[OVERVIEW]
Tyranitar's combination of bulk, typing, and power allows it to check prominent threats such as Latios, Mega Charizard Y, Gengar, and Talonflame. In addition to this, its access to Sand Stream and Stealth Rock make it a great support threat, as it assists Sand Rush Excadrill and Sand Force Mega Garchomp. Sand Stream itself boosts Tyranitar's Special Defense, meaning it can take on Latios's Draco Meteor with ease. Its great movepool allows it to lure in common switch-ins such as Mega Scizor and Landorus-T and KO them with a coverage move. Tyranitar can also take a role of a sweeper through its Mega Evolution, making it an unpredictable threat. However, while Tyranitar's typing allows it to check specific top-tier threats, Tyranitar is also easy to force out with the plethora of weaknesses it possesses. Even with a Choice Scarf, it is still slow, meaning Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny can easily force it out. Its lack of recovery also makes it easy to wear down.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Ice Punch
ability: Sand Stream
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a Choice Scarf, Tyranitar reaches a great 365 Speed, allowing it to Pursuit trap common threats such as Latios, Starmie, and Gengar. Stone Edge is Tyranitar's main STAB move, doing decent damage to Pokemon that don't resist it. It also allows Tyranitar to force out Mega Charizard Y, which can be nuisance otherwise, and Tyranitar makes a fine check as long as Tyranitar is wary of Focus Blast. Superpower is a great complementary coverage move, hitting opposing Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and particularly being able to hit Keldeo, which resists Tyranitar's STAB moves. Superpower also allows Tyranitar to revenge kill Bisharp because Tyranitar resists Sucker Punch. Earthquake is an alternative over Superpower to avoid Attack and Defense drops and gets better neutral coverage, but it is inferior in almost every other way. Crunch is used in the last slot, as it is a reliable Dark-type STAB move that hits bulky Psychic-types such as Mew, Celebi, Cresselia, Bronzong, and Slowbro. It can also be used to clean teams late-game. Ice Punch can be used to hit Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T if a reliable secondary STAB move is not needed.
Set Details
========
Maximum and Attack and Speed with a Jolly Nature is mandatory to allow Tyranitar to do its job and hit the necessary Speed tier to Pursuit trap effectively. Sand Stream is used for a Special Defense boost, allowing Tyranitar to switch into Latios's Draco Meteor, and it removes other weather conditions such as Mega Charizard Y's sun and Politoed's rain.
Usage Tips
========
As previously mentioned, this set should be used to trap Gengar, Latios, Latias, Starmie, and other Psychic-types Tyranitar forces out. Tyranitar also makes for a great check to Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, and Thundurus, so use Tyranitar for these threats as well. Finally, Tyranitar can be used as a revenge killer as well because it outspeeds everything up to Starmie, and can force out a lot of relevant threats with its STAB moves and coverage.
Team Options
========
Keldeo, Mega Charizard Y, and Landorus appreciate Tyranitar's ability to remove Latios and Latias. Teammates that can take on Tyranitar's weaknesses are also great partners, such as Clefable, Celebi, and Gliscor. Stealth Rock support is recommended because it allows Tyranitar to net crucial KOs such as against Latias and Mega Gardevoir and complements its ability to force switches. Ferrothorn and Garchomp are examples of Stealth Rock setters. Excadrill and Mega Garchomp are good teammates due to Tyranitar activating their abilities, but sand turns are limited without a Smooth Rock.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit
ability: Sand Stream
item: Choice Band
evs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
nature: Adamant
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Band turns Tyranitar into a lethal and very powerful wallbreaker. Stone Edge is the main STAB move and does massive damage to even Pokemon that resist it such as Keldeo. Crunch is the more accurate secondary STAB move and can break past bulky Psyshic-types such as Cresselia and Jirachi with ease. Superpower has great coverage alongside Stone Edge and Crunch and hits Ferrothorn, Heatran, and opposing Tyranitar. Fire Punch is an option to hit Mega Scizor, but misses out on the aforementioned Heatran and Tyranitar. Pursuit rounds off the set by allowing Tyranitar to Pursuit trap Latios and Talonflame. Unlike the Choice Scarf set, Choice Band Tyranitar can trap bulky Psyshic-types such as Slowbro, Bronzong, and Cresselia due to the great increase in power. Finally, Ice Punch can be used to hit Garchomp and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature and maximum Attack investment allow Tyranitar to hit as hard as possible. 156 Speed EVs are used to outspeed minimum Speed Mandibuzz, but 76 Speed EVs can be used if Tyranitar only needs to outpace Skarmory. The rest of the EVs are thrown into HP to make Tyranitar as bulky as possible. Sand Stream is crucial to Tyranitar's role as a bulky wallbreaker and Pursuit trapper because the ability gives Tyranitar the Special Defense boost it needs to switch in to Latios's Draco Meteor and other neutral and resisted special attacks.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a hit-and-run attacker and to weaken common switch-ins such as Ferrothorn and Rotom-W. Due to the notable increase in power, Tyranitar can Pursuit trap bulkier Psychic-types such as Slowbro and Cresselia. However, faster threats such as Gengar and Starmie can either inflict massive damage or KO Tyranitar. Choice Band Tyranitar's Pursuit also makes it a great trapping tool for Chansey, meaning Chansey can no longer switch into two of Choice Band Tyranitar's most common teammates, Mega Charizard Y and Landorus. Otherwise, clicking Stone Edge to weaken threats is the preferable path to take early-game.
Team Options
========
Mega Charizard Y is an excellent teammate because Choice Band Tyranitar can do massive damage to specially defensive Talonflame and Chansey while eliminating Latios and Latias. Landorus and Keldeo also fit this category because they can sweep much more easily with Latios and Latias removed. While sand turns are limited without Smooth Rock, Excadrill can be used to sweep after Tyranitar has weakened the opponent's team, especially the common switch-ins previously mentioned such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Rotom-W, all which wall Excadrill. Other Pokemon that appreciate walls being broken make for great teammates, such as Talonflame, Mega Pinsir, Mega Lopunny, and Gallade. Mega Beedrill, Tornadus-T, and Mega Manectric get special mentions due to their ability to give Tyranitar free switches to wreck havoc with U-turn and Volt Switch.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Ice Beam / Fire Blast / Crunch
ability: Sand Stream
item: Smooth Rock
evs: 248 HP / 80 Def / 180 SpD
nature: Relaxed
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set focuses on supporting its team even further with the utility of Stealth Rock. Tyranitar makes for a great user of the move due to its great ability to threaten Defog users. Pursuit traps Latios and Latias, which allows Stealth Rock to be on their side of the field for the remainder of the match. Stone Edge is a secondary STAB move that lets Tyranitar KO Zapdos, Mandibuzz, Kyurem-B, and Talonflame. Ice Beam defeats Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. Fire Blast is an option to OHKO Ferrothorn and Scizor, and Crunch can be used for a stronger hit on Slowbro and Celebi. Thunder Wave can also be used to cripple an offensive threat such as Mega Gardevoir. Roar is a choice to prevent Pokemon such as Azumarill and Keldeo from setting up on Tyranitar. Finally, Earthquake is an option to allow Tyranitar the ability to check Heatran.
Set Details
========
The given HP and Defense EVs allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from +1 Dragonite and KO back with Ice Beam, assuming Multiscale is not intact. They also allow Tyranitar to take two +1 Dragon Claws from Mega Charizard X after Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are tossed into Special Defense to help Tyranitar take special attacks better, such as Latios's Draco Meteor and Heatran's Fire Blast. Smooth Rock is the preferred item because it maximizes the duration of sand and allows Tyranitar to support Excadrill. If Excadrill is not being paired with Tyranitar, Leftovers is an option to provide passive healing, which can help Tyranitar stay active longer in the match. A Chople Berry can be used as well, allowing Tyranitar to survive Gengar's Focus Blast and hit it back with Pursuit. This is especially useful considering Tyranitar can no longer outpace Gengar without its Choice Scarf.
Usage Tips
========
Using Tyranitar to set up Stealth Rock on Pokemon it forces out such as Talonflame and Heatran is advised. Tyranitar makes for a great user of the move because it beats all the common Defog users. This set can also check threats such as Mega Charizard X and Dragonite in a pinch, so it is recommended to keep Tyranitar healthy if the opposing team has any of these Pokemon. Support Tyranitar can also lure in Ferrothorn and Landorus-T and KO them with Fire Blast and Ice Beam, respectively, making it easier for Excadrill to sweep. Tyranitar also walls Latios, Latias, and Swords Dance Talonflame, and Pursuit traps the former two.
Team Options
========
Excadrill is Tyranitar's best teammate because Tyranitar brings eight turns of sand for it to abuse. Celebi is a great partner for sand teams because it takes on Breloom, Azumarill, and Keldeo, which are three Pokemon that trouble sand teams. Talonflame can take bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Mega Venusaur, which can annoy Excadrill. Due to Tyranitar's ability to remove Latios and Latias from the game, Keldeo is an amazing teammate because it has a much easier time when they are removed. Mega Charizard Y also appreciates this, as it can freely wallbreak after they are eliminated. Latios also makes for a great partner because it checks Keldeo, which can switch in on and wall Tyranitar.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch / Crunch
move 4: Superpower / Fire Punch
ability: Sand Stream
item: Tyranitarite
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
After one Dragon Dance, Mega Tyranitar turns into a deadly sweeping machine that can outspeed everything up to Tornadus-T. Stone Edge is the main STAB move for hitting bulky Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Altaria and can be used if the extra power it provides is needed. Ice Punch covers Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, which will try to end Mega Tyranitar's sweep. Superpower hits Steel- and Rock-types such as Bisharp, Ferrothorn, opposing Tyranitar, and Terrakion, for super effective damage. However, Crunch and Fire Punch are alternatives to Ice Punch and Superpower. Crunch can hit bulky Psychic-types such as Celebi and, most importantly, Slowbro, which walls the coverage moves. Crunch also does not suffer accuracy issues; for example, a Stone Edge miss can be the difference between winning or losing the game. Fire Punch OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor, in addition to hitting Skarmory more reliably. Rock Polish can be used as an alternative to Dragon Dance to outpace Mega Lopunny, Weavile, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, but it misses a lot of power even with an Adamant nature.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are needed to outspeed everything up to Tornadus-T. Maximum Attack investment makes Mega Tyranitar very hard to wall after a boost as well. Tyranitarite is mandatory because it gives it a crucial boost to Tyranitar's Speed and, more importantly, its bulk. This means it can set up much easier and survive priority attacks from Azumarill and Mega Scizor.
Usage Tips
========
When grabbing a boost, make sure Mega Tyranitar takes little-to-no damage because it can survive priority moves such as Choice Band Azumarill's Aqua Jet and Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch if healthy. Removing faster attackers is a must before setting up. Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Beedrill, and Weavile are examples of threats because they can easily cut Mega Tyranitar's sweep short. Necessary walls, such as Rotom-W and Mega Slowbro, should also be weakened.
Team Options
========
Mega Tyranitar is walled by Pokemon based upon what coverage move it uses. If Superpower and Ice Punch are used, it is walled by Slowbro, so Celebi is a great teammate. Celebi also walls Breloom, which can OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Mach Punch. If Crunch and Fire Punch are chosen, Mega Tyranitar is walled by bulky Ground-types. Icy Wind Gengar is a great teammate for Mega Tyranitar because Mega Tyranitar can tank a Shadow Ball and lures in specially defensive Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T that think they can set up Stealth Rock. Pokemon that set up Stealth Rock are appreciated because they make it easier for Mega Tyranitar to sweep. Powerful wallbreakers are also welcome because they can defeat Pokemon that wall Mega Tyranitar. Swords Dance Talonflame makes for a good cleaner because it can sweep once Mega Tyranitar weakens its biggest counters: Landorus-T and Gliscor with Ice Punch and Rotom-W with Stone Edge. If running Crunch and Fire Punch, offensive or Choice Scarf Heatran makes for a great teammate because it can do massive damage to Keldeo on the switch and bring it to a point where it can no longer check Mega Tyranitar due to a +1 Stone Edge dealing 50%. Last but not least, Swords Dance Diggersby and Garchomp make for great teammates because they draw in and weaken or KO Mega Tyranitar's checks and counters such as Keldeo, Chesnaught, Slowbro, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Hippowdon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
Tyranitar can run a physically defensive set, but it does not have a good typing to utilize it. Tyranitar can run a more offensive mixed set with Crunch, Ice Beam, Fire Blast, and Stealth Rock with a Smooth Rock to provide offensive presence while also supporting Excadrill, but there is a noticeable decrease in bulk. Tyranitar can run a Dragon Dance set without Tyranitarite, but it misses a crucial Speed tier and there is a noticeable drop in power. It can work on hyper offensive teams and behind dual screens support because it can get multiple boosts when holding a Lum Berry. The set is rather inferior, however, especially with a huge decrease in bulk. Finally, Earthquake is an option on Choice sets to OHKO Heatran, but it has rather redundant coverage compared to Superpower.
Checks & Counters
========
**Fairy-types**: Azumarill, Clefable, and Mega Altaria can take anything from Tyranitar and retaliate back hard. The Choice Band set, however, can do massive damage to these Pokemon.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Skarmory can wall Tyranitar and can set up entry hazards or Swords Dance in Mega Scizor's case. Ferrothorn and Scizor cannot come in on Fire Punch, however.
**Fighting-types**: Keldeo, Breloom, Terrakion, Mega Lopunny, Conkeldurr, and Mega Gallade can easily take a hit and OHKO back with their Fighting-type STAB moves.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Garchomp, Chesnaught, Hippowdon, Gliscor, Landorus-T, Clefable, Mega Sableye, and Rotom-W can easily come in, set up entry hazards, and threaten Tyranitar back with status or their STAB moves. They must be careful of Choice Band and Dragon Dance sets, however, as these can KO or inflict a large amount of damage.
Tyranitar's combination of bulk, typing, and power allows it to check prominent threats such as Latios, Mega Charizard Y, Gengar, and Talonflame. In addition to this, its access to Sand Stream and Stealth Rock make it a great support threat, as it assists Sand Rush Excadrill and Sand Force Mega Garchomp. Sand Stream itself boosts Tyranitar's Special Defense, meaning it can take on Latios's Draco Meteor with ease. Its great movepool allows it to lure in common switch-ins such as Mega Scizor and Landorus-T and KO them with a coverage move. Tyranitar can also take a role of a sweeper through its Mega Evolution, making it an unpredictable threat. However, while Tyranitar's typing allows it to check specific top-tier threats, Tyranitar is also easy to force out with the plethora of weaknesses it possesses. Even with a Choice Scarf, it is still slow, meaning Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny can easily force it out. Its lack of recovery also makes it easy to wear down.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Ice Punch
ability: Sand Stream
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a Choice Scarf, Tyranitar reaches a great 365 Speed, allowing it to Pursuit trap common threats such as Latios, Starmie, and Gengar. Stone Edge is Tyranitar's main STAB move, doing decent damage to Pokemon that don't resist it. It also allows Tyranitar to force out Mega Charizard Y, which can be nuisance otherwise, and Tyranitar makes a fine check as long as Tyranitar is wary of Focus Blast. Superpower is a great complementary coverage move, hitting opposing Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and particularly being able to hit Keldeo, which resists Tyranitar's STAB moves. Superpower also allows Tyranitar to revenge kill Bisharp because Tyranitar resists Sucker Punch. Earthquake is an alternative over Superpower to avoid Attack and Defense drops and gets better neutral coverage, but it is inferior in almost every other way. Crunch is used in the last slot, as it is a reliable Dark-type STAB move that hits bulky Psychic-types such as Mew, Celebi, Cresselia, Bronzong, and Slowbro. It can also be used to clean teams late-game. Ice Punch can be used to hit Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T if a reliable secondary STAB move is not needed.
Set Details
========
Maximum and Attack and Speed with a Jolly Nature is mandatory to allow Tyranitar to do its job and hit the necessary Speed tier to Pursuit trap effectively. Sand Stream is used for a Special Defense boost, allowing Tyranitar to switch into Latios's Draco Meteor, and it removes other weather conditions such as Mega Charizard Y's sun and Politoed's rain.
Usage Tips
========
As previously mentioned, this set should be used to trap Gengar, Latios, Latias, Starmie, and other Psychic-types Tyranitar forces out. Tyranitar also makes for a great check to Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, Mega Charizard Y, and Thundurus, so use Tyranitar for these threats as well. Finally, Tyranitar can be used as a revenge killer as well because it outspeeds everything up to Starmie, and can force out a lot of relevant threats with its STAB moves and coverage.
Team Options
========
Keldeo, Mega Charizard Y, and Landorus appreciate Tyranitar's ability to remove Latios and Latias. Teammates that can take on Tyranitar's weaknesses are also great partners, such as Clefable, Celebi, and Gliscor. Stealth Rock support is recommended because it allows Tyranitar to net crucial KOs such as against Latias and Mega Gardevoir and complements its ability to force switches. Ferrothorn and Garchomp are examples of Stealth Rock setters. Excadrill and Mega Garchomp are good teammates due to Tyranitar activating their abilities, but sand turns are limited without a Smooth Rock.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit
ability: Sand Stream
item: Choice Band
evs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
nature: Adamant
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Band turns Tyranitar into a lethal and very powerful wallbreaker. Stone Edge is the main STAB move and does massive damage to even Pokemon that resist it such as Keldeo. Crunch is the more accurate secondary STAB move and can break past bulky Psyshic-types such as Cresselia and Jirachi with ease. Superpower has great coverage alongside Stone Edge and Crunch and hits Ferrothorn, Heatran, and opposing Tyranitar. Fire Punch is an option to hit Mega Scizor, but misses out on the aforementioned Heatran and Tyranitar. Pursuit rounds off the set by allowing Tyranitar to Pursuit trap Latios and Talonflame. Unlike the Choice Scarf set, Choice Band Tyranitar can trap bulky Psyshic-types such as Slowbro, Bronzong, and Cresselia due to the great increase in power. Finally, Ice Punch can be used to hit Garchomp and Landorus-T.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature and maximum Attack investment allow Tyranitar to hit as hard as possible. 156 Speed EVs are used to outspeed minimum Speed Mandibuzz, but 76 Speed EVs can be used if Tyranitar only needs to outpace Skarmory. The rest of the EVs are thrown into HP to make Tyranitar as bulky as possible. Sand Stream is crucial to Tyranitar's role as a bulky wallbreaker and Pursuit trapper because the ability gives Tyranitar the Special Defense boost it needs to switch in to Latios's Draco Meteor and other neutral and resisted special attacks.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used as a hit-and-run attacker and to weaken common switch-ins such as Ferrothorn and Rotom-W. Due to the notable increase in power, Tyranitar can Pursuit trap bulkier Psychic-types such as Slowbro and Cresselia. However, faster threats such as Gengar and Starmie can either inflict massive damage or KO Tyranitar. Choice Band Tyranitar's Pursuit also makes it a great trapping tool for Chansey, meaning Chansey can no longer switch into two of Choice Band Tyranitar's most common teammates, Mega Charizard Y and Landorus. Otherwise, clicking Stone Edge to weaken threats is the preferable path to take early-game.
Team Options
========
Mega Charizard Y is an excellent teammate because Choice Band Tyranitar can do massive damage to specially defensive Talonflame and Chansey while eliminating Latios and Latias. Landorus and Keldeo also fit this category because they can sweep much more easily with Latios and Latias removed. While sand turns are limited without Smooth Rock, Excadrill can be used to sweep after Tyranitar has weakened the opponent's team, especially the common switch-ins previously mentioned such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Rotom-W, all which wall Excadrill. Other Pokemon that appreciate walls being broken make for great teammates, such as Talonflame, Mega Pinsir, Mega Lopunny, and Gallade. Mega Beedrill, Tornadus-T, and Mega Manectric get special mentions due to their ability to give Tyranitar free switches to wreck havoc with U-turn and Volt Switch.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Ice Beam / Fire Blast / Crunch
ability: Sand Stream
item: Smooth Rock
evs: 248 HP / 80 Def / 180 SpD
nature: Relaxed
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set focuses on supporting its team even further with the utility of Stealth Rock. Tyranitar makes for a great user of the move due to its great ability to threaten Defog users. Pursuit traps Latios and Latias, which allows Stealth Rock to be on their side of the field for the remainder of the match. Stone Edge is a secondary STAB move that lets Tyranitar KO Zapdos, Mandibuzz, Kyurem-B, and Talonflame. Ice Beam defeats Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. Fire Blast is an option to OHKO Ferrothorn and Scizor, and Crunch can be used for a stronger hit on Slowbro and Celebi. Thunder Wave can also be used to cripple an offensive threat such as Mega Gardevoir. Roar is a choice to prevent Pokemon such as Azumarill and Keldeo from setting up on Tyranitar. Finally, Earthquake is an option to allow Tyranitar the ability to check Heatran.
Set Details
========
The given HP and Defense EVs allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from +1 Dragonite and KO back with Ice Beam, assuming Multiscale is not intact. They also allow Tyranitar to take two +1 Dragon Claws from Mega Charizard X after Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are tossed into Special Defense to help Tyranitar take special attacks better, such as Latios's Draco Meteor and Heatran's Fire Blast. Smooth Rock is the preferred item because it maximizes the duration of sand and allows Tyranitar to support Excadrill. If Excadrill is not being paired with Tyranitar, Leftovers is an option to provide passive healing, which can help Tyranitar stay active longer in the match. A Chople Berry can be used as well, allowing Tyranitar to survive Gengar's Focus Blast and hit it back with Pursuit. This is especially useful considering Tyranitar can no longer outpace Gengar without its Choice Scarf.
Usage Tips
========
Using Tyranitar to set up Stealth Rock on Pokemon it forces out such as Talonflame and Heatran is advised. Tyranitar makes for a great user of the move because it beats all the common Defog users. This set can also check threats such as Mega Charizard X and Dragonite in a pinch, so it is recommended to keep Tyranitar healthy if the opposing team has any of these Pokemon. Support Tyranitar can also lure in Ferrothorn and Landorus-T and KO them with Fire Blast and Ice Beam, respectively, making it easier for Excadrill to sweep. Tyranitar also walls Latios, Latias, and Swords Dance Talonflame, and Pursuit traps the former two.
Team Options
========
Excadrill is Tyranitar's best teammate because Tyranitar brings eight turns of sand for it to abuse. Celebi is a great partner for sand teams because it takes on Breloom, Azumarill, and Keldeo, which are three Pokemon that trouble sand teams. Talonflame can take bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Mega Venusaur, which can annoy Excadrill. Due to Tyranitar's ability to remove Latios and Latias from the game, Keldeo is an amazing teammate because it has a much easier time when they are removed. Mega Charizard Y also appreciates this, as it can freely wallbreak after they are eliminated. Latios also makes for a great partner because it checks Keldeo, which can switch in on and wall Tyranitar.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch / Crunch
move 4: Superpower / Fire Punch
ability: Sand Stream
item: Tyranitarite
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
After one Dragon Dance, Mega Tyranitar turns into a deadly sweeping machine that can outspeed everything up to Tornadus-T. Stone Edge is the main STAB move for hitting bulky Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Altaria and can be used if the extra power it provides is needed. Ice Punch covers Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, which will try to end Mega Tyranitar's sweep. Superpower hits Steel- and Rock-types such as Bisharp, Ferrothorn, opposing Tyranitar, and Terrakion, for super effective damage. However, Crunch and Fire Punch are alternatives to Ice Punch and Superpower. Crunch can hit bulky Psychic-types such as Celebi and, most importantly, Slowbro, which walls the coverage moves. Crunch also does not suffer accuracy issues; for example, a Stone Edge miss can be the difference between winning or losing the game. Fire Punch OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor, in addition to hitting Skarmory more reliably. Rock Polish can be used as an alternative to Dragon Dance to outpace Mega Lopunny, Weavile, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, but it misses a lot of power even with an Adamant nature.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are needed to outspeed everything up to Tornadus-T. Maximum Attack investment makes Mega Tyranitar very hard to wall after a boost as well. Tyranitarite is mandatory because it gives it a crucial boost to Tyranitar's Speed and, more importantly, its bulk. This means it can set up much easier and survive priority attacks from Azumarill and Mega Scizor.
Usage Tips
========
When grabbing a boost, make sure Mega Tyranitar takes little-to-no damage because it can survive priority moves such as Choice Band Azumarill's Aqua Jet and Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch if healthy. Removing faster attackers is a must before setting up. Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Beedrill, and Weavile are examples of threats because they can easily cut Mega Tyranitar's sweep short. Necessary walls, such as Rotom-W and Mega Slowbro, should also be weakened.
Team Options
========
Mega Tyranitar is walled by Pokemon based upon what coverage move it uses. If Superpower and Ice Punch are used, it is walled by Slowbro, so Celebi is a great teammate. Celebi also walls Breloom, which can OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Mach Punch. If Crunch and Fire Punch are chosen, Mega Tyranitar is walled by bulky Ground-types. Icy Wind Gengar is a great teammate for Mega Tyranitar because Mega Tyranitar can tank a Shadow Ball and lures in specially defensive Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T that think they can set up Stealth Rock. Pokemon that set up Stealth Rock are appreciated because they make it easier for Mega Tyranitar to sweep. Powerful wallbreakers are also welcome because they can defeat Pokemon that wall Mega Tyranitar. Swords Dance Talonflame makes for a good cleaner because it can sweep once Mega Tyranitar weakens its biggest counters: Landorus-T and Gliscor with Ice Punch and Rotom-W with Stone Edge. If running Crunch and Fire Punch, offensive or Choice Scarf Heatran makes for a great teammate because it can do massive damage to Keldeo on the switch and bring it to a point where it can no longer check Mega Tyranitar due to a +1 Stone Edge dealing 50%. Last but not least, Swords Dance Diggersby and Garchomp make for great teammates because they draw in and weaken or KO Mega Tyranitar's checks and counters such as Keldeo, Chesnaught, Slowbro, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Hippowdon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
Tyranitar can run a physically defensive set, but it does not have a good typing to utilize it. Tyranitar can run a more offensive mixed set with Crunch, Ice Beam, Fire Blast, and Stealth Rock with a Smooth Rock to provide offensive presence while also supporting Excadrill, but there is a noticeable decrease in bulk. Tyranitar can run a Dragon Dance set without Tyranitarite, but it misses a crucial Speed tier and there is a noticeable drop in power. It can work on hyper offensive teams and behind dual screens support because it can get multiple boosts when holding a Lum Berry. The set is rather inferior, however, especially with a huge decrease in bulk. Finally, Earthquake is an option on Choice sets to OHKO Heatran, but it has rather redundant coverage compared to Superpower.
Checks & Counters
========
**Fairy-types**: Azumarill, Clefable, and Mega Altaria can take anything from Tyranitar and retaliate back hard. The Choice Band set, however, can do massive damage to these Pokemon.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Skarmory can wall Tyranitar and can set up entry hazards or Swords Dance in Mega Scizor's case. Ferrothorn and Scizor cannot come in on Fire Punch, however.
**Fighting-types**: Keldeo, Breloom, Terrakion, Mega Lopunny, Conkeldurr, and Mega Gallade can easily take a hit and OHKO back with their Fighting-type STAB moves.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Garchomp, Chesnaught, Hippowdon, Gliscor, Landorus-T, Clefable, Mega Sableye, and Rotom-W can easily come in, set up entry hazards, and threaten Tyranitar back with status or their STAB moves. They must be careful of Choice Band and Dragon Dance sets, however, as these can KO or inflict a large amount of damage.
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