Introduction: Some of you will remember the stir that was started around Tangrowth a couple months back with it being put forward as an effective anti-meta Pokemon with the popularization of Volt-Turn teams. The problem with this was that the current sets on site didn't consider this at all, and so variations were born, and eventually suggested here. They recieved mixed reviews the first time, and when I tried to bring it up again I was promptly shut down. However discussion with Iconic quickly revealed the current Tank analysis on-site to be inadequate both in conveying Tangrowths unique niche in OU as well as simply lacking vital information such as counters and checks. As such, Iconic has requested that I give the Tank set a total rewrite, to reflect the current OU metagame as well as add the vital information missing in the current analysis. So, without further ado, let's get to it!
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive Tank
move 1: Power Whip / Giga Drain
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Sleep Powder
move 4: Leech Seed / Knock Off
item: Leftovers
ability: Regenerator
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes all of Tangrowth's greatest strengths and rolls them into one set. With maximum defensive investment, Tangrowth has enough physical bulk to rival old standbys such as Skarmory and Hippowdon, while still maintaining the ability to hit back thanks to its naturally high offenses. Combined with Regenerator, this makes Tangrowth a tremendously effective defensive pivot in the current OU metagame, able to switch in and threaten top threats such as Haxorus, Dragonite, Scizor, Rotom-W, Terrakion, and more; it can then switch out afterwards none the worse for the wear thanks to Regenerator. This set can also potentially break VoltTurn chains, as Tangrowth's massive physical bulk and resistance to Rotom-W's STABs allow it to sponge U-turns and Volt-Switches before hitting the switch-in with Sleep Powder or a super effective move. Regenerator also makes it very hard for VoltTurn teams (or any team for that matter) to wear it down over time, meaning Tangrowth will frequently survive for the entire match if played carefully</p>
<p>The choice between Power Whip and Giga Drain is somewhat of a tossup, as, while Power Whip hits most targets harder, Giga Drain recovers health and isn't affected by Burn. Giga Drain also hits some specific targets harder than Power Whip, such as Slowbro. What Hidden Power Tangrowth uses determines what it can check and what it can't, so it is vital to pick the appropriate one for your team. If Dragon-types and Gliscor are a bigger threat to the team, then Hidden Power Ice is generally the move of choice. If Scizor is a bigger concern, or the team can't afford to be set up on by Ferrothorn or Forretress, then Hidden Power Fire is a solid option. Both can be used on frailer Grass-types that resist Tangrowth's other attacks, though bulky ones such as Virizon and Celebi will probably shrug off the hit. Sleep Powder is a given on almost any set, as it allows you to instantly eliminate one of Tangrowth's counters. The choice of utility move in the last slot depends on what the team needs most. While Leech Seed is very useful for discouraging opponents from setting up on Tangrowth and increasing Tangrowth's longevity, Knock Off is an interesting option that can cripple almost any Pokemon permanently. Knock Off also reveals the opponent's item, which can be crucial to know with some Pokemon such as Salamence and Haxorus.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The above EVs and a Relaxed nature serve a simple purpose: to maximize bulk without hampering Tangrowth's ability to hit back. However, Tangrowth can also run a Bold or Impish nature along with Speed EVs to outrun and KO certain threats, at the expense of not being able to reliably check things such as Terrakion when Tangrowth is not at full health. 28 Speed EVs let it outrun Tyranitar, 84 let it outspeed most Jellicent, and 136 EVs let it outspeed standard Scizor. All of these take heavy damage from at least one of Tangrowth's moves, but can severely damage Tangrowth if they move first, allowing Tangrowth to function as a lure of sorts for these Pokemon should you need it.</p>
<p>Aside from the listed moves, Tangrowth has several more support and coverage options that it can run should the team need them. Earthquake can be run over a support option to hit Heatran and Magnezone hard on the switch, but it's usually a better idea to put them to sleep with Sleep Powder or just double-switch out. Stun Spore is an interesting option should Tangrowth's teammates need paralysis support, but the accuracy is a letdown and other Pokemon are usually better suited to the task. Toxic can be run to give Tangrowth the edge on walls like Jellicent, Blissey, and Chansey, but in the vast majority of cases Leech Seed is superior, especially because many of the targets Leech Seed doesn't work on are immune to or or don't mind Toxic anyway. Finally, Leaf Storm is another option for a more powerful STAB that takes advantage of the hit and run nature of this set. Unfortunately, however, the Special Attack drop will make it set-up fodder for many powerful Pokemon, such as Gyarados, and it doesn’t hit much harder than Power Whip.</p>
<p>This set is fairly dangerous on its own, but it needs team support to function to its fullest. Entry hazards of all sorts are extremely useful, as they not only allow Tangrowth to score many crucial KOs, but also take advantage of the vast number of switches Tangrowth causes. On the flip side, Tangrowth also appreciates Rapid Spin support so it can best take advantage of Regenerator. Just be careful not to compound Tangrowth's Fire-type weakness when picking a hazard layer or spinner. Tangrowth is very vulnerable to special attacks, particularly Ice- and Fire-type ones. As such, Tangrowth appreciates special walls that can easily switch into the Pokemon that like to switch into Tangrowth. Heatran and Tentacruel are especially good partners, having great offensive and defensive synergy with Tangrowth while also either providing hazards or removing them. Finally, Tangrowth also likes having a secondary physically defensive Pokemon it can switch places with in order to abuse Regenerator. RestTalk Gyarados and Vaporeon are good examples of Pokemon that can do this for Tangrowth, while also being able to support it in other ways as well. Finally, Tangrowth greatly dislikes status, especially if it's using Power Whip, so a cleric can be of help. The pink blobs, Blissey and Chansey, can take special hits for Tangrowth and cure its status problems, as well as being able to set up Stealth Rock should you need it.</p>
<p>The specific counters and checks for this set vary greatly depending on what Hidden Power Tangrowth is using. If it is using Hidden Power Ice, it'll have a lot of trouble with Ferrothorn, Forretress, Scizor, Skarmory, and other Steel-types, who can all use it as set-up fodder. In this case, a Fire-type Pokemon like Heatran is a must to keep from having hazards littered all over your side of the field. If Tangrowth is running Hidden Power Fire instead, then it has trouble dealing with Dragon-types and Gliscor, which will set up all over it and threaten to sweep, especially if Tangrowth also passed up on Leech Seed. In this instance, a sturdy phazer is appreciated, with Vaporeon getting a special mention for defensive synergy and Heal Bell support. If all else fails, a revenge killer such as Scarf Haxorus, Mamoswine, or Starmie can be a good investment to prevent these Pokemon from getting a clean sweep.</p>
Notes: I think it's a little long, so if anyone has suggestions for pruning it down more let me know. Also, I left a few things out (especially universal counters which should be covered in the Teammates and Counters section of the main analysis), but if anyone strongly believes I should put them in there it'd be much appreciated.
