[OVERVIEW]
Tyranitar is among the metagame's most versatile Pokemon, as it can fulfill a plethora of roles with its bulk, power, versatile movepool, and unique ability to set permanent weather. Sand Stream is the only viable permanent weather setting ability in the metagame, effectively granting Tyranitar an oft uncontested and significant Special Defense boost that allows it to switch into common special attackers such as Latios and Raikou even without investment while also dealing consistent sand damage and disrupting rain teams. Tyranitar matches up well against the common lead metagame, as bulky Tyranitar can easily set up Stealth Rock against the likes of Mew and Rotom-H, while a Choice Scarf set Pursuit traps them, but its offensive capabilites and typing also make it a great wallbreaker, setup sweeper, and late-game cleaner. While Tyranitar boasts many favorable matchups, it must remain wary of its common weaknesses against Steel-types and Fighting-types, as the likes of Metagross and Hitmontop resist Tyranitar's STAB attacks and OHKO it back. Tyranitar is also prone to Intimidate, which significantly hampers its ability to trade favorably or become a fearsome Dragon Dance sweeper.
[SET]
name: Choice Attacker
move 1: Crunch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Low Kick
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Tyranitar looks to eliminate common glue Pokemon such as Mew and Rotom-H in early- to mid-game, stopping them from threatening their utility throughout games, making it easier for Tyranitar's teammates to clean up late-game. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is especially adept at trapping Latios and other fast special attackers but misses out on several OHKOs, while Choice Band Tyranitar relinquishes Speed in favor of this greater wallbreaking prowess, capable of punching holes through foes so its teammates can clean up. Choice Scarf Tyranitar also functions as a fearsome late-game sweeper once its checks are eliminated, as there are very few foes that can either outspeed or comfortably take a hit and eliminate it besides Metagross, Fighting-types, and Swampert.
Crunch OHKOes Latios and bulkless Rotom-H, and Choice Band gives Tyranitar the power to OHKO Latias and 252 HP Mew after sand damage. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can trap common leads such as Mew and Rotom-H with Pursuit, punishing them for their inability to significantly threaten Tyranitar. Tyranitar with Pursuit is also a formidable revenge killer, as it can trap Latios after Draco Meteor, Rotom-H after Overheat, and support-oriented Mew sets, as weakened special attackers pose little to no threat to Tyranitar in sand. Pursuit's power being conditional means locking into it leaves Tyranitar prone to bulky foes such as Metagross and Machamp, threatening to OHKO it, or setup attackers like Gyarados, which may Dragon Dance freely. Stone Edge is the more powerful STAB attack against neutral targets and Flying-types, dealing significant damage to Raikou, Gyarados, and Togekiss. The latter two are OHKOed by Choice Band Stone Edge, while Raikou is taken down by the Stone Edge and the additional sand damage. Rock Slide is a powerful alternative attack for its strong spread damage and, especially with a Choice Scarf, the added benefit of possible flinching. Tyranitar's last moveslot is Fighting-type coverage to hit the Steel-types that resist its STAB attacks. Superpower is more consistent, because it maximizes damage on Empoleon and Hitmontop at the cost of stat drops, but Low Kick hits most common targets such as Tyranitar, Mamoswine, Heatran, and Rhyperior for just as much damage.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Protect
item: Lum Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Dragon Dance Tyranitar uses its innate bulk to punish common special attackers like Latios, Rotom-H, and Mew by setting up on them and breaking teams with powerful STAB attacks or sweeping late-game once its checks are removed. With a Dragon Dance boost, Tyranitar outspeeds and OHKOes Latios and Mew with Crunch and deals devastating spread damage and potential flinches with Rock Slide. It is especially important to get this boost when using Rock Slide, as without it, it will fail to OHKO bulkless Gyarados and risk not breaking Heatran's Substitute. Tyranitar can opt for Stone Edge, which does all of those things and is especially difficult to switch into at +1 for nearly all neutral targets, OHKOing Raikou and Heatran after Stealth Rock, but carries with it a great risk of missing. Lum Berry gives Tyranitar a one-time safeguard against status moves that would otherwise significantly hamper its sweeping abilities. Tyranitar can also use resistance berries to improve specific matchups, such as Chople Berry against Fighting-types like Hitmontop or Babiri Berry against Metagross; however, these are highly conditional and Tyranitar may still be KOed if it isn't at full health.
This set is particularly effective at preying on special attackers and passive foes like Cresselia, while offering the power boost of Choice item sets and retaining flexibility, though at the cost of having to find setup opportunities. Tyranitar isn't very threatening before a Dragon Dance boost and can be hampered by common counterplay such as Hitmontop's Intimidate, Metagross's bulk and Meteor Mash, and faster attackers such as Heracross.
[SET]
name: Bulky Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Pursuit / Protect
item: Chople Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Tyranitar's tremendous stats, immense Special Defense in sand, unique typing, and wide movepool allows it to function as a powerful bulky lead that matches up well against common lead Pokemon such as Mew and Rotom-H. Its bulk investment allows it to shrug off special attackers and weak hitters even better than offensively-oriented Tyranitar sets, which allows it to trade better and thus grant more opportunities to set up Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock, in combination with sand damage, wears down foes without access to consistent recovery options, and bulky Tyranitar forces many switches against common special attackers such as Mew, Raikou, and Rotom-H, which can't threaten it. Boasting significant attack, Tyranitar will OHKO bulkless Dark-weak foes such as Latios and Rotom-H with Crunch and maims foes with the weaker Rock Slide. It can also run Stone Edge, as this will OHKO even bulky Gyarados and guarantee breaking Heatran's Substitute. Its last moveslot can be Superpower to punch through its common STAB resistances such as Heatran and Empoleon, but Pursuit can be used to more effectively trap common Dark-weak leads.
While Tyranitar is very bulky, it is slow and must fear many common physical attackers such as Gyarados and Metagross and Fighting-types such as Heracross and Hitmontop. Chople Berry offsets these immediate threats, but it is still important to pair Tyranitar with an Intimidate user. Hitmontop makes for an especially good pairing, as it can Fake Out opposing leads that Tyranitar matches up poorly against, such as Metagross and Bronzong. Alternatively, Sitrus Berry restores health to extend Tyranitar's trading opportunities.
Team Options
========
Hitmontop is an excellent partner for Tyranitar, as its Fake Out creates opportunities for Tyranitar to set up Dragon Dance or Stealth Rock when used as a lead pair. Its Close Combat hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Empoleon, which Tyranitar's coverage misses out on, while also scaring off opposing Tyranitar with Intimidate and the threat of OHKOing it. Another Fake Out user that works well with Tyranitar is Mew, especially as it can whittle down Steel-types with Earth Power. Gyarados, especially with a Choice Band, is another excellent partner because of its Intimidate and ability to hit bulky Steel- and Ground-types such as Metagross, Bronzong, and Swampert with its own powerful Waterfall. Fire-types like Infernape and Heatran can also eliminate these Steel-types that Tyranitar commonly struggles with, and Rotom-H uses Overheat while being able to switch into the Fighting-type attacks that Tyranitar often draws to itself. Conversely, Metagross can check Fighting-type threats such as Heracross and Hitmontop with its own Zen Headbutt. Other Psychic-types such as Latios and Latias will also check these Fighting-types with their Psychic, with Choice Scarf Latios outspeeding Choice Scarf Heracross in particular. Raikou is a great partner for offensively-oriented Tyranitar sets, as it sets up dual screens to amplify Tyranitar's innate bulk more so, and it can cripple Swift Swim users with Thunder Wave and eliminate Gyarados with Thunderbolt.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Earthquake hits Metagross and Heatran super effectively, but Tyranitar needs Choice Band to OHKO them. It is awkward for Tyranitar to lock into as it does little damage to neutral targets, is easily exploited by the plethora of common Flying-types and Levitate users, and requires pivoting its teammates so as not to take damage. A bulky Tyranitar with Chople Berry can use Counter to OHKO a Hitmontop using Close Combat against it. This is a rather inconsistent strategy that requires Intimidate support, as even a little chip damage leaves it prone to being OHKOed.
Tyranitar can use specific resistance berries to improve specific matchups and surprisingly live hits: Passho Berry allows Tyranitar to live a Choice Band Gyarados's Waterfall and return an OHKO with Stone Edge, and Babiri Berry Tyranitar lives a Choice Band Metagross's Meteor Mash so Tyranitar can take a chunk out of it with its own Earthquake. Alternatively, Tyranitar can set up a Dragon Dance in these situations.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmontop, Heracross, and Machamp resist both of Tyranitar's STAB attacks and can easily OHKO non-Chople Berry variants.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Metagross, Bronzong, and Empoleon resist Tyranitar's Rock-type attacks while their high physical defense allows them to take Crunch from non-Choice Band Tyranitar as well.
**Ground-types**: Tyranitar struggles to break physically bulky Ground-types such as Swampert and Rhyperior, which can return super effective damage with their own Ground-type attacks.
**Water-types and Rain**: Choice Band Gyarados Intimidates Tyranitar and OHKOes it with Waterfall. Sand Stream makes Tyranitar a contingency check against rain, but non-bulky variants are easily 2HKOed by Kingdra and Clamperl.
**Intimidate**: Common Intimidate users such as Hitmontop and Gyarados deal super effective damage and hamper Tyranitar's ability to trade favorably or easily set up its Dragon Dance win condition.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bunnyy.192134/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zee.501951/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/daawesomedude1.228280/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
Tyranitar is among the metagame's most versatile Pokemon, as it can fulfill a plethora of roles with its bulk, power, versatile movepool, and unique ability to set permanent weather. Sand Stream is the only viable permanent weather setting ability in the metagame, effectively granting Tyranitar an oft uncontested and significant Special Defense boost that allows it to switch into common special attackers such as Latios and Raikou even without investment while also dealing consistent sand damage and disrupting rain teams. Tyranitar matches up well against the common lead metagame, as bulky Tyranitar can easily set up Stealth Rock against the likes of Mew and Rotom-H, while a Choice Scarf set Pursuit traps them, but its offensive capabilites and typing also make it a great wallbreaker, setup sweeper, and late-game cleaner. While Tyranitar boasts many favorable matchups, it must remain wary of its common weaknesses against Steel-types and Fighting-types, as the likes of Metagross and Hitmontop resist Tyranitar's STAB attacks and OHKO it back. Tyranitar is also prone to Intimidate, which significantly hampers its ability to trade favorably or become a fearsome Dragon Dance sweeper.
[SET]
name: Choice Attacker
move 1: Crunch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Low Kick
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Tyranitar looks to eliminate common glue Pokemon such as Mew and Rotom-H in early- to mid-game, stopping them from threatening their utility throughout games, making it easier for Tyranitar's teammates to clean up late-game. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is especially adept at trapping Latios and other fast special attackers but misses out on several OHKOs, while Choice Band Tyranitar relinquishes Speed in favor of this greater wallbreaking prowess, capable of punching holes through foes so its teammates can clean up. Choice Scarf Tyranitar also functions as a fearsome late-game sweeper once its checks are eliminated, as there are very few foes that can either outspeed or comfortably take a hit and eliminate it besides Metagross, Fighting-types, and Swampert.
Crunch OHKOes Latios and bulkless Rotom-H, and Choice Band gives Tyranitar the power to OHKO Latias and 252 HP Mew after sand damage. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can trap common leads such as Mew and Rotom-H with Pursuit, punishing them for their inability to significantly threaten Tyranitar. Tyranitar with Pursuit is also a formidable revenge killer, as it can trap Latios after Draco Meteor, Rotom-H after Overheat, and support-oriented Mew sets, as weakened special attackers pose little to no threat to Tyranitar in sand. Pursuit's power being conditional means locking into it leaves Tyranitar prone to bulky foes such as Metagross and Machamp, threatening to OHKO it, or setup attackers like Gyarados, which may Dragon Dance freely. Stone Edge is the more powerful STAB attack against neutral targets and Flying-types, dealing significant damage to Raikou, Gyarados, and Togekiss. The latter two are OHKOed by Choice Band Stone Edge, while Raikou is taken down by the Stone Edge and the additional sand damage. Rock Slide is a powerful alternative attack for its strong spread damage and, especially with a Choice Scarf, the added benefit of possible flinching. Tyranitar's last moveslot is Fighting-type coverage to hit the Steel-types that resist its STAB attacks. Superpower is more consistent, because it maximizes damage on Empoleon and Hitmontop at the cost of stat drops, but Low Kick hits most common targets such as Tyranitar, Mamoswine, Heatran, and Rhyperior for just as much damage.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Protect
item: Lum Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Dragon Dance Tyranitar uses its innate bulk to punish common special attackers like Latios, Rotom-H, and Mew by setting up on them and breaking teams with powerful STAB attacks or sweeping late-game once its checks are removed. With a Dragon Dance boost, Tyranitar outspeeds and OHKOes Latios and Mew with Crunch and deals devastating spread damage and potential flinches with Rock Slide. It is especially important to get this boost when using Rock Slide, as without it, it will fail to OHKO bulkless Gyarados and risk not breaking Heatran's Substitute. Tyranitar can opt for Stone Edge, which does all of those things and is especially difficult to switch into at +1 for nearly all neutral targets, OHKOing Raikou and Heatran after Stealth Rock, but carries with it a great risk of missing. Lum Berry gives Tyranitar a one-time safeguard against status moves that would otherwise significantly hamper its sweeping abilities. Tyranitar can also use resistance berries to improve specific matchups, such as Chople Berry against Fighting-types like Hitmontop or Babiri Berry against Metagross; however, these are highly conditional and Tyranitar may still be KOed if it isn't at full health.
This set is particularly effective at preying on special attackers and passive foes like Cresselia, while offering the power boost of Choice item sets and retaining flexibility, though at the cost of having to find setup opportunities. Tyranitar isn't very threatening before a Dragon Dance boost and can be hampered by common counterplay such as Hitmontop's Intimidate, Metagross's bulk and Meteor Mash, and faster attackers such as Heracross.
[SET]
name: Bulky Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Pursuit / Protect
item: Chople Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Tyranitar's tremendous stats, immense Special Defense in sand, unique typing, and wide movepool allows it to function as a powerful bulky lead that matches up well against common lead Pokemon such as Mew and Rotom-H. Its bulk investment allows it to shrug off special attackers and weak hitters even better than offensively-oriented Tyranitar sets, which allows it to trade better and thus grant more opportunities to set up Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock, in combination with sand damage, wears down foes without access to consistent recovery options, and bulky Tyranitar forces many switches against common special attackers such as Mew, Raikou, and Rotom-H, which can't threaten it. Boasting significant attack, Tyranitar will OHKO bulkless Dark-weak foes such as Latios and Rotom-H with Crunch and maims foes with the weaker Rock Slide. It can also run Stone Edge, as this will OHKO even bulky Gyarados and guarantee breaking Heatran's Substitute. Its last moveslot can be Superpower to punch through its common STAB resistances such as Heatran and Empoleon, but Pursuit can be used to more effectively trap common Dark-weak leads.
While Tyranitar is very bulky, it is slow and must fear many common physical attackers such as Gyarados and Metagross and Fighting-types such as Heracross and Hitmontop. Chople Berry offsets these immediate threats, but it is still important to pair Tyranitar with an Intimidate user. Hitmontop makes for an especially good pairing, as it can Fake Out opposing leads that Tyranitar matches up poorly against, such as Metagross and Bronzong. Alternatively, Sitrus Berry restores health to extend Tyranitar's trading opportunities.
Team Options
========
Hitmontop is an excellent partner for Tyranitar, as its Fake Out creates opportunities for Tyranitar to set up Dragon Dance or Stealth Rock when used as a lead pair. Its Close Combat hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Empoleon, which Tyranitar's coverage misses out on, while also scaring off opposing Tyranitar with Intimidate and the threat of OHKOing it. Another Fake Out user that works well with Tyranitar is Mew, especially as it can whittle down Steel-types with Earth Power. Gyarados, especially with a Choice Band, is another excellent partner because of its Intimidate and ability to hit bulky Steel- and Ground-types such as Metagross, Bronzong, and Swampert with its own powerful Waterfall. Fire-types like Infernape and Heatran can also eliminate these Steel-types that Tyranitar commonly struggles with, and Rotom-H uses Overheat while being able to switch into the Fighting-type attacks that Tyranitar often draws to itself. Conversely, Metagross can check Fighting-type threats such as Heracross and Hitmontop with its own Zen Headbutt. Other Psychic-types such as Latios and Latias will also check these Fighting-types with their Psychic, with Choice Scarf Latios outspeeding Choice Scarf Heracross in particular. Raikou is a great partner for offensively-oriented Tyranitar sets, as it sets up dual screens to amplify Tyranitar's innate bulk more so, and it can cripple Swift Swim users with Thunder Wave and eliminate Gyarados with Thunderbolt.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Earthquake hits Metagross and Heatran super effectively, but Tyranitar needs Choice Band to OHKO them. It is awkward for Tyranitar to lock into as it does little damage to neutral targets, is easily exploited by the plethora of common Flying-types and Levitate users, and requires pivoting its teammates so as not to take damage. A bulky Tyranitar with Chople Berry can use Counter to OHKO a Hitmontop using Close Combat against it. This is a rather inconsistent strategy that requires Intimidate support, as even a little chip damage leaves it prone to being OHKOed.
Tyranitar can use specific resistance berries to improve specific matchups and surprisingly live hits: Passho Berry allows Tyranitar to live a Choice Band Gyarados's Waterfall and return an OHKO with Stone Edge, and Babiri Berry Tyranitar lives a Choice Band Metagross's Meteor Mash so Tyranitar can take a chunk out of it with its own Earthquake. Alternatively, Tyranitar can set up a Dragon Dance in these situations.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types such as Hitmontop, Heracross, and Machamp resist both of Tyranitar's STAB attacks and can easily OHKO non-Chople Berry variants.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Metagross, Bronzong, and Empoleon resist Tyranitar's Rock-type attacks while their high physical defense allows them to take Crunch from non-Choice Band Tyranitar as well.
**Ground-types**: Tyranitar struggles to break physically bulky Ground-types such as Swampert and Rhyperior, which can return super effective damage with their own Ground-type attacks.
**Water-types and Rain**: Choice Band Gyarados Intimidates Tyranitar and OHKOes it with Waterfall. Sand Stream makes Tyranitar a contingency check against rain, but non-bulky variants are easily 2HKOed by Kingdra and Clamperl.
**Intimidate**: Common Intimidate users such as Hitmontop and Gyarados deal super effective damage and hamper Tyranitar's ability to trade favorably or easily set up its Dragon Dance win condition.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bunnyy.192134/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zee.501951/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/daawesomedude1.228280/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
Last edited:
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