportunities.
Give examples of pivots.

Team Options:
Hazards to break Sturdy and improve chances to KO threats like Berry Juice Snivy.

Implement the above and QC 3/3
 

Xayah

San Bwanna
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Pretty sure you know how amchecks work
[OVERVIEW]

Larvitar has a great offensive STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for neutral damage, as well as access to a great setup option in Dragon Dance, which allows it to pose a threat as a decent late-game sweeper. Larvitar's Guts ability further bolsters its offensive presence, (RC) and allows it to absorb status fairly well and set up without worrying about burns and absorb status fairly well (it sounded like it didn't worry about burns and didn't worry about 'absorb status very well'). In addition to its unresisted STAB attacks, Larvitar also has access to powerful coverage options like Superpower and Crunch to hit specific targets harder. However, despite its typing's excellent offensive STAB coverage, it also leaves Larvitar 4x weak to the tier's common Grass- and Water-type attacks, (RC) and also weak to the tier's ever so prevalent Fighting-types. Larvitar is also quite slow before boosted a boost and very frail, meaning that it will struggle to take a hit before setting up, though and even after a boosts, Larvitar's low Speed at +1 and weaknesses to common priority attacks like Aqua Jet and Vacuum Wave leave it easily revenge killed. Furthermore, despite its access to Dragon Dance, Larvitar is still quite weak after a boost (Larvitar's access to DDance has nothing to do with how strong it is after a boost), meaning that it will be easily revenge killed by most moderately bulky foes. Lastly, Larvitar can struggle at times in that it faces competition from a similar sweeper in Tyrunt, which has a better typing and ability for setting up and a higher Attack stat, and from Shell Smash users like Shellder and Tirtouga.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 188 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Dragon Dance is mandatory for boosting boosts Larvitar's Attack and Speed stats by one stage and enabling enables its sweep. Earthquake is Larvitar's most powerful Ground-type STAB attack, (RC) and hits anything that doesn't resist it for sufficient damage after a Dragon Dance boost. Rock Slide is a powerful secondary STAB option that offers excellent coverage alongside Earthquake, (RC) and has a decent chance to flinch Larvitar's opponents foes. Stone Edge, however, can be used over Rock Slide for more power, hitting defensive threats such as Spritzee and Slowpoke for 2HKOs after two Attack boosts. This is, however, at the cost of worse accuracy. Superpower rounds off Larvitar’s excellent coverage, allowing it to hit the likes of Ferroseed and Munchlax for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Larvitar to hit as hard as possible, while maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Larvitar to outpace the entire unboosted metagame after one Dragon Dance boost. The remaining EVs are put into Defense and Special Defense to, (AC) alongside Eviolite, provide Larvitar with a bit more staying power. Flame Orb is an option over Eviolite for allowing Larvitar to receive an Attack boost from Guts, though the boost in defenses is usually more useful for ensuring a chance to set up. Guts is the preferred ability, as it allows Larvitar to reliably absorb otherwise threatening status conditions in poison and burn and use them to gain a 1.5x boost in Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Larvitar is best used as a late-game sweeper once its checks and counters have been removed. It can, however, be put to use early-(AH)game to punch some holes in the opponent's team for another teammate to sweep late-game. It is best that bulky Water-types like Slowpoke and Staryu are removed before Larvitar tries attempting its attempts to sweep, as they will usually be able to take a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks. It is also best to remove Grass-types such as Foongus and Cottonee before sweeping with Larvitar, as they will also usually be able to stomach a hit and OHKO Larvitar in return. Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr are also important to remove from play before Larvitar tries sweeping for similar reasons. Larvitar often struggles to find setup opportunities, (RC) and should thus capitalize on times in which it forces a foe out switches it forces to use Dragon Dance (that wording was really awkward. It took me a while to get and I QCed this before). As such, reliable setup targets include Larvesta, defensive Ponyta, and Alolan Grimer. Finally, Larvitar's general frailty means that it often won't be able to switch into attacks very reliably., (period -> comma) meaning it is thus best brought out via pivot support from Pokemon like Magnemite and Vullaby or after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

Pokemon capable of dealing with Water-types, such as Snivy, Elekid, and Chinchou, make good partners, as they allow Larvitar to more reliably sweep late-game. Grass-type checks, such as Rufflet, Vullaby, and Ponyta, are also generally good partners due to being able to deal with Grass-types that would otherwise impede Larvitar's sweep. Abra, Snubbull and Spritzee are also good partners, as they are all examples of Pokemon (it's kind of implied that these are examples so this can be removed, but it's not wrong to leave it in so it's your choice) capable of checking the Fighting-types that Larvitar hates dealing with. Knock Off support from Pokemon like Kabuto, Pawniard, (AC) and Mienfoo is useful for removing Eviolites of from bulkier foes ('removing from' not 'removing of') and making it easier for Larvitar to sweep. Memento support from the likes of Cottonee and Alolan Grimer is useful for giving Larvitar a setup opportunity, (RC) and, (AC) if Larvitar is holding a Flame Orb, more or less mandatory due to its poor bulk. Slow pivot support from the likes of Mienfoo, Vullaby, and Magnemite is also helpful to Larvitar, as it prevents it from taking too much damage before setting up by granting it free switches in (you can word this differently if you want, it's just some clarification for newer players). Lastly, entry hazard support from Pokemon like Ferroseed and Onix is useful for allowing Larvitar to break past foes with the Sturdy ability, like Magnemite and Dwebble, as well as breaking past foes like Berry Juice Snivy more easily.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Crunch is an option for hitting to hit Pumpkaboo-XL and Slowpoke for sufficient damage, but has limited use otherwise and leaves Larvitar walled by Ferroseed. Facade is a decently powerful attack once Guts is activated, though it is reliant on Larvitar getting inflicted with status and is almost always less valuable coverage than Superpower. A Choice Scarf set is an option but is usually done better done by Cranidos, as Larvitar is rather weak unless Guts has been activated. Rock Polish is an option for outpacing every Choice Scarf user in the metagame after a boost. However, Larvitar will lack power unless inflicted with status and will be quite frail if holding a Flame Orb. Larvitar can make use of its access to Stealth Rock with a utility based set, but is outclassed by Onix in this role. Poison Jab is an option for hitting Fairy-types. However, Spritzee and Snubbull are capable of tanking a boosted Poison Jab more often than not while Cottonee can lock Larvitar onto into Dragon Dance with priority Encore. Lastly, Pursuit can be used to help Larvitar function as a revenge killer and trapper, though its Pursuit will severely lack in power and more often than not take up coverage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Staryu, Slowpoke, (AC) and Shellder are all capable of taking any of Larvitar's attacks and in return OHKOing it with super effective STAB attacks in return. Corphish, Tirtouga, (AC) and Kabuto in particular can revenge kill Larvitar with priority Aqua Jet (it sounded like they had some special Prankster-variant that gives priority to Aqua Jet, while in reality AJet always has priority) without taking any damage.

**Grass-types**: Grass-type Pokemon like Pumpkaboo-XL and Snivy are also capable of taking a hit and OHKOing Larvitar in return with super effective STAB attacks (this is nearly the exact same sentence as in Water-types. Consider rewording it a bit). Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as it can come in on Larvitar as it uses Dragon Dance and lock it onto into the move with Encore.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Mudbray and Hippopotas are capable of taking any of Larvitar's boosted attacks, KOing it with STAB attacks, and recovering off any damage taken in the process with either Rest or Slack Off.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Scraggy, (AC) and Pancham are all capable of switching in on Rock Slide, tanking any of Larvitar's other attacks, and KOing with their super effective STAB attacks. Timburr and Croagunk in particular can use their access to Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave to revenge kill a weakened Larvitar without taking any damage (both of these only do around 50%).

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull are both bulky enough to tank even boosted hits from Larvitar, while in return threatening it with powerful STAB attacks or super effective coverage. Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as its Grass-typing allows it to tank a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks, as well as lock it onto into Dragon Dance with Prankster Encore (this is nearly the exact same sentence as in Grass-types. Consider rewording it... wait...).

**Choice Scarf users**: Even at +1, Larvitar is outsped and easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users in like Magnemite, Pawniard, and Chinchou due to its frailty.
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
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implement that

first two changes in Other Options are up to you
no need to remove the priority in the Water-types section of Checks and Counters
 

Fireflame

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Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Larvitar has a great offensive STAB combination that hits almost the entire tier for neutral damage, as well as access to a great setup option in Dragon Dance, which allows it to pose a threat as a decent late-game sweeper. Larvitar's Guts ability further bolsters its offensive presence and allows it to absorb status fairly well and set up without worrying about burns. In addition to its unresisted STAB attacks, Larvitar also has access to powerful coverage options like Superpower and Crunch to hit specific targets harder. However, despite its typing's excellent offensive STAB coverage, it also leaves Larvitar 4x weak to the tier's common Grass- and Water-type attacks and weak to the ever so prevalent Fighting-types. Larvitar is also quite slow before a boost and very frail, meaning that it will struggle to take a hit before setting up, and even after a boost, Larvitar's low Speed and weaknesses to common priority attacks like Aqua Jet and Vacuum Wave leave it easily revenge killed. Furthermore, Larvitar is still quite slow and weak after a boost, meaning that it will be easily revenge killed by most moderately bulky foes. Lastly, Larvitar can struggle at times in that it faces competition from a similar sweeper in Tyrunt, which has a better typing and ability for setting up and a higher Attack stat, and from Shell Smash users like Shellder and Tirtouga.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 188 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Larvitar's Attack and Speed stats by one stage and enables its sweep. Earthquake is Larvitar's most powerful Ground-type STAB attack and hits anything that doesn't resist it for sufficient damage after a Dragon Dance boost. Rock Slide is a powerful secondary STAB option that offers excellent coverage alongside Earthquake and has a decent chance to flinch Larvitar's foes. Stone Edge, however, can be used over Rock Slide for more power, hitting defensive threats such as Spritzee and Slowpoke for 2HKOs after two Attack boosts. This is, however, at the cost of accuracy. Superpower rounds off Larvitar’s excellent coverage, allowing it to hit the likes of Ferroseed and Munchlax for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Larvitar to hit as hard as possible, while maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Larvitar to outpace the entire unboosted metagame after one Dragon Dance boost. The remaining EVs are put into Defense and Special Defense to,(RC) alongside Eviolite,(RC) provide Larvitar with a bit more staying power alongside Eviolite (sounds better). Flame Orb is an option over Eviolite,(AC) for allowing Larvitar to receive an Attack boost from Guts, though the boost in defenses is usually more useful for ensuring a chance to set up. Guts is the preferred ability, as it allows Larvitar to reliably absorb otherwise threatening status conditions in poison and burn and use them to gain a 1.5x boost in Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Larvitar is best used as a late-game sweeper once its checks and counters have been removed. It can, however, be put to use early-game to punch some holes in the opponent's team for another teammate to sweep late-game. It is best that bulky Water-types like Slowpoke and Staryu and Grass-types such as Foongus and Cottonee are removed before Larvitar attempts to sweep, as they will usually be able to take a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks. It is also best to remove Grass-types such as Foongus and Cottonee before sweeping with Larvitar, as they will also usually be able to stomach a hit and OHKO Larvitar in return. (Much more condensed) Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr are also important to remove from play before Larvitar tries sweeping for similar reasons. Larvitar often struggles to find setup opportunities and should thus capitalize on switches it forces to use Dragon Dance. As such, reliable setup targets include Larvesta, defensive Ponyta, and Alolan Grimer. Finally, Larvitar's general frailty means that it often won't be able to switch into attacks very reliably, meaning it is best brought out via pivot support from Pokemon like Magnemite and Vullaby or after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
========

Pokemon capable of dealing with Water-types, such as Snivy, Elekid, and Chinchou, make good partners, as they allow Larvitar to more reliably sweep late-game. Grass-type checks, such as Rufflet, Vullaby, and Ponyta, are also generally good partners due to them being able to deal with Grass-types that would otherwise impede Larvitar's sweep. Abra, Snubbull,(AC) and Spritzee are also good partners, as they are all examples of Pokemon capable of checking the Fighting-types that Larvitar hates dealing with. Knock Off support from Pokemon like Kabuto, Pawniard, and Mienfoo is useful for removing Eviolites from bulkier foes and making it easier for Larvitar to sweep. Memento support from the likes of Cottonee and Alolan Grimer is useful for giving Larvitar a setup opportunity and, if Larvitar is holding a Flame Orb, more or less mandatory due to its poor bulk. Slow pivot support from the likes of Mienfoo, Vullaby, and Magnemite is also helpful to Larvitar, as it prevents it Larvitar from taking too much damage before setting up by granting it free switches in. Lastly, entry hazard support from Pokemon like Ferroseed and Onix is useful for allowing Larvitar to break past foes with the Sturdy ability, like Magnemite and Dwebble, as well as breaking past foes like Berry Juice Snivy more easily.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Crunch is an option to hit Pumpkaboo-XL and Slowpoke for sufficient damage, but it has limited use otherwise and leaves Larvitar walled by Ferroseed. Facade is a decently powerful attack once Guts is activated, though it is reliant on Larvitar getting inflicted with status and is almost always less valuable coverage than Superpower. A Choice Scarf set is an option but is usually done better by Cranidos, as Larvitar is rather weak unless Guts has been activated. Rock Polish is an option for outpacing every Choice Scarf user in the metagame after a boost. However, Larvitar will lack power unless inflicted with status and will be quite frail if holding a Flame Orb. Larvitar can make use of its access to Stealth Rock with a utility based set, but it is outclassed by Onix in this role. Poison Jab is an option for hitting Fairy-types. However, Spritzee and Snubbull are capable of tanking a boosted Poison Jab more often than not,(AC) while Cottonee can lock Larvitar into Dragon Dance with priority Encore. Lastly, Pursuit can be used to help Larvitar function as a revenge killer and trapper, though its Pursuit will severely lack in power and more often than not take up coverage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Staryu, Slowpoke, and Shellder are all capable of taking any of Larvitar's attacks and OHKOing it with super effective STAB attacks in return. Corphish, Tirtouga, and Kabuto in particular can revenge kill Larvitar with priority Aqua Jet without taking any damage.

**Grass-types**: Grass-type Pokemon like Pumpkaboo-XL and Snivy are also (redundant) quite troublesome,(RC) due to also being able to OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks after tanking a hit. Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as it can come in on Larvitar as it uses Dragon Dance and lock it into the move with Encore.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Mudbray and Hippopotas are capable of taking any of Larvitar's boosted attacks, KOing it with STAB attacks, and recovering off any damage taken in the process with either Rest or Slack Off.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Mienfoo, Scraggy, and Pancham are all capable of switching in on Rock Slide, tanking any of Larvitar's other attacks, and KOing with their super effective STAB attacks. Timburr and Croagunk in particular can use their access to Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave,(AC) respectively,(AC) (Timburr doesn't learn Vacuum Wave; if it did then there wouldn't be any change) to revenge kill a weakened Larvitar without taking any damage.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Spritzee and Snubbull are both (All Fairy-types =/= both) bulky enough to tank even boosted hits from Larvitar,(RC) while in return threatening and threaten it with powerful STAB attacks or super effective coverage in return. Cottonee is particularly troublesome, as its Grass-typing allows it to tank a hit and OHKO Larvitar with super effective STAB attacks, as well as lock it into Dragon Dance with Prankster Encore.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Even at +1, Larvitar is outsped and easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users like Magnemite, Pawniard, and Chinchou due to its frailty.
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