Torkoal (BW2 Update)

Governess

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To-Do List

0. Get this analysis in skeleton form. []

I. Fix any errors pertaining to the content / set(s) of the analysis. []

II. Receive two QC Checks, fixing any mistakes along the way. []

III. Fully write out the analysis after the 2nd QC Check. []

IV. Receive the final QC Check when the written work has been looked over. []

V. Correct any obvious grammar-prose mistakes before handing it to GP. []

VI. Receive two GP Checks, and have this analysis on-site. []

3/3: | ebeast | tennisace | Treecko |
2/2: | ]melvni | GatoDelFuego |

[Overview]

<p>With very few viable Rapid Spin users left in NU, Torkoal stands out from the rest with its balance of offensive and support roles. Boasting a fantastic base 140 Defense, Torkoal can effectively run a tank set, which makes it unique among the Fire-types in NU. It is also the best offensively-oriented Rapid Spin user in NU, as Shell Smash allows it to act as an offensive threat. However, Torkoal's lack of recovery&mdash;and the disadvantage of being outsped and KOed by many offensive Pokemon&mdash;can really limit its usefulness on the field.</p>

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Lava Plume
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Yawn
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes the defensive route in providing Rapid Spin support for the team. It works well on defensive and stall teams. Physical attackers have difficulty getting past Torkoal; Sawk and Swords Dance Samurott can only 2HKO it, and Kangaskhan only manages to 3HKO. Rapid Spin is the main reason to use this set, as it offers entry hazard relief to the team. Lava Plume is Torkoal's STAB move for this set, offering a 30% chance to burn the opponent. With Stealth Rock, Torkoal can support the team even further, laying entry hazards for its team to weaken the adversary. Finally, Yawn is a great way to force switches and put Ghost-type Pokemon in a bad position if used correctly.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>248 HP EVs allow Torkoal to switch into Stealth Rock four times at full HP. Because Torkoal lacks a reliable source of recovery, Leftovers is the recommended item in order for Torkoal to last longer in the match. As bulky as Torkoal is, critical hits can still break through its defenses; Shell Armor allows Torkoal to avoid these.</p>

<p>An EV spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Calm nature could be used if you would rather strengthen Torkoal's Special Defense, but it is still easy to break through with special attacks regardless. A stronger Fire-type attack, most notably Flamethrower, could be used in place of Lava Plume, but the 30% burn chance Lava Plume offers often overshadows the increase in Base Power. Protect is an option in the final moveslot to scout the opponent and stall for burn damage from Lava Plume. Will-O-Wisp is also an option if you really want to guarantee Torkoal burns the opponent. Toxic can be considered to cripple Pokemom that doesn't mind getting burned, such as Musharna and Ludicolo. Hidden Power Grass is also an alternative to prevent Carracosta from using Torkoal as setup fodder on stall teams, but that's all it really offers. Finally, Rest is a great choice to give Torkoal a form of recovery, but it should only be used with a cleric or Chesto Berry to wake up Torkoal immediately.</p>

<p>Torkoal has difficulties dealing with Ghost-types with this set, so good partners would be Pokemon that can take care of them. Skuntank in particular does well against these threats and can Pursuit trap them, giving Torkoal a chance to use Rapid Spin. If Torkoal is hit by Toxic, it is easily worn down and defeated. Clerics such as Misdreavus, Vileplume, Audino, and Lickilicky are great selections to prevent this from happening. Because Torkoal's mediocre Special Defense is usually targeted by opponents, partners that can tank special attacks work well with Torkoal; Lickilicky and Audino are examples of such. Water-types are also a challenging adversary for Torkoal, so partners that can deal with them, such as Roselia, Regice, and Zweilous, are recommended. Torkoal lacks a reliable source of recovery, so Pokemon that can offer Wish support, such as Alomomola, are great to use alongside it.</p>

[SET]
name: Smashkoal
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Grass
item: White Herb
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash allows Torkoal to nail every spinblocker in NU; it even gives Torkoal the opportunity to OHKO Misdreavus with Fire Blast after Stealth Rock damage. Because of Torkoal's ability to deal with spinblockers, it has many opportunities to use Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards from its side. While its physical bulk is high, Torkoal still has difficulty setting up on Pokemon such as Choice Band Kangaskhan, Primeape, Sawk, and Tauros, so it would need to set up on either an offensively weak Pokemon or on a predicted switch. Shell Smash's stat drop can be troublesome, but White Herb fixes that, allowing Torkoal to take hits much more easily.</p>

<p>Fire Blast is Torkoal's STAB move, and it can OHKO Eviolite Roselia and 2HKO Lickilicky and Mandibuzz after a Shell Smash. The final move of the set depends on what threat you want to cover. Hidden Power Grass allows Torkoal to OHKO Golurk and Carracosta, nearly OHKO Seismitoad, and 2HKO Alomomola after a Shell Smash. However, Earth Power allows Torkoal to deal with opposing Fire-types, such as Flareon and Rapidash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A Timid nature allows Torkoal to outspeed positive-natured base 85 Pokemon and below after a Shell Smash, which includes Pinsir, Sawk, Braviary, Gardevoir, Adamant Kangaskhan, and Mandibuzz. On the other hand, a Modest nature offers more power to Torkoal. With Shell Armor, Torkoal avoids any dreaded critical hits that could unexpectedly KO it. Life Orb is an option if more power is preferred, but because Torkoal will be worn down even faster, it is not recommended.</p>

<p>The main goal of the set is to use offensive force to find opportunities to use Rapid Spin, so not many partners are required. Pokemon that appreciate Rapid Spin support, such as Charizard, Rotom-S, and Swellow, are good partners to use alongside Torkoal. If Torkoal is hit by Toxic, it will be worn down much more quickly; clerics such as Flareon and Lickilicky, which also offer Wish support, are good options to help prevent this.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Torkoal has many alternative moves in its arsenal, but very few can be used effectively. Eruption is an option, as it is very powerful at full HP, but Torkoal is too slow to fully take advantage of the move. Overheat is also a powerful STAB move option, but Torkoal has to switch out to recover from the Special Attack drop, which loses momentum for its team. Heat Wave and Flamethrower are other STAB moves to consider if better accuracy or higher power is wanted, but they are notably weaker than Fire Blast and don't provide the good burn chance of Lava Plume. A Curse set with Gyro Ball, Stone Edge, and Earthquake is plausible, but Torkoal doesn't have a viable physical STAB move. Amnesia could be used to remedy Torkoal's low Special Defense, but Torkoal is still a bit frail in that area even after a boost. Sunny Day support is a great option, as Torkoal can offer Rapid Spin support to its teammates and use boosted Fire-type attacks in the sun, and SolarBeam would be a beneficial move to use. White Smoke could be used if stat drops are bothersome. However, stat-dropping moves aren't very common in NU. Finally, Clear Smog is a great way to deal with setup sweepers, but many of them will KO Torkoal before it can use the move.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Targeting Torkoal's lower Special Defense is one of the easier ways to defeat it, so specially offensive Pokemon, such as Gardevoir, Gorebyss, and special Samurott, can dispose of it fairly quickly. Wearing Torkoal down with Toxic or Toxic Spikes is also an effective tactic, as it has no reliable recovery, so Pokemon such as Garbodor are good to use against Torkoal.</p>

<p>There are also many Pokemon that can wall Torkoal with ease. Mantine in particular can tank any attack from any set and defeat Torkoal with its STAB moves. Altaria and Camerupt, while uncommon, can counter Torkoal very easily by tanking all of its attacks and retaliating. Specially defensive Dragonair can also tank Torkoal's attacks easily and set up against it. Most bulky Rock-types, such as Golem and Gigalith, can take Torkoal's attacks and KO in return, but they must watch for a burn from Lava Plume or a boosted Earth Power or Hidden Power Grass. Depending on what move is in the final moveslot of the offensive set, either Frillish (if Earth Power is used) or Lampent (if Hidden Power Grass is used) can check Torkoal well. While Misdreavus can be OHKOed by Torkoal after a Shell Smash boost, it has Taunt to shut defensive Torkoal down and prevent Rapid Spin, only fearing a predicted Yawn. Torkoal can be offensively threatening if it sets up Shell Smash, while Yawn can make opponents battle with caution against the defensive set, but if you can prevent or avoid the two, Torkoal is easy to wear down and take out.</p>

[Overview]
[/U]


    • Runs a great defensive set, as it has a fantastic base 140 Defense.
    • It's also offensive-oriented Rapid Spin user in NU, as Shell Smash allows Torkoal to act as an offensive threat as well.
    • Has a balance between support and offensive moves.
    • Besides Rapid Spin support, Torkoal can also set up Stealth Rock for its teammates.
    • Bad defensive typing, however, as it is weak to common Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type attacks.
    • Lack of recovery means it can be worn down quickly.
    • Even with Shell Smash, Torkoal is still very slow.
    • Torkoal can still be outsped and 2HKOed by many offensive Pokemon, making it difficult to set up on them.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Lava Plume
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Yawn
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]



    • This set takes the defensive route in granting Rapid Spin support to the team.
    • Much harder for physical attackers to get past (Kangaskan can only 3HKO, and Sawk and SD Samurott can only 2HKO).
    • Works well on defensive and stall teams.
    • Rapid Spin - main reason to use this set, as it offers entry hazard relief to the team.
    • Lava Plume - STAB move of choice, as it has a 30% to burn the opponent.
    • Stealth Rock - not only can it use Rapid Spin, but it can lay entry hazards for its team as well to weaken the adversary.
    • Yawn - great way to force switches and put Ghost-type Pokemon in stalemate if used correctly. Not recommended on stall teams, though.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]



    • 248 HP EVs allow Torkoal to switch into SR 4 times at full HP, the rest are to bulk Torkoal up in its Defense.
    • Leftovers - this is one of the only sources of recovery Torkoal can get so it lasts longer on the field.
    • Shell Armor - allows Torkoal to avoid critical hits, which can cripple a wall.
    • An EV spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Calm nature could be used if Special Defense is preferred over Torkoal's Defense, but it would still be subpar.
    • A stronger Fire-type attack (Flamethrower) could be used in place of Lava Plume, but the 30% burn chance it offers often overlooks the power.
    • Protect could be used in the last moveslot to scout the opponent and stall out burns from Lava Plume.
    • Will-O-Wisp could also be an option if you really want Torkoal to guarantee burns onto the opponent instead relying on Lava Plume.
    • Toxic - can cripple things that doesn't really mind a burn, such as Musharna and Ludicolo.
    • HP Grass is also an alternative to prevent Carracosta from using Torkoal as setup fodder on stall teams, but it doesn't offer much else.
    • Rest - great choice to offer some sort of recovery, but a cleric or Chesto Berry should be used to wake up Torkoal immediately.
    • Torkoal has much more difficulties dealing with Ghost-types with this set, so good partners would be Pokemon who can take care of them. Skuntank in particular do well against them and can Pursuit trap them, giving Torkoal a chance to use Rapid Spin.
    • If it gets hit by Toxic, Torkoal is easily worn down, making it easier for the opponent to defeat. Clerics such as Misdreavus, Vileplume (who can handle Water-types), and Lickilicky, who also offer Wish support, are good options.
    • Since Torkoal lacks special bulk, partners who have that bulk work well with Torkoal. Lickilicky and Audino (latter can also offer Heal Bell support) already offers great utility to Torkoal while having great special bulk, so it is a good example of that.
    • Roselia, Regice, and Zweilous are also great partners because they can handle Water-type Pokemon.
    • Alomomola can also offer Wish support to Torkoal, as well as handle Rock-types that Torkoal cannot wall, such as Golem.
[SET]
name: SMASHKOAL
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Grass
item: White Herb
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]



    • Shell Smash allows Torkoal to nail every spinblocker in NU; it even has a possibility to OHKO Misdreavus after SR damage with Fire Blast.
    • While its physical bulk is high, Torkoal still has difficulty setting up on Pokemon such as Choice Band Kangaskhan, Primeape, Sawk, and Tauros, so Torkoal would need to set up on either a physically weak Pokemon or on a predicted switch.
    • Shell Smash's defensive drop can be troublesome, but a White Herb fixes that, allowing Torkoal to take hits better.
    • Because of Torkoal's ability to deal with spinblockers in this set, it will have many opportunities to use Rapin Spin to remove any entry hazards from your team's side.
    • Fire Blast - Torkoal's STAB move, and it can OHKO Eviolite Roselia and 2HKO Lickilicky and Mandibuzz after Shell Smash.
    • The choice of the final moveslot depends on what threat you want to cover; Hidden Power Grass allows Torkoal to OHKO Golurk, Tank Carracosta, nearly OHKO Seismitoad and 2HKO Alomomola after a Shell Smash. However, Earth Power allows Torkoal to deal with opposing Fire-types, such as Flareon and Rapidash.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]



    • A Timid nature allows Torkoal to outspeed positive-natured base 85 Pokemon and below after Shell Smash, which includes Pinsir, Sawk, non-Choice Scarf Braviary and Gardevoir, and Mandibuzz. It also allows Torkoal to outspeed all-out attacker Kangaskhan. On the other hand, a Modest nature offers more power to Torkoal.
    • Shell Armor - avoids any dreaded critical hits that could accidentally KO Torkoal, but White Smoke could be used if you don't want the opponent to inflict stat drops on Torkoal. However, Defense-dropping moves aren't very common in NU.
    • Life Orb is an option if more power is wanted, but since Torkoal will be worn down even faster, it is not recommended.
    • Main goal is to use offensive force to set up Rapid Spin, so not many partners are required for it.
    • Since this set is to mainly offer Rapid Spin support, Pokemon that appreciate it, such as Charizard, Rotom-S, and Swellow, are good partners to use alongside it.
    • If it gets hit by Toxic, Torkoal is easily worn down, making it easier for the opponent to defeat. Clerics such as Flareon and Lickilicky, who also offer Wish support, are good options.
[Other Options]



    • Eruption - very powerful at full HP, but it's too slow to fully take advantage of the move.
    • Overheat - powerful STAB move option, but Torkoal has to switch out to recover from the SpA recoil, which loses momentum for its team.
    • Heat Wave / Flamethrower is also an option for STAB for better accuracy, but they are notably weaker than Fire Blast.
    • Curse set - has Gyro Ball, Stone Edge, and EQ to utilize it, but not a viable physical STAB move.
    • Amnesia - could remedy Torkoal's low SpD, but it can still be forced out of the field easily.
    • Sunny Day support - it can not only offer that + Rapid Spin, but its own Fire-type attacks get boosted in the sun as well. (along with being able to use SolarBeam)
    • Clear Smog - great way to deal with setup sweepers, but many of them will KO Torkoal before it can use Clear Smog.
[Checks and Counters]



    • Specially offensive Pokemon in general (Gardevoir, Gorebyss, special attacker Samurott, etc) can dispose of Torkoal easily, targeting its saddening Special Defense.
    • Mantine - can take on both sets and KO Torkoal with its STAB moves.
    • Altaria and Camerupt, while not common, can counter Torkoal very easily by taking any of its attacks and retaliating. Specially defensive Dragonair can tank Torkoal's attacks as well.
    • Toxic / Toxic Spikes wear Torkoal down, as it has no reliable recovery, so Pokemon such as Garbodor and Alomomola are good to use against Torkoal.
    • Frillish and Lampent - depending on what move SMASHKOAL is using in the final moveslot, one of them can check that set very well.
    • Most bulky Rock-types, such as Golem and Gigalith, can take Torkoal's attacks and KO in return, but they must watch for a burn from Lava Plume.
    • While Misdreavus can be KOed by Smashkoal, it has Taunt to shut defensive Torkoal down and prevent Rapid Spin, only fearing a predicted Yawn.
    • Torkoal can be offensively threatening if it sets up Shell Smash, and Yawn can make opponents battle with caution in the defensive, but if you can prevent / avoid the two, Torkoal is easy to wear down and take out.
 
Last edited:
I would rather the SMASHKOAL set name be changed to "Offensive Rapid Spin" or just "Shell Smash" because it's a stupid name and isn't justified as far as I'm concerned.

Also, I feel like Toxic should be slashed with Yawn so Torkoal can poison things such as Alomomola and friends. Having the ability to burn or poison things in one set is nifty too.
 

Governess

A Beautiful Blossom Waiting to Bloom
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Lol, I always did like the name qq. But you're right, so I'll change the name. I like the idea of adding Toxic as a slash, but I'll wait for another QC's input just to be sure.
 

ebeast

she's probably sexting nprtprt
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Keep SMASHKOAL imo B) Maybe not the the full caps, but at least the name. Everyone calls it that after I started the name. :'(

I like Defensive set better than Smashkoal in this meta cause Smashkoal is a little slow for my tastes and Defensive can do things like wall Scolipede which is nice. So I would like that set mentioned first.

Earth Power > HP Grass on Smashkoal. When you add more to Defensive Torkoal make sure to have Protect(Scout + stall Lava Plume burns), Will-O-Wisp(Guaranteed burns), and HP Grass(Prevents Costa from using Torkoal as set up fodder, which is cool on some stall teams) in there.
 

Governess

A Beautiful Blossom Waiting to Bloom
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Alright, I have written out the skeleton of the analysis, so it is ready for QC! :)
 

ebeast

she's probably sexting nprtprt
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
[Overview]
Just rearrange this so that it talks about Tank first since that's the first set.

[Additional Comments] (Tank)
I would remove the EQ mention here. The only real Fire-types used are: Charizard and Torkoal and maybe Flareon. Zard is immune to EQ and Torkoal tanks it anyways. Flareon is super uncommon so it's not that big of a deal.

Also replace the cleric mention of Flareon with Misdreavus; add Audino as a cleric and special bulk partner. I wouldn't mention revenge killers either for Water-types since Tank is mainly used on stall. Mention: Roselia, Regice, and Zweilous as partners that can handle Water-type Pokemon.

[Additional Comments] (SmashKoal)
Add Sawk to the list of base 85 Pokemon.

I would also make Shell Armor the ability on Tank as well, Def dropping moves aren't really that common and avoiding crits is better on a wall.

QC Approved 1/3
 

tennisace

not quite too old for this, apparently
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SMASHKOAL should be in all caps imo

In OO you list Earth Power as doing more damage to Regirock than EQ, but you don't have EQ listed anywhere anymore.



There are a couple wording nitpicks I have but this is the skeleton so its not a huge deal. 2/3
 
add toxic to ac of first set to cripple stuff that doesnt appreciate toxic as much as burns such as musharna or ludicolo

SMASHKOAL
 

Governess

A Beautiful Blossom Waiting to Bloom
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Thank you, everyone, I have made all the changes and implemented the check. I'll make sure to fix the wording nitpickings once the write-up is complete, which I will get to soon! :)
 
This is really good. The only change I'd like to see is SMASHKOAL->Smashkoal. SMASHKOAL is excessive and not nearly as manly as it used to be.

QC Approved 3/3
 
GP check. Good job on writing this. I noticed sometimes you used comparative adjectives (easier, quicker) when you should be using adverbs (more easily, more quickly) though, so watch out for that.
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple
[Overview]

<p>With very few viable Rapid Spin users left in NU, Torkoal stands out from the rest with its balance of offensive and support roles. Boasting a fantastic base 140 Defense, Torkoal can effectively run a tank set, which makes it a unique choice among the Fire-types in NU. It is also the best offensive-oriented offensively oriented Rapid Spin user in NU, as Shell Smash allows Torkoal it to act as an offensive threat. However, Torkoal's lack of recovery&mdash;and the disadvantage of being outsped and KOed by many offensive Pokemon&mdash;can really limit its usefulness on the field.</p>

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Lava Plume
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Yawn
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes the defensive route in granting providing Rapid Spin support to for the team. It works well on defensive and stall teams. Physical attackers have difficulty getting past Torkoal; Sawk and Swords Dance Samurott can only 2HKO it, and Kangaskhan only manages to 3HKO Torkoal. Rapid Spin is the main reason to use this set, as it offers entry hazard relief to the team. Lava Plume is Torkoal's best STAB move for this set, as it offers a 30% chance to burn the opponent. With Stealth Rock, Torkoal can support the team even further, laying entry hazards for its team to weaken the adversary. Finally, Yawn is a great way to force switches and put Ghost-type Pokemon in stalemate a lose-lose position (or something like this (for instance 'a no win situation'); stalemate would mean a tie, whereas Yawn forces the Ghost to either switch out and let Torkoal spin or stay in and fall asleep) if used correctly.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>248 HP EVs allow Torkoal to switch into Stealth Rock four times at full HP. Because Torkoal lacks a reliable source of recovery, Leftovers is the recommended item in order for Torkoal to last longer in the match. As bulky as Torkoal is, critical hits can still break through its defenses; Shell Armor allows Torkoal to avoid those unwanted critical hits.</p>

<p>An EV spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Calm nature could be used if you would rather strengthen Torkoal's Special Defense, but it is still easy to break through with special attacks (if that's what you're referring to here; otherwise use something else or nothing if this is just a general statement) regardless. A stronger Fire-type attack, specifically most notably Flamethrower, could be used in place of Lava Plume for more power, but the 30% burn chance Lava Plume offers often overshadows its the increase in Base Power. Protect is an option in the final moveslot to scout the opponent and stall out burns from Lava Plume. Will-O-Wisp might is also be an option if you really want Torkoal to guarantee Torkoal burns onto the opponent, rather than relying on Lava Plume. Toxic can be considered to cripple Pokemom that doesn't mind getting burned, such as Musharna and Ludicolo. Hidden Power Grass is also an alternative to prevent Carracosta from using Torkoal as setup fodder on stall teams, but that's all it really offers to Torkoal. Finally, Rest is a great choice to give Torkoal a form of recovery, but it should only be used with a cleric or Chesto Berry should be used to wake up Torkoal immediately.</p>

<p>Torkoal has difficulties dealing with Ghost-types with this set, so good partners would be Pokemon who that can take care of them. Skuntank in particular does well against them these threats and can Pursuit trap them, giving Torkoal a chance to use Rapid Spin. If Torkoal is hit by Toxic, it is easily worn down, making it easier for the opponent to defeat and defeated. Clerics such as Misdreavus, Vileplume, Audino, and Lickilicky are great selections to prevent this from happening. Because Torkoal's mediocre Special Defense is usually targeted by opponents, partners who that can tank special attacks work well with Torkoal; Lickilicky and Audino are examples of such. Water-types are also a challenging adversary for Torkoal, so partners that can deal with them, such as Roselia, Regice, and Zweilous, are recommended. Torkoal lacks a reliable source of recovery, so Pokemon that can offer Wish support, such as Alomomola, are great to use alongside Torkoal it.</p>

[SET]
name: SMASHKOAL
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Grass
item: White Herb
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash allows Torkoal to nail every spinblocker in NU; it even gives Torkoal the opportunity to OHKO Misdreavus with Fire Blast after Stealth Rock damage. Because of Torkoal's ability to deal with spinblockers, it will have has many opportunities to use Rapin Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards from its side. While its physical bulk is high, Torkoal still has difficulty setting up on Pokemon such as Choice Band Kangaskhan, Primeape, Sawk, and Tauros, so Torkoal it would need to set up on either a physically an offensively weak Pokemon or on a predicted switch. Shell Smash's stat drop can be troublesome, but a White Herb fixes that, allowing Torkoal to take hits much easier more easily.</p>

<p>Fire Blast is Torkoal's STAB move, and it can OHKO Eviolite Roselia and 2HKO Lickilicky and Mandibuzz after a Shell Smash. The final move of the set depends on what threat you want to cover; (start new sentence) Hidden Power Grass allows Torkoal to OHKO Golurk, Carracosta (tank set) and Carracosta (the tank set is the bulkiest on the analysis; if you want to be specific though, you'll need to change your wording a bit to have parallel structure (something like 'OHKO Golurk and tank Carracosta' or 'OHKO Golurk and max HP Solid Rock Carracosta')), nearly OHKO Seismitoad, and 2HKO Alomomola after a Shell Smash. However, Earth Power allows Torkoal to deal with opposing Fire-types, such as Flareon and Rapidash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A Timid nature allows Torkoal to outspeed positive-natured base 85 Pokemon and below after a Shell Smash, which includes Pinsir, Sawk, Braviary, Gardevoir, Adamant Kangaskhan, and Mandibuzz. On the other hand, a Modest nature offers more power to Torkoal (any specific targets Modest helps with?). With Shell Armor, Torkoal can avoids any dreaded critical hits that could accidentally unexpectedly KO Torkoal it, but White Smoke could be used if stat drops are bothersome to Torkoal. However, stat-dropping moves aren't very common in NU. Life Orb is an option if more power is preferred, but because Torkoal will be worn down even faster, it is not recommended.</p>

<p>The main goal of the set is to use offensive force to set up find opportunities to use Rapid Spin, so not many partners are required with Torkoal. Pokemon that appreciate Rapid Spin support, such as Charizard, Rotom-S, and Swellow, are good partners to use alongside Torkoal. If Torkoal is hit by Toxic, Torkoal can it will be worn down much quicker more quickly; clerics such as Flareon and Lickilicky, which also offer Wish support, are good options to help prevent this.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Torkoal has many alternative moves in its arsenal, but very few can be used effectively. Eruption is an option, as it is very powerful at full HP, but Torkoal is too slow to fully take advantage of the move. Overheat is also a powerful STAB move option, but Torkoal has to switch out to recover from the Special Attack drop, which loses momentum for its team. Heat Wave and Flamethrower are other STAB moves to consider if better accuracy or higher power is wanted, but they are notably weaker than Fire Blast and don't provide the good burn chance of Lava Plume. A Curse set with Gyro Ball, Stone Edge, and Earthquake is plausible, but Torkoal doesn't have a viable physical STAB move. Amnesia could be used to remedy Torkoal's low Special Defense, but Torkoal is still a bit frail in that area even after a boost. Sunny Day support is a great option, as Torkoal can offer Rapid Spin support to its teammates and use boosted Fire-type attacks in the sun, and SolarBeam would be a beneficial move to use. Finally, Clear Smog is a great way to deal with setup sweepers, but many of them will KO Torkoal before it can use the move.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Targeting Torkoal's lower Special Defense is one of the easier ways to defeat it, so specially offensive Pokemon, such as Gardevoir, Gorebyss, and special Samurott, can dispose of Torkoal it fairly quickly. Wearing Torkoal down with Toxic and/or or Toxic Spikes is also an effective tactic, as it has no reliable recovery, so Pokemon such as Garbodor are good to use against Torkoal.</p>

<p>There are also many Pokemon who that can wall Torkoal with ease. Mantine in particular can tank any attack from both sets any set and defeat Torkoal with its STAB moves. Altaria and Camerupt, while uncommon, can counter Torkoal very easily by tanking all of its attacks and retaliating. Specially defensive Dragonair can also tank Torkoal's attacks easily and set up against it. Most bulky Rock-types, such as Golem and Gigalith, can take Torkoal's attacks and KO in return, but they must watch for a burn from Lava Plume or a boosted Earth Power or Hidden Power Grass. Depending on what move is in the final moveslot of the offensive set, either Frillish (if Earth Power is used) or Lampent (if Hidden Power Grass is used) can check Torkoal well. While Misdreavus can be OHKOed by Torkoal with after a Shell Smash boost, it has Taunt to shut defensive Torkoal down and prevent Rapid Spin, only fearing a predicted Yawn. Torkoal can be offensively threatening if it sets up Shell Smash, while Yawn can make opponents battle with caution against the defensive set, but if you can prevent or avoid the two, Torkoal is easy to wear down and take out.</p>


GP: 1/2
 

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[Overview]

<p>With very few viable Rapid Spin users left in NU, Torkoal stands out from the rest with its balance of offensive and support roles. Boasting a fantastic base 140 Defense, Torkoal can effectively run a tank set, which makes it unique among the Fire-types in NU. It is also the best offensively-oriented Rapid Spin user in NU, as Shell Smash allows it to act as an offensive threat. However, Torkoal's lack of recovery&mdash;and the disadvantage of being outsped and KOed by many offensive Pokemon&mdash;can really limit its usefulness on the field.</p>

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Lava Plume
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Yawn
item: Leftovers
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes the defensive route in providing Rapid Spin support for the team. It works well on defensive and stall teams. Physical attackers have difficulty getting past Torkoal; Sawk and Swords Dance Samurott can only 2HKO it, and Kangaskhan only manages to 3HKO. Rapid Spin is the main reason to use this set, as it offers entry hazard relief to the team. Lava Plume is Torkoal's STAB move for this set, as it offers a offering a 30% chance to burn the opponent. With Stealth Rock, Torkoal can support the team even further, laying entry hazards for its team to weaken the adversary. Finally, Yawn is a great way to force switches and put Ghost-type Pokemon in a lose-lose bad osition if used correctly.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>248 HP EVs allow Torkoal to switch into Stealth Rock four times at full HP. Because Torkoal lacks a reliable source of recovery, Leftovers is the recommended item in order for Torkoal to last longer in the match. As bulky as Torkoal is, critical hits can still break through its defenses; Shell Armor allows Torkoal to avoid these unwanted critical hits.</p>

<p>An EV spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Calm nature could be used if you would rather strengthen Torkoal's Special Defense, but it is still easy to break through with special attacks regardless. A stronger Fire-type attack, most notably Flamethrower, could be used in place of Lava Plume, but the 30% burn chance Lava Plume offers often overshadows the increase in Base Power. Protect is an option in the final moveslot to scout the opponent and stall out for burn damage from Lava Plume. Will-O-Wisp is also an option if you really want to guarantee Torkoal burns the opponent. Toxic can be considered to cripple Pokemom that you used that ^_^ doesn't mind getting burned, such as Musharna and Ludicolo. Hidden Power Grass is also an alternative to prevent Carracosta from using Torkoal as setup fodder on stall teams, but that's all it really offers. Finally, Rest is a great choice to give Torkoal a form of recovery, but it should only be used with a cleric or Chesto Berry to wake up Torkoal immediately.</p>

<p>Torkoal has difficulties dealing with Ghost-types with this set, so good partners would be Pokemon that can take care of them. Skuntank in particular does well against these threats and can Pursuit trap them, giving Torkoal a chance to use Rapid Spin. If Torkoal is hit by Toxic, it is easily worn down and defeated. Clerics such as Misdreavus, Vileplume, Audino, and Lickilicky are great selections to prevent this from happening. Because Torkoal's mediocre Special Defense is usually targeted by opponents, partners that can tank special attacks work well with Torkoal; Lickilicky and Audino are examples of such. Water-types are also a challenging adversary for Torkoal, so partners that can deal with them, such as Roselia, Regice, and Zweilous, are recommended. Torkoal lacks a reliable source of recovery, so Pokemon that can offer Wish support, such as Alomomola, are great to use alongside it.</p>

[SET]
name: Smashkoal
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Grass
item: White Herb
ability: Shell Armor
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Shell Smash allows Torkoal to nail every spinblocker in NU; it even gives Torkoal the opportunity to OHKO Misdreavus with Fire Blast after Stealth Rock damage. Because of Torkoal's ability to deal with spinblockers, it has many opportunities to use Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards from its side. While its physical bulk is high, Torkoal still has difficulty setting up on Pokemon such as Choice Band Kangaskhan, Primeape, Sawk, and Tauros, so it would need to set up on either an offensively weak Pokemon or on a predicted switch. Shell Smash's stat drop can be troublesome, but White Herb fixes that, allowing Torkoal to take hits much more easily.</p>

<p>Fire Blast is Torkoal's STAB move, and it can OHKO Eviolite Roselia and 2HKO Lickilicky and Mandibuzz after a Shell Smash. The final move of the set depends on what threat you want to cover. Hidden Power Grass allows Torkoal to OHKO Golurk and Carracosta, nearly OHKO Seismitoad, and 2HKO Alomomola after a Shell Smash. However, Earth Power allows Torkoal to deal with opposing Fire-types, such as Flareon and Rapidash.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>A Timid nature allows Torkoal to outspeed positive-natured base 85 Pokemon and below after a Shell Smash, which includes Pinsir, Sawk, Braviary, Gardevoir, Adamant Kangaskhan, and Mandibuzz. On the other hand, a Modest nature offers more power to Torkoal. With Shell Armor, Torkoal avoids any dreaded critical hits that could unexpectedly KO it, but White Smoke could be used if stat drops are bothersome. However, stat-dropping moves aren't very common in NU. I can think of 0 reasons White Smoke would be better. If you really want to include something on it, put it in OO Life Orb is an option if more power is preferred, but because Torkoal will be worn down even faster, it is not recommended.</p>

<p>The main goal of the set is to use offensive force to find opportunities to use Rapid Spin, so not many partners are required. Pokemon that appreciate Rapid Spin support, such as Charizard, Rotom-S, and Swellow, are good partners to use alongside Torkoal. If Torkoal is hit by Toxic, it will be worn down much more quickly; clerics such as Flareon and Lickilicky, which also offer Wish support, are good options to help prevent this.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Torkoal has many alternative moves in its arsenal, but very few can be used effectively. Eruption is an option, as it is very powerful at full HP, but Torkoal is too slow to fully take advantage of the move. Overheat is also a powerful STAB move option, but Torkoal has to switch out to recover from the Special Attack drop, which loses momentum for its team. Heat Wave and Flamethrower are other STAB moves to consider if better accuracy or higher power is wanted, but they are notably weaker than Fire Blast and don't provide the good burn chance of Lava Plume. A Curse set with Gyro Ball, Stone Edge, and Earthquake is plausible, but Torkoal doesn't have a viable physical STAB move. Amnesia could be used to remedy Torkoal's low Special Defense, but Torkoal is still a bit frail in that area even after a boost. Sunny Day support is a great option, as Torkoal can offer Rapid Spin support to its teammates and use boosted Fire-type attacks in the sun, and SolarBeam would be a beneficial move to use. Finally, Clear Smog is a great way to deal with setup sweepers, but many of them will KO Torkoal before it can use the move.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Targeting Torkoal's lower Special Defense is one of the easier ways to defeat it, so specially offensive Pokemon, such as Gardevoir, Gorebyss, and special Samurott, can dispose of it fairly quickly. Wearing Torkoal down with Toxic or Toxic Spikes is also an effective tactic, as it has no reliable recovery, so Pokemon such as Garbodor are good to use against Torkoal.</p>

<p>There are also many Pokemon that can wall Torkoal with ease. Mantine in particular can tank any attack from any set and defeat Torkoal with its STAB moves. Altaria and Camerupt, while uncommon, can counter Torkoal very easily by tanking all of its attacks and retaliating. Specially defensive Dragonair can also tank Torkoal's attacks easily and set up against it. Most bulky Rock-types, such as Golem and Gigalith, can take Torkoal's attacks and KO in return, but they must watch for a burn from Lava Plume or a boosted Earth Power or Hidden Power Grass. Depending on what move is in the final moveslot of the offensive set, either Frillish (if Earth Power is used) or Lampent (if Hidden Power Grass is used) can check Torkoal well. While Misdreavus can be OHKOed by Torkoal after a Shell Smash boost, it has Taunt to shut defensive Torkoal down and prevent Rapid Spin, only fearing a predicted Yawn. Torkoal can be offensively threatening if it sets up Shell Smash, while Yawn can make opponents battle with caution against the defensive set, but if you can prevent or avoid the two, Torkoal is easy to wear down and take out.</p>


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