Badal gave me permission to take this over, I'll be rewriting most of the analysis and changing the set so this needs to go back through QC. Still writing this up atm.
edit: Finished the update. Thanks for the previous write up to build some of the sections off of barry4ever and badal.
QC 2/2 (Macle, Crux)
GP 2/2 (V0x approved by NixHex, jc104)
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/564.shtml
[Overview]
<p>Although Tirtouga is arguably the most overlooked of the five Shell Smash users in Little Cup, don't let the cute eyes and fins fool you. Tirtouga can be a monster when used properly. With a high 78 base Attack, Sturdy, access to strong STAB attacks, and priority, it has almost all the tools needed to be a deadly sweeper. Unfortunately, the good news stops there. Because of its poor defensive typing, low base speed, and inability to break through several common walls, it often has a hard time sweeping entire teams. Nevertheless, with the proper team support, Tirtouga can use its niche—the ability to set up Shell Smash easily—and proceed to decimate most teams.</p>
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Splash Plate
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set seeks to abuse Tirtouga's main niche over the other Shell Smash users: Sturdy and its near-perfect coverage with just its two STAB moves. After an easy Shell Smash, Tirtouga has the capability to plow through most Pokemon. With a single smash, Tirtouga reaches an amazing 36 Attack and decent 22 Speed. Aqua Tail is its strongest STAB move when used with Splash Plate. Stone Edge helps round out its coverage, OHKOing many of the things that resist Aqua Tail, as well as providing a second STAB option. Aqua Jet provides priority in order to OHKO frail Choice Scarf users that may still be faster than Tirtouga after a Shell Smash.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Although it may be tempting to use the more accurate Waterfall over the more powerful Aqua Tail, it is important that you don't. Without Aqua Tail, you would lose the chance to OHKO important threats such as Scraggy and Bulky Mienfoo unless you could guarantee slight residual damage beforehand. In a similar manner, Oran Berry over Splash Plate would provide some protection against priority attacks, but without Splash Plate you would lose out on some important OHKOs. The below damage calculations show Tirtouga's ability to OHKO many common bulky Pokemon, but also its inability to OHKO dedicated walls, such as Slowpoke and Lileep.</p>
<ul class="damage calculations">
<li>+2 Aqua Tail vs. 0 HP / 36 Def Eviolite Scraggy 90.5% - 114.3%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Tail vs. 0 HP / 36 Def Eviolite Mienfoo 114.3% - 133.3%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Tail vs. 76 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Timburr 76% - 96%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 36 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Staryu 110.0% - 135%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 52 Def Eviolite Chinchou 104.2% - 125%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 148 HP / 140 Def Eviolite Lileep 64% - 84%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 116 HP / 236 Def Eviolite Slowpoke 59.3% - 70.4%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 36 Def Eviolite Drilbur 109.1% - 136.4%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Jet vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Gastly 100% - 119.1%</li>
</ul>
<p>As shown above, Tirtouga despises walls such as Slowpoke, Lileep, Timburr, and Ferroseed, so Pokemon that can easily get rid of them are Tirtouga's best friends. The combination of Wynaut and either Diglett or a Pursuit user can easily trap and kill all of the above with a combination of Shadow Tag, Encore, Tickle, and Arena Trap or Pursuit. Magnemite can also be used to trap and kill Ferroseed when utilizing Magnet Pull and Hidden Power Fire. This particular set has trouble with priority users, especially Fake Out Mienfoo. Fake Out flinches you, taking away Sturdy's protection, while also KOing Tirtouga at one HP. It even goes before Tirtouga's Aqua Jet, thanks to its annoying +2 priority level. Lastly, because Tirtouga relies on Sturdy to ease its set up, a Rapid Spin user such as Staryu will help immensely by clearing the field of entry hazards and scaring away popular Stealth Rock and Spikes users, such as Dwebble.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and the moves Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is possible. It allows you to use Oran Berry and still OHKO many of the same Pokemon you did before, but it requires you to use two 80% accuracy moves. Fake Out Mienfoo would not be as much of a threat after setting up, as Oran Berry would insure you would be able to take at least 3 hits from Fake Out at 50% HP. However, Tirtouga only reaches 20 Speed after a Shell Smash, so it would get outsped by every Choice Scarf user, and only speed tie with Diglett, Elekid, and Voltorb.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Fire seems like it would be a great move over Aqua Jet in order to nail Ferroseed on the mixed Shell Smash set, but it unfortunately forces you to lower your SpA stat by one point. It could still be an option on the main set with the EVs 216 Atk / 12 Def / 96 SpA / 184 Spe and a Naughty nature, as it would allow you to usually OHKO Ferroseed after a Shell Smash, but Aqua Jet is generally more useful. Earthquake is also an option over Aqua Jet, as it will OHKO Croagunk, who resists both of your STAB moves, but it fails to do much else. Ice Beam fails to hit anything significantly harder than the STAB moves, so it isn't worth it.</p>
<p>A Curse set is possible, but it sucks due to Tirtouga's sub-par Special Defense and poor defensive typing. Tirtouga is also too slow to make use of a Choice Scarf set. Life Orb gets in the way of Sturdy, killing Tirtouga with recoil after tanking a would-be fatal hit. Omanyte does a Life Orb set better anyway.</p>
[Checks And Counters]
<p>Ferroseed is the best possible counter to Tirtouga. It walls all sets that don't carry Hidden Power Fire and can even OHKO back through Sturdy with Bullet Seed, or just kill it with Gyro Ball. It can also abuse the fact that Tirtouga hates entry hazards by laying down Stealth Rock or Spikes, as they will break Tirtouga's Sturdy ability before it gets a chance to use it. Pokemon with priority that don't fear Aqua Jet, such as Timburr and Croagunk, can easily revenge Tirtouga after Sturdy is broken. The above two can also simply 2HKO it through Sturdy with Drain Punch and a priority move, as they can both take on Stone Edge and Aqua Tail. Lileep and Slowpoke are not OHKOed by a +2 Stone Edge; Lileep can OHKO Tirtouga with Energy Ball after Sturdy is broken, while Slowpoke can pick off a weakened Tirtouga. Any Choice Scarf user with a Speed of 16 or higher that can survive a +2 Aqua Jet, such as Chinchou, is a good check as it can outspeed Tirtouga after a Shell Smash, and likely OHKO it after Sturdy is broken.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Tirtouga receives Swift Swim as a Dream World ability. This opens up a lot of new opportunities for it and can allow it to fit in very well in any Rain Dance-based team. It can function in a similar manner to Kabuto, though it is much bulkier and receives Earthquake, which can be useful in hitting several Pokemon. Kabuto doesn't get Stone Edge, giving Tirtouga another niche, though Kabuto is better overall since Tirtouga can be outsped by several Scarf users.</p>
edit: Finished the update. Thanks for the previous write up to build some of the sections off of barry4ever and badal.
QC 2/2 (Macle, Crux)
GP 2/2 (V0x approved by NixHex, jc104)
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/564.shtml
[Overview]
<p>Although Tirtouga is arguably the most overlooked of the five Shell Smash users in Little Cup, don't let the cute eyes and fins fool you. Tirtouga can be a monster when used properly. With a high 78 base Attack, Sturdy, access to strong STAB attacks, and priority, it has almost all the tools needed to be a deadly sweeper. Unfortunately, the good news stops there. Because of its poor defensive typing, low base speed, and inability to break through several common walls, it often has a hard time sweeping entire teams. Nevertheless, with the proper team support, Tirtouga can use its niche—the ability to set up Shell Smash easily—and proceed to decimate most teams.</p>
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Aqua Tail
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Aqua Jet
item: Splash Plate
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set seeks to abuse Tirtouga's main niche over the other Shell Smash users: Sturdy and its near-perfect coverage with just its two STAB moves. After an easy Shell Smash, Tirtouga has the capability to plow through most Pokemon. With a single smash, Tirtouga reaches an amazing 36 Attack and decent 22 Speed. Aqua Tail is its strongest STAB move when used with Splash Plate. Stone Edge helps round out its coverage, OHKOing many of the things that resist Aqua Tail, as well as providing a second STAB option. Aqua Jet provides priority in order to OHKO frail Choice Scarf users that may still be faster than Tirtouga after a Shell Smash.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Although it may be tempting to use the more accurate Waterfall over the more powerful Aqua Tail, it is important that you don't. Without Aqua Tail, you would lose the chance to OHKO important threats such as Scraggy and Bulky Mienfoo unless you could guarantee slight residual damage beforehand. In a similar manner, Oran Berry over Splash Plate would provide some protection against priority attacks, but without Splash Plate you would lose out on some important OHKOs. The below damage calculations show Tirtouga's ability to OHKO many common bulky Pokemon, but also its inability to OHKO dedicated walls, such as Slowpoke and Lileep.</p>
<ul class="damage calculations">
<li>+2 Aqua Tail vs. 0 HP / 36 Def Eviolite Scraggy 90.5% - 114.3%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Tail vs. 0 HP / 36 Def Eviolite Mienfoo 114.3% - 133.3%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Tail vs. 76 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Timburr 76% - 96%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 36 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Staryu 110.0% - 135%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 52 Def Eviolite Chinchou 104.2% - 125%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 148 HP / 140 Def Eviolite Lileep 64% - 84%</li>
<li>+2 Stone Edge vs. 116 HP / 236 Def Eviolite Slowpoke 59.3% - 70.4%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 36 Def Eviolite Drilbur 109.1% - 136.4%</li>
<li>+2 Aqua Jet vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Gastly 100% - 119.1%</li>
</ul>
<p>As shown above, Tirtouga despises walls such as Slowpoke, Lileep, Timburr, and Ferroseed, so Pokemon that can easily get rid of them are Tirtouga's best friends. The combination of Wynaut and either Diglett or a Pursuit user can easily trap and kill all of the above with a combination of Shadow Tag, Encore, Tickle, and Arena Trap or Pursuit. Magnemite can also be used to trap and kill Ferroseed when utilizing Magnet Pull and Hidden Power Fire. This particular set has trouble with priority users, especially Fake Out Mienfoo. Fake Out flinches you, taking away Sturdy's protection, while also KOing Tirtouga at one HP. It even goes before Tirtouga's Aqua Jet, thanks to its annoying +2 priority level. Lastly, because Tirtouga relies on Sturdy to ease its set up, a Rapid Spin user such as Staryu will help immensely by clearing the field of entry hazards and scaring away popular Stealth Rock and Spikes users, such as Dwebble.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A mixed Shell Smash set with the EVs 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 100 Spe, a Rash nature, and the moves Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Stone Edge, and Aqua Jet is possible. It allows you to use Oran Berry and still OHKO many of the same Pokemon you did before, but it requires you to use two 80% accuracy moves. Fake Out Mienfoo would not be as much of a threat after setting up, as Oran Berry would insure you would be able to take at least 3 hits from Fake Out at 50% HP. However, Tirtouga only reaches 20 Speed after a Shell Smash, so it would get outsped by every Choice Scarf user, and only speed tie with Diglett, Elekid, and Voltorb.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Fire seems like it would be a great move over Aqua Jet in order to nail Ferroseed on the mixed Shell Smash set, but it unfortunately forces you to lower your SpA stat by one point. It could still be an option on the main set with the EVs 216 Atk / 12 Def / 96 SpA / 184 Spe and a Naughty nature, as it would allow you to usually OHKO Ferroseed after a Shell Smash, but Aqua Jet is generally more useful. Earthquake is also an option over Aqua Jet, as it will OHKO Croagunk, who resists both of your STAB moves, but it fails to do much else. Ice Beam fails to hit anything significantly harder than the STAB moves, so it isn't worth it.</p>
<p>A Curse set is possible, but it sucks due to Tirtouga's sub-par Special Defense and poor defensive typing. Tirtouga is also too slow to make use of a Choice Scarf set. Life Orb gets in the way of Sturdy, killing Tirtouga with recoil after tanking a would-be fatal hit. Omanyte does a Life Orb set better anyway.</p>
[Checks And Counters]
<p>Ferroseed is the best possible counter to Tirtouga. It walls all sets that don't carry Hidden Power Fire and can even OHKO back through Sturdy with Bullet Seed, or just kill it with Gyro Ball. It can also abuse the fact that Tirtouga hates entry hazards by laying down Stealth Rock or Spikes, as they will break Tirtouga's Sturdy ability before it gets a chance to use it. Pokemon with priority that don't fear Aqua Jet, such as Timburr and Croagunk, can easily revenge Tirtouga after Sturdy is broken. The above two can also simply 2HKO it through Sturdy with Drain Punch and a priority move, as they can both take on Stone Edge and Aqua Tail. Lileep and Slowpoke are not OHKOed by a +2 Stone Edge; Lileep can OHKO Tirtouga with Energy Ball after Sturdy is broken, while Slowpoke can pick off a weakened Tirtouga. Any Choice Scarf user with a Speed of 16 or higher that can survive a +2 Aqua Jet, such as Chinchou, is a good check as it can outspeed Tirtouga after a Shell Smash, and likely OHKO it after Sturdy is broken.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Tirtouga receives Swift Swim as a Dream World ability. This opens up a lot of new opportunities for it and can allow it to fit in very well in any Rain Dance-based team. It can function in a similar manner to Kabuto, though it is much bulkier and receives Earthquake, which can be useful in hitting several Pokemon. Kabuto doesn't get Stone Edge, giving Tirtouga another niche, though Kabuto is better overall since Tirtouga can be outsped by several Scarf users.</p>
barry4ever's Original Thread
badalcristiano's Thread
[Overview]
<p>Tirtouga is a relative newcomer in Little Cup , but it certainly didn't take much time to settle down. Don't let the cute eyes and fins fool you though, as Tirtouga is a monster if used properly. With a decent 78 Attack and Shell Smash, it reaches a frightening 34 Attack and 24 Speed after only one boost. Excellent STAB moves in Waterfall and Stone Edge allow it to decimate most Pokemon, and it even gets STAB priority in Aqua Jet. Its ability, Sturdy, prevents Tirtouga from getting OHKOed. However, Tirtouga does have some crippling weaknesses. Even after a Shell Smash, it can be outsped by Scarf users sitting at 17 Speed, making it prone to revenge killing, especially to Fighting-type priority. Nevertheless, Tirtouga can still be a threat to most teams if used properly.</p>
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Jolly nature, Tirtouga reaches a fantastic 34 Attack, 22 Special Attack, and 24 Speed after after a single Shell Smash, allowing it to outpace and deal hefty damage to all Pokemon without a Choice Scarf and a few slower Scarf users. Waterfall and Stone Edge are the primary STAB moves, providing near-perfect coverage with the combo being resisted by only a handful of Pokemon. The choice between Stone Edge and Rock Slide depends on power versus reliability. Rock Slide has a greater accuracy and a chance to flinch, while Stone Edge has 20 more Base Power and a high chance of a critical hit. In the last slot, Earthquake rounds off the overall coverage quite well.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Aqua Jet can also be used over Waterfall , allowing Tirtouga to snip off weakened Pokemon thanks to its priority. Life Orb provides Tirtouga with the raw power it needs to smash through most walls, but Eviolite is still a viable option, increasing both of Tirtouga's defenses by one stage and giving it a decent amount of bulk, which makes makes setting up easier. The EV spread is designed to give Tirtouga maximum Attack and Speed, so that it can outpace and decimate most Pokemon with its STAB moves. The remaining EVs are placed in HP and Defense so as to increase Tirtouga's bulk marginally. Aqua Tail is an option over Waterfall since it can provide that extra power to the set, but at the cost of the accuracy.</p>
<p>Since Tirtouga is completely walled by Ferroseed, a Pokemon that can take it down is a necessity. Magnemite does this job quite well thanks to its ability preventing Ferroseed from switching out. From there, it can roast Ferroseed with a super effective Hidden Power Fire. Since Shell Smash lowers Tirtuoga's defenses, dual screens can go a long way in keeping Tirtouga alive and also makes setting up easier, since they effectively negate the drops in its defenses after a Shell Smash, making Abra and Bronzor good teammates to set up dual screens with ease. Finally, like every other sweeper, Tirtouga likes entry hazards in place. Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes allow Tirtouga to net several important KOs and breaks enemy Focus Sashes. Hippopotas can also be a useful teammate to Tirtouga since it provides sandstorm, which increases its Special Defense. Hippopotas can also provide it with Stealth Rock support which can be helpful with breaking Focus Sashes and making it easier to KO other Pokemon.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Tirtouga does not exactly have a lot of options. It can run a Choice Scarf set but it is rather slow even with a Scarf, being outsped by Pokemon with 19 Speed. Waterfall can be replaced by Hydro Pump, allowing Tirtouga to attack from both sides of the spectrum with its decent 22 base Special Attack. A Curse set is possible with Waterfall and Rock Slide but isn't as effective due to Tirtouga's sub-par Special Defense and weaknesses to Grass-, Ground-, and Fighting-type attacks. Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with Ferroseed and other Steel-types, though it makes Tirtouga a sitting duck for Croagunk who can smash Tirtouga into pieces with Vacuum Wave. A bulky Rock Polish set is surely something Tirtouga can pull off with ease, raising Tirtouga's meager Speed and allowing it to outspeed several key threats. A viable bulky Shell Smash set with Eviolite may work, allowing it to severely dent Pokemon while retaining extra bulk, which is useful in situations where there isn't much room to set up, and allows it to have an easier time against Timburr.</p>
[Checks And Counters]
<p>Ferroseed is the best possible counter to Tirtouga. It is resistant to both of Tirtouga's STABs and takes little damage from Earthquake. It can then proceed to KO Tirtouga easily with Bullet Seed or Gyro Ball. Pokemon with powerful priority attacks , such as Timburr, can easily destroy Tirtouga with a Mach Punch, especially after Tirtouga has used Shell Smash, but it cannot switch in. Pawniward and Croagunk can take out Tirtouga out with Sucker Punch but both must be wary of Earthquake. Croagunk has the added advantage of being able to switch in due to Dry Skin. Scarf userswith 17 Speed and above, such as Joltik, Electrike, and Elekid can outspeed Tirtouga even after a boost and can KO with a super effective Thunderbolt. Slowpoke can eat all of Tirtouga's attacks and can KO with Scald or Surf. Since its Speed stat is so low, the Rock Polish set may not always work. It would usually get outsped by several other Pokemon.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Tirtouga receives Swift Swim as a Dream World ability. This opens up a lot of new opportunities for it and can allow it to fit in very well in any Rain Dance-based team. It can function in a similar manner as Kabuto, though it is much more bulkier and receives Earthquake which can be useful in hitting several Pokemon. Kabuto doesn't get Stone Edge, which again is useful for Tirtouga, giving it a niche over Kabuto, though Kabuto is overall better since Tirtouga can be outsped by most Scarf users.</p>
badalcristiano's Thread
[Overview]
<p>Tirtouga is a relative newcomer in Little Cup , but it certainly didn't take much time to settle down. Don't let the cute eyes and fins fool you though, as Tirtouga is a monster if used properly. With a decent 78 Attack and Shell Smash, it reaches a frightening 34 Attack and 24 Speed after only one boost. Excellent STAB moves in Waterfall and Stone Edge allow it to decimate most Pokemon, and it even gets STAB priority in Aqua Jet. Its ability, Sturdy, prevents Tirtouga from getting OHKOed. However, Tirtouga does have some crippling weaknesses. Even after a Shell Smash, it can be outsped by Scarf users sitting at 17 Speed, making it prone to revenge killing, especially to Fighting-type priority. Nevertheless, Tirtouga can still be a threat to most teams if used properly.</p>
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 84 HP / 212 Atk / 12 Def / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Jolly nature, Tirtouga reaches a fantastic 34 Attack, 22 Special Attack, and 24 Speed after after a single Shell Smash, allowing it to outpace and deal hefty damage to all Pokemon without a Choice Scarf and a few slower Scarf users. Waterfall and Stone Edge are the primary STAB moves, providing near-perfect coverage with the combo being resisted by only a handful of Pokemon. The choice between Stone Edge and Rock Slide depends on power versus reliability. Rock Slide has a greater accuracy and a chance to flinch, while Stone Edge has 20 more Base Power and a high chance of a critical hit. In the last slot, Earthquake rounds off the overall coverage quite well.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Aqua Jet can also be used over Waterfall , allowing Tirtouga to snip off weakened Pokemon thanks to its priority. Life Orb provides Tirtouga with the raw power it needs to smash through most walls, but Eviolite is still a viable option, increasing both of Tirtouga's defenses by one stage and giving it a decent amount of bulk, which makes makes setting up easier. The EV spread is designed to give Tirtouga maximum Attack and Speed, so that it can outpace and decimate most Pokemon with its STAB moves. The remaining EVs are placed in HP and Defense so as to increase Tirtouga's bulk marginally. Aqua Tail is an option over Waterfall since it can provide that extra power to the set, but at the cost of the accuracy.</p>
<p>Since Tirtouga is completely walled by Ferroseed, a Pokemon that can take it down is a necessity. Magnemite does this job quite well thanks to its ability preventing Ferroseed from switching out. From there, it can roast Ferroseed with a super effective Hidden Power Fire. Since Shell Smash lowers Tirtuoga's defenses, dual screens can go a long way in keeping Tirtouga alive and also makes setting up easier, since they effectively negate the drops in its defenses after a Shell Smash, making Abra and Bronzor good teammates to set up dual screens with ease. Finally, like every other sweeper, Tirtouga likes entry hazards in place. Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes allow Tirtouga to net several important KOs and breaks enemy Focus Sashes. Hippopotas can also be a useful teammate to Tirtouga since it provides sandstorm, which increases its Special Defense. Hippopotas can also provide it with Stealth Rock support which can be helpful with breaking Focus Sashes and making it easier to KO other Pokemon.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Tirtouga does not exactly have a lot of options. It can run a Choice Scarf set but it is rather slow even with a Scarf, being outsped by Pokemon with 19 Speed. Waterfall can be replaced by Hydro Pump, allowing Tirtouga to attack from both sides of the spectrum with its decent 22 base Special Attack. A Curse set is possible with Waterfall and Rock Slide but isn't as effective due to Tirtouga's sub-par Special Defense and weaknesses to Grass-, Ground-, and Fighting-type attacks. Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with Ferroseed and other Steel-types, though it makes Tirtouga a sitting duck for Croagunk who can smash Tirtouga into pieces with Vacuum Wave. A bulky Rock Polish set is surely something Tirtouga can pull off with ease, raising Tirtouga's meager Speed and allowing it to outspeed several key threats. A viable bulky Shell Smash set with Eviolite may work, allowing it to severely dent Pokemon while retaining extra bulk, which is useful in situations where there isn't much room to set up, and allows it to have an easier time against Timburr.</p>
[Checks And Counters]
<p>Ferroseed is the best possible counter to Tirtouga. It is resistant to both of Tirtouga's STABs and takes little damage from Earthquake. It can then proceed to KO Tirtouga easily with Bullet Seed or Gyro Ball. Pokemon with powerful priority attacks , such as Timburr, can easily destroy Tirtouga with a Mach Punch, especially after Tirtouga has used Shell Smash, but it cannot switch in. Pawniward and Croagunk can take out Tirtouga out with Sucker Punch but both must be wary of Earthquake. Croagunk has the added advantage of being able to switch in due to Dry Skin. Scarf userswith 17 Speed and above, such as Joltik, Electrike, and Elekid can outspeed Tirtouga even after a boost and can KO with a super effective Thunderbolt. Slowpoke can eat all of Tirtouga's attacks and can KO with Scald or Surf. Since its Speed stat is so low, the Rock Polish set may not always work. It would usually get outsped by several other Pokemon.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Tirtouga receives Swift Swim as a Dream World ability. This opens up a lot of new opportunities for it and can allow it to fit in very well in any Rain Dance-based team. It can function in a similar manner as Kabuto, though it is much more bulkier and receives Earthquake which can be useful in hitting several Pokemon. Kabuto doesn't get Stone Edge, which again is useful for Tirtouga, giving it a niche over Kabuto, though Kabuto is overall better since Tirtouga can be outsped by most Scarf users.</p>
