[overview]
**Draft order**: Round 3 onwards
**Price range**: 13-15 points
**Overview**: Terapagos is a solid setup sweeper and support Pokemon. It has access to an astonishing amount of coverage and utility moves, which makes it quite versatile in Draft. Its signature ability, Tera Shell, futher adds to its already impressive bulk when at full HP. Unfortunately, it lacks reliable recovery moves, has underwhelming breaking power, and is stuck with being a mono-Normal-type. If these issues are built around, Terapagos can be a great addition to a draft.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Wincon**: Terapagos can employ its solid bulk and Calm Mind to win games after its checks have been dealt with or weakened. Taking a different setup approach, Terapagos can also boost its Speed using Rock Polish or Rapid Spin, alongside Calm Mind or a damage-boosting item, to sweep teams late-game.
**Offensive utility**: Terapagos comes with a unique combination of utility moves, including Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin. A powerful STAB attack, coverage, and Roar allow it to avoid becoming setup fodder while filling a utility role. Roar, in particular, synergizes well with Tera Shell, which allows it to survive almost all boosted attacks from setup sweepers and phaze them.
**Tank**: Despite lacking recovery moves beyond Rest, Terapagos has solid bulk and access to Toxic, allowing it to run serviceable defensive sets. It can still hit hard on these sets due to its plethora of coverage.
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB moves**: Tera Starstorm, Tri Attack
**Setup moves**: Calm Mind, Rock Polish
**Utility moves**: Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin, Roar, Rest, Toxic, Ice Spinner
**Coverage**: Aura Sphere, Body Press, Scorching Sands, Earth Power, Dark Pulse, Stored Power, Flamethrower, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Surf, Dazzling Gleam, Flash Cannon, Power Gem, Energy Ball, Bug Buzz, Dragon Pulse
Niche Moves
========
**Meteor Beam**: It provides an alternative method of boosting Terapagos's Special Attack but requires it to use a Power Herb.
**Physical attacks**: Terapagos's movepool and base stats encourage special attacks, but its physical options aren't much worse. STAB moves like Double-Edge or Body Slam can be run alongside coverage like Earthquake or Crunch to hit specially defensive walls.
**Sunny Day / Rain Dance**: Weather-setting moves can act as an emergency stop to opposing weather sweepers if Tera Shell is preserved. They can also improve damage from Terapagos's coverage moves, enable it to use Weather Ball, and help teammates that may appreciate the weather.
Common Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Entry hazard immunity is crucial for getting the most value out of Terapagos. Any damage taken by entry hazards disables Tera Shell, and there is no consistent way to restore the lost HP. Tera Shell effectively gives the user a free turn for setup, utility, phazing, or revenge killing. If another item is desired, a partner with reliable entry hazard removal will be very important.
**Leftovers**: It provides passive recovery to bulky sets, greatly improving Terapagos's longevity and potentially giving more opportunities for Tera Shell to activate. This is only an upgrade to Heavy-Duty Boots when paired with reliable entry hazard removal or if the opponent lacks good entry hazard setters.
**Choice Specs / Expert Belt / Silk Scarf**: Items that passively boost damage can help Terapagos land OHKOs and 2HKOs on more Pokemon. These items make Terapagos difficult to handle as a lead because they combine Tera Shell with immediate power.
Niche Items
========
**Power Herb / Throat Spray**: These items grant one-time boosts to Special Attack when using Meteor Beam and Bug Buzz respectively. Rock Polish sets can use them to remain threatening while setting up, rather than having to rely on Calm Mind.
**Choice Scarf**: This item makes use of Terapagos's decent Speed and pushes it past nearly all unboosted Pokemon. Tera Starstorm and the wide array of coverage options can be used to revenge kill fast attackers.
**Chesto Berry**: It's an option for bulky Rest sets that would like to run three moves that aren't Sleep Talk. This decreases the number of times Terapagos can realistically heal itself, but it makes up for that with increased offensive pressure and less reliance on Sleep Talk RNG.
**Kee Berry**: It grants a one-time Defense boost for bulky Calm Mind sets, giving it extra turns to set up on physical attackers, especially if Tera Shell protects it from the first hit. It's a strong option for an offensive lead.
**Rocky Helmet**: It's a decent item for defensive sets that damages foes that rely on contact moves.
**Red Card**: Red Card is another option for phazing that doesn't require a move slot for Roar. If Tera Shell is active, Terapagos will most likely be able to survive a hit and activate the Red Card.
**Ability Shield**: Ability Shield can protect Tera Shell from ability-bypassing effects such as Excadrill's Mold Breaker or Necrozma's Photon Geyser. If entry hazards are kept away, this can allow Terapagos to phaze or revenge kill more effectively.
Tera
========
Although Terapagos is responsible for the existence of Terastallization in the lore, it is universally banned from using the mechanic in standard Draft. When it uses Tera, it changes forms to become Terapagos-S, giving it a substantial boost to HP and Special Attack. Tera Starstorm also becomes Stellar-type, making it unresisted by all Pokemon. It is only able to use Tera Stellar, but the bonuses are enough to seriously limit offensive and defensive counterplay. If given the opportunity, it should always be made Tera Captain and run primarily offensive sets.
Draft Strategy
========
Terapagos is best on drafts that have a strong foundation already, where it will not be relied upon for specific roles. While it can provide some utility and defense, it will be getting drafted primarily for its setup capabilities. The rest of the draft should be able to support it as a potential wincon.
**Entry hazards**: Entry hazard support is important for enabling a Terapagos sweep late-game. Rock Polish sets will often fail to OHKO bulkier foes, and hazards can be a fairly reliable method of chipping them into range. Terapagos can use Stealth Rock but appreciates teammates, such as Ting-Lu or Landorus-T, that can more comfortably fit the move on a set.
**Entry hazard removal**: Tera Shell is Terapagos's strongest selling point, and entry hazards can immediately disable it. At least one Pokemon with reliable hazard removal options, such as Iron Treads or Corviknight, can be great to have for enabling Terapagos. Such an ally and Terapagos also give each other the freedom to run sets without hazard removal.
**Wallbreakers**: Terapagos has very little immediate power, so teammates capable of weakening the foe's defenses without setting up are necessary. Special wallbreakers like Latios or Iron Moth can be particularly effective at forcing in Terapagos's checks, but physical wallbreakers like both Urshifu formes and Garchomp can also be helpful.
**Defensive backbone**: Terapagos has no type resistances besides a Ghost immunity and no reliable recovery. It does have good defensive stats, but it usually won't be able to effectively wall foes. The rest of the draft should be able to check common offensive threats; good examples of these kinds of defensive Pokemon are Galarian Slowking and Rotom-W.
**Shed Tail**: Shed Tail pairs extremely well with Tera Shell, allowing the ability to activate on every hit while the Substitute is up. This can usually guarantee Terapagos at least one or two free turns to set up unless the foe has a way to bypass Substitute.
Checks and Counters
========
**Phazing**: Phazing is strong against any Pokemon that relies on setup moves for damage, and Terapagos is no exception. It is especially problematic for Terapagos, as it will likely result in Tera Shell being disabled with no good way for it to restore HP. Phazers should be scouted and weakened or removed before Terapagos attempts to set up. Common users of phazing moves include Toxapex with Haze and Skarmory with Whirlwind, but many Pokemon are capable of using other phazing moves like Roar or Dragon Tail.
**Physical attackers**: Terapagos has good defenses, but it is unable to boost its Defense without support from items or teammates. As a result, strong physical attackers like Great Tusk and Weavile can threaten it unless it invests EVs in HP and Defense. Fighting-types, in particular, are dangerous if Tera Shell is no longer intact, because many of them target Defense and are capable of outspeeding Terapagos.
**Normal resistances**: Most of Terapagos's power comes from Tera Starstorm, so Normal-resistant foes like Annihilape and Metagross can give it some trouble. Drafts will often have multiple Normal resistances, which can force Terapagos to dedicate multiple move slots to coverage. Tera Ghost or Steel can also be problematic if not expected. Drafting strong answers to these types can discourage them as Tera options. Terapagos can also opt to simply use Calm Mind until it's able to defeat Normal resistances with weaker attacks depending on the matchup.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nyx.564960/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/techno6377.527276/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
**Draft order**: Round 3 onwards
**Price range**: 13-15 points
**Overview**: Terapagos is a solid setup sweeper and support Pokemon. It has access to an astonishing amount of coverage and utility moves, which makes it quite versatile in Draft. Its signature ability, Tera Shell, futher adds to its already impressive bulk when at full HP. Unfortunately, it lacks reliable recovery moves, has underwhelming breaking power, and is stuck with being a mono-Normal-type. If these issues are built around, Terapagos can be a great addition to a draft.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Wincon**: Terapagos can employ its solid bulk and Calm Mind to win games after its checks have been dealt with or weakened. Taking a different setup approach, Terapagos can also boost its Speed using Rock Polish or Rapid Spin, alongside Calm Mind or a damage-boosting item, to sweep teams late-game.
**Offensive utility**: Terapagos comes with a unique combination of utility moves, including Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin. A powerful STAB attack, coverage, and Roar allow it to avoid becoming setup fodder while filling a utility role. Roar, in particular, synergizes well with Tera Shell, which allows it to survive almost all boosted attacks from setup sweepers and phaze them.
**Tank**: Despite lacking recovery moves beyond Rest, Terapagos has solid bulk and access to Toxic, allowing it to run serviceable defensive sets. It can still hit hard on these sets due to its plethora of coverage.
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB moves**: Tera Starstorm, Tri Attack
**Setup moves**: Calm Mind, Rock Polish
**Utility moves**: Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin, Roar, Rest, Toxic, Ice Spinner
**Coverage**: Aura Sphere, Body Press, Scorching Sands, Earth Power, Dark Pulse, Stored Power, Flamethrower, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Surf, Dazzling Gleam, Flash Cannon, Power Gem, Energy Ball, Bug Buzz, Dragon Pulse
Niche Moves
========
**Meteor Beam**: It provides an alternative method of boosting Terapagos's Special Attack but requires it to use a Power Herb.
**Physical attacks**: Terapagos's movepool and base stats encourage special attacks, but its physical options aren't much worse. STAB moves like Double-Edge or Body Slam can be run alongside coverage like Earthquake or Crunch to hit specially defensive walls.
**Sunny Day / Rain Dance**: Weather-setting moves can act as an emergency stop to opposing weather sweepers if Tera Shell is preserved. They can also improve damage from Terapagos's coverage moves, enable it to use Weather Ball, and help teammates that may appreciate the weather.
Common Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Entry hazard immunity is crucial for getting the most value out of Terapagos. Any damage taken by entry hazards disables Tera Shell, and there is no consistent way to restore the lost HP. Tera Shell effectively gives the user a free turn for setup, utility, phazing, or revenge killing. If another item is desired, a partner with reliable entry hazard removal will be very important.
**Leftovers**: It provides passive recovery to bulky sets, greatly improving Terapagos's longevity and potentially giving more opportunities for Tera Shell to activate. This is only an upgrade to Heavy-Duty Boots when paired with reliable entry hazard removal or if the opponent lacks good entry hazard setters.
**Choice Specs / Expert Belt / Silk Scarf**: Items that passively boost damage can help Terapagos land OHKOs and 2HKOs on more Pokemon. These items make Terapagos difficult to handle as a lead because they combine Tera Shell with immediate power.
Niche Items
========
**Power Herb / Throat Spray**: These items grant one-time boosts to Special Attack when using Meteor Beam and Bug Buzz respectively. Rock Polish sets can use them to remain threatening while setting up, rather than having to rely on Calm Mind.
**Choice Scarf**: This item makes use of Terapagos's decent Speed and pushes it past nearly all unboosted Pokemon. Tera Starstorm and the wide array of coverage options can be used to revenge kill fast attackers.
**Chesto Berry**: It's an option for bulky Rest sets that would like to run three moves that aren't Sleep Talk. This decreases the number of times Terapagos can realistically heal itself, but it makes up for that with increased offensive pressure and less reliance on Sleep Talk RNG.
**Kee Berry**: It grants a one-time Defense boost for bulky Calm Mind sets, giving it extra turns to set up on physical attackers, especially if Tera Shell protects it from the first hit. It's a strong option for an offensive lead.
**Rocky Helmet**: It's a decent item for defensive sets that damages foes that rely on contact moves.
**Red Card**: Red Card is another option for phazing that doesn't require a move slot for Roar. If Tera Shell is active, Terapagos will most likely be able to survive a hit and activate the Red Card.
**Ability Shield**: Ability Shield can protect Tera Shell from ability-bypassing effects such as Excadrill's Mold Breaker or Necrozma's Photon Geyser. If entry hazards are kept away, this can allow Terapagos to phaze or revenge kill more effectively.
Tera
========
Although Terapagos is responsible for the existence of Terastallization in the lore, it is universally banned from using the mechanic in standard Draft. When it uses Tera, it changes forms to become Terapagos-S, giving it a substantial boost to HP and Special Attack. Tera Starstorm also becomes Stellar-type, making it unresisted by all Pokemon. It is only able to use Tera Stellar, but the bonuses are enough to seriously limit offensive and defensive counterplay. If given the opportunity, it should always be made Tera Captain and run primarily offensive sets.
Draft Strategy
========
Terapagos is best on drafts that have a strong foundation already, where it will not be relied upon for specific roles. While it can provide some utility and defense, it will be getting drafted primarily for its setup capabilities. The rest of the draft should be able to support it as a potential wincon.
**Entry hazards**: Entry hazard support is important for enabling a Terapagos sweep late-game. Rock Polish sets will often fail to OHKO bulkier foes, and hazards can be a fairly reliable method of chipping them into range. Terapagos can use Stealth Rock but appreciates teammates, such as Ting-Lu or Landorus-T, that can more comfortably fit the move on a set.
**Entry hazard removal**: Tera Shell is Terapagos's strongest selling point, and entry hazards can immediately disable it. At least one Pokemon with reliable hazard removal options, such as Iron Treads or Corviknight, can be great to have for enabling Terapagos. Such an ally and Terapagos also give each other the freedom to run sets without hazard removal.
**Wallbreakers**: Terapagos has very little immediate power, so teammates capable of weakening the foe's defenses without setting up are necessary. Special wallbreakers like Latios or Iron Moth can be particularly effective at forcing in Terapagos's checks, but physical wallbreakers like both Urshifu formes and Garchomp can also be helpful.
**Defensive backbone**: Terapagos has no type resistances besides a Ghost immunity and no reliable recovery. It does have good defensive stats, but it usually won't be able to effectively wall foes. The rest of the draft should be able to check common offensive threats; good examples of these kinds of defensive Pokemon are Galarian Slowking and Rotom-W.
**Shed Tail**: Shed Tail pairs extremely well with Tera Shell, allowing the ability to activate on every hit while the Substitute is up. This can usually guarantee Terapagos at least one or two free turns to set up unless the foe has a way to bypass Substitute.
Checks and Counters
========
**Phazing**: Phazing is strong against any Pokemon that relies on setup moves for damage, and Terapagos is no exception. It is especially problematic for Terapagos, as it will likely result in Tera Shell being disabled with no good way for it to restore HP. Phazers should be scouted and weakened or removed before Terapagos attempts to set up. Common users of phazing moves include Toxapex with Haze and Skarmory with Whirlwind, but many Pokemon are capable of using other phazing moves like Roar or Dragon Tail.
**Physical attackers**: Terapagos has good defenses, but it is unable to boost its Defense without support from items or teammates. As a result, strong physical attackers like Great Tusk and Weavile can threaten it unless it invests EVs in HP and Defense. Fighting-types, in particular, are dangerous if Tera Shell is no longer intact, because many of them target Defense and are capable of outspeeding Terapagos.
**Normal resistances**: Most of Terapagos's power comes from Tera Starstorm, so Normal-resistant foes like Annihilape and Metagross can give it some trouble. Drafts will often have multiple Normal resistances, which can force Terapagos to dedicate multiple move slots to coverage. Tera Ghost or Steel can also be problematic if not expected. Drafting strong answers to these types can discourage them as Tera options. Terapagos can also opt to simply use Calm Mind until it's able to defeat Normal resistances with weaker attacks depending on the matchup.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/scionicle.599989/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/nyx.564960/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/techno6377.527276/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
Last edited:
