QC: ColonelM / PK / dk
GP: TheDutchPlumberjack / Fireflame479
[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T is one of the best Pokemon in the OU metagame. Thanks to its amazing combination of traits, such as Intimidate, an immunity to Ground, a base 145 Attack, and a diverse movepool, it can efficiently perform a variety of roles, easily fitting on many kinds of teams. Landorus-T can function as an excellent pivot, being able to set up Stealth Rock and check threats such as Zygarde and Garchomp while getting momentum with U-turn. Its access to different boosting moves in Swords Dance and Rock Polish and the introduction of Z-Moves also allow it to become a fearsome wallbreaker and setup sweeper, with the ability to defeat offense or stall with the appropriate move. However, Landorus-T's weakness to Ice and Water means it is defeated by common Pokemon such as Greninja and Keldeo and also struggles against the likes of Ice Punch Mega Metagross. It also lacks any form of recovery, meaning it can't constantly switch into opposing Pokemon's attacks throughout the entire match. Lastly, its mediocre base Speed without boosts leaves it outsped by many offensive threats, such as Tapu Lele.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: U-turn
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 28 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Landorus-T is a reliable Stealth Rock setter due to its ability to switch into physical attackers such as Zygarde and Garchomp. Earthquake is Landorus-T's most consistent attack, dealing good damage to targets even without investment. Hidden Power Ice is used to hit Garchomp, Zygarde, opposing Landorus-T, and Salamence. U-turn helps Landorus-T grab momentum, allowing frail teammates to switch in without taking damage. Stone Edge can be also be used as a coverage move, allowing Landorus-T to OHKO Mega Pinsir and non-Mega Charizard, while also dealing good damage to Zapdos and Gyarados. Swords Dance can be used along with Stone Edge to pressure Pokemon that don't take much from Earthquake, such as Clefable and Mega Scizor. Without Swords Dance, those Pokemon can recover any HP lost while setting up in front of Landorus-T. Toxic is a utility move that can cripple the likes of Zapdos, Rotom-W, Hippowdon, and Tangrowth. Using Flyinium Z + Fly is also an option to surprise Tangrowth, Mega Venusaur, and Tapu Bulu, which generally don't expect it from a more passive set. If using Leftovers, Protect is also a possible move to scout Choiced attackers and gain a bit more recovery.
Set Details
========
The given Speed EVs allow Landorus-T to outspeed everything up to maximum Speed Adamant Tyranitar. 28 Special Defense EVs let it survive a Draco Meteor from Life Orb Latios at full health, although they can be put in Defense if you feel that benchmark isn't important. An Impish nature and near maximum investment in HP and Defense allow Landorus-T to better check physical attackers. Rocky Helmet is the item of choice to punish contact moves, especially U-turn, helping wear down the likes of Mega Metagross and Garchomp. Leftovers can be used to give Landorus-T some longevity. Yache Berry is also an option to live certain Ice-type moves such as Ice Punch from Mega Metagross. If using Fly, Flyinium Z should always be the item.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used to check physical attackers such as Garchomp, Zygarde, and Alolan Marowak. Stealth Rock should be set up against foes that are forced out or can't threaten Landorus-T. While Landorus-T's bulk and Intimidate allow it to directly switch in on some threats, its lack of recovery means it's easily worn down. Remember to preserve its health if Landorus-T is your only way to stop sweepers such as Mega Charizard X and Excadrill. Use U-turn to get momentum and help teammates to switch in safely.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on offensive teams that are in need of a Stealth Rock setter that can switch into certain physical attackers without being overly passive. Since Landorus-T can bait in the likes of Skarmory, Rotom-W, and Celesteela and get momentum with U-turn, wallbreakers that can advantage of those, such as Greninja and Gengar, are good partners. Other users of U-turn and Volt Switch, such as Tapu Koko, Mega Scizor, and Rotom-W, can form a VoltTurn core with Landorus-T, making it hard for the opponent to get momentum back. Pokemon weak to Ground such as Tapu Koko and Magearna enjoy Landorus-T's ability to switch into opposing Earthquakes. Defensively, partners that cover Landorus-T's weaknesses to Ice and Water are appreciated. Assault Vest Tangrowth and Mega Venusaur can defeat Keldeo, Greninja, and Manaphy. Keldeo can check Ice-types, such as Weavile and Kyurem-B, and also some Water-types such as Greninja. Tapu Fini and Ferrothorn are also notable partners, forming a core that can cover a large part of the metagame.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Fly
move 4: Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
item: Rockium Z / Flynium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's Attack, allowing it to break through bulky Pokemon such as Celesteela, Tapu Fini, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. Earthquake is Landorus-T's most reliable move, dealing good damage to most neutral targets. Stone Edge provides Landorus-T with near perfect neutral coverage along with Earthquake. With Rockium Z, it also becomes a 180-Base Power Continental Crush, allowing Landorus-T to heavily damage or OHKO most of its usual answers, such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Fly with Flyinium Z is another Z-Move option that should be used if hitting bulky Grass-types, such as Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu, is more valuable. At +2, a Supersonic Skystrike deals massive damage to almost everything, having a chance to OHKO even the likes of Celesteela, Rotom-W, and Zapdos after Stealth Rock damage. Keep in mind that Magnezone is almost mandatory with this set, as otherwise Landorus-T struggles too much with Skarmory. Stealth Rock is also a fantastic option in this set, since Landorus-T's sheer power allows it to threaten common hazard control options such as Tapu Fini, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye.
Set Details
========
The Attack EVs along with an Adamant nature maximize Landorus-T's offensive power. Maximum Speed allows it to outpace everything up to Timid Heatran. Jolly can also be used to outspeed Jolly Gyarados and Excadrill and neutral-natured Tapu Lele, Zygarde, and Kyurem-B. Rockium Z is the preferred item, used to allow Landorus-T to use Continental Crush. If Fly is used, the item should be Flyinium Z. If your team already has a Z-Move user, Landorus-T can also hold a Yache Berry to survive a weaker Ice-type move, such as Tapu Koko's Hidden Power Ice, or Earth Plate to power up its Earthquake.
Usage Tips
========
This set is used as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker, weakening or removing defensive Pokemon to pave the way for a teammate to sweep. Offensive Landorus-T fares notably well against stall, since it can break through Skarmory with a bit of previous damage and also heavily pressure Mega Sableye, which could otherwise prevent Stealth Rock from being set. Landorus-T should set up Stealth Rock or Swords Dance agaisnt foes that it forces out, such as Jirachi. Since Z-Moves can only be used once, be careful to not waste it on the wrong target or on a Pokemon using Protect. Your opponent can predict the Z-Move and switch to a Pokemon that resists it, such as Ferrothorn for Continental Crush, making it go to waste.
Team Options
========
Physical attackers such as Mega Pinsir, Mamoswine, and Mega Metagross appreciate Landorus-T's ability to pressure walls like Celesteela, Skarmory, and Rotom-W. Similarly, other offensive Ground-types, such as Zygarde and Garchomp, enjoy having opposing Landorus-T, Tangrowth, and Tapu Bulu pressured. Setup sweepers and late-game cleaners such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Tapu Koko also benefit from Landorus-T's wallbreaking potential. Magnezone's ability to trap and remove Celesteela and Skarmory with Magnet Pull makes it a valuable partner, especially to Flyinium Z sets. Since Landorus-T is forced out by Water- and Ice-types, the likes of Tangrowth and Keldeo are also appreciated. U-turn and Volt Switch users can also help Landorus-T get in safely, since this set has no defensive investment.
[SET]
name: Double Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rock Polish
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Rockium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's Attack, allowing to it to act as a wallbreaker to defeat bulky teams, while Rock Polish is better against offensive teams. Earthquake is Landorus-T's main STAB move, while Stone Edge hits Pokemon immune to Ground, such as Zapdos, Mega Pinsir, Gyarados, and Celesteela.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and an Adamant nature maximize Landorus-T's power. The Speed allows it to outspeed Heatran and Tapu Bulu while beating every Choice Scarf user except Greninja after a Rock Polish. Rockium Z is needed to use Continental Crush and break through Skarmory, Celesteela, and Rotom-W. However, Earth Plate is also a viable option to power up Earthquake, especially if you want to have a different Z-Move user. Yache Berry is another option to prevent Landorus-T from being revenge killed by Ice Shard from Mamoswine or Weavile. A bulkier set can also be used to better check some physical attackers while still being a powerful sweeper. A possible spread for that set is 128 HP / 16 Atk / 196 Def / 168 Spe with an Adamant nature; it allows Landorus-T to live a Hydro Pump from Rotom-W and outspeed Choice Scarf Keldeo after a Rock Polish, while hitting a jump point in Attack and improving its physical bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T will usually not be able to use both of its boosting moves in the same match. Choose the most appropriate move depending on the matchup; Swords Dance should be used to break through bulky, slow teams, while Rock Polish allows Landorus-T to sweep offensive teams. Landorus-T can set up on Pokemon that it forces out, such as Jirachi and Excadrill. Pokemon locked into Earthquake or resisted moves are also good opportunities to set up. Avoid setting up with Rock Polish if the opponent still has a way to stop your sweep, such as Ice Shard Weavile or Water Shuriken Greninja.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that have the same checks as Landorus-T are good partners, since they can work together to pressure these checks. Examples include Garchomp, Zygarde, Mega Metagross, Mega Pinsir, Mamoswine, and Tapu Bulu. Fast cleaners such as Tapu Koko and Mega Alakazam benefit from Landorus-T breaking down walls. Magnezone is useful to remove Skarmory and Celesteela. Entry hazard support from the likes of Garchomp, Greninja, and Ferrothorn can help Landorus-T get KOs. Keldeo, Tangrowth, and Tapu Fini are valuable for their ability to check Ice- and Water-types.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Landorus-T's most reliable move. U-turn should be used to grab momentum and help teammates get in safely. Stone Edge provides good coverage alongside Earthquake and allows Landorus-T to revenge kill Mega Pinsir, Mega Charizard Y, Dragonite, and Gyarados. Explosion can deal heavy damage to Rotom-W and OHKO the likes of Tapu Bulu after Stealth Rock damage. It's also a good option to revenge kill most offensive Pokemon while giving a free switch to a teammate. Knock Off is useful to remove items from Landorus-T's checks, such as Shed Shell from Skarmory. Superpower can be used to OHKO Kartana and Mega Gyarados after a bit of previous damage; it is also Landorus-T's best move against Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Ice is another option to better revenge kill Zygarde, Garchomp, and opposing Landorus-T, but it's generally a bad move to be locked into.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack maximizes Landorus-T's damage output, while maximum Speed and a Jolly nature allow Landorus-T to outspeed +1 Gyarados, Dragonite, and Porygon-Z. A Naive nature should be used if Landorus-T has Hidden Power Ice. Choice Scarf is needed to outpace and check normally faster threats such as Tapu Koko, Mega Metagross, and Gengar.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Landorus-T should be used mainly to check faster threats and revenge kill boosting sweepers; avoid switching in directly in stronger moves, since this set has no defensive investment. Even though Earthquake is Landorus-T's main move, be careful when using it, as it can give Mega Pinsir, Salamence, opposing Landorus-T, and Gyarados a chance to set up. In the early-game U-turn can be used a lot, especially if you predict a switch, to get momentum and help teammates get in safely. Landorus-T can also work as a late-game cleaner after walls are weakened and Pokemon immune to Ground are removed.
Team Options
========
Since this set is walled by Rotom-W, Celesteela, and Skarmory, wallbreakers that can come in on Landorus-T's U-turn and take advantage of those walls are good partners. Kyurem-B, Mega Charizard Y, and Hoopa-U are some examples. Once again, Magnezone is valuable to remove Celesteela and Skarmory. VoltTurn users such as Mega Scizor, Tapu Koko, and Magearna can form a VoltTurn core with Landorus-T, making it very easy to get momentum. Defensively, this set appreciates checks to Water- and Ice-types such as Tangrowth and Keldeo. Since Landorus-T fails to outspeed boosted Volcarona and Salamence, defensive checks to those are also good partners. Toxapex can check Volcarona, while the likes of Celesteela and Skarmory handle Salamence.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Smack Down and Gravity are options to hit Celesteela, Skarmory, Zapdos, and Rotom-W with a super effective Earthquake. However, Smack Down wears off if the target switches out, making it less effective if the opponent has multiple Pokemon immune to Ground, while Gravity can also make Landorus-T vulnerable to Ground-type moves. On Swords Dance sets, Substitute can be used to avoid status while setting up, but it can wear down Landorus-T quickly. Salac Berry can be used with Substitute to allow Landorus-T to get a Speed boost and potentially sweep, but it's very unreliable. Landorus-T has a decent base Special Attack and can surprise a lot of its checks, such Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and opposing Landorus-T, with Sludge Wave and Hidden Power Ice, though this set is usually weak. A lead set holding Focus Sash and with Swords Dance, Explosion, Earthquake, and Stealth Rock is a viable option on hyper offense teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pokemon Immune to Ground**: Skarmory resists Landorus-T's STAB moves and can take even a +2 Continental Crush if at full health while also having Whirlwind to phaze Landorus-T. Celesteela, Rotom-W, and opposing Landorus-T can easily wall sets without Swords Dance, but they can't take a boosted Continental Crush. Bronzong also resists Stone Edge and only fears Knock Off. Gyarados, Salamence, Charizard, and Thundurus can all take advantage of Choice Scarf Landorus-T locked into Earthquake.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Tangrowth can wall any set without Flyinium Z and punish Landorus-T's U-turn with Rocky Helmet. Tapu Bulu also resists Ground and its Grassy Terrain halves Earthquake's power, which can also help Ground-weak teammates defeat Landorus-T; it cannot take a Supersonic Skystrike or a boosted Continental Crush, however.
**Water-types**: Greninja, Keldeo, and Manaphy outspeed non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T and force it out with their STAB attacks. Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, and Slowbro can take on defensive or unboosted variants and threaten to burn Landorus-T. Gyarados and Mantine are immune to Earthquake, but they can be taken out by Stone Edge.
**Ice-type Pokemon and Ice-type Coverage**: Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile can easily OHKO Landorus-T with their STAB moves, while the latter two can defeat even Choice Scarf Landorus-T with Ice Shard. Pokemon with Ice coverage, such as Ice Punch Mega Metagross, can also beat Landorus-T.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Landorus-T struggles to take hits from the likes of Mega Charizard Y, Hoopa-U, Latios, and Tapu Lele, since it has mediocre special bulk.
GP: TheDutchPlumberjack / Fireflame479
[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T is one of the best Pokemon in the OU metagame. Thanks to its amazing combination of traits, such as Intimidate, an immunity to Ground, a base 145 Attack, and a diverse movepool, it can efficiently perform a variety of roles, easily fitting on many kinds of teams. Landorus-T can function as an excellent pivot, being able to set up Stealth Rock and check threats such as Zygarde and Garchomp while getting momentum with U-turn. Its access to different boosting moves in Swords Dance and Rock Polish and the introduction of Z-Moves also allow it to become a fearsome wallbreaker and setup sweeper, with the ability to defeat offense or stall with the appropriate move. However, Landorus-T's weakness to Ice and Water means it is defeated by common Pokemon such as Greninja and Keldeo and also struggles against the likes of Ice Punch Mega Metagross. It also lacks any form of recovery, meaning it can't constantly switch into opposing Pokemon's attacks throughout the entire match. Lastly, its mediocre base Speed without boosts leaves it outsped by many offensive threats, such as Tapu Lele.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: U-turn
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 28 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Landorus-T is a reliable Stealth Rock setter due to its ability to switch into physical attackers such as Zygarde and Garchomp. Earthquake is Landorus-T's most consistent attack, dealing good damage to targets even without investment. Hidden Power Ice is used to hit Garchomp, Zygarde, opposing Landorus-T, and Salamence. U-turn helps Landorus-T grab momentum, allowing frail teammates to switch in without taking damage. Stone Edge can be also be used as a coverage move, allowing Landorus-T to OHKO Mega Pinsir and non-Mega Charizard, while also dealing good damage to Zapdos and Gyarados. Swords Dance can be used along with Stone Edge to pressure Pokemon that don't take much from Earthquake, such as Clefable and Mega Scizor. Without Swords Dance, those Pokemon can recover any HP lost while setting up in front of Landorus-T. Toxic is a utility move that can cripple the likes of Zapdos, Rotom-W, Hippowdon, and Tangrowth. Using Flyinium Z + Fly is also an option to surprise Tangrowth, Mega Venusaur, and Tapu Bulu, which generally don't expect it from a more passive set. If using Leftovers, Protect is also a possible move to scout Choiced attackers and gain a bit more recovery.
Set Details
========
The given Speed EVs allow Landorus-T to outspeed everything up to maximum Speed Adamant Tyranitar. 28 Special Defense EVs let it survive a Draco Meteor from Life Orb Latios at full health, although they can be put in Defense if you feel that benchmark isn't important. An Impish nature and near maximum investment in HP and Defense allow Landorus-T to better check physical attackers. Rocky Helmet is the item of choice to punish contact moves, especially U-turn, helping wear down the likes of Mega Metagross and Garchomp. Leftovers can be used to give Landorus-T some longevity. Yache Berry is also an option to live certain Ice-type moves such as Ice Punch from Mega Metagross. If using Fly, Flyinium Z should always be the item.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used to check physical attackers such as Garchomp, Zygarde, and Alolan Marowak. Stealth Rock should be set up against foes that are forced out or can't threaten Landorus-T. While Landorus-T's bulk and Intimidate allow it to directly switch in on some threats, its lack of recovery means it's easily worn down. Remember to preserve its health if Landorus-T is your only way to stop sweepers such as Mega Charizard X and Excadrill. Use U-turn to get momentum and help teammates to switch in safely.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on offensive teams that are in need of a Stealth Rock setter that can switch into certain physical attackers without being overly passive. Since Landorus-T can bait in the likes of Skarmory, Rotom-W, and Celesteela and get momentum with U-turn, wallbreakers that can advantage of those, such as Greninja and Gengar, are good partners. Other users of U-turn and Volt Switch, such as Tapu Koko, Mega Scizor, and Rotom-W, can form a VoltTurn core with Landorus-T, making it hard for the opponent to get momentum back. Pokemon weak to Ground such as Tapu Koko and Magearna enjoy Landorus-T's ability to switch into opposing Earthquakes. Defensively, partners that cover Landorus-T's weaknesses to Ice and Water are appreciated. Assault Vest Tangrowth and Mega Venusaur can defeat Keldeo, Greninja, and Manaphy. Keldeo can check Ice-types, such as Weavile and Kyurem-B, and also some Water-types such as Greninja. Tapu Fini and Ferrothorn are also notable partners, forming a core that can cover a large part of the metagame.
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Fly
move 4: Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
item: Rockium Z / Flynium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's Attack, allowing it to break through bulky Pokemon such as Celesteela, Tapu Fini, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. Earthquake is Landorus-T's most reliable move, dealing good damage to most neutral targets. Stone Edge provides Landorus-T with near perfect neutral coverage along with Earthquake. With Rockium Z, it also becomes a 180-Base Power Continental Crush, allowing Landorus-T to heavily damage or OHKO most of its usual answers, such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Fly with Flyinium Z is another Z-Move option that should be used if hitting bulky Grass-types, such as Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu, is more valuable. At +2, a Supersonic Skystrike deals massive damage to almost everything, having a chance to OHKO even the likes of Celesteela, Rotom-W, and Zapdos after Stealth Rock damage. Keep in mind that Magnezone is almost mandatory with this set, as otherwise Landorus-T struggles too much with Skarmory. Stealth Rock is also a fantastic option in this set, since Landorus-T's sheer power allows it to threaten common hazard control options such as Tapu Fini, Skarmory, and Mega Sableye.
Set Details
========
The Attack EVs along with an Adamant nature maximize Landorus-T's offensive power. Maximum Speed allows it to outpace everything up to Timid Heatran. Jolly can also be used to outspeed Jolly Gyarados and Excadrill and neutral-natured Tapu Lele, Zygarde, and Kyurem-B. Rockium Z is the preferred item, used to allow Landorus-T to use Continental Crush. If Fly is used, the item should be Flyinium Z. If your team already has a Z-Move user, Landorus-T can also hold a Yache Berry to survive a weaker Ice-type move, such as Tapu Koko's Hidden Power Ice, or Earth Plate to power up its Earthquake.
Usage Tips
========
This set is used as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker, weakening or removing defensive Pokemon to pave the way for a teammate to sweep. Offensive Landorus-T fares notably well against stall, since it can break through Skarmory with a bit of previous damage and also heavily pressure Mega Sableye, which could otherwise prevent Stealth Rock from being set. Landorus-T should set up Stealth Rock or Swords Dance agaisnt foes that it forces out, such as Jirachi. Since Z-Moves can only be used once, be careful to not waste it on the wrong target or on a Pokemon using Protect. Your opponent can predict the Z-Move and switch to a Pokemon that resists it, such as Ferrothorn for Continental Crush, making it go to waste.
Team Options
========
Physical attackers such as Mega Pinsir, Mamoswine, and Mega Metagross appreciate Landorus-T's ability to pressure walls like Celesteela, Skarmory, and Rotom-W. Similarly, other offensive Ground-types, such as Zygarde and Garchomp, enjoy having opposing Landorus-T, Tangrowth, and Tapu Bulu pressured. Setup sweepers and late-game cleaners such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Tapu Koko also benefit from Landorus-T's wallbreaking potential. Magnezone's ability to trap and remove Celesteela and Skarmory with Magnet Pull makes it a valuable partner, especially to Flyinium Z sets. Since Landorus-T is forced out by Water- and Ice-types, the likes of Tangrowth and Keldeo are also appreciated. U-turn and Volt Switch users can also help Landorus-T get in safely, since this set has no defensive investment.
[SET]
name: Double Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rock Polish
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Rockium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's Attack, allowing to it to act as a wallbreaker to defeat bulky teams, while Rock Polish is better against offensive teams. Earthquake is Landorus-T's main STAB move, while Stone Edge hits Pokemon immune to Ground, such as Zapdos, Mega Pinsir, Gyarados, and Celesteela.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and an Adamant nature maximize Landorus-T's power. The Speed allows it to outspeed Heatran and Tapu Bulu while beating every Choice Scarf user except Greninja after a Rock Polish. Rockium Z is needed to use Continental Crush and break through Skarmory, Celesteela, and Rotom-W. However, Earth Plate is also a viable option to power up Earthquake, especially if you want to have a different Z-Move user. Yache Berry is another option to prevent Landorus-T from being revenge killed by Ice Shard from Mamoswine or Weavile. A bulkier set can also be used to better check some physical attackers while still being a powerful sweeper. A possible spread for that set is 128 HP / 16 Atk / 196 Def / 168 Spe with an Adamant nature; it allows Landorus-T to live a Hydro Pump from Rotom-W and outspeed Choice Scarf Keldeo after a Rock Polish, while hitting a jump point in Attack and improving its physical bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Landorus-T will usually not be able to use both of its boosting moves in the same match. Choose the most appropriate move depending on the matchup; Swords Dance should be used to break through bulky, slow teams, while Rock Polish allows Landorus-T to sweep offensive teams. Landorus-T can set up on Pokemon that it forces out, such as Jirachi and Excadrill. Pokemon locked into Earthquake or resisted moves are also good opportunities to set up. Avoid setting up with Rock Polish if the opponent still has a way to stop your sweep, such as Ice Shard Weavile or Water Shuriken Greninja.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that have the same checks as Landorus-T are good partners, since they can work together to pressure these checks. Examples include Garchomp, Zygarde, Mega Metagross, Mega Pinsir, Mamoswine, and Tapu Bulu. Fast cleaners such as Tapu Koko and Mega Alakazam benefit from Landorus-T breaking down walls. Magnezone is useful to remove Skarmory and Celesteela. Entry hazard support from the likes of Garchomp, Greninja, and Ferrothorn can help Landorus-T get KOs. Keldeo, Tangrowth, and Tapu Fini are valuable for their ability to check Ice- and Water-types.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Landorus-T's most reliable move. U-turn should be used to grab momentum and help teammates get in safely. Stone Edge provides good coverage alongside Earthquake and allows Landorus-T to revenge kill Mega Pinsir, Mega Charizard Y, Dragonite, and Gyarados. Explosion can deal heavy damage to Rotom-W and OHKO the likes of Tapu Bulu after Stealth Rock damage. It's also a good option to revenge kill most offensive Pokemon while giving a free switch to a teammate. Knock Off is useful to remove items from Landorus-T's checks, such as Shed Shell from Skarmory. Superpower can be used to OHKO Kartana and Mega Gyarados after a bit of previous damage; it is also Landorus-T's best move against Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Ice is another option to better revenge kill Zygarde, Garchomp, and opposing Landorus-T, but it's generally a bad move to be locked into.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack maximizes Landorus-T's damage output, while maximum Speed and a Jolly nature allow Landorus-T to outspeed +1 Gyarados, Dragonite, and Porygon-Z. A Naive nature should be used if Landorus-T has Hidden Power Ice. Choice Scarf is needed to outpace and check normally faster threats such as Tapu Koko, Mega Metagross, and Gengar.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Landorus-T should be used mainly to check faster threats and revenge kill boosting sweepers; avoid switching in directly in stronger moves, since this set has no defensive investment. Even though Earthquake is Landorus-T's main move, be careful when using it, as it can give Mega Pinsir, Salamence, opposing Landorus-T, and Gyarados a chance to set up. In the early-game U-turn can be used a lot, especially if you predict a switch, to get momentum and help teammates get in safely. Landorus-T can also work as a late-game cleaner after walls are weakened and Pokemon immune to Ground are removed.
Team Options
========
Since this set is walled by Rotom-W, Celesteela, and Skarmory, wallbreakers that can come in on Landorus-T's U-turn and take advantage of those walls are good partners. Kyurem-B, Mega Charizard Y, and Hoopa-U are some examples. Once again, Magnezone is valuable to remove Celesteela and Skarmory. VoltTurn users such as Mega Scizor, Tapu Koko, and Magearna can form a VoltTurn core with Landorus-T, making it very easy to get momentum. Defensively, this set appreciates checks to Water- and Ice-types such as Tangrowth and Keldeo. Since Landorus-T fails to outspeed boosted Volcarona and Salamence, defensive checks to those are also good partners. Toxapex can check Volcarona, while the likes of Celesteela and Skarmory handle Salamence.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Smack Down and Gravity are options to hit Celesteela, Skarmory, Zapdos, and Rotom-W with a super effective Earthquake. However, Smack Down wears off if the target switches out, making it less effective if the opponent has multiple Pokemon immune to Ground, while Gravity can also make Landorus-T vulnerable to Ground-type moves. On Swords Dance sets, Substitute can be used to avoid status while setting up, but it can wear down Landorus-T quickly. Salac Berry can be used with Substitute to allow Landorus-T to get a Speed boost and potentially sweep, but it's very unreliable. Landorus-T has a decent base Special Attack and can surprise a lot of its checks, such Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and opposing Landorus-T, with Sludge Wave and Hidden Power Ice, though this set is usually weak. A lead set holding Focus Sash and with Swords Dance, Explosion, Earthquake, and Stealth Rock is a viable option on hyper offense teams.
Checks and Counters
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**Pokemon Immune to Ground**: Skarmory resists Landorus-T's STAB moves and can take even a +2 Continental Crush if at full health while also having Whirlwind to phaze Landorus-T. Celesteela, Rotom-W, and opposing Landorus-T can easily wall sets without Swords Dance, but they can't take a boosted Continental Crush. Bronzong also resists Stone Edge and only fears Knock Off. Gyarados, Salamence, Charizard, and Thundurus can all take advantage of Choice Scarf Landorus-T locked into Earthquake.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Tangrowth can wall any set without Flyinium Z and punish Landorus-T's U-turn with Rocky Helmet. Tapu Bulu also resists Ground and its Grassy Terrain halves Earthquake's power, which can also help Ground-weak teammates defeat Landorus-T; it cannot take a Supersonic Skystrike or a boosted Continental Crush, however.
**Water-types**: Greninja, Keldeo, and Manaphy outspeed non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T and force it out with their STAB attacks. Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, and Slowbro can take on defensive or unboosted variants and threaten to burn Landorus-T. Gyarados and Mantine are immune to Earthquake, but they can be taken out by Stone Edge.
**Ice-type Pokemon and Ice-type Coverage**: Kyurem-B, Mamoswine, and Weavile can easily OHKO Landorus-T with their STAB moves, while the latter two can defeat even Choice Scarf Landorus-T with Ice Shard. Pokemon with Ice coverage, such as Ice Punch Mega Metagross, can also beat Landorus-T.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Landorus-T struggles to take hits from the likes of Mega Charizard Y, Hoopa-U, Latios, and Tapu Lele, since it has mediocre special bulk.
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