[OVERVIEW]
Garchomp's versatility as an offensive threat makes it a dangerous force in BDSP OU. Its excellent STAB combination and access to Swords Dance make it a threatening wallbreaker. It may also effectively wield special attacks like Fire Blast and Draco Meteor to blast physical walls that could otherwise hold off its powerful STAB combination. It may also simply utilize its natural offensive prowess as a solid offensive Stealth Rock setter or use its noteworthy Speed to clean up with Choice Scarf. This multitude of options means that it is difficult to truly counter Garchomp. However, Garchomp is vulnerable to faster Ice-type moves from the likes of Weavile and Starmie, and if it lacks Life Orb, Swords Dance, or the right coverage move, it struggles to break defensive Pokemon that stand in its way.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw / Draco Meteor
move 4: Protect / Swords Dance / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe or 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Garchomp can leverage its natural bulk to reliably set up Stealth Rock and dish out damage. Outrage will dent Defog Gliscor that tries to remove Garchomp's entry hazards, whereas Dragon Claw leaves Garchomp less vulnerable to Fairy-types and revenge killers. Draco Meteor will blast physical walls that would otherwise stomach Garchomp's physical attacks. Protect lets Garchomp scout faster Choice item attackers like Choice Band Weavile, Choice Specs Latias, and Choice Scarf Infernape. Swords Dance lets Garchomp further punish Defog Gliscor and Scizor with big damage, either taking them out itself or keeping Stealth Rock on the field. Fire Blast melts Skarmory while doing solid damage to Tangrowth, especially with Life Orb. Leftovers let Garchomp utilize its natural defensive profile to take hits and dish out damage in return. Life Orb gives this up for extra power that lets it 2HKO Clefable with Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage and should always be used if Garchomp opts for any special attacks. Some Garchomp that value the power of Draco Meteor as a wallbreaking tool may opt for maximum Special Attack investment, though this comes at the cost of Earthquake's ability to threaten Scizor.
Team Options
========
Offensive teams appreciate Garchomp's ability to set up Stealth Rock while maintaining offensive pressure for them. Heatran counters Clefable and checks Togekiss for Garchomp, and it may take advantage of Stealth Rock with Roar or further passive damage caused by Magma Storm. Wish Clefable reinforces Garchomp's bulk, as it is not comfortable with repeatedly switching into threats like Heatran and Infernape without investment in its bulk. Roserade can take advantage of Water-types that Garchomp draws in and pair its Stealth Rock with Spikes; it also threatens Rapid Spin Starmie while appreciating Garchomp's ability to threaten Scizor and Heatran. Stealth Rock makes Choice item threats like Choice Band Weavile and Choice Specs Latias more difficult to deal with, and Pokemon that use U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Infernape, and Rotom-W punish the opposing team even harder for falling behind with Stealth Rock on the field. Finally, Pokemon that resist Ice are useful to ensure that Weavile doesn't get out of hand if Garchomp's hazards fail to stay on the field.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance + 3 Attacks
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Fire Blast / Poison Jab / Stone Edge
item: Life Orb
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Describe what this set does in relation to the meta, alongside some tips on how to use the set. Include various set details when necessary. As a reference, include details on moves, and usage tips.
Team Options
========
Include potential teammates for the Pokemon, as well as descriptions and details as to why.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Dragon Claw
move 4: Stone Edge / Poison Jab / Fire Blast
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe / 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Garchomp's above-average Speed and solid Attack translate very well when it dons a Choice Scarf. Dragon Claw enables Garchomp to revenge kill Dragon-types and other weakened offensive Pokemon like Starmie. Dual Chop is an alternative that always takes out the uncommon Focus Sash Alakazam, though it is less reliable overall and tends to get Garchomp punished by a switch into Flame Body Heatran. Stone Edge is Garchomp's strongest attack to hit Togekiss. Poison Jab still hits it super effectively while also smacking Clefable and Tangrowth, threatening irritating poison on all of these. Fire Blast is actually better into Tangrowth and hits Skarmory hard as well. A Naive nature is preferred if using Fire Blast; Jolly is superior in all other cases.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Garchomp is excellent at revenge killing offensive Pokemon, but it thuds into defensive Pokemon and is forced out once it has taken the KO. Therefore, it wants two things on its team: Pokemon that can bring down the defensive Pokemon that stymie it and Pokemon that can switch into the offensive Pokemon that can force it out. Starting with the former, the likes of Togekiss, Clefable, Tangrowth, Gliscor, Skarmory, Milotic, and the rare Slowbro all shrug off both of Garchomp's attacks. Nidoking happens to be adept at threatening the first four of these, while Heatran is strong into the first three and Skarmory. A singular wallbreaker is unable to threaten all of these Pokemon together, so it's better to have a cohesive offensive gameplan, be it around entry hazards or around multiple offensive Pokemon, to ensure Garchomp can get the job done against balance teams. Several offensive Pokemon can come in on and resist Garchomp's attacking move once it has locked in; Scizor and Heatran take on Outrage, while Latias and Breloom handle Earthquake. Pokemon that can switch into these Pokemon like Heatran for Scizor, Rotom-W for Heatran, Scizor for Latias, and Latias for Breloom are all helpful to have; these Pokemon also happen to continue the offensive pressure that Garchomp wants to enable its sweep late-game. Garchomp also benefits from VoltTurn support from the likes Scizor, Rotom-W, and Celebi, as they can bring it in against threats it forces out like Heatran and Latias. In that vein, hazards like Stealth Rock from Heatran and Spikes from Skarmory and Roserade also push opposing threats into range of Garchomp.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band Garchomp has the instant power to surprise many of its conventional answers, like Clefable and Gliscor, with a 2HKO on the switch with the correct move. However, it is very prediction-reliant and has a wider pool of revenge killers once it has locked into Outrage. The Swords Dance set can opt to drop a coverage move for Substitute and a Salac Berry to turn into a game-ending sweeper, but this makes it very matchup-reliant, as it is unable to reliably break through Clefable, Skarmory, and especially Togekiss. Garchomp may also utilize resistance Berries like the Yache Berry to turn the tables on Pokemon that would revenge kill it like Mamoswine and Starmie, though this comes at the expense of potential longevity or damage output; Yache Berry is also unreliable against Weavile because Choice Band Icicle Crash will OHKO Garchomp through the Berry.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Garchomp's STAB combination does not touch Togekiss at all, meaning that it concedes a free setup opportunity if it lacks Poison Jab or Stone Edge. The likes of Clefable and Azumarill will revenge kill Garchomp if it is locked into Outrage; they, like Togekiss, may also set up on Garchomp with Calm Mind and Belly Drum, respectively. Garchomp also struggles to get past physically defensive Unaware Clefable if it lacks Life Orb.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory resists or is immune to Garchomp's STAB combination and can phaze out Swords Dance Garchomp, though it does not like taking Fire-type attacks.
**Physical Walls**: Tangrowth and Slowbro can shrug off a Garchomp's assault if it lacks a Swords Dance boost and have Regenerator to switch in repeatedly. However, Life Orb Draco Meteor will deal great damage to them, especially if Garchomp has greatly invested in Special Attack.
**Revenge Killers**: Starmie and Weavile naturally outspeed Garchomp and threaten it with their Ice-type attacks, while Latias does the same with its Draco Meteor. Choice Scarf Garchomp that attemps to bypass their greater Speed can still be dealt with by Ice Shard from Mamoswine as well as the aforementioned Weavile.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user1.101/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.102/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.105/
Garchomp's versatility as an offensive threat makes it a dangerous force in BDSP OU. Its excellent STAB combination and access to Swords Dance make it a threatening wallbreaker. It may also effectively wield special attacks like Fire Blast and Draco Meteor to blast physical walls that could otherwise hold off its powerful STAB combination. It may also simply utilize its natural offensive prowess as a solid offensive Stealth Rock setter or use its noteworthy Speed to clean up with Choice Scarf. This multitude of options means that it is difficult to truly counter Garchomp. However, Garchomp is vulnerable to faster Ice-type moves from the likes of Weavile and Starmie, and if it lacks Life Orb, Swords Dance, or the right coverage move, it struggles to break defensive Pokemon that stand in its way.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw / Draco Meteor
move 4: Protect / Swords Dance / Fire Blast
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe or 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Garchomp can leverage its natural bulk to reliably set up Stealth Rock and dish out damage. Outrage will dent Defog Gliscor that tries to remove Garchomp's entry hazards, whereas Dragon Claw leaves Garchomp less vulnerable to Fairy-types and revenge killers. Draco Meteor will blast physical walls that would otherwise stomach Garchomp's physical attacks. Protect lets Garchomp scout faster Choice item attackers like Choice Band Weavile, Choice Specs Latias, and Choice Scarf Infernape. Swords Dance lets Garchomp further punish Defog Gliscor and Scizor with big damage, either taking them out itself or keeping Stealth Rock on the field. Fire Blast melts Skarmory while doing solid damage to Tangrowth, especially with Life Orb. Leftovers let Garchomp utilize its natural defensive profile to take hits and dish out damage in return. Life Orb gives this up for extra power that lets it 2HKO Clefable with Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage and should always be used if Garchomp opts for any special attacks. Some Garchomp that value the power of Draco Meteor as a wallbreaking tool may opt for maximum Special Attack investment, though this comes at the cost of Earthquake's ability to threaten Scizor.
Team Options
========
Offensive teams appreciate Garchomp's ability to set up Stealth Rock while maintaining offensive pressure for them. Heatran counters Clefable and checks Togekiss for Garchomp, and it may take advantage of Stealth Rock with Roar or further passive damage caused by Magma Storm. Wish Clefable reinforces Garchomp's bulk, as it is not comfortable with repeatedly switching into threats like Heatran and Infernape without investment in its bulk. Roserade can take advantage of Water-types that Garchomp draws in and pair its Stealth Rock with Spikes; it also threatens Rapid Spin Starmie while appreciating Garchomp's ability to threaten Scizor and Heatran. Stealth Rock makes Choice item threats like Choice Band Weavile and Choice Specs Latias more difficult to deal with, and Pokemon that use U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Infernape, and Rotom-W punish the opposing team even harder for falling behind with Stealth Rock on the field. Finally, Pokemon that resist Ice are useful to ensure that Weavile doesn't get out of hand if Garchomp's hazards fail to stay on the field.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance + 3 Attacks
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 4: Fire Blast / Poison Jab / Stone Edge
item: Life Orb
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Describe what this set does in relation to the meta, alongside some tips on how to use the set. Include various set details when necessary. As a reference, include details on moves, and usage tips.
Team Options
========
Include potential teammates for the Pokemon, as well as descriptions and details as to why.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Dragon Claw
move 4: Stone Edge / Poison Jab / Fire Blast
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe / 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Garchomp's above-average Speed and solid Attack translate very well when it dons a Choice Scarf. Dragon Claw enables Garchomp to revenge kill Dragon-types and other weakened offensive Pokemon like Starmie. Dual Chop is an alternative that always takes out the uncommon Focus Sash Alakazam, though it is less reliable overall and tends to get Garchomp punished by a switch into Flame Body Heatran. Stone Edge is Garchomp's strongest attack to hit Togekiss. Poison Jab still hits it super effectively while also smacking Clefable and Tangrowth, threatening irritating poison on all of these. Fire Blast is actually better into Tangrowth and hits Skarmory hard as well. A Naive nature is preferred if using Fire Blast; Jolly is superior in all other cases.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Garchomp is excellent at revenge killing offensive Pokemon, but it thuds into defensive Pokemon and is forced out once it has taken the KO. Therefore, it wants two things on its team: Pokemon that can bring down the defensive Pokemon that stymie it and Pokemon that can switch into the offensive Pokemon that can force it out. Starting with the former, the likes of Togekiss, Clefable, Tangrowth, Gliscor, Skarmory, Milotic, and the rare Slowbro all shrug off both of Garchomp's attacks. Nidoking happens to be adept at threatening the first four of these, while Heatran is strong into the first three and Skarmory. A singular wallbreaker is unable to threaten all of these Pokemon together, so it's better to have a cohesive offensive gameplan, be it around entry hazards or around multiple offensive Pokemon, to ensure Garchomp can get the job done against balance teams. Several offensive Pokemon can come in on and resist Garchomp's attacking move once it has locked in; Scizor and Heatran take on Outrage, while Latias and Breloom handle Earthquake. Pokemon that can switch into these Pokemon like Heatran for Scizor, Rotom-W for Heatran, Scizor for Latias, and Latias for Breloom are all helpful to have; these Pokemon also happen to continue the offensive pressure that Garchomp wants to enable its sweep late-game. Garchomp also benefits from VoltTurn support from the likes Scizor, Rotom-W, and Celebi, as they can bring it in against threats it forces out like Heatran and Latias. In that vein, hazards like Stealth Rock from Heatran and Spikes from Skarmory and Roserade also push opposing threats into range of Garchomp.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band Garchomp has the instant power to surprise many of its conventional answers, like Clefable and Gliscor, with a 2HKO on the switch with the correct move. However, it is very prediction-reliant and has a wider pool of revenge killers once it has locked into Outrage. The Swords Dance set can opt to drop a coverage move for Substitute and a Salac Berry to turn into a game-ending sweeper, but this makes it very matchup-reliant, as it is unable to reliably break through Clefable, Skarmory, and especially Togekiss. Garchomp may also utilize resistance Berries like the Yache Berry to turn the tables on Pokemon that would revenge kill it like Mamoswine and Starmie, though this comes at the expense of potential longevity or damage output; Yache Berry is also unreliable against Weavile because Choice Band Icicle Crash will OHKO Garchomp through the Berry.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Garchomp's STAB combination does not touch Togekiss at all, meaning that it concedes a free setup opportunity if it lacks Poison Jab or Stone Edge. The likes of Clefable and Azumarill will revenge kill Garchomp if it is locked into Outrage; they, like Togekiss, may also set up on Garchomp with Calm Mind and Belly Drum, respectively. Garchomp also struggles to get past physically defensive Unaware Clefable if it lacks Life Orb.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory resists or is immune to Garchomp's STAB combination and can phaze out Swords Dance Garchomp, though it does not like taking Fire-type attacks.
**Physical Walls**: Tangrowth and Slowbro can shrug off a Garchomp's assault if it lacks a Swords Dance boost and have Regenerator to switch in repeatedly. However, Life Orb Draco Meteor will deal great damage to them, especially if Garchomp has greatly invested in Special Attack.
**Revenge Killers**: Starmie and Weavile naturally outspeed Garchomp and threaten it with their Ice-type attacks, while Latias does the same with its Draco Meteor. Choice Scarf Garchomp that attemps to bypass their greater Speed can still be dealt with by Ice Shard from Mamoswine as well as the aforementioned Weavile.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user1.101/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.102/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.105/
Last edited: