[OVERVIEW]
Tyrunt's unique Rock / Dragon typing makes it an interesting choice in Little Cup. It has the right tools and stats to be an annoyance to the opposing team or a dangerous sweeper with access to Dragon Dance and powerful STAB moves. Additionally, its ability Sturdy is particularly useful in Little Cup in tandem with Berry Juice. Tyrunt also counters one of Little Cup's most dangerous Pokemon, Fletchling. Sadly, common types such as Ground, Fighting, and Fairy pose a major hindrance to Tyrunt. Also, Tyrunt faces competition as a Stealth Rock setter from Archen and defensive Tirtouga, whereas Shell Smash users such as Tirtouga normally outclass it as a sweeper. However, Tyrunt's great movepool and typing allow it to be a threat when given the right support, and it notably has access to many coverage moves such as Fire Fang, Iron Tail, and Superpower to deal with its own checks or opening holes in the opposing team for other sweepers.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance Sweeper
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Outrage / Earthquake
move 4: Earthquake / Zen Headbutt
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 204 Atk / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
ivs: 23 HP
Moves
========
Dragon Dance allows Tyrunt to outspeed the whole unboosted metagame after a boost, as well as increasing its Attack to a more threatening level. Stone Edge is a very powerful STAB move able to hit Flying-types super effectively and deal heavy damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, although its accuracy is certainly a downfall. Rock Slide is a more accurate alternative for this slot, also featuring a nice 30% flinch chance. Outrage is the strongest STAB move Tyrunt has access to, although it doesn't add much coverage. Dragon Claw can be used as well in order not to lock Tyrunt into the same move, though it's very weak and underwhelming. Earthquake is particularly useful on this set, as it hits Steel-types such as Pawniard and Magnemite super effectively, complementing Tyrunt's coverage. Zen Headbutt can be used to hit bulky Fighting-types, such as Mienfoo and Timburr, super effectively, but those should have already been weakened before you attempt to set up. Another coverage move such as Fire Fang, which deals with Ferroseed; Superpower, which deals with both Porygon and Pawniard; or Iron Tail for Fairy-types can be used as well based on team's needs.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread alongside a Jolly nature allows Tyrunt to reach 15 Speed while still maximizing its Attack. A Jolly nature is preferred in order to outspeed 14 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Gothita and Modest Magnemite after a Dragon Dance. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense to increase Tyrunt's overall bulk. Sturdy is particularly useful to have Tyrunt survive at least one hit if at full health, granting the chance to get a +1 boost. Strong Jaw helps in case Tyrunt carries biting moves. Berry Juice works well in tandem with Sturdy, as it restores 20 HP, thus getting advantage of Sturdy once again. 23 HP IVs lower Tyrunt's HP stat to 21 in order to completely heal after the activation of Berry Juice. Eviolite can be used to better check Flying-types like Fletchling as well as set up much more easily versus some bulky attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Tyrunt should be brought into the field only after a Pokemon gets KOed; it shouldn't be directly switched into attacks, unless particular scenarios in which it doesn't get weakened that much, because Sturdy getting broken notably reduces its longevity. Entry hazards should be removed as well before attempting to sweep because they would break Sturdy as well. It is recommended, unless Tyrunt carries any particular coverage move, not to set up until its counters have been KOed or at least weakened with item removal. Tyrunt must be wary of status moves, as burn and poison break Sturdy, and paralysis prevents it from sweeping the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Gothita is a great partner, as it eliminates opposing Fighting-types, such as Mienfoo and Timburr, that would otherwise resist Tyrunt's attacks and retaliate with a powerful STAB move. Gothita also helps weaken bulky Pokemon by Tricking them a useless Choice Scarf. Unexpected lures, such as Fighting-types with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb Diglett, are particularly helpful to shut down Fairy-types. Entry hazards support, especially Spikes from the likes of Dwebble, Ferroseed, Trubbish, and Drilbur, is greatly appreciated, as it allows to shut down opposing Sturdy + Berry Juice combinations and break Focus Sashes, as well as weakening switch-ins. Entry hazards removers, such as Drilbur and Staryu, allow Tyrunt to switch in without taking any damage that would break Sturdy.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Phazer
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Tomb / Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake / Brick Break
item: Berry Juice / Eviolite
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 52 HP / 204 Atk / 140 Def / 76 SpD
ivs: 23 HP
Moves
========
Thanks to its typing and ability, Tyrunt is a good setter of Stealth Rock. Dragon Tail is a STAB move used to punish switch-ins; it works especially well with Stealth Rock to get chip damage on whatever Pokemon is sent in. Stone Edge is one of Tyrunt's strongest STAB moves; alternatively, Rock Tomb provides a useful Speed drop, so it might be a reliable alternative in some cases. Rock Slide can also be used for more accuracy and a 30% flinch chance. Earthquake provides coverage against Steel-types and Croagunk, whereas Brick Break can be used to deal with Pawniard. Fire Fang can be used to hit Ferroseed super effectively, while Zen Headbutt can be used to weaken Fighting-types.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread alongside a Jolly nature provides 12 Speed, which is helpful to outpace Pokemon with 17 Speed, such as Mienfoo and Drilbur, after Rock Tomb. The remaining EVs are put into HP, Special Defense, and Defense to maximize Tyrunt's bulk. Sturdy allows Tyrunt to survive any hit if it is at full health, ensuring Stealth Rock will be on the opposing side of the field. Strong Jaw is a good alternative as well if used in conjunction with Fire Fang. Berry Juice works well in tandem with Sturdy, as it restores 20 HP after Tyrunt is heavily damaged, thus restoring Sturdy. For this purpose, Tyrunt's HP IVs are lowered to 23 in order to get exactly 21 HP. Eviolite can be used to better check Flying-types such as Fletchling and Doduo and other attackers such as Aipom; in this case you don't need to lower Tyrunt's HP IVs. A faster EVs spread of 204 Atk / 76 SpD / 212 Spe alongside a Jolly nature can be used as well if you prefer investing into Speed rather than bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Tyrunt has very high physical bulk, so it should be used to wall Normal- or Flying-types and take that opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or use shuffle the opposing team with Dragon Tail if it's already up. Tyrunt can be used as a lead thanks to its Sturdy + Berry Juice combination, although it must be wary of opposing leads, such as Drilbur, that can easily beat it. Tyrunt lacks a reliable form of recovery, except for the single-use Berry Juice, so it should be played carefully in case it needs to switch into multiple times throughout the match to keep Stealth Rock up. Try to keep Tyrunt free from status ailments because they would further hinder its longevity.
Team Options
========
Spritzee is the obvious partner for bulky Tyrunt, as it can switch into Fighting-type attacks and Knock Off, keep Tyrunt alive with Wish throughout the match, and eliminate status thanks to Aromatherapy. Tyrunt also resists Poison-type attacks aimed at Spritzee; however, they both need to be wary of Steel-types. Magnemite, Ferroseed, and Pawniard and can tank the Steel- and Fairy-type attacks aimed at Tyrunt, while Tyrunt can absorb Fire-type attacks for them. Pawniard can also deter Defoggers from removing entry hazards. Pumpkaboo-XL is immune to Fighting-type moves and resists Ground-type moves (RC) while also being able to spinblock and keep Stealth Rock up against Drilbur and Staryu; however, it must be wary of Knock Off. Chespin fully counters both Gastly and Foongus and completes a powerful entry hazard stacking core in tandem with Tyrunt. Lastly, Trubbish can take on Fighting- and Fairy-type that trouble Tyrunt, as well as setting up Spikes to further increase Dragon Tail's effectiveness. In addition, Ferroseed and Dwebble can effectively set up Spikes, whereas Skrelp has access to Toxic Spikes. Foongus punishes Fairy-, Ground-, and Water-types, all of which heavily threaten Tyrunt, and can use Spore to put annoying switch-ins to sleep. In return, Tyrunt can switch into Flying-types moves aimed at Foongus. Pokemon that can really benefit from entry hazards, such as Abra and Gastly, are great teammates that can deal with Fighting-types in return.
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf Tyrunt can be used to revenge kill a large portion of the metagame with Outrage and Stone Edge, although it isn't highly recommended, as Tyrunt gets its major perks from its wide coverage, and it wouldn't benefit much from holding a Choice item. Rock Polish is a worse option than Dragon Dance, as Tyrunt doesn't need all that Speed, whereas it does need the Attack boost. A defensive set with Rest and Sleep Talk can increase Tyrunt's longevity, although it loses many coverage options. There are many good spreads for this set that hit Eviolite numbers as well, such as 212 HP / 220 Def / 76 SpD, 252 HP / 220 Def / 236 SpD, and 212 HP / 60 Def / 236 SpD; all of them should be used in conjunction with an Impish nature. There spreads are interchangeable and aim to maximize Tyrunt's overall bulk. Ice Fang can be used to threaten Drilbur with super effective damage, but it doesn't give great coverage besides that. Thunder Fang can be used alongside Strong Jaw to hit specific Water-types such as Staryu and Shellder for super effective damage. Iron Head and Iron Tail hit Fairy-types, with the former being more accurate but slightly weaker. Roar is an alternative to Dragon Tail that can phaze Fairy-types, but it doesn't deal damage. Substitute can be used on the Dragon Dance set to absorb status moves aimed at Tyrunt, although it causes the loss of a coverage move. Lum Berry can be used as a one-time safety net against status moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Spritzee and Snubbull threaten Tyrunt with their super effective STAB moves while being immune to Tyrunt's Dragon STAB moves. Cottonee in particular can be troublesome, as it can make Tyrunt setup bait with Encore and Memento. While Fairy-types should watch out for Iron Tail, this move still doesn't always pick up a 2HKO on Snubbull and Spritzee.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippopotas and Drilbur deal heavy damage to Tyrunt with super effective STAB moves and possess the bulk necessary to threaten both sets. Drilbur can hit through Sturdy thanks to Mold Breaker and remove Stealth Rock thanks to Rapid Spin; other bulky Ground-types, such as Hippopotas, can tank a few hits and retaliate with STAB Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: Strong Fighting-types such as Timburr, Mienfoo, Pancham, and Scraggy all give Tyrunt major trouble. They can easily check the Dragon Dance set if it lacks Zen Headbutt by damaging and healing at the same time with a super effective Drain Punch or removing Tyrunt's item with Knock Off.
**Steel-types**: While it should be wary of Earthquake, Magnemite with Sturdy can switch in on anything as long as it has not taken any prior damage, and it can threaten Tyrunt with Flash Cannon. Pawniard threatens the Stealth Rock set if it lacks Brick Break, and Choice Scarf variants outspeed +1 Tyrunt and can remove its item or heavily damage it with Knock Off and Iron Head. Lastly, Ferroseed only has to watch out for a Strong Jaw set with Fire Fang, as it's able to take any other attack, punish Outrage thanks to Iron Barbs, and neuter Tyrunt's Speed with Thunder Wave.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Porygon, Foongus, and Pumpkaboo can all survive a hit from +1 Tyrunt and retaliate with an annoying status move. Porygon can slow it down with Thunder Wave, whereas Foongus has access to both Spore and Stun Spore. Finally, Pumpkaboo can cripple Tyrunt with Will-O-Wisp, making it much weaker.
Tyrunt's unique Rock / Dragon typing makes it an interesting choice in Little Cup. It has the right tools and stats to be an annoyance to the opposing team or a dangerous sweeper with access to Dragon Dance and powerful STAB moves. Additionally, its ability Sturdy is particularly useful in Little Cup in tandem with Berry Juice. Tyrunt also counters one of Little Cup's most dangerous Pokemon, Fletchling. Sadly, common types such as Ground, Fighting, and Fairy pose a major hindrance to Tyrunt. Also, Tyrunt faces competition as a Stealth Rock setter from Archen and defensive Tirtouga, whereas Shell Smash users such as Tirtouga normally outclass it as a sweeper. However, Tyrunt's great movepool and typing allow it to be a threat when given the right support, and it notably has access to many coverage moves such as Fire Fang, Iron Tail, and Superpower to deal with its own checks or opening holes in the opposing team for other sweepers.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance Sweeper
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Outrage / Earthquake
move 4: Earthquake / Zen Headbutt
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 204 Atk / 76 SpD / 212 Spe
ivs: 23 HP
Moves
========
Dragon Dance allows Tyrunt to outspeed the whole unboosted metagame after a boost, as well as increasing its Attack to a more threatening level. Stone Edge is a very powerful STAB move able to hit Flying-types super effectively and deal heavy damage to any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, although its accuracy is certainly a downfall. Rock Slide is a more accurate alternative for this slot, also featuring a nice 30% flinch chance. Outrage is the strongest STAB move Tyrunt has access to, although it doesn't add much coverage. Dragon Claw can be used as well in order not to lock Tyrunt into the same move, though it's very weak and underwhelming. Earthquake is particularly useful on this set, as it hits Steel-types such as Pawniard and Magnemite super effectively, complementing Tyrunt's coverage. Zen Headbutt can be used to hit bulky Fighting-types, such as Mienfoo and Timburr, super effectively, but those should have already been weakened before you attempt to set up. Another coverage move such as Fire Fang, which deals with Ferroseed; Superpower, which deals with both Porygon and Pawniard; or Iron Tail for Fairy-types can be used as well based on team's needs.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread alongside a Jolly nature allows Tyrunt to reach 15 Speed while still maximizing its Attack. A Jolly nature is preferred in order to outspeed 14 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Gothita and Modest Magnemite after a Dragon Dance. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense to increase Tyrunt's overall bulk. Sturdy is particularly useful to have Tyrunt survive at least one hit if at full health, granting the chance to get a +1 boost. Strong Jaw helps in case Tyrunt carries biting moves. Berry Juice works well in tandem with Sturdy, as it restores 20 HP, thus getting advantage of Sturdy once again. 23 HP IVs lower Tyrunt's HP stat to 21 in order to completely heal after the activation of Berry Juice. Eviolite can be used to better check Flying-types like Fletchling as well as set up much more easily versus some bulky attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Tyrunt should be brought into the field only after a Pokemon gets KOed; it shouldn't be directly switched into attacks, unless particular scenarios in which it doesn't get weakened that much, because Sturdy getting broken notably reduces its longevity. Entry hazards should be removed as well before attempting to sweep because they would break Sturdy as well. It is recommended, unless Tyrunt carries any particular coverage move, not to set up until its counters have been KOed or at least weakened with item removal. Tyrunt must be wary of status moves, as burn and poison break Sturdy, and paralysis prevents it from sweeping the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Gothita is a great partner, as it eliminates opposing Fighting-types, such as Mienfoo and Timburr, that would otherwise resist Tyrunt's attacks and retaliate with a powerful STAB move. Gothita also helps weaken bulky Pokemon by Tricking them a useless Choice Scarf. Unexpected lures, such as Fighting-types with Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb Diglett, are particularly helpful to shut down Fairy-types. Entry hazards support, especially Spikes from the likes of Dwebble, Ferroseed, Trubbish, and Drilbur, is greatly appreciated, as it allows to shut down opposing Sturdy + Berry Juice combinations and break Focus Sashes, as well as weakening switch-ins. Entry hazards removers, such as Drilbur and Staryu, allow Tyrunt to switch in without taking any damage that would break Sturdy.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Phazer
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Dragon Tail
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Tomb / Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake / Brick Break
item: Berry Juice / Eviolite
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 52 HP / 204 Atk / 140 Def / 76 SpD
ivs: 23 HP
Moves
========
Thanks to its typing and ability, Tyrunt is a good setter of Stealth Rock. Dragon Tail is a STAB move used to punish switch-ins; it works especially well with Stealth Rock to get chip damage on whatever Pokemon is sent in. Stone Edge is one of Tyrunt's strongest STAB moves; alternatively, Rock Tomb provides a useful Speed drop, so it might be a reliable alternative in some cases. Rock Slide can also be used for more accuracy and a 30% flinch chance. Earthquake provides coverage against Steel-types and Croagunk, whereas Brick Break can be used to deal with Pawniard. Fire Fang can be used to hit Ferroseed super effectively, while Zen Headbutt can be used to weaken Fighting-types.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread alongside a Jolly nature provides 12 Speed, which is helpful to outpace Pokemon with 17 Speed, such as Mienfoo and Drilbur, after Rock Tomb. The remaining EVs are put into HP, Special Defense, and Defense to maximize Tyrunt's bulk. Sturdy allows Tyrunt to survive any hit if it is at full health, ensuring Stealth Rock will be on the opposing side of the field. Strong Jaw is a good alternative as well if used in conjunction with Fire Fang. Berry Juice works well in tandem with Sturdy, as it restores 20 HP after Tyrunt is heavily damaged, thus restoring Sturdy. For this purpose, Tyrunt's HP IVs are lowered to 23 in order to get exactly 21 HP. Eviolite can be used to better check Flying-types such as Fletchling and Doduo and other attackers such as Aipom; in this case you don't need to lower Tyrunt's HP IVs. A faster EVs spread of 204 Atk / 76 SpD / 212 Spe alongside a Jolly nature can be used as well if you prefer investing into Speed rather than bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Tyrunt has very high physical bulk, so it should be used to wall Normal- or Flying-types and take that opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or use shuffle the opposing team with Dragon Tail if it's already up. Tyrunt can be used as a lead thanks to its Sturdy + Berry Juice combination, although it must be wary of opposing leads, such as Drilbur, that can easily beat it. Tyrunt lacks a reliable form of recovery, except for the single-use Berry Juice, so it should be played carefully in case it needs to switch into multiple times throughout the match to keep Stealth Rock up. Try to keep Tyrunt free from status ailments because they would further hinder its longevity.
Team Options
========
Spritzee is the obvious partner for bulky Tyrunt, as it can switch into Fighting-type attacks and Knock Off, keep Tyrunt alive with Wish throughout the match, and eliminate status thanks to Aromatherapy. Tyrunt also resists Poison-type attacks aimed at Spritzee; however, they both need to be wary of Steel-types. Magnemite, Ferroseed, and Pawniard and can tank the Steel- and Fairy-type attacks aimed at Tyrunt, while Tyrunt can absorb Fire-type attacks for them. Pawniard can also deter Defoggers from removing entry hazards. Pumpkaboo-XL is immune to Fighting-type moves and resists Ground-type moves (RC) while also being able to spinblock and keep Stealth Rock up against Drilbur and Staryu; however, it must be wary of Knock Off. Chespin fully counters both Gastly and Foongus and completes a powerful entry hazard stacking core in tandem with Tyrunt. Lastly, Trubbish can take on Fighting- and Fairy-type that trouble Tyrunt, as well as setting up Spikes to further increase Dragon Tail's effectiveness. In addition, Ferroseed and Dwebble can effectively set up Spikes, whereas Skrelp has access to Toxic Spikes. Foongus punishes Fairy-, Ground-, and Water-types, all of which heavily threaten Tyrunt, and can use Spore to put annoying switch-ins to sleep. In return, Tyrunt can switch into Flying-types moves aimed at Foongus. Pokemon that can really benefit from entry hazards, such as Abra and Gastly, are great teammates that can deal with Fighting-types in return.
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf Tyrunt can be used to revenge kill a large portion of the metagame with Outrage and Stone Edge, although it isn't highly recommended, as Tyrunt gets its major perks from its wide coverage, and it wouldn't benefit much from holding a Choice item. Rock Polish is a worse option than Dragon Dance, as Tyrunt doesn't need all that Speed, whereas it does need the Attack boost. A defensive set with Rest and Sleep Talk can increase Tyrunt's longevity, although it loses many coverage options. There are many good spreads for this set that hit Eviolite numbers as well, such as 212 HP / 220 Def / 76 SpD, 252 HP / 220 Def / 236 SpD, and 212 HP / 60 Def / 236 SpD; all of them should be used in conjunction with an Impish nature. There spreads are interchangeable and aim to maximize Tyrunt's overall bulk. Ice Fang can be used to threaten Drilbur with super effective damage, but it doesn't give great coverage besides that. Thunder Fang can be used alongside Strong Jaw to hit specific Water-types such as Staryu and Shellder for super effective damage. Iron Head and Iron Tail hit Fairy-types, with the former being more accurate but slightly weaker. Roar is an alternative to Dragon Tail that can phaze Fairy-types, but it doesn't deal damage. Substitute can be used on the Dragon Dance set to absorb status moves aimed at Tyrunt, although it causes the loss of a coverage move. Lum Berry can be used as a one-time safety net against status moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Spritzee and Snubbull threaten Tyrunt with their super effective STAB moves while being immune to Tyrunt's Dragon STAB moves. Cottonee in particular can be troublesome, as it can make Tyrunt setup bait with Encore and Memento. While Fairy-types should watch out for Iron Tail, this move still doesn't always pick up a 2HKO on Snubbull and Spritzee.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippopotas and Drilbur deal heavy damage to Tyrunt with super effective STAB moves and possess the bulk necessary to threaten both sets. Drilbur can hit through Sturdy thanks to Mold Breaker and remove Stealth Rock thanks to Rapid Spin; other bulky Ground-types, such as Hippopotas, can tank a few hits and retaliate with STAB Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: Strong Fighting-types such as Timburr, Mienfoo, Pancham, and Scraggy all give Tyrunt major trouble. They can easily check the Dragon Dance set if it lacks Zen Headbutt by damaging and healing at the same time with a super effective Drain Punch or removing Tyrunt's item with Knock Off.
**Steel-types**: While it should be wary of Earthquake, Magnemite with Sturdy can switch in on anything as long as it has not taken any prior damage, and it can threaten Tyrunt with Flash Cannon. Pawniard threatens the Stealth Rock set if it lacks Brick Break, and Choice Scarf variants outspeed +1 Tyrunt and can remove its item or heavily damage it with Knock Off and Iron Head. Lastly, Ferroseed only has to watch out for a Strong Jaw set with Fire Fang, as it's able to take any other attack, punish Outrage thanks to Iron Barbs, and neuter Tyrunt's Speed with Thunder Wave.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon such as Porygon, Foongus, and Pumpkaboo can all survive a hit from +1 Tyrunt and retaliate with an annoying status move. Porygon can slow it down with Thunder Wave, whereas Foongus has access to both Spore and Stun Spore. Finally, Pumpkaboo can cripple Tyrunt with Will-O-Wisp, making it much weaker.
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