Landorus-T [QC 2/2] [GP 1/1]

[dex]

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 208 SpD / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Landorus-T makes a triumphant return to the CAP metagame as a premier defensive pivot. It is stellar at entry hazard control and can run either Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the needs of the team. Stealth Rock is generally preferred, as it can scare out Tornadus-T with Toxic or Knock Off and easily pivot on Corviknight attempting to Defog, but it is a totally viable Defog user in its own right, as it is one of the few hazard removal options that can switch into Heatran. The last moveslot is generally taken up by Toxic, which punishes Flying-types outside of Corviknight from coming in on Landorus-T and use Defog while also crippling opposing Landorus-T and Arghonaut, but Knock Off is an option for removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Flying-types and Leftovers from the aforementioned defensive Pokemon while also hitting Dragapult super effectively. Toxic is usually better than Knock Off for pressuring Flying-types, however. The given EV spread allows Landorus-T to outspeed specially defensive Heatran and Arctozolt outside of Hail while enabling it to switch into special attacks more frequently. Alternatively, faster spreads can be used to outspeed Modest Kyurem and Tapu Lele. Slower spreads can also be run in order to give Landorus-T as slow of a U-turn as possible.

Many Pokemon enjoy Landorus-T's ability to pivot and sponge damage. Corviknight is a notable partner, as it forms a sturdy defensive pivot core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to counter Tapu Koko. In return, Corviknight can switch into Pokemon attempting to Toxic Landorus-T and it can come in on Weavile and force it out with Body Press. Pokemon such as Kyurem and Tapu Koko that like being brought in via a slow U-turn make for good offensive partners to Landorus-T. Both matchup well into Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Heatran complements Landorus-T well as a specially-defensive partner that can act as a soft Weavile check. In return, Landorus-T can check Ground-types like Garchomp and Equilibra if Landorus-T is running Knock Off.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Landorus-T can act as an effective suicide lead, using Stealth Rock + Explosion to keep Stealth Rock on the field in the face of entry hazard removers. Swords Dance is used to punish the opponent for not immediately dealing with Landorus-T, as its monstrous Attack stat enables it to KO most Pokemon at +2. Explosion is used as a way to preserve momentum.

Suicide lead Landorus-T should be used exclusively on hyper offense teams. As such, a dual screens setter such as Tapu Koko or Regieleki is helpful, as both can keep Landorus-T's Stealth Rock on the field with Taunt or Explosion, respectively. Most setup sweepers enjoy Landorus-T dealing heavy damage after it sets Stealth Rock. Cawmodore deserves a special mention as a powerful sweeper that needs Stealth Rock on the field to secure an OHKO on Dragapult with Bullet Punch. Other sweepers such as Rillaboom and Hawlucha appreciate Landorus-T potentially baiting Corviknight into tanking an Explosion. Galarian Moltres and Dragonite appreciate the momentum Landorus-T gains with Explosion by providing them with a free switch-in.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================
A Swords Dance sweeper set is an offensive option Landorus-T can run, but it struggles to break through common defensive walls like Corviknight and Hippowdon before it gets KOed. Landorus-T can use a Choice Scarf to score surprise KOs on foes and act as a strong, fast pivot; however, it struggles from a lack of immediate power outside of Earthquake. It can also use a Substitute + Bulk Up set alongside Smack Down to dispatch of traditional Landorus-T switch-ins like Corviknight and Skarmory, but this set generally requires too much setup to be worth using. The Defensive Pivot set can opt to invest in Defense to better check Pokemon like Garchomp and Kartana; however, Corviknight generally does this job better as it is not forced out by Weavile and Urshifu-R. Imprison is an option on the defensive pivot set to prevent foes from setting Stealth Rock, freeing up teammates to run items outside of Heavy-Duty Boots, but giving up a moveslot for it is generally not worth the loss in utility.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Ice-types and Ice-type Coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem both outspeed Landorus-T and easily OHKO with their super effective Ice-type STAB moves. Weavile in particular can break through Landorus-T's Focus Sash with Triple Axel. Other Pokemon such as Krilowatt carry Ice Beam, which OHKOes Landorus-T after Stealth Rock.

**Water-types**: Water-types such Tapu-Fini and Urshifu-R both force Landorus-T out with super effective Water-type attacks. Tapu Fini is immune to Landorus-T's Toxic thanks to Misty Terrain, and Urshifu-R ignores Intimidate thanks to Surging Strikes. Slowbro and Arghonaut can easily tank whatever Landorus-T throws at them; however, they dislike Toxic.

**Defensive Flying-types**: Defensive Flying-types such as Corviknight, Tomohawk, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T can all come in on Earthquake and force Landorus-T to switch. Corviknight in particular is notable for its immunity to Toxic. Tomohawk, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T, meanwhile, discourage Landorus-T from using U-turn due to Rocky Helmet, Static, and Knock Off, respectively. However, Zapdos and Tornadus-T do not appreciate coming in on Toxic or Knock Off, and Toxic especially neuters Tomohawk.

**Cawmodore**: Cawmodore can easily use Landorus-T to set up with Belly Drum and sweep.

**Toxic**: Toxic users such as Zeraora and Colossoil can inflict Toxic on Landorus-T, neutering its ability to act as a pivot in longer games.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [Rabia, 336073]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732]]

 

[Lasen]

You know the deal
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[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 208 SpD / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Landorus-T makes a triumphant return to the CAP metagame as the a premier defensive pivot in the tier. It is stellar at hazard control, and can run either Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the needs of the team. Stealth Rock is generally preferred as it can scare out Tornadus-T with Toxic or Knock Off and can easily pivot on Corviknight attempting to Defog, but it is a totally viable Defog user in its own right as it is one of the few hazard removal options that can switch into Heatran. The last moveslot is generally taken up by Toxic, which punishes Flying-types outside of Corviknight from coming in on Landorus-T and removing its hazards while also crippling opposing Landorus-T and Arghonaut, but Knock Off is an option for removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Flying-types and Leftovers from the aforementioned defensive Pokemon while also hitting Dragapult super effectively. The given EV spread allows Landorus-T to outspeed specially defensive Heatran and Arctozolt out of Hail while enabling it to switch into special attacks more frequently.

Many Pokemon enjoy Landorus-T's ability to pivot and sponge damage. Corviknight is a notable partner, as it forms a sturdy defensive pivot core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to counter Tapu Koko. In return, Corviknight can switch into Pokemon attempting to Toxic Landorus-T and it can come in on Weavile and force it out with Body Press. Pokemon such as Kyurem and Tapu Koko that like being brought in via a slow U-turn make for good offensive partners to Landorus-T. Both matchup well into Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Heatran complements Landorus-T well as a specially-defensive partner that can act as a soft Weavile check. In return, Landorus-T can check Ground-types like Garchomp and Equilibra if Landorus-T is running Knock Off.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Landorus-T can also play the role of suicide lead act as an effective suicide lead (can't cross-reference sets). The combination of Stealth Rock + Explosion ensures that rocks will be on the field no matter what as Landorus-T outspeeds most hazard removers (maybe unnecessary but it provides more context). Swords Dance forces the opponent to deal with Landorus-T, as its monstrous attack stat enables it to KO most things not named Corviknight at +2. Explosion is used as a way to hit Flying-types, prevent Defog and Rapid Spin, and to pivot to a teammate that can take advantage of a weakened opponent with Stealth Rock up. (maybe merge with other Explosion mention, because atm there is a break to explain Swords Dance in-between which reads off to me)

Suicide Lead Landorus-T should be used exclusively on Hyper Offense teams. As such, a screens setter such as Tapu Koko or Regieleki is helpful, as both can keep Landorus-T's Stealth Rock on the field with Taunt or Boomburst Explosion, respecitvely respectively. Most setup sweepers enjoy Landorus-T dealing heavy damage after it sets up Stealth Rock. Cawmodore deserves mention as a powerful sweeper that needs Stealth Rock on the field to secure an OHKO on Dragapult. Other sweepers such as Rillaboom and Hawlucha appreciate Landorus-T potentially baiting Corviknight into tanking an Explosion. Galarian Moltres-Galar and Dragonite appreciate the momentum Landorus-T gains with Explosion by providing them with a free switch-in.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================
Landorus-T is capable of running both Choice Scarf or Choice Band sets, but these sets generally get worn down quickly and suffer from a lack of power or a lack of speed, respectively. (both of these are absolute trash in a metagame where Corviknight/Skarmory/Tomohawk exist) A Swords Dance sweeper set is another offensive option Landorus-T can run, but it struggles to break through common defensive walls like Corviknight and Hippowdon before it gets KOed. The Defensive Pivot set can opt to invest in Defense to better check Pokemon like Garchomp and Kartana; however, Corviknight generally does this job better as it is not forced out by Weavile and Urshifu-R. Imprison is an option on the Defensive Pivot set to disallow opposing Landorus-T from using Stealth Rock or U-Turn, but giving up a moveslot for it is generally not worth the loss in utility.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem both outspeed Landorus-T and easily OHKO with their super effective Ice-type STAB. Weavile in particular is notable, as it can break through Landorus-T's Focus Sash with Triple Axel. Other Pokemon such as Krilowatt and physically defensive Galarian Slowking-Galar can carry Ice Beam, which also OHKOes Landorus-T.

**Water-types**: Water-types such Tapu-Fini and Urshifu-R both force Landorus-T out with super effective Water-type attacks. Tapu Fini is immune to Landorus-T's Toxic and Urshifu-R ignores intimidate thanks to Surging Strikes. Slowbro and Arghonaut can easily tank whatever Landorus-T throws at it them and gain momentum with Teleport; however, it they dislikes Toxic.

**Defensive Flying-types**: Defensive Flying-type Pokemon such as Corviknight, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T can all come in on Earthquake and force Landorus-T to switch. Corviknight in particular is notable for its immunity to Toxic. Zapdos and Tornadus-T, meanwhile, discourage Landorus-T from clicking U-Turn due to their higher speed and, in Zapdos's case, Static.

**Toxic**: Toxic users such as Swampert and Colossoil can inflict Toxic on Landorus-T, neutering its ability to act as a pivot in longer games.



[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ]]

smiley :)

very good job, we also discussed some other details on discord.
QC 1/2

 

[Rabia]

add remove comments

qc

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 208 SpD / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================

Landorus-T makes a triumphant return to the CAP metagame as a premier defensive pivot. It is stellar at hazard control, and can run either Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the needs of the team. Stealth Rock is generally preferred as it can scare out Tornadus-T with Toxic or Knock Off and can easily pivot on Corviknight attempting to Defog, but it is a totally viable Defog user in its own right as it is one of the few hazard removal options that can switch into Heatran. The last moveslot is generally taken up by Toxic, which punishes Flying-types outside of Corviknight from coming in on Landorus-T and removing its hazards while also crippling opposing Landorus-T and Arghonaut, but Knock Off is an option for removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Flying-types and Leftovers from the aforementioned defensive Pokemon while also hitting Dragapult super effectively. (I think noting that Toxic is usually more effective at pressuring Defoggers that may switch directly into Landorus-T would be good here.) The given EV spread allows Landorus-T to outspeed specially defensive Heatran and Arctozolt out of Hail while enabling it to switch into special attacks more frequently. (Make note of faster EV spreads that aim to outpace Modest Kyurem and Tapu Lele. Similarly, you could get away with noting really slow spreads that try for the slowest U-turn possible, but that's probably more OO material than anything.)

Many Pokemon enjoy Landorus-T's ability to pivot and sponge damage. Corviknight is a notable partner, as it forms a sturdy defensive pivot core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to counter Tapu Koko. In return, Corviknight can switch into Pokemon attempting to Toxic Landorus-T and it can come in on Weavile and force it out with Body Press. Pokemon such as Kyurem and Tapu Koko that like being brought in via a slow U-turn make for good offensive partners to Landorus-T. Both matchup well into Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Heatran complements Landorus-T well as a specially-defensive partner that can act as a soft Weavile check. In return, Landorus-T can check Ground-types like Garchomp and Equilibra if Landorus-T is running Knock Off.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================

Landorus-T can act as an effective suicide lead. The combination of Stealth Rock + Explosion ensures that rocks will be on the field no matter what as Landorus-T outspeeds most hazard removers. (Ah yes, Landorus-T can ensure Stealth Rock stays up no matter what except in the instances where it can't.) Swords Dance forces the opponent to deal with Landorus-T (? this is really odd phrasing because your opponent has to deal with it no matter what.), as its monstrous attack stat enables it to KO most things not named Corviknight (and Skarmory, Equilibra, Ferrothorn, Arghonaut... there are a lot of Pokemon Landorus-T doesn't drop at +2, so I don't think only drawing attention to Corviknight is the play.) at +2. Explosion is used as a way to hit Flying-types, prevent Defog and Rapid Spin, and to pivot to a teammate that can take advantage of a weakened opponent with Stealth Rock up. (This sentence feels redundant given you already mention the hazard prevention role in the first sentence. I'd just tack on to that that Landorus-T can also preserve momentum with Explosion.)

Suicide Lead Landorus-T should be used exclusively on Hyper Offense teams. As such, a screens setter such as Tapu Koko or Regieleki is helpful, as both can keep Landorus-T's Stealth Rock on the field with Taunt or Explosion, respectively. Most setup sweepers enjoy Landorus-T dealing heavy damage after it sets up Stealth Rock. Cawmodore deserves mention as a powerful sweeper that needs Stealth Rock on the field to secure an OHKO on Dragapult. Other sweepers such as Rillaboom and Hawlucha appreciate Landorus-T potentially baiting Corviknight into tanking an Explosion. Galarian Moltres and Dragonite appreciate the momentum Landorus-T gains with Explosion by providing them with a free switch-in.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================

A Swords Dance sweeper set is another offensive option Landorus-T can run, but it struggles to break through common defensive walls like Corviknight and Hippowdon before it gets KOed. The Defensive Pivot set can opt to invest in Defense to better check Pokemon like Garchomp and Kartana; however, Corviknight generally does this job better as it is not forced out by Weavile and Urshifu-R. Imprison is an option on the Defensive Pivot set to disallow opposing Landorus-T from using Stealth Rock or U-Turn, but giving up a moveslot for it is generally not worth the loss in utility. (This sort of misses the purpose of Imprison in that it gives you a secondary form of hazard prevention and helps support other item options on Pokemon like Weavile and Zeraora.)

Choice Scarf should still be down here. The prevalence of Corviknight really doesn't matter because Magnezone is a free partner, and the set gives you a fuck ton of role compression. Even in matchups where it can't spam Earthquake, you still get to constantly pivot and remove items with Knock Off.

Substitute + Bulk Up is also worth adding here. Those sets still get to run a lot of bulk but aren't as dire into things like Iron Defense Corviknight/Skarmory (because of Smack Down).

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem both outspeed Landorus-T and easily OHKO with their super effective Ice-type STAB. Weavile in particular is notable, as it can break through Landorus-T's Focus Sash with Triple Axel. Other Pokemon such as Krilowatt carry Ice Beam, which OHKOes Landorus-T after Stealth Rock.

**Water-types**: Water-types such Tapu-Fini and Urshifu-R both force Landorus-T out with super effective Water-type attacks. Tapu Fini is immune to Landorus-T's Toxic and Urshifu-R ignores intimidate thanks to Surging Strikes. Slowbro and Arghonaut can easily tank whatever Landorus-T throws at them; however, they dislike Toxic.

**Defensive Flying-types**: Defensive Flying-type Pokemon such as Corviknight, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T can all come in on Earthquake and force Landorus-T to switch. Corviknight in particular is notable for its immunity to Toxic. Zapdos and Tornadus-T, meanwhile, discourage Landorus-T from clicking U-Turn due to their higher speed and, in Zapdos's case, Static. (Worth noting here that Knock Off is really shitty for Zapdos and Tornadus-T to deal with. Also, I think a Tomohawk mention would be good here because the only thing Landorus-T really has to bother it with is Toxic.)

**Toxic**: Toxic users such as Swampert (I'd replace Swampert with a Zeraora or Tapu Koko mention because Landorus-T is much more likely to get switched into one of them than it is Swampert.) and Colossoil can inflict Toxic on Landorus-T, neutering its ability to act as a pivot in longer games.

(Cawmodore absolutely deserves its own point down here LOL it is one of the most obnoxious fucks for Landorus-T teams to deal with because you really can't stop it from setting up on turns you don't pivot as it comes in.)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ]]

ping me when you implement this and I'll check it over again

 

[dex]

add remove comments

qc

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 208 SpD / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================

Landorus-T makes a triumphant return to the CAP metagame as a premier defensive pivot. It is stellar at hazard control, and can run either Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the needs of the team. Stealth Rock is generally preferred as it can scare out Tornadus-T with Toxic or Knock Off and can easily pivot on Corviknight attempting to Defog, but it is a totally viable Defog user in its own right as it is one of the few hazard removal options that can switch into Heatran. The last moveslot is generally taken up by Toxic, which punishes Flying-types outside of Corviknight from coming in on Landorus-T and removing its hazards while also crippling opposing Landorus-T and Arghonaut, but Knock Off is an option for removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Flying-types and Leftovers from the aforementioned defensive Pokemon while also hitting Dragapult super effectively. (I think noting that Toxic is usually more effective at pressuring Defoggers that may switch directly into Landorus-T would be good here.) The given EV spread allows Landorus-T to outspeed specially defensive Heatran and Arctozolt out of Hail while enabling it to switch into special attacks more frequently. (Make note of faster EV spreads that aim to outpace Modest Kyurem and Tapu Lele. Similarly, you could get away with noting really slow spreads that try for the slowest U-turn possible, but that's probably more OO material than anything.)

Many Pokemon enjoy Landorus-T's ability to pivot and sponge damage. Corviknight is a notable partner, as it forms a sturdy defensive pivot core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to counter Tapu Koko. In return, Corviknight can switch into Pokemon attempting to Toxic Landorus-T and it can come in on Weavile and force it out with Body Press. Pokemon such as Kyurem and Tapu Koko that like being brought in via a slow U-turn make for good offensive partners to Landorus-T. Both matchup well into Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Heatran complements Landorus-T well as a specially-defensive partner that can act as a soft Weavile check. In return, Landorus-T can check Ground-types like Garchomp and Equilibra if Landorus-T is running Knock Off.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================

Landorus-T can act as an effective suicide lead. The combination of Stealth Rock + Explosion ensures that rocks will be on the field no matter what as Landorus-T outspeeds most hazard removers. (Ah yes, Landorus-T can ensure Stealth Rock stays up no matter what except in the instances where it can't.) Swords Dance forces the opponent to deal with Landorus-T (? this is really odd phrasing because your opponent has to deal with it no matter what.), as its monstrous attack stat enables it to KO most things not named Corviknight (and Skarmory, Equilibra, Ferrothorn, Arghonaut... there are a lot of Pokemon Landorus-T doesn't drop at +2, so I don't think only drawing attention to Corviknight is the play.) at +2. Explosion is used as a way to hit Flying-types, prevent Defog and Rapid Spin, and to pivot to a teammate that can take advantage of a weakened opponent with Stealth Rock up. (This sentence feels redundant given you already mention the hazard prevention role in the first sentence. I'd just tack on to that that Landorus-T can also preserve momentum with Explosion.)

Suicide Lead Landorus-T should be used exclusively on Hyper Offense teams. As such, a screens setter such as Tapu Koko or Regieleki is helpful, as both can keep Landorus-T's Stealth Rock on the field with Taunt or Explosion, respectively. Most setup sweepers enjoy Landorus-T dealing heavy damage after it sets up Stealth Rock. Cawmodore deserves mention as a powerful sweeper that needs Stealth Rock on the field to secure an OHKO on Dragapult. Other sweepers such as Rillaboom and Hawlucha appreciate Landorus-T potentially baiting Corviknight into tanking an Explosion. Galarian Moltres and Dragonite appreciate the momentum Landorus-T gains with Explosion by providing them with a free switch-in.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================

A Swords Dance sweeper set is another offensive option Landorus-T can run, but it struggles to break through common defensive walls like Corviknight and Hippowdon before it gets KOed. The Defensive Pivot set can opt to invest in Defense to better check Pokemon like Garchomp and Kartana; however, Corviknight generally does this job better as it is not forced out by Weavile and Urshifu-R. Imprison is an option on the Defensive Pivot set to disallow opposing Landorus-T from using Stealth Rock or U-Turn, but giving up a moveslot for it is generally not worth the loss in utility. (This sort of misses the purpose of Imprison in that it gives you a secondary form of hazard prevention and helps support other item options on Pokemon like Weavile and Zeraora.)

Choice Scarf should still be down here. The prevalence of Corviknight really doesn't matter because Magnezone is a free partner, and the set gives you a fuck ton of role compression. Even in matchups where it can't spam Earthquake, you still get to constantly pivot and remove items with Knock Off.

Substitute + Bulk Up is also worth adding here. Those sets still get to run a lot of bulk but aren't as dire into things like Iron Defense Corviknight/Skarmory (because of Smack Down).

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem both outspeed Landorus-T and easily OHKO with their super effective Ice-type STAB. Weavile in particular is notable, as it can break through Landorus-T's Focus Sash with Triple Axel. Other Pokemon such as Krilowatt carry Ice Beam, which OHKOes Landorus-T after Stealth Rock.

**Water-types**: Water-types such Tapu-Fini and Urshifu-R both force Landorus-T out with super effective Water-type attacks. Tapu Fini is immune to Landorus-T's Toxic and Urshifu-R ignores intimidate thanks to Surging Strikes. Slowbro and Arghonaut can easily tank whatever Landorus-T throws at them; however, they dislike Toxic.

**Defensive Flying-types**: Defensive Flying-type Pokemon such as Corviknight, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T can all come in on Earthquake and force Landorus-T to switch. Corviknight in particular is notable for its immunity to Toxic. Zapdos and Tornadus-T, meanwhile, discourage Landorus-T from clicking U-Turn due to their higher speed and, in Zapdos's case, Static. (Worth noting here that Knock Off is really shitty for Zapdos and Tornadus-T to deal with. Also, I think a Tomohawk mention would be good here because the only thing Landorus-T really has to bother it with is Toxic.)

**Toxic**: Toxic users such as Swampert (I'd replace Swampert with a Zeraora or Tapu Koko mention because Landorus-T is much more likely to get switched into one of them than it is Swampert.) and Colossoil can inflict Toxic on Landorus-T, neutering its ability to act as a pivot in longer games.

(Cawmodore absolutely deserves its own point down here LOL it is one of the most obnoxious fucks for Landorus-T teams to deal with because you really can't stop it from setting up on turns you don't pivot as it comes in.)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ]]

ping me when you implement this and I'll check it over again

Rabia done, lmk if I worded things the way you had in mind

 

[Rabia]

condense the information about Explosion preserving momentum into that set's first sentence and this is fine to move to GP

 

[Astra]

add remove (comments)

Hide

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 208 SpD / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Landorus-T makes a triumphant return to the CAP metagame as a premier defensive pivot. It is stellar at entry hazard control, (RC) and can run either Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the needs of the team. Stealth Rock is generally preferred, (AC) as it can scare out Tornadus-T with Toxic or Knock Off and can easily pivot on Corviknight attempting to Defog, but it is a totally viable Defog user in its own right, (AC) as it is one of the few hazard removal options that can switch into Heatran. The last moveslot is generally taken up by Toxic, which punishes Flying-types outside of Corviknight from coming in on Landorus-T and use Defog while also crippling opposing Landorus-T and Arghonaut, but Knock Off is an option for removing Heavy-Duty Boots from Flying-types and Leftovers from the aforementioned defensive Pokemon while also hitting Dragapult super effectively. Toxic is usually better than Knock Off for pressuring Flying-types, however. The given EV spread allows Landorus-T to outspeed specially defensive Heatran and Arctozolt out of Hail outside of hail while enabling it to switch into special attacks more frequently. Alternate Alternatively, faster spreads can be used to outspeed Modest Kyurem and Tapu Lele. Slower spreads can also be run in order to give Landorus-T as slow of a U-turn as possible.

Many Pokemon enjoy Landorus-T's ability to pivot and sponge damage. Corviknight is a notable partner, as it forms a sturdy defensive pivot core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to counter Tapu Koko. In return, Corviknight can switch into Pokemon attempting to use Toxic on Landorus-T and it can come in on Weavile and force it out with Body Press. Pokemon such as Kyurem and Tapu Koko that like being brought in via a slow U-turn make for good offensive partners to Landorus-T. Both matchup well into Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Heatran complements Landorus-T well as a specially-defensive partner that can act as a soft Weavile check. In return, Landorus-T can check Ground-types like Garchomp and Equilibra if Landorus-T is running Knock Off.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Landorus-T can act as an effective suicide lead, using the combination of Stealth Rock + and Explosion to keep rocks Stealth Rock ( >:[ ) on the field in the face of entry hazard-removers (RH). Swords Dance is used to punish the opponent for not immediately dealing with Landorus-T, as its monstrous Attack stat enables it to KO most Pokemon at +2. Explosion is used as a way to preserve momentum.

Suicide lead Landorus-T should be used exclusively on hyper offense teams. As such, a dual screens setter such as Tapu Koko or Regieleki is helpful, as both can keep Landorus-T's Stealth Rock on the field with Taunt or Explosion, respectively. Most setup sweepers enjoy Landorus-T dealing heavy damage after it sets up Stealth Rock. Cawmodore deserves a special mention as a powerful sweeper that needs Stealth Rock on the field to secure an OHKO on Dragapult with Bullet Punch. Other sweepers such as Rillaboom and Hawlucha appreciate Landorus-T potentially baiting Corviknight into tanking an Explosion. Galarian Moltres and Dragonite appreciate the momentum Landorus-T gains with Explosion by providing them with a free switch-in.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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A Swords Dance sweeper set is an offensive option Landorus-T can run, but it struggles to break through common defensive walls like Corviknight and Hippowdon before it gets KOed. Landorus-T can use a Choice Scarf to score surprise KOes on the opponent foes and act as a strong, fast pivot; however, it struggles from a lack of immediate power outside of Earthquake. It can also use a Substitute + Bulk Up set alongside Smack Down to dispatch of traditional Landorus-T switch-ins like Corviknight and Skarmory, but this set generally requires too much setup to be worth using. The defensive pivot set can opt to invest in Defense to better check Pokemon like Garchomp and Kartana; however, Corviknight generally does this job better as it is not forced out by Weavile and Urshifu-R. Imprison is an option on the defensive pivot set to prevent the opponent foes from setting up Stealth Rock, freeing up teammates to run items outside of Heavy-Duty Boots, but giving up a moveslot for it is generally not worth the loss in utility.

Checks and Counters
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**Ice-types and Ice-type Coverage**: Weavile and Kyurem both outspeed Landorus-T and easily OHKO with their super effective Ice-type STAB moves. Weavile in particular is notable, as it can break through Landorus-T's Focus Sash with Triple Axel. Other Pokemon such as Krilowatt carry Ice Beam, which OHKOes Landorus-T after Stealth Rock.

**Water-types**: Water-types such Tapu-Fini and Urshifu-R both force Landorus-T out with super effective Water-type attacks. Tapu Fini is immune to Landorus-T's Toxic thanks to Misty Terrain, (AC) and Urshifu-R ignores Intimidate thanks to Surging Strikes. Slowbro and Arghonaut can easily tank whatever Landorus-T throws at them; however, they dislike Toxic.

**Defensive Flying-types**: Defensive Flying-types Pokemon such as Corviknight, Tomohawk, (AC) Zapdos, and Tornadus-T can all come in on Earthquake and force Landorus-T to switch. Corviknight in particular is notable for its immunity to Toxic. Tomohawk, Zapdos, and Tornadus-T, meanwhile, discourage Landorus-T from clicking U-Turn using U-turn due to Rocky Helmet, Static, and Knock Off, respectively. However, (AC) Zapdos and Tornadus-T do not appreciate coming in on Toxic or Knock Off, and Toxic especially neuters Tomohawk.

**Cawmodore**: Cawmodore can easily use Landorus-T to set up with Belly Drum and sweep.

**Toxic**: Toxic users such as Zeraora and Colossoil can inflict Toxic on Landorus-T, neutering its ability to act as a pivot in longer games.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [Rabia, 336073]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ]]

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