[OVERVIEW]
Ferrothorn is an amazing utility Pokemon, having solid defenses, a great typing, and many utility moves like Spikes, Leech Seed, and Knock Off. Its typing allows it to check many threatening Pokemon like Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, Equilibra, and Krilowatt, which gives it many opportunities to set up entry hazards or annoy the opposing team with its utility moves. It can also catch threats trying to switch in like Heatran and Volkraken with Leech Seed and Knock Off, making it difficult to take advantage of Ferrothorn. It also has decent matchup against common Defoggers like Tornadus-T and Rotom-W, as they take a lot from Ferrothorn's STAB moves. However, its weakness to Fire- and Fighting- makes it vulnerable to many common Pokemon like Heatran, Volkraken, and Mega Medicham. This means many Pokemon that it can otherwise check can also bypass it with coverage moves, such as Flame Burst from Jumbao, Low Kick from Greninja, and Focus Blast from Aurumoth and Mega Alakazam. Its reliance on Leech Seed and Leftovers for recovery also make it vulnerable to Knock Off from Pokemon like Arghonaut and Tangrowth. Therefore, it is worn down quickly if it doesn't use Leech Seed against its switch-ins, as well as if entry hazards, mainly Spikes, are laid on your side of the field.
[SET]
name: Hazard Setter
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Power Whip / Knock Off / Protect
move 4: Gyro Ball / Protect / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 24 Def / 232 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock should be used if the team cannot afford another Stealth Rock setter or there is another Spikes user on the team. It can also be used alongside Spikes for role compression, but a STAB move or an utility move will have to be given up, since Ferrothorn may get walled by certain Pokemon if lacking dual STAB, or it can allow threats to switch in freely. Leech Seed provides Ferrothorn with a form of recovery while also chipping foes. Knock Off can cripple switch-ins like Heatran and Volkraken by removing their items and can scout for Z-Moves. Protect is an option for the last moveslot to scout for any surprise coverage and get more Leech Seed recovery back. It can also scout for Choice Scarf Volkraken to see what move it will be locking itself into. However, it may give the opponent a free turn if mispredicted. Gyro Ball nails Pokemon that resist Power Whip like Grass-, Flying-, and Dragon-types like Jumbao, Tornadus-T, and Pajantom.
*Thunder Wave paralyzes would-be switch-ins like Kartana and Volcarona, while still being able to punish Tornadus-T.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread with a Sassy nature allows Ferrothorn to avoid the 2HKO from Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse, while increasing Gyro Ball's power. If Ferrothorn does not run Gyro Ball, a Careful nature should be ran. A more physically inclined set with 252 HP / 176+ Def / 80 SpD can be used. This EV spread allows Ferrothorn to take an unboosted High Jump Kick from Hawlucha and tank an Earthquake into Supersonic Skystrike from offensive Landorus-T.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Ferrothorn in on Pokemon it checks like Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Ash-Greninja. Then, use the forced switch to set up Spikes and pressure the opposing team by using Leech Seed and chip down the incoming foe. If these Pokemon are not present, Ferrothorn can be used to soft check Pokemon like Magearna and Mega Alakazam as well. Be wary of Magnezone, and switch out accordingly if the opponent has one on his team, as Ferrothorn will be eliminated and give opposing Pokemon that enjoy Steel-types weakened or gone like Mega Alakazam and Mega Crucibelle an opening. If Ferrothorn has Knock Off or Thunder Wave, use it on a predicted switch to Fire-types and Kartana in order to cripple them. If Ferrothorn does not have said moves, try and weaken them with Leech Seed and switch accordingly. Even though Leech Seed is Ferrothorn's main form of recovery outside of Leftovers, don't use it unnecessarily against teams that have a Pokemon that can absorb it, like Tangrowth or an opposing Ferrothorn, because it will lose momentum. Instead, try and cripple them with Thunder Wave or Knock Off, set up Spikes to pressure your opponent, or double switch to an appropriate teammate to give yourself momentum. Try not to let Ferrothorn take a Knock Off, since Leftovers greatly improves its longevity. Burns also wear down Ferrothorn rather quickly and reduces its attack, so be wary of Scald burns from Toxapex and Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-W.
Team Options
========
Arghonaut forms a great core with Ferrothorn as they form a hazard-stacking core and can cover each others checks, with Ferrothorn checks Fairy- and Electric-types like Mega Diancie and Tapu Koko, while Arghonaut handles Heatran and Volkraken in return. Pokemon that can form a hazard-stacking core are good teammates. Stealth Rock setters like Heatran and Garchomp are able to aid Ferrothorn in stacking hazards and pressuring each other's checks, while Spikes setters like Arghonaut and Greninja can be used if Ferrothorn is the Stealth Rock user. Checks to Fire-types like Heatran, Volcarona, and Volkraken are important, as Ferrothorn invites them in. Examples include Garchomp, Mega Latios, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock, Mega Latios can also cover Ferrothorn's Fighting-type weakness, and Rotom-W can Defog if multiple layers of Spikes are set up against you, and enjoys Ferrothorn's ability to take Electric- and Grass-type attacks for it. The former can also help take on Volcarona. Both Garchomp and Mega Latios threaten out said Fire-types with a strong Earthquake. Krilowatt is also very threatening with entry hazards up, as most of its checks are grounded. An addition Steel-type like Magearna, Celesteeela, and Kitsunoh is generally recommended as an insurance against Psychic- and Fairy-types, as many of them can hit Ferrothorn with a super effective attack and deal massive damage, and may run rampant against your team once they have Ferrothorn weakened or eliminated. A lot of setup sweepers and wallbreakers enjoy Spikes chipping down switch-ins, allowing them to break through their checks more easily. Examples include Krilowatt and Necturna. If Stealth Rock is run, teammates that appreciate its support can be run. Notable examples are Necturna being able to OHKO pivot Tornadus-T without Never-Ending Nightmare. Pokemon that appreciate Ferrothorn checking Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Krilowatt can serve as good teammates. Tornadus-T and Greninja are good examples, and they also appreciate Spikes chipping down switch-ins, since they both force quite a lot of switches. They also appreciate support like Thunder Wave or Knock Off crippling checks like Magearna, allowing them to break through more easily, and both enjoy having faster scarf users slowed down. Tornadus-T can also check Kartana for Ferrothorn.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Fire can prevent Ferrothorn from being setup bait for Swords Dance Kartana, but otherwise it is completely useless and outclassed by its other moves. Toxic is another option to punish both offensive and defensive switch-ins that usually don't mind anything Ferrothorn throws out, such as Volcarona, Mega Latios, and Tangrowth. Iapapa Berry can be used on Ferrothorn sets where Leech Seed has been forgone, but it is extremely prone to being worn down and only fits on more offensively-oriented teams where Ferrothorn cannot afford turns to use Leech Seed and Leftovers to regain health. Chople Berry can be used with Thunder Wave to better take a hit from from the likes of Aurumoth, Mega Medicham, and Kartana and paralyze them, but it is generally better to use Leftovers due to Ferrothorn's lack of reliable recovery. While Rocky Helmet may seem like a viable option with Iron Barbs to chip Pokemon using contact moves, the loss of Leftovers' passive recovery and heavy reliance on Leech Seed for recovery means Ferrothorn will be quite prone to being chipped down, even by resisted attacks.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire types and Fire Coverage**: Fire-types like Heatran, Volcarona, and Volkraken can switch into Ferrothorn's STAB moves and threaten to OHKO it. Heatran forces it out and is able to set up Stealth Rock or get a Toxic on something, Volcarona can use this opportunity to set up, while Volkraken can fire off a powerful hit or gain momentum by pivoting out of the incoming teammate. Based on typing, Ferrothorn can switch into Pokemon which has their STAB resisted by Ferrothorn, but many of them also bring Fire- or Fighting-type coverage moves. Examples include Flame Burst Jumbao, Equilibra and Choice Specs Tapu Lele with Hidden Power Fire, and Mega Tyranitar with Fire Punch. However, they are prone to being worn down by Leech Seed and entry hazards and most of them dislikes Thunder Wave.
**Grass-types**: Kartana, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss can switch in and wall Ferrothorn, with Kartana being able to threaten it out with Sacred Sword. Necturna takes a lot of damage from Gyro Ball, but can OHKO Ferrothorn with Never-Ending Nightmare at +2. They can all stop Leech Seed recovery and threaten Ferrothorn with coverage moves or just sheer power. Tangrowth and Amoonguss can heal off hazard damage thanks to Regenerator, but all of the said Pokemon are dissuaded by Knock Off and Thunder Wave.
**Fighting-types and Fighting Coverage**: Mega Medicham and Hawlucha are examples of Fighting-types that can threaten Ferrothorn; Aurumoth, Mega Mawile, Mega Alakazam, and Kartana are all Pokemon that use a Fighting-type coverage, which prevents them from being walled by Ferrothorn. Hawlucha and Mega Medicham may get crippled by Ferrothorn with Protect, as they will take 50% from using High Jump Kick on Protect. Many of the above Pokemon cannot switch in directly on Ferrothorn as they take a considerable amount of damage from Ferrothorn's STAB moves and may get crippled by Thunder Wave.
**Magnezone**: Magnezone can trap Ferrothorn with Magnet Pull, set up a Substitute, or just simply 2HKO Magnezone with Hidden Power Fire.
**Mega Sableye**: The combination of Magic Bounce, Knock Off, Will-O-Wisp, and reliable recovery means that Mega Sableye is able to completely wall any Ferrothorn set and can beat it in return.
**Powerful wallbreakers**: Necturna, Guts Colossoil, and Garchomp are examples of wallbreakers that can rip through Ferrothorn's bulk with sheer strength. They are able to get opportunities to damage Ferrothorn due to the amount of offensive pressure they have.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[xapx,40612]]
- Quality checked by: [[G-Luke,264912], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Ferrothorn is an amazing utility Pokemon, having solid defenses, a great typing, and many utility moves like Spikes, Leech Seed, and Knock Off. Its typing allows it to check many threatening Pokemon like Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, Equilibra, and Krilowatt, which gives it many opportunities to set up entry hazards or annoy the opposing team with its utility moves. It can also catch threats trying to switch in like Heatran and Volkraken with Leech Seed and Knock Off, making it difficult to take advantage of Ferrothorn. It also has decent matchup against common Defoggers like Tornadus-T and Rotom-W, as they take a lot from Ferrothorn's STAB moves. However, its weakness to Fire- and Fighting- makes it vulnerable to many common Pokemon like Heatran, Volkraken, and Mega Medicham. This means many Pokemon that it can otherwise check can also bypass it with coverage moves, such as Flame Burst from Jumbao, Low Kick from Greninja, and Focus Blast from Aurumoth and Mega Alakazam. Its reliance on Leech Seed and Leftovers for recovery also make it vulnerable to Knock Off from Pokemon like Arghonaut and Tangrowth. Therefore, it is worn down quickly if it doesn't use Leech Seed against its switch-ins, as well as if entry hazards, mainly Spikes, are laid on your side of the field.
[SET]
name: Hazard Setter
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Power Whip / Knock Off / Protect
move 4: Gyro Ball / Protect / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 24 Def / 232 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock should be used if the team cannot afford another Stealth Rock setter or there is another Spikes user on the team. It can also be used alongside Spikes for role compression, but a STAB move or an utility move will have to be given up, since Ferrothorn may get walled by certain Pokemon if lacking dual STAB, or it can allow threats to switch in freely. Leech Seed provides Ferrothorn with a form of recovery while also chipping foes. Knock Off can cripple switch-ins like Heatran and Volkraken by removing their items and can scout for Z-Moves. Protect is an option for the last moveslot to scout for any surprise coverage and get more Leech Seed recovery back. It can also scout for Choice Scarf Volkraken to see what move it will be locking itself into. However, it may give the opponent a free turn if mispredicted. Gyro Ball nails Pokemon that resist Power Whip like Grass-, Flying-, and Dragon-types like Jumbao, Tornadus-T, and Pajantom.
*Thunder Wave paralyzes would-be switch-ins like Kartana and Volcarona, while still being able to punish Tornadus-T.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread with a Sassy nature allows Ferrothorn to avoid the 2HKO from Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse, while increasing Gyro Ball's power. If Ferrothorn does not run Gyro Ball, a Careful nature should be ran. A more physically inclined set with 252 HP / 176+ Def / 80 SpD can be used. This EV spread allows Ferrothorn to take an unboosted High Jump Kick from Hawlucha and tank an Earthquake into Supersonic Skystrike from offensive Landorus-T.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Ferrothorn in on Pokemon it checks like Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Ash-Greninja. Then, use the forced switch to set up Spikes and pressure the opposing team by using Leech Seed and chip down the incoming foe. If these Pokemon are not present, Ferrothorn can be used to soft check Pokemon like Magearna and Mega Alakazam as well. Be wary of Magnezone, and switch out accordingly if the opponent has one on his team, as Ferrothorn will be eliminated and give opposing Pokemon that enjoy Steel-types weakened or gone like Mega Alakazam and Mega Crucibelle an opening. If Ferrothorn has Knock Off or Thunder Wave, use it on a predicted switch to Fire-types and Kartana in order to cripple them. If Ferrothorn does not have said moves, try and weaken them with Leech Seed and switch accordingly. Even though Leech Seed is Ferrothorn's main form of recovery outside of Leftovers, don't use it unnecessarily against teams that have a Pokemon that can absorb it, like Tangrowth or an opposing Ferrothorn, because it will lose momentum. Instead, try and cripple them with Thunder Wave or Knock Off, set up Spikes to pressure your opponent, or double switch to an appropriate teammate to give yourself momentum. Try not to let Ferrothorn take a Knock Off, since Leftovers greatly improves its longevity. Burns also wear down Ferrothorn rather quickly and reduces its attack, so be wary of Scald burns from Toxapex and Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-W.
Team Options
========
Arghonaut forms a great core with Ferrothorn as they form a hazard-stacking core and can cover each others checks, with Ferrothorn checks Fairy- and Electric-types like Mega Diancie and Tapu Koko, while Arghonaut handles Heatran and Volkraken in return. Pokemon that can form a hazard-stacking core are good teammates. Stealth Rock setters like Heatran and Garchomp are able to aid Ferrothorn in stacking hazards and pressuring each other's checks, while Spikes setters like Arghonaut and Greninja can be used if Ferrothorn is the Stealth Rock user. Checks to Fire-types like Heatran, Volcarona, and Volkraken are important, as Ferrothorn invites them in. Examples include Garchomp, Mega Latios, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock, Mega Latios can also cover Ferrothorn's Fighting-type weakness, and Rotom-W can Defog if multiple layers of Spikes are set up against you, and enjoys Ferrothorn's ability to take Electric- and Grass-type attacks for it. The former can also help take on Volcarona. Both Garchomp and Mega Latios threaten out said Fire-types with a strong Earthquake. Krilowatt is also very threatening with entry hazards up, as most of its checks are grounded. An addition Steel-type like Magearna, Celesteeela, and Kitsunoh is generally recommended as an insurance against Psychic- and Fairy-types, as many of them can hit Ferrothorn with a super effective attack and deal massive damage, and may run rampant against your team once they have Ferrothorn weakened or eliminated. A lot of setup sweepers and wallbreakers enjoy Spikes chipping down switch-ins, allowing them to break through their checks more easily. Examples include Krilowatt and Necturna. If Stealth Rock is run, teammates that appreciate its support can be run. Notable examples are Necturna being able to OHKO pivot Tornadus-T without Never-Ending Nightmare. Pokemon that appreciate Ferrothorn checking Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Krilowatt can serve as good teammates. Tornadus-T and Greninja are good examples, and they also appreciate Spikes chipping down switch-ins, since they both force quite a lot of switches. They also appreciate support like Thunder Wave or Knock Off crippling checks like Magearna, allowing them to break through more easily, and both enjoy having faster scarf users slowed down. Tornadus-T can also check Kartana for Ferrothorn.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Fire can prevent Ferrothorn from being setup bait for Swords Dance Kartana, but otherwise it is completely useless and outclassed by its other moves. Toxic is another option to punish both offensive and defensive switch-ins that usually don't mind anything Ferrothorn throws out, such as Volcarona, Mega Latios, and Tangrowth. Iapapa Berry can be used on Ferrothorn sets where Leech Seed has been forgone, but it is extremely prone to being worn down and only fits on more offensively-oriented teams where Ferrothorn cannot afford turns to use Leech Seed and Leftovers to regain health. Chople Berry can be used with Thunder Wave to better take a hit from from the likes of Aurumoth, Mega Medicham, and Kartana and paralyze them, but it is generally better to use Leftovers due to Ferrothorn's lack of reliable recovery. While Rocky Helmet may seem like a viable option with Iron Barbs to chip Pokemon using contact moves, the loss of Leftovers' passive recovery and heavy reliance on Leech Seed for recovery means Ferrothorn will be quite prone to being chipped down, even by resisted attacks.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire types and Fire Coverage**: Fire-types like Heatran, Volcarona, and Volkraken can switch into Ferrothorn's STAB moves and threaten to OHKO it. Heatran forces it out and is able to set up Stealth Rock or get a Toxic on something, Volcarona can use this opportunity to set up, while Volkraken can fire off a powerful hit or gain momentum by pivoting out of the incoming teammate. Based on typing, Ferrothorn can switch into Pokemon which has their STAB resisted by Ferrothorn, but many of them also bring Fire- or Fighting-type coverage moves. Examples include Flame Burst Jumbao, Equilibra and Choice Specs Tapu Lele with Hidden Power Fire, and Mega Tyranitar with Fire Punch. However, they are prone to being worn down by Leech Seed and entry hazards and most of them dislikes Thunder Wave.
**Grass-types**: Kartana, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss can switch in and wall Ferrothorn, with Kartana being able to threaten it out with Sacred Sword. Necturna takes a lot of damage from Gyro Ball, but can OHKO Ferrothorn with Never-Ending Nightmare at +2. They can all stop Leech Seed recovery and threaten Ferrothorn with coverage moves or just sheer power. Tangrowth and Amoonguss can heal off hazard damage thanks to Regenerator, but all of the said Pokemon are dissuaded by Knock Off and Thunder Wave.
**Fighting-types and Fighting Coverage**: Mega Medicham and Hawlucha are examples of Fighting-types that can threaten Ferrothorn; Aurumoth, Mega Mawile, Mega Alakazam, and Kartana are all Pokemon that use a Fighting-type coverage, which prevents them from being walled by Ferrothorn. Hawlucha and Mega Medicham may get crippled by Ferrothorn with Protect, as they will take 50% from using High Jump Kick on Protect. Many of the above Pokemon cannot switch in directly on Ferrothorn as they take a considerable amount of damage from Ferrothorn's STAB moves and may get crippled by Thunder Wave.
**Magnezone**: Magnezone can trap Ferrothorn with Magnet Pull, set up a Substitute, or just simply 2HKO Magnezone with Hidden Power Fire.
**Mega Sableye**: The combination of Magic Bounce, Knock Off, Will-O-Wisp, and reliable recovery means that Mega Sableye is able to completely wall any Ferrothorn set and can beat it in return.
**Powerful wallbreakers**: Necturna, Guts Colossoil, and Garchomp are examples of wallbreakers that can rip through Ferrothorn's bulk with sheer strength. They are able to get opportunities to damage Ferrothorn due to the amount of offensive pressure they have.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[xapx,40612]]
- Quality checked by: [[G-Luke,264912], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Last edited: