this is definitely the longest piece i've written so far, so to SM QC and GP, you can very much feel free to just split up the sections and do them over time, whatever works best for you
[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T's versatility is impossible to compete with; not only does it act as a blanket check for physical attackers like Mega Charizard X and Choice Scarf Kartana using its perfect-fitting ability Intimidate and pose a significant threat with its absurd base 145 Attack stat to throw off STAB Earthquakes and potential Z-Moves, but it also has nearly every utility option you would want to run on it, from both Stealth Rock and Defog to U-turn and Knock Off. All of this is complemented by its all-rounder stats, including its workable Speed stat that makes Choice Scarf sets an option, and its impressive Ground / Flying typing that possesses important immunities to common types in Electric and Ground. Landorus-T is the godfather of role compression, ticking lots of boxes and opening up all sorts of possibilities in regard to teambuilding. However, Landorus-T has no forms of reliable recovery, making its defensive profile noticeably temporary. Its middling Speed and 4x weakness to Ice are both plenty exploitable, with its presence encouraging faster attackers like Mega Medicham and Tapu Koko to pack Ice-type coverage to threaten it.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge / Explosion / Hidden Power Ice / Punishment / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 232 Atk / 68 Def / 208 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
With a Choice Scarf, Landorus-T acts as a revenge killer with considerable defensive utility, being able to threaten out fast attackers like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Koko and clean up late-game with Earthquake. U-turn allows Landorus-T to build momentum as it forces out attackers, and it is an especially useful move to have when Choice-locked, as locking into the wrong move can give a free turn to foes. Stone Edge snipes the likes of Zapdos, non-Mega Charizard, Mega Charizard Y, and Tornadus-T. Explosion deals massive damage to neutral targets like Rotom-W, Gliscor, and Tornadus-T before bringing in a teammate for free with momentum. Hidden Power Ice hits opposing Landorus-T and prevents Gliscor from switching in safely. Punishment is a last-ditch defense against certain Calm Mind sweepers, switching in to revenge kill a set-up Mega Latias after three Calm Mind boosts, OHKO Reuniclus after four boosts, and deal huge damage to Cresselia after four boosts. Hidden Power Fire allows Landorus-T to consistently revenge kill Choice Band and Swords Dance Kartana. Defog allows Landorus-T to clear entry hazards in a pinch, further compressing roles for its team and supporting hazard-weak teammates.
Set Details
========
64 Defense EVs let Landorus-T always survive +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock damage, and 208 Speed EVs give Landorus-T the jump on +1 Kommo-o, with the rest of the EVs pooled into attack. A more defensive spread of 32 HP / 128 Atk / 128 Def / 220 Spe ensures that Landorus-T survives a Flare Blitz from Jolly Mega Charizard X after Stealth Rock damage, outspeeds Adamant Mega Charizard X after a Dragon Dance, and dumps the remaining EVs into Attack.
Usage Tips
========
The primary benefits of Choice Scarf Landorus-T are that it gives its team a great Speed tier and can revenge kill very fast attackers like Mega Alakazam, though it doesn't need to shy away from taking hits itself by any means. Landorus-T's bulk, helped by Intimidate, lets it switch into physical attackers like Mega Charizard X and Choice Scarf Victini short-term, and its typing gives it opportunities to predict and switch into Volt Switch from the likes of Tapu Koko and Magearna and resisted attacks like Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast and Mega Medicham's High Jump Kick if it needs to, but it should be avoiding switching into these Pokemon often due to the high risk. Aim to use U-turn more often than not to bring in offensive teammates safely and mitigate the risk of handing over a dangerous free turn due to being Choice-locked. However, this can be detrimental when facing contact-punishing ability users like Zapdos and Ferrothorn and Rocky Helmet users like opposing Landorus-T and Tornadus-T, so manually switching out would be better in those matchups.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Landorus-T is perhaps the most versatile in regard to the team styles that it fits on, ranging from acting as an entry hazard control option on hyper offense teams to being a revenge killer and providing speed control for balance teams. On hyper offense teams, it would be paired with a dedicated lead, like Mew or Mega Diancie, that is tasked with both starting the game off with Stealth Rock and keeping off opposing hazards, reducing the risk of Landorus-T of killing its momentum with Defog. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Medicham, Tapu Lele, and Kyurem-B are prime candidates for Landorus-T's pivoting, as they can break holes in opposing teams that include Landorus-T's answers like Rotom-W and Zapdos. Heatran has useful resistances to both Ice and Fairy, letting it switch into the likes of Magearna and Tapu Koko to punish their attempts to predict Landorus-T; Heatran is additionally able to set Stealth Rock and take chunks out of Rotom-W. Bulky pivots like Magearna and Rotom-W work together with Landorus-T to continue the chain of momentum and can take the heat off of it in the face of threats like Ash-Greninja and Mega Swampert, respectively. Defensive Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn form a nice defensive backbone for Landorus-T on balance teams, switching into Ash-Greninja and setting hazards, while, in return, Landorus-T chases out the likes of Tapu Koko, Mega Alakazam, and Swords Dance Mega Charizard X. Calm Mind Mega Latias benefits from Landorus-T threatening Steel-types like Magearna, Jirachi, and Heatran and using U-turn to pivot it in on Pokemon that it can set up on, like Tapu Bulu, Rotom-W, and Zapdos.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Toxic / Fly / Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Defog / Rock Tomb
move 4: U-turn
item: Rocky Helmet / Iapapa Berry / Flyinium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Landorus-T generally prefers to use Stealth Rock over Defog by virtue of having very limited longevity, which doesn't mesh well with an ideal entry hazard removal option; however, it certainly can use Defog well, and the choice of whether to run Stealth Rock or Defog should be based on what fits the team better. It can even run both at once if necessary, letting it both set and clear hazards depending on the circumstance. Earthquake is an obvious choice to hit back at the likes of Mega Charizard X and Mega Mawile while acting as a short-term check to them. Hidden Power Ice 2HKOes opposing Landorus-T, hits Garchomp harder, and somewhat pressures Gliscor, but it generally shouldn't be used against anything without a 4x Ice weakness due to its low power. Toxic punishes defensive answers like Zapdos, Rotom-W, and opposing Landorus-T, as well as putting offensive Pokemon that might attempt to use Landorus-T as setup fodder, such as pre-Mega Charizard, Dragonite, and Hawlucha, on a timer. Fly should only ever be used alongside Flyinium Z, with Supersonic Skystrike allowing Landorus-T to take out an unsuspecting Hawlucha attempting to use it as setup fodder, as well as sniping Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Serperior and hitting neutral targets hard. Hidden Power Fire lets Landorus-T actually beat Kartana as opposed to just switching in to lower its attack and scout its move, with the added bonus of dealing extra damage against Mega Scizor. Knock Off is great against item-reliant Pokemon like Chansey, Celesteela, and Tapu Fini, and it prevents Gliscor from switching in safely before its Toxic Orb activates. U-turn is very important for generating momentum, with Landorus-T being able to both force switches and underspeed the likes of Gliscor and Kartana to bring in a teammate completely freely. Rock Tomb is a niche option that threatens Mega Charizard X before it Mega Evolves, negates the Speed boost from Dragon Dance, and prevents Hawlucha from setting up safely due to the Speed drop.
Set Details
========
144 Speed EVs ensure that Landorus-T outpaces Modest Heatran, with the remaining EVs put towards physical bulk. Maximum HP and Defense investment can also be used if Heatran is adequately covered by teammates, maximizing Landorus-T's physical bulk and letting it get the slower U-turn against standard Landorus-T sets and Gliscor. Rocky Helmet punishes contact moves, most commonly U-turn from opposing Landorus-T and Mega Scizor and attacks from Kartana and Mega Medicham. Iapapa Berry gives Landorus-T some of the longevity it desires, giving it a second wind after trading HP with the likes of Mega Charizard X. Flyinium Z punishes Hawlucha and Grass-types like Serperior and Tapu Bulu.
Usage Tips
========
The main benefit of defensive Landorus-T is that it can directly switch into physical attackers like Choice Scarf Kartana and Mega Lopunny and use its lower Speed to safely bring in a teammate with U-turn. Landorus-T can punish threatened Pokemon like Heatran by setting Stealth Rock for free as they switch out, and after it has already set them up or if it is more advantageous to do so, it can keep momentum going with U-turn after forcing a switch. When facing the likes of Mega Charizard X and Mega Mawile, conserving Landorus-T's health is quite important due to the fine margins of these one-on-one interactions.
Team Options
========
This set is best used on offense and bulky offense teams, which benefit from its immediate bulk and aim for fast-paced games where Landorus-T's lack of longevity doesn't hold it back as much. It pairs great with other pivots like Magearna, Rotom-W, and Tornadus-T, all of which are capable of generating momentum just like Landorus-T. Assault Vest Magearna acts as a blanket special check to complement Landorus-T's similar physically defensive capabilities, with its typing providing a useful resistance to Grass to help with Kartana and handling Ice-types like Weavile and Kyurem-B short-term. Rotom-W and Tornadus-T offer entry hazard removal, and Mega Medicham, Choice Specs Tapu Lele, and Kyurem-B are prime examples of wallbreaking teammates for Landorus-T to get in safely with U-turn.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Stealth Rock / Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fly / Stone Edge
item: Flyinium Z / Rockium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Carrying Stealth Rock allows Landorus-T to compress roles for its team even in this offensive role, additionally giving it more usefulness in the face of roadblocks like Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Mega Latias. Furthermore, Landorus-T has an easier time getting Stealth Rock opportunities with this set due to Swords Dance letting it threaten out Mega Sableye and Gliscor and its Z-Move alone threatening out Tornadus-T. Substitute could be used instead of Stealth Rock if it's already fit elsewhere on the team, easing prediction in regard to Z-Move usage and blocking status moves like Will-O-Wisp from Mega Sableye and Leech Seed from Ferrothorn. Swords Dance aids Landorus-T's wallbreaking, with its boosted STAB Earthquake and especially its Z-Moves reaching absurd heights. Earthquake complements either choice of Z-Move very well by hitting Steel-types, and it's just a good, consistent damage dealing option. Supersonic Skystrike blows through pretty much anything that doesn't resist it, especially after a Swords Dance boost. Continental Crush snipes common Flying-resistant checks like Zapdos, Rotom-W, and Celesteela, being able to OHKO the last at +2.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is used to outspeed Excadrill and Speed tie with other Landorus-T. Flyinium Z and Rockium Z need to be used with Fly and Stone Edge, respectively, both bolstering Landorus-T's breaking power immensely.
Usage Tips
========
This best way to use this set is to get in safely with pivoting support or after a sacrifice, with the goal being to set up a Swords Dance to flip the script against an incoming defensive answer like Tapu Bulu or Ferrothorn with Flyinium Z or others like Zapdos and Rotom-W with Rockium Z. Landorus-T can use these same free turns to set up Stealth Rock early in the game, which is especially useful if its defensive answers are still healthy. In the case of the Flyinium Z variant, Landorus-T only has one shot to hit Ground-immune Pokemon, so make sure that its target is in KO range if it isn't outright OHKOed, and be careful when the opponent has a low health Pokemon waiting to be sacrificed. Additionally, Flyinium Z Landorus-T's known downside of relying on its Z-Move to hit so many Pokemon gives opponents lots of reason to switch out against +2 Landorus-T to burn its Z-Move, so keep in mind that your opponent might bring in the likes of Heatran or Jirachi, Flying-resistant Pokemon weak to Ground, to waste Supersonic Skystrike. If Landorus-T's set hasn't been revealed, and it's still plausible that it's a defensive set, then it can surprise the likes of Tornadus-T with an immediate Z-Move rather than waiting to set up.
Team Options
========
This set is generally seen on offense teams, acting as the recipient of pivoting support rather than the pivot itself. Bulky pivots like Magearna and Rotom-W can get Landorus-T in safely and make up for its lack of bulk. Tornadus-T is another option that can support against Kartana and Mega Medicham and carries Defog. Ash-Greninja is one of the top beneficiaries of Landorus-T's removal of Tapu Bulu, and it creates a hazard-stacking core with its Spikes. Rockium Z variants remove key Flying-types in Zapdos and Celesteela, allowing Choice Scarf Kartana to go wild late-game. Weavile can Pursuit trap Mega Latias and can weaken the likes of Rotom-W and Skarmory. Tapu Koko is an offensive pivoting option that benefits from the removal of Tapu Bulu and Ferrothorn and can pressure Landorus-T's defensive answers.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Tomb / Imprison / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Explosion / Imprison / U-turn
item: Focus Sash / Yache Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Landorus-T has a great toolkit for a lead Pokemon, making use of Focus Sash to set Stealth Rock consistently to start off a game with momentum for its hyper offense teammates. Earthquake is important for hitting Stealth Rock users like Heatran and lead Excadrill, as well as trading damage without committing to using Explosion. Rock Tomb is Landorus-T's specialized weapon against faster Defoggers, ensuring it's able to force Stealth Rock and chip down the likes of Tornadus-T and Zapdos. It additionally slows down fast threats like Tornadus-T and Mega Latias, allowing a previously slower teammate to revenge kill or set up on them easier. With Imprison, Landorus-T can actively block entry hazards from setters, notably Excadrill and opposing Landorus-T. Explosion spreads good damage to targets like Rotom-W and Mega Latias and lets a teammate come in safely with momentum the next turn. Additionally, it prevents Defog attempts from slower Pokemon on the turn it's used. Hidden Power Ice is an option to replace Imprison that gets valuable damage on Garchomp and opposing Landorus-T and puts Gliscor in range of Explosion the next turn. U-turn should only be run with Yache Berry, giving Landorus-T better utility mid-game rather than sacrificing itself with Explosion. Additionally, on sets featuring both Imprison and U-turn, Landorus-T can block opposing U-turn with Imprison.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature lets Landorus-T Speed tie with other maximum Speed Landorus-T, which is important for Imprison. Otherwise, the Speed is generally useful for Excadrill and more consistently hitting opposing Landorus-T with Explosion. If running Hidden Power Ice, a Naive nature should be used instead. Yache Berry allows Landorus-T to set Stealth Rock against Mega Medicham while still surviving Kyurem-B's Ice Beam and Choice Specs Tapu Koko's Hidden Power Ice. When running Yache Berry, a spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe should be used instead, as this set is tailored more towards having mid-game usage as well instead of using Explosion for momentum.
Usage Tips
========
For the most part, this set's usage is quite linear. Prioritize setting Stealth Rock, even if Landorus-T must be sacrificed to do so. Imprison is always the play against slower Stealth Rock users like Ferrothorn and Excadrill; against faster dedicated leads like Mew and Diancie, it's better to either lead with a teammate that threatens them out instead if possible or to just attack them due to Mew outspeeding and using Taunt and Diancie potentially Mega Evolving. Faster Defoggers like Tornadus-T and Kartana should be met with Rock Tomb immediately, and if the opposing team isn't bothered by Stealth Rock, Landorus-T can even explode immediately to put the likes of Mega Latias and Pelipper out of commission. Another case where leading with Landorus-T should be reconsidered is against Taunt Serperior, which can prevent Stealth Rock from the get-go and is unfazed by Rock Tomb due to Contrary. Yache Berry lead Landorus-T variants do not share the sacrificial nature as Focus Sash variants, and it is often good to preserve Landorus-T for later in the game after setting Stealth Rock.
Team Options
========
This set is made for hyper offense teams, as they appreciate Landorus-T starting the game off well with Stealth Rock, with it generating useful momentum from the very start with its self-sacrifice and potentially preventing Stealth Rock with Imprison. Taunt support Serperior helps with entry hazard control, blocking hazards with Taunt and having the option to use Defog against defensive setters like Ferrothorn in a pinch to enable hazard-weak teammates. Examples of hazard-weak hyper offense teammates that appreciate Landorus-T stopping defensive Stealth Rock setters like Ferrothorn are Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Gyarados. The latter two are notable due to Landorus-T's proficiency at weakening the likes of Rotom-W and Zapdos with Explosion, making them easier to break through later on. Other setup sweepers like Mega Tyranitar and Dragonite are good fits for the hyper offense teams this set is seen on, and they can find early opportunities against Pokemon that Landorus-T slowed with Rock Tomb. Cresselia provides a good switch-in against Mega Medicham, an incredibly hostile lead matchup for Focus Sash Landorus-T, and can provide the team with Thunder Wave and Lunar Dance support. Kommo-o is a threatening setup sweeper with Clangorous Soulblaze, and it has the additional quality of soft-checking Ash-Greninja with its typing.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Smack Down can be used to force out Skarmory and Celesteela, hit Rotom-W as it switches in, and work in tandem with Swords Dance to force Stealth Rock against Defoggers such as Gliscor and opposing Landorus-T. Yache Berry allows Landorus-T to stay in against the likes of Hidden Power Ice Tapu Koko, Ice Punch Mega Medicham, and Weavile to trade damage. Life Orb gives offensive variants a useful power boost that lets it surprise Toxapex with an OHKO and 2HKOes Mega Scizor after Stealth Rock with Earthquake, though the Life Orb recoil doesn't help Landorus-T's already limited longevity. Soft Sand is an option that skips the recoil damage to give Earthquake a general power boost, still being quite favorable to OHKO Toxapex, but it's limited to only boosting Earthquake and isn't as potent. A Relaxed nature with minimum Speed investment can be run to underspeed opposing Landorus-T and Rotom-W, allowing it to get the slower U-turn out and take advantage of predicted Volt Switch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Skarmory and Celesteela have an easy time walling Landorus-T for the most part, with Zapdos being able to easily defensively answer Landorus-T lacking a Rock-type move and Toxic and punishing its U-turn with Static. Hawlucha can use some defensive Landorus-T variants as setup fodder, and Mega Charizard Y and Flyinium Z Tornadus-T can switch into Earthquake and offensively threaten out Landorus-T, though they have to be careful about switching into potential Z-Moves or other Rock-type attacks. Levitate users like Mega Latias and Rotom-W can handle Landorus-T defensively, but in practice, they are incredibly irritated by U-turn, which they don't resist.
**Grass-types**: Tapu Bulu halves the power of Earthquake with its terrain and takes neutral damage from U-turn, and Serperior can switch into Earthquake and threaten Landorus-T with Leaf Storm. However, these Pokemon have to be very careful of Supersonic Skystrike wiping them out instantly. Defog + Synthesis Kartana can switch into Landorus-T and reliably heal off damage, use Defog on its Stealth Rock, and OHKO it with Bloom Doom. Other variants of Kartana like Swords Dance and Choice Band can threaten Landorus-T, though it doesn’t resist Earthquake.
**Water-types**: Ash-Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes Landorus-T if it's able to get in safely, even having the option to hit Choice Scarf Landorus-T with its priority Water Shuriken. Under rain, Mega Swampert outruns even Choice Scarf Landorus-T and can OHKO it with Waterfall, and Manaphy and Pelipper can brave an attack and threaten back with their rain-boosted STAB attacks. Toxapex can survive Earthquake from full health and threaten Landorus-T with a Scald burn.
**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Weavile, Kyurem, and Kyurem-B are able to outspeed and chase out Landorus-T with ease, despite Weavile having a hard time switching in and all three potentially needing to brave Stealth Rock damage to do so. Ice-type coverage is everywhere in the tier, partially thanks to Landorus-T's prominence, so Hidden Power Ice from Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ice Beam from Mega Latias and Magearna, and Ice Punch from Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile are all something to be very careful of.
**Faster Wallbreakers**: Landorus-T's average Speed leaves it liable to being threatened out by strong attackers like Mega Medicham, Choice Specs Tapu Lele, and Mega Charizard Y if they are able to get in safely. Landorus-T can circumvent this vulnerability with Choice Scarf, however.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[OVERVIEW]
Landorus-T's versatility is impossible to compete with; not only does it act as a blanket check for physical attackers like Mega Charizard X and Choice Scarf Kartana using its perfect-fitting ability Intimidate and pose a significant threat with its absurd base 145 Attack stat to throw off STAB Earthquakes and potential Z-Moves, but it also has nearly every utility option you would want to run on it, from both Stealth Rock and Defog to U-turn and Knock Off. All of this is complemented by its all-rounder stats, including its workable Speed stat that makes Choice Scarf sets an option, and its impressive Ground / Flying typing that possesses important immunities to common types in Electric and Ground. Landorus-T is the godfather of role compression, ticking lots of boxes and opening up all sorts of possibilities in regard to teambuilding. However, Landorus-T has no forms of reliable recovery, making its defensive profile noticeably temporary. Its middling Speed and 4x weakness to Ice are both plenty exploitable, with its presence encouraging faster attackers like Mega Medicham and Tapu Koko to pack Ice-type coverage to threaten it.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Stone Edge / Explosion / Hidden Power Ice / Punishment / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Defog / Explosion
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 232 Atk / 68 Def / 208 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
With a Choice Scarf, Landorus-T acts as a revenge killer with considerable defensive utility, being able to threaten out fast attackers like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Koko and clean up late-game with Earthquake. U-turn allows Landorus-T to build momentum as it forces out attackers, and it is an especially useful move to have when Choice-locked, as locking into the wrong move can give a free turn to foes. Stone Edge snipes the likes of Zapdos, non-Mega Charizard, Mega Charizard Y, and Tornadus-T. Explosion deals massive damage to neutral targets like Rotom-W, Gliscor, and Tornadus-T before bringing in a teammate for free with momentum. Hidden Power Ice hits opposing Landorus-T and prevents Gliscor from switching in safely. Punishment is a last-ditch defense against certain Calm Mind sweepers, switching in to revenge kill a set-up Mega Latias after three Calm Mind boosts, OHKO Reuniclus after four boosts, and deal huge damage to Cresselia after four boosts. Hidden Power Fire allows Landorus-T to consistently revenge kill Choice Band and Swords Dance Kartana. Defog allows Landorus-T to clear entry hazards in a pinch, further compressing roles for its team and supporting hazard-weak teammates.
Set Details
========
64 Defense EVs let Landorus-T always survive +2 Acrobatics from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock damage, and 208 Speed EVs give Landorus-T the jump on +1 Kommo-o, with the rest of the EVs pooled into attack. A more defensive spread of 32 HP / 128 Atk / 128 Def / 220 Spe ensures that Landorus-T survives a Flare Blitz from Jolly Mega Charizard X after Stealth Rock damage, outspeeds Adamant Mega Charizard X after a Dragon Dance, and dumps the remaining EVs into Attack.
Usage Tips
========
The primary benefits of Choice Scarf Landorus-T are that it gives its team a great Speed tier and can revenge kill very fast attackers like Mega Alakazam, though it doesn't need to shy away from taking hits itself by any means. Landorus-T's bulk, helped by Intimidate, lets it switch into physical attackers like Mega Charizard X and Choice Scarf Victini short-term, and its typing gives it opportunities to predict and switch into Volt Switch from the likes of Tapu Koko and Magearna and resisted attacks like Mega Alakazam's Focus Blast and Mega Medicham's High Jump Kick if it needs to, but it should be avoiding switching into these Pokemon often due to the high risk. Aim to use U-turn more often than not to bring in offensive teammates safely and mitigate the risk of handing over a dangerous free turn due to being Choice-locked. However, this can be detrimental when facing contact-punishing ability users like Zapdos and Ferrothorn and Rocky Helmet users like opposing Landorus-T and Tornadus-T, so manually switching out would be better in those matchups.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Landorus-T is perhaps the most versatile in regard to the team styles that it fits on, ranging from acting as an entry hazard control option on hyper offense teams to being a revenge killer and providing speed control for balance teams. On hyper offense teams, it would be paired with a dedicated lead, like Mew or Mega Diancie, that is tasked with both starting the game off with Stealth Rock and keeping off opposing hazards, reducing the risk of Landorus-T of killing its momentum with Defog. Strong wallbreakers like Mega Medicham, Tapu Lele, and Kyurem-B are prime candidates for Landorus-T's pivoting, as they can break holes in opposing teams that include Landorus-T's answers like Rotom-W and Zapdos. Heatran has useful resistances to both Ice and Fairy, letting it switch into the likes of Magearna and Tapu Koko to punish their attempts to predict Landorus-T; Heatran is additionally able to set Stealth Rock and take chunks out of Rotom-W. Bulky pivots like Magearna and Rotom-W work together with Landorus-T to continue the chain of momentum and can take the heat off of it in the face of threats like Ash-Greninja and Mega Swampert, respectively. Defensive Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn form a nice defensive backbone for Landorus-T on balance teams, switching into Ash-Greninja and setting hazards, while, in return, Landorus-T chases out the likes of Tapu Koko, Mega Alakazam, and Swords Dance Mega Charizard X. Calm Mind Mega Latias benefits from Landorus-T threatening Steel-types like Magearna, Jirachi, and Heatran and using U-turn to pivot it in on Pokemon that it can set up on, like Tapu Bulu, Rotom-W, and Zapdos.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock / Defog
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Toxic / Fly / Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Defog / Rock Tomb
move 4: U-turn
item: Rocky Helmet / Iapapa Berry / Flyinium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Landorus-T generally prefers to use Stealth Rock over Defog by virtue of having very limited longevity, which doesn't mesh well with an ideal entry hazard removal option; however, it certainly can use Defog well, and the choice of whether to run Stealth Rock or Defog should be based on what fits the team better. It can even run both at once if necessary, letting it both set and clear hazards depending on the circumstance. Earthquake is an obvious choice to hit back at the likes of Mega Charizard X and Mega Mawile while acting as a short-term check to them. Hidden Power Ice 2HKOes opposing Landorus-T, hits Garchomp harder, and somewhat pressures Gliscor, but it generally shouldn't be used against anything without a 4x Ice weakness due to its low power. Toxic punishes defensive answers like Zapdos, Rotom-W, and opposing Landorus-T, as well as putting offensive Pokemon that might attempt to use Landorus-T as setup fodder, such as pre-Mega Charizard, Dragonite, and Hawlucha, on a timer. Fly should only ever be used alongside Flyinium Z, with Supersonic Skystrike allowing Landorus-T to take out an unsuspecting Hawlucha attempting to use it as setup fodder, as well as sniping Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Serperior and hitting neutral targets hard. Hidden Power Fire lets Landorus-T actually beat Kartana as opposed to just switching in to lower its attack and scout its move, with the added bonus of dealing extra damage against Mega Scizor. Knock Off is great against item-reliant Pokemon like Chansey, Celesteela, and Tapu Fini, and it prevents Gliscor from switching in safely before its Toxic Orb activates. U-turn is very important for generating momentum, with Landorus-T being able to both force switches and underspeed the likes of Gliscor and Kartana to bring in a teammate completely freely. Rock Tomb is a niche option that threatens Mega Charizard X before it Mega Evolves, negates the Speed boost from Dragon Dance, and prevents Hawlucha from setting up safely due to the Speed drop.
Set Details
========
144 Speed EVs ensure that Landorus-T outpaces Modest Heatran, with the remaining EVs put towards physical bulk. Maximum HP and Defense investment can also be used if Heatran is adequately covered by teammates, maximizing Landorus-T's physical bulk and letting it get the slower U-turn against standard Landorus-T sets and Gliscor. Rocky Helmet punishes contact moves, most commonly U-turn from opposing Landorus-T and Mega Scizor and attacks from Kartana and Mega Medicham. Iapapa Berry gives Landorus-T some of the longevity it desires, giving it a second wind after trading HP with the likes of Mega Charizard X. Flyinium Z punishes Hawlucha and Grass-types like Serperior and Tapu Bulu.
Usage Tips
========
The main benefit of defensive Landorus-T is that it can directly switch into physical attackers like Choice Scarf Kartana and Mega Lopunny and use its lower Speed to safely bring in a teammate with U-turn. Landorus-T can punish threatened Pokemon like Heatran by setting Stealth Rock for free as they switch out, and after it has already set them up or if it is more advantageous to do so, it can keep momentum going with U-turn after forcing a switch. When facing the likes of Mega Charizard X and Mega Mawile, conserving Landorus-T's health is quite important due to the fine margins of these one-on-one interactions.
Team Options
========
This set is best used on offense and bulky offense teams, which benefit from its immediate bulk and aim for fast-paced games where Landorus-T's lack of longevity doesn't hold it back as much. It pairs great with other pivots like Magearna, Rotom-W, and Tornadus-T, all of which are capable of generating momentum just like Landorus-T. Assault Vest Magearna acts as a blanket special check to complement Landorus-T's similar physically defensive capabilities, with its typing providing a useful resistance to Grass to help with Kartana and handling Ice-types like Weavile and Kyurem-B short-term. Rotom-W and Tornadus-T offer entry hazard removal, and Mega Medicham, Choice Specs Tapu Lele, and Kyurem-B are prime examples of wallbreaking teammates for Landorus-T to get in safely with U-turn.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Stealth Rock / Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fly / Stone Edge
item: Flyinium Z / Rockium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Carrying Stealth Rock allows Landorus-T to compress roles for its team even in this offensive role, additionally giving it more usefulness in the face of roadblocks like Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Mega Latias. Furthermore, Landorus-T has an easier time getting Stealth Rock opportunities with this set due to Swords Dance letting it threaten out Mega Sableye and Gliscor and its Z-Move alone threatening out Tornadus-T. Substitute could be used instead of Stealth Rock if it's already fit elsewhere on the team, easing prediction in regard to Z-Move usage and blocking status moves like Will-O-Wisp from Mega Sableye and Leech Seed from Ferrothorn. Swords Dance aids Landorus-T's wallbreaking, with its boosted STAB Earthquake and especially its Z-Moves reaching absurd heights. Earthquake complements either choice of Z-Move very well by hitting Steel-types, and it's just a good, consistent damage dealing option. Supersonic Skystrike blows through pretty much anything that doesn't resist it, especially after a Swords Dance boost. Continental Crush snipes common Flying-resistant checks like Zapdos, Rotom-W, and Celesteela, being able to OHKO the last at +2.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is used to outspeed Excadrill and Speed tie with other Landorus-T. Flyinium Z and Rockium Z need to be used with Fly and Stone Edge, respectively, both bolstering Landorus-T's breaking power immensely.
Usage Tips
========
This best way to use this set is to get in safely with pivoting support or after a sacrifice, with the goal being to set up a Swords Dance to flip the script against an incoming defensive answer like Tapu Bulu or Ferrothorn with Flyinium Z or others like Zapdos and Rotom-W with Rockium Z. Landorus-T can use these same free turns to set up Stealth Rock early in the game, which is especially useful if its defensive answers are still healthy. In the case of the Flyinium Z variant, Landorus-T only has one shot to hit Ground-immune Pokemon, so make sure that its target is in KO range if it isn't outright OHKOed, and be careful when the opponent has a low health Pokemon waiting to be sacrificed. Additionally, Flyinium Z Landorus-T's known downside of relying on its Z-Move to hit so many Pokemon gives opponents lots of reason to switch out against +2 Landorus-T to burn its Z-Move, so keep in mind that your opponent might bring in the likes of Heatran or Jirachi, Flying-resistant Pokemon weak to Ground, to waste Supersonic Skystrike. If Landorus-T's set hasn't been revealed, and it's still plausible that it's a defensive set, then it can surprise the likes of Tornadus-T with an immediate Z-Move rather than waiting to set up.
Team Options
========
This set is generally seen on offense teams, acting as the recipient of pivoting support rather than the pivot itself. Bulky pivots like Magearna and Rotom-W can get Landorus-T in safely and make up for its lack of bulk. Tornadus-T is another option that can support against Kartana and Mega Medicham and carries Defog. Ash-Greninja is one of the top beneficiaries of Landorus-T's removal of Tapu Bulu, and it creates a hazard-stacking core with its Spikes. Rockium Z variants remove key Flying-types in Zapdos and Celesteela, allowing Choice Scarf Kartana to go wild late-game. Weavile can Pursuit trap Mega Latias and can weaken the likes of Rotom-W and Skarmory. Tapu Koko is an offensive pivoting option that benefits from the removal of Tapu Bulu and Ferrothorn and can pressure Landorus-T's defensive answers.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Tomb / Imprison / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Explosion / Imprison / U-turn
item: Focus Sash / Yache Berry
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Landorus-T has a great toolkit for a lead Pokemon, making use of Focus Sash to set Stealth Rock consistently to start off a game with momentum for its hyper offense teammates. Earthquake is important for hitting Stealth Rock users like Heatran and lead Excadrill, as well as trading damage without committing to using Explosion. Rock Tomb is Landorus-T's specialized weapon against faster Defoggers, ensuring it's able to force Stealth Rock and chip down the likes of Tornadus-T and Zapdos. It additionally slows down fast threats like Tornadus-T and Mega Latias, allowing a previously slower teammate to revenge kill or set up on them easier. With Imprison, Landorus-T can actively block entry hazards from setters, notably Excadrill and opposing Landorus-T. Explosion spreads good damage to targets like Rotom-W and Mega Latias and lets a teammate come in safely with momentum the next turn. Additionally, it prevents Defog attempts from slower Pokemon on the turn it's used. Hidden Power Ice is an option to replace Imprison that gets valuable damage on Garchomp and opposing Landorus-T and puts Gliscor in range of Explosion the next turn. U-turn should only be run with Yache Berry, giving Landorus-T better utility mid-game rather than sacrificing itself with Explosion. Additionally, on sets featuring both Imprison and U-turn, Landorus-T can block opposing U-turn with Imprison.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature lets Landorus-T Speed tie with other maximum Speed Landorus-T, which is important for Imprison. Otherwise, the Speed is generally useful for Excadrill and more consistently hitting opposing Landorus-T with Explosion. If running Hidden Power Ice, a Naive nature should be used instead. Yache Berry allows Landorus-T to set Stealth Rock against Mega Medicham while still surviving Kyurem-B's Ice Beam and Choice Specs Tapu Koko's Hidden Power Ice. When running Yache Berry, a spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe should be used instead, as this set is tailored more towards having mid-game usage as well instead of using Explosion for momentum.
Usage Tips
========
For the most part, this set's usage is quite linear. Prioritize setting Stealth Rock, even if Landorus-T must be sacrificed to do so. Imprison is always the play against slower Stealth Rock users like Ferrothorn and Excadrill; against faster dedicated leads like Mew and Diancie, it's better to either lead with a teammate that threatens them out instead if possible or to just attack them due to Mew outspeeding and using Taunt and Diancie potentially Mega Evolving. Faster Defoggers like Tornadus-T and Kartana should be met with Rock Tomb immediately, and if the opposing team isn't bothered by Stealth Rock, Landorus-T can even explode immediately to put the likes of Mega Latias and Pelipper out of commission. Another case where leading with Landorus-T should be reconsidered is against Taunt Serperior, which can prevent Stealth Rock from the get-go and is unfazed by Rock Tomb due to Contrary. Yache Berry lead Landorus-T variants do not share the sacrificial nature as Focus Sash variants, and it is often good to preserve Landorus-T for later in the game after setting Stealth Rock.
Team Options
========
This set is made for hyper offense teams, as they appreciate Landorus-T starting the game off well with Stealth Rock, with it generating useful momentum from the very start with its self-sacrifice and potentially preventing Stealth Rock with Imprison. Taunt support Serperior helps with entry hazard control, blocking hazards with Taunt and having the option to use Defog against defensive setters like Ferrothorn in a pinch to enable hazard-weak teammates. Examples of hazard-weak hyper offense teammates that appreciate Landorus-T stopping defensive Stealth Rock setters like Ferrothorn are Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Gyarados. The latter two are notable due to Landorus-T's proficiency at weakening the likes of Rotom-W and Zapdos with Explosion, making them easier to break through later on. Other setup sweepers like Mega Tyranitar and Dragonite are good fits for the hyper offense teams this set is seen on, and they can find early opportunities against Pokemon that Landorus-T slowed with Rock Tomb. Cresselia provides a good switch-in against Mega Medicham, an incredibly hostile lead matchup for Focus Sash Landorus-T, and can provide the team with Thunder Wave and Lunar Dance support. Kommo-o is a threatening setup sweeper with Clangorous Soulblaze, and it has the additional quality of soft-checking Ash-Greninja with its typing.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Smack Down can be used to force out Skarmory and Celesteela, hit Rotom-W as it switches in, and work in tandem with Swords Dance to force Stealth Rock against Defoggers such as Gliscor and opposing Landorus-T. Yache Berry allows Landorus-T to stay in against the likes of Hidden Power Ice Tapu Koko, Ice Punch Mega Medicham, and Weavile to trade damage. Life Orb gives offensive variants a useful power boost that lets it surprise Toxapex with an OHKO and 2HKOes Mega Scizor after Stealth Rock with Earthquake, though the Life Orb recoil doesn't help Landorus-T's already limited longevity. Soft Sand is an option that skips the recoil damage to give Earthquake a general power boost, still being quite favorable to OHKO Toxapex, but it's limited to only boosting Earthquake and isn't as potent. A Relaxed nature with minimum Speed investment can be run to underspeed opposing Landorus-T and Rotom-W, allowing it to get the slower U-turn out and take advantage of predicted Volt Switch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Skarmory and Celesteela have an easy time walling Landorus-T for the most part, with Zapdos being able to easily defensively answer Landorus-T lacking a Rock-type move and Toxic and punishing its U-turn with Static. Hawlucha can use some defensive Landorus-T variants as setup fodder, and Mega Charizard Y and Flyinium Z Tornadus-T can switch into Earthquake and offensively threaten out Landorus-T, though they have to be careful about switching into potential Z-Moves or other Rock-type attacks. Levitate users like Mega Latias and Rotom-W can handle Landorus-T defensively, but in practice, they are incredibly irritated by U-turn, which they don't resist.
**Grass-types**: Tapu Bulu halves the power of Earthquake with its terrain and takes neutral damage from U-turn, and Serperior can switch into Earthquake and threaten Landorus-T with Leaf Storm. However, these Pokemon have to be very careful of Supersonic Skystrike wiping them out instantly. Defog + Synthesis Kartana can switch into Landorus-T and reliably heal off damage, use Defog on its Stealth Rock, and OHKO it with Bloom Doom. Other variants of Kartana like Swords Dance and Choice Band can threaten Landorus-T, though it doesn’t resist Earthquake.
**Water-types**: Ash-Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes Landorus-T if it's able to get in safely, even having the option to hit Choice Scarf Landorus-T with its priority Water Shuriken. Under rain, Mega Swampert outruns even Choice Scarf Landorus-T and can OHKO it with Waterfall, and Manaphy and Pelipper can brave an attack and threaten back with their rain-boosted STAB attacks. Toxapex can survive Earthquake from full health and threaten Landorus-T with a Scald burn.
**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Weavile, Kyurem, and Kyurem-B are able to outspeed and chase out Landorus-T with ease, despite Weavile having a hard time switching in and all three potentially needing to brave Stealth Rock damage to do so. Ice-type coverage is everywhere in the tier, partially thanks to Landorus-T's prominence, so Hidden Power Ice from Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ice Beam from Mega Latias and Magearna, and Ice Punch from Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile are all something to be very careful of.
**Faster Wallbreakers**: Landorus-T's average Speed leaves it liable to being threatened out by strong attackers like Mega Medicham, Choice Specs Tapu Lele, and Mega Charizard Y if they are able to get in safely. Landorus-T can circumvent this vulnerability with Choice Scarf, however.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Last edited:
