Tyranitar
QC: 3/3 (PK Gaming, Bloo, Iconic)
GP: 2/2 (Zystral, ChouToshio)
[Overview]
<p>Whether or not you choose to accept it, weather is quite a dominant force in the OU metagame. Many battles revolve around finding the right time to summon your weather while trying to keep the opponent from doing the same. For this reason, there will never be a dearth of Tyranitar in BW. Courtesy of its ability, Sand Stream, Tyranitar is one of two Pokemon capable of summoning permanent sandstorm, and one of only five permanent weather summoners in OU. While sandstorm was always a force to be reckoned with in Generation IV, the addition of fantastic new Sandstorm abusers such as Excadrill and Landorus into the metagame has dramatically enhanced Tyranitar's. Tyranitar is no slouch on its own either; a 134 base Attack and 95 base Special Attack combined with a fantastic offensive movepool mean it can often break down the counters to the aforementioned sand abusers.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there are some major metagame additions that simply make Tyranitar squirm. For starters, Tyranitar's 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves is now more exploitable than ever due to the addition of many extremely powerful Fighting-types. All around, its typing isn't that great defensively, bringing a whopping six weaknesses to the table, often compounding some of the weaknesses sandstorm teams already have. Tyranitar's 61 base Speed isn't doing it any favors either; the addition of many quick Pokemon means Tyranitar is struggling to keep up even more than last generation. Thankfully, Tyranitar packs truly impressive defensive stats, and serves as a fabulous special wall due to the Special Defense boost offered from sandstorm to Rock-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Ice Beam / Superpower
item: Leftovers
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 180 SpA / 76 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tyranitar is often seen sporting a mixed set, and for good reason. Tyranitar fills in many valuable roles on the team, including weather summoner, Stealth Rock support, mixed attacker, and special wall. Crunch is the most reliable STAB move available for this set, and does incredible damage to Ghost- and Psychic-types. Fire Blast combines with Crunch nicely, hitting common Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Forretress who would otherwise love to set up in front of Tyranitar.</p>
<p>Ice Beam is an all around fine coverage move, as many OU Pokemon that pose a huge threat to Tyranitar, such as Landorus and even Gliscor, will not enjoy switching into a 4x effective Ice Beam. However, Superpower is very viable as well, as it allows you to take on opposing Tyranitar or a courageous Terrakion wanting to set up on you. Ideally, Tyranitar would love both of these moves for maximum coverage; if another member of the team is carrying Stealth Rock, then it is recommended to replace Stealth Rock with the appropriate move.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The spread given is generally bulkier to sponge special attacks in conjunction with the Sandstorm boost. If one wants to sweep with Tyranitar, he or she can utilize a more offensive spread of 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 200 Spe and a Speed boosting nature; however, the drop in bulk is noticeable. Although Leftovers is generally the best all around item, it is certainly not the only option. Chople Berry is viable if you wish to withstand an opposing Deoxys-S's Superpower, a Focus Blast from Virizion or Reuniclus, and occasionally Terrakion's Close Combat. While holding an Air Balloon, Tyranitar can act as a makeshift Gliscor or Landorus check.</p>
<p>Fighting-types pummel Tyranitar with their 4x effective physical attacks and can often switch in easily. Bulky Water-types generally don't mind anything Tyranitar is packing here, either. Reuniclus can serve as a good teammate, as it handles Fighting-types with ease, enjoys Sandstorm to damage the enemy while protecting itself with Magic Guard, and can set up Trick Room to benefit both Tyranitar and itself. Virizion can take on bulky Water-types with ease, often forcing them out and getting some sort of boost via Calm Mind or Swords Dance in the process. Meanwhile, Landorus and Excadrill both love having Tyranitar as a partner as they get a huge boost from the sand and Tyranitar can deal with some of their main counters.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Superpower
item: Leftovers
nature: Careful / Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Tyranitar's stats may not immediately scream "Wall", the Special Defense boost garnered by Sandstorm allows it to switch into most special attacks with ease. Stealth Rock provides great support for the team, ruining the fun of Volcarona and the genies. Crunch is the most reliable STAB move here, and deals copious amounts of damage to Ghost- and Psychic-types, who often rely on their Special Attack. However, should you predict a switch on the opponent's side, Pursuit puts them in a checkmate position.</p>
<p>Superpower rounds off the coverage, allowing you to face opposing Tyranitar and Terrakion. Careful is the nature of choice here, as it raises Tyranitar's already great Special Defense to a level that is all but obnoxious. However, Tyranitar's offensive prowess is never to be ignored. For this reason, Adamant is also an acceptable choice, and allows a 2HKO with Crunch on max HP, max Defense Reuniclus.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>If Stealth Rock is already being handled by a teammate, Ice Beam or Thunder Wave can go in its spot. Ice Beam is effective at hitting Gliscor and Thundurus, while a carefully predicted Thunder Wave on the switch cripples almost all of Tyranitar's checks. Again, Chople Berry or Air Balloon could be used if a particular attack type is threatening to the team, but this is generally less applicable to this set as the Leftovers recovery is a godsend when switching into repeated attacks.</p>
<p>Tyranitar never likes Fighting-types, and even more of them love to switch into this set and start setting up. Due to lack of coverage compared to the previous set, many physical walls can often come in unscathed, and many can even OHKO Tyranitar. Considering type-synergy, Reuniclus is always a good option as a teammate. Not only is it unharmed by the sandstorm, it soaks Fighting-type assaults while Tyranitar doesn't mind Ghost- and Dark-type moves aimed at Reuniclus. Further, Reuniclus doesn't have much trouble setting up on many physical walls (assuming they cannot phaze it out).</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 220 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>What this set lacks in coverage, it makes up for with raw power. With a behemoth Attack stat and decent neutral coverage courtesy of two powerful STABs, it is only natural that a Choice Band set be proposed. Stone Edge, although sometimes painfully inaccurate puts a large dent in pretty much anything that doesn't resist it. Crunch and Pursuit form an effective combo to trap Ghost- and Psychic-types, although since you are locked on one move, it is generally easier for them to get out safely.</p>
<p>Finally, Aqua Tail is chosen to round out the coverage. It allows Tyranitar to be locked into a move that hits Hippowdon, Gliscor, Landorus, and Terrakion, while still not falling prey to Air Balloon users. It is important to note that the raw power of this set means that even many walls will be hard pressed to stay in. For example, Skarmory, especially Specially Defensive variants, will no longer like switching in for fear of Stone Edge.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is aimed at giving Tyranitar great bulk for repeated switch ins, while Tyranitar's base Attack wields tremendous power even with little investment thanks to Choice Band. Max Attack is generally not as viable for a few reasons. First, locking itself into one move means Tyranitar needs to be coming in and out, and thus taking repeated special assaults. Further, max Attack is just plain overkill when you can still obtain the necessary KOes even when focusing on bulk. Superpower has some viability in the last slot to hit Ferrothorn and Hydreigon, while still popping Air Balloon users, but it is a generally inferior option. For those out there that are really stingy, however, max Speed and Attack can be used to make quicker work of Jellicent and Skarmory.</p>
<p>It should come as no surprise that Fighting-types force out Tyranitar and set themselves up to ravage your team. Once again, Reuniclus gets a mention here for fitting in with Tyranitar on multiple levels of compatibility. Landorus and Excadrill enjoy the permanent Sandstorm, as always, but also enjoy this set's ability to knock out Skarmory with some decent prediction. Heatran can also work as a partner, as it easily takes on the physical walls that Tyranitar has trouble with.</p>
[SET]
name: TyraniBoah (SubPunch)
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Focus Punch
move 3: Fire Blast / Ice Beam
move 4: Crunch
item: Leftovers
nature: Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 60 Atk / 176 SpA / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Because of its soaring offensive stats, it is only natural that most checks arise to Tyranitar as they resist any of the moves it can pack on a set. However, the combination of Substitute and Focus Punch allows Tyranitar to beat many switch-ins, including Terrakion, Hydreigon, Blissey, opposing Tyranitar, Chansey, and Heatran. Crunch serves mainly as a filler move on this set, though it supplies reliable STAB and still hits like a truck to those who don't resist it.</p>
<p>The third slot is really up for grabs on this set. Fire Blast is important, as this set is otherwise completely walled by any Steel-type who can handle a Focus Punch. However, Ice Beam is also viable if the team has problems against Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Landorus. As for EVs, 252 HP EVs are the most important thing here, as they allow Tyranitar to set up 101 HP Substitutes. In other words, Blissey and Chansey will not be able to break the Substitutes with Seismic Toss. A Quiet nature is preferred, as it increases Tyranitar's Special Attack while still not sacrificing any of its defensive capabilities.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Thunderbolt could be used over Fire Blast or Ice Beam, as it hits bulky Water-types and Skarmory. However, this is generally an inferior option as Tyranitar has no problem hitting most bulky Water-types with the above set. Dark Pulse is an option for STAB over Crunch, but most things a Dark-type move would hit have higher Special Defense than Defense, and Tyranitar's worse Special Attack means Crunch will generally hit harder. It should be noted that Dark Pulse is useful against enemies that use Intimidate or Will-O-Wisp. Gyarados and Salamence can switch into Crunch relatively easily, but will have trouble against Dark Pulse. Dark Pulse also allows Tyranitar to take on Wobbuffet, as Tyranitar is immune to Mirror Coat. Unfortunately, this set will inevitably have foes it cannot bring down; Fighting-types once again do not mind anything Tyranitar will throw at them, and often are capable of boosting their stats as they force Tyranitar out.</p>
<p>This Tyranitar functions particularly well as a mixed attacker capable of beating stall. For this reason, it once again pairs well with Reuniclus, as Reuniclus often easily sets up against stall teams with certain holes bashed in them. Other good teammates depend on what moves Tyranitar is running. Tyraniboah without Ice Beam enjoy Virizion as a partner, as Virizion can OHKO Hippowdon with Giga Drain, and outspeeds and OHKOes Landorus and Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice. Heatran fares well against most Steel-types, which may be problematic if you do not have Fire Blast.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Superpower
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>As with many Pokemon with a gargantuan Attack and middling Speed, a Choice Scarf set becomes a viable option. When donning a Choice Scarf, Tyranitar functions as a fabulous revenge killer thanks to its STAB moves, Stone Edge and Crunch. Tyranitar generally won't mind being locked into either of those moves late game; once the opponent's team has taken some serious damage, Tyranitar often finds it easy to clean up. Pursuit helps trap Ghost- and Psychic-types, who otherwise may attempt to switch out unscathed. Of course, the age-old dilemna of when to Crunch and when to Pursuit still lies in your hands. Superpower finds its way into the last slot, as it allows Tyranitar to nab important KOes on predicted switch-ins, including opposing Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, and Excadrill.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs come very standard on this set. With a Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs, Tyranitar gets the jump on positive natured base 115 Speed enemies, including Starmie and Raikou. Earthquake is often considered for the last slot, but it is generally unacceptable as those equipped with an Air Balloon will have no problem handling Tyranitar. Aqua Tail is also an option, and it hits users of Air Balloon, but it still is less notable than Superpower.</p>
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Fire Punch / Aqua Tail / Ice Punch
item: Air Balloon / Lum Berry / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Merely the fact that Tyranitar had Dragon Dance in its repertoire allowed it to see some use last generation. However, with the advent of Black and White, it is much less common, which is perhaps, if anything, a boon to this set, making it more unpredictable. Dragon Dance resolves the problem of Tyranitar's middling Speed, allowing it to outspeed a variety of threats including Starmie and Thundurus after a boost. From there, the bonus to Attack is all but overkill; many teams just may struggle to find an answer to +1/+1 Tyranitar.</p>
<p>The last move slot has a variety of options. Fire Punch allows Tyranitar to nail Ferrothorn and Scizor. Scizor should be hit while it attempts to switch in, however, as it could otherwise pose a threat with Bullet Punch. Aqua Tail grants you a reliable way of touching Tyranitar, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, while Ice Punch delivers a much more commendable dent to Landorus and Gliscor. As for Tyranitar's item, there is an important choice to be made here as well. Air Balloon is the main option, as it allows you to set up on Gliscor and foes locked on a Ground-type move. Lum Berry gives an extra bit of insurance, as a burn or paralysis basically cripples Tyranitar for the rest of the match. Life Orb, however, gives a huge boost to power, and eases prediction a bit.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The nature of this set leaves a lot of other viable options. Earthquake could be used to nail Heatran, opposing Tyranitar, and Jirachi. Taunt allows you to set up against stall, making this Tyranitar difficult to face and impossible to phaze. Leftovers may then be the preferable item to deal with repeated hits. Chople Berry could be used to survive a weaker Fighting-type attack, or Babiri Berry can be utilized to ensure Scizor's Bullet Punch doesn't ruin your fun. This Tyranitar is much less of a team player, being unable to pick off key threats, and instead demands that its teammates be able to clear the path of enemies that could potentially stop its sweep. This, however, depends entirely on the selection of moves Tyranitar carries. Many of the aforementioned partners, including Reuniclus and sandstorm abusers, also work well.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Tyranitar really isn't lacking in the movepool department, but it really can't utilize most of it in ways not already mentioned. A Rest, Sleep Talk, and Curse set can be used to sweep late game, however it typically will do little for the team. Also, it will be utterly useless unless all opposing Fighting-types can be removed, and even then, it will unfortunately be of very little use in supporting the team. Dragon Tail is generally a good move, but Tyranitar's wealth of weaknesses are not ideal for a phazer, as it will likely pull out an enemy that can attack it for super effective damage. A Choice Specs set could be employed because of Tyranitar's impressive special movepool, but it is rather underwhelming when compared to the massive Attack stat sported by Tyranitar. Generally, Nidoking is superior as a purely special sweeper.</p>
[Counters and Checks]
<p>Fighting-types were blessed in dealing with Tyranitar. Not only do they resist both of its STABs, they possess moves that are 4x effective and commonly hit its weaker physical Defense. However, it is important to note that most Fighting-types are better against certain sets, while they simply don't hold up against others. For example, Heracross may be able to switch-in many times, but if Tyranitar has a Choice Band, Heracross will be removed quickly. Other than Fighting-types, counters are basically on a set by set basis; for example, any set that isn't mixed or holding a Choice Band will have a doozy of a time facing most physical walls. Finally, there are many common Pokemon in OU that can capitalize on Tyranitar's many weaknesses. Unfortunately, this is relatively easy with its low Speed. Still, there are plenty of reliable checks to Tyranitar. Politoed can switch in, negate the sandstorm with rain, and can deal hefty damage with Hydro Pump. Alternatively, it can use Scald and threaten to burn Tyranitar, hampering it for the rest of the match. Dugtrio can trap it and revenge kill some varieties, obviously depending on which attacks Tyranitar has. Intimidate users, including Gyarados or even Salamence are threatening to most sets. Gliscor benefits from the sandstorm, and works well as long as Ice Beam is not being packed.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Tyranitar gets Unnerve as its Dream World ability, which prevents the foe from using their held berry. While the ability itself is useless, it is notable for allowing Tyranitar to be used without summoning permanent sandstorm.</p>
