[SET]
Lead (Iron Treads) @ Booster Energy
Ability: Quark Drive
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe OR 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Timid Nature
- Earthquake / Earth Power
- Ice Spinner / Steel Beam
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
[SET COMMENTS]
Iron Treads separates itself from other dedicated leads by outrunning and threatening to OHKO Mega Diancie, a Pokemon that gives most of the tier's leads serious problems. Outside of this, Iron Tread's ability to setup hazards while keeping them off itself makes it a viable choice for hyper offense teams that absolutely require Stealth Rock to hit the field while retaining the ability to deny their own. Earthquake OHKOes Mega Diancie, therefore preventing it from blocking Iron Tread's Stealth Rock. Ice Spinner pressures common Defog users such as Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Gliscor, therefore preventing them from safely removing the hazard after it has already been set. On the other hand, Earth Power and Steel Beam are viable alternatives. The main allure of this specially based variant comes from Steel Beam, which has a favorable roll to OHKO Hatterene in addition to always OHKOing Mega Diancie and lets Iron Treads sacrifice itself to potentially block Defog and Rapid Spin attempts from opponents while also giving its teammates a free switch. Earth Power gives a spammable STAB move that does not have massive recoil, although its power is generally disappointing thanks to Iron Treads' underwhelming Special Attack stat. Rapid Spin prevents opposing leads from reliably getting hazards up, although it can't keep hazards off versus many bulky hazard setters long term. Booster Energy allows Iron Treads to outrun Mega Diancie, which is crucial to its niche; it also makes it faster than other important targets like Tornadus-T and Choice Scarf Landorus-T.
Lead Iron Treads only fits on hyper offense teams, which appreciate its ability to virtually guarantee Stealth Rock goes up even in the face of common anti-lead strategies employed by many offense and bulky offense teams. Iron Treads will likely not be able to keep opposing hazards off long term, as it matches up poorly against common bulky hazard setters like Ferrothorn, Ting-Lu, and Hippowdon. A secondary form of hazard control is therefore appreciated on teams that require Stealth Rock to be off; Hatterene is a standout partner, as it can either help these teams pivot in safely with an Eject Button set or sweep itself with a Calm Mind set. Terapagos is another alternative that gives a more traditional hazard remover and gives such teams an emergency stop to other offensive Pokemon via Tera Shell. This support is necessary for common hazard weak Pokemon seen on hyper offense, which includes Volcarona, Dragonite, and Mega Charizard X. A Knock Off user will make Iron Treads' hazards even more effective by removing Heavy-Duty Boots from the likes of Moltres, Tornadus-T, and Zapdos. Kingambit fits well with Iron Treads as a result, and its a dangerous late game cleaner in its own right. Gholdengo is another great partner, as it can block Defog attempts from Tornadus-T and Zapdos, therefore helping to keep Iron Treads' hazards on the field; Air Balloon variants can also block Rapid Spin from Great Tusk.
[SET CREDITS]
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