[OVERVIEW]
Garchomp is a prominent Pokemon due to its fantastic typing, great offenses and Speed, good set versatility, and ability to fit on many teams. Garchomp's typing is superb offensively, threatening the entire metagame with its STAB moves aside from Skarmory and Bronzong. Defensively it is also very capable, commonly switching in on Tyranitar, defensive Heatran, and Thunder from Pokemon like Thundurus-T and Jirachi. Its moves have high Base Power, and it outspeeds common offensive Pokemon like Excadrill, Thundurus-T, Volcarona, Heatran, Kyurem-B, and Dragonite. This high Speed also makes Garchomp an effective Choice Scarf user, since it can revenge kill common set up sweepers like Volcarona, Dragonite, and Salamence at +1 and faster threats like Latios, Keldeo, and Alakazam. It can also be a Stealth Rock lead for hyper offense teams, a Swords Dance wallbreaker, and even a mixed attacker to break through checks to its physical sets like Gliscor and Landorus-T. These sets all differ in counterplay, making Garchomp difficult to play around. However, Garchomp can be handled offensively by a myriad of faster threats, including Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Terrakion, and Starmie, alongside powerful priority users like Scizor, Dragonite, and Breloom. Some Steel- and Ground-types like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Gliscor can check it defensively, with many other miscellaneous Pokemon like Politoed, Jellicent, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus surviving at least one hit to punish it with status or super effective coverage. Also, while its sets may differ in counterplay to a certain degree, most teams will be able to play around Garchomp because its offensive and defensive checks naturally fit well together.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge / Stealth Rock
move 4: Dual Chop / Dragon Claw
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Slide lets Garchomp more consistently revenge kill Volcarona, while Stone Edge can revenge kill it and OHKO Thundurus-T after Stealth Rock in exchange for worse accuracy. Stealth Rock instead makes Garchomp a secondary setter for offensive teams that need Stealth Rock up at all times or sand teams that want Tyranitar to more easily check Latios, Reuniclus, and Thundurus-T instead of needing to set Stealth Rock every game. Garchomp also lets Stealth Rock go up early-game against Taunt leads like Aerodactyl, Terrakion, and Skarmory, which is really crucial if the opponent has a Volcarona, Dragonite, or Cloyster. However, these niches usually aren't needed. Dual Chop can break through Substitute and do damage in one turn while also KOing Focus Sash Alakazam in one turn, letting Garchomp revenge kill one of the most difficult foes for offensive teams. Dragon Claw is an alternative that has perfect accuracy and only makes Garchomp take Iron Barbs damage from Ferrothorn once. However, these benefits are not worth it most of the time.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant to outspeed faster sweepers like boosted Volcarona and Choice Scarf Jirachi.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn and the other Dragon-types wallbreaking, which lets Garchomp more easily sweep; in return, it keeps opposing hyper offense teams under control. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Garchomp is harder to switch into while also safely pivoting it in with U-turn. It can also take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, and Reuniclus. Powerful Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Specs Latios, Choice Band Dragonite, and Choice Band Kyurem-B can break the opposing team open with their powerful Dragon-type STAB moves so Garchomp can more easily sweep. Choice Scarf variants of Latios provide more of a safety net against offensive teams so Garchomp isn't overwhelmed trying to keep them under control. Dragon Dance Dragonite and Salamence can focus more on wallbreaking rather than needing to sweep every game thanks to Garchomp finishing teams off if they can't, with Dragonite even being able to provide priority as further insurance against offensive teams. Offensive Starmie wears down Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Politoed, and Jellicent so Garchomp can more easily break through them, and it keeps entry hazards off the field so Garchomp can better take a hit from setup sweepers like Volcarona in a pinch.
This set can also work on sand teams because they enjoy it revenge killing Pokemon they struggle against, like Volcarona, as well as breaking Alakazam's Focus Sash with Dual Chop. Garchomp, in turn, enjoys support from Pokemon like Tyranitar, which Pursuit traps Reuniclus, Latios, and Jellicent, Pokemon that can set up on, force out, and cripple it. Tyranitar also sets sand and can set up Stealth Rock with a Chople Berry set. Magnezone traps Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn so other sand teams can't pivot against it as easily. Ferrothorn, on the other hand, switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower, as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. Ferrothorn also provides Stealth Rock and Spikes and appreciates Garchomp revenge killing Pokemon that can set up on it, like Volcarona and Dragonite. Latios switches into Water- and Grass-types like Keldeo, Politoed, and Breloom and can wear down Ground-type pivots like Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Rotom-W. Garchomp threatens Tyranitar and Steel-types like Jirachi and Heatran in return. Focus Sash Alakazam provides more insurance against offensive teams and takes out and wears down checks like Gliscor, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T so Garchomp can sweep. Reuniclus acts as a good wincon against the bulkier teams Garchomp struggles against, switches into Gliscor and Breloom, and enjoys Garchomp's good matchup against offensive teams and Tyranitar. Gliscor has an easier time switching in against numerous foes, ensuring Garchomp doesn't get overwhelmed. It can come in on Excadrill, Jellicent, and opposing physical Garchomp and set Stealth Rock. Rotom-W is able to bring Garchomp in safely with Volt Switch, check Ground- and Water-types like Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Keldeo, and burn foes to put them on a timer. Swords Dance Landorus-T can break open walls like Skarmory and Gliscor so Garchomp can more easily sweep.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Focus Sash / Yache Berry
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Garchomp is a great Stealth Rock setter thanks to having high Speed, having a good matchup against other common leads like Jirachi, and threatening the most common spinners in Excadrill and Starmie with its powerful STAB moves. Outrage's high power threatens many Pokemon Garchomp would like to wear down as it sacrifices itself for early damage, like Starmie, Breloom, Rotom-W, Reuniclus, and Landorus-T. Swords Dance lets Garchomp get off an even stronger hit before going down should it get a free turn after setting Stealth Rock, hard punishing the aforementioned targets and Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Jirachi.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant to outspeed Volcarona, Thundurus-T, positive-natured Jirachi, and Jolly Landorus-T. Focus Sash guarantees Garchomp can get Stealth Rock up against any target, and it often gives an opportunity to attack slower targets that bring it down to 1 HP. Yache Berry, on the other hand, gives Garchomp two turns to move against lead Icy Wind Jirachi. It also gives Garchomp some mid-game utility to threaten attackers like Starmie and Thundurus-T should it be preserved.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on DragMag teams due to it getting Stealth Rock up quickly and doing a lot of damage as it goes down. Magnezone is a key member of this teamstyle, as it traps Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn. Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Specs Latios, Choice Band Dragonite, and Choice Band Kyurem-B enjoy having Stealth Rock up, as do Dragon Dance Dragonite and Salamence. Choice Scarf Latios and Salamence can more easily sweep with the holes Garchomp breaks early on and the Stealth Rock it sets. Jirachi can run a more specially defensive set thanks to Garchomp getting Stealth Rock up, serving as a momentum-grabbing special wall to Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, and Reuniclus. Offensive Starmie more easily wears down and takes out Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Politoed, Latios, and Jellicent with Stealth Rock support, as well as appreciating Garchomp wearing down the opposing team.
This set can also work on less centralized hyper offense teams for much of the same reasons it does on DragMag teams. Dragon Dance Dragonite sweeps more easily thanks to being able to break through bulky targets like Slowbro, Landorus-T, and Gliscor with Stealth Rock up, as well as revenge killing faster threats with Extreme Speed more easily. Stealth Rock lets Volcarona break through bulkier Pokemon that could otherwise take a hit from it, like Tyranitar, Politoed, and Gastrodon, and it can benefit from Garchomp directly wearing down these same Pokemon. Offensive Starmie better wears down and takes out Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Politoed, Latios, and Jellicent with Stealth Rock support. Swords Dance Scizor benefits from Garchomp forcing in Dragon-types and Alakazam to revenge kill it since it can set up on them while enjoying its Bullet Punch better KOing Pokemon like Volcarona, Dragonite, and opposing Garchomp, letting it easily sweep the offensive teams that'd otherwise check it. Offensive Breloom can 2HKO Pokemon like Dragonite and Thundurus-T with Stealth Rock and more easily revenge kill threats with Mach Punch. It also enjoys Garchomp chipping threats like Reuniclus and Landorus-T for it.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw / Dual Chop
move 4: Dragon Claw / Dual Chop / Substitute / Aqua Tail
item: Yache Berry / Lum Berry / Salac Berry
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Outrage is extremely powerful after a boost, 2HKOing physically defensive Gliscor and Landorus-T from full health while OHKOing Rotom-W, Politoed, and Gastrodon after Stealth Rock. It's also quite powerful even unboosted, pressuring and wearing down targets like Reuniclus, Celebi, and Politoed well for teammates. Dragon Claw can be used over or with Outrage for a drawback-free Dragon-type move. It works best with Substitute since having a reliable STAB move against Earthquake switch-ins late-game is more important than Outrage's power a lot of the time. Dual Chop performs similarly while also breaking past Substitutes and KOing Focus Sash Alakazam in one turn, which is even more effective if it's running Yache Berry or has gotten a Speed boost from Salac Berry. However, its imperfect accuracy and greater self-damage against Iron Barbs make it inferior to Dragon Claw most of the time. Substitute can be used in tandem with Salac Berry to punish the many switches Garchomp forces, give it safe setup opportunities, and sweep late-game by outspeeding the entire unboosted metagame with a Salac Berry boost. Aqua Tail can be used on rain teams to slam Landorus-T and Gliscor and 2HKO Skarmory after a Swords Dance.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant to outspeed Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Thundurus-T. Yache Berry lets Garchomp more comfortably take out Pokemon like Mamoswine, Thundurus-T, Starmie, Keldeo, Slowbro, Reuniclus, boosted Volcarona, and Landorus-T, as well as Alakazam if running Dual Chop. Lum Berry can be used to set up comfortably on Pokemon that may try to status it, like Rotom-W, Jellicent, and Politoed, as well as curing confusion inflicted from Outrage. Salac Berry can be used with Substitute and 30 HP IVs to activate Salac Berry after three Substitutes. Salac Berry Garchomp should only be used on Magnezone teams, however.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothron and it wallbreaking with other Dragon-types to open up a sweep late-game, or other Dragon-types wallbreaking for it to sweep if it's the Substitute + Salac Berry set. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Garchomp is harder to switch into while also safely pivoting it in with U-turn. It can also take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, and Reuniclus. Powerful Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Band Dragonite and Choice Band Kyurem-B help Garchomp sweep and wallbreak. Choice Scarf Latios and Salamence can support the Salac Berry variant by dealing with opposing offensive teams. They also enjoy Garchomp's wallbreaking, as do Dragon Dance Dragonite and Salamence, and they too help Salac Berry sweep. Dragonite even provides priority as insurance against offensive teams. Offensive Starmie wears down Pokemon like Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, Politoed, and Jellicent for Garchomp and keeps entry hazards off the field to let Salac Berry sets more safely activate their item.
This set also fits well on rain teams because it wallbreaks for many rain sweepers, helping them pivot around opposing Thundurus-T, and gaining a stronger Aqua Tail. Politoed brings rain, takes Water- and Ice-type attacks from Pokemon like Keldeo and Alakazam, and burns potential switch-ins like Slowbro and Ferrothorn with Scald. Garchomp threatens Tyranitar, aiding its team in winning the weather war, and other problematic Pokemon for rain teams, like Tentacruel, Jellicent, Gastrodon, and Rotom-W. Choice Scarf Keldeo can easily sweep after Garchomp bashes its checks and better handles offensive teams, which non-Salac Berry Garchomp can struggle against. Substitute + Agility Thundurus-T appreciates Garchomp breaking through its checks, like Gastrodon, Celebi, and Tyranitar, while sweeping offensive teams for it. Choice Scarf Latios can check Keldeo and outspeed other offensive Pokemon like Alakazam and boosted Dragonite that can give Garchomp a hard time. It also benefits from Garchomp breaking through bulky Pokemon like Tyranitar and Gastrodon so it can sweep more easily late-game.
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stealth Rock / Outrage / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Fire Blast / Surf
item: Dragon Gem / Life Orb
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor nails Pokemon looking to check physical Garchomp, mainly Landorus-T, Gliscor, Slowbro, Hippowdon, and Jellicent, for a follow-up KO or for teammates to take advantage of. This set is a great Stealth Rock setter, forcing many switches and destroying Rapid Spin Excadrill. Outrage can be used with Life Orb and another Stealth Rock setter to KO Pokemon like Gastrodon, physically defensive Politoed, Rotom-W, and Celebi after using Draco Meteor. Instead, Hidden Power Ice can be run to OHKO Landorus-T and Gliscor outright for teammates that really need them removed. Fire Blast OHKOes Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Magnezone. On rain teams, Surf should be used over Fire Blast with Life Orb to OHKO Gliscor and Landorus-T in rain and Air Balloon Heatran after Stealth Rock. It also 2HKOes Skarmory, letting Garchomp still threaten it.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment is needed for Draco Meteor to threaten its targets. Dragon Gem gives Draco Meteor a larger one-time power boost than Life Orb, helping it KO its intended targets, but Life Orb is still viable. A Hasty nature is preferred over Naive to let Garchomp survive at least one Ice-type attack from weaker Pokemon like Gastrodon and Reuniclus, as well as improving its chances to survive attacks from Pokemon like Volcarona, Politoed, and Rotom-W. On the other hand, a Naive nature can be used to take Gliscor's and Excadrill's Earthquakes better and have better odds to avoid an OHKO from Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat.
Team Options
========
This set best fits on sand teams due to it breaking through common threats with good sand matchups like Gliscor, Rotom-W, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T while letting sand wear down its switch-ins. Tyranitar is needed on sand teams a majority of the time, with Chople Berry sets enjoying Garchomp handling Stealth Rock, while Garchomp appreciates it Pursuit trapping checks like Latios, Alakazam, and Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus. In return, Garchomp can pressure Politoed and Ferrothorn (add space) and check offensive Pokemon like Volcarona and Thundurus-T. Rotom-W can switch into Ground-type attacks and burn potential checks like Amoonguss and Politoed, so Garchomp can more easily break through them while also pivoting it in safely with Volt Switch on targets like Ferrothorn. Heatran can wear down and trap bulky Pokemon that Garchomp can't OHKO like Reuniclus with Magma Storm and check Grass-types. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock and take out Ground-types like Excadrill, Gliscor, and Landorus-T that can check Heatran. Ferrothorn switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower, as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. It also provides entry hazard and Knock Off support, and it appreciates Garchomp checking Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona. Finally, physical attackers that struggle with Draco Meteor's targets, like Terrakion and Swords Dance Landorus-T, work well with this set.
This set also fits well on rain teams thanks to it wallbreaking for many rain sweepers and pivoting around opposing Thundurus-T. Politoed brings rain, takes Water- and Ice-type attacks from Pokemon like Keldeo and Alakazam, and burns Pokemon that can potentially switch into Garchomp like Celebi and Ferrothorn with Scald. Garchomp threatens Tyranitar, aiding its team in the weather war, and other problematic Pokemon for rain, like Tentacruel, Jellicent, Gastrodon, and Rotom-W. Choice Scarf Keldeo can more easily sweep once Garchomp wears down its checks and better handles offensive teams, which Garchomp can struggle against. Substitute + Agility Thundurus-T appreciates Garchomp wearing down checks to it, like Gastrodon, Celebi, and Tyranitar, while it can sweep through offensive teams. Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi is a good wincon that benefits from Garchomp wearing down its checks and can take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios and Alakazam. Choice Scarf Latios can check Keldeo and outspeed other offensive Pokemon like Alakazam and boosted Dragonite which can give Garchomp a hard time while benefitting from it breaking through bulky Pokemon like Tyranitar and Gastrodon to sweep late-game.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band may seem like a good option for more immediate wallbreaking and Garchomp's nearly unresisted STAB combination. However, Swords Dance sets are better wallbreakers because they can switch moves and too many common Pokemon are immune to Earthquake. Haban Berry on the Swords Dance set can be used to take powerful Dragon-type moves from Choice Scarf Latios and opposing Garchomp, letting it more reliably revenge kill them. However, Yache Berry and Lum Berry are more consistently useful. Fire Fang with Fire Gem on Swords Dance sets can pressure Skarmory and OHKO Ferrothorn on teams that lack Magnezone support. However, Fire Fang doesn't have any utility outside of this, so running Magnezone is usually the better option. A bulky Rocky Helmet set can generate a ton of residual damage between Rocky Helmet and Rough Skin and set Stealth Rock. However, bulky Garchomp is outclassed by Landorus-T and Gliscor, which are much bulkier, immune to Spikes and Ground-type moves, and provide more team support with Intimidate and Knock Off, respectively. Fling can be used over Rock Slide with Choice Scarf for matchups where being able to switch moves is more valuable. Toxic can also be used over Rock Slide on that set to cripple bulky Pokemon like Landorus-T, Jellicent, and Politoed on the switch, while Sandstorm instead lets weatherless teams remove rain and sun, giving much more leeway to play around them.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon that can hit Garchomp super effectively, like Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Mamoswine, Starmie, and Terrakion, all force it out. Keldeo and Latios can also run Choice Scarf to even outspeed Choice Scarf and Salac Berry variants, with Mamoswine functioning similarly via Ice Shard. However, these Pokemon struggle to switch in safely, and Yache Berry can mitigate the threat of Alakazam, Keldeo outside of rain, and Mamoswine. Focus Sash variants match up better against all of these Pokemon.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulkier Pokemon like Landorus-T, Gliscor, Slowbro, and Reuniclus can take at least one of Garchomp's hits from full health, even after a Swords Dance, and hit it back with Ice-type coverage. However, they are worn down significantly by Draco Meteor and Swords Dance-boosted Outrage.
**Status**: Burn makes Garchomp unable to achieve anything significant offensively. Poison puts it on a timer and makes it unable to switch into Pokemon like Heatran safely.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory stonewalls Swords Dance sets and can set up Spikes, heal off their hits with Roost, and phaze them. However, it can be taken out by +2 Aqua Tail in rain, Fire Blast from the mixed set, and Garchomp's common teammate Magnezone.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[BluBirD252, 347088], [Finchinator, 114198]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [dex, 277988]]
Garchomp is a prominent Pokemon due to its fantastic typing, great offenses and Speed, good set versatility, and ability to fit on many teams. Garchomp's typing is superb offensively, threatening the entire metagame with its STAB moves aside from Skarmory and Bronzong. Defensively it is also very capable, commonly switching in on Tyranitar, defensive Heatran, and Thunder from Pokemon like Thundurus-T and Jirachi. Its moves have high Base Power, and it outspeeds common offensive Pokemon like Excadrill, Thundurus-T, Volcarona, Heatran, Kyurem-B, and Dragonite. This high Speed also makes Garchomp an effective Choice Scarf user, since it can revenge kill common set up sweepers like Volcarona, Dragonite, and Salamence at +1 and faster threats like Latios, Keldeo, and Alakazam. It can also be a Stealth Rock lead for hyper offense teams, a Swords Dance wallbreaker, and even a mixed attacker to break through checks to its physical sets like Gliscor and Landorus-T. These sets all differ in counterplay, making Garchomp difficult to play around. However, Garchomp can be handled offensively by a myriad of faster threats, including Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Terrakion, and Starmie, alongside powerful priority users like Scizor, Dragonite, and Breloom. Some Steel- and Ground-types like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Gliscor can check it defensively, with many other miscellaneous Pokemon like Politoed, Jellicent, Gastrodon, and Reuniclus surviving at least one hit to punish it with status or super effective coverage. Also, while its sets may differ in counterplay to a certain degree, most teams will be able to play around Garchomp because its offensive and defensive checks naturally fit well together.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge / Stealth Rock
move 4: Dual Chop / Dragon Claw
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Slide lets Garchomp more consistently revenge kill Volcarona, while Stone Edge can revenge kill it and OHKO Thundurus-T after Stealth Rock in exchange for worse accuracy. Stealth Rock instead makes Garchomp a secondary setter for offensive teams that need Stealth Rock up at all times or sand teams that want Tyranitar to more easily check Latios, Reuniclus, and Thundurus-T instead of needing to set Stealth Rock every game. Garchomp also lets Stealth Rock go up early-game against Taunt leads like Aerodactyl, Terrakion, and Skarmory, which is really crucial if the opponent has a Volcarona, Dragonite, or Cloyster. However, these niches usually aren't needed. Dual Chop can break through Substitute and do damage in one turn while also KOing Focus Sash Alakazam in one turn, letting Garchomp revenge kill one of the most difficult foes for offensive teams. Dragon Claw is an alternative that has perfect accuracy and only makes Garchomp take Iron Barbs damage from Ferrothorn once. However, these benefits are not worth it most of the time.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant to outspeed faster sweepers like boosted Volcarona and Choice Scarf Jirachi.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn and the other Dragon-types wallbreaking, which lets Garchomp more easily sweep; in return, it keeps opposing hyper offense teams under control. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Garchomp is harder to switch into while also safely pivoting it in with U-turn. It can also take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, and Reuniclus. Powerful Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Specs Latios, Choice Band Dragonite, and Choice Band Kyurem-B can break the opposing team open with their powerful Dragon-type STAB moves so Garchomp can more easily sweep. Choice Scarf variants of Latios provide more of a safety net against offensive teams so Garchomp isn't overwhelmed trying to keep them under control. Dragon Dance Dragonite and Salamence can focus more on wallbreaking rather than needing to sweep every game thanks to Garchomp finishing teams off if they can't, with Dragonite even being able to provide priority as further insurance against offensive teams. Offensive Starmie wears down Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Politoed, and Jellicent so Garchomp can more easily break through them, and it keeps entry hazards off the field so Garchomp can better take a hit from setup sweepers like Volcarona in a pinch.
This set can also work on sand teams because they enjoy it revenge killing Pokemon they struggle against, like Volcarona, as well as breaking Alakazam's Focus Sash with Dual Chop. Garchomp, in turn, enjoys support from Pokemon like Tyranitar, which Pursuit traps Reuniclus, Latios, and Jellicent, Pokemon that can set up on, force out, and cripple it. Tyranitar also sets sand and can set up Stealth Rock with a Chople Berry set. Magnezone traps Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn so other sand teams can't pivot against it as easily. Ferrothorn, on the other hand, switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower, as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. Ferrothorn also provides Stealth Rock and Spikes and appreciates Garchomp revenge killing Pokemon that can set up on it, like Volcarona and Dragonite. Latios switches into Water- and Grass-types like Keldeo, Politoed, and Breloom and can wear down Ground-type pivots like Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Rotom-W. Garchomp threatens Tyranitar and Steel-types like Jirachi and Heatran in return. Focus Sash Alakazam provides more insurance against offensive teams and takes out and wears down checks like Gliscor, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T so Garchomp can sweep. Reuniclus acts as a good wincon against the bulkier teams Garchomp struggles against, switches into Gliscor and Breloom, and enjoys Garchomp's good matchup against offensive teams and Tyranitar. Gliscor has an easier time switching in against numerous foes, ensuring Garchomp doesn't get overwhelmed. It can come in on Excadrill, Jellicent, and opposing physical Garchomp and set Stealth Rock. Rotom-W is able to bring Garchomp in safely with Volt Switch, check Ground- and Water-types like Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Keldeo, and burn foes to put them on a timer. Swords Dance Landorus-T can break open walls like Skarmory and Gliscor so Garchomp can more easily sweep.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Focus Sash / Yache Berry
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Garchomp is a great Stealth Rock setter thanks to having high Speed, having a good matchup against other common leads like Jirachi, and threatening the most common spinners in Excadrill and Starmie with its powerful STAB moves. Outrage's high power threatens many Pokemon Garchomp would like to wear down as it sacrifices itself for early damage, like Starmie, Breloom, Rotom-W, Reuniclus, and Landorus-T. Swords Dance lets Garchomp get off an even stronger hit before going down should it get a free turn after setting Stealth Rock, hard punishing the aforementioned targets and Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Jirachi.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant to outspeed Volcarona, Thundurus-T, positive-natured Jirachi, and Jolly Landorus-T. Focus Sash guarantees Garchomp can get Stealth Rock up against any target, and it often gives an opportunity to attack slower targets that bring it down to 1 HP. Yache Berry, on the other hand, gives Garchomp two turns to move against lead Icy Wind Jirachi. It also gives Garchomp some mid-game utility to threaten attackers like Starmie and Thundurus-T should it be preserved.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on DragMag teams due to it getting Stealth Rock up quickly and doing a lot of damage as it goes down. Magnezone is a key member of this teamstyle, as it traps Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn. Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Specs Latios, Choice Band Dragonite, and Choice Band Kyurem-B enjoy having Stealth Rock up, as do Dragon Dance Dragonite and Salamence. Choice Scarf Latios and Salamence can more easily sweep with the holes Garchomp breaks early on and the Stealth Rock it sets. Jirachi can run a more specially defensive set thanks to Garchomp getting Stealth Rock up, serving as a momentum-grabbing special wall to Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, and Reuniclus. Offensive Starmie more easily wears down and takes out Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Politoed, Latios, and Jellicent with Stealth Rock support, as well as appreciating Garchomp wearing down the opposing team.
This set can also work on less centralized hyper offense teams for much of the same reasons it does on DragMag teams. Dragon Dance Dragonite sweeps more easily thanks to being able to break through bulky targets like Slowbro, Landorus-T, and Gliscor with Stealth Rock up, as well as revenge killing faster threats with Extreme Speed more easily. Stealth Rock lets Volcarona break through bulkier Pokemon that could otherwise take a hit from it, like Tyranitar, Politoed, and Gastrodon, and it can benefit from Garchomp directly wearing down these same Pokemon. Offensive Starmie better wears down and takes out Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Politoed, Latios, and Jellicent with Stealth Rock support. Swords Dance Scizor benefits from Garchomp forcing in Dragon-types and Alakazam to revenge kill it since it can set up on them while enjoying its Bullet Punch better KOing Pokemon like Volcarona, Dragonite, and opposing Garchomp, letting it easily sweep the offensive teams that'd otherwise check it. Offensive Breloom can 2HKO Pokemon like Dragonite and Thundurus-T with Stealth Rock and more easily revenge kill threats with Mach Punch. It also enjoys Garchomp chipping threats like Reuniclus and Landorus-T for it.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Outrage / Dragon Claw / Dual Chop
move 4: Dragon Claw / Dual Chop / Substitute / Aqua Tail
item: Yache Berry / Lum Berry / Salac Berry
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Outrage is extremely powerful after a boost, 2HKOing physically defensive Gliscor and Landorus-T from full health while OHKOing Rotom-W, Politoed, and Gastrodon after Stealth Rock. It's also quite powerful even unboosted, pressuring and wearing down targets like Reuniclus, Celebi, and Politoed well for teammates. Dragon Claw can be used over or with Outrage for a drawback-free Dragon-type move. It works best with Substitute since having a reliable STAB move against Earthquake switch-ins late-game is more important than Outrage's power a lot of the time. Dual Chop performs similarly while also breaking past Substitutes and KOing Focus Sash Alakazam in one turn, which is even more effective if it's running Yache Berry or has gotten a Speed boost from Salac Berry. However, its imperfect accuracy and greater self-damage against Iron Barbs make it inferior to Dragon Claw most of the time. Substitute can be used in tandem with Salac Berry to punish the many switches Garchomp forces, give it safe setup opportunities, and sweep late-game by outspeeding the entire unboosted metagame with a Salac Berry boost. Aqua Tail can be used on rain teams to slam Landorus-T and Gliscor and 2HKO Skarmory after a Swords Dance.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant to outspeed Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Thundurus-T. Yache Berry lets Garchomp more comfortably take out Pokemon like Mamoswine, Thundurus-T, Starmie, Keldeo, Slowbro, Reuniclus, boosted Volcarona, and Landorus-T, as well as Alakazam if running Dual Chop. Lum Berry can be used to set up comfortably on Pokemon that may try to status it, like Rotom-W, Jellicent, and Politoed, as well as curing confusion inflicted from Outrage. Salac Berry can be used with Substitute and 30 HP IVs to activate Salac Berry after three Substitutes. Salac Berry Garchomp should only be used on Magnezone teams, however.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on DragMag teams due to Magnezone trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothron and it wallbreaking with other Dragon-types to open up a sweep late-game, or other Dragon-types wallbreaking for it to sweep if it's the Substitute + Salac Berry set. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Garchomp is harder to switch into while also safely pivoting it in with U-turn. It can also take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, and Reuniclus. Powerful Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Band Dragonite and Choice Band Kyurem-B help Garchomp sweep and wallbreak. Choice Scarf Latios and Salamence can support the Salac Berry variant by dealing with opposing offensive teams. They also enjoy Garchomp's wallbreaking, as do Dragon Dance Dragonite and Salamence, and they too help Salac Berry sweep. Dragonite even provides priority as insurance against offensive teams. Offensive Starmie wears down Pokemon like Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, Politoed, and Jellicent for Garchomp and keeps entry hazards off the field to let Salac Berry sets more safely activate their item.
This set also fits well on rain teams because it wallbreaks for many rain sweepers, helping them pivot around opposing Thundurus-T, and gaining a stronger Aqua Tail. Politoed brings rain, takes Water- and Ice-type attacks from Pokemon like Keldeo and Alakazam, and burns potential switch-ins like Slowbro and Ferrothorn with Scald. Garchomp threatens Tyranitar, aiding its team in winning the weather war, and other problematic Pokemon for rain teams, like Tentacruel, Jellicent, Gastrodon, and Rotom-W. Choice Scarf Keldeo can easily sweep after Garchomp bashes its checks and better handles offensive teams, which non-Salac Berry Garchomp can struggle against. Substitute + Agility Thundurus-T appreciates Garchomp breaking through its checks, like Gastrodon, Celebi, and Tyranitar, while sweeping offensive teams for it. Choice Scarf Latios can check Keldeo and outspeed other offensive Pokemon like Alakazam and boosted Dragonite that can give Garchomp a hard time. It also benefits from Garchomp breaking through bulky Pokemon like Tyranitar and Gastrodon so it can sweep more easily late-game.
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stealth Rock / Outrage / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Fire Blast / Surf
item: Dragon Gem / Life Orb
ability: Rough Skin
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor nails Pokemon looking to check physical Garchomp, mainly Landorus-T, Gliscor, Slowbro, Hippowdon, and Jellicent, for a follow-up KO or for teammates to take advantage of. This set is a great Stealth Rock setter, forcing many switches and destroying Rapid Spin Excadrill. Outrage can be used with Life Orb and another Stealth Rock setter to KO Pokemon like Gastrodon, physically defensive Politoed, Rotom-W, and Celebi after using Draco Meteor. Instead, Hidden Power Ice can be run to OHKO Landorus-T and Gliscor outright for teammates that really need them removed. Fire Blast OHKOes Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Magnezone. On rain teams, Surf should be used over Fire Blast with Life Orb to OHKO Gliscor and Landorus-T in rain and Air Balloon Heatran after Stealth Rock. It also 2HKOes Skarmory, letting Garchomp still threaten it.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment is needed for Draco Meteor to threaten its targets. Dragon Gem gives Draco Meteor a larger one-time power boost than Life Orb, helping it KO its intended targets, but Life Orb is still viable. A Hasty nature is preferred over Naive to let Garchomp survive at least one Ice-type attack from weaker Pokemon like Gastrodon and Reuniclus, as well as improving its chances to survive attacks from Pokemon like Volcarona, Politoed, and Rotom-W. On the other hand, a Naive nature can be used to take Gliscor's and Excadrill's Earthquakes better and have better odds to avoid an OHKO from Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat.
Team Options
========
This set best fits on sand teams due to it breaking through common threats with good sand matchups like Gliscor, Rotom-W, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T while letting sand wear down its switch-ins. Tyranitar is needed on sand teams a majority of the time, with Chople Berry sets enjoying Garchomp handling Stealth Rock, while Garchomp appreciates it Pursuit trapping checks like Latios, Alakazam, and Hidden Power Ice Reuniclus. In return, Garchomp can pressure Politoed and Ferrothorn (add space) and check offensive Pokemon like Volcarona and Thundurus-T. Rotom-W can switch into Ground-type attacks and burn potential checks like Amoonguss and Politoed
This set also fits well on rain teams thanks to it wallbreaking for many rain sweepers and pivoting around opposing Thundurus-T. Politoed brings rain, takes Water- and Ice-type attacks from Pokemon like Keldeo and Alakazam, and burns Pokemon that can potentially switch into Garchomp like Celebi and Ferrothorn with Scald. Garchomp threatens Tyranitar, aiding its team in the weather war, and other problematic Pokemon for rain, like Tentacruel, Jellicent, Gastrodon, and Rotom-W. Choice Scarf Keldeo can more easily sweep once Garchomp wears down its checks and better handles offensive teams, which Garchomp can struggle against. Substitute + Agility Thundurus-T appreciates Garchomp wearing down checks to it, like Gastrodon, Celebi, and Tyranitar, while it can sweep through offensive teams. Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi is a good wincon that benefits from Garchomp wearing down its checks and can take Dragon- and Ice-type moves from Pokemon like Latios and Alakazam. Choice Scarf Latios can check Keldeo and outspeed other offensive Pokemon like Alakazam and boosted Dragonite which can give Garchomp a hard time while benefitting from it breaking through bulky Pokemon like Tyranitar and Gastrodon to sweep late-game.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band may seem like a good option for more immediate wallbreaking and Garchomp's nearly unresisted STAB combination. However, Swords Dance sets are better wallbreakers because they can switch moves and too many common Pokemon are immune to Earthquake. Haban Berry on the Swords Dance set can be used to take powerful Dragon-type moves from Choice Scarf Latios and opposing Garchomp, letting it more reliably revenge kill them. However, Yache Berry and Lum Berry are more consistently useful. Fire Fang with Fire Gem on Swords Dance sets can pressure Skarmory and OHKO Ferrothorn on teams that lack Magnezone support. However, Fire Fang doesn't have any utility outside of this, so running Magnezone is usually the better option. A bulky Rocky Helmet set can generate a ton of residual damage between Rocky Helmet and Rough Skin and set Stealth Rock. However, bulky Garchomp is outclassed by Landorus-T and Gliscor, which are much bulkier, immune to Spikes and Ground-type moves, and provide more team support with Intimidate and Knock Off, respectively. Fling can be used over Rock Slide with Choice Scarf for matchups where being able to switch moves is more valuable. Toxic can also be used over Rock Slide on that set to cripple bulky Pokemon like Landorus-T, Jellicent, and Politoed on the switch, while Sandstorm instead lets weatherless teams remove rain and sun, giving much more leeway to play around them.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon that can hit Garchomp super effectively, like Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Mamoswine, Starmie, and Terrakion, all force it out. Keldeo and Latios can also run Choice Scarf to even outspeed Choice Scarf and Salac Berry variants, with Mamoswine functioning similarly via Ice Shard. However, these Pokemon struggle to switch in safely, and Yache Berry can mitigate the threat of Alakazam, Keldeo outside of rain, and Mamoswine. Focus Sash variants match up better against all of these Pokemon.
**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulkier Pokemon like Landorus-T, Gliscor, Slowbro, and Reuniclus can take at least one of Garchomp's hits from full health, even after a Swords Dance, and hit it back with Ice-type coverage. However, they are worn down significantly by Draco Meteor and Swords Dance-boosted Outrage.
**Status**: Burn makes Garchomp unable to achieve anything significant offensively. Poison puts it on a timer and makes it unable to switch into Pokemon like Heatran safely.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory stonewalls Swords Dance sets and can set up Spikes, heal off their hits with Roost, and phaze them. However, it can be taken out by +2 Aqua Tail in rain, Fire Blast from the mixed set, and Garchomp's common teammate Magnezone.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[BluBirD252, 347088], [Finchinator, 114198]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [dex, 277988]]
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