[OVERVIEW]
Garchomp has settled itself as a powerful threat in the tier thanks to its exceptional base stats, reliable typing, and expansive movepool that supports both offensive and utility roles. Having access to powerful STAB moves and Swords Dance coupled with its high Attack, good Speed, and different Z-Crystal options, Garchomp becomes a formidable wallbreaker and Stealth Rock setter, pressuring common Defoggers like Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T. Garchomp can also function as a valuable support option, offering significant role compression thanks to its solid defensive profile. It can check key threats like Heatran while setting up Stealth Rock and utilizing utility moves such as Toxic to cripple foes or Dragon Tail and Roar to phaze setup sweepers. Moreover, Garchomp can punish physical attackers thanks to its ability, Rough Skin, letting it trade its health for damage. Its Mega Evolution is a great asset for sand teams as a premier wallbreaker with its gigantic Attack stat and impressive bulk coupled with its new ability, Sand Force. Mega Garchomp can also use its Special Attack stat to fire off a powerful Draco Meteor and Fire Blast, surprising many physically defensive walls such as Landorus-T and Rotom-W. While it is faster than Landorus-T, Mega Medicham, and both of Charizard's Mega Evolutions, Garchomp still falls short against top-tier Pokemon like Mega Latias, Mega Diancie, and Kartana, which are capable of hitting it hard with super effective or powerful moves. Its typing, although good, leaves it susceptible to commonly used attack types such as Ice and Fairy. It also faces huge competition in both of its roles as a wallbreaker and Z-Move user with Landorus-T, Kartana, and Kyurem-B and as a support Pokemon with Gliscor, which offers better longevity. Finally, Mega Garchomp's drop in Speed exposes it to threats like Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, and Mega Medicham.
[SET]
name: Offensive Z-Move
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Stone Edge
move 4: Stealth Rock / Substitute / Fire Fang / Aqua Tail / Dragon Claw
item: Dragonium Z / Rockium Z
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Swords Dance effectively makes Garchomp a powerful threat. Earthquake is Garchomp's main STAB move with its high Base Power, allowing it to break through many Pokemon after a Swords Dance, mainly threatening Heatran and Magearna for super effective damage. Outrage paired with Dragonium Z unleashes a 190-Base Power STAB move, breaking past most of the tier like Landorus-T and Mega Latias switching in at the cost of possibly being stopped by Fairy-types. Substitute is often paired with Dragonium Z, since it can ease its use and take advantage of passive Pokemon like Toxapex. Stone Edge is also another option that completes Garchomp's offensive presence by threatening Ground-immune Pokemon. With Rockium Z, Garchomp really scares common Defoggers such as Tornadus-T and Zapdos, and with Swords Dance, it can also break past Pokemon like Celesteela, Rotom-W, and Tapu Bulu. Due to its offensive pressure, Garchomp finds opportunities to set Stealth Rock as the foe switches. Other options rely on increasing its coverage, with Fire Fang targeting Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, and Aqua Tail surprising Ground-types like Landorus-T. Dragon Claw can also be used, as it's a more consistent Dragon-type STAB move that does not lock Garchomp into it like Outrage does.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature takes advantage of the unique Speed tier of Garchomp to outpace base 100 Speed Pokemon like Mega Medicham. Rockium Z and Dragonium Z are used to boost Stone Edge and Outrage, respectively. Rough Skin is the preferred ability to chip away the health of physical attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of the combination of bulk, good typing, and the fact that Garchomp forces a lot of switches to place Stealth Rock or set up with Swords Dance. With Rockium Z, you should use the Z-Move after setting up a Swords Dance for it to have enough power to break through the opposition and not waste it on targets that already take a lot from Stone Edge if the situation allows it. With Dragonium Z, Garchomp's use leans more heavily on predictions to catch would-be soft checks like Mega Latias and avoid launching the Z-Move into a Dragon-immune Pokemon. Garchomp can be used to switch into Heatran or Electric-type attacks but ideally only after it did its job of knocking out foes; otherwise, doing this can potentially hinder its wallbreaking capabilities.
Team Options
========
Garchomp fits more easily on offensive teams, as they take advantage of its aggressive and explosive nature. Serperior and Garchomp form a complementary core. Garchomp threatens common Flying- and Steel-types like Zapdos and Heatran, while Serperior can paralyze faster Pokemon like Mega Latias and Kartana, preparing the field for Garchomp. As a teammate, Kartana can also profit from the wallbreaking capabilities of Garchomp to clean the already weakened opposition with its ability Beast Boost. Efficient Defoggers, such as Tornadus-T and Zapdos, are also recommended to preserve Garchomp from entry hazards that could weaken it and prevent it from completing its mission. Tapu Fini also stands out in this role thanks to its access to Defog and ability to set Misty Terrain, protecting Garchomp from status conditions and enabling it to set up. Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Scizor synergize well with Garchomp's typing, pivoting into otherwise super effective Fairy- and Ice-type attacks, while Garchomp handles Fire-type attacks. Their access to Volt Switch and U-turn, respectively, can also help Garchomp enter the field safely. Mega Diancie and Heatran, while synergizing well with Garchomp overall, can also free up the Stealth Rock slot of Garchomp, allowing it to maximize its versatility and impact on the battlefield by running Substitute or other coverage moves. Finally, Pokemon like Greninja and Ferrothorn pair well with Garchomp to form a hazard-stacking core thanks to their access to Spikes.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Groundium Z can be used as another Z-Crystal option to break through would-be checks such as Tapu Fini and Clefable. It also allows to get a clean knockout on bulky Magearna that could otherwise live a simple Earthquake. However, this has much less useful applications in regards to breaking through Pokemon that it was previously walled by. Firium Z can be considered to hit defensive Pokemon like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Mega Scizor for huge damage. In the same fashion, Life Orb Garchomp can reverse positions very quickly for offense and hyper offense at the cost of its longevity, surprising various defensive Pokemon like Tapu Fini, Clefable and Ferrothorn at +2, which normally can live attacks from Garchomp without Life Orb. Leftovers can be used on bulkier variants to increase Garchomp's longevity. Yache Berry, although a niche option for offensive sets, allows to lure Pokemon using Ice-type attacks, such as Mega Latias, to retaliate with huge damage or apply status. Lastly, Choice Scarf takes advantage of Garchomp's unique Speed tier, transforming it into a soft check for threats like Volcarona after a Quiver Dance and Mega Charizard X after a Dragon Dance at the cost of being locked into a move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Defensive checks like Tapu Fini and Clefable can pose significant problems for Garchomp, both being able to live a +2 Earthquake and, depending on their EV spreads, +2 Continental Crush at full health while striking back with Moonblast for super effective damage. Mega Diancie and Choice Scarf Tapu Lele are faster threats that can OHKO Garchomp outright. Tapu Koko can also act as a check, as it is naturally faster and can remove Garchomp with Dazzling Gleam or Hidden Power Ice if it has been weakened. Magearna is also worth noting, since it can survive an unboosted Earthquake, knocking out Garchomp in return with Ice Beam or Fleur Cannon.
**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Faster Pokemon using Ice-type moves can scare out Garchomp, cutting its rampage short. Mega Latias, Mega Latios, and Greninja threaten it with Ice Beam, while Tapu Koko, Mega Alakazam, and even Choice Scarf Landorus-T can deal super effective damage with Hidden Power Ice. Mega Lopunny and Mega Swampert under rain pose a threat with Ice Punch, while Weavile can use its Ice-type STAB moves to eliminate Garchomp. However, frail attackers like the aforementioned Tapu Koko, Mega Alakazam, and Weavile can't switch in directly, forcing careful positioning.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory is notable for not fainting from +2 Continental Crush and can retaliate with Counter to effectively take down Garchomp. It can also use Whirlwind to phaze Garchomp, preventing it from setting up. Unaware Clefable is also one of the hardest walls for Garchomp to break through, avoiding the 2HKO from Earthquake, scouting its Z-Move with Wish and Protect, and not fearing any of Garchomp's Attack boosts. Slowbro can easily face the Rockium Z variant and inflict super effective damage with Ice Beam, while Mega Slowbro is a hard counter, surviving +2 Devastating Drake from Garchomp's Outrage thanks to its gigantic Defense. Cresselia is a challenge for Garchomp with its natural bulk, the ability Levitate, and Ice Beam; however, it has to be careful of +2 Devastating Drake and against Mega Garchomp’s teams, since the sandstorm can weaken Moonlight, leaving it more exposed. Landorus-T fares decently against most variants of Garchomp thanks to its ability Intimidate, and it can inflict huge damage with Hidden Power Ice or Earthquake. Still, it has to be careful of Devastating Drake and Draco Meteor from Mega Garchomp, which can overwhelm it. Utility Kartana is also worth mentioning, as it is designed to win one-on-one against regular Garchomp, hitting it with a powerful Bloom Doom.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/maktyum.541503/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
Garchomp has settled itself as a powerful threat in the tier thanks to its exceptional base stats, reliable typing, and expansive movepool that supports both offensive and utility roles. Having access to powerful STAB moves and Swords Dance coupled with its high Attack, good Speed, and different Z-Crystal options, Garchomp becomes a formidable wallbreaker and Stealth Rock setter, pressuring common Defoggers like Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T. Garchomp can also function as a valuable support option, offering significant role compression thanks to its solid defensive profile. It can check key threats like Heatran while setting up Stealth Rock and utilizing utility moves such as Toxic to cripple foes or Dragon Tail and Roar to phaze setup sweepers. Moreover, Garchomp can punish physical attackers thanks to its ability, Rough Skin, letting it trade its health for damage. Its Mega Evolution is a great asset for sand teams as a premier wallbreaker with its gigantic Attack stat and impressive bulk coupled with its new ability, Sand Force. Mega Garchomp can also use its Special Attack stat to fire off a powerful Draco Meteor and Fire Blast, surprising many physically defensive walls such as Landorus-T and Rotom-W. While it is faster than Landorus-T, Mega Medicham, and both of Charizard's Mega Evolutions, Garchomp still falls short against top-tier Pokemon like Mega Latias, Mega Diancie, and Kartana, which are capable of hitting it hard with super effective or powerful moves. Its typing, although good, leaves it susceptible to commonly used attack types such as Ice and Fairy. It also faces huge competition in both of its roles as a wallbreaker and Z-Move user with Landorus-T, Kartana, and Kyurem-B and as a support Pokemon with Gliscor, which offers better longevity. Finally, Mega Garchomp's drop in Speed exposes it to threats like Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, and Mega Medicham.
[SET]
name: Offensive Z-Move
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Stone Edge
move 4: Stealth Rock / Substitute / Fire Fang / Aqua Tail / Dragon Claw
item: Dragonium Z / Rockium Z
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Swords Dance effectively makes Garchomp a powerful threat. Earthquake is Garchomp's main STAB move with its high Base Power, allowing it to break through many Pokemon after a Swords Dance, mainly threatening Heatran and Magearna for super effective damage. Outrage paired with Dragonium Z unleashes a 190-Base Power STAB move, breaking past most of the tier like Landorus-T and Mega Latias switching in at the cost of possibly being stopped by Fairy-types. Substitute is often paired with Dragonium Z, since it can ease its use and take advantage of passive Pokemon like Toxapex. Stone Edge is also another option that completes Garchomp's offensive presence by threatening Ground-immune Pokemon. With Rockium Z, Garchomp really scares common Defoggers such as Tornadus-T and Zapdos, and with Swords Dance, it can also break past Pokemon like Celesteela, Rotom-W, and Tapu Bulu. Due to its offensive pressure, Garchomp finds opportunities to set Stealth Rock as the foe switches. Other options rely on increasing its coverage, with Fire Fang targeting Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, and Aqua Tail surprising Ground-types like Landorus-T. Dragon Claw can also be used, as it's a more consistent Dragon-type STAB move that does not lock Garchomp into it like Outrage does.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature takes advantage of the unique Speed tier of Garchomp to outpace base 100 Speed Pokemon like Mega Medicham. Rockium Z and Dragonium Z are used to boost Stone Edge and Outrage, respectively. Rough Skin is the preferred ability to chip away the health of physical attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of the combination of bulk, good typing, and the fact that Garchomp forces a lot of switches to place Stealth Rock or set up with Swords Dance. With Rockium Z, you should use the Z-Move after setting up a Swords Dance for it to have enough power to break through the opposition and not waste it on targets that already take a lot from Stone Edge if the situation allows it. With Dragonium Z, Garchomp's use leans more heavily on predictions to catch would-be soft checks like Mega Latias and avoid launching the Z-Move into a Dragon-immune Pokemon. Garchomp can be used to switch into Heatran or Electric-type attacks but ideally only after it did its job of knocking out foes; otherwise, doing this can potentially hinder its wallbreaking capabilities.
Team Options
========
Garchomp fits more easily on offensive teams, as they take advantage of its aggressive and explosive nature. Serperior and Garchomp form a complementary core. Garchomp threatens common Flying- and Steel-types like Zapdos and Heatran, while Serperior can paralyze faster Pokemon like Mega Latias and Kartana, preparing the field for Garchomp. As a teammate, Kartana can also profit from the wallbreaking capabilities of Garchomp to clean the already weakened opposition with its ability Beast Boost. Efficient Defoggers, such as Tornadus-T and Zapdos, are also recommended to preserve Garchomp from entry hazards that could weaken it and prevent it from completing its mission. Tapu Fini also stands out in this role thanks to its access to Defog and ability to set Misty Terrain, protecting Garchomp from status conditions and enabling it to set up. Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Scizor synergize well with Garchomp's typing, pivoting into otherwise super effective Fairy- and Ice-type attacks, while Garchomp handles Fire-type attacks. Their access to Volt Switch and U-turn, respectively, can also help Garchomp enter the field safely. Mega Diancie and Heatran, while synergizing well with Garchomp overall, can also free up the Stealth Rock slot of Garchomp, allowing it to maximize its versatility and impact on the battlefield by running Substitute or other coverage moves. Finally, Pokemon like Greninja and Ferrothorn pair well with Garchomp to form a hazard-stacking core thanks to their access to Spikes.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Groundium Z can be used as another Z-Crystal option to break through would-be checks such as Tapu Fini and Clefable. It also allows to get a clean knockout on bulky Magearna that could otherwise live a simple Earthquake. However, this has much less useful applications in regards to breaking through Pokemon that it was previously walled by. Firium Z can be considered to hit defensive Pokemon like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Mega Scizor for huge damage. In the same fashion, Life Orb Garchomp can reverse positions very quickly for offense and hyper offense at the cost of its longevity, surprising various defensive Pokemon like Tapu Fini, Clefable and Ferrothorn at +2, which normally can live attacks from Garchomp without Life Orb. Leftovers can be used on bulkier variants to increase Garchomp's longevity. Yache Berry, although a niche option for offensive sets, allows to lure Pokemon using Ice-type attacks, such as Mega Latias, to retaliate with huge damage or apply status. Lastly, Choice Scarf takes advantage of Garchomp's unique Speed tier, transforming it into a soft check for threats like Volcarona after a Quiver Dance and Mega Charizard X after a Dragon Dance at the cost of being locked into a move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Defensive checks like Tapu Fini and Clefable can pose significant problems for Garchomp, both being able to live a +2 Earthquake and, depending on their EV spreads, +2 Continental Crush at full health while striking back with Moonblast for super effective damage. Mega Diancie and Choice Scarf Tapu Lele are faster threats that can OHKO Garchomp outright. Tapu Koko can also act as a check, as it is naturally faster and can remove Garchomp with Dazzling Gleam or Hidden Power Ice if it has been weakened. Magearna is also worth noting, since it can survive an unboosted Earthquake, knocking out Garchomp in return with Ice Beam or Fleur Cannon.
**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Faster Pokemon using Ice-type moves can scare out Garchomp, cutting its rampage short. Mega Latias, Mega Latios, and Greninja threaten it with Ice Beam, while Tapu Koko, Mega Alakazam, and even Choice Scarf Landorus-T can deal super effective damage with Hidden Power Ice. Mega Lopunny and Mega Swampert under rain pose a threat with Ice Punch, while Weavile can use its Ice-type STAB moves to eliminate Garchomp. However, frail attackers like the aforementioned Tapu Koko, Mega Alakazam, and Weavile can't switch in directly, forcing careful positioning.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory is notable for not fainting from +2 Continental Crush and can retaliate with Counter to effectively take down Garchomp. It can also use Whirlwind to phaze Garchomp, preventing it from setting up. Unaware Clefable is also one of the hardest walls for Garchomp to break through, avoiding the 2HKO from Earthquake, scouting its Z-Move with Wish and Protect, and not fearing any of Garchomp's Attack boosts. Slowbro can easily face the Rockium Z variant and inflict super effective damage with Ice Beam, while Mega Slowbro is a hard counter, surviving +2 Devastating Drake from Garchomp's Outrage thanks to its gigantic Defense. Cresselia is a challenge for Garchomp with its natural bulk, the ability Levitate, and Ice Beam; however, it has to be careful of +2 Devastating Drake and against Mega Garchomp’s teams, since the sandstorm can weaken Moonlight, leaving it more exposed. Landorus-T fares decently against most variants of Garchomp thanks to its ability Intimidate, and it can inflict huge damage with Hidden Power Ice or Earthquake. Still, it has to be careful of Devastating Drake and Draco Meteor from Mega Garchomp, which can overwhelm it. Utility Kartana is also worth mentioning, as it is designed to win one-on-one against regular Garchomp, hitting it with a powerful Bloom Doom.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/maktyum.541503/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
Last edited:
