[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Body Press / Knock Off
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Iron Defense / Curse
move 4: Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Physically defensive Ferrothorn is a valuable defensive cornerstone that provides entry hazard support and checks many prominent physical attackers such as Zekrom, Groudon, and Zygarde. Its excellent typing also allows it to soft check Kyogre, which allows Eternatus to play more offensively. Iron Defense or Curse allows Ferrothorn to bolster its Defense to check physical setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Zekrom and Zygarde. Body Press is the preferred attack on Ferrothorn, as its power is based on Ferrothorn’s Defense; it also allows Ferrothorn to punish Yveltal for using Roost, helping Ferrothorn keep entry hazards up and weakening Yveltal to enable a Calyrex-S sweep. Knock Off and Curse are alternatives to Body Press and Iron Defense, respectively, that debilitate pivots heavily dependent on Heavy-Duty Boots such as Ho-Oh, cripple item-dependent breakers such as Marshadow, and threaten Calyrex-S. Knock Off also allows Ferrothorn to make immediate progress against opposing Eternatus and Ferrothorn by removing their Black Sludge and Leftovers. However, the extra stage of Defense that Iron Defense provides over Curse is often crucial for surviving matchups against certain powerful physical sweepers such as Life Orb Zygarde and Swords Dance Groudon. Leech Seed allows Ferrothorn to gain an incredible amount of passive recovery alongside Leftovers while chipping foes. Maximum Defense and HP investment with a Bold or Impish nature allows Ferrothorn to best handle the threats it checks.
Physically defensive Ferrothorn works well on teams with wallbreakers that would benefit from Spikes support and beat its checks and counters; Zacian-C, Xerneas, Marshadow, and Kyogre are all great partners. Body Press Ferrothorn synergizes well with Calyrex-S, as it pressures specially defensive Yveltal with a super effective hit after using Roost. Knock Off users can also take advantage of Ferrothorn’s Spikes by knocking Heavy-Duty Boots off of enemy defensive pivots, making them prone to chip damage. Taunt Yveltal pairs effectively with Ferrothorn as it prevents enemy Defog and recovery, magnifying the impact of Spikes on entry hazard stack teams. Zekrom, Zygarde-C, and Kyogre all pressure Ho-Oh, one of Ferrothorn’s most notable checks. Another good partner for physically defensive Ferrothorn is Eternatus; Eternatus's convenient typing and bulk allow it to absorb super effective Fire- and Fighting-type attacks aimed at Ferrothorn, sponge Knock Off, which would otherwise deny Ferrothorn's Leftovers recovery, and drain Defog PP with Pressure, all while acting as a team's mandatory Kyogre check. Lastly, Ferrothorn appreciates Groudon, as it threatens Ho-Oh with Stone Edge and reliably sets Stealth Rock, which easily enables multiple layers of hazard stacking when used in conjunction with Ferrothorn's Spikes.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ferrothorn has no other viable options.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can consistently switch into Ferrothorn due to Regenerator, force it out with the threat of a powerful Sacred Fire, and remove its Spikes with Defog. However, Ho-Oh fears losing its Heavy-Duty Boots to a Knock Off, since it will become much easier to wear down if Stealth Rock is on the opponent's side of the field. Ho-Oh doesn't appreciate Toxic either; being badly poisoned takes away from its ability to come out on top against Stealth Rock Necrozma-DM.
**Eternatus**: A well-played Eternatus is the second largest obstacle for Ferrothorn. Not only does Eternatus force Ferrothorn out with Flamethrower or Mystical Fire, it's also capable of PP stalling Ferrothorn out of Spikes and Leech Seed in more drawn-out games, not being bothered by any of Ferrothorn's moves other than Knock Off.
**Calyrex-S**: Calyrex-S takes advantage of Body Press Ferrothorn’s inability to damage Ghost-type Pokemon and will often set up a Nasty Plot. However, Calyrex-S fears the possibility of Ferrothorn having Knock Off.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Foes like Zacian-C, Kyurem-W, and Marshadow easily force Ferrothorn out, as they often carry super effective coverage to break Ferrothorn. However, Marshadow and Zacian-C struggle to break Ferrothorn after an Iron Defense and threatens to retaliate with a boosted Body Press. Although Marshadow is immune to Body Press, it takes severe chip from Iron Barbs, Life Orb, and Leech Seed.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Generally strong wallbreakers such as Calyrex-S and Groudon are more than capable of heavily damaging Ferrothorn or forcing it out.
**Substitute Users**: Ferrothorn's passivity makes it setup fodder against foes behind a Substitute such as Zekrom, Xerneas, and Zygarde-C. However, Iron Defense enables Ferrothorn to defeat Substitute Zekrom and Zygarde-C with a boosted Body Press.
**Phazers**: Body Press Ferrothorn relies on Iron Defense to fortify its defenses in the face of physical attackers that boost their attack Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail is problematic for Ferrothorn as Ferrothorn loses its defense boosts when dragged out by Dragon Tail, rendering it unable to check Zygarde-C.
**Gothitelle**: Ferrothorn is unable to switch out against Gothitelle due to Shadow Tag, making it entirely susceptible to Taunt while being weakened by Charm. Gothitelle can also heal off any damage from Ferrothorn's weak attacks with Rest. However, Ferrothorn will still be able to greatly annoy Gothitelle by removing Leftovers and chipping away at its health with Leech Seed. Moreover, Gothitelle is incapable of trapping Ferrothorn if the latter opts to run Bullet Seed.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[WSun1, 485997]]
- Quality checked by: [[Fc, 511624], [baconeatinassassin, 367227]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Body Press / Knock Off
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Iron Defense / Curse
move 4: Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Physically defensive Ferrothorn is a valuable defensive cornerstone that provides entry hazard support and checks many prominent physical attackers such as Zekrom, Groudon, and Zygarde. Its excellent typing also allows it to soft check Kyogre, which allows Eternatus to play more offensively. Iron Defense or Curse allows Ferrothorn to bolster its Defense to check physical setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Zekrom and Zygarde. Body Press is the preferred attack on Ferrothorn, as its power is based on Ferrothorn’s Defense; it also allows Ferrothorn to punish Yveltal for using Roost, helping Ferrothorn keep entry hazards up and weakening Yveltal to enable a Calyrex-S sweep. Knock Off and Curse are alternatives to Body Press and Iron Defense, respectively, that debilitate pivots heavily dependent on Heavy-Duty Boots such as Ho-Oh, cripple item-dependent breakers such as Marshadow, and threaten Calyrex-S. Knock Off also allows Ferrothorn to make immediate progress against opposing Eternatus and Ferrothorn by removing their Black Sludge and Leftovers. However, the extra stage of Defense that Iron Defense provides over Curse is often crucial for surviving matchups against certain powerful physical sweepers such as Life Orb Zygarde and Swords Dance Groudon. Leech Seed allows Ferrothorn to gain an incredible amount of passive recovery alongside Leftovers while chipping foes. Maximum Defense and HP investment with a Bold or Impish nature allows Ferrothorn to best handle the threats it checks.
Physically defensive Ferrothorn works well on teams with wallbreakers that would benefit from Spikes support and beat its checks and counters; Zacian-C, Xerneas, Marshadow, and Kyogre are all great partners. Body Press Ferrothorn synergizes well with Calyrex-S, as it pressures specially defensive Yveltal with a super effective hit after using Roost. Knock Off users can also take advantage of Ferrothorn’s Spikes by knocking Heavy-Duty Boots off of enemy defensive pivots, making them prone to chip damage. Taunt Yveltal pairs effectively with Ferrothorn as it prevents enemy Defog and recovery, magnifying the impact of Spikes on entry hazard stack teams. Zekrom, Zygarde-C, and Kyogre all pressure Ho-Oh, one of Ferrothorn’s most notable checks. Another good partner for physically defensive Ferrothorn is Eternatus; Eternatus's convenient typing and bulk allow it to absorb super effective Fire- and Fighting-type attacks aimed at Ferrothorn, sponge Knock Off, which would otherwise deny Ferrothorn's Leftovers recovery, and drain Defog PP with Pressure, all while acting as a team's mandatory Kyogre check. Lastly, Ferrothorn appreciates Groudon, as it threatens Ho-Oh with Stone Edge and reliably sets Stealth Rock, which easily enables multiple layers of hazard stacking when used in conjunction with Ferrothorn's Spikes.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ferrothorn has no other viable options.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can consistently switch into Ferrothorn due to Regenerator, force it out with the threat of a powerful Sacred Fire, and remove its Spikes with Defog. However, Ho-Oh fears losing its Heavy-Duty Boots to a Knock Off, since it will become much easier to wear down if Stealth Rock is on the opponent's side of the field. Ho-Oh doesn't appreciate Toxic either; being badly poisoned takes away from its ability to come out on top against Stealth Rock Necrozma-DM.
**Eternatus**: A well-played Eternatus is the second largest obstacle for Ferrothorn. Not only does Eternatus force Ferrothorn out with Flamethrower or Mystical Fire, it's also capable of PP stalling Ferrothorn out of Spikes and Leech Seed in more drawn-out games, not being bothered by any of Ferrothorn's moves other than Knock Off.
**Calyrex-S**: Calyrex-S takes advantage of Body Press Ferrothorn’s inability to damage Ghost-type Pokemon and will often set up a Nasty Plot. However, Calyrex-S fears the possibility of Ferrothorn having Knock Off.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Foes like Zacian-C, Kyurem-W, and Marshadow easily force Ferrothorn out, as they often carry super effective coverage to break Ferrothorn. However, Marshadow and Zacian-C struggle to break Ferrothorn after an Iron Defense and threatens to retaliate with a boosted Body Press. Although Marshadow is immune to Body Press, it takes severe chip from Iron Barbs, Life Orb, and Leech Seed.
**Strong Wallbreakers**: Generally strong wallbreakers such as Calyrex-S and Groudon are more than capable of heavily damaging Ferrothorn or forcing it out.
**Substitute Users**: Ferrothorn's passivity makes it setup fodder against foes behind a Substitute such as Zekrom, Xerneas, and Zygarde-C. However, Iron Defense enables Ferrothorn to defeat Substitute Zekrom and Zygarde-C with a boosted Body Press.
**Phazers**: Body Press Ferrothorn relies on Iron Defense to fortify its defenses in the face of physical attackers that boost their attack Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail is problematic for Ferrothorn as Ferrothorn loses its defense boosts when dragged out by Dragon Tail, rendering it unable to check Zygarde-C.
**Gothitelle**: Ferrothorn is unable to switch out against Gothitelle due to Shadow Tag, making it entirely susceptible to Taunt while being weakened by Charm. Gothitelle can also heal off any damage from Ferrothorn's weak attacks with Rest. However, Ferrothorn will still be able to greatly annoy Gothitelle by removing Leftovers and chipping away at its health with Leech Seed. Moreover, Gothitelle is incapable of trapping Ferrothorn if the latter opts to run Bullet Seed.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[WSun1, 485997]]
- Quality checked by: [[Fc, 511624], [baconeatinassassin, 367227]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
Last edited:
