LucarioOfLegends
Master Procraster
[OVERVIEW]
With good bulk and access to reliable recovery in Synthesis, Pyroak is a great defensive Pokemon in the metagame. Its Fire / Grass typing gives it resistances to common Steel-, Grass-, and Fairy-type Pokemon like Magearna, Jumbao, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela while also making it one of few reliable stops to Dragon Dance Naviathan, Krilowatt, Tapu Koko, Swords Dance Caribolt, and Mega Mawile. It can also effectively set Stealth Rock against most of these Pokemon, as well as having the ability to run other utility options like Roar, Leech Seed, and Aromatherapy and being able to inflict a number of harmful status ailments.
Pyroak is susceptible to every entry hazard, however, meaning it can be worn down quickly through repeated switches and can be troublesome to get into play. The weakness to Stealth Rock is particularly hazardous, as it significantly cuts into Pyroak's bulk and makes it much easier for Pokemon such as Colossoil and Hoopa-U to break through it. Furthermore, common Flying-, Rock-, and Poison-type attackers such as Mega Crucibelle, Tomohawk, Tornadus-T, and Plasmanta can consistently force it out with their super effective attacks. Finally, Pyroak faces competition from Ferrothorn as a Grass-type entry hazard setter, which has an immunity to Poison-type attacks and a resistance to Stealth Rock.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power / Giga Drain / Roar
move 3: Stealth Rock / Leech Seed / Toxic
move 4: Synthesis
item: Leftovers
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 0 atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power lets Pyroak hit Poison-types like Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle super effectively, as well as 2HKOing Heatran, which can otherwise shut it down with Taunt. Giga Drain can instead be used to better hit Ground- and Water-types like Colossoil, Gastrodon, and Krilowatt. Roar can be used to phaze setup sweepers and should be used alongside Stealth Rock to rack up entry hazard damage, but Pyroak generally prefers the extra coverage options against incoming switch-ins, or it will be walled by Taunt Heatran. Pyroak is a very reliable Stealth Rock setter, as its typing can force Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna to switch out, giving Pyroak ample opportunity to set it up. Leech Seed can be used instead if one of Pyroak's teammates already provide this role, allowing Pyroak to passively sap away a foe's health and overall increasing Pyroak's longevity throughout the match. Toxic is also an acceptable alternative that can cripple bulky Pokemon such as Zygarde, Arghonaut, and Tomohawk while also annoying incoming switch-ins with status.
Set Details
========
248 HP and 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature help maximize Pyroak's physical bulk, allowing it to wall Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Naviathan, Kartana, Caribolt, Smokomodo, and non-Z-Move variants of Landorus-T. Alternatively, 248 HP EVs and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature can be used to maximize Pyroak's special bulk, helping it better take attacks from Mega Latios and Ash-Greninja.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Pyroak into resisted hits from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Ferrothorn, Kartana, Caribolt, and Magearna and use their switches to set up Stealth Rock or pressure the opposing team with other moves like Lava Plume if Stealth Rock is already set. Pyroak is quite vulnerable to entry hazards, so it is important to use your entry hazard remover carefully, keeping it alive to consistently get Pyroak into battle safely. Pyroak should pressure switch-ins by appropriately using Toxic, Leech Seed, and Lava Plume as they come in. If a certain switch-in like Mega Crucibelle or Gastrodon is predicted, it is advised to use the appropriate coverage move to deal super effective damage to them.
Team Options
========
Pyroak requires the removal of entry hazards from the field, particularly Stealth Rock, to maintain its longevity. Thus, Rapid Spin users such as Tomohawk and Colossoil and Defog users such as Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Zapdos are appreciated. Pyroak is able to reliably set Stealth Rock, so Pokemon that generally appreciate chip damage such as Mega Crucibelle and Tapu Lele like the support that Pyroak gives. They also appreciate Pyroak's ability to threaten common switch-ins to them. Electric-types like Krilowatt, Caribolt, and Tapu Koko make good partners, as they can check dangerous Flying-types like Tornadus-T, as well as Water- and Fire-types such as Arghonaut and Heatran, for Pyroak while it removes Ferrothorn and Jumbao, which can otherwise stop them cold. Spikes setters such as Greninja and Arghonaut can work with Pyroak to form a potent hazard stacking core, racking up chip damage against the opposing side. Pyroak is a potent stop to Fairy-types such as Tapu Koko and Jumbao, so Pokemon that like them removed such as Colossoil, Tomohawk, Pajantom, and Mega Latios appreciate the support that Pyroak gives.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aromatherapy can be used to remove harmful status effects like burns and Toxic poison from teammates and Pyroak itself, but it generally struggles to find a moveslot for it. Will-O-Wisp is an option to spread burns to physical attackers much more reliably than Lava Plume, but it also competes with Pyroak's other moveslot heavily.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Residual Damage**: Stealth Rock deals heavy damage to Pyroak as it switches in, cutting into its survivability as a defensive Pokemon and making it much easier for attackers to OHKO or 2HKO it. Toxic also cuts into Pyroak's bulk by placing it on a timer, although it can be remedied through Aromatherapy.
**Pajantom**: Pajantom is completely immune to burns and poison from Pyroak thanks to Comatose, can disable Pyroak's recovery with Heal Block, and can trap it with Spirit Shackle, leaving Pyroak helpless to a Z-Move or Toxic damage.
**Flying-types**: Tomohawk and Tornadus-T can easily take Pyroak's attacks and force it out with their super effective Flying-type attacks while also being able to heal off damage with Roost and Regenerator, respectively. Cawmodore, Mega Pinsir, Landorus-T, and Hawlucha can threaten it out with their Flying-type STAB when boosted, but they cannot set up on it directly because of Lava Plume and Roar.
**Mega Tyranitar**: Mega Tyranitar is bulky enough to take any attack from Pyroak reliably, can force it out with Stone Edge, and can significantly cut into its recovery thanks to Sand Stream. Keep in mind, however, that it does not like being burned by Lava Plume.
**Poison-types**: Mega Crucibelle, Plasmanta, and Mollux can all threaten out Pyroak with their super effective Poison-type attacks and are immune to Toxic. Mollux in particular is also immune to burns and tanks Lava Plume reliably. However, all of them fear Earth Power, and Mega Crucibelle does not like to be burned. Mega Venusaur can shrug off all of Pyroak's attacks thanks to Thick Fat and easily forces it out with Sludge Bomb.
**Setup Sweepers** If Pyroak is not running Roar, setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Clefable, Calm Mind Latias, and Quiver Dance Volcarona can use it as setup bait. Snaelstrom is immune to any status Pyroak can throw at it thanks to Poison Heal and can use Pyroak as setup bait thanks to its bulk. Physical setup sweepers like Hawlucha and Swords Dance Gliscor can also set up on Pyroak, but they have to be wary of burns from Lava Plume, with Mega Crucibelle in particular having to watch out for Earth Power.
**Fire-types**: While it must be wary of Earth Power, Heatran can switch into any of Pyroak's other attacks and shut it down with Taunt. Choice Specs Volkraken can threaten Pyroak out with its strong STAB attacks, but it can't take Earth Power repeatedly.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[LucarioOfLegends, 339349]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [Jordy, 395754], [cbrevan, 196588]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
With good bulk and access to reliable recovery in Synthesis, Pyroak is a great defensive Pokemon in the metagame. Its Fire / Grass typing gives it resistances to common Steel-, Grass-, and Fairy-type Pokemon like Magearna, Jumbao, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela while also making it one of few reliable stops to Dragon Dance Naviathan, Krilowatt, Tapu Koko, Swords Dance Caribolt, and Mega Mawile. It can also effectively set Stealth Rock against most of these Pokemon, as well as having the ability to run other utility options like Roar, Leech Seed, and Aromatherapy and being able to inflict a number of harmful status ailments.
Pyroak is susceptible to every entry hazard, however, meaning it can be worn down quickly through repeated switches and can be troublesome to get into play. The weakness to Stealth Rock is particularly hazardous, as it significantly cuts into Pyroak's bulk and makes it much easier for Pokemon such as Colossoil and Hoopa-U to break through it. Furthermore, common Flying-, Rock-, and Poison-type attackers such as Mega Crucibelle, Tomohawk, Tornadus-T, and Plasmanta can consistently force it out with their super effective attacks. Finally, Pyroak faces competition from Ferrothorn as a Grass-type entry hazard setter, which has an immunity to Poison-type attacks and a resistance to Stealth Rock.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power / Giga Drain / Roar
move 3: Stealth Rock / Leech Seed / Toxic
move 4: Synthesis
item: Leftovers
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 0 atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earth Power lets Pyroak hit Poison-types like Mollux, Plasmanta, and Mega Crucibelle super effectively, as well as 2HKOing Heatran, which can otherwise shut it down with Taunt. Giga Drain can instead be used to better hit Ground- and Water-types like Colossoil, Gastrodon, and Krilowatt. Roar can be used to phaze setup sweepers and should be used alongside Stealth Rock to rack up entry hazard damage, but Pyroak generally prefers the extra coverage options against incoming switch-ins, or it will be walled by Taunt Heatran. Pyroak is a very reliable Stealth Rock setter, as its typing can force Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Magearna to switch out, giving Pyroak ample opportunity to set it up. Leech Seed can be used instead if one of Pyroak's teammates already provide this role, allowing Pyroak to passively sap away a foe's health and overall increasing Pyroak's longevity throughout the match. Toxic is also an acceptable alternative that can cripple bulky Pokemon such as Zygarde, Arghonaut, and Tomohawk while also annoying incoming switch-ins with status.
Set Details
========
248 HP and 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature help maximize Pyroak's physical bulk, allowing it to wall Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Naviathan, Kartana, Caribolt, Smokomodo, and non-Z-Move variants of Landorus-T. Alternatively, 248 HP EVs and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature can be used to maximize Pyroak's special bulk, helping it better take attacks from Mega Latios and Ash-Greninja.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Pyroak into resisted hits from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Ferrothorn, Kartana, Caribolt, and Magearna and use their switches to set up Stealth Rock or pressure the opposing team with other moves like Lava Plume if Stealth Rock is already set. Pyroak is quite vulnerable to entry hazards, so it is important to use your entry hazard remover carefully, keeping it alive to consistently get Pyroak into battle safely. Pyroak should pressure switch-ins by appropriately using Toxic, Leech Seed, and Lava Plume as they come in. If a certain switch-in like Mega Crucibelle or Gastrodon is predicted, it is advised to use the appropriate coverage move to deal super effective damage to them.
Team Options
========
Pyroak requires the removal of entry hazards from the field, particularly Stealth Rock, to maintain its longevity. Thus, Rapid Spin users such as Tomohawk and Colossoil and Defog users such as Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, and Zapdos are appreciated. Pyroak is able to reliably set Stealth Rock, so Pokemon that generally appreciate chip damage such as Mega Crucibelle and Tapu Lele like the support that Pyroak gives. They also appreciate Pyroak's ability to threaten common switch-ins to them. Electric-types like Krilowatt, Caribolt, and Tapu Koko make good partners, as they can check dangerous Flying-types like Tornadus-T, as well as Water- and Fire-types such as Arghonaut and Heatran, for Pyroak while it removes Ferrothorn and Jumbao, which can otherwise stop them cold. Spikes setters such as Greninja and Arghonaut can work with Pyroak to form a potent hazard stacking core, racking up chip damage against the opposing side. Pyroak is a potent stop to Fairy-types such as Tapu Koko and Jumbao, so Pokemon that like them removed such as Colossoil, Tomohawk, Pajantom, and Mega Latios appreciate the support that Pyroak gives.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aromatherapy can be used to remove harmful status effects like burns and Toxic poison from teammates and Pyroak itself, but it generally struggles to find a moveslot for it. Will-O-Wisp is an option to spread burns to physical attackers much more reliably than Lava Plume, but it also competes with Pyroak's other moveslot heavily.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Residual Damage**: Stealth Rock deals heavy damage to Pyroak as it switches in, cutting into its survivability as a defensive Pokemon and making it much easier for attackers to OHKO or 2HKO it. Toxic also cuts into Pyroak's bulk by placing it on a timer, although it can be remedied through Aromatherapy.
**Pajantom**: Pajantom is completely immune to burns and poison from Pyroak thanks to Comatose, can disable Pyroak's recovery with Heal Block, and can trap it with Spirit Shackle, leaving Pyroak helpless to a Z-Move or Toxic damage.
**Flying-types**: Tomohawk and Tornadus-T can easily take Pyroak's attacks and force it out with their super effective Flying-type attacks while also being able to heal off damage with Roost and Regenerator, respectively. Cawmodore, Mega Pinsir, Landorus-T, and Hawlucha can threaten it out with their Flying-type STAB when boosted, but they cannot set up on it directly because of Lava Plume and Roar.
**Mega Tyranitar**: Mega Tyranitar is bulky enough to take any attack from Pyroak reliably, can force it out with Stone Edge, and can significantly cut into its recovery thanks to Sand Stream. Keep in mind, however, that it does not like being burned by Lava Plume.
**Poison-types**: Mega Crucibelle, Plasmanta, and Mollux can all threaten out Pyroak with their super effective Poison-type attacks and are immune to Toxic. Mollux in particular is also immune to burns and tanks Lava Plume reliably. However, all of them fear Earth Power, and Mega Crucibelle does not like to be burned. Mega Venusaur can shrug off all of Pyroak's attacks thanks to Thick Fat and easily forces it out with Sludge Bomb.
**Setup Sweepers** If Pyroak is not running Roar, setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Clefable, Calm Mind Latias, and Quiver Dance Volcarona can use it as setup bait. Snaelstrom is immune to any status Pyroak can throw at it thanks to Poison Heal and can use Pyroak as setup bait thanks to its bulk. Physical setup sweepers like Hawlucha and Swords Dance Gliscor can also set up on Pyroak, but they have to be wary of burns from Lava Plume, with Mega Crucibelle in particular having to watch out for Earth Power.
**Fire-types**: While it must be wary of Earth Power, Heatran can switch into any of Pyroak's other attacks and shut it down with Taunt. Choice Specs Volkraken can threaten Pyroak out with its strong STAB attacks, but it can't take Earth Power repeatedly.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[LucarioOfLegends, 339349]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [Jordy, 395754], [cbrevan, 196588]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
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