wyc2333
A=X+Y+Z Y: Hard Work
[OVERVIEW]
Tyranitar is the best Pokemon in ADV OU. First of all, its ability is useful for doing damage to almost everything except Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-type Pokemon. Next, although its typing gives it numerous weaknesses, it is immune to Psychic-type attacks, possesses resistance to offense such as Normal-, Dark-, and Fire-type moves, and has access to STAB Rock Slide, Pursuit, and Crunch. Last but not least, although its Speed isn't satisfying, other stats grant it not only great bulk but also amazing Attack backed up by solid Special Attack. In a nutshell, Tyranitar is versatile and dangerous, so dealing with it is one of the first things to consider when building a team.
[SET]
name: Fast Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquke
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Bug / Ice Beam
item: Lum Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Naive / Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set likes to setup once to immediately outspeed Pokemon such as Gengar and Starmie with full investment in Speed EVs. Dragon Dance allows Tyranitar to boost its Attack to insane levels while making up for its mediocre Speed, allowing it to make use of Rock Slide's flinch chance. Rock Slide is its primary STAB move and one of the reasons why Tyranitar is so dangerous. The flinch chance can pull the user out of a very tough situation and it forces opponents to carry at least one of the reliable Rock-resistant Pokemon. Earthquake has great coverage alongside Rock Slide, hitting Pokemon such as Metagross, Jirachi, Magneton, and opposing Tyranitar. Hidden Power Grass gets around teams that rely on Swampert to handle Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Hidden Power Bug OHKOes offensive Starmie, checks Celebi well, and hits Claydol hard. Ice Beam mainly lets Tyranitar be one of the most dangerous Pokemon against teams that rely on Flygon to handle Dragon Dance Tyranitar, because with Lum Berry, it can safely set up on Pokemon such as Jirachi. It is also a legitimate tool against Claydol and enables Tyranitar to KO Salamence regardless of Rock Slide's accuracy issue and Attack dropped by Intimidate. Double-Edge is an alternative to hit Flygon and bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Swampert, Milotic, and Suicune harder, maintain neutral coverage on Claydol, hurt Pokemon such as Zapdos without worrying about the accuracy issue of Rock Slide, and smash Dugtrio, which wants to prevent it from setting up freely.
Maximizing Speed EVs with a Naive nature allows Tyranitar to move before the likes of Gengar, Adamant Dugtrio, and offensive Starmie after one boost. 12 SpA EVs let Tyranitar guarantee 2HKO Swampert with full HP EVs by Hidden Power Grass. Hasty allows Tyranitar to take damage from Pokemon such as Swampert better. If Hidden Power Bug or Double-Edge is used, Jolly can be chosen. If the power to bust up defensive teams is concerned, natures such as Naughty, Lonely, Adamant, Mild, and Rash can be used, seeing as Tyranitar outspeed most relevant targets with just maximum Speed EVs after one Dragon Dance. Lum Berry lets Tyranitar get a second boost against Pokemon such as Gengar, Zapdos, and Blissey attempting to cripple it with status.
Team Options
========
Fast Dragon Dance variants of Tyranitar are commonly seen on offensive teams because offensive teams frequently don't carry Rapid Spinners and can't easily take advantage of bulk to survive attacks such as Earthquake from Dugtrio and Hydro Pump from offensive Starmie. Furthermore, it's not necessarily a pure sweeper. For example, with Hidden Power Grass, it can be used to weaken Swampert mid-game, thus letting sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Aerodactyl shine. Thanks to Explosion, Metagross can wear down an opposing bulky water-type Pokemon such as Suicune, thus letting Tyranitar do its job. Zapdos provides coverage against opposing specially-frail threats like Metagross and Flygon. In particular, Hidden Power Ice variants help to chip Celebi. Finally, although Camerupt is not common, it can take down bulky Water-type Pokemon with Explosion.
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquke
move 4: Hidden Power Bug / Taunt
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 248 HP / 80 Atk / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set likes to set up twice to outspeed every Pokemon with investment in bulk. Dragon Dance allows Tyranitar to raise its outstanding Attack and ordinary Speed. Rock Slide is its STAB move, of which the flinch chance can be game-changing. Earthquake has great coverage alongside Rock Slide, hitting Metagross, Jirachi, opposing Tyranitar, Magneton, and the rare Steelix. After one boost, Hidden Power Bug OHKOes Celebi, beats Claydol if it switches in on the turn Tyranitar uses Dragon Dance, and hits Flygon fairly hard. Taunt prevents itself from being phazed or affected with status.
248 HP EVs allow Tyranitar to always survive +1 Earthquake from Adamant Salamence and any Meteor Mash from Metagross except Choice Band variants, which is a great piece of defensive security. 180 Speed EVs let Tyranitar Speed Tie with standard Milotic. 16 HP / 120 Def is the most efficient spread to survive Earthquake from standard Dugtrio. 184 HP EVs are worth surviving Hydro Pump from offensive Starmie and Earthquake from standard Dugtrio. 252 HP / 56 Def is an example to survive Earthquake from Adamant Dugtrio. With Leftovers, 252 HP / 48 SpD ensures that Hidden Power Grass from +1 Jirachi will never 2HKO Tyranitar. However, EVs can't be used too much on bulk if you actually want to get something going with Attack. Lum Berry can be used so that it can get a second boost against Pokemon such as Gengar, Zapdos, and Porygon2 attempting to cripple it with status.
Team Options
========
It is seen more use on balanced teams. Bulky Dragon Dance variants of Tyranitar are frequently used to sweep on teams with Rapid Spinners such as Claydol and Starmie, as these teams can allow Dragon Dance Tyranitar to be brought out healthily. Spikes users such as Skarmory lay entry hazards, which have excellent synergy with Tyranitar's STAB Rock Slide.
[SET]
name: Pursuit
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Fire Blast / Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Ice Beam / Roar / Brick Break
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Modest / Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Pursuit allows Tyranitar to get rid of Gengar for its teammates and do much damage to Choice Band variants of Salamence and Aerodactyl if they are locked into a move that can't beat Tyranitar. Crunch KOes Gengar and Starmie that stay in on Tyranitar, hits a number of its switch-ins such as Swampert for fairly good damage, and takes on Shadow Ball CurseLax. Fire Blast hits Steel-types such as Skarmory, Metagross, Magneton, and Forretress. Ice Beam can be used to hit Pokemon such as Zapdos, Salamence, Aerodactyl, and Flygon. It also OHKOes standard Dugtrio, which is quite important for teams that are weak to this trapper. Hidden Power Grass can be used to surprise Swampert. Roar turns this set into a solid answer to Shadow Ball CurseLax while giving it the ability to Spikes shuffle and stop Baton Pass users. It is especially helpful on teams that are usually slow-paced and desperately need a phazer. Brick Break is mainly for deterring Dragon Dance Tyranitar from setting up on it twice, and it's also useful for weakened Blissey.
Besides the moves mentioned before, Rock Slide gives Tyranitar access to a physical STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Blissey, Zapdos, Gyarados, and Moltres. Taunt prevents Spikes users such as Skarmory and Forretress from laying entry hazards, defensive Pokemon such as Blissey from recovering health, and itself from being affected with status. Earthquake sometimes prevents Tyranitar from being setup bait for Jirachi. Focus Punch OHKOes opposing Tyranitar trying to click Dragon Dance.
The spread of maximum HP and Special attack EVs with a Modest nature is to soak attacks from Pokemon such as Gengar, Claydol, and Starmie, and then strike back with STAB Pursuit or Crunch. With physical attacks such as Brick Break, a bit Attack EVs with a Quiet nature can be used. If Taunt is selected, it's worth outrunning Pokemon such as Skarmory.
Team Options
========
If opposing Gengar is KOed by Tyranitar, Rapid Spin especially from Forretress and the rare Donphan becomes much more reliable. Aerodactyl’s Double-Edge, Earthquake, and Hidden Power Bug are late-game elements. Swampert, susceptible to status and Grass-type coverage, will be comfortable if Pursuit comes in handy. Earthquake and Hidden Power Bug variants of CurseLax also appreciate Gengar's removal. With the chip on Gengar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl, Flygon and Heracross can turn the right Rock Slide read into a KO. Finally, a secondary Gengar answer is usually an excellent idea alongside this set, as Tyranitar can sometimes be unreliable at getting rid of Gengar due to something like Hypnosis, Grass-type attacks, and opposing Dugtrio.
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Ice Beam / Rock Slide
move 4: Brick Break / Focus Punch
item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Fire Blast chips most variants of Metagross, thus letting Aerodactyl be more dangerous. It also hits Pokemon such as Skarmory, Magneton, Forretress, and the rare Venusaur. Hidden Power Grass chips all Swampert. It also strikes Starmie and Cloyster. Ice Beam hits Pokemon such as Flygon, Zapdos, Salamence, Claydol, and Aerodactyl. STAB Rock Slide smacks Gengar, Aerodactyl, Gyarados, Moltres, and the rare Jynx, which is usually used with Focus Punch so that Blissey can be chipped for the opportunity to let the combo shine. Brick break chips opposing Tyranitar and Blissey. It also hits the rare Smeargle. Crunch is an option not only for Gengar but also for hitting Claydol harder than other moves.
With maximum Speed EVs and a Hasty nature, Tyranitar outruns all Swampert, most variants of Metagross, and some defensive Zapdos. If more bulk is needed for physical threats such as Flygon, Salamence, and opposing Tyranitar, Naive is an ideal nature. If power is appreciated, natures such as Rash, Naughty, and Lonely can be chosen. If Rock Slide is used, 12 Attack EVs will allow it to guarantee OHKO on Aerodactyl. Some mixed Tyranitar go for bulk at the cost of Speed EVs, allowing them to fulfill a secondary role versus offensive teams by holding off Zapdos and Gengar. As a result, they may consider outspeeding Pokemon such as Taunt Skarmory and fast variants of Claydol. Lum Berry is great for shrugging off Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Moltres, countering sleepers such as Gengar, and preventing it from being affected by Toxic. Making Gengar have to lay status twice is also a great deal because if it gets hit twice, it can no longer switch into attacks it normally swallows, thus diminishing the threat level. Salac Berry can be used on hyper offensive teams.
Team Options
========
Mixed Tyranitar acts well as a softener. Sweepers such as Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Dragon Dance Salamence appreciates the lure of Pokemon such as Swampert, Metagross, Flygon, and Claydol. Spikes users such as Skarmory and Cloyster can lay Spikes so that Tyranitar's Ice Beam and Rock Slide can be more potential. Special sponges such as Snorlax take special attacks aiming at Tyranitar.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquke
move 3: Hidden Power Bug
move 4: Focus Punch / Roar
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rock Slide is an STAB move and hits generally hard. Earthquake provides coverage alongside Rock Slide, hitting Pokemon such as Jirachi, opposing Tyranitar, Metagross, Magneton, and Jolteon super effectively. Hidden Power Bug is an option to hit Celebi and Claydol hard. Focus Punch smashes Skarmory, Snorlax, Blissey, and bulky water-type Pokemon. Roar shuffles the foe over Spikes and turns it into a solid answer to Snorlax with Curse and Shadow Ball.
Maximum HP and Attack EVs give Tyranitar excellent longevity and immense power. Reasonable investment on Speed lets Tyranitar outrun much clutter such as Blissey and bulky Megagross. However, retaining enough bulk to live standard Dugtrio's Earthquake and offensive Starmie's Hydro Pump is advised.
Team Options
========
This set is an all-encompassing threat that forces switches with Spikes by always having a coverage move. As a result, Spikes users such as Skarmory provide entry hazards. Special walls such ad Blissey take Water-type attacks for Tyranitar. Bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Swampert help Tyranitar deal with physical threats such as Metagross. Gengar is immune to Ground-type and Fighting-type attacks, of which Tyranitar must be wary. Toxic users such as Flygon and Zapdos can let foes be poisoned, which appreciates Tyranitar's Sand Stream.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquke
move 3: Hidden Power Bug
move 4: Focus Punch
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Choice Band gives Tyranitar immediate power for wallbreaking. There is no safe switch-in to this set. Rock Slide is Tyranitar's STAB move. Earthquake provides well-known coverage alongside Rock Slide. Hidden Power Bug OHKOes Celebi, hits Claydol, and touches Flygon. Focus Punch hits predicted switch-ins, especially bulky Water-type Pokemon.
In addition to moves listed above, Double-Edge has neutral coverage against many Pokemon such as Swampert, Flygon, and Claydol. Furthermore, Brick Break surprises opposing Tyranitar.
Maximizing Speed is for Pokemon such as Milotic and some variants of Metagross and Suicune. Reasonable investment in bulk lets Tyranitar do a better job against threats such as Curselax. It is also helpful when Choice Band Tyranitar is used on a team with support such as Wish and Rapid Spin, preventing Dugtrio from trapping it.
Team Options
========
This set fits on balanced teams. Spikes users such as Skarmory lay entry hazards, which are valuable for Tyranitar. Dugtrio can trap Pokemon such as Metagross and Heracross, which are huge threats to Tyranitar. Since Tyranitar is weak to opposing Dugtrio, the second Pokemon such as Metagross that resists Normal-type attacks is required to handle Snorlax. If Choice Band Tyranitar has enough bulk to survive Earthquake from standard Dugtrio, Rapid Spinners such as Claydol and clerics such as Blissey keep Tyranitar healthy.
[SET]
name: Physical SubPunch
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Focus Punch
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Hidden Power Bug / Hidden Power Grass
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 212 Atk / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Substitute blocks Seismic Toss from Blissey, allows Tyranitar to avoid getting affected by status, eases prediction, and has great synergy with Focus Punch. Rock Slide does much damage to Pokemon such as Zapdos, Gengar, Salamence, Aerodactyl, Gyarados, Moltres, and Charizard. Hidden Power Bug covers Celebi and Claydol. Hidden Power Grass lures down Swampert.
Maximum HP EVs allow Tyranitar to make a substitute with 101 HP. 44 Speed EVs let Tyranitar outrun some variants of Blissey and Claydol. If Hidden Power Grass is used, Lonely or Naughty can be considered.
Team Options
========
Dugtrio can trap Metagross and Jirachi so that this set can work. Spikes users such as Skarmory can be used, as this set forces switches.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mixed Tyranitar with Substitute and Focus Punch can not only utilize Blissey but also take down Skarmory, Forretress, Gengar, Salamence, and Flygon by certain moves. Toxic cripples a number of its main counters, which can be combined with Taunt. When using this combo, outspeeding Milotic to force Toxic onto it is important. Protect allows Tyranitar to gain recovery from Leftovers, scout Choice Band users such as Metagross, and stall damage from status and sand. Counter capitalizes on physical attacks from Pokemon such as Dugtrio, Claydol, and Flygon. With Ice Beam and Hidden Power Grass hitting Ground-type Pokemon, Thunder Wave provides overall utility. Lum Berry can be used on the Pursuit set to avoid getting put to sleep by Pokemon such as Gengar and the rare Jynx. Liechi Berry can be used on Dragon Dance Tyranitar and if its Attack is boosted accidentally, this monster will be quite threatening. Silk Scarf can enhance Double-Edge's power, but there isn't much value in other cases.
Checks and Counters
===================
Ground-type Pokemon resist Tyranitar's Rock Slide and threaten it with STAB Earthquake. Swampert has bulk to take most of Tyranitar's other attacks and scares Tyranitar with STAB Water-type moves, but it has to watch out for Hidden Power Grass and Focus Punch. Flygon and Claydol are immune to Earthquake, but the former has to look out for Focus Punch and Ice Beam while the latter has to pay attention to Hidden Power Bug and many special attacks such as Dark STAB moves, Ice Beam, and Hidden Power Grass. Dugtrio can trap and KO Tyranitar, but Jolly variants sometimes won't guarantee the OHKO. Besides Swampert, other bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic and Suicune hit Tyranitar hard with STAB Water-type attacks, but they are quite vulnerable to flinches from Rock Slide. Metagross can take Fire Blast and +1 Earthquake from Tyranitar and strike back with STAB Meteor Mash, but if Metagross is the only Pokemon resistant to Rock Slide in a team, opposing Aerodactyl will be frightening. Heracross is a check to Tyranitar because of its STAB Megahorn and Brick Break, but it's not a counter because it doesn't have many defensive properties.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[wyc2333, 336830]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Tyranitar is the best Pokemon in ADV OU. First of all, its ability is useful for doing damage to almost everything except Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-type Pokemon. Next, although its typing gives it numerous weaknesses, it is immune to Psychic-type attacks, possesses resistance to offense such as Normal-, Dark-, and Fire-type moves, and has access to STAB Rock Slide, Pursuit, and Crunch. Last but not least, although its Speed isn't satisfying, other stats grant it not only great bulk but also amazing Attack backed up by solid Special Attack. In a nutshell, Tyranitar is versatile and dangerous, so dealing with it is one of the first things to consider when building a team.
[SET]
name: Fast Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquke
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Bug / Ice Beam
item: Lum Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Naive / Jolly
evs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set likes to setup once to immediately outspeed Pokemon such as Gengar and Starmie with full investment in Speed EVs. Dragon Dance allows Tyranitar to boost its Attack to insane levels while making up for its mediocre Speed, allowing it to make use of Rock Slide's flinch chance. Rock Slide is its primary STAB move and one of the reasons why Tyranitar is so dangerous. The flinch chance can pull the user out of a very tough situation and it forces opponents to carry at least one of the reliable Rock-resistant Pokemon. Earthquake has great coverage alongside Rock Slide, hitting Pokemon such as Metagross, Jirachi, Magneton, and opposing Tyranitar. Hidden Power Grass gets around teams that rely on Swampert to handle Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Hidden Power Bug OHKOes offensive Starmie, checks Celebi well, and hits Claydol hard. Ice Beam mainly lets Tyranitar be one of the most dangerous Pokemon against teams that rely on Flygon to handle Dragon Dance Tyranitar, because with Lum Berry, it can safely set up on Pokemon such as Jirachi. It is also a legitimate tool against Claydol and enables Tyranitar to KO Salamence regardless of Rock Slide's accuracy issue and Attack dropped by Intimidate. Double-Edge is an alternative to hit Flygon and bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Swampert, Milotic, and Suicune harder, maintain neutral coverage on Claydol, hurt Pokemon such as Zapdos without worrying about the accuracy issue of Rock Slide, and smash Dugtrio, which wants to prevent it from setting up freely.
Maximizing Speed EVs with a Naive nature allows Tyranitar to move before the likes of Gengar, Adamant Dugtrio, and offensive Starmie after one boost. 12 SpA EVs let Tyranitar guarantee 2HKO Swampert with full HP EVs by Hidden Power Grass. Hasty allows Tyranitar to take damage from Pokemon such as Swampert better. If Hidden Power Bug or Double-Edge is used, Jolly can be chosen. If the power to bust up defensive teams is concerned, natures such as Naughty, Lonely, Adamant, Mild, and Rash can be used, seeing as Tyranitar outspeed most relevant targets with just maximum Speed EVs after one Dragon Dance. Lum Berry lets Tyranitar get a second boost against Pokemon such as Gengar, Zapdos, and Blissey attempting to cripple it with status.
Team Options
========
Fast Dragon Dance variants of Tyranitar are commonly seen on offensive teams because offensive teams frequently don't carry Rapid Spinners and can't easily take advantage of bulk to survive attacks such as Earthquake from Dugtrio and Hydro Pump from offensive Starmie. Furthermore, it's not necessarily a pure sweeper. For example, with Hidden Power Grass, it can be used to weaken Swampert mid-game, thus letting sweepers such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Aerodactyl shine. Thanks to Explosion, Metagross can wear down an opposing bulky water-type Pokemon such as Suicune, thus letting Tyranitar do its job. Zapdos provides coverage against opposing specially-frail threats like Metagross and Flygon. In particular, Hidden Power Ice variants help to chip Celebi. Finally, although Camerupt is not common, it can take down bulky Water-type Pokemon with Explosion.
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquke
move 4: Hidden Power Bug / Taunt
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 248 HP / 80 Atk / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
This set likes to set up twice to outspeed every Pokemon with investment in bulk. Dragon Dance allows Tyranitar to raise its outstanding Attack and ordinary Speed. Rock Slide is its STAB move, of which the flinch chance can be game-changing. Earthquake has great coverage alongside Rock Slide, hitting Metagross, Jirachi, opposing Tyranitar, Magneton, and the rare Steelix. After one boost, Hidden Power Bug OHKOes Celebi, beats Claydol if it switches in on the turn Tyranitar uses Dragon Dance, and hits Flygon fairly hard. Taunt prevents itself from being phazed or affected with status.
248 HP EVs allow Tyranitar to always survive +1 Earthquake from Adamant Salamence and any Meteor Mash from Metagross except Choice Band variants, which is a great piece of defensive security. 180 Speed EVs let Tyranitar Speed Tie with standard Milotic. 16 HP / 120 Def is the most efficient spread to survive Earthquake from standard Dugtrio. 184 HP EVs are worth surviving Hydro Pump from offensive Starmie and Earthquake from standard Dugtrio. 252 HP / 56 Def is an example to survive Earthquake from Adamant Dugtrio. With Leftovers, 252 HP / 48 SpD ensures that Hidden Power Grass from +1 Jirachi will never 2HKO Tyranitar. However, EVs can't be used too much on bulk if you actually want to get something going with Attack. Lum Berry can be used so that it can get a second boost against Pokemon such as Gengar, Zapdos, and Porygon2 attempting to cripple it with status.
Team Options
========
It is seen more use on balanced teams. Bulky Dragon Dance variants of Tyranitar are frequently used to sweep on teams with Rapid Spinners such as Claydol and Starmie, as these teams can allow Dragon Dance Tyranitar to be brought out healthily. Spikes users such as Skarmory lay entry hazards, which have excellent synergy with Tyranitar's STAB Rock Slide.
[SET]
name: Pursuit
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Fire Blast / Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Ice Beam / Roar / Brick Break
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Modest / Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Pursuit allows Tyranitar to get rid of Gengar for its teammates and do much damage to Choice Band variants of Salamence and Aerodactyl if they are locked into a move that can't beat Tyranitar. Crunch KOes Gengar and Starmie that stay in on Tyranitar, hits a number of its switch-ins such as Swampert for fairly good damage, and takes on Shadow Ball CurseLax. Fire Blast hits Steel-types such as Skarmory, Metagross, Magneton, and Forretress. Ice Beam can be used to hit Pokemon such as Zapdos, Salamence, Aerodactyl, and Flygon. It also OHKOes standard Dugtrio, which is quite important for teams that are weak to this trapper. Hidden Power Grass can be used to surprise Swampert. Roar turns this set into a solid answer to Shadow Ball CurseLax while giving it the ability to Spikes shuffle and stop Baton Pass users. It is especially helpful on teams that are usually slow-paced and desperately need a phazer. Brick Break is mainly for deterring Dragon Dance Tyranitar from setting up on it twice, and it's also useful for weakened Blissey.
Besides the moves mentioned before, Rock Slide gives Tyranitar access to a physical STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Blissey, Zapdos, Gyarados, and Moltres. Taunt prevents Spikes users such as Skarmory and Forretress from laying entry hazards, defensive Pokemon such as Blissey from recovering health, and itself from being affected with status. Earthquake sometimes prevents Tyranitar from being setup bait for Jirachi. Focus Punch OHKOes opposing Tyranitar trying to click Dragon Dance.
The spread of maximum HP and Special attack EVs with a Modest nature is to soak attacks from Pokemon such as Gengar, Claydol, and Starmie, and then strike back with STAB Pursuit or Crunch. With physical attacks such as Brick Break, a bit Attack EVs with a Quiet nature can be used. If Taunt is selected, it's worth outrunning Pokemon such as Skarmory.
Team Options
========
If opposing Gengar is KOed by Tyranitar, Rapid Spin especially from Forretress and the rare Donphan becomes much more reliable. Aerodactyl’s Double-Edge, Earthquake, and Hidden Power Bug are late-game elements. Swampert, susceptible to status and Grass-type coverage, will be comfortable if Pursuit comes in handy. Earthquake and Hidden Power Bug variants of CurseLax also appreciate Gengar's removal. With the chip on Gengar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl, Flygon and Heracross can turn the right Rock Slide read into a KO. Finally, a secondary Gengar answer is usually an excellent idea alongside this set, as Tyranitar can sometimes be unreliable at getting rid of Gengar due to something like Hypnosis, Grass-type attacks, and opposing Dugtrio.
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Ice Beam / Rock Slide
move 4: Brick Break / Focus Punch
item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Fire Blast chips most variants of Metagross, thus letting Aerodactyl be more dangerous. It also hits Pokemon such as Skarmory, Magneton, Forretress, and the rare Venusaur. Hidden Power Grass chips all Swampert. It also strikes Starmie and Cloyster. Ice Beam hits Pokemon such as Flygon, Zapdos, Salamence, Claydol, and Aerodactyl. STAB Rock Slide smacks Gengar, Aerodactyl, Gyarados, Moltres, and the rare Jynx, which is usually used with Focus Punch so that Blissey can be chipped for the opportunity to let the combo shine. Brick break chips opposing Tyranitar and Blissey. It also hits the rare Smeargle. Crunch is an option not only for Gengar but also for hitting Claydol harder than other moves.
With maximum Speed EVs and a Hasty nature, Tyranitar outruns all Swampert, most variants of Metagross, and some defensive Zapdos. If more bulk is needed for physical threats such as Flygon, Salamence, and opposing Tyranitar, Naive is an ideal nature. If power is appreciated, natures such as Rash, Naughty, and Lonely can be chosen. If Rock Slide is used, 12 Attack EVs will allow it to guarantee OHKO on Aerodactyl. Some mixed Tyranitar go for bulk at the cost of Speed EVs, allowing them to fulfill a secondary role versus offensive teams by holding off Zapdos and Gengar. As a result, they may consider outspeeding Pokemon such as Taunt Skarmory and fast variants of Claydol. Lum Berry is great for shrugging off Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Moltres, countering sleepers such as Gengar, and preventing it from being affected by Toxic. Making Gengar have to lay status twice is also a great deal because if it gets hit twice, it can no longer switch into attacks it normally swallows, thus diminishing the threat level. Salac Berry can be used on hyper offensive teams.
Team Options
========
Mixed Tyranitar acts well as a softener. Sweepers such as Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Dragon Dance Salamence appreciates the lure of Pokemon such as Swampert, Metagross, Flygon, and Claydol. Spikes users such as Skarmory and Cloyster can lay Spikes so that Tyranitar's Ice Beam and Rock Slide can be more potential. Special sponges such as Snorlax take special attacks aiming at Tyranitar.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquke
move 3: Hidden Power Bug
move 4: Focus Punch / Roar
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rock Slide is an STAB move and hits generally hard. Earthquake provides coverage alongside Rock Slide, hitting Pokemon such as Jirachi, opposing Tyranitar, Metagross, Magneton, and Jolteon super effectively. Hidden Power Bug is an option to hit Celebi and Claydol hard. Focus Punch smashes Skarmory, Snorlax, Blissey, and bulky water-type Pokemon. Roar shuffles the foe over Spikes and turns it into a solid answer to Snorlax with Curse and Shadow Ball.
Maximum HP and Attack EVs give Tyranitar excellent longevity and immense power. Reasonable investment on Speed lets Tyranitar outrun much clutter such as Blissey and bulky Megagross. However, retaining enough bulk to live standard Dugtrio's Earthquake and offensive Starmie's Hydro Pump is advised.
Team Options
========
This set is an all-encompassing threat that forces switches with Spikes by always having a coverage move. As a result, Spikes users such as Skarmory provide entry hazards. Special walls such ad Blissey take Water-type attacks for Tyranitar. Bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Swampert help Tyranitar deal with physical threats such as Metagross. Gengar is immune to Ground-type and Fighting-type attacks, of which Tyranitar must be wary. Toxic users such as Flygon and Zapdos can let foes be poisoned, which appreciates Tyranitar's Sand Stream.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquke
move 3: Hidden Power Bug
move 4: Focus Punch
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Choice Band gives Tyranitar immediate power for wallbreaking. There is no safe switch-in to this set. Rock Slide is Tyranitar's STAB move. Earthquake provides well-known coverage alongside Rock Slide. Hidden Power Bug OHKOes Celebi, hits Claydol, and touches Flygon. Focus Punch hits predicted switch-ins, especially bulky Water-type Pokemon.
In addition to moves listed above, Double-Edge has neutral coverage against many Pokemon such as Swampert, Flygon, and Claydol. Furthermore, Brick Break surprises opposing Tyranitar.
Maximizing Speed is for Pokemon such as Milotic and some variants of Metagross and Suicune. Reasonable investment in bulk lets Tyranitar do a better job against threats such as Curselax. It is also helpful when Choice Band Tyranitar is used on a team with support such as Wish and Rapid Spin, preventing Dugtrio from trapping it.
Team Options
========
This set fits on balanced teams. Spikes users such as Skarmory lay entry hazards, which are valuable for Tyranitar. Dugtrio can trap Pokemon such as Metagross and Heracross, which are huge threats to Tyranitar. Since Tyranitar is weak to opposing Dugtrio, the second Pokemon such as Metagross that resists Normal-type attacks is required to handle Snorlax. If Choice Band Tyranitar has enough bulk to survive Earthquake from standard Dugtrio, Rapid Spinners such as Claydol and clerics such as Blissey keep Tyranitar healthy.
[SET]
name: Physical SubPunch
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Focus Punch
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Hidden Power Bug / Hidden Power Grass
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 212 Atk / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Substitute blocks Seismic Toss from Blissey, allows Tyranitar to avoid getting affected by status, eases prediction, and has great synergy with Focus Punch. Rock Slide does much damage to Pokemon such as Zapdos, Gengar, Salamence, Aerodactyl, Gyarados, Moltres, and Charizard. Hidden Power Bug covers Celebi and Claydol. Hidden Power Grass lures down Swampert.
Maximum HP EVs allow Tyranitar to make a substitute with 101 HP. 44 Speed EVs let Tyranitar outrun some variants of Blissey and Claydol. If Hidden Power Grass is used, Lonely or Naughty can be considered.
Team Options
========
Dugtrio can trap Metagross and Jirachi so that this set can work. Spikes users such as Skarmory can be used, as this set forces switches.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mixed Tyranitar with Substitute and Focus Punch can not only utilize Blissey but also take down Skarmory, Forretress, Gengar, Salamence, and Flygon by certain moves. Toxic cripples a number of its main counters, which can be combined with Taunt. When using this combo, outspeeding Milotic to force Toxic onto it is important. Protect allows Tyranitar to gain recovery from Leftovers, scout Choice Band users such as Metagross, and stall damage from status and sand. Counter capitalizes on physical attacks from Pokemon such as Dugtrio, Claydol, and Flygon. With Ice Beam and Hidden Power Grass hitting Ground-type Pokemon, Thunder Wave provides overall utility. Lum Berry can be used on the Pursuit set to avoid getting put to sleep by Pokemon such as Gengar and the rare Jynx. Liechi Berry can be used on Dragon Dance Tyranitar and if its Attack is boosted accidentally, this monster will be quite threatening. Silk Scarf can enhance Double-Edge's power, but there isn't much value in other cases.
Checks and Counters
===================
Ground-type Pokemon resist Tyranitar's Rock Slide and threaten it with STAB Earthquake. Swampert has bulk to take most of Tyranitar's other attacks and scares Tyranitar with STAB Water-type moves, but it has to watch out for Hidden Power Grass and Focus Punch. Flygon and Claydol are immune to Earthquake, but the former has to look out for Focus Punch and Ice Beam while the latter has to pay attention to Hidden Power Bug and many special attacks such as Dark STAB moves, Ice Beam, and Hidden Power Grass. Dugtrio can trap and KO Tyranitar, but Jolly variants sometimes won't guarantee the OHKO. Besides Swampert, other bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic and Suicune hit Tyranitar hard with STAB Water-type attacks, but they are quite vulnerable to flinches from Rock Slide. Metagross can take Fire Blast and +1 Earthquake from Tyranitar and strike back with STAB Meteor Mash, but if Metagross is the only Pokemon resistant to Rock Slide in a team, opposing Aerodactyl will be frightening. Heracross is a check to Tyranitar because of its STAB Megahorn and Brick Break, but it's not a counter because it doesn't have many defensive properties.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[wyc2333, 336830]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
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