[OVERVIEW]
Tyranitar's high Attack stat coupled with powerful, spammable STAB moves in Stone Edge and Crunch makes it a fearsome wallbreaker. Powerful STAB Pursuit lets Tyranitar also serve as one of OU's most threatening trappers. Tyranitar can use its solid bulk and unique typing to check Pokemon such as Latios, Alolan Marowak, Choice-locked Tapu Lele, and Volcarona. Sand Stream is also noteworthy because it allows Tyranitar to support sand sweepers like Excadrill and Mega Garchomp. Finally, Mega Tyranitar's Dragon Dance set is capable of using its titanic bulk to set up and sweep. Unfortunately, Tyranitar is let down by its Rock / Dark typing, which leaves it vulnerable to many of OU's common offensive types such as Fighting, Ground, and Water. Its STAB attacks are also not as spammable against Mega Mawile, Magearna, and Landorus-T. Another downfall is that Tyranitar's low Speed causes it to be forced out frequently by faster threats.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stone Edge is the most spammable move on the set, hitting even Pokemon that resist Rock for massive damage. The metagame's lack of switch-ins to powerful Rock-type moves increases its potency. Crunch is Tyranitar's secondary STAB move and hits many threats neutrally, making Tyranitar even harder to switch into safely. Pursuit makes Tyranitar a fearsome trapper, as any targets weak to Dark or less bulky and neutral are heavily damaged if not OHKOed upon switching out. Notable targets include Latios, Alolan Marowak, and Choice-locked Tapu Lele. The final moveslot is fairly flexible. Earthquake allows Tyranitar to defeat certain Pokemon that resist its STAB attacks, such as Mega Mawile, Magearna, and Bisharp, while Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types extremely hard and has a high chance of OHKOing Chansey after Stealth Rock damage. Ice Punch destroys common switch-ins to Tyranitar such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde. Fire Punch hits Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn harder than any other coverage option and retains the ability to hit Mega Mawile and Magearna for super effective damage, but bear in mind that a neutral Stone Edge hits as hard as a 2x super effective Fire Punch.
Set Details
========
Maximum EVs in Attack and Speed are used with an Adamant nature to give Tyranitar the most potential to break through the opponent's team and the ability to outrun defensive Pokemon such as Clefable and Skarmory so they can be 2HKOed on the switch. In addition, maximum Speed investment lets Tyranitar outrun uninvested Landorus-T and Jolly Mega Mawile while Speed tying with Modest 252 Speed Celesteela. However, Tyranitar can opt for less Speed investment to hit certain benchmarks, such as 76 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested base 70 Speed Pokemon like Skarmory and Mantine, 128 Speed EVs to outpace Adamant Alolan Marowak, 156 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested base 80 Speed Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, and 204 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested Rotom-W. The remaining EVs should be placed in HP. Tyranitar can alternatively run a Jolly nature with maximum EVs in Attack and Speed to outrun the likes of SubCoil Zygarde and uninvested base 100 Speed Pokemon. Choice Band makes Tyranitar extremely powerful, as its STAB combination is very difficult to switch into for offensive and defensive builds alike. It comes at the cost of locking Tyranitar into one move, however. Sand Stream buffs Tyranitar's Special Defense and thereby helps it switch into special attackers more easily. Partners that can sweep under sand appreciate it as well.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Band Tyranitar should primarily be used as a wallbreaker due to the incredible damage it can inflict with Stone Edge and Crunch. Pursuit should not be used as frequently because it is situational. As opponents will often be reluctant to switch Pursuit's targets in for fear of getting them trapped, Tyranitar's presence can be used to pressure opponents and keep momentum in your favor. Tyranitar's naturally high special bulk helps it check strong special attackers such as Latios, Tapu Koko and Volcarona; however, Tyranitar must be kept healthy to avoid the KO from a boosted Giga Drain from Volcarona so it can KO with Stone Edge in return. In a pinch, Tyranitar is capable of surviving a +1 Giga Drain from Volcarona from full HP even without sand active.
Team Options
========
Tyranitar's best partners appreciate its ability to Pursuit trap their checks and counters. Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and other special attackers pressure opponents heavily in tandem with Choice Band Tyranitar, as common checks to special attackers such as Chansey and Assault Vest Tornadus-T are either obliterated by Tyranitar's STAB moves or weakened by Pursuit. By pressuring bulky foes such as Landorus-T, Tyranitar can give teammates like Zygarde and Mega Mawile opportunities to set up. Tyranitar itself is troubled by Fighting-types and fast offensive threats such as Keldeo and Garchomp; pairing it with strong Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types can pressure them. Good options include Tapu Fini, Latios, Tornadus-T, and Tapu Lele. Earthquake switch-ins such as Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Tangrowth are very important because they account for Tyranitar's Ground-type weakness. Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand, which enables it to sweep with Sand Rush. Mega Garchomp, which also appreciates sand, can form a powerful breaking core with Tyranitar. Notably, they both pressure Landorus-T heavily.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Fire Punch / Earthquake
item: Tyranitarite
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Mega Tyranitar's power, impressive bulk, and difficulty to revenge kill make it an effective user of Dragon Dance, outperforming non-Mega Tyranitar due to its increased Speed and defenses. Stone Edge is Mega Tyranitar's most powerful STAB move and hits much of the OU metagame for neutral or super effective damage. Ice Punch is run to smash would-be checks such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Garchomp. The last moveslot can hold Fire Punch or Earthquake. Fire Punch punishes Ferrothorn and Scizor while preventing the need to risk a Stone Edge miss against other Steel-types. Alternatively, Earthquake lets Mega Tyranitar beat Bisharp, Magearna, and Mega Mawile more easily. In addition, it can 2HKO Toxapex without a boost and hits Keldeo for neutral damage.
Set Details
========
Mega Tyranitar runs maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature to make the most of its impressive base 164 Attack while outspeeding neutral- and positive-Speed natured base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Bisharp, Magearna, SubCoil Zygarde, and defensive Garchomp. Sand Stream is the preferred ability because it buffs Tyranitar's Special Defense before it Mega Evolves, enabling it to take special hits more easily while setting up.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Tyranitar is best used as a mid- or late-game sweeper, as its longevity can be cut short by damage taken while setting up and sweeping. Prior to setting up, it is important to ensure that certain checks to Mega Tyranitar, such as revenge killers and Pokemon that resist its coverage, are removed and that necessary chip damage has been dealt so Mega Tyranitar can achieve OHKOs more easily. Setting up against offensive teams can be challenging, so it is best to bring Tyranitar in against something it would normally threaten out, such as Latios, Heatran, or Choice-locked Tapu Lele, and proceed to Mega Evolve and boost with Dragon Dance. Bluffing a different item, such as a Choice Band, can make this simpler. Bulkier teams can fall to Mega Tyranitar once its defensive checks have been weakened sufficiently. When facing weather-based teams, it is best to hold off on Mega Evolving Tyranitar as opposed to losing it by setting up early in the game, as it can set sand repeatedly to prevent opposing weather sweepers from becoming dangerous.
Team Options
========
Tyranitar's presence prior to Mega Evolving can pressure opponents to be wary of sending in Pursuit-weak Pokemon, enabling you to play more aggressively. However, its multitude of weaknesses and need for prior damage to successfully sweep means that it struggles as a stand-alone attacker and requires plenty of support from its teammates. Tapu Fini provides Water- and Fighting-type resistances while keeping bulkier teams pressured with the combination of Taunt and Nature's Madness. It also keeps Mega Tyranitar safe from status with Misty Terrain. Ferrothorn can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes to help chip away at foes while checking Water- and Fairy-types for Tyranitar, but it shares a Fighting-type weakness with Tyranitar. Landorus-T is an excellent partner, as it resists Fighting-type attacks, is immune to Ground-type moves, inflicts chip damage with Rocky Helmet, and can pivot Tyranitar into battle via U-turn. Dragon Dance Zygarde is noteworthy as it can bait and KO Tangrowth or Mega Scizor with Dragonium Z and Groundium Z, respectively. Dual screens support boosts Mega Tyranitar's natural bulk to incredible levels and enables it to set up in front of OU's most powerful attackers such as offensive Landorus-T. Tapu Koko and Azelf are capable screen setters in OU.
Other Options
============
Support Tyranitar, despite being generally ineffective in OU, runs Stone Edge, Ice Beam, Stealth Rock, and Pursuit. It is used to set Stealth Rock, bait in and KO opposing leads such as Garchomp and Landorus-T, and Pursuit trap Pokemon such as Latios. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can make for a decent revenge killer, but its Speed is still unimpressive and many OU staples still easily outrun and KO it. Choice Band Tyranitar's raw power makes it a better choice than a Choice Scarf set for most teams. Aqua Tail, while mostly outclassed by other coverage options, enables Tyranitar to dent bulky Ground-types, notably including Hippowdon.
Checks and Counters
==================
**Fighting-types**: Keldeo, Terrakion, and other Fighting-types can outspeed Tyranitar and KO it with their STAB attacks while resisting both of Tyranitar's STAB moves. When using a Choice Scarf, these Pokemon can easily outrun and KO +1 Mega Tyranitar.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Focus Blast from the likes of Alakazam, Gengar, and Mega Charizard Y; Superpower from Tornadus-T; and Low Kick from Greninja punish Tyranitar's massive Fighting weakness. In addition, Pokemon that Tyranitar typically checks such as Heatran and Latios can damage it super effectively with Earth Power and Surf, respectively.
**Ground-types**: Defensive Landorus-T tanks even Choice Band-boosted attacks somewhat well while hitting Tyranitar for super effective damage with U-turn or STAB Earthquake. It can also set up Stealth Rock as Tyranitar is scared out. Offensive Landorus-T simply outspeeds Tyranitar and OHKOes it with Earthquake. Hippowdon easily tanks hits from Tyranitar and can set Stealth Rock or threaten Tyranitar with Earthquake. Zygarde can freely spam Thousand Arrows against Tyranitar. They are only threatened by Ice-type coverage. Dugtrio outspeeds and 2HKOes Tyranitar with Earthquake and, if running Focus Sash, can switch into any hit from full HP to trap Tyranitar and OHKO it with Reversal. This makes Tyranitar less effective against many stall teams.
**Fairy-types**: Tapu Bulu, Tapu Lele, Magearna, Mega Mawile, and other Fairy-types cannot switch in safely against more offensive Tyranitar sets for fear of being hit hard by Stone Edge, but they can outspeed and obliterate Tyranitar with their STAB attacks.
**Steel-types**: Some Steel-types resist both of Tyranitar's STAB moves, while others are simply very bulky or resist Stone Edge. Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Jirachi can all effectively check Tyranitar; however, Jirachi must flinch Tyranitar with Iron Head or it will fall to Crunch. In addition, Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch can revenge kill a boosted Mega Tyranitar.
**Water-types**: Keldeo, Greninja, Gyarados, and other offensive Water-types can crush Tyranitar with their STAB attacks. Bulkier Water-types, such as Toxapex and Rotom-W, can tank a hit from Tyranitar and either pivot out or threaten it with a burn.
Tyranitar's high Attack stat coupled with powerful, spammable STAB moves in Stone Edge and Crunch makes it a fearsome wallbreaker. Powerful STAB Pursuit lets Tyranitar also serve as one of OU's most threatening trappers. Tyranitar can use its solid bulk and unique typing to check Pokemon such as Latios, Alolan Marowak, Choice-locked Tapu Lele, and Volcarona. Sand Stream is also noteworthy because it allows Tyranitar to support sand sweepers like Excadrill and Mega Garchomp. Finally, Mega Tyranitar's Dragon Dance set is capable of using its titanic bulk to set up and sweep. Unfortunately, Tyranitar is let down by its Rock / Dark typing, which leaves it vulnerable to many of OU's common offensive types such as Fighting, Ground, and Water. Its STAB attacks are also not as spammable against Mega Mawile, Magearna, and Landorus-T. Another downfall is that Tyranitar's low Speed causes it to be forced out frequently by faster threats.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stone Edge is the most spammable move on the set, hitting even Pokemon that resist Rock for massive damage. The metagame's lack of switch-ins to powerful Rock-type moves increases its potency. Crunch is Tyranitar's secondary STAB move and hits many threats neutrally, making Tyranitar even harder to switch into safely. Pursuit makes Tyranitar a fearsome trapper, as any targets weak to Dark or less bulky and neutral are heavily damaged if not OHKOed upon switching out. Notable targets include Latios, Alolan Marowak, and Choice-locked Tapu Lele. The final moveslot is fairly flexible. Earthquake allows Tyranitar to defeat certain Pokemon that resist its STAB attacks, such as Mega Mawile, Magearna, and Bisharp, while Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types extremely hard and has a high chance of OHKOing Chansey after Stealth Rock damage. Ice Punch destroys common switch-ins to Tyranitar such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde. Fire Punch hits Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn harder than any other coverage option and retains the ability to hit Mega Mawile and Magearna for super effective damage, but bear in mind that a neutral Stone Edge hits as hard as a 2x super effective Fire Punch.
Set Details
========
Maximum EVs in Attack and Speed are used with an Adamant nature to give Tyranitar the most potential to break through the opponent's team and the ability to outrun defensive Pokemon such as Clefable and Skarmory so they can be 2HKOed on the switch. In addition, maximum Speed investment lets Tyranitar outrun uninvested Landorus-T and Jolly Mega Mawile while Speed tying with Modest 252 Speed Celesteela. However, Tyranitar can opt for less Speed investment to hit certain benchmarks, such as 76 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested base 70 Speed Pokemon like Skarmory and Mantine, 128 Speed EVs to outpace Adamant Alolan Marowak, 156 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested base 80 Speed Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, and 204 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested Rotom-W. The remaining EVs should be placed in HP. Tyranitar can alternatively run a Jolly nature with maximum EVs in Attack and Speed to outrun the likes of SubCoil Zygarde and uninvested base 100 Speed Pokemon. Choice Band makes Tyranitar extremely powerful, as its STAB combination is very difficult to switch into for offensive and defensive builds alike. It comes at the cost of locking Tyranitar into one move, however. Sand Stream buffs Tyranitar's Special Defense and thereby helps it switch into special attackers more easily. Partners that can sweep under sand appreciate it as well.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Band Tyranitar should primarily be used as a wallbreaker due to the incredible damage it can inflict with Stone Edge and Crunch. Pursuit should not be used as frequently because it is situational. As opponents will often be reluctant to switch Pursuit's targets in for fear of getting them trapped, Tyranitar's presence can be used to pressure opponents and keep momentum in your favor. Tyranitar's naturally high special bulk helps it check strong special attackers such as Latios, Tapu Koko and Volcarona; however, Tyranitar must be kept healthy to avoid the KO from a boosted Giga Drain from Volcarona so it can KO with Stone Edge in return. In a pinch, Tyranitar is capable of surviving a +1 Giga Drain from Volcarona from full HP even without sand active.
Team Options
========
Tyranitar's best partners appreciate its ability to Pursuit trap their checks and counters. Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and other special attackers pressure opponents heavily in tandem with Choice Band Tyranitar, as common checks to special attackers such as Chansey and Assault Vest Tornadus-T are either obliterated by Tyranitar's STAB moves or weakened by Pursuit. By pressuring bulky foes such as Landorus-T, Tyranitar can give teammates like Zygarde and Mega Mawile opportunities to set up. Tyranitar itself is troubled by Fighting-types and fast offensive threats such as Keldeo and Garchomp; pairing it with strong Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types can pressure them. Good options include Tapu Fini, Latios, Tornadus-T, and Tapu Lele. Earthquake switch-ins such as Rotom-W, Landorus-T, and Tangrowth are very important because they account for Tyranitar's Ground-type weakness. Excadrill appreciates Tyranitar's sand, which enables it to sweep with Sand Rush. Mega Garchomp, which also appreciates sand, can form a powerful breaking core with Tyranitar. Notably, they both pressure Landorus-T heavily.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Fire Punch / Earthquake
item: Tyranitarite
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Mega Tyranitar's power, impressive bulk, and difficulty to revenge kill make it an effective user of Dragon Dance, outperforming non-Mega Tyranitar due to its increased Speed and defenses. Stone Edge is Mega Tyranitar's most powerful STAB move and hits much of the OU metagame for neutral or super effective damage. Ice Punch is run to smash would-be checks such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Garchomp. The last moveslot can hold Fire Punch or Earthquake. Fire Punch punishes Ferrothorn and Scizor while preventing the need to risk a Stone Edge miss against other Steel-types. Alternatively, Earthquake lets Mega Tyranitar beat Bisharp, Magearna, and Mega Mawile more easily. In addition, it can 2HKO Toxapex without a boost and hits Keldeo for neutral damage.
Set Details
========
Mega Tyranitar runs maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature to make the most of its impressive base 164 Attack while outspeeding neutral- and positive-Speed natured base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Bisharp, Magearna, SubCoil Zygarde, and defensive Garchomp. Sand Stream is the preferred ability because it buffs Tyranitar's Special Defense before it Mega Evolves, enabling it to take special hits more easily while setting up.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Tyranitar is best used as a mid- or late-game sweeper, as its longevity can be cut short by damage taken while setting up and sweeping. Prior to setting up, it is important to ensure that certain checks to Mega Tyranitar, such as revenge killers and Pokemon that resist its coverage, are removed and that necessary chip damage has been dealt so Mega Tyranitar can achieve OHKOs more easily. Setting up against offensive teams can be challenging, so it is best to bring Tyranitar in against something it would normally threaten out, such as Latios, Heatran, or Choice-locked Tapu Lele, and proceed to Mega Evolve and boost with Dragon Dance. Bluffing a different item, such as a Choice Band, can make this simpler. Bulkier teams can fall to Mega Tyranitar once its defensive checks have been weakened sufficiently. When facing weather-based teams, it is best to hold off on Mega Evolving Tyranitar as opposed to losing it by setting up early in the game, as it can set sand repeatedly to prevent opposing weather sweepers from becoming dangerous.
Team Options
========
Tyranitar's presence prior to Mega Evolving can pressure opponents to be wary of sending in Pursuit-weak Pokemon, enabling you to play more aggressively. However, its multitude of weaknesses and need for prior damage to successfully sweep means that it struggles as a stand-alone attacker and requires plenty of support from its teammates. Tapu Fini provides Water- and Fighting-type resistances while keeping bulkier teams pressured with the combination of Taunt and Nature's Madness. It also keeps Mega Tyranitar safe from status with Misty Terrain. Ferrothorn can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes to help chip away at foes while checking Water- and Fairy-types for Tyranitar, but it shares a Fighting-type weakness with Tyranitar. Landorus-T is an excellent partner, as it resists Fighting-type attacks, is immune to Ground-type moves, inflicts chip damage with Rocky Helmet, and can pivot Tyranitar into battle via U-turn. Dragon Dance Zygarde is noteworthy as it can bait and KO Tangrowth or Mega Scizor with Dragonium Z and Groundium Z, respectively. Dual screens support boosts Mega Tyranitar's natural bulk to incredible levels and enables it to set up in front of OU's most powerful attackers such as offensive Landorus-T. Tapu Koko and Azelf are capable screen setters in OU.
Other Options
============
Support Tyranitar, despite being generally ineffective in OU, runs Stone Edge, Ice Beam, Stealth Rock, and Pursuit. It is used to set Stealth Rock, bait in and KO opposing leads such as Garchomp and Landorus-T, and Pursuit trap Pokemon such as Latios. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can make for a decent revenge killer, but its Speed is still unimpressive and many OU staples still easily outrun and KO it. Choice Band Tyranitar's raw power makes it a better choice than a Choice Scarf set for most teams. Aqua Tail, while mostly outclassed by other coverage options, enables Tyranitar to dent bulky Ground-types, notably including Hippowdon.
Checks and Counters
==================
**Fighting-types**: Keldeo, Terrakion, and other Fighting-types can outspeed Tyranitar and KO it with their STAB attacks while resisting both of Tyranitar's STAB moves. When using a Choice Scarf, these Pokemon can easily outrun and KO +1 Mega Tyranitar.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Focus Blast from the likes of Alakazam, Gengar, and Mega Charizard Y; Superpower from Tornadus-T; and Low Kick from Greninja punish Tyranitar's massive Fighting weakness. In addition, Pokemon that Tyranitar typically checks such as Heatran and Latios can damage it super effectively with Earth Power and Surf, respectively.
**Ground-types**: Defensive Landorus-T tanks even Choice Band-boosted attacks somewhat well while hitting Tyranitar for super effective damage with U-turn or STAB Earthquake. It can also set up Stealth Rock as Tyranitar is scared out. Offensive Landorus-T simply outspeeds Tyranitar and OHKOes it with Earthquake. Hippowdon easily tanks hits from Tyranitar and can set Stealth Rock or threaten Tyranitar with Earthquake. Zygarde can freely spam Thousand Arrows against Tyranitar. They are only threatened by Ice-type coverage. Dugtrio outspeeds and 2HKOes Tyranitar with Earthquake and, if running Focus Sash, can switch into any hit from full HP to trap Tyranitar and OHKO it with Reversal. This makes Tyranitar less effective against many stall teams.
**Fairy-types**: Tapu Bulu, Tapu Lele, Magearna, Mega Mawile, and other Fairy-types cannot switch in safely against more offensive Tyranitar sets for fear of being hit hard by Stone Edge, but they can outspeed and obliterate Tyranitar with their STAB attacks.
**Steel-types**: Some Steel-types resist both of Tyranitar's STAB moves, while others are simply very bulky or resist Stone Edge. Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Jirachi can all effectively check Tyranitar; however, Jirachi must flinch Tyranitar with Iron Head or it will fall to Crunch. In addition, Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch can revenge kill a boosted Mega Tyranitar.
**Water-types**: Keldeo, Greninja, Gyarados, and other offensive Water-types can crush Tyranitar with their STAB attacks. Bulkier Water-types, such as Toxapex and Rotom-W, can tank a hit from Tyranitar and either pivot out or threaten it with a burn.
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