taken over from snobalt
QC: (WreckDra, Sweep, Nayrz)
GP: (Winry, The Dutch Plumberjack)
QC: (WreckDra, Sweep, Nayrz)
GP: (Winry, The Dutch Plumberjack)
[OVERVIEW]
The rise of Latios and Latias has given Tyranitar a boost in viability in the Ubers tier, as its ability to Pursuit trap them is invaluable on some teams. Tyranitar also shines in a Flying- and Dark-type dominated metagame, taking on the likes of Dark Arceus, Darkrai, Ho-Oh, and most offensive Yveltal. Sand Stream is still a very good ability despite Primordial Sea and Desolate Land dominating the tier. It greatly increases Tyranitar's Special Defense, wears down foes with passive damage, and supports Sand Rush Excadrill when harsh sunlight and heavy rain aren't active. On the downside, Tyranitar is complete bait to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre; both have the type advantage, and their weather-activating abilities override sandstorm. Tyranitar is also quite slow, so it will nearly always take a hit before it does anything. Most importantly, its mediocre defensive typing and lack of reliable recovery make it somewhat easy to wear down, limiting its capabilities as a tank. Nonetheless, Tyranitar shines in a metagame infested with Latios, Latias, Flying-types, and Dark-types, so it is worthy of a spot on many teams, from offense to full stall.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Pursuit / Low Kick
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
item: Shuca Berry / Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Tyranitar to support its team by inflicting passive damage on foes. Not many teams with Tyranitar have room for another Pokemon to use Stealth Rock, so it is generally best to have it on Tyranitar. Pursuit traps and heavily damages Latios and Latias, both of which are extremely prevalent in Ubers. Rock Slide is a fairly reliable STAB attack that hits the many Flying-types of Ubers for a lot of damage, though Stone Edge can be used if you wish to trade reliability for power. Thunder Wave cripples faster threats, particularly Mega Salamence. Roar phazes Pokemon that attempt to use Tyranitar as setup bait and can rack up passive damage with entry hazards on the field. This can be important for keeping boosting Primal Groudon and Geomancy Xerneas at bay if Tyranitar is no longer needed to win. Low Kick nails important Pokemon such as Darkrai, Dialga, Normal Arceus, and Dark Arceus, but it is usually hard to fit on Tyranitar's set if these threats are already covered.
Set Details
========
The spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD maximizes Tyranitar's ability to take special attacks from Yveltal, Latios, Latias, and Mewtwo. If Tyranitar is holding Leftovers, a spread of 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 SpD should be used to take Earthquake from +1 Adamant Mega Salamence and phaze or paralyze it. If Tyranitar is using Low Kick, a spread of 248 HP / 72 Atk / 184 SpD with Shuca Berry should be used in order to allow Tyranitar to 2HKO maximum HP Dark Arceus and still take an Earthquake from Flying-types. Shuca Berry allows Tyranitar to take any one unboosted Ground-type move in the game along with some boosted non-STAB Ground-type coverage moves. Leftovers promotes Tyranitar's longevity, and it is Tyranitar's only method of recovery. Lum Berry can be used to protect Tyranitar from a burn or sleep, particularly from Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire and Darkrai's Dark Void, respectively, though the item is not necessary if your team has a cleric or sleep absorber.
Usage Tips
========
Tyranitar struggles against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, so you must judge just how threatening one or the other is in the current situation before deciding to stay in with Tyranitar. Never use Thunder Wave if Excadrill, Ground Arceus, Groudon, and Primal Groudon are still potential switch-ins to Tyranitar; otherwise, you will lose all momentum while giving a free switch to some of the most threatening Pokemon in the game. You must decide how you want to spend Tyranitar's HP when debating switching into Latias or Latios. Both of them hurt Tyranitar pretty significantly if it switches into Draco Meteor, which could mean a much easier win for your opponent should they have a Ho-Oh partnered with Latios or Latias. Tyranitar will either set up Stealth Rock or use Pursuit, but hardly ever both in one game due to its lack of recovery. Choose wisely which one will be most beneficial. Though Tyranitar can take Flying-type attacks well, it must be careful of coverage moves that Flying-types carry, such as Earthquake on Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Ho-Oh. Tyranitar's typing and ability make it really annoying for physical setup sweepers that aren't immune to sandstorm damage. Use this to your advantage, but make sure not to spend Tyranitar's HP recklessly doing this when it is needed for a Pokemon like Ho-Oh. Make sure to use entry hazard control wisely, as Tyranitar hates the residual damage caused by all forms of entry hazards, particularly Spikes and Toxic Spikes.
Team Options
========
Sand Rush Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand support doubling its Speed, making it a fearsome revenge killer and sweeper. Primal Kyogre and Groudon appreciate the removal of Latios and Latias. Calm Mind Arceus formes appreciate Tyranitar's ability to scare out Ho-Oh, and Ghost Arceus in particular adores how easily Tyranitar comes in on Life Orb Yveltal. A cleric such as Clefable can remove status ailments inflicted on Tyranitar. Latios and Latias take on Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre well while also clearing entry hazards for Tyranitar. Blissey takes on Fairy-types while also providing cleric support, and Alomomola checks Primal Groudon. Both of them pass humongous Wishes to Tyranitar to help with its recovery issue. Water Arceus is a fantastic partner due to its ability to switch into Primal Groudon and be a secondary check to Mega Salamence. It also clears entry hazards so Tyranitar can switch more freely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rock Tomb can be used to lower a foe's Speed, which can make making handing faster threats a lot easier. Toxic is the best move that Tyranitar can use against Primal Groudon; the move also puts a timer on dedicated walls and bulky setup sweepers such as Lugia and Calm Mind Arceus formes, respectively. Tyranitar also has a decent special movepool that can allow it to act as a lure; Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn, while Ice Beam lets it take on Mega Salamence. Rest is Tyranitar's only option for immediate recovery, though it's a poor choice if not running Sleep Talk. Earthquake hits Primal Groudon, Mega Diancie, and most Steel-types for good damage. Mega Tyranitar is quite bulky and powerful, but it's a poor choice in Ubers due to Mega Salamence, Gengar, Diancie, and Sableye all providing a much larger amount of utility than it. Dragon Tail gives Tyranitar a phazing move that is not stopped by Taunt, but, more importantly, it does not phaze Geomancy Xerneas. Counter can be used to surprise a physical attacker, particularly Primal Groudon. If running Counter, Shuca Berry will allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from Primal Groudon and KO it. Shuca Berry and Counter also allow Tyranitar to surprise Mega Salamence and Extreme Killer Arceus. Crunch and Payback are Dark-type STAB moves Tyranitar can use to OHKO Deoxys-S with sandstorm damage, ruining their Focus Sash. This causes a nasty momentum shift in favor of the offensive team Deoxys is on, and it still allows them to set up Stealth Rock, so this is not the best strategy ever for dealing with Deoxys-S. Tyranitar can also fish for Defense drops on Lugia with Crunch.
Checks and Counters
=================
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon is immune to Thunder Wave, can switch into Tyranitar's attacks with impunity, and easily forces it out with the threat of Earthquake or Precipice Blades.
**Ground-types**: All Ground-types are immune to Thunder Wave. Groudon and Ground Arceus come in on Tyranitar and force it out with their STAB Earthquake or Precipice Blades or use it to set up on. Sand Rush Excadrill can turn Tyranitar's sand against it, OHKOing with an unboosted Earthquake; however, it needs to watch out for Low Kick.
**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily switch into Tyranitar, overriding the sand brought on by Sand Stream. It takes pitiful damage from all of Tyranitar's moves and force it out with Scald or Origin Pulse.
**Steel-types**: Dialga and Ferrothorn threaten Tyranitar if it lacks Low Kick, while Klefki and Genesect force Tyranitar off the battlefield even if it is carrying Low Kick.
**Fighting-types**: Mega Lucario, Mega Mewtwo X, Fighting Arceus, and Blaziken all outspeed Tyranitar and easily OHKO it with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Coverage Moves**: Several Pokemon that Tyranitar could otherwise check carry common coverage moves that can put a dent in its health. For example, Mewtwo often runs Focus Blast, Extreme Killer Arceus and Ho-Oh can use Earthquake, and Swords Dance Ghost Arceus will usually carry Brick Break.
**Entry Hazards and Status**: Any form of residual damage is something Tyranitar hates. It has no way of recovering its health outside of Leftovers and is required to take large hits to do its job properly. Many entry hazard users can also set up Spikes on Tyranitar.
Overview
########
The rise of Latios and Latias has given Tyranitar new life in the Uber tier. Its ability to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias is an invaluable asset to any team. Tyranitar also shines in a Flying- and Dark-type dominated metagame, taking on the likes of Dark Arceus, Darkrai, Ho-Oh, and Lugia effectively. Sand Stream is still as good an ability as ever, as it greatly increases Tyranitar's Special Defense, wears down foes with passive damage, and supports Sand Rush Excadrill. On the downside, Tyranitar is complete bait to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre; both get the type advantage on Tyranitar and their weathers override sand. Tyranitar is also quite slow, so it will nearly always take a hit before it does anything. Most importantly, its poor defensive typing and lack of reliable recovery make it somewhat easy to wear down, limiting its capabilities as a tank. Nonetheless, Tyranitar shines in a metagame infested with Latios, Latias, Flying-types, and Dark-types, so it is worthy of a spot on a team of any archetype, from hyper offense to full stall.
Support
########
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Pursuit / Low Kick
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
ability: Sand Stream
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
evs: 248 HP / 96 Def / 168 SpD
nature: Careful
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Tyranitar to support its team by inflicting passive damage on foes. Pursuit traps and heavily damages Latios and Latias, both of which are extremely prevalent in Ubers. Low Kick nails important Pokemon such as Darkrai, Dialga, Normal Arceus, and Dark Arceus. It also deals strong damage to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre on the switch. Rock Slide is a fairly reliable STAB attack that hits the many Flying-type of Ubers for strong damage, though Stone Edge can be used if you wish to trade reliability for power Thunder Wave cripples faster threats, particularly Mega Salamence, allowing Tyranitar to set up Stealth Rock. It can also create a turn for a teammate to enter the battlefield and set up. Roar phazes Pokemon that attempt to use Tyranitar as setup bait and can rack up passive damage alongside Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
96 Defense EVs are necessary to survive a +1 Earthquake from Adamant Mega Salamence. HP is maximized and the remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense to allow Tyranitar to take on Dark- and Psychic-types more easily. Leftovers promotes Tyranitar's longevity, as it is Tyranitar's only method of reliable recovery. Lum Berry can be used to protect Tyranitar from burns and Darkrai's Dark Void, though the item is not necessary if your team has a cleric.
Usage Tips
========
Tyranitar struggles mightily against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, so make sure they are KOed or severly weakened before sending in Tyranitar. Switch Tyranitar into Latios or Latias, then use Pursuit if you predict they will switch. If you think they will stay in, however, nail them with Thunder Wave. After forcing a switch, set up Stealth Rock in most cases. Though Tyranitar can take Flying-type attacks well, it must be careful of coverage moves that Flying-types carry, such as Earthquake on Mega Salamence
Team Options
========
Sand Rush Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand support to double its speed and become a fearsome sweeper. Primal Kyogre and Groudon appreciate the removal of Latios and Latias. Calm Mind Arceus appreciates Tyranitar's ability to scare out Ho-Oh. A cleric such as Clefable can remove status ailments inflicted on Tyranitar. Latios and Latias take on Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre very well. Wish passers such as Blissey and Alomomola provide much-needed recovery for Tyranitar. Blissey also takes on Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus very well, while Alomomola checks Primal Groudon.
Other Options
########
Rock Tomb can be used to cut foes' Speed for a teammate to use the foe as setup bait. Toxic is the best thing that Tyranitar can do against Primal Groudon; the move also puts a timer on dedicated walls and bulky setup sweepers such as Lugia and Calm Mind Arceus, respectively.
Tyranitar also has a decent special movepool that can allow it to act as a lure; Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn while Ice Beam takes on Mega Salamence. Rest is Tyranitar's only option for immediate recovery, though it's a poor choice if not running Sleep Talk. Earthquake hits Primal Groudon, Mega Diancie, and most Steel-types for good damage. Mega Tyranitar is quite bulky and powerful, but it's a poor choice in Ubers. Tyranitar wishes it could hold another item and the opportunity cost of a Mega slot is too great. Dragon Tail gives Tyranitar a phazing move that is not stopped by Taunt. The move also inflicts chip damage, but it must be used alongside Thunder Wave because Xerneas blocks Dragon Tail. Counter can be used to surprise a physical attacker, particularly Primal Groudon. If running Counter, Shuca Berry will allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from Primal Groudon and KO Primal Groudon with Counter. The item also allows Tyranitar to surprise Mega Salamence and Extreme Killer Arceus.
Checks & Counters
########
**Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre**: Both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can easily switch into Tyranitar, overriding the sand brought on by Sand Stream. They take pitiful damage from all of Tyranitar's moves and force it out with little trouble.
**Steel-types**: Dialga and Ferrothorn threaten Tyranitar if it lacks Low Kick, while Klefki and Genesect force Tyranitar off the battlefield even if it is carrying Low Kick.
**Ground-types**: All Ground-types are immune to Thunder Wave, giving offensive variante of Tyranitar trouble. Swords Dance Ground Arceus can use Tyranitar as setup bait and KO it with a +2 Earthquake, though it must be careful of the occasional Roar or Dragon Tail. Sand Rush Excadrill can turn Tyranitar's sand against it, OHKOing with an unboosted Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: Mega Lucario, Mega Mewtwo X, and Blaziken all outspeed Tyranitar and easily OHKO it with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Coverage Moves**: Several Pokemon that Tyranitar is supposed to check carry coverage moves that can put a dent in its health. For example, Mewtwo often runs Focus Blast, Extreme Killer Arceus and Ho-Oh can use Earthquake, and Ghost Arceus carries Brick Break.
########
The rise of Latios and Latias has given Tyranitar new life in the Uber tier. Its ability to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias is an invaluable asset to any team. Tyranitar also shines in a Flying- and Dark-type dominated metagame, taking on the likes of Dark Arceus, Darkrai, Ho-Oh, and Lugia effectively. Sand Stream is still as good an ability as ever, as it greatly increases Tyranitar's Special Defense, wears down foes with passive damage, and supports Sand Rush Excadrill. On the downside, Tyranitar is complete bait to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre; both get the type advantage on Tyranitar and their weathers override sand. Tyranitar is also quite slow, so it will nearly always take a hit before it does anything. Most importantly, its poor defensive typing and lack of reliable recovery make it somewhat easy to wear down, limiting its capabilities as a tank. Nonetheless, Tyranitar shines in a metagame infested with Latios, Latias, Flying-types, and Dark-types, so it is worthy of a spot on a team of any archetype, from hyper offense to full stall.
Support
########
name: Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Pursuit / Low Kick
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Thunder Wave / Roar
ability: Sand Stream
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
evs: 248 HP / 96 Def / 168 SpD
nature: Careful
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Tyranitar to support its team by inflicting passive damage on foes. Pursuit traps and heavily damages Latios and Latias, both of which are extremely prevalent in Ubers. Low Kick nails important Pokemon such as Darkrai, Dialga, Normal Arceus, and Dark Arceus. It also deals strong damage to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre on the switch. Rock Slide is a fairly reliable STAB attack that hits the many Flying-type of Ubers for strong damage, though Stone Edge can be used if you wish to trade reliability for power Thunder Wave cripples faster threats, particularly Mega Salamence, allowing Tyranitar to set up Stealth Rock. It can also create a turn for a teammate to enter the battlefield and set up. Roar phazes Pokemon that attempt to use Tyranitar as setup bait and can rack up passive damage alongside Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
96 Defense EVs are necessary to survive a +1 Earthquake from Adamant Mega Salamence. HP is maximized and the remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense to allow Tyranitar to take on Dark- and Psychic-types more easily. Leftovers promotes Tyranitar's longevity, as it is Tyranitar's only method of reliable recovery. Lum Berry can be used to protect Tyranitar from burns and Darkrai's Dark Void, though the item is not necessary if your team has a cleric.
Usage Tips
========
Tyranitar struggles mightily against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, so make sure they are KOed or severly weakened before sending in Tyranitar. Switch Tyranitar into Latios or Latias, then use Pursuit if you predict they will switch. If you think they will stay in, however, nail them with Thunder Wave. After forcing a switch, set up Stealth Rock in most cases. Though Tyranitar can take Flying-type attacks well, it must be careful of coverage moves that Flying-types carry, such as Earthquake on Mega Salamence
Team Options
========
Sand Rush Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand support to double its speed and become a fearsome sweeper. Primal Kyogre and Groudon appreciate the removal of Latios and Latias. Calm Mind Arceus appreciates Tyranitar's ability to scare out Ho-Oh. A cleric such as Clefable can remove status ailments inflicted on Tyranitar. Latios and Latias take on Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre very well. Wish passers such as Blissey and Alomomola provide much-needed recovery for Tyranitar. Blissey also takes on Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus very well, while Alomomola checks Primal Groudon.
Other Options
########
Rock Tomb can be used to cut foes' Speed for a teammate to use the foe as setup bait. Toxic is the best thing that Tyranitar can do against Primal Groudon; the move also puts a timer on dedicated walls and bulky setup sweepers such as Lugia and Calm Mind Arceus, respectively.
Tyranitar also has a decent special movepool that can allow it to act as a lure; Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn while Ice Beam takes on Mega Salamence. Rest is Tyranitar's only option for immediate recovery, though it's a poor choice if not running Sleep Talk. Earthquake hits Primal Groudon, Mega Diancie, and most Steel-types for good damage. Mega Tyranitar is quite bulky and powerful, but it's a poor choice in Ubers. Tyranitar wishes it could hold another item and the opportunity cost of a Mega slot is too great. Dragon Tail gives Tyranitar a phazing move that is not stopped by Taunt. The move also inflicts chip damage, but it must be used alongside Thunder Wave because Xerneas blocks Dragon Tail. Counter can be used to surprise a physical attacker, particularly Primal Groudon. If running Counter, Shuca Berry will allow Tyranitar to survive an Earthquake from Primal Groudon and KO Primal Groudon with Counter. The item also allows Tyranitar to surprise Mega Salamence and Extreme Killer Arceus.
Checks & Counters
########
**Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre**: Both Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can easily switch into Tyranitar, overriding the sand brought on by Sand Stream. They take pitiful damage from all of Tyranitar's moves and force it out with little trouble.
**Steel-types**: Dialga and Ferrothorn threaten Tyranitar if it lacks Low Kick, while Klefki and Genesect force Tyranitar off the battlefield even if it is carrying Low Kick.
**Ground-types**: All Ground-types are immune to Thunder Wave, giving offensive variante of Tyranitar trouble. Swords Dance Ground Arceus can use Tyranitar as setup bait and KO it with a +2 Earthquake, though it must be careful of the occasional Roar or Dragon Tail. Sand Rush Excadrill can turn Tyranitar's sand against it, OHKOing with an unboosted Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: Mega Lucario, Mega Mewtwo X, and Blaziken all outspeed Tyranitar and easily OHKO it with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Coverage Moves**: Several Pokemon that Tyranitar is supposed to check carry coverage moves that can put a dent in its health. For example, Mewtwo often runs Focus Blast, Extreme Killer Arceus and Ho-Oh can use Earthquake, and Ghost Arceus carries Brick Break.
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