QC Checks: shrang, barry4ever, trickroom
GP Checks: SuperJOCKE (November Blue), Moo (barry4ever and Moo)
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: X-Scissor / Sacred Sword
item: Choice Band
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The goal of this set is to bring immediate brute force onto the battlefield. Close Combat, along with Stone Edge, are this set's main attacks, and are Terrakion's strongest STAB moves. In fact, Terrakion has a good chance to OHKO Great Wall Lugia after Stealth Rock damage; because most Lugia do not run a +Speed nature, Lugia won't be able to stall out Terrakion with Roost. Terrakion is also capable of 2HKOing offensive Calm Mind Mewtwo after Stealth Rock damage, and because Mewtwo is a common switch-in, Terrakion can still deal a lot of damage with the safe Close Combat instead of being stuck with something less reliable. But, in the case of defensive variants of Mewtwo, it can just tank the hit and Recover its health back, and either burn Terrakion with Will-O-Wisp or go for the kill with Psystrike. Not only that, Terrakion can also 2HKO one of the sturdiest walls in the Ubers metagame, as well as a very common switch-in to Terrakion: Groudon. Stealth Rock damage and 2 layers of Spikes ensures the 2HKO on Support Groudon, and since Groudon lacks reliable recovery this can even be done without Spikes, but will need some prior damage instead. It also must be noted that Terrakion outspeeds Standard ExtremeKiller Arceus, survives a +2 ExtremeSpeed and OHKOes Arceus with a super effective Close Combat. Quick Attack can pick off Rayquaza or Mewtwo at about 25% HP and can be quite useful in a pinch. X-Scissor hits common Psychic-type Pokemon such as Mewtwo, but most can usually take that hit and strike back at Terrakion with their STAB moves. Sacred Sword ignores all Defense boosts, which is very helpful if your team struggles against Bulk Up Dialga.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The set is pretty much self-explanatory. Choice Band grants you the immediate brute force you need in order to be an efficient wallbreaker. Jolly along with the listed EVs maximize Terrakion's offensive power without losing any important stat. If you're looking for an alternative over X-Scissor or Sacred Sword, Earthquake is a good option, as it can 2HKO Poison Arceus who would otherwise wall you.</p>
<p>Hippowdon, Giratina, and Groudon are good counters to Terrakion. All three of them are able to tank Terrakion's moves, although Groudon cannot take repeated hits. Faster Arceus formes that can hit Terrakion super effectively are good checks, though some formes, namely Dark and Steel, cannot switch into this set safely. Mewtwo, as already noted, is faster, can take a hit, and strike back with a super effective STAB Psystrike. Darkrai, Dark Arceus, Dialga, Kyogre, and Rayquaza are good partners because they excel at removing Terrakion's counters and clearing the path for Terrakion to sweep, while also enjoying Terrakion's wallbreaking capabilities. Ho-Oh and Reshiram are good partners as well because Terrakion can take on all Rock Arceus variants bar Swords Dance, who walls the aforementioned partners. Additionally, Ho-Oh supports Terrakion by defeating most variants of Calm Mind Arceus which Terrakion cannot handle, and Reshiram can kill Groudon and Giratina. Excadrill can switch into every move besides Close Combat and Sacred Sword and can OHKO Terrakion with Earthquake. If Sandstorm is in effect, Excadrill outspaces Terrakion as well. Scarf Garchomp outruns Terrakion and OHKOes with Earthquake, but risks being OHKOed by Close Combat on the switch. Although rare, Gliscor can also effectively wall this set thanks to its resistances and Protect, along with the ability to 2HKO Terrakion with Earthquake. However, Gliscor should be wary of Stone Edge, as it is 2HKOed by it after Stealth Rock damage.</p>
