Torterra [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

[MANNAT]

[OVERVIEW]

Torterra is valued in RU primarily for its ability to break through common balance cores, such as Registeel + Alomomola, with its high-power STAB moves in conjunction with Swords Dance. Torterra is also a decent Volt Switch stop due to its Ground typing, but it has to be wary of switching into Hidden Power Ice, a common coverage move among Electric-types. Additionally, its above average bulk provides Torterra with several opportunities to set up Swords Dances throughout the match. Torterra's typing also makes it a strong check to various Ground-types such as Rhyperior and Flygon. Compared to Virizion, another Swords Dance balance breaker, Torterra's Wood hammer is significantly stronger than the former's Leaf Blade. However, Torterra is weak to U-turn, which prevents it from being a consistent VoltTurn answer. Torterra is also unfortunately very susceptible to Ice-type attacks, which makes it easy to lure. Additionally, its mediocre Speed tier means that it often has to take a hit before firing off one of its powerful STAB moves. While its STAB move combination is effective at pressuring premier balance cores, Torterra can't pressure Flying-types well, as they resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake. Its lack of a resistance to Water and vulnerability to Scald burns really hurts Torterra as an offensive Grass-type as well; it renders it unable to switch into offensive Water-types as well as it can switch into defensive ones such as Alomomola.

[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Synthesis
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 180 SpD / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Wood Hammer is a powerful STAB move that beats Water- and Ground-types with the unfortunate side effect of dealing recoil damage. Similarly, Earthquake is a more reliable STAB move that hits Steel- and Electric-types without the nasty recoil effect of Wood Hammer. Swords Dance allows Torterra to set up on Pokemon such as Alomomola and Registeel, allowing it to dismantle common bulky teams and apply pressure to more offensive ones. Lastly, Synthesis allows Torterra to reliably check certain threats and remain healthy throughout the match, allowing it to set up on a wider variety of Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Foremost, maximum HP EVs coupled with 180 Special Defense EVs ensure that Torterra avoids the 2HKO from Choice Specs Magneton's Flash Cannon after Leftovers recovery. Additionally, the Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Alomomola, allowing Torterra to Swords Dance before Alomomola can attempt to burn it. Lastly, Leftovers is the best item for this set, as it gives Torterra extra longevity and provides it with passive healing to somewhat mitigate Wood Hammer recoil. Additionally, an EV spread of 252 HP / 24 Atk / 156 SpD / 76 Spe can be used with an Adamant nature to guarantee the OHKO on Registeel after a Swords Dance. However, you have to be more careful when switching into Magneton because Torterra cannot take an Analytic-boosted Flash Cannon followed by a normal Flash Cannon.

Usage Tips
========
First, always try to bring in Torterra on defensive Pokemon such as Diancie and Registeel that can't really threaten it. Also, be cautious when switching into Electric-types, since many run Hidden Power Ice; Magneton also does a large amount of damage to Torterra with Flash Cannon.

Team Options
========
Torterra is traditionally featured on slow, bulky offensive teams that rely on a solid defensive backbone to function effectively. Torterra has a crippling weakness to Ice-type Pokemon and coverage moves, so Pokemon that resist Ice such as Jellicent, Houndoom, and Slowking make excellent teammates. Torterra struggles to break past Flying-types, so offensive Pokemon that can beat them, such as Jolteon, Sneasel, and Mega Glalie, are helpful team members for this role. As a wallbreaker, Torterra appreciates VoltTurn users that can get it in for free against Pokemon that it enjoys setting up on. A perfect example of this is Flygon, which lures in Alomomola and can allow you to bring in Torterra for free. Uxie is another useful U-turn user that can get Torterra in with slow U-turns. Uxie can also set up Stealth Rock to wear down Torterra's checks. Mesprit another is more offensively oriented than Uxie, but it can give Torterra a second chance at a sweep with Healing Wish. Magneton is a particularly helpful partner, as it resists Ice-type attacks and can also break past Flying-types fairly easily while providing Volt Switch support. Lastly, Heal Bell users such as Diancie and Mega Audino are good partners for Torterra because Torterra can often get burned from switching into defensive Water-types. It also despises Toxic from defensive Pokemon, especially since Torterra is usually featured on slower bulky offense teams.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Choice Band is a potentially useful item because of the more immediate power it gives Torterra; it also gives it the ability to hit Flying-type Pokemon with Stone Edge. However, being locked into one move can make it extremely difficult to break the Registeel + Alomomola core, which relies on Protect. Additionally, a bulky Stealth Rock set can be used because it sets up Stealth Rock on a common Rapid Spin user in Blastoise, but there are generally many better options for this in the tier. Torterra also doesn't have very much power if it does not boost its attack with Swords Dance. Lastly, Lum Berry can be used on teams without a Heal Bell user to set up on Alomomola more consistently, but the extra longevity from Leftovers is usually appreciated more in the long run.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ice-types**: The two main Ice-types in the RU tier, Mega Glalie and Sneasel, outspeed Torterra and OHKO it with their Ice-type STAB moves, but they cannot switch into Torterra very well. Other Pokemon with Ice-type coverage moves can usually KO Torterra as well.

**Weezing**: Weezing resists Wood Hammer and has Levitate along with a really good Defense stat, making it a solid counter. It can also cripple Torterra with Will-O-Wisp, ensuring that Torterra cannot break through the Pokemon that it's supposed to.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Sigilyph and Braviary resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake; they can also threaten Torterra with super effective Flying-type STAB moves.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong's resistance to both of Torterra's STAB moves coupled with its impressive bulk allows it to be a consistent Torterra counter. It can even Toxic Torterra to wear it down.

 

[MrAldo]

Ok, this one was a bit challenging and sent me into a thought process that was enjoyable and rather extensive, into finding most optimal spreads.

- I feel this type of setup sweeper with such a specific characteristic of breaking down conventional balance cores, I think it is really important to outspeed the most important element of said balance core in Alomomola. Given it prefers leftovers for general longevity in checking stuff like Drapion and what not, so I have a proposal of an EV spread that would still keep the ability to soft check magneton (not factoring on analytic boosts) and still prefer the bulky setup sweeper aspect:

Torterra @ Leftovers
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 180 SpD / 76 Spe
Careful Nature
- Swords Dance
- Wood Hammer
- Earthquake
- Synthesis

I feel that achieving a OHKO on Registeel isnt an accomplishment Torterra should be worried about given that all electrics pair really well with it and basically every electric put Registeel on +2 range with a volt switch. Isnt that hard to put Registeel on this range:

+2 0 Atk Torterra Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Registeel: 324-384 (89 - 105.4%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO

And you achieve already relevant goals like killing Alomomola at +2 easily with 0 attack investment

+2 0 Atk Torterra Wood Hammer vs. 120 HP / 136+ Def Alomomola: 518-612 (103.3 - 122.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 0 Atk Torterra Wood Hammer vs. 120 HP / 252+ Def Alomomola: 462-546 (92.2 - 108.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Even max defense variants after stealth rock, and you dont risk the burn due to Alomomola outspeeding you, and you preserve the important detail of being able to avoid the 2hko from Modest Magneton Flash Cannon.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Magneton Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 180+ SpD Torterra: 174-205 (44.1 - 52%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

And finishing off a weakened weezing with +2 wood hammer, given the chance, seems too valuable to pass tbh. Id recommend a change to this spread given it fulfills a similar role to its initial ev spread and gives it better odds against traditional Alomomola Balances. Be sure to change the description of the set, the 76 speed evs are for uninvested Alomomola, remove the mention of the attack evs.

- Give more substance to the checks and counters section, Ice-types like who? Flying-types like who? Should probably mention Virizion as well as a really solid check to Torterra.

- Uxie and Mesprit should be added to team options. Uxie due to Torterra appreciating Volt-turn and Mesprit providing the Healing Wish support Torterra appreciates.

- Would remove the mention of the Choice Band set from the overview, you can mention the advantages of that set on Other Options when you write this up.

- Should also mention the advantages it has over Virizion, like having a way stronger grass STAB move, more bulk to be a more suitable ground resist, etc. On Overview also put emphasis on its lack of water resistance.

Looking good. Other QC members would mention any other issues in the near future. Keep it up.

Implement this and 1st check will be provided.

Edit: Not Implemented yet

 

[MANNAT]

snip

Implemented, thanks for the great check bro! Ready for the next one.

 

[MrAldo]

Implemented, thanks for the great check bro! Ready for the next one.

Not everything is implemented, the ev spread should be changed on the set. Use the one recommended.

I see most of the recommendations have been implemented but the most important one. The EV Spread should be changed, but if you want mention on set details the option of running the original spread in order to OHKO Registeel at +2 and still survive against Magneton. Detail that seems unnecessary given that weaken Registeel isnt the hardest thing in the world and this Pokemon would generally be paired with a Cleric of some sort anyways.

Now make the change or else this isnt ready for the 1st check whatsoever. I will be watching closely. If you have any issues go ahead and mention them.

 

[MrAldo]

Smogon's post saving system is balls, edited in now.

All good

QC 1/3 to confirm it.

 

[phantom]

remove lum and put it into other options, just pair this thing with a beller in team options, like diancie, lanturn, or mega dino. this fits better on slower teams in the first place imo

i was gonna maybe run through the viability of other sets, but i gave it a second thought and this is prolly okay for the time being.

an additional set or two can be written up separately if they end up picking up in usage/viability later on

qc 2/3

 

[MANNAT]

Just finished writing this up+implemented the check, waiting for my final QC check!

 

[EonX]

Pretty sure Bronzong needs to be included in Checks and Counters section considering its access to Toxic, Grass resistance, and Ground immunity. Seems to be fine otherwise, so just add Bronzong to C&C (probably at the bottom since it gets worn down in the process) and consider this QC Approved 3/3

 

[eren]

252 SpA Choice Specs Magneton Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 156 SpD Torterra: 177-208 (44.9 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

cant u run a spread of:
adamant | 252 hp / 24 atk / 156 spd / 76 spe

still hits everything you want it to:
outspeeds mola
takes hp ice-less magneton on

but has a specific catch, you get 27 more atk points. why is this so great? it is so much easier to wallbreak.
look at this example:

+2 24+ Atk Torterra Wood Hammer vs. 120 HP / 252+ Def Alomomola: 510-602 (101.7 - 120.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Torterra Wood Hammer vs. 120 HP / 252+ Def Alomomola: 462-546 (92.2 - 108.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

it also ohkoes registeel @ +2!

for particularly the later, if your lum is burnt or you are lefties you can find yourself with issues if mola lives a +2 wood hammer as it either intend to burn you or wish pass to a hard check such as zong that has been weakend. the nature + 24 evs ensure you can wall break these bulky types of teams to the fullest

i think that