In 6th Gen, Gamefreak introduced a new yet underexplored mechanic into the game: Terrains.
Neither Weather nor Room, these new field affects- Grassy, Electric, and Misty- affected all pokemon coming in contact with the ground. However, without reliable starters and the fact that they ate up a move slot (and had no way of extending their effects, the moves were sadly lost and forgotten in competitive play.
That was until....
Enter Generation 7, and with it we got powerful setters for all 3 previous Terrains, and a sparkly brand new Terrain in the form of Psychic Terrain. Not only that, but the generation also came with the Terrain Extender and Seed items, allowing Terrains to see play outside of the Tapu Circle. All these elements mixed together creates a perfect storm for Terrain play to take over the meta.
ELECTRIC TERRAIN
Electric Terrain is a nice terrain for those that want to keep up momentum. As long as this terrain is on the field, all electric type moves receive a 1.5x damage multiplier for those pokemon touching the ground. In addition, pokemon touching the ground cannot be put to sleep.
Comboing this with Rain is a truly frightening combo. With rain active and a new Drizzle U-turner in Pelliper, Volt-Turn can be easily achieved through proper synergy. Firing off 100% accurate boosted Thunders are also enough to make even the toughest of walls stumble from blows that large. Under the cover of rain, Magnezones can fire out powerful attacks without minding fire types melting a hole in its core.
While its easy to see this combo with the Rain weather, Its pretty powerful by itself. Volt Turn users like Mega Amphaors, Mega Manectric, and Raikou all hit much harder while switching to safety. Pokemon that like to set up no longer need to worry about spore or Sleep Powder. Bulky Pokemon who rely on Rest suddenly find themselves in deep water. Any Pokemon holding the Electric Seed will automatically receive a +1 boost their Defense. Also, Alolan Raichu's already excellent speed stat skyrockets, becoming doubled while under the terrain's influence.
However, unlike the rest of the Terrains, finding a setter outside of Tapu Koko is going to be difficult. Electric types are infamously frail, and don't like taking hits too often unless their names are Zapdos or Rotom-W. In addition, while preventing sleep is great, there is another terrain we'll discuss later that does that and more. Possibly the most seldom seen without a Tapu Koko present.
Possible Setters: Tapu Koko, Magnezone, Heliolisk, Luxray, Raichu, A-Raichu, Electivire, Ampharos, Manectric, Togedemaru
GRASSY TERRAIN
Grassy Terrain is an odd one, but definitely not to be underestimated. Similar to its sibling above, Grassy Terrain gives everyone on the ground a 1.5 boost in Grass attacks. In addition, all pokemon on the field will recover 6% of their health at the end of each turn. It doesn't stop there though; Earthquake, Magnitude, and Bulldoze all have their attack power cut in half as long as the terrain stays active.
Probably one of the second best of the bunch, Grassy Terrain allows for many different type of playstyles. You can break through an opponent's team with Wood Hammers or Leaf Storms, or take advantage of the extra heals with Horn Leech and Giga Drain. Bulky grass types like Chesnaught, Gourgeist, and Amoongus all appreciate the passive healing they recieve from Grassy Terrain, healing 12% per turn with Leftovers/Black Sludge without factoring in Leech Seed or attacking drain moves. Sweepers like Celebi and Sceptile clean house much easier as well, having a little less to worry about their stat drops from Leaf Storm when they are hitting out moves with 210 Base Power. The Grassy seed item, just like the Electric Seed, gives the user +1 in defense as soon as they touch the ground. The current only Terrain ability for Grassy Terrain, Grassy Pelt, increases the defense of the user by +1 as long as terrain is active. Currently, on Gogoat learns this ability.
Once again, this is another terrain that combos with weather: Sun. Chlorophyll and Solar power users become even deadlier, with the regen of Grassy Terrain softening the tax from Solar Power's usage. Fire Types on Sun team also have a much easier time due to one of tier most common moves to be killed by, Earthquake, goes from a formidable 100 base power to a pretty unimpressive 50. This allows Fire Types to not be so intimidated by an incoming counter attack.
It is important to remember, however, that all terrain effects apply to both you and your opponent. if your opponent happens to have a pokemon you cant get over, they will get increased health every turn, making them harder to hit. In addition, Grassy terrain discourages the use of Earthquake, meaning if you are dependent on it, you will be losing out on quite a big attack for coverage.
