[OVERVIEW]
Turtwig brings an interesting niche to the table as the only pure Grass-type that can set Stealth Rock; this, coupled with other decent attributes such as a decent movepool, defensive stats, and typing, allows Turtwig to be an adequate entry hazard setter. Aside from a great recovery option in Synthesis, Turtwig has access to two other good moves in Bullet Seed for STAB damage against Pokemon such as Staryu and Drilbur, which also happen to be common Rapid Spin users, and Superpower for coverage against Pokemon such as Magnemite and Pawniard. However, while it has a good matchup against most spinners, Turtwig falls short to other common metagame threats such as Ponyta and Vullaby. Turtwig is outclassed by Ferroseed as a Grass-type entry hazard setter and by Onix as a Stealth Rock setter due to their more useful abilities and better stats. Turtwig is also relatively passive due to its limited offensive options, moderate stats, and the drawbacks of Superpower. The biggest reason why Turtwig isn't used much is because there are better Stealth Rock setters such as the aforementioned Onix, while as a Water-type check, Grass-types such as Snivy are more reliable.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Bullet Seed
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 76 HP / 52 Atk / 244 Def / 76 SpD / 28 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Turtwig to set entry hazards to chip away at the opposition's health, allowing Turtwig's teammates to take care of them with less difficulty. Synthesis allows Turtwig to switch in more comfortably and continue setting Stealth Rock if it has been removed. Bullet Seed is Turtwig's strongest and most reliable STAB move, as it can be quite powerful depending on how many times it hits and thanks to LC's multi-hit mechanics is a more powerful choice than Seed Bomb. This also allows it to effectively combat Focus Sash users such as Diglett and SturdyJuice users such as Onix. Superpower is Turtwig's strongest coverage option against common Steel-types such as Pawniard and Magnemite that resist its other moves. Superpower can hit these two heavily on the switch; however, the stat drops leave Turtwig vulnerable to revenge killing or being forced out afterwards.
Set Details
========
The given defensive investments in conjunction with Eviolite and a Careful nature make Turtwig as bulky as possible, which allows it to switch into resisted hits more safely. 28 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed some of its targets such as defensive Tirtouga, while 52 Attack EVs allow it to have a higher chance to OHKO Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Magnemite. Turtwig utilizes Overgrow instead of Shell Armor because gaining extra STAB damage at low health is a better option over protection against critical hits, which is rather unreliable.
Usage Tips
========
Turtwig should be used as a lead or sent out early-game into Pokemon it doesn't take a lot of damage from, such as Omanyte and Onix, to force them out so it can set up Stealth Rock. The earlier Turtwig can set Stealth Rock the better, because it may be easier to avoid threats early-game, which eases entry hazard setup. Turtwig can use its good bulk to switch into resisted Water- and Electric-type moves such as Staryu's Hydro Pump and Elekid's Thunderbolt; however, it needs to be careful of coverage such as Ice Beam from most variants of the aforementioned Staryu. Turtwig can also use the forced switch when switching into Pokemon it checks to recover with Synthesis if needed; however, it should only do so if it is sure it can survive one more hit, as otherwise its low Speed stat can be taken advantage of. Turtwig should freely spam Bullet Seed on Pokemon it can defeat, but it should only use Superpower when it attempts to hit Steel-types on the switch to KO them because the subsequent lowering of its stats can create an opening for the opposition. Don't take advantage of Overgrow without thought, as instead of taking advantage of the extra damage provided, Turtwig should prioritize recovering with Synthesis in case its Stealth Rock is removed or its defensive typing is still needed; an opportunity where it can use Overgrow, however, is if it is confident that it can KO a Pokemon on the switch with Bullet Seed. Setup sweepers should be taken care of or have their plays predicted to ensure Turtwig is not taken advantage of after using Superpower. Turtwig should also be aware of Vullaby, especially its Weak Armor variants, as Turtwig's attacks are resisted and give it Speed boosts. Additionally, Vullaby can force out Turtwig rather easily and use Defog to remove its entry hazards.
Team Options
========
Flying-types such as Doduo and Vullaby are great teammates for Turtwig, as they can deal with Foongus, one of Turtwig's best checks, and other threats such as Croagunk and Mienfoo. In return, Turtwig can switch into threatening Electric-types and Onix. Sweepers such as Scraggy and Carvanha appreciate Turtwig's ability to set Stealth Rock, as this allows them to KO the opposition with less difficulty. Poison-type checks such as Diglett and Mudbray can deal with the likes of Alolan Grimer and Gastly, which threaten Turtwig; in return, it can deal with Water-types that trouble Diglett and Mudbray. Pokemon such as Magnemite and Shell Smash Tirtouga make good partners, as they can both take care of Flying- and Ice-types with their respective STAB moves, while the former also provides Volt Switch support for Turtwig to switch in more comfortably. Fire-types such as Ponyta and Salandit pose a great problem to Turtwig; therefore, Pokemon such as Mareanie and Diglett make great partners. The former can help additionally by stacking Toxic Spikes, while the latter can also trap and KO other targets that trouble Turtwig. On the other hand, Fire-types are also good teammates, since they have great type synergy with Turtwig, appreciate it setting Stealth Rock, and can take out Foongus and other troublesome Grass-types. These Fire-types alongside Turtwig and Staryu also form a great core, as each of these Pokemon can take care of each other's checks thanks to their typing synergy, while Staryu can remove entry hazards as well without removing Turtwig's own like Defoggers would.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Toxic can be used to combat Pokemon that wall Turtwig such as Larvesta and defensive Vullaby and cripple generally any other Pokemon given the right situation; however, it is hard to fit without leaving Turtwig less able to fulfill its role effectively, as it would either replace Synthesis, a very reliable recovery method, or Superpower, Turtwig's only coverage move. Earth Power allows Turtwig to deal super effective damage to its Fire- and Poison-type checks on the switch while also hitting Steel-types, although Turtwig's poor Special Attack lets it down and therefore makes Superpower the superior coverage move. Leech Seed can be used, potentially in conjunction with Protect, to wear down and stall out opposing Pokemon to leave them vulnerable to Turtwig's teammates, although, as a recovery option, Synthesis is much better. Also, there isn't much space for Protect, an essential tool in Leech Seed stalling.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Taunt**: Pokemon such as the common Mienfoo carry Taunt, which shuts down Turtwig's chances of setting entry hazards or recovering and forces it to switch, as Mienfoo may carry coverage such as Acrobatics or use Knock Off to remove its Eviolite.
**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers that resist Turtwig's moves such as Nasty Plot Croagunk and Vullaby can easily use Turtwig as setup bait due to its passivity and OHKO it with their respective super effective STAB moves.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Doduo and Vullaby can take all of Turtwig's moves bar Superpower and outspeed it and KO it with a powerful STAB Brave Bird. Additionally, Flying-type setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Vullaby can use Turtwig as setup bait, as it can do nothing to them.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Ponyta and Larvesta can outspeed Turtwig and use super effective STAB moves to KO it. Most also carry Will-O-Wisp, which can effectively cripple Turtwig and make it completely passive. It should be noted that worn-down Fire-types may fear Superpower, which can potentially 3HKO them.
**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Gastly and Croagunk are dangerous threats to Turtwig, as they can also resist all of Turtwig's moves and respond with a super effective STAB move that can either KO it or cripple its longevity by poisoning it. Additionally, Turtwig can be used as setup bait by Croagunk. Foongus deserves a special mention, as it is one of the most efficient checks to Turtwig, resisting all of its moves and KOing it if it doesn't switch out. Foongus is very common as well, which gives Turtwig a hard time in most battles.
**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Ice-types such as Amaura and Alolan Sandshrew can outspeed Turtwig and OHKO it with super effective STAB moves. However, Turtwig can OHKO these two with Superpower if it gets the chance to strike. Ice-type coverage is also threatening, since Water-types that Turtwig can usually switch into might carry Ice-type coverage moves that can deal heavy damage on the switch such as Ice Beam from Chinchou and Staryu.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Conni, 319599]]
- Quality checked by: [[Merritt, 213064], [Nineage, 195129], [Corporal Levi, 55063]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [frostration, 447027]]
Turtwig brings an interesting niche to the table as the only pure Grass-type that can set Stealth Rock; this, coupled with other decent attributes such as a decent movepool, defensive stats, and typing, allows Turtwig to be an adequate entry hazard setter. Aside from a great recovery option in Synthesis, Turtwig has access to two other good moves in Bullet Seed for STAB damage against Pokemon such as Staryu and Drilbur, which also happen to be common Rapid Spin users, and Superpower for coverage against Pokemon such as Magnemite and Pawniard. However, while it has a good matchup against most spinners, Turtwig falls short to other common metagame threats such as Ponyta and Vullaby. Turtwig is outclassed by Ferroseed as a Grass-type entry hazard setter and by Onix as a Stealth Rock setter due to their more useful abilities and better stats. Turtwig is also relatively passive due to its limited offensive options, moderate stats, and the drawbacks of Superpower. The biggest reason why Turtwig isn't used much is because there are better Stealth Rock setters such as the aforementioned Onix, while as a Water-type check, Grass-types such as Snivy are more reliable.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Bullet Seed
move 4: Superpower
item: Eviolite
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 76 HP / 52 Atk / 244 Def / 76 SpD / 28 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Turtwig to set entry hazards to chip away at the opposition's health, allowing Turtwig's teammates to take care of them with less difficulty. Synthesis allows Turtwig to switch in more comfortably and continue setting Stealth Rock if it has been removed. Bullet Seed is Turtwig's strongest and most reliable STAB move, as it can be quite powerful depending on how many times it hits and thanks to LC's multi-hit mechanics is a more powerful choice than Seed Bomb. This also allows it to effectively combat Focus Sash users such as Diglett and SturdyJuice users such as Onix. Superpower is Turtwig's strongest coverage option against common Steel-types such as Pawniard and Magnemite that resist its other moves. Superpower can hit these two heavily on the switch; however, the stat drops leave Turtwig vulnerable to revenge killing or being forced out afterwards.
Set Details
========
The given defensive investments in conjunction with Eviolite and a Careful nature make Turtwig as bulky as possible, which allows it to switch into resisted hits more safely. 28 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed some of its targets such as defensive Tirtouga, while 52 Attack EVs allow it to have a higher chance to OHKO Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Magnemite. Turtwig utilizes Overgrow instead of Shell Armor because gaining extra STAB damage at low health is a better option over protection against critical hits, which is rather unreliable.
Usage Tips
========
Turtwig should be used as a lead or sent out early-game into Pokemon it doesn't take a lot of damage from, such as Omanyte and Onix, to force them out so it can set up Stealth Rock. The earlier Turtwig can set Stealth Rock the better, because it may be easier to avoid threats early-game, which eases entry hazard setup. Turtwig can use its good bulk to switch into resisted Water- and Electric-type moves such as Staryu's Hydro Pump and Elekid's Thunderbolt; however, it needs to be careful of coverage such as Ice Beam from most variants of the aforementioned Staryu. Turtwig can also use the forced switch when switching into Pokemon it checks to recover with Synthesis if needed; however, it should only do so if it is sure it can survive one more hit, as otherwise its low Speed stat can be taken advantage of. Turtwig should freely spam Bullet Seed on Pokemon it can defeat, but it should only use Superpower when it attempts to hit Steel-types on the switch to KO them because the subsequent lowering of its stats can create an opening for the opposition. Don't take advantage of Overgrow without thought, as instead of taking advantage of the extra damage provided, Turtwig should prioritize recovering with Synthesis in case its Stealth Rock is removed or its defensive typing is still needed; an opportunity where it can use Overgrow, however, is if it is confident that it can KO a Pokemon on the switch with Bullet Seed. Setup sweepers should be taken care of or have their plays predicted to ensure Turtwig is not taken advantage of after using Superpower. Turtwig should also be aware of Vullaby, especially its Weak Armor variants, as Turtwig's attacks are resisted and give it Speed boosts. Additionally, Vullaby can force out Turtwig rather easily and use Defog to remove its entry hazards.
Team Options
========
Flying-types such as Doduo and Vullaby are great teammates for Turtwig, as they can deal with Foongus, one of Turtwig's best checks, and other threats such as Croagunk and Mienfoo. In return, Turtwig can switch into threatening Electric-types and Onix. Sweepers such as Scraggy and Carvanha appreciate Turtwig's ability to set Stealth Rock, as this allows them to KO the opposition with less difficulty. Poison-type checks such as Diglett and Mudbray can deal with the likes of Alolan Grimer and Gastly, which threaten Turtwig; in return, it can deal with Water-types that trouble Diglett and Mudbray. Pokemon such as Magnemite and Shell Smash Tirtouga make good partners, as they can both take care of Flying- and Ice-types with their respective STAB moves, while the former also provides Volt Switch support for Turtwig to switch in more comfortably. Fire-types such as Ponyta and Salandit pose a great problem to Turtwig; therefore, Pokemon such as Mareanie and Diglett make great partners. The former can help additionally by stacking Toxic Spikes, while the latter can also trap and KO other targets that trouble Turtwig. On the other hand, Fire-types are also good teammates, since they have great type synergy with Turtwig, appreciate it setting Stealth Rock, and can take out Foongus and other troublesome Grass-types. These Fire-types alongside Turtwig and Staryu also form a great core, as each of these Pokemon can take care of each other's checks thanks to their typing synergy, while Staryu can remove entry hazards as well without removing Turtwig's own like Defoggers would.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Toxic can be used to combat Pokemon that wall Turtwig such as Larvesta and defensive Vullaby and cripple generally any other Pokemon given the right situation; however, it is hard to fit without leaving Turtwig less able to fulfill its role effectively, as it would either replace Synthesis, a very reliable recovery method, or Superpower, Turtwig's only coverage move. Earth Power allows Turtwig to deal super effective damage to its Fire- and Poison-type checks on the switch while also hitting Steel-types, although Turtwig's poor Special Attack lets it down and therefore makes Superpower the superior coverage move. Leech Seed can be used, potentially in conjunction with Protect, to wear down and stall out opposing Pokemon to leave them vulnerable to Turtwig's teammates, although, as a recovery option, Synthesis is much better. Also, there isn't much space for Protect, an essential tool in Leech Seed stalling.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Taunt**: Pokemon such as the common Mienfoo carry Taunt, which shuts down Turtwig's chances of setting entry hazards or recovering and forces it to switch, as Mienfoo may carry coverage such as Acrobatics or use Knock Off to remove its Eviolite.
**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers that resist Turtwig's moves such as Nasty Plot Croagunk and Vullaby can easily use Turtwig as setup bait due to its passivity and OHKO it with their respective super effective STAB moves.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Doduo and Vullaby can take all of Turtwig's moves bar Superpower and outspeed it and KO it with a powerful STAB Brave Bird. Additionally, Flying-type setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Vullaby can use Turtwig as setup bait, as it can do nothing to them.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Ponyta and Larvesta can outspeed Turtwig and use super effective STAB moves to KO it. Most also carry Will-O-Wisp, which can effectively cripple Turtwig and make it completely passive. It should be noted that worn-down Fire-types may fear Superpower, which can potentially 3HKO them.
**Poison-types**: Poison-types such as Gastly and Croagunk are dangerous threats to Turtwig, as they can also resist all of Turtwig's moves and respond with a super effective STAB move that can either KO it or cripple its longevity by poisoning it. Additionally, Turtwig can be used as setup bait by Croagunk. Foongus deserves a special mention, as it is one of the most efficient checks to Turtwig, resisting all of its moves and KOing it if it doesn't switch out. Foongus is very common as well, which gives Turtwig a hard time in most battles.
**Ice-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Ice-types such as Amaura and Alolan Sandshrew can outspeed Turtwig and OHKO it with super effective STAB moves. However, Turtwig can OHKO these two with Superpower if it gets the chance to strike. Ice-type coverage is also threatening, since Water-types that Turtwig can usually switch into might carry Ice-type coverage moves that can deal heavy damage on the switch such as Ice Beam from Chinchou and Staryu.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Conni, 319599]]
- Quality checked by: [[Merritt, 213064], [Nineage, 195129], [Corporal Levi, 55063]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [frostration, 447027]]
Last edited by a moderator: