[OVERVIEW]
Though Tangrowth faces competition with Jumbao, which has better typing, special bulk, and power to act as a wall or wallbreaker, and Ferrothorn, which has access to the coveted Spikes, Tangrowth has its own strengths. Assault Vest Tangrowth's excellent mixed bulk and access to Regenerator allows it to act as a great pivot on bulky offense or balanced teams, especially when paired with other Pokemon with Regenerator like Tornadus-T, Toxapex, and Mega Crucibelle. Thus, Tangrowth is quite an excellent check to Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Krilowatt, as well as Ash Greninja. Furthermore, a colorful coverage movepool, which includes Knock Off, Earthquake, and Sludge Bomb, prevents it from becoming too passive, despite no investment in its offenses. However, Tangrowth is weak to strong, common Fire-, Flying-, and Ice-type attacks from Volkraken, Tornadus-T, and Syclant. Furthermore, if it loses its Assault Vest, then special attackers like Mega Alakazam can prey on its lower Special Defense. Finally, if Tangrowth doesn't hit super effectively, its damage output can be low, leading to a loss of momentum.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Power Whip / Giga Drain
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Regenerator
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip allows Tangrowth to 2HKO Arghonaut and Mega Tyranitar, as well as OHKO Mega Diancie and Ash Greninja. It also deals more damage to Mega Alakazam, meaning it cannot heal the damage as easily with Recover or tracing Regenerator. Though, Giga Drain's accuracy and recovery can be more reliable. Knock Off allows Tangrowth to annoy its common defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Notably, removing Celesteela's Leftovers prevents Celesteela from recovering at all against Tangrowth, making Celesteela easy to wear down. It also prevents Necturna from reliably setting up against Tangrowth. Earthquake is a fantastic move that allows Tangrowth to punish Mega Crucibelle with an OHKO and Heatran with an OHKO after Stealth Rock damage. Also, it prevents Shift Gear Magearna and Mega Mawile setting up for free. Sludge Bomb is preferred to prevent Jumbao from passing Wish for free and to wear down opposing Tangrowth. It also 2HKOes Caribolt, which could overwhelm it with Swords Dance boosts, and OHKOs Tapu Bulu. Its poison chance can help to further wear down switch-ins such as Tornadus-T and Mega Latios. Hidden Power Ice, on the other hand, allows Tangrowth to prevent Garchomp and Landorus-T from forcing it out. It can be run over Earthquake if the team can adequately handle Heatran and Magearna also.
Set Details
========
Since Tangrowth uses both physical and special attacks and doesn't mind losing more Speed, a Sassy nature is chosen, which improves its Special Defense.
Usage Tips
========
While Tangrowth is healthy, switch into Ash-Greninja, Mega Alakazam, Caribolt, and Tapu Koko, as it can check these powerful offensive Pokemon. When Tangrowth is worn down, switching into weaker attackers like defensive Jumbao, Zapdos, and Celesteela allows Tangrowth to switch out with net recovery with Regenerator. Using Knock Off liberally early-game is a great strategy, preventing opposing walls like Celesteela and Ferrothorn from recovering as easily and Pokemon like Choice Scarf Volkraken from switching in as freely. Using it against some switch-ins like Tornadus-T, Pajantom, Magearna, and Heatran reveal whether or not they have a Z-Crystal or not. If Mega Crucibelle or Heatran is predicted to switch in, use Earthquake. If Tangrowth can't meaningfully damage the switch-in, Sludge Bomb poison can otherwise help. Be wary of staying in against Arghonaut, as it can survive a Power Whip and Knock Off Tangrowth's Assault Vest.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can cover Fire-types are invaluable partners for Tangrowth. As such, Toxapex and Arghonaut fit this role nicely. Toxapex can wear down the opposing team with Toxic, Toxic Spikes, and Scald burns, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and can form a Regenerator core with Tangrowth, while Arghonaut can set Spikes. In return, Tangrowth can check Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Caribolt, as well as the occasional offensive Jumbao and Tapu Bulu. Heatran can finish off a Fire / Water / Grass core, providing Stealth Rock and a way to break past Celesteela and Ferrothorn. Flying-type checks like Mega Tyranitar, Mega Crucibelle, and Rotom-W are especially useful for Tangrowth. Mega Tyranitar and Mega Crucibelle provide Stealth Rock support and place pressure on Tornadus-T, while Rotom-W provides Defog support. Other Defoggers like Tornadus-T, which forms a Regenerator core with Tangrowth, and Tapu Fini, whose Misty Terrain can prevent Tangrowth from succumbing to Toxic, appreciate Tangrowth's resistance to Electric-type attacks. Heatran checks, including Garchomp, Mega Latios, Arghonaut, and Pajantom are useful for Tangrowth. Dark-type checks like Arghonaut and Magearna can switch into a lucky Ash-Greninja that got Dark Pulse flinches.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Focus Blast is an option over Earthquake to 3HKO Ferrothorn, 2HKO Heatran, and OHKO Kartana. Though, Focus Blast's low accuracy can be undesirable and makes pressuring Magearna difficult. Similarly, Hidden Power Fire allows Tangrowth to wear down Ferrothorn and OHKO Kartana, but it leaves Tangrowth helpless against Heatran and Magearna. Payback prevents Aurumoth from using Tangrowth as complete setup bait, netting a 2HKO after Stealth Rock damage. It also OHKOs Mega Alakazam with some chip damage, preventing it from using its Traced Regenerator. It also reliably 2HKOs offensive Pajantom and Mega Latios. However, outside of these notable KOes, it doesn't provide much more utility. Additionally, running Payback means it must be run in place of Knock Off, reducing Tangrowth's overall utility and allowing Celesteela and Ferrothorn to switch in for free, or alongside Knock Off, which sacrifices another coverage option. Rock Slide can be used to catch Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, and Volcarona on the switch, but it's generally weak against other targets, and these targets are relatively uncommon. Tangrowth can opt to run a physically defensive set with Leftovers or Rocky Helment, which can more reliably wall Pokemon like Kartana and Caribolt and run utility moves like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed. However, this set is usually ineffective because too many special attackers like Magearna and Alakazam force it out, even after Sleep Powder is used. Furthermore, with fewer moveslots available for coverage, Tangrowth loses out on one of its advantages over other defensive Grass-types like Jumbao and Ferrothorn. Thus, it partners best with Chansey, which walls Special Attackers like Volkraken and Ash Greninja, so Tangrowth can afford to invest in its Defense.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Flying-types like Tornadus-T, Hawlucha, and Mega Pinsir can break past Tangrowth with super effective hits, and generally shrug off the common Hidden Power Ice. Sludge Bomb poison is particularly annoying for Tornadus-T, and Rock Slide can chip down Mega Pinsir especially, though.
**Fire-types**: Volkraken and Heatran are able to overwhelm Tangrowth with Choice Specs Fire Blast and Inferno Overdrive. Otherwise, Tangrowth can actually take a weaker Fire-type STAB move and retaliate with Earthquake. Knock Off can be especially annoying to Volkraken, which relies heavily on its choice item. Mega Charizard Y slices through Tangrowth's defenses but doesn't appreciate Sludge Bomb poison or Rock Slide.
**Ice-types**: Ice-types like Weavile, Kyurem-B, and Syclant can overwhelm Tangrowth also with Ice-type STAB moves, though Weavile doesn't appreciate taking repeated Grass-type STAB moves, and Sludge Bomb poison can wear down these Pokemon.
**Powerful Physical Wallbreakers**: Mega Mawile, Mega Crucibelle, and Mega Medicham can overload Tangrowth with their STAB moves. However, Mega Mawile and Mega Crucibelle have to watch out especially for Earthquake, and Mega Medicham has to be mindful of switching into Grass-type STAB moves. Pajantom can trap Tangrowth and KO it with Never Ending Nightmare or Devastating Drake before Tangrowth can KO back with Knock Off.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn can set up hazards against Tangrowth, and while Tangrowth can annoy them by removing their Leftovers, they have the upper hand. If Tangrowth forgoes Sludge Bomb for Hidden Power Ice, Jumbao can use Wish for free, and opposing Tangrowth will have a much better matchup. Arghonaut can rather freely set up Spikes and Knock Off Tangrowth's Assault Vest if Tangrowth opts for Giga Drain, which is too weak to break Arghonaut despite the super effective hit.
**Set-up Sweepers**: Volcarona, Calm Mind + Pain Split Magearna, and Aurumoth outlast Tangrowth's walling capabilities and overwhelm it. Tangrowth's best defense against Volcarona is Rock Slide and against Aurumoth is Payback.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Though Tangrowth faces competition with Jumbao, which has better typing, special bulk, and power to act as a wall or wallbreaker, and Ferrothorn, which has access to the coveted Spikes, Tangrowth has its own strengths. Assault Vest Tangrowth's excellent mixed bulk and access to Regenerator allows it to act as a great pivot on bulky offense or balanced teams, especially when paired with other Pokemon with Regenerator like Tornadus-T, Toxapex, and Mega Crucibelle. Thus, Tangrowth is quite an excellent check to Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Krilowatt, as well as Ash Greninja. Furthermore, a colorful coverage movepool, which includes Knock Off, Earthquake, and Sludge Bomb, prevents it from becoming too passive, despite no investment in its offenses. However, Tangrowth is weak to strong, common Fire-, Flying-, and Ice-type attacks from Volkraken, Tornadus-T, and Syclant. Furthermore, if it loses its Assault Vest, then special attackers like Mega Alakazam can prey on its lower Special Defense. Finally, if Tangrowth doesn't hit super effectively, its damage output can be low, leading to a loss of momentum.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Power Whip / Giga Drain
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Regenerator
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip allows Tangrowth to 2HKO Arghonaut and Mega Tyranitar, as well as OHKO Mega Diancie and Ash Greninja. It also deals more damage to Mega Alakazam, meaning it cannot heal the damage as easily with Recover or tracing Regenerator. Though, Giga Drain's accuracy and recovery can be more reliable. Knock Off allows Tangrowth to annoy its common defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Notably, removing Celesteela's Leftovers prevents Celesteela from recovering at all against Tangrowth, making Celesteela easy to wear down. It also prevents Necturna from reliably setting up against Tangrowth. Earthquake is a fantastic move that allows Tangrowth to punish Mega Crucibelle with an OHKO and Heatran with an OHKO after Stealth Rock damage. Also, it prevents Shift Gear Magearna and Mega Mawile setting up for free. Sludge Bomb is preferred to prevent Jumbao from passing Wish for free and to wear down opposing Tangrowth. It also 2HKOes Caribolt, which could overwhelm it with Swords Dance boosts, and OHKOs Tapu Bulu. Its poison chance can help to further wear down switch-ins such as Tornadus-T and Mega Latios. Hidden Power Ice, on the other hand, allows Tangrowth to prevent Garchomp and Landorus-T from forcing it out. It can be run over Earthquake if the team can adequately handle Heatran and Magearna also.
Set Details
========
Since Tangrowth uses both physical and special attacks and doesn't mind losing more Speed, a Sassy nature is chosen, which improves its Special Defense.
Usage Tips
========
While Tangrowth is healthy, switch into Ash-Greninja, Mega Alakazam, Caribolt, and Tapu Koko, as it can check these powerful offensive Pokemon. When Tangrowth is worn down, switching into weaker attackers like defensive Jumbao, Zapdos, and Celesteela allows Tangrowth to switch out with net recovery with Regenerator. Using Knock Off liberally early-game is a great strategy, preventing opposing walls like Celesteela and Ferrothorn from recovering as easily and Pokemon like Choice Scarf Volkraken from switching in as freely. Using it against some switch-ins like Tornadus-T, Pajantom, Magearna, and Heatran reveal whether or not they have a Z-Crystal or not. If Mega Crucibelle or Heatran is predicted to switch in, use Earthquake. If Tangrowth can't meaningfully damage the switch-in, Sludge Bomb poison can otherwise help. Be wary of staying in against Arghonaut, as it can survive a Power Whip and Knock Off Tangrowth's Assault Vest.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can cover Fire-types are invaluable partners for Tangrowth. As such, Toxapex and Arghonaut fit this role nicely. Toxapex can wear down the opposing team with Toxic, Toxic Spikes, and Scald burns, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and can form a Regenerator core with Tangrowth, while Arghonaut can set Spikes. In return, Tangrowth can check Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Krilowatt, and Caribolt, as well as the occasional offensive Jumbao and Tapu Bulu. Heatran can finish off a Fire / Water / Grass core, providing Stealth Rock and a way to break past Celesteela and Ferrothorn. Flying-type checks like Mega Tyranitar, Mega Crucibelle, and Rotom-W are especially useful for Tangrowth. Mega Tyranitar and Mega Crucibelle provide Stealth Rock support and place pressure on Tornadus-T, while Rotom-W provides Defog support. Other Defoggers like Tornadus-T, which forms a Regenerator core with Tangrowth, and Tapu Fini, whose Misty Terrain can prevent Tangrowth from succumbing to Toxic, appreciate Tangrowth's resistance to Electric-type attacks. Heatran checks, including Garchomp, Mega Latios, Arghonaut, and Pajantom are useful for Tangrowth. Dark-type checks like Arghonaut and Magearna can switch into a lucky Ash-Greninja that got Dark Pulse flinches.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Focus Blast is an option over Earthquake to 3HKO Ferrothorn, 2HKO Heatran, and OHKO Kartana. Though, Focus Blast's low accuracy can be undesirable and makes pressuring Magearna difficult. Similarly, Hidden Power Fire allows Tangrowth to wear down Ferrothorn and OHKO Kartana, but it leaves Tangrowth helpless against Heatran and Magearna. Payback prevents Aurumoth from using Tangrowth as complete setup bait, netting a 2HKO after Stealth Rock damage. It also OHKOs Mega Alakazam with some chip damage, preventing it from using its Traced Regenerator. It also reliably 2HKOs offensive Pajantom and Mega Latios. However, outside of these notable KOes, it doesn't provide much more utility. Additionally, running Payback means it must be run in place of Knock Off, reducing Tangrowth's overall utility and allowing Celesteela and Ferrothorn to switch in for free, or alongside Knock Off, which sacrifices another coverage option. Rock Slide can be used to catch Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, and Volcarona on the switch, but it's generally weak against other targets, and these targets are relatively uncommon. Tangrowth can opt to run a physically defensive set with Leftovers or Rocky Helment, which can more reliably wall Pokemon like Kartana and Caribolt and run utility moves like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed. However, this set is usually ineffective because too many special attackers like Magearna and Alakazam force it out, even after Sleep Powder is used. Furthermore, with fewer moveslots available for coverage, Tangrowth loses out on one of its advantages over other defensive Grass-types like Jumbao and Ferrothorn. Thus, it partners best with Chansey, which walls Special Attackers like Volkraken and Ash Greninja, so Tangrowth can afford to invest in its Defense.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Flying-types like Tornadus-T, Hawlucha, and Mega Pinsir can break past Tangrowth with super effective hits, and generally shrug off the common Hidden Power Ice. Sludge Bomb poison is particularly annoying for Tornadus-T, and Rock Slide can chip down Mega Pinsir especially, though.
**Fire-types**: Volkraken and Heatran are able to overwhelm Tangrowth with Choice Specs Fire Blast and Inferno Overdrive. Otherwise, Tangrowth can actually take a weaker Fire-type STAB move and retaliate with Earthquake. Knock Off can be especially annoying to Volkraken, which relies heavily on its choice item. Mega Charizard Y slices through Tangrowth's defenses but doesn't appreciate Sludge Bomb poison or Rock Slide.
**Ice-types**: Ice-types like Weavile, Kyurem-B, and Syclant can overwhelm Tangrowth also with Ice-type STAB moves, though Weavile doesn't appreciate taking repeated Grass-type STAB moves, and Sludge Bomb poison can wear down these Pokemon.
**Powerful Physical Wallbreakers**: Mega Mawile, Mega Crucibelle, and Mega Medicham can overload Tangrowth with their STAB moves. However, Mega Mawile and Mega Crucibelle have to watch out especially for Earthquake, and Mega Medicham has to be mindful of switching into Grass-type STAB moves. Pajantom can trap Tangrowth and KO it with Never Ending Nightmare or Devastating Drake before Tangrowth can KO back with Knock Off.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Toxapex and Ferrothorn can set up hazards against Tangrowth, and while Tangrowth can annoy them by removing their Leftovers, they have the upper hand. If Tangrowth forgoes Sludge Bomb for Hidden Power Ice, Jumbao can use Wish for free, and opposing Tangrowth will have a much better matchup. Arghonaut can rather freely set up Spikes and Knock Off Tangrowth's Assault Vest if Tangrowth opts for Giga Drain, which is too weak to break Arghonaut despite the super effective hit.
**Set-up Sweepers**: Volcarona, Calm Mind + Pain Split Magearna, and Aurumoth outlast Tangrowth's walling capabilities and overwhelm it. Tangrowth's best defense against Volcarona is Rock Slide and against Aurumoth is Payback.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Last edited:
