[OVERVIEW]
As a Flying-type that can control entry hazards, Tomohawk massively competes with Tornadus-T, which is much faster, does not have to waste turns healing up, and can generate momentum with U-turn. However, Tomohawk has a few unique niches that allow it to compete with Tornadus-T. For one, it has access to STAB-boosted Focus Blast and can usually afford to run it on offensive sets whereas Tornadus-T struggles to fit it, which makes it easier to deal with common Steel-types such as Magearna and Heatran. Additionally, Tomohawk can act as an emergency check to setup sweepers thanks to its access to Prankster and Haze. It can also run a bulky support set, which turns it into the best defensive check the tier has to offer to Shell Smash Necturna, one of the most centralizing sweepers in the metagame. However, bulky support sets are very passive and thus tend to create free turns for common scary wallbreakers such as Mega Latios, Mega Alakazam, and Pajantom. It also fails to check many common setup sweepers like Magearna, Caribolt, Aurumoth, and Tapu Lele. Access to Prankster Rain Dance and Healing Wish also allows Tomohawk to support rain teams well and its access to both Rapid Spin and Stealth Rock allows it to control hazards. However, Tomohawk tends to have a bad matchup against common Defoggers like Tornadus-T, often making it a suboptimal choice to set Stealth Rock. While the combination of Hurricane and Focus Blast is rather unreliable, the high Base Power is necessary for Tomohawk to hit appreciably hard.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Roost
move 4: Haze / Rapid Spin / Taunt
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Focus Blast is what grants Tomohawk its niche over Tornadus-T, notably hitting Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage, while also heavily damaging other Flying-type answers such as Cyclohm and Rotom-W. Haze is generally preferred for this set. Even if Tomohawk can't outlast a boosted sweeper's unboosted attacks, simply removing the boosts can swing momentum back into Tomohawk's team's favor. Alternatively, since Tomohawk has a good matchup against common entry hazard setters like Heatran, Arghonaut, and Ferrothorn, Rapid Spin can be run if its team needs hazard control. It should also be noted that Tomohawk is extremely good at pressuring Necturna and Pajantom, the best spinblockers in the tier. If Tomohawk needs to act as a stallbreaker, Taunt can be used to shut down defensive Pokemon such as Chansey and Celesteela.
Set Details
========
With a Timid nature, Tomohawk outspeeds Timid Heatran, Modest Volkraken, and Adamant Colossoil. Flyinium Z is the preferred item because it allows Tomohawk to fire off 100% accurate Supersonic Skystrike notably KOing Pajantom and Mega Latios after minor chip damage. It also OHKOes Caribolt and lets Tomohawk act as a great Knock Off switch-in. Life Orb can be used on Taunt sets to 2HKO Mega Sableye and OHKO Mega Aggron, Pokemon that are found mostly on stall teams. 29 HP IVs should be run with Life Orb to minimize recoil damage. A Modest nature is an option for extra power, but it misses out on outspeeding a few important Pokemon like Timid Heatran and Adamant Colossoil.
Usage Tips
========
You should evaluate which Pokemon Tomohawk should use its Supersonic Skystrike on from Team Preview, as teams will commonly have multiple checks to Tomohawk, such as Mega Latios and Pajantom, so it's worth considering which Pokemon could prove to be more troublesome in the long run. Haze should be used as an emergency check to dangerous sweepers, namely Necturna and Aurumoth, at the expense of potentially having to sacrifice Tomohawk. Tomohawk can switch into and immediately remove the entry hazards of Pokemon like Arghonaut, Ferrothorn, and Snaelstrom thanks to its favorable matchup against them. Use Taunt against bulky Pokemon like Zygarde and Chansey to prevent them from recovering HP or crippling Tomohawk with status, respectively. Doing this is especially useful in the stall matchup.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Mega Crucibelle, Heatran, and Mega Tyranitar is important for Tomohawk to KO Pajantom and Mega Latios with Supersonic Skystrike on the switch. Sturdy Steel-types such as Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna are excellent teammates because of Tomohawk's general weakness to Psychic- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Bulky Grass-types such as Jumbao and Ferrothorn can check Tapu Koko and Krilowatt for Tomohawk, which it tends to struggle against. Additionally, Ferrothorn can set Spikes for Tomohawk. Pursuit trappers such as Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Colossoil can dispose of Pokemon like Mega Latios and Pajantom, allowing Tomohawk to use its Z-Move to nuke other Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Haze
move 2: Roost
move 3: Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock
move 4: Hurricane / Air Slash
item: Coba Berry / Rocky Helmet / Icium Z
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tomohawk can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin many times throughout the match, but it struggles to really pressure hazard setters. Tomohawk can use Stealth Rock instead of Rapid Spin if its team already has an hazard remover. However, it should be noted that Tomohawk matches up poorly against common hazard removers, namely Tornadus-T and Tapu Koko, meaning that it does struggle to reliably keep hazards up. Hurricane is a powerful move that allows Tomohawk to OHKO Mega Pinsir, Hawlucha, and opposing offensive Tomohawk while 2HKOing Arghonaut. It also 2HKOes physically defensive Snaelstrom and can even OHKO after Stealth Rock damage. Air Slash is an alternative option with better accuracy but is notably weaker and does not permit Tomohawk to hit any of the benchmarks mentioned earlier. It's worth noting that Hurricane will 2HKO Shift Gear Necturna while Tomohawk is affected by Leech Seed, whereas Air Slash would not.
Set Details
========
Investment in physical bulk notably allows Tomohawk to deal with Shell Smash Necturna defensively, as well as take on Pokemon such as Smokomodo and Kartana more easily. Coba Berry allows Tomohawk to tank Supersonic Skystrike from Landorus-T and Gyarados with ease, allowing it to wall these Pokemon. It also buys a free turn to tank Aerilate Return from Mega Pinsir, Hurricane from opposing Tomohawk, and Acrobatics from Hawlucha, giving Tomohawk a chance to retaliate with Hurricane or Air Slash. Rocky Helmet deals chip damage to contact attackers, discouraging the opponent from using U-turn against Tomohawk. Icium Z allows Tomohawk to Haze away boosts and heal at the same time, allowing it to neutralize a sweeper without risking Tomohawk fainting.
Usage Tips
========
You should identify setup sweepers such as Necturn and Kartana at Team Preview, which Tomohawk should attempt to check throughout the match with Haze. Tomohawk will often force these Pokemon out, so it can use Rapid Spin or Stealth Rock against them without much of a drawback. However, it should be noted that if Necturna reveals Leech Seed, Tomohawk should not attempt to check Necturna, because it will eventually lose. Tomohawk should also be used to take advantage of common defensive Pokemon that can't touch it, like Tangrowth and Arghonaut. If Pokemon like Mega Latios, Mega Alakazam, and Magearna are anticipated to switch in, Tomohawk should switch out to prevent a loss of momentum. Coba Berry variants should be wary of Knock Off from Pokemon like Colossoil and Kartana if there's a threat that Tomohawk needs Coba Berry to check, such as Flyinium Z Landorus-T.
Team Options
========
Pursuit trappers such as Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Colossoil benefit from Tomohawk, which often gives free turns to common Pokemon like Mega Latios, Pajantom, and Tornadus-T, which are susceptible to Pursuit. Defensive Steel-types like Celesteela can check troublesome Psychic- and Fairy-types such as Mega Latios, Clefable, and Mega Diancie. Although not defensive, Mega Crucibelle is a potent check to Fairy-types like Clefable and Jumbao, as well as a decent Flying-type answer that can take advantage of Tornadus-T. Jumbao and Ferrothorn can check Tapu Koko and Krilowatt, which can take advantage of Tomohawk's passivity. Since this set does not carry Fighting-type coverage, Heatran checks such as Mega Latios, Gliscor, and Mega Tyranitar are important teammates. Defensive Electric-types like Cyclohm and Zapdos are good teammates for Tomohawk because they can take on Flying-types like Tornadus-T, which Tomohawk tends to struggle with.
[SET]
name: Rain Support
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Healing Wish / Memento
move 4: Rapid Spin / Focus Blast / Haze
item: Damp Rock
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=======
Healing Wish lets Tomohawk's teammates play much more aggressively early-game, while Memento can be used to give sweepers an easier time setting up. Rapid Spin removes entry hazards from Tomohawk’s side of the field, allowing Pelipper to run an offensive set. Focus Blast nails common rain team checks such as Ferrothorn, which is not bothered by Hurricane. Haze is a final option to act as an emergency answer to setup sweepers like Shell Smash Necturna, a Pokemon that can get quite a few setup opportunities against rain teams. Tomohawk is also a decent user of Stealth Rock because of the many switches it forces, but it will often have to pick between setting up rain or Stealth Rock, since it will often be forced out next turn.
Set Details
=======
A Timid nature is run to outspeed and 2HKO Modest Volkraken, a massive threat to rain teams when given the opportunity to switch in.
Usage Tips
========
You should preserve Tomohawk to consistently set and remove Stealth Rock, as well as to break Grass-types. Unlike other sets, Tomohawk should really avoid being hit by Knock Off, as it wants to keep its Damp Rock to maximize rain turns. Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Krilowatt will try to switch in to take advantage of Tomohawk, so you can use this opportunity to bring in Mega Swampert. Healing Wish should be used to give Pokemon like Mega Swampert a second chance to sweep. Similarly, Memento should be used to give sweepers such as Necturna, Magearna, and Hawlucha an easier time setting up.
Team Options
========
Pelipper and Mega Swampert are mandatory on rain teams, as Pelipper's Drizzle and Mega Swampert's Swift Swim and Electric-type immunity are too useful to pass up. Tomohawk supports them by allowing Pelipper to run its more offensively threatening sets and grants Mega Swampert easy opportunities to switch into play. Ferrothorn is an excellent pivot on rain teams, wearing down Zapdos and providing Spikes and Knock Off support. Ash-Greninja and Volkraken fit well on to rain teams as wallbreakers. Together with Mega Swampert, Ash-Greninja can easily break down the opposing team, while Volkraken's Fire-type STAB coverage, though weakened under rain, helps to break troublesome bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Jumbao. Tapu Koko is a nice check to Tornadus-T, which can be very annoying for rain teams. Additionally, it can lure in bulky Grass-types and pivot out with U-turn, giving Tomohawk opportunities to switch in. Shell Smash Necturna thrives off of the hyper offensive playstyle of rain teams, where Landorus-T and Heatran are extremely pressured, and appreciates Tomohawk's Memento for setup opportunities.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A specialized offensive support set consisting of Hurricane and Stealth Rock and two of Healing Wish, Memento, Taunt, and Haze with Flyinium Z or Focus Sash can be run on hyper offensive teams. These teams appreciate Tomohawk's ability to to set Stealth Rock, give a sweeper a second chance at sweeping, provide setup opportunities, and check opposing sweepers out of control. While this set is fairly customizable, it really only fits well on purely offensive teams. An offensive set with Intimidate can be run to allow Tomohawk to tank more hits while firing off its powerful STAB moves, but losing out on Prankster is often not worth it. On offensive sets using Life Orb, Nature Power, which is affected by Prankster, can be run to finish off weakened threats like Mega Latios before they move. The combination of Substitute with Toxic, Haze, or Taunt with 212 HP EVs can be used to annoy teams that rely on Toxic to deal with Tomohawk. The HP investment makes sure that Chansey will fail to break Tomohawk's Substitute with one Seismic Toss.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, Mega Latios, and Hoopa-U can OHKO Tomohawk with ease. They can tank defensive Tomohawk's Hurricane easily but have a harder time against offensive variants' Hurricane and Supersonic Skystrike. Notably, Mega Latios and Mega Alakazam have access to reliable recovery, making them a lot more consistent answers than Tapu Lele and Hoopa-U. Mega Medicham and Aurumoth can 2HKO defensive and OHKO offensive variants of Tomohawk, but they must be wary of its Flying-type STAB moves. Although uncommon, Assault Vest Slowking is one of offensive Tomohawk's most reliable counters thanks to its massive special bulk and Regenerator.
**Fairy-types**: Mega Diancie, Mega Mawile, and Magearna don't really mind Hurricane or Air Slash because of their secondary typings and almost always carry STAB moves that can severely hurt Tomohawk, but they might not like taking a Focus Blast. Clefable and Jumbao take advantage of defensive Tomohawk's passivity and threaten it out with Moonblast; however, both are pressured by Hurricane.
**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T, opposing Tomohawk, and Mega Pinsir can OHKO all Tomohawk variants that don't have Coba Berry. Although defensive Tomohawk can tank their Z-Moves with Coba Berry, Flyinium Z Landorus-T or Gyarados can still break through defensive Tomohawk with Knock Off support.
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko and Zapdos have the resistances to deal with offensive Tomohawk adequately and defensive Tomohawk well, and Tomohawk is forced out by their Electric-type STAB moves. Krilowatt has incredible natural bulk, allowing it to come in on Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB moves with ease, though it's 2HKOed by offensive Tomohawk's Focus Blast and does not have any reliable recovery. Caribolt, while a generally less reliable defensive check, can overwhelm defensive variants of Tomohawk with Magnet-boosted Return and Quick Attack.
**Toxic**: Toxic users like Zygarde and Gliscor wear down defensive Tomohawk significantly, forcing it out.
**Other Wallbreakers**: Volkraken, Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, and Heatran have the wallbreaking power necessary to break apart defensive Tomohawk, but they struggle to switch directly into offensive variants. Pajantom stands out because it does not use raw power to break through defensive Tomohawk; instead, it traps it with Spirit Shackle and consistently wears it down with Heal Block.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [Jho, 208105], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]
As a Flying-type that can control entry hazards, Tomohawk massively competes with Tornadus-T, which is much faster, does not have to waste turns healing up, and can generate momentum with U-turn. However, Tomohawk has a few unique niches that allow it to compete with Tornadus-T. For one, it has access to STAB-boosted Focus Blast and can usually afford to run it on offensive sets whereas Tornadus-T struggles to fit it, which makes it easier to deal with common Steel-types such as Magearna and Heatran. Additionally, Tomohawk can act as an emergency check to setup sweepers thanks to its access to Prankster and Haze. It can also run a bulky support set, which turns it into the best defensive check the tier has to offer to Shell Smash Necturna, one of the most centralizing sweepers in the metagame. However, bulky support sets are very passive and thus tend to create free turns for common scary wallbreakers such as Mega Latios, Mega Alakazam, and Pajantom. It also fails to check many common setup sweepers like Magearna, Caribolt, Aurumoth, and Tapu Lele. Access to Prankster Rain Dance and Healing Wish also allows Tomohawk to support rain teams well and its access to both Rapid Spin and Stealth Rock allows it to control hazards. However, Tomohawk tends to have a bad matchup against common Defoggers like Tornadus-T, often making it a suboptimal choice to set Stealth Rock. While the combination of Hurricane and Focus Blast is rather unreliable, the high Base Power is necessary for Tomohawk to hit appreciably hard.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Roost
move 4: Haze / Rapid Spin / Taunt
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Focus Blast is what grants Tomohawk its niche over Tornadus-T, notably hitting Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage, while also heavily damaging other Flying-type answers such as Cyclohm and Rotom-W. Haze is generally preferred for this set. Even if Tomohawk can't outlast a boosted sweeper's unboosted attacks, simply removing the boosts can swing momentum back into Tomohawk's team's favor. Alternatively, since Tomohawk has a good matchup against common entry hazard setters like Heatran, Arghonaut, and Ferrothorn, Rapid Spin can be run if its team needs hazard control. It should also be noted that Tomohawk is extremely good at pressuring Necturna and Pajantom, the best spinblockers in the tier. If Tomohawk needs to act as a stallbreaker, Taunt can be used to shut down defensive Pokemon such as Chansey and Celesteela.
Set Details
========
With a Timid nature, Tomohawk outspeeds Timid Heatran, Modest Volkraken, and Adamant Colossoil. Flyinium Z is the preferred item because it allows Tomohawk to fire off 100% accurate Supersonic Skystrike notably KOing Pajantom and Mega Latios after minor chip damage. It also OHKOes Caribolt and lets Tomohawk act as a great Knock Off switch-in. Life Orb can be used on Taunt sets to 2HKO Mega Sableye and OHKO Mega Aggron, Pokemon that are found mostly on stall teams. 29 HP IVs should be run with Life Orb to minimize recoil damage. A Modest nature is an option for extra power, but it misses out on outspeeding a few important Pokemon like Timid Heatran and Adamant Colossoil.
Usage Tips
========
You should evaluate which Pokemon Tomohawk should use its Supersonic Skystrike on from Team Preview, as teams will commonly have multiple checks to Tomohawk, such as Mega Latios and Pajantom, so it's worth considering which Pokemon could prove to be more troublesome in the long run. Haze should be used as an emergency check to dangerous sweepers, namely Necturna and Aurumoth, at the expense of potentially having to sacrifice Tomohawk. Tomohawk can switch into and immediately remove the entry hazards of Pokemon like Arghonaut, Ferrothorn, and Snaelstrom thanks to its favorable matchup against them. Use Taunt against bulky Pokemon like Zygarde and Chansey to prevent them from recovering HP or crippling Tomohawk with status, respectively. Doing this is especially useful in the stall matchup.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Mega Crucibelle, Heatran, and Mega Tyranitar is important for Tomohawk to KO Pajantom and Mega Latios with Supersonic Skystrike on the switch. Sturdy Steel-types such as Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna are excellent teammates because of Tomohawk's general weakness to Psychic- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Bulky Grass-types such as Jumbao and Ferrothorn can check Tapu Koko and Krilowatt for Tomohawk, which it tends to struggle against. Additionally, Ferrothorn can set Spikes for Tomohawk. Pursuit trappers such as Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Colossoil can dispose of Pokemon like Mega Latios and Pajantom, allowing Tomohawk to use its Z-Move to nuke other Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Haze
move 2: Roost
move 3: Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock
move 4: Hurricane / Air Slash
item: Coba Berry / Rocky Helmet / Icium Z
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tomohawk can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin many times throughout the match, but it struggles to really pressure hazard setters. Tomohawk can use Stealth Rock instead of Rapid Spin if its team already has an hazard remover. However, it should be noted that Tomohawk matches up poorly against common hazard removers, namely Tornadus-T and Tapu Koko, meaning that it does struggle to reliably keep hazards up. Hurricane is a powerful move that allows Tomohawk to OHKO Mega Pinsir, Hawlucha, and opposing offensive Tomohawk while 2HKOing Arghonaut. It also 2HKOes physically defensive Snaelstrom and can even OHKO after Stealth Rock damage. Air Slash is an alternative option with better accuracy but is notably weaker and does not permit Tomohawk to hit any of the benchmarks mentioned earlier. It's worth noting that Hurricane will 2HKO Shift Gear Necturna while Tomohawk is affected by Leech Seed, whereas Air Slash would not.
Set Details
========
Investment in physical bulk notably allows Tomohawk to deal with Shell Smash Necturna defensively, as well as take on Pokemon such as Smokomodo and Kartana more easily. Coba Berry allows Tomohawk to tank Supersonic Skystrike from Landorus-T and Gyarados with ease, allowing it to wall these Pokemon. It also buys a free turn to tank Aerilate Return from Mega Pinsir, Hurricane from opposing Tomohawk, and Acrobatics from Hawlucha, giving Tomohawk a chance to retaliate with Hurricane or Air Slash. Rocky Helmet deals chip damage to contact attackers, discouraging the opponent from using U-turn against Tomohawk. Icium Z allows Tomohawk to Haze away boosts and heal at the same time, allowing it to neutralize a sweeper without risking Tomohawk fainting.
Usage Tips
========
You should identify setup sweepers such as Necturn and Kartana at Team Preview, which Tomohawk should attempt to check throughout the match with Haze. Tomohawk will often force these Pokemon out, so it can use Rapid Spin or Stealth Rock against them without much of a drawback. However, it should be noted that if Necturna reveals Leech Seed, Tomohawk should not attempt to check Necturna, because it will eventually lose. Tomohawk should also be used to take advantage of common defensive Pokemon that can't touch it, like Tangrowth and Arghonaut. If Pokemon like Mega Latios, Mega Alakazam, and Magearna are anticipated to switch in, Tomohawk should switch out to prevent a loss of momentum. Coba Berry variants should be wary of Knock Off from Pokemon like Colossoil and Kartana if there's a threat that Tomohawk needs Coba Berry to check, such as Flyinium Z Landorus-T.
Team Options
========
Pursuit trappers such as Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Colossoil benefit from Tomohawk, which often gives free turns to common Pokemon like Mega Latios, Pajantom, and Tornadus-T, which are susceptible to Pursuit. Defensive Steel-types like Celesteela can check troublesome Psychic- and Fairy-types such as Mega Latios, Clefable, and Mega Diancie. Although not defensive, Mega Crucibelle is a potent check to Fairy-types like Clefable and Jumbao, as well as a decent Flying-type answer that can take advantage of Tornadus-T. Jumbao and Ferrothorn can check Tapu Koko and Krilowatt, which can take advantage of Tomohawk's passivity. Since this set does not carry Fighting-type coverage, Heatran checks such as Mega Latios, Gliscor, and Mega Tyranitar are important teammates. Defensive Electric-types like Cyclohm and Zapdos are good teammates for Tomohawk because they can take on Flying-types like Tornadus-T, which Tomohawk tends to struggle with.
[SET]
name: Rain Support
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Healing Wish / Memento
move 4: Rapid Spin / Focus Blast / Haze
item: Damp Rock
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=======
Healing Wish lets Tomohawk's teammates play much more aggressively early-game, while Memento can be used to give sweepers an easier time setting up. Rapid Spin removes entry hazards from Tomohawk’s side of the field, allowing Pelipper to run an offensive set. Focus Blast nails common rain team checks such as Ferrothorn, which is not bothered by Hurricane. Haze is a final option to act as an emergency answer to setup sweepers like Shell Smash Necturna, a Pokemon that can get quite a few setup opportunities against rain teams. Tomohawk is also a decent user of Stealth Rock because of the many switches it forces, but it will often have to pick between setting up rain or Stealth Rock, since it will often be forced out next turn.
Set Details
=======
A Timid nature is run to outspeed and 2HKO Modest Volkraken, a massive threat to rain teams when given the opportunity to switch in.
Usage Tips
========
You should preserve Tomohawk to consistently set and remove Stealth Rock, as well as to break Grass-types. Unlike other sets, Tomohawk should really avoid being hit by Knock Off, as it wants to keep its Damp Rock to maximize rain turns. Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Krilowatt will try to switch in to take advantage of Tomohawk, so you can use this opportunity to bring in Mega Swampert. Healing Wish should be used to give Pokemon like Mega Swampert a second chance to sweep. Similarly, Memento should be used to give sweepers such as Necturna, Magearna, and Hawlucha an easier time setting up.
Team Options
========
Pelipper and Mega Swampert are mandatory on rain teams, as Pelipper's Drizzle and Mega Swampert's Swift Swim and Electric-type immunity are too useful to pass up. Tomohawk supports them by allowing Pelipper to run its more offensively threatening sets and grants Mega Swampert easy opportunities to switch into play. Ferrothorn is an excellent pivot on rain teams, wearing down Zapdos and providing Spikes and Knock Off support. Ash-Greninja and Volkraken fit well on to rain teams as wallbreakers. Together with Mega Swampert, Ash-Greninja can easily break down the opposing team, while Volkraken's Fire-type STAB coverage, though weakened under rain, helps to break troublesome bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Jumbao. Tapu Koko is a nice check to Tornadus-T, which can be very annoying for rain teams. Additionally, it can lure in bulky Grass-types and pivot out with U-turn, giving Tomohawk opportunities to switch in. Shell Smash Necturna thrives off of the hyper offensive playstyle of rain teams, where Landorus-T and Heatran are extremely pressured, and appreciates Tomohawk's Memento for setup opportunities.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A specialized offensive support set consisting of Hurricane and Stealth Rock and two of Healing Wish, Memento, Taunt, and Haze with Flyinium Z or Focus Sash can be run on hyper offensive teams. These teams appreciate Tomohawk's ability to to set Stealth Rock, give a sweeper a second chance at sweeping, provide setup opportunities, and check opposing sweepers out of control. While this set is fairly customizable, it really only fits well on purely offensive teams. An offensive set with Intimidate can be run to allow Tomohawk to tank more hits while firing off its powerful STAB moves, but losing out on Prankster is often not worth it. On offensive sets using Life Orb, Nature Power, which is affected by Prankster, can be run to finish off weakened threats like Mega Latios before they move. The combination of Substitute with Toxic, Haze, or Taunt with 212 HP EVs can be used to annoy teams that rely on Toxic to deal with Tomohawk. The HP investment makes sure that Chansey will fail to break Tomohawk's Substitute with one Seismic Toss.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, Mega Latios, and Hoopa-U can OHKO Tomohawk with ease. They can tank defensive Tomohawk's Hurricane easily but have a harder time against offensive variants' Hurricane and Supersonic Skystrike. Notably, Mega Latios and Mega Alakazam have access to reliable recovery, making them a lot more consistent answers than Tapu Lele and Hoopa-U. Mega Medicham and Aurumoth can 2HKO defensive and OHKO offensive variants of Tomohawk, but they must be wary of its Flying-type STAB moves. Although uncommon, Assault Vest Slowking is one of offensive Tomohawk's most reliable counters thanks to its massive special bulk and Regenerator.
**Fairy-types**: Mega Diancie, Mega Mawile, and Magearna don't really mind Hurricane or Air Slash because of their secondary typings and almost always carry STAB moves that can severely hurt Tomohawk, but they might not like taking a Focus Blast. Clefable and Jumbao take advantage of defensive Tomohawk's passivity and threaten it out with Moonblast; however, both are pressured by Hurricane.
**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T, opposing Tomohawk, and Mega Pinsir can OHKO all Tomohawk variants that don't have Coba Berry. Although defensive Tomohawk can tank their Z-Moves with Coba Berry, Flyinium Z Landorus-T or Gyarados can still break through defensive Tomohawk with Knock Off support.
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko and Zapdos have the resistances to deal with offensive Tomohawk adequately and defensive Tomohawk well, and Tomohawk is forced out by their Electric-type STAB moves. Krilowatt has incredible natural bulk, allowing it to come in on Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB moves with ease, though it's 2HKOed by offensive Tomohawk's Focus Blast and does not have any reliable recovery. Caribolt, while a generally less reliable defensive check, can overwhelm defensive variants of Tomohawk with Magnet-boosted Return and Quick Attack.
**Toxic**: Toxic users like Zygarde and Gliscor wear down defensive Tomohawk significantly, forcing it out.
**Other Wallbreakers**: Volkraken, Ash-Greninja, Kyurem-B, and Heatran have the wallbreaking power necessary to break apart defensive Tomohawk, but they struggle to switch directly into offensive variants. Pajantom stands out because it does not use raw power to break through defensive Tomohawk; instead, it traps it with Spirit Shackle and consistently wears it down with Heal Block.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [Jho, 208105], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]
Last edited:
