I definitely want to give this a shot. Not very experienced with this, but here I go!
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Leech Seed / Thunder Wave
- Gyro Ball / Power Whip
Role: Mixed Wall / Lead / Hazard Setter
What It Does: Ferrothorn is one of the most common and effective defensive mons around, with a fantastic typing that grants him nine resistances, one immunity, and only two weaknesses. He also has access to two of the most common hazards, Stealth Rock being the most important as it can seriously harm any Fire-type switch-ins. Along with his sturdy defenses, it's not uncommon for him to be able to set up SR and a layer or two of Spikes. Leech Seed and Thunder Wave are both solid options, with Leech Seed giving him additional recovery if he holds Leftovers while stacking passive damage from Iron Barbs (and a Rocky Helmet, if he holds one). Thunder Wave, meanwhile, takes care of just about anything that cares about its Speed. Lastly, Gyro Ball and Power Whip are two hard-hitting moves, even without investment, and having one means that Ferrothorn doesn't necessarily need to switch out if Taunted. The EV's in this spread (which I graciously stole from Smogon's BW analysis) capitalize Ferrothorn's sturdy bulk and nearly even out his defenses; however, they can be easily adjusted if you want him to specialize in a certain defense, especially with powerful Physical sweepers running amok, including Talonflame, Azumarill, and Aegislash. Leftovers is arguably the best item for Ferrothorn, especially when paired with Leech Seed, since he has no other means of restoring his health. Rocky Helmet on the other hand is an interesting option that can subtract 25% of an enemy's health if they make contact with him, which is especially harmful to Rapid Spinners.
Good Teammates: Ferrothorn's supportive characteristics and unique typing make him a good teammate for just about anyone! Heatran is a clever ally, as it can switch into Fire-type attacks that threaten Ferrothorn for a boost from Flash Fire, and Heatran benefits greatly from Thunder Wave support due to its low speed. However, Politoed is a useful teammate, as Rain on the field means that Ferrothorn will only take 2x damage from Fire- attacks instead of 4x damage. Ferrothorn can also form a defensive core with bulky Ground-types like Hippowdown, as the two can easily cover their partner's weaknesses.
What Counters It: Quite literally any Fire-type, or anything with powerful Fire-type coverage. Even with defensive stats totaling above 300, Ferrothorn will quickly fall to the flames with a double weakness, and most Fire-types resist both of his STAB moves. Ferrothorn must also be aware of Trick users; a Scarfed Ferrothorn is practically useless. Magic Bouncers like Espeon can also reflect his hazards, though most don't have Fire- coverage and fall to Gyro Ball or Power Whip. Many more counters lie in the Steel-type, such as Excadrill (who can spin away hazards and Leech Seed, is immune to Thunder Wave, and can set up on Ferrothorn) and Magnezone (another that can set up with Charge Beam or KO with HP Fire, ignore Thunder Wave and even Leech Seed with Substitute, and trap with Magnet Pull). Fighting-types are also common counters, such as Lucario and Conkeldurr, but they should deal with Ferrothorn quickly or risk being paralyzed or seeded, as well as taking a few bruises from Iron Barbs.
Any Additional Info: Ferrothorn can run offensive sets with Curse, Swords Dance, or a Choice Band, though this is strictly for a defensive, more standard set. Other decent options are Toxic with Protect as well as Explosion. He also has Anticipation as a hidden ability, but I only listed this to say that you should never, ever use it.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Leech Seed / Thunder Wave
- Gyro Ball / Power Whip
Role: Mixed Wall / Lead / Hazard Setter
What It Does: Ferrothorn is one of the most common and effective defensive mons around, with a fantastic typing that grants him nine resistances, one immunity, and only two weaknesses. He also has access to two of the most common hazards, Stealth Rock being the most important as it can seriously harm any Fire-type switch-ins. Along with his sturdy defenses, it's not uncommon for him to be able to set up SR and a layer or two of Spikes. Leech Seed and Thunder Wave are both solid options, with Leech Seed giving him additional recovery if he holds Leftovers while stacking passive damage from Iron Barbs (and a Rocky Helmet, if he holds one). Thunder Wave, meanwhile, takes care of just about anything that cares about its Speed. Lastly, Gyro Ball and Power Whip are two hard-hitting moves, even without investment, and having one means that Ferrothorn doesn't necessarily need to switch out if Taunted. The EV's in this spread (which I graciously stole from Smogon's BW analysis) capitalize Ferrothorn's sturdy bulk and nearly even out his defenses; however, they can be easily adjusted if you want him to specialize in a certain defense, especially with powerful Physical sweepers running amok, including Talonflame, Azumarill, and Aegislash. Leftovers is arguably the best item for Ferrothorn, especially when paired with Leech Seed, since he has no other means of restoring his health. Rocky Helmet on the other hand is an interesting option that can subtract 25% of an enemy's health if they make contact with him, which is especially harmful to Rapid Spinners.
Good Teammates: Ferrothorn's supportive characteristics and unique typing make him a good teammate for just about anyone! Heatran is a clever ally, as it can switch into Fire-type attacks that threaten Ferrothorn for a boost from Flash Fire, and Heatran benefits greatly from Thunder Wave support due to its low speed. However, Politoed is a useful teammate, as Rain on the field means that Ferrothorn will only take 2x damage from Fire- attacks instead of 4x damage. Ferrothorn can also form a defensive core with bulky Ground-types like Hippowdown, as the two can easily cover their partner's weaknesses.
What Counters It: Quite literally any Fire-type, or anything with powerful Fire-type coverage. Even with defensive stats totaling above 300, Ferrothorn will quickly fall to the flames with a double weakness, and most Fire-types resist both of his STAB moves. Ferrothorn must also be aware of Trick users; a Scarfed Ferrothorn is practically useless. Magic Bouncers like Espeon can also reflect his hazards, though most don't have Fire- coverage and fall to Gyro Ball or Power Whip. Many more counters lie in the Steel-type, such as Excadrill (who can spin away hazards and Leech Seed, is immune to Thunder Wave, and can set up on Ferrothorn) and Magnezone (another that can set up with Charge Beam or KO with HP Fire, ignore Thunder Wave and even Leech Seed with Substitute, and trap with Magnet Pull). Fighting-types are also common counters, such as Lucario and Conkeldurr, but they should deal with Ferrothorn quickly or risk being paralyzed or seeded, as well as taking a few bruises from Iron Barbs.
Any Additional Info: Ferrothorn can run offensive sets with Curse, Swords Dance, or a Choice Band, though this is strictly for a defensive, more standard set. Other decent options are Toxic with Protect as well as Explosion. He also has Anticipation as a hidden ability, but I only listed this to say that you should never, ever use it.
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