[OVERVIEW]
Tirtouga is an incredibly versatile Pokemon, as it can perform a variety of offensive and defensive roles well. A potent offensive typing, intriguing coverage options, and access to both Shell Smash and Sturdy help make Tirtouga into a fearsome sweeper that is often capable of beating some of its own checks. On the other hand, that same typing, stellar defensive stats, and access to Solid Rock make Tirtouga an equally effective defensive Pokemon, capable of taking on top-tier threats such as Fletchling with ease. Unfortunately, however, Tirtouga has a number of shortcomings in both offensive and defensive roles. Tirtouga is awfully slow, especially for a Shell Smash user, so it must forgo bulk in order to make up for its lacking Speed and will still be threatened by fast Choice Scarf users. Its Rock typing also makes it weak to common priority moves in Timburr's Mach Punch and Croagunk's Vacuum Wave, which in turn hinders its ability to sweep. On the other hand, Tirtouga's defensive sets lack longevity despite its immense bulk. Unless you choose to run a niche option like Rest, defensive Tirtouga is very easy to wear down. When all is said and done, however, this terrific turtle remains a very versatile threat.
[SET]
name: Sturdy Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Aqua Jet / Earthquake
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 212 Atk / 92 Def / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash is the key to Tirtouga's sweeping capabilities, doubling its Attack and Speed. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that provides excellent neutral coverage, and it also comes with a nifty chance to cause the foe to flinch. Stone Edge is a very powerful attack that allows Tirtouga to defeat the Flying-type foes it can set up on; however, the move's poor accuracy makes it somewhat unreliable at times. Zen Headbutt, on the other hand, provides great coverage in Little Cup in general, and specifically against Croagunk, which is otherwise a hard stop to Tirtouga. Aqua Jet is a solid option, as it helps Tirtouga bypass Pawniard's powerful Sucker Punch while also letting it pick off weakened priority and Choice Scarf users. Earthquake, while somewhat niche, gives Tirtouga a way to OHKO all of Croagunk, Chinchou, and Pawniard, but it doesn't offer much more than that.
Set Details
========
Berry Juice and Sturdy combine to help Tirtouga set up a Shell Smash, as it can survive any hit while setting up at full health and then recover back to full health. The given EVs maximize Tirtouga's Attack and Speed to better facilitate a sweep while also further boosting its stellar Defense. Jolly further boosts Tirtouga's Speed and allows it to outspeed threatening 15 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Magnemite after a boost.
Usage Tips
========
As with most other sweepers, Shell Smash Tirtouga is generally best employed late-game. Try to maintain Sturdy as long as possible to maximize setup opportunities; this generally entails either removing entry hazards or preventing them altogether. Tirtouga can take advantage of common Flying-type attackers such as Fletchling and Drifloon by setting up a Shell Smash on a resisted Acrobatics. If both Sturdy and Berry Juice are still active, feel free to set up a Shell Smash on anything Tirtouga can OHKO that lacks Knock Off or priority, as it will generally come out at full health following the KO. Removing Ferroseed is particularly helpful before setting up Tirtouga, as it is one of the few Pokemon in the tier that can avoid even a 2HKO from it following a Shell Smash.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal is key to preserving Sturdy; therefore, Pokemon such as Drilbur and Vullaby are great teammates for Tirtouga, especially as Drilbur can help ease the threat Electric-types pose to Tirtouga, and Vullaby can run Heat Wave to lure in and remove Ferroseed. Entry hazard support is also great to have, as it helps Tirtouga secure important OHKOs after Shell Smash, particularly against Mienfoo. Drilbur happens to fit in this role as well, and a Spikes setter like Chespin can also make for a good partner. Adding a teammate such as Glare Snivy or Stun Spore Cottonee that can help deal with troublesome Choice Scarf Pokemon will help Tirtouga make up for its underwhelming Speed. Cottonee is particularly helpful here, as it can also provide Memento support in case Tirtouga's Sturdy is nullified. Flying-type attackers such as Fletchling and Vullaby have great synergy with Tirtouga, as they threaten Fighting- and Grass-type Pokemon while appreciating Tirtouga's ability to threaten Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon. Knock Off users, such as the aforementioned Vullaby, Snivy, and Cottonee, help Tirtouga by removing Eviolite and Berry Juice from opposing Pokemon, making it much easier for Tirtouga to sweep following a Shell Smash. Lastly, Corphish shares several checks with Tirtouga and can help weaken and remove said checks with attacks like Knock Off and Superpower. Though it compounds several weaknesses, the two form a very potent Water-type spam core.
[SET]
name: Solid Rock Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Earthquake / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 132 Atk / 92 Def / 76 SpD / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash doubles Tirtouga's Attack and Speed. Waterfall is a reliable STAB attack that provides excellent neutral coverage, and it also comes with a nifty chance to induce flinch. Stone Edge is a very powerful STAB attack that allows Tirtouga to defeat the Flying-type foes it can set up on; however, the move's poor accuracy make it somewhat unreliable at times. Zen Headbutt, on the other hand, provides great coverage, specifically against Croagunk, which is otherwise a hard stop to Tirtouga. Earthquake is preferred over Aqua Jet on this set, as it allows Tirtouga to lure in and defeat Pokemon such as Eviolite Chinchou and Croagunk, which this set is designed to beat. However, Aqua Jet is still a solid option, as it helps Tirtouga bypass Pawniard's powerful Sucker Punch while also letting it pick off weakened priority and Choice Scarf users.
Set Details
========
Eviolite and Solid Rock combine to boost Tirtouga's already good bulk to surprising levels and, therefore, grant it surprising opportunities to set up. 180 Speed EVs get Tirtouga up to 11 Speed, allowing it to outspeed anything every unboosted Pokemon in the tier following a Shell Smash. Adamant helps to boost Tirtouga's Attack and is necessary on this set to maintain Tirtouga's power levels and allow for the distribution of defensive EVs. The EV spread given is specifically designed to maximize Tirtouga's potential to beat its own checks. Specifically, the given EV spread maintains enough Attack to have a great chance of KOing threats such as Foongus and 17 Speed Mienfoo while performing a number of defensive feats. Specifically, after Shell Smash's defense drops, Tirtouga can easily survive Timburr's Mach Punch, Croagunk's Vacuum Wave, or Choice Scarf Chinchou's Volt Switch, allowing it to take them on with appropriate coverage moves.
Usage Tips
========
Tirtouga can consistently set up a Shell Smash against any Flying- or Fire-type Pokemon that lacks Will-O-Wisp and, due to its specialized EV spread, can even set up on threats such as Chinchou in a pinch! Unfortunately, this iteration of Tirtouga is much easier to wear down than its Berry Juice counterparts due to its lack of recovery; this also makes it more vulnerable to priority attacks. However, it is just as crucial to remove Ferroseed when using Solid Rock Tirtouga as it is when using Sturdy Tirtouga, as nothing outside of the niche Hidden Power Fire can give Tirtouga a fighting chance against the menace.
Team Options
========
Memento in particular helps augment this Tirtouga's superior bulk; Cottonee is a great partner in this regard and many others. Entry hazard removal is even more essential to preserving this set's longevity, as it lacks recovery of any kind; therefore, Pokemon such as Drilbur and Vullaby are great teammates for Tirtouga. These two in particular synergize well with Tirtouga, as Drilbur can help ease the threat Electric-types pose to Tirtouga, and Vullaby can run Heat Wave to lure in and remove Ferroseed. Entry hazard support is also helpful, as it can break opposing Sturdy and help Tirtouga secure several notable OHKOs. Lileep and Drilbur happen to have great synergy with Tirtouga, as they are both capable of taking on Electric-type Pokemon. Corphish is a very good partner for this iteration of Tirtouga, as the two can work together to eliminate checks they share, such as Ferroseed and Croagunk. Fletchling and other Flying-type teammates can threaten Fighting- and Grass-types, and in turn Tirtouga can do a good job of taking out the Rock- and Steel-types that threaten them.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off / Aqua Jet
item: Eviolite
ability: Solid Rock
nature: Sassy
evs: 84 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpA / 156 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Entry hazard support is an important part of any team, as it breaks Sturdy and secures vital KOs; Tirtouga's incredible bulk makes it a great Stealth Rock setter. Scald helps Tirtouga cripple physical attackers such as Mienfoo and Drilbur that normally threaten it, and it can also augment its already titanic physical bulk via a burn. Stone Edge is Tirtouga's most powerful STAB attack, and it allows Tirtouga to check Flying- and Fire-types with ease. Knock Off lets Tirtouga further support its team by removing foes' Eviolite and Berry Juice, allowing other teammates to KO said foes more easily. Aqua Jet, on the other hand, provides Tirtouga with valuable priority, notably improving its matchup against Diglett and thereby making it one of the best counters to the popular Fletchling + Diglett core.
Set Details
========
Eviolite and Solid Rock grant Tirtouga colossal bulk at the expense of the recovery normally provided by Berry Juice. The given EVs capitalize on Tirtouga's already stellar physical bulk while also bolstering its other defensive stats. A Sassy nature helps boost Tirtouga's lackluster Special Defense without sacrificing the power of any of its attacks. Tirtouga doesn't mind the drop in Speed from a Sassy nature, as it is already quite slow to begin with and does not need to boost its Speed with this set.
Usage Tips
========
Make use of Tirtouga's fantastic bulk to set up Stealth Rock on the opponent's side of the field whenever necessary. However, be wary of Tirtouga being worn down, as it lacks recovery outside of a niche option in Rest. Passing Tirtouga a Wish, perhaps from a Spritzee, would help mitigate this weakness. Tirtouga can come in on Fletchling with near impunity and, should you choose to run Aqua Jet, doesn't even fear a U-turn into Diglett. Lastly, if Tirtouga's set hasn't yet been revealed in the match, the opponent will frequently assume a Shell Smash set, and you can take advantage of this by crippling switch-ins with Scald or Knock Off.
Team Options
========
In terms of defensive synergy, Foongus is a near-perfect partner for Tirtouga. In an aggregate of the two Pokemon's weaknesses, only a weakness to Ground is not covered fully. Other bulky Grass-type Pokemon synergize with Tirtouga as well; in particular, Chespin and Ferroseed are good partners, as they help deal with troublesome Electric-types. Poison-type teammates such as Croagunk and Foongus can remove the Grass- and Fighting-type Pokemon that threaten Tirtouga. Spritzee is a ridiculously good partner to defensive Tirtouga, as it covers Tirtouga's Fighting weakness while also giving it valuable recovery via Wish. Tirtouga also happens to do well in defensive Fire / Water / Grass cores, with Pokemon such as Foongus and Ponyta.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rest can be used to grant defensive Tirtouga a form of recovery; however, it is generally not as useful as Tirtouga's other options, such as Knock Off and Aqua Jet. Rock Slide is an option on defensive Tirtouga sets for its increased accuracy, as it thus grants Tirtouga a more reliable option against threatening Pokemon such as Fletchling and Larvesta. Hidden Power Fire is an option on Shell Smash sets to remove Ferroseed, one of Tirtouga's hardest counters. However, opting to use Hidden Power Fire requires a substantial reallocation of EVs, and the move is generally not worth running over more useful options such as Zen Headbutt. Tirtouga can effectively combine its roles by running a Stealth Rock + Shell Smash set with Sturdy, but it loses out on valuable coverage by doing so.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Pokemon**: Easily the biggest threats to Tirtouga are bulky Grass-type Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Lileep. Though they do not resist Tirtouga's Rock-type attacks (except in the case of Ferroseed), they generally can avoid a 2HKO from any of Tirtouga's other attacks even after a Shell Smash and proceed to threaten it with their super effective Grass-type attacks. However, running Zen Headbutt can help Tirtouga's matchup against common Grass / Poison-type foes such as Foongus.
**Fighting-type Pokemon**: In a similar vein to Grass-type Pokemon, bulky Fighting-types such as Timburr and Pancham resist Tirtouga's Rock-type attacks and can generally survive a Waterfall or two. They then threaten Tirtouga with super effective Fighting-type attacks. The most notable of Tirtouga's Fighting-type threats are Pancham, which can bypass Tirtouga's Sturdy or Solid Rock with Mold Breaker; Croagunk, which is immune to Water-type attacks via Dry Skin and can threaten Tirtouga with priority Vacuum Wave; and Timburr, which gains a Guts boost from defensive Tirtouga's Scald burns and can threaten Tirtouga with priority Mach Punch. All of the Pokemon mentioned also have access to Knock Off, which threatens Berry Juice Tirtouga in particular.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Even at +2 Speed, Tirtouga does not outspeed Choice Scarf users with 16 Speed and above. Such Choice Scarf users, such as Chinchou and Mienfoo, can pose a large threat to a -1 Tirtouga, and they will often proceed to KO it. However, running Aqua Jet can mitigate this weakness to an extent.
**Entry Hazards and Residual Damage**: Entry hazards hurt every Tirtouga set in one way or another. Hazard damage will break Tirtouga's Sturdy, making it much more difficult for Tirtouga to set up. On the other hand, non-Berry Juice variants of Tirtouga lack recovery; therefore, the residual damage it suffers from entry hazards and status such as burn can greatly hinder defensive Tirtouga's staying power.
**Status Conditions**: Tirtouga abhors all forms of status and particularly dislikes burn and paralysis. These status effects lower Tirtouga's Attack and Speed, respectively, thereby hampering its sweeping capabilities. Poison, on the other hand, fits into the residual damage section above. Taunt, which is technically also a status effect, is also particularly irksome to any Tirtouga, as it prevents it from using Stealth Rock or Shell Smash.
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