[OVERVIEW]
Tornadus-T is the premier offensive pivot in the CAP metagame thanks to its solid Speed coupled with decent natural bulk and Regenerator. Furthermore, it's the best Defogger in the metagame thanks to its solid matchup against common entry hazard setters like Arghonaut and its ability to force many switches, which gives it many opportunities to Defog while being able to pivot out of unfavorable matchups against hazard setters like Mega Crucibelle and Mega Diancie. While its Special Attack is only average, it's particularly annoying to switch into due to the combination of Knock Off and U-turn, allowing Tornadus-T to constantly generate momentum. Furthermore, thanks to its wide movepool, which includes moves like Taunt, Focus Blast, and Heat Wave, it can circumvent usual answers like Toxapex, Mega Tyranitar, and Magearna, respectively. On top of its utility, Tornadus-T is also one of the best checks to Pokemon like Mega Medicham and Kartana thanks to its Speed and typing. However, it can still be overwhelmed by them via coverage moves and Z-Moves. Tornadus-T also is quite susceptible to Pursuit trappers like Weavile as well as Mega Tyranitar and Tyranitar, which are extremely popular, depending on its moveset. Additionally, it somewhat suffers from four-moveslot syndrome because it can't fit all the moves it wants on one set.
[SET]
name: Z-Move Pivot
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / U-turn
move 4: Defog
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Regenerator
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Knock Off is an excellent move to run on Tornadus-T that makes it much harder to switch into because it can cripple common switch-ins like Zapdos and Celesteela. Furthermore, Tornadus-T also tends to draw in blanket specially defensive walls like Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Chansey, which don't appreciate getting their item removed either. Hidden Power Ground is run to pressure Mega Crucibelle and Heatran. U-turn lets Tornadus-T serve more as a pivot, though Hidden Power Ground is often preferred because of how prominent Mega Crucibelle is. U-turn can also be run instead of Knock Off, but this makes Tornadus-T easier to switch into overall. Taunt can be run to prevent walls like Toxapex and Chansey from using their passive recovery moves, allowing Tornadus-T to break bulkier teams much better. Heat Wave is another option that can be run, which notably prevents Shift Gear Magearna from setting up against Tornadus-T for free and also gives Tornadus-T a consistent way to wear down Celesteela. Lastly, Focus Blast + Fightinium Z can be run instead of Hidden Power Ground or U-turn to blow past Mega Tyranitar and Tyranitar while still hitting Heatran.
Set Details
========
Flyinium Z lets Tornadus-T blow past Pokemon like Landorus-T and means that it doesn't have to rely on Hurricane's shaky accuracy once, overall making it much more threatening if timed correctly.
Usage Tips
========
Tornadus-T should be used as a pivot to check Pokemon like Arghonaut and Kartana and remove entry hazards continuously. Generally speaking, U-turn or Defog should be used against Pokemon that Tornadus-T tends to force out like Tangrowth, Arghonaut, and Landorus-T to gain momentum. Use Knock Off on incoming Flying-resistant Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Zapdos to cripple them for the remainder of the match. Be wary of Mega Crucibelle, however, because if Tornadus-T doesn't use Hidden Power Ground on a predicted switch in from it, it will be forced out. It should be noted that Hidden Power Ground can be taken advantage of by other Pokemon due to how weak it is in general. Because of this, Tornadus-T is often forced into awkward positions where it wants to use another move against teams using Mega Crucibelle and Heatran, so try to analyze the risk and reward of using Hidden Power Ground or another move carefully. Make sure to time Tornadus-T's use of its Z-Move right against Pokemon like opposing Tornadus-T and Clefable, which it otherwise can't KO.
Team Options
========
Tornadus-T fits on most bulky offensive and balanced teams as a Defog user and offensive pivot. It pairs particularly well with bulky Grass-types like Jumbao, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth because they can check Electric-types like Tapu Koko, which Tornadus-T tends to struggle against. It should be noted that Tornadus-T and Tangrowth also form a very powerful Regenerator core. Heatran is an outstanding partner for Tornadus-T. Not only does it appreciate Tornadus-T's ability to remove Spikes, but it also appreciates U-turn to switch in safely. Tornadus-T can wear down bulky Steel-types, so Pokemon like Mega Crucibelle, Tapu Lele, and Mega Alakazam are good partners because of this. Additionally, because Crucibelle doesn't want to Mega Evolve early on thanks to its ability Regenerator, they also form an excellent Regenerator core. Ash-Greninja also is an excellent partner because Tornadus-T can take advantage of Pokemon like Jumbao and Arghonaut, which it has a hard time dealing with. It also appreciates U-turn support and Tornadus-T's ability to remove Toxapex's and Magearna's item. Lastly, Mega Crucibelle checks like Arghonaut, Hippowdon, and Ferrothorn are appreciated because if Tornadus-T ever predicts incorrectly while Mega Crucibelle switches in, it will be forced out.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / U-turn
move 4: Defog
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Regenerator
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tornadus-T is an outstanding user of Knock Off because it tends to draw in Pokemon like Zapdos, Celesteela, and Toxapex, which don't appreciate getting their item removed. Hidden Power Ground is run to pressure Mega Crucibelle and Heatran, which can look to take advantage of Tornadus-T. Alternatively, U-turn can be used for Tornadus-T to serve more as a pivot. Taunt can be run to break through bulkier checks like Toxapex and, ultimately, balanced teams. Heat Wave is an option to more steadily wear down Steel-types like Magearna, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn.
Set Details
========
Rocky Helmet is run to punish U-turn users like Landorus-T and Kitsunoh. 252 HP EVs notably allow Tornadus-T to check Kartana and Choice Scarf Landorus-T more comfortably as well as Necturna lacking Stone Edge.
Usage Tips
========
You should actively look to punish contact move users like Landorus-T and Kartana with Tornadus-T. Tornadus-T should attempt to generate momentum for its team by using U-turn or Defog on a forced switch on the opposing side. To punish incoming Flying-resistant Pokemon like Celesteela and Zapdos, Tornadus-T should use Knock Off to cripple them. While Hidden Power Ground will discourage Mega Crucibelle from switching in, Tornadus-T will often find itself forced to use Hidden Power Ground because of Mega Crucibelle's presence alone; therefore, Tornadus-T finds itself in quite some awkward situations, so be considerate when picking what it should use.
Team Options
========
Tornadus-T should primarily be used on bulkier teams as a reliable measure for Pokemon like Landorus-T and Grass-types as well as a Defogger. This set can be used with another Z-Move user, such as Necturna, Magearna, Aurumoth, or Heatran. Because Tornadus-T tends to struggle with Electric-types, bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth, Jumbao, and Ferrothorn should be run to check them. Tornadus-T's tendency to invite in Magearna and Toxapex and cripple them with Knock Off and its ability to take advantage of Pokemon like Jumbao and Arghonaut makes Ash-Greninja, which struggles against them, an excellent partner. Similarly, Mega Crucibelle and offensive Psychic-types like Tapu Lele and Mega Alakazam tend to struggle to break through bulkier Steel-types like Magearna and Celesteela, so Tornadus-T's tendency to draw them in and cripple them with Knock Off makes it a good teammate for them. Checks to Mega Crucibelle like Arghonaut and Ferrothorn are important because Tornadus-T will be forced out if it does not use Hidden Power Ground on the turn Mega Crucibelle switches in.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb can be run on offensive Tornadus-T variants if its team already has another Z-Move user and desires a wallbreaker that can cripple bulky Steel-types; however, Z-Moves are often preferred on offensive Tornadus-T, and having to repeatedly switch into Stealth Rock while firing off Life Orb-boosted attacks may wear it down quickly, regardless of Regenerator. Expert Belt can be used on bulkier Tornadus-T variants to bluff offensive variants at the cost of no longer punishing contact move users.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, Cyclohm, and Rotom-W can easily switch into Tornadus-T thanks to their resistance to Hurricane and access to reliable recovery. Additionally, Zapdos and Cyclohm can punish the use of Knock Off and U-turn with their ability Static. Although it doesn't appreciate getting its item removed, Krilowatt's great natural bulk allows it to switch into Tornadus-T quite a few times throughout the match. Similarly, Caribolt can pressure Tornadus-T with its Electric-type moves, but it can't reliably switch in.
**Pursuit**: Pursuit users like Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Tyranitar can force out Tornadus-T and heavily weaken it with Pursuit. Additionally, Mega Tyranitar is capable of keeping Stealth Rock up against Tornadus-T. However, Mega Tyranitar and Tyranitar should be wary of All-Out Pummeling.
**Flying-resistant Pokemon**: Flying-resistant Pokemon that aren't bothered by Knock Off like Mega Crucibelle, Mega Diancie, and Z-Move Magearna are solid answers to Tornadus-T because it can do very little to them if it doesn't predict correctly. Additionally, Mega Crucibelle and Mega Diancie are capable of keeping Stealth Rock up against Tornadus-T, as it is threatened out by them, which will severely hinder its ability to check other Pokemon. Mega Crucibelle and Magearna should be wary of getting hit by Hidden Power Ground or Heat Wave on the switch.
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Greninja, and Mega Alakazam cannot switch into Tornadus-T, but they can easily force it out. Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele and Volkraken force Tornadus-T out if they switch in on it, but they are afraid of Knock Off and are easily worn down.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: Tornadus-T can't do much to specially defensive walls like Toxapex and Chansey. However, they should be wary of getting their item removed by Knock Off as well as Taunt, which allows Tornadus-T to beat these Pokemon in the long run.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[xavgb, 231402], [Mx, 298148], [snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [GMars, 273636]]
Tornadus-T is the premier offensive pivot in the CAP metagame thanks to its solid Speed coupled with decent natural bulk and Regenerator. Furthermore, it's the best Defogger in the metagame thanks to its solid matchup against common entry hazard setters like Arghonaut and its ability to force many switches, which gives it many opportunities to Defog while being able to pivot out of unfavorable matchups against hazard setters like Mega Crucibelle and Mega Diancie. While its Special Attack is only average, it's particularly annoying to switch into due to the combination of Knock Off and U-turn, allowing Tornadus-T to constantly generate momentum. Furthermore, thanks to its wide movepool, which includes moves like Taunt, Focus Blast, and Heat Wave, it can circumvent usual answers like Toxapex, Mega Tyranitar, and Magearna, respectively. On top of its utility, Tornadus-T is also one of the best checks to Pokemon like Mega Medicham and Kartana thanks to its Speed and typing. However, it can still be overwhelmed by them via coverage moves and Z-Moves. Tornadus-T also is quite susceptible to Pursuit trappers like Weavile as well as Mega Tyranitar and Tyranitar, which are extremely popular, depending on its moveset. Additionally, it somewhat suffers from four-moveslot syndrome because it can't fit all the moves it wants on one set.
[SET]
name: Z-Move Pivot
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / U-turn
move 4: Defog
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Regenerator
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Knock Off is an excellent move to run on Tornadus-T that makes it much harder to switch into because it can cripple common switch-ins like Zapdos and Celesteela. Furthermore, Tornadus-T also tends to draw in blanket specially defensive walls like Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Chansey, which don't appreciate getting their item removed either. Hidden Power Ground is run to pressure Mega Crucibelle and Heatran. U-turn lets Tornadus-T serve more as a pivot, though Hidden Power Ground is often preferred because of how prominent Mega Crucibelle is. U-turn can also be run instead of Knock Off, but this makes Tornadus-T easier to switch into overall. Taunt can be run to prevent walls like Toxapex and Chansey from using their passive recovery moves, allowing Tornadus-T to break bulkier teams much better. Heat Wave is another option that can be run, which notably prevents Shift Gear Magearna from setting up against Tornadus-T for free and also gives Tornadus-T a consistent way to wear down Celesteela. Lastly, Focus Blast + Fightinium Z can be run instead of Hidden Power Ground or U-turn to blow past Mega Tyranitar and Tyranitar while still hitting Heatran.
Set Details
========
Flyinium Z lets Tornadus-T blow past Pokemon like Landorus-T and means that it doesn't have to rely on Hurricane's shaky accuracy once, overall making it much more threatening if timed correctly.
Usage Tips
========
Tornadus-T should be used as a pivot to check Pokemon like Arghonaut and Kartana and remove entry hazards continuously. Generally speaking, U-turn or Defog should be used against Pokemon that Tornadus-T tends to force out like Tangrowth, Arghonaut, and Landorus-T to gain momentum. Use Knock Off on incoming Flying-resistant Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Zapdos to cripple them for the remainder of the match. Be wary of Mega Crucibelle, however, because if Tornadus-T doesn't use Hidden Power Ground on a predicted switch in from it, it will be forced out. It should be noted that Hidden Power Ground can be taken advantage of by other Pokemon due to how weak it is in general. Because of this, Tornadus-T is often forced into awkward positions where it wants to use another move against teams using Mega Crucibelle and Heatran, so try to analyze the risk and reward of using Hidden Power Ground or another move carefully. Make sure to time Tornadus-T's use of its Z-Move right against Pokemon like opposing Tornadus-T and Clefable, which it otherwise can't KO.
Team Options
========
Tornadus-T fits on most bulky offensive and balanced teams as a Defog user and offensive pivot. It pairs particularly well with bulky Grass-types like Jumbao, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth because they can check Electric-types like Tapu Koko, which Tornadus-T tends to struggle against. It should be noted that Tornadus-T and Tangrowth also form a very powerful Regenerator core. Heatran is an outstanding partner for Tornadus-T. Not only does it appreciate Tornadus-T's ability to remove Spikes, but it also appreciates U-turn to switch in safely. Tornadus-T can wear down bulky Steel-types, so Pokemon like Mega Crucibelle, Tapu Lele, and Mega Alakazam are good partners because of this. Additionally, because Crucibelle doesn't want to Mega Evolve early on thanks to its ability Regenerator, they also form an excellent Regenerator core. Ash-Greninja also is an excellent partner because Tornadus-T can take advantage of Pokemon like Jumbao and Arghonaut, which it has a hard time dealing with. It also appreciates U-turn support and Tornadus-T's ability to remove Toxapex's and Magearna's item. Lastly, Mega Crucibelle checks like Arghonaut, Hippowdon, and Ferrothorn are appreciated because if Tornadus-T ever predicts incorrectly while Mega Crucibelle switches in, it will be forced out.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / U-turn
move 4: Defog
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Regenerator
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tornadus-T is an outstanding user of Knock Off because it tends to draw in Pokemon like Zapdos, Celesteela, and Toxapex, which don't appreciate getting their item removed. Hidden Power Ground is run to pressure Mega Crucibelle and Heatran, which can look to take advantage of Tornadus-T. Alternatively, U-turn can be used for Tornadus-T to serve more as a pivot. Taunt can be run to break through bulkier checks like Toxapex and, ultimately, balanced teams. Heat Wave is an option to more steadily wear down Steel-types like Magearna, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn.
Set Details
========
Rocky Helmet is run to punish U-turn users like Landorus-T and Kitsunoh. 252 HP EVs notably allow Tornadus-T to check Kartana and Choice Scarf Landorus-T more comfortably as well as Necturna lacking Stone Edge.
Usage Tips
========
You should actively look to punish contact move users like Landorus-T and Kartana with Tornadus-T. Tornadus-T should attempt to generate momentum for its team by using U-turn or Defog on a forced switch on the opposing side. To punish incoming Flying-resistant Pokemon like Celesteela and Zapdos, Tornadus-T should use Knock Off to cripple them. While Hidden Power Ground will discourage Mega Crucibelle from switching in, Tornadus-T will often find itself forced to use Hidden Power Ground because of Mega Crucibelle's presence alone; therefore, Tornadus-T finds itself in quite some awkward situations, so be considerate when picking what it should use.
Team Options
========
Tornadus-T should primarily be used on bulkier teams as a reliable measure for Pokemon like Landorus-T and Grass-types as well as a Defogger. This set can be used with another Z-Move user, such as Necturna, Magearna, Aurumoth, or Heatran. Because Tornadus-T tends to struggle with Electric-types, bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth, Jumbao, and Ferrothorn should be run to check them. Tornadus-T's tendency to invite in Magearna and Toxapex and cripple them with Knock Off and its ability to take advantage of Pokemon like Jumbao and Arghonaut makes Ash-Greninja, which struggles against them, an excellent partner. Similarly, Mega Crucibelle and offensive Psychic-types like Tapu Lele and Mega Alakazam tend to struggle to break through bulkier Steel-types like Magearna and Celesteela, so Tornadus-T's tendency to draw them in and cripple them with Knock Off makes it a good teammate for them. Checks to Mega Crucibelle like Arghonaut and Ferrothorn are important because Tornadus-T will be forced out if it does not use Hidden Power Ground on the turn Mega Crucibelle switches in.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb can be run on offensive Tornadus-T variants if its team already has another Z-Move user and desires a wallbreaker that can cripple bulky Steel-types; however, Z-Moves are often preferred on offensive Tornadus-T, and having to repeatedly switch into Stealth Rock while firing off Life Orb-boosted attacks may wear it down quickly, regardless of Regenerator. Expert Belt can be used on bulkier Tornadus-T variants to bluff offensive variants at the cost of no longer punishing contact move users.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, Cyclohm, and Rotom-W can easily switch into Tornadus-T thanks to their resistance to Hurricane and access to reliable recovery. Additionally, Zapdos and Cyclohm can punish the use of Knock Off and U-turn with their ability Static. Although it doesn't appreciate getting its item removed, Krilowatt's great natural bulk allows it to switch into Tornadus-T quite a few times throughout the match. Similarly, Caribolt can pressure Tornadus-T with its Electric-type moves, but it can't reliably switch in.
**Pursuit**: Pursuit users like Weavile, Mega Tyranitar, and Tyranitar can force out Tornadus-T and heavily weaken it with Pursuit. Additionally, Mega Tyranitar is capable of keeping Stealth Rock up against Tornadus-T. However, Mega Tyranitar and Tyranitar should be wary of All-Out Pummeling.
**Flying-resistant Pokemon**: Flying-resistant Pokemon that aren't bothered by Knock Off like Mega Crucibelle, Mega Diancie, and Z-Move Magearna are solid answers to Tornadus-T because it can do very little to them if it doesn't predict correctly. Additionally, Mega Crucibelle and Mega Diancie are capable of keeping Stealth Rock up against Tornadus-T, as it is threatened out by them, which will severely hinder its ability to check other Pokemon. Mega Crucibelle and Magearna should be wary of getting hit by Hidden Power Ground or Heat Wave on the switch.
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Greninja, and Mega Alakazam cannot switch into Tornadus-T, but they can easily force it out. Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele and Volkraken force Tornadus-T out if they switch in on it, but they are afraid of Knock Off and are easily worn down.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: Tornadus-T can't do much to specially defensive walls like Toxapex and Chansey. However, they should be wary of getting their item removed by Knock Off as well as Taunt, which allows Tornadus-T to beat these Pokemon in the long run.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[xavgb, 231402], [Mx, 298148], [snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [GMars, 273636]]
Last edited:
