Taken over from insanelegend
first om analysis so don't kill me :(
QC: insanelegend
GP: Haund + P Squared / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Ferrothorn's decent 74 / 131 / 116 bulk combined with access to reliable recovery in Synthesis and useful status moves such as Spore and Stealth Rock make it one of the premier walls of STABmons. In addition to this, Ferrothorn is both a fantastic check to Kyurem-B and one of the hardest Pokemon to switch into, as it has access to both Spore and Leech Seed to wear down its foes. Ferrothorn also has a decent Attack stat, and it can choose between a strong Gyro Ball, which hits hard thanks to its low Speed stat, and Power Whip, which allows it to hit Water-types such as Quagsire and Rock-types such as Tyranitar.
However, although Ferrothorn has a decent typing that allows it to switch in on threats such as Azumarill, its typing also gives it a troubling 4x weakness to Fire-type moves from Pokemon such as Heatran. In addition to this, Ferrothorn has four-moveslot syndrome, and it can be hard to fit in all of its options on one set at times. Thundurus's presence is a major issue, as it can shut Ferrothorn down and set up on it. Ferrothorn also has a bad matchup against defensive teams due to its reliance on Iron Barbs, Leech Seed, and King's Shield to deal damage and the prevalence of Mega Sableye.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Synthesis / Stealth Rock
move 2: Gyro Ball / Power Whip
move 3: Leech Seed / Spore
move 4: Spore / King's Shield
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Synthesis grants reliable recovery and allows Ferrothorn to stay healthy during the match. Stealth Rock is an alternative that allows it to deal chip damage to the opponent's team. Gyro Ball is a very powerful attack on faster offensive Pokemon such as Darkrai and Terrakion, while Power Whip allows Ferrothorn to hit Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Azumarill and Quagsire. Leech Seed gives Ferrothorn additional recovery while crippling most of its threats, and it should only be chosen if paired with King's Shield. Spore cripples most Pokemon that switch in and gives Ferrothorn's teammates opportunities to set up or apply offensive pressure. King's Shield allows Ferrothorn to force mind games and works well with Leech Seed, as the combination allows it to beat Pokemon such as Fake Out + Extreme Speed Ursaring.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Ferrothorn to survive two Brave Birds from Life Orb Adamant Aerodactyl after Leftovers recovery and Stealth Rock damage. A Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs ensure that Gyro Ball is always fully powered; however, if Power Whip is preferred over it, an Impish nature and 31 Speed IVs should be run instead. Leftovers gives Ferrothorn passive recovery and allows it to stay healthy without having to use Synthesis. Alternatively, Rocky Helmet works well in conjunction with Iron Barbs, as the combination can severely punish physical attackers that use contact moves.
Usage Tips
========
Lead with Ferrothorn if it carries Stealth Rock unless your opponent has a threatening Pokemon such as Heatran. It should also switch into weaker physical attacks such as Extreme Speed and punish their users with the damage from Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet should it be carrying the item. Ferrothorn should use King's Shield early-game in order to scout for Pokemon with Choice items, such as Azumarill. Save Spore for a key target that your team cannot handle or needs disabled in order to win the game, and predict when the opponent will send in a Pokemon as sleep fodder. Use Leech Seed to cripple the opposing Pokemon and to deal further chip damage while keeping Ferrothorn healthy if it lacks Synthesis. Due to its low PP, Ferrothorn should only use Synthesis when necessary, and it should focus more on crippling the opponent's team with its status moves.
Team Options
========
Clefable complements Ferrothorn well, as it is able to take on Mega Sableye and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, which give Ferrothorn trouble, and can heal it of status, while Ferrothorn protects Clefable from Steel- and Poison-types such as Bisharp and Gengar. A bulky Water-type such as Quagsire or Slowking can help against Fire-type Pokemon such as Heatran that Ferrothorn cannot effectively face, while Ferrothorn can absorb Spore and handle Grass-type Pokemon such as Serperior lacking Hidden Power Fire. Offensive Heatran is able to beat most of the Pokemon that threaten Ferrothorn, taking out walls such as Tangrowth and Clefable. Pokemon that are able to take advantage of Ferrothorn's Spore and entry hazards, such as Darkrai and Weavile, appreciate the ability to sweep more easily. Mega Latias can soak up most of the Fire- and Fighting-type attacks from threatening Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Terrakion.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aromatherapy is great for teams that need a cleric and allows Ferrothorn to better switch into Scald users such as Quagsire, but Ferrothorn usually doesn't have the moveslot for it. Spikes is a good option for stacking entry hazards and dealing additional chip damage if Ferrothorn has room for it. Shed Shell is an option, as it prevents Ferrothorn from being trapped by Magnezone, but the recovery from Leftovers or the damage from Rocky Helmet is slightly more useful. Spiky Shield can be used instead of King's Shield for the extra damage and the ability to block status moves, but it makes Ferrothorn more vulnerable to physical attackers such as Mega Heracross. Thunder Wave can be run over Spore, but it reduces Gyro Ball's damage and isnot as effective overall at crippling opposing Pokemon. Knock Off removes key items such as Eviolite and Choice Scarf and allows teammates to have a much easier time sweeping, but Ferrothorn usually lacks the moveslot for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye shuts down status moves and entry hazards with Magic Bounce and easily tanks any attack Ferrothorn has. In addition to this, it can also cripple Ferrothorn with Will-O-Wisp or set up Calm Mind.
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Heatran are not afraid of Gyro Ball or Power Whip and can retaliate with their super effective STAB attacks. However, most have to be wary of switching into status moves such as Leech Seed and Spore and hate taking Stealth Rock damage when they switch in.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Grass-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Tangrowth can absorb Spore and Leech Seed while shrugging off Ferrothorn's attacks. Additionally, some carry moves that can threaten Ferrothorn, such as Hidden Power Fire and Focus Blast.
**Magnezone**: Magnezone is able to prevent Ferrothorn from switching out due to Magnet Pull, and then it can either OHKO or 2HKO it with Hidden Power Fire depending on whether it holds Choice Specs or Choice Scarf.
**Thundurus**: Thundurus is not 2HKOed by any of Ferrothorn's offensive moves and can shut it down with Taunt or set up with Nasty Plot while staying healthy via Oblivion Wing. Even without Nasty Plot, it can still easily break through Ferrothorn with Focus Blast.
**Substitute, Taunt, and Setup Users**: Boosting Pokemon that resist Ferrothorn's attacks, such as Mega Charizard X, and Pokemon that can neutralize its status moves with either Taunt or Substitute, such as Serperior, are able to take advantage of Ferrothorn.
first om analysis so don't kill me :(
QC: insanelegend
GP: Haund + P Squared / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Ferrothorn's decent 74 / 131 / 116 bulk combined with access to reliable recovery in Synthesis and useful status moves such as Spore and Stealth Rock make it one of the premier walls of STABmons. In addition to this, Ferrothorn is both a fantastic check to Kyurem-B and one of the hardest Pokemon to switch into, as it has access to both Spore and Leech Seed to wear down its foes. Ferrothorn also has a decent Attack stat, and it can choose between a strong Gyro Ball, which hits hard thanks to its low Speed stat, and Power Whip, which allows it to hit Water-types such as Quagsire and Rock-types such as Tyranitar.
However, although Ferrothorn has a decent typing that allows it to switch in on threats such as Azumarill, its typing also gives it a troubling 4x weakness to Fire-type moves from Pokemon such as Heatran. In addition to this, Ferrothorn has four-moveslot syndrome, and it can be hard to fit in all of its options on one set at times. Thundurus's presence is a major issue, as it can shut Ferrothorn down and set up on it. Ferrothorn also has a bad matchup against defensive teams due to its reliance on Iron Barbs, Leech Seed, and King's Shield to deal damage and the prevalence of Mega Sableye.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Synthesis / Stealth Rock
move 2: Gyro Ball / Power Whip
move 3: Leech Seed / Spore
move 4: Spore / King's Shield
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Synthesis grants reliable recovery and allows Ferrothorn to stay healthy during the match. Stealth Rock is an alternative that allows it to deal chip damage to the opponent's team. Gyro Ball is a very powerful attack on faster offensive Pokemon such as Darkrai and Terrakion, while Power Whip allows Ferrothorn to hit Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Azumarill and Quagsire. Leech Seed gives Ferrothorn additional recovery while crippling most of its threats, and it should only be chosen if paired with King's Shield. Spore cripples most Pokemon that switch in and gives Ferrothorn's teammates opportunities to set up or apply offensive pressure. King's Shield allows Ferrothorn to force mind games and works well with Leech Seed, as the combination allows it to beat Pokemon such as Fake Out + Extreme Speed Ursaring.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Ferrothorn to survive two Brave Birds from Life Orb Adamant Aerodactyl after Leftovers recovery and Stealth Rock damage. A Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs ensure that Gyro Ball is always fully powered; however, if Power Whip is preferred over it, an Impish nature and 31 Speed IVs should be run instead. Leftovers gives Ferrothorn passive recovery and allows it to stay healthy without having to use Synthesis. Alternatively, Rocky Helmet works well in conjunction with Iron Barbs, as the combination can severely punish physical attackers that use contact moves.
Usage Tips
========
Lead with Ferrothorn if it carries Stealth Rock unless your opponent has a threatening Pokemon such as Heatran. It should also switch into weaker physical attacks such as Extreme Speed and punish their users with the damage from Iron Barbs and Rocky Helmet should it be carrying the item. Ferrothorn should use King's Shield early-game in order to scout for Pokemon with Choice items, such as Azumarill. Save Spore for a key target that your team cannot handle or needs disabled in order to win the game, and predict when the opponent will send in a Pokemon as sleep fodder. Use Leech Seed to cripple the opposing Pokemon and to deal further chip damage while keeping Ferrothorn healthy if it lacks Synthesis. Due to its low PP, Ferrothorn should only use Synthesis when necessary, and it should focus more on crippling the opponent's team with its status moves.
Team Options
========
Clefable complements Ferrothorn well, as it is able to take on Mega Sableye and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, which give Ferrothorn trouble, and can heal it of status, while Ferrothorn protects Clefable from Steel- and Poison-types such as Bisharp and Gengar. A bulky Water-type such as Quagsire or Slowking can help against Fire-type Pokemon such as Heatran that Ferrothorn cannot effectively face, while Ferrothorn can absorb Spore and handle Grass-type Pokemon such as Serperior lacking Hidden Power Fire. Offensive Heatran is able to beat most of the Pokemon that threaten Ferrothorn, taking out walls such as Tangrowth and Clefable. Pokemon that are able to take advantage of Ferrothorn's Spore and entry hazards, such as Darkrai and Weavile, appreciate the ability to sweep more easily. Mega Latias can soak up most of the Fire- and Fighting-type attacks from threatening Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Terrakion.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aromatherapy is great for teams that need a cleric and allows Ferrothorn to better switch into Scald users such as Quagsire, but Ferrothorn usually doesn't have the moveslot for it. Spikes is a good option for stacking entry hazards and dealing additional chip damage if Ferrothorn has room for it. Shed Shell is an option, as it prevents Ferrothorn from being trapped by Magnezone, but the recovery from Leftovers or the damage from Rocky Helmet is slightly more useful. Spiky Shield can be used instead of King's Shield for the extra damage and the ability to block status moves, but it makes Ferrothorn more vulnerable to physical attackers such as Mega Heracross. Thunder Wave can be run over Spore, but it reduces Gyro Ball's damage and isnot as effective overall at crippling opposing Pokemon. Knock Off removes key items such as Eviolite and Choice Scarf and allows teammates to have a much easier time sweeping, but Ferrothorn usually lacks the moveslot for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye shuts down status moves and entry hazards with Magic Bounce and easily tanks any attack Ferrothorn has. In addition to this, it can also cripple Ferrothorn with Will-O-Wisp or set up Calm Mind.
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Heatran are not afraid of Gyro Ball or Power Whip and can retaliate with their super effective STAB attacks. However, most have to be wary of switching into status moves such as Leech Seed and Spore and hate taking Stealth Rock damage when they switch in.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Grass-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Tangrowth can absorb Spore and Leech Seed while shrugging off Ferrothorn's attacks. Additionally, some carry moves that can threaten Ferrothorn, such as Hidden Power Fire and Focus Blast.
**Magnezone**: Magnezone is able to prevent Ferrothorn from switching out due to Magnet Pull, and then it can either OHKO or 2HKO it with Hidden Power Fire depending on whether it holds Choice Specs or Choice Scarf.
**Thundurus**: Thundurus is not 2HKOed by any of Ferrothorn's offensive moves and can shut it down with Taunt or set up with Nasty Plot while staying healthy via Oblivion Wing. Even without Nasty Plot, it can still easily break through Ferrothorn with Focus Blast.
**Substitute, Taunt, and Setup Users**: Boosting Pokemon that resist Ferrothorn's attacks, such as Mega Charizard X, and Pokemon that can neutralize its status moves with either Taunt or Substitute, such as Serperior, are able to take advantage of Ferrothorn.
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