Possible Starers: Tapu Bulu, Venusaur, Vileplume, Bellossom, Exeggutor, Tangela, Tangrowth, Meganium, Jumpluff, Sunflora, Sceptile, Shiftry, Torterra, Roserade, Serperior, Maractus, Florges, Comfey, Floette-E
MISTY TERRAIN
Misty Terrain happens to be the most passive and defensive of all the terrains thus far. Instead of an attack buff for Fairy attacks, this terrain lowers the damage of all Dragon type attacks by 1/2. In addition, pokemon cannot be affected by status conditions. As of generation 7, this includes confusion.
Ironically enough, despite being the most passive of the terrains, its very suited for agressive play and pokemon tha require set up moves, like Bulk Up, Automatize, Dragon Dance, and Sword Dance. Without the need to fear of Status move, Pokemon that would usually carry a Lum Berry, like Tyrantrum or Haxorus, can run other items instead. Draco Meteors become heavily neutered, giving pokemon a chance to stand up to threats like Latios's or Hydreigon's Draco Meteors. Consider pairing this terrain with Moxie abusers like Krookidile and Heracross to create huge holes in your opponents team uncontested. Also, the new Misty Seed item gives the user a+1 Special Defense boost when it comes into contact with this terrain. Consider this if you want more bulk for your buck.
The downside to this terrains the double edged sword it providers. Your opponent is also protected by this terrain, so status moves like Will-o-wisp and Thunder wave have to be used extremely carefully or not at all. This also discourages the use of Dragons on your own team, Which are typically very powerful wallbreakers that may be sorely missed when teambuilding.
Possible Starters: Tapu Fini, Clefable, Wigglytuff, Mr.Mime, Togetic, Togekiss, Gardevoir, Gallade, Mawile, Audino, Florges, Meowstic, Aromatisse, Sylveon, Xerneas, Primarina, Floette-E, Pikachu (Hoenn and Sinnoh Caps)
PSYCHIC TERRAIN
The final and newest of the terrains, Psychic Terrain has caused quite the buzz here in competitive talk. wielded by a whopping 5 Pokemon in the entire game, Psychic terrain boosts all Psychic attacks by 1.5x. In addition, those affected by psychic Terrain cannot be hit by priority attacks.
Oh boy, this one is pretty scary. The damage boost by itself was great on its own, but negating priority is like every Scarf'd Pokemon's dream come true. Speedy Psychic types are not uncommon at all, big offenders being Mewtwo and his Mega evolutions, Mega Gallade, Mega Alakazam, and even Classic Starmie. Without fear of Sucker Punch, the pokemon would have free reign to wreak havoc all over the place. This also comes in the same generation as the overall change to how Mega Evolution priority works, meaning Alakazam can mega evolve and reach its 150 base speed without needing to stall a turn with Protect. One of Bisharp's greatest tools in powerful Sucker Punches suddenly vanishes in an instant, leaving it high and dry against many threats it used to dispatch with ease. Even pokemon who aren't psychic like Mega Diancie and Gengar can benefit nicely from not getting their day ruined from a Sucker or Bullet Punch. Mega Sharpedo was blessed with Psychic Fangs in the same generation, so you can fire out a Strong Jaw Terrain Boosted Psychic Fang while never worrying about Mach punches ever again. The new possibilities for this terrain are extremely wide and vast, so I'll try to end it off the pokemo discussion here. Like Misty Seed, the Psychic Seed gives the user a +1 Sp.D buff when in contact with the terrain. Try it on a pokemon that youd usually put an assault vest on for more flexibility in your movesets.
Psychic Terrain falls under the same flaw all the other terrains do: your opponent benefits from the buff as well as long as they are in contact with the floor. This means priority attacks should rarely be considered when building a team around this terrain. But with so many speedy options at your disposal, that is actually a non issue. the REAL weakness of Psychic Terrain is its scarcity. Outside of Tapu Lele, there are only 4 other pokemon in the entire game that can activate this wonderful terrain, and one of them requires a Z crystal. Should Tapu Lele be banned to Ubers, the terrain might disappear from competitive all together. Maybe in future games it will be a tutor move, but only time will tell...
Possible Starters: Tapu Lele, Musharna, Beheeyem Oranguru, Mew (through Genesis Supernova)
IN CONCLUSION
Terrains overall got a big expansion pack this generation, and witht he Tapus on the rise are more viable than ever before. Mixing these in with Mechanics like Weather or Rooms ad another layer of strategy that everyone should be wary of. Many pokemon once thought underwhelming can suddenly become a force of nature under a terrain's influence. It would be wise to give these terrains a real in depth look over before digging into the the gen 7 metagame before you are flipped upside down by the Leavanny suddenly sweeping up teams.
What are your thoughts on terrain? Do you have any sets in mind? Is it a simple gimmick or a big game changer? Post your thoughts down below!
Neither Weather nor Room, these new field affects- Grassy, Electric, and Misty- affected all pokemon coming in contact with the ground. However, without reliable starters and the fact that they ate up a move slot (and had no way of extending their effects, the moves were sadly lost and forgotten in competitive play.
That was until....
Enter Generation 7, and with it we got powerful setters for all 3 previous Terrains, and a sparkly brand new Terrain in the form of Psychic Terrain. Not only that, but the generation also came with the Terrain Extender and Seed items, allowing Terrains to see play outside of the Tapu Circle. All these elements mixed together creates a perfect storm for Terrain play to take over the meta.
ELECTRIC TERRAIN
Electric Terrain is a nice terrain for those that want to keep up momentum. As long as this terrain is on the field, all electric type moves receive a 1.5x damage multiplier for those pokemon touching the ground. In addition, pokemon touching the ground cannot be put to sleep.
Comboing this with Rain is a truly frightening combo. With rain active and a new Drizzle U-turner in Pelliper, Volt-Turn can be easily achieved through proper synergy. Firing off 100% accurate boosted Thunders are also enough to make even the toughest of walls stumble from blows that large. Under the cover of rain, Magnezones can fire out powerful attacks without minding fire types melting a hole in its core.
While its easy to see this combo with the Rain weather, Its pretty powerful by itself. Volt Turn users like Mega Amphaors, Mega Manectric, and Raikou all hit much harder while switching to safety. Pokemon that like to set up no longer need to worry about spore or Sleep Powder. Bulky Pokemon who rely on Rest suddenly find themselves in deep water. Any Pokemon holding the Electric Seed will automatically receive a +1 boost their Defense. Also, Alolan Raichu's already excellent speed stat skyrockets, becoming doubled while under the terrain's influence.
However, unlike the rest of the Terrains, finding a setter outside of Tapu Koko is going to be difficult. Electric types are infamously frail, and don't like taking hits too often unless their names are Zapdos or Rotom-W. In addition, while preventing sleep is great, there is another terrain we'll discuss later that does that and more. Possibly the most seldom seen without a Tapu Koko present.
Possible Setters: Tapu Koko, Magnezone, Heliolisk, Luxray, Raichu, A-Raichu, Electivire, Ampharos, Manectric, Togedemaru
GRASSY TERRAIN
Grassy Terrain is an odd one, but definitely not to be underestimated. Similar to its sibling above, Grassy Terrain gives everyone on the ground a 1.5 boost in Grass attacks. In addition, all pokemon on the field will recover 6% of their health at the end of each turn. It doesn't stop there though; Earthquake, Magnitude, and Bulldoze all have their attack power cut in half as long as the terrain stays active.
Probably one of the second best of the bunch, Grassy Terrain allows for many different type of playstyles. You can break through an opponent's team with Wood Hammers or Leaf Storms, or take advantage of the extra heals with Horn Leech and Giga Drain. Bulky grass types like Chesnaught, Gourgeist, and Amoongus all appreciate the passive healing they recieve from Grassy Terrain, healing 12% per turn with Leftovers/Black Sludge without factoring in Leech Seed or attacking drain moves. Sweepers like Celebi and Sceptile clean house much easier as well, having a little less to worry about their stat drops from Leaf Storm when they are hitting out moves with 210 Base Power. The Grassy seed item, just like the Electric Seed, gives the user +1 in defense as soon as they touch the ground. The current only Terrain ability for Grassy Terrain, Grassy Pelt, increases the defense of the user by +1 as long as terrain is active. Currently, on Gogoat learns this ability.
Once again, this is another terrain that combos with weather: Sun. Chlorophyll and Solar power users become even deadlier, with the regen of Grassy Terrain softening the tax from Solar Power's usage. Fire Types on Sun team also have a much easier time due to one of tier most common moves to be killed by, Earthquake, goes from a formidable 100 base power to a pretty unimpressive 50. This allows Fire Types to not be so intimidated by an incoming counter attack.
It is important to remember, however, that all terrain effects apply to both you and your opponent. if your opponent happens to have a pokemon you cant get over, they will get increased health every turn, making them harder to hit. In addition, Grassy terrain discourages the use of Earthquake, meaning if you are dependent on it, you will be losing out on quite a big attack for coverage.
Possible Starers: Tapu Bulu, Venusaur, Vileplume, Bellossom, Exeggutor, Tangela, Tangrowth, Meganium, Jumpluff, Sunflora, Sceptile, Shiftry, Torterra, Roserade, Serperior, Maractus, Florges, Comfey, Floette-E
MISTY TERRAIN
Misty Terrain happens to be the most passive and defensive of all the terrains thus far. Instead of an attack buff for Fairy attacks, this terrain lowers the damage of all Dragon type attacks by 1/2. In addition, pokemon cannot be affected by status conditions. As of generation 7, this includes confusion.
Ironically enough, despite being the most passive of the terrains, its very suited for agressive play and pokemon tha require set up moves, like Bulk Up, Automatize, Dragon Dance, and Sword Dance. Without the need to fear of Status move, Pokemon that would usually carry a Lum Berry, like Tyrantrum or Haxorus, can run other items instead. Draco Meteors become heavily neutered, giving pokemon a chance to stand up to threats like Latios's or Hydreigon's Draco Meteors. Consider pairing this terrain with Moxie abusers like Krookidile and Heracross to create huge holes in your opponents team uncontested. Also, the new Misty Seed item gives the user a+1 Special Defense boost when it comes into contact with this terrain. Consider this if you want more bulk for your buck.
The downside to this terrains the double edged sword it providers. Your opponent is also protected by this terrain, so status moves like Will-o-wisp and Thunder wave have to be used extremely carefully or not at all. This also discourages the use of Dragons on your own team, Which are typically very powerful wallbreakers that may be sorely missed when teambuilding.
Possible Starters: Tapu Fini, Clefable, Wigglytuff, Mr.Mime, Togetic, Togekiss, Gardevoir, Gallade, Mawile, Audino, Florges, Meowstic, Aromatisse, Sylveon, Xerneas, Primarina, Floette-E, Pikachu (Hoenn and Sinnoh Caps)
PSYCHIC TERRAIN
The final and newest of the terrains, Psychic Terrain has caused quite the buzz here in competitive talk. wielded by a whopping 5 Pokemon in the entire game, Psychic terrain boosts all Psychic attacks by 1.5x. In addition, those affected by psychic Terrain cannot be hit by priority attacks.
Oh boy, this one is pretty scary. The damage boost by itself was great on its own, but negating priority is like every Scarf'd Pokemon's dream come true. Speedy Psychic types are not uncommon at all, big offenders being Mewtwo and his Mega evolutions, Mega Gallade, Mega Alakazam, and even Classic Starmie. Without fear of Sucker Punch, the pokemon would have free reign to wreak havoc all over the place. This also comes in the same generation as the overall change to how Mega Evolution priority works, meaning Alakazam can mega evolve and reach its 150 base speed without needing to stall a turn with Protect. One of Bisharp's greatest tools in powerful Sucker Punches suddenly vanishes in an instant, leaving it high and dry against many threats it used to dispatch with ease. Even pokemon who aren't psychic like Mega Diancie and Gengar can benefit nicely from not getting their day ruined from a Sucker or Bullet Punch. Mega Sharpedo was blessed with Psychic Fangs in the same generation, so you can fire out a Strong Jaw Terrain Boosted Psychic Fang while never worrying about Mach punches ever again. The new possibilities for this terrain are extremely wide and vast, so I'll try to end it off the pokemo discussion here. Like Misty Seed, the Psychic Seed gives the user a +1 Sp.D buff when in contact with the terrain. Try it on a pokemon that youd usually put an assault vest on for more flexibility in your movesets.
Psychic Terrain falls under the same flaw all the other terrains do: your opponent benefits from the buff as well as long as they are in contact with the floor. This means priority attacks should rarely be considered when building a team around this terrain. But with so many speedy options at your disposal, that is actually a non issue. the REAL weakness of Psychic Terrain is its scarcity. Outside of Tapu Lele, there are only 4 other pokemon in the entire game that can activate this wonderful terrain, and one of them requires a Z crystal. Should Tapu Lele be banned to Ubers, the terrain might disappear from competitive all together. Maybe in future games it will be a tutor move, but only time will tell...
Possible Starters: Tapu Lele, Musharna, Beheeyem Oranguru, Mew (through Genesis Supernova)
IN CONCLUSION
Terrains overall got a big expansion pack this generation, and witht he Tapus on the rise are more viable than ever before. Mixing these in with Mechanics like Weather or Rooms ad another layer of strategy that everyone should be wary of. Many pokemon once thought underwhelming can suddenly become a force of nature under a terrain's influence. It would be wise to give these terrains a real in depth look over before digging into the the gen 7 metagame before you are flipped upside down by the Leavanny suddenly sweeping up teams.
What are your thoughts on terrain? Do you have any sets in mind? Is it a simple gimmick or a big game changer? Post your thoughts down below!
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