[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T has everything it needs to succeed in Doubles, with strong stats all around, one of the most widely useful abilities, and a wide movepool that includes solid attacking, utility, and pivoting moves. This wide movepool and a lack of any major weak point give Landorus-T the ability to use many different viable sets that circumvent each other's answers to a degree. Landorus-T also naturally performs well against other common Pokemon in the metagame, most crucially Incineroar. However, as an incredibly common Pokemon itself, it will face solid checks on every well-built team. Still, Landorus-T should always find a way to be useful.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Earth Power
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Stealth Rock
item: Iapapa Berry / Yache Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 44 Def / 176 SpA / 28 SpD / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power provides consistent damage; although Landorus-T has higher base Attack, Earthquake is considerably weaker in many situations due to spread reduction, the prevalence of Intimidate users, and the potential for Grassy Terrain. U-turn synergizes quite well with Intimidate, allowing Landorus-T to enter the field, neuter opposing physical attackers, and pivot out while also hitting decently hard on targets that are weak to it such as Hoopa-U. Knock Off primarily works as a way to remove items such as Chansey's Eviolite, but it provides fairly consistent damage as well. Alternatively, Hidden Power Ice covers opposing Landorus-T as well as Zygarde and Mega Salamence, all of which can otherwise take on this set somewhat effectively. Stealth Rock punishes pivot-dependent Pokemon like Incineroar, Kyurem-B, and Victini and makes opposing Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona considerably easier for Landorus-T's team to take down. Protect is always valuable in Doubles for scouting moves, stalling field conditions, and managing positioning, but it offers added value on a set such as this that rarely finds the room for it, as opponents won't necessarily assume that Landorus-T carries the move.
Set Details
========
With the provided spread, Landorus-T gains the ability to take two common Ice-type moves in -1 Mega Metagross's Ice Punch and Life Orb Tapu Koko's Hidden Power Ice. 176 EVs in Special Attack and a Modest nature ensure the OHKO on standard Mega Manectric with Earth Power. The remaining 8 EVs are dumped in Speed so that Landorus-T will outspeed Deoxys-A in Tailwind; if Landorus-T's team lacks Tailwind support, these can be moved to Special Attack for a slightly slower U-turn against other Landorus-T that have the given investment. An Iapapa Berry provides significant recovery when Landorus-T is low on health, which greatly augments its ability to serve as a successful pivot. Alternatively, Landorus-T might benefit more from a Yache Berry, which gives it the ability to take considerably stronger Ice-type moves without fainting. If this choice is made, a spread of 224 HP / 32 Def / 136 SpA / 116 Spe and a Modest nature should be used. With this, Landorus-T is guaranteed to take +1 Genesect's Ice Beam and outspeed up to +1 Volcarona in Tailwind, with enough Special Attack EVs to KO offensive Kartana with Earth Power and the remaining investment dumped in Defense. Regardless of item choice, there are many viable Speed benchmarks available; for example, with 88 Speed, Landorus-T will outrun Modest Volcanion and, in Tailwind, Choice Scarf Tapu Lele.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T functions brilliantly as a lead for a variety of reasons; it provides attack control from Intimidate, it offers the opportunity to set Stealth Rock early, it can scout foes' Speed tiers based on the timing of Intimidate's activation, and with U-turn, it can pivot out of bad matchups. Setting Stealth Rock early is hugely beneficial in many matchups for sets running the move, but it's by no means required, so use your own judgment on whether it could offer enough benefits over the course of the game. If the opponent has a guaranteed safe switch-in to Landorus-T, it's usually best to use U-turn on the switch to retain momentum. Alternatively, Knock Off works as a way to punish bulky Pokemon that otherwise don't fear Landorus-T such as Tapu Fini and Suicune. Switching Landorus-T in can be useful not only to protect the teammate that switches out but also to help an ally Pokemon take an incoming physical attack, so consider both slots when deciding whether Landorus-T should enter the field. This benefit makes Landorus-T useful throughout the game, especially upon switch-in when it activates Intimidate, so pivot it often.
Team Options
========
Nearly every team can benefit from this set's support; it fits easily onto most builds. Physically frail Pokemon appreciate Intimidate, so Mega Charizard Y, Hoopa-U, and Mega Gardevoir all benefit greatly from Landorus-T's presence. Bulky Water-types are best left for teammates to handle, so Landorus-T should be paired with checks such as Tapu Bulu, Mega Manectric, and Volcanion, which it can send in through U-turn. Similarly, Steel-types take incoming Ice-type moves for Landorus-T and check Kyurem-B. In return, Landorus-T beats Fire-types for them. Some especially notable examples include Mega Scizor, which benefits strongly from Stealth Rock support; Genesect, which forms a pivoting core with Landorus-T; and Kartana, which handily beats down opposing Water-types.
[SET]
name: Tectonic Rage
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Tomb
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Protect / Stealth Rock
item: Groundium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is a powerful spread STAB attack that works especially well on this set due to Landorus-T's item unlocking the ability to use Tectonic Rage. With this Z-Move, Landorus-T can circumvent all the issues Earthquake has, as Tectonic Rage won't hit its ally, doesn't have any spread reduction, and isn't weakened by Grassy Terrain. Rock-type coverage ensures that Landorus-T can punish Flying-type foes that avoid Earthquake, and it has a few options for such moves. Stone Edge hits the hardest of these options, though some teams may prefer the speed control offered by Rock Tomb. U-turn provides a way to pivot safely out to an ally when faced with a poor matchup or to retain momentum on a predicted switch. Thanks to Protect, Landorus-T can scout the opposing Pokemon's moves, shield itself from damage while an ally deals with a threat, and stall out harmful field conditions, including Grassy Terrain. Stealth Rock support is quite valuable in some fights, punishing opposing teams with Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-type threats that like to switch around often.
Set Details
========
With 180 EVs invested into Speed, Landorus-T will outrun all Volcanion and most Zapdos, hitting the former with Tectonic Rage before Steam Eruption can KO Landorus-T. If Landorus-T has Rock Tomb, you may want to bump this up to 212 EVs to outspeed Mega Manectric after a Speed drop. Either way, Landorus-T should use maximum investment into its Attack to take full advantage of Tectonic Rage, with the rest dumped in HP for general bulk. If you want instead to use more bulk, just make sure Landorus-T still has 116 EVs in its Attack and an Adamant nature so that it can OHKO minimally invested Mega Metagross with -1 Tectonic Rage.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T works well as a pivot throughout the match thanks to Intimidate and U-turn. If the opponent has used Intimidate to cripple Landorus-T or Grassy Terrain is set, Landorus-T is usually better off pivoting directly or switching out with U-turn. You could also handle Grassy Terrain in a couple other ways; you could switch in a different Island Guardian, enabling Landorus-T's Earthquake to be fully effective, or you could use Tectonic Rage to hit the foe on which you most wanted Earthquake damage without any reduction. Tectonic Rage is also useful for taking out a bulky foe, ensuring a knockout on a weakened target that may use Protect, or dealing decent Ground-type damage without hurting Landorus-T's ally. If Landorus-T is carrying Stealth Rock, it's most beneficial when set towards the beginning of the match to maximize damage over the course of the game. However, it's by no means essential, so don't feel that Landorus-T must use Stealth Rock if the entry hazard isn't yet set.
Team Options
========
Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain greatly weakens Landorus-T's main form of attack in Earthquake, so Landorus-T should be paired with another Island Guardian to summon a competing Terrain. Tapu Koko is especially notable thanks to its positive matchup against Water- and Flying-types. Some form of speed control, the most noteworthy being Tailwind, ensures that Landorus-T can get off its hard hits before ideal targets such as Mega Manectric, Kyurem-B, and Mega Metagross KO it or pivot out. Tailwind is best provided by Zapdos or Kartana; like Tapu Koko, these can also help against Water-types. You should be sure to pack answers to opposing Landorus-T, which is very common and walls this set. Tapu Fini works well here, removing Grassy Terrain and using either Heal Pulse to keep Landorus-T healthy or Calm Mind to clean late-game after Landorus-T punches through an obstacle with Tectonic Rage. Ground-immune teammates let Landorus-T use Earthquake more freely, so be sure to carry at least one. Zapdos and Tornadus are a couple decent options; Wide Guard Aegislash accomplishes the goal of having a teammate to click Earthquake next to in a different way.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earth Power
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Stone Edge / Sludge Bomb
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power is Landorus-T's most widely usable STAB attack that won't be affected by Intimidate, making it a fantastic move for a Choice Scarf set. U-turn makes Landorus-T a fast pivot, which is quite useful for positioning management. Hidden Power Ice hits opposing Landorus-T and revenge kills +1 Zygarde and Mega Salamence, two foes that outspeed other Landorus-T sets and can largely ignore its other moves. Landorus-T only really needs the first three moves to succeed in its role, so its last slot is quite flexible. Stone Edge offers considerably more damage than Hidden Power Ice against some Flying-types, like Mega Charizard Y and Zapdos, which avoid Earth Power. Sludge Bomb is a decent option on teams that appreciate the removal of Tapu Bulu, netting a surprise KO on it and providing a way for Landorus-T to hit Tapu Fini super effectively. However, outside of this, it has little use. Defog is a decent fourth slot option for teams with Mega Charizard Y or Volcarona that can't afford to leave Stealth Rock on the field. Stealth Rock is another fringe option for this last slot; however, locking into Stealth Rock can be risky, as it necessitates that Landorus-T switch the following turn to avoid losing momentum.
Set Details
========
Power and Speed are maximized with a Modest nature to help this set thrive as a fast attacker and a Choice Scarf further augments its Speed. Some teams may prefer a Timid nature on Choice Scarf Landorus-T, as this ensures the set will outspeed Deoxys-A and fully invested Zeraora; however, it already gets the jump on every other relevant foe, and the power dropoff is fairly significant, giving Mega Manectric a chance to survive Earth Power.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Landorus-T works great as a lead thanks to its ability to pivot out quickly with U-turn and weaken incoming attacks from the get-go. The timing of Intimidate's activation also allows you to check for other potential Choice Scarf users, most of which will outspeed this set. For example, if Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge or Genesect's Download activates before Landorus-T's Intimidate, they are guaranteed to also be carrying a Choice Scarf. However, this can also reveal Landorus-T's set to your opponent, so if this information is best kept secret, it may be best to avoid leading with Landorus-T. This way, it can be used for a surprise KO on a threat that would normally outspeed and threaten Landorus-T, such as Mega Manectric or Mega Charizard Y, if carrying Stone Edge. Be careful to avoid locking Landorus-T into a move that's easily taken advantage of by the opponent, especially if that opponent has Gothitelle to potentially trap Landorus-T on the field using an unhelpful move. Without any defensive investment, this set isn't particularly bulky, so avoid trying to use it as a defensive check if it's needed later on to outspeed and take down a particular enemy.
Team Options
========
Teams that appreciate Landorus-T's offensive matchups but need it especially for faster foes will benefit most from this set. However, with mediocre defenses, Landorus-T will need additional teammates to patch up holes against foes that it would normally be able to handle alone. Incineroar is the most notable example, as Landorus-T will fear losing its Choice Scarf to Knock Off and is hit fairly hard by -1 Flare Blitz. Volcanion and Tapu Fini are valuable teammates for this reason; they both also appreciate Landorus-T's ability to handle Mega Manectric and Tapu Koko. Teammates that take advantage of typical switch-ins to Landorus-T are excellent for retaining momentum if Landorus-T hits these switch-ins with U-turn as they enter the field. Tapu Koko and Kartana prey on bulky Water-types, while Mega Charizard Y takes out Kyurem-B with Overheat and easily handles Grass-types. Mega Charizard Y also benefits from Landorus-T's ability to spare a moveslot for Defog support.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rock Slide deals decent spread damage with a helpful chance to induce flinches on the foes. Landorus-T's all-around nature lends well to an Assault Vest set with either fully physical or mixed attacks. One move that could find its way onto Assault Vest sets as well as others is Superpower, which hits a variety of Steel-types like Ferrothorn harder than Ground-type STAB moves. Superpower is also a solid option on a Choice Band set, which capitalizes on Landorus-T's ability to inflict heavy spread damage through Earthquake or severely hurt bulky threats such as Chansey and Porygon2 with Superpower. Explosion also works well on such sets or those with a Choice Scarf equipped, though Landorus-T needs to be careful not to take out its own allies. Life Orb sets offer a different style of offense and typically tend to focus on special attacks like Earth Power, Hidden Power Ice, and Sludge Bomb. Swords Dance finds its way onto some Tectonic Rage sets as a way to combat the usage of Intimidate, but it is somewhat difficult to fit onto the set, and Landorus-T is hard to support as a setup user.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Water-types like Tapu Fini and Suicune are typically bulky enough to take an attack from Landorus-T and retaliate with a super effective STAB attack. Milotic is especially notable due to its Competitive enabling it to take advantage of Landorus-T's Intimidate. Kingdra in the rain outspeeds even Choice Scarf Landorus-T and can knock it out with any Water-type move.
**Ice-types**: Kyurem-B is an incredibly threatening foe, as offensive sets outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T even through a potential Yache Berry. Many Pokemon also use Ice-type coverage specifically for Landorus-T, so watch out for those that can outspeed and KO it with such coverage like Genesect, Mega Metagross, and Mew. Zapdos and Porygon2 run Ice-type coverage and are bulky enough to take Landorus-T on defensively too, and both have access to speed control that's especially damaging to Choice Scarf sets.
**Ground-immune Pokemon**: With no readily available Flying-type STAB attack, Landorus-T is often unable to deal with Ground-immune Pokemon. Mega Charizard Y can OHKO Landorus-T with Overheat, only really fearing Choice Scarf Stone Edge sets. Zapdos also sets up Tailwind, while Cresselia carries Icy Wind.
**Faster Pokemon**: Being outsped is mostly problematic for more offensive sets that don't have the bulky set's ability to take a hit and retaliate. Choice Scarf Genesect outspeeds all Landorus-T and threatens it with Ice Beam. Tornadus gets an Attack boost from Intimidate thanks to Defiant and hits hard with boosted Acrobatics, only really fearing Rock-type coverage moves. Tapu Lele has a fairly common Choice Scarf set to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and if Landorus-T isn't holding Choice Scarf, Life Orb or Psychium Z Tapu Lele can OHKO it.
**Grassy Terrain**: Earthquake sets have their primary mode of attack drastically weakened by Grassy Terrain, though Tectonic Rage doesn't have the same consequences. Grassy Terrain also lets foes benefit from passive healing that Landorus-T can't receive due to its Flying typing.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[talkingtree, 232101]]
- Earlier versions by: [[talkingtree, 232101]]
- Quality checked by: [[MajorBowman, 188164], [qsns, 230771]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [frenzyplant, 185509]]
Landorus-T has everything it needs to succeed in Doubles, with strong stats all around, one of the most widely useful abilities, and a wide movepool that includes solid attacking, utility, and pivoting moves. This wide movepool and a lack of any major weak point give Landorus-T the ability to use many different viable sets that circumvent each other's answers to a degree. Landorus-T also naturally performs well against other common Pokemon in the metagame, most crucially Incineroar. However, as an incredibly common Pokemon itself, it will face solid checks on every well-built team. Still, Landorus-T should always find a way to be useful.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Earth Power
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Stealth Rock
item: Iapapa Berry / Yache Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 44 Def / 176 SpA / 28 SpD / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power provides consistent damage; although Landorus-T has higher base Attack, Earthquake is considerably weaker in many situations due to spread reduction, the prevalence of Intimidate users, and the potential for Grassy Terrain. U-turn synergizes quite well with Intimidate, allowing Landorus-T to enter the field, neuter opposing physical attackers, and pivot out while also hitting decently hard on targets that are weak to it such as Hoopa-U. Knock Off primarily works as a way to remove items such as Chansey's Eviolite, but it provides fairly consistent damage as well. Alternatively, Hidden Power Ice covers opposing Landorus-T as well as Zygarde and Mega Salamence, all of which can otherwise take on this set somewhat effectively. Stealth Rock punishes pivot-dependent Pokemon like Incineroar, Kyurem-B, and Victini and makes opposing Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona considerably easier for Landorus-T's team to take down. Protect is always valuable in Doubles for scouting moves, stalling field conditions, and managing positioning, but it offers added value on a set such as this that rarely finds the room for it, as opponents won't necessarily assume that Landorus-T carries the move.
Set Details
========
With the provided spread, Landorus-T gains the ability to take two common Ice-type moves in -1 Mega Metagross's Ice Punch and Life Orb Tapu Koko's Hidden Power Ice. 176 EVs in Special Attack and a Modest nature ensure the OHKO on standard Mega Manectric with Earth Power. The remaining 8 EVs are dumped in Speed so that Landorus-T will outspeed Deoxys-A in Tailwind; if Landorus-T's team lacks Tailwind support, these can be moved to Special Attack for a slightly slower U-turn against other Landorus-T that have the given investment. An Iapapa Berry provides significant recovery when Landorus-T is low on health, which greatly augments its ability to serve as a successful pivot. Alternatively, Landorus-T might benefit more from a Yache Berry, which gives it the ability to take considerably stronger Ice-type moves without fainting. If this choice is made, a spread of 224 HP / 32 Def / 136 SpA / 116 Spe and a Modest nature should be used. With this, Landorus-T is guaranteed to take +1 Genesect's Ice Beam and outspeed up to +1 Volcarona in Tailwind, with enough Special Attack EVs to KO offensive Kartana with Earth Power and the remaining investment dumped in Defense. Regardless of item choice, there are many viable Speed benchmarks available; for example, with 88 Speed, Landorus-T will outrun Modest Volcanion and, in Tailwind, Choice Scarf Tapu Lele.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T functions brilliantly as a lead for a variety of reasons; it provides attack control from Intimidate, it offers the opportunity to set Stealth Rock early, it can scout foes' Speed tiers based on the timing of Intimidate's activation, and with U-turn, it can pivot out of bad matchups. Setting Stealth Rock early is hugely beneficial in many matchups for sets running the move, but it's by no means required, so use your own judgment on whether it could offer enough benefits over the course of the game. If the opponent has a guaranteed safe switch-in to Landorus-T, it's usually best to use U-turn on the switch to retain momentum. Alternatively, Knock Off works as a way to punish bulky Pokemon that otherwise don't fear Landorus-T such as Tapu Fini and Suicune. Switching Landorus-T in can be useful not only to protect the teammate that switches out but also to help an ally Pokemon take an incoming physical attack, so consider both slots when deciding whether Landorus-T should enter the field. This benefit makes Landorus-T useful throughout the game, especially upon switch-in when it activates Intimidate, so pivot it often.
Team Options
========
Nearly every team can benefit from this set's support; it fits easily onto most builds. Physically frail Pokemon appreciate Intimidate, so Mega Charizard Y, Hoopa-U, and Mega Gardevoir all benefit greatly from Landorus-T's presence. Bulky Water-types are best left for teammates to handle, so Landorus-T should be paired with checks such as Tapu Bulu, Mega Manectric, and Volcanion, which it can send in through U-turn. Similarly, Steel-types take incoming Ice-type moves for Landorus-T and check Kyurem-B. In return, Landorus-T beats Fire-types for them. Some especially notable examples include Mega Scizor, which benefits strongly from Stealth Rock support; Genesect, which forms a pivoting core with Landorus-T; and Kartana, which handily beats down opposing Water-types.
[SET]
name: Tectonic Rage
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Tomb
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Protect / Stealth Rock
item: Groundium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is a powerful spread STAB attack that works especially well on this set due to Landorus-T's item unlocking the ability to use Tectonic Rage. With this Z-Move, Landorus-T can circumvent all the issues Earthquake has, as Tectonic Rage won't hit its ally, doesn't have any spread reduction, and isn't weakened by Grassy Terrain. Rock-type coverage ensures that Landorus-T can punish Flying-type foes that avoid Earthquake, and it has a few options for such moves. Stone Edge hits the hardest of these options, though some teams may prefer the speed control offered by Rock Tomb. U-turn provides a way to pivot safely out to an ally when faced with a poor matchup or to retain momentum on a predicted switch. Thanks to Protect, Landorus-T can scout the opposing Pokemon's moves, shield itself from damage while an ally deals with a threat, and stall out harmful field conditions, including Grassy Terrain. Stealth Rock support is quite valuable in some fights, punishing opposing teams with Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-type threats that like to switch around often.
Set Details
========
With 180 EVs invested into Speed, Landorus-T will outrun all Volcanion and most Zapdos, hitting the former with Tectonic Rage before Steam Eruption can KO Landorus-T. If Landorus-T has Rock Tomb, you may want to bump this up to 212 EVs to outspeed Mega Manectric after a Speed drop. Either way, Landorus-T should use maximum investment into its Attack to take full advantage of Tectonic Rage, with the rest dumped in HP for general bulk. If you want instead to use more bulk, just make sure Landorus-T still has 116 EVs in its Attack and an Adamant nature so that it can OHKO minimally invested Mega Metagross with -1 Tectonic Rage.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T works well as a pivot throughout the match thanks to Intimidate and U-turn. If the opponent has used Intimidate to cripple Landorus-T or Grassy Terrain is set, Landorus-T is usually better off pivoting directly or switching out with U-turn. You could also handle Grassy Terrain in a couple other ways; you could switch in a different Island Guardian, enabling Landorus-T's Earthquake to be fully effective, or you could use Tectonic Rage to hit the foe on which you most wanted Earthquake damage without any reduction. Tectonic Rage is also useful for taking out a bulky foe, ensuring a knockout on a weakened target that may use Protect, or dealing decent Ground-type damage without hurting Landorus-T's ally. If Landorus-T is carrying Stealth Rock, it's most beneficial when set towards the beginning of the match to maximize damage over the course of the game. However, it's by no means essential, so don't feel that Landorus-T must use Stealth Rock if the entry hazard isn't yet set.
Team Options
========
Tapu Bulu's Grassy Terrain greatly weakens Landorus-T's main form of attack in Earthquake, so Landorus-T should be paired with another Island Guardian to summon a competing Terrain. Tapu Koko is especially notable thanks to its positive matchup against Water- and Flying-types. Some form of speed control, the most noteworthy being Tailwind, ensures that Landorus-T can get off its hard hits before ideal targets such as Mega Manectric, Kyurem-B, and Mega Metagross KO it or pivot out. Tailwind is best provided by Zapdos or Kartana; like Tapu Koko, these can also help against Water-types. You should be sure to pack answers to opposing Landorus-T, which is very common and walls this set. Tapu Fini works well here, removing Grassy Terrain and using either Heal Pulse to keep Landorus-T healthy or Calm Mind to clean late-game after Landorus-T punches through an obstacle with Tectonic Rage. Ground-immune teammates let Landorus-T use Earthquake more freely, so be sure to carry at least one. Zapdos and Tornadus are a couple decent options; Wide Guard Aegislash accomplishes the goal of having a teammate to click Earthquake next to in a different way.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earth Power
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Stone Edge / Sludge Bomb
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power is Landorus-T's most widely usable STAB attack that won't be affected by Intimidate, making it a fantastic move for a Choice Scarf set. U-turn makes Landorus-T a fast pivot, which is quite useful for positioning management. Hidden Power Ice hits opposing Landorus-T and revenge kills +1 Zygarde and Mega Salamence, two foes that outspeed other Landorus-T sets and can largely ignore its other moves. Landorus-T only really needs the first three moves to succeed in its role, so its last slot is quite flexible. Stone Edge offers considerably more damage than Hidden Power Ice against some Flying-types, like Mega Charizard Y and Zapdos, which avoid Earth Power. Sludge Bomb is a decent option on teams that appreciate the removal of Tapu Bulu, netting a surprise KO on it and providing a way for Landorus-T to hit Tapu Fini super effectively. However, outside of this, it has little use. Defog is a decent fourth slot option for teams with Mega Charizard Y or Volcarona that can't afford to leave Stealth Rock on the field. Stealth Rock is another fringe option for this last slot; however, locking into Stealth Rock can be risky, as it necessitates that Landorus-T switch the following turn to avoid losing momentum.
Set Details
========
Power and Speed are maximized with a Modest nature to help this set thrive as a fast attacker and a Choice Scarf further augments its Speed. Some teams may prefer a Timid nature on Choice Scarf Landorus-T, as this ensures the set will outspeed Deoxys-A and fully invested Zeraora; however, it already gets the jump on every other relevant foe, and the power dropoff is fairly significant, giving Mega Manectric a chance to survive Earth Power.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Landorus-T works great as a lead thanks to its ability to pivot out quickly with U-turn and weaken incoming attacks from the get-go. The timing of Intimidate's activation also allows you to check for other potential Choice Scarf users, most of which will outspeed this set. For example, if Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge or Genesect's Download activates before Landorus-T's Intimidate, they are guaranteed to also be carrying a Choice Scarf. However, this can also reveal Landorus-T's set to your opponent, so if this information is best kept secret, it may be best to avoid leading with Landorus-T. This way, it can be used for a surprise KO on a threat that would normally outspeed and threaten Landorus-T, such as Mega Manectric or Mega Charizard Y, if carrying Stone Edge. Be careful to avoid locking Landorus-T into a move that's easily taken advantage of by the opponent, especially if that opponent has Gothitelle to potentially trap Landorus-T on the field using an unhelpful move. Without any defensive investment, this set isn't particularly bulky, so avoid trying to use it as a defensive check if it's needed later on to outspeed and take down a particular enemy.
Team Options
========
Teams that appreciate Landorus-T's offensive matchups but need it especially for faster foes will benefit most from this set. However, with mediocre defenses, Landorus-T will need additional teammates to patch up holes against foes that it would normally be able to handle alone. Incineroar is the most notable example, as Landorus-T will fear losing its Choice Scarf to Knock Off and is hit fairly hard by -1 Flare Blitz. Volcanion and Tapu Fini are valuable teammates for this reason; they both also appreciate Landorus-T's ability to handle Mega Manectric and Tapu Koko. Teammates that take advantage of typical switch-ins to Landorus-T are excellent for retaining momentum if Landorus-T hits these switch-ins with U-turn as they enter the field. Tapu Koko and Kartana prey on bulky Water-types, while Mega Charizard Y takes out Kyurem-B with Overheat and easily handles Grass-types. Mega Charizard Y also benefits from Landorus-T's ability to spare a moveslot for Defog support.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rock Slide deals decent spread damage with a helpful chance to induce flinches on the foes. Landorus-T's all-around nature lends well to an Assault Vest set with either fully physical or mixed attacks. One move that could find its way onto Assault Vest sets as well as others is Superpower, which hits a variety of Steel-types like Ferrothorn harder than Ground-type STAB moves. Superpower is also a solid option on a Choice Band set, which capitalizes on Landorus-T's ability to inflict heavy spread damage through Earthquake or severely hurt bulky threats such as Chansey and Porygon2 with Superpower. Explosion also works well on such sets or those with a Choice Scarf equipped, though Landorus-T needs to be careful not to take out its own allies. Life Orb sets offer a different style of offense and typically tend to focus on special attacks like Earth Power, Hidden Power Ice, and Sludge Bomb. Swords Dance finds its way onto some Tectonic Rage sets as a way to combat the usage of Intimidate, but it is somewhat difficult to fit onto the set, and Landorus-T is hard to support as a setup user.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Water-types like Tapu Fini and Suicune are typically bulky enough to take an attack from Landorus-T and retaliate with a super effective STAB attack. Milotic is especially notable due to its Competitive enabling it to take advantage of Landorus-T's Intimidate. Kingdra in the rain outspeeds even Choice Scarf Landorus-T and can knock it out with any Water-type move.
**Ice-types**: Kyurem-B is an incredibly threatening foe, as offensive sets outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T even through a potential Yache Berry. Many Pokemon also use Ice-type coverage specifically for Landorus-T, so watch out for those that can outspeed and KO it with such coverage like Genesect, Mega Metagross, and Mew. Zapdos and Porygon2 run Ice-type coverage and are bulky enough to take Landorus-T on defensively too, and both have access to speed control that's especially damaging to Choice Scarf sets.
**Ground-immune Pokemon**: With no readily available Flying-type STAB attack, Landorus-T is often unable to deal with Ground-immune Pokemon. Mega Charizard Y can OHKO Landorus-T with Overheat, only really fearing Choice Scarf Stone Edge sets. Zapdos also sets up Tailwind, while Cresselia carries Icy Wind.
**Faster Pokemon**: Being outsped is mostly problematic for more offensive sets that don't have the bulky set's ability to take a hit and retaliate. Choice Scarf Genesect outspeeds all Landorus-T and threatens it with Ice Beam. Tornadus gets an Attack boost from Intimidate thanks to Defiant and hits hard with boosted Acrobatics, only really fearing Rock-type coverage moves. Tapu Lele has a fairly common Choice Scarf set to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and if Landorus-T isn't holding Choice Scarf, Life Orb or Psychium Z Tapu Lele can OHKO it.
**Grassy Terrain**: Earthquake sets have their primary mode of attack drastically weakened by Grassy Terrain, though Tectonic Rage doesn't have the same consequences. Grassy Terrain also lets foes benefit from passive healing that Landorus-T can't receive due to its Flying typing.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[talkingtree, 232101]]
- Earlier versions by: [[talkingtree, 232101]]
- Quality checked by: [[MajorBowman, 188164], [qsns, 230771]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [frenzyplant, 185509]]
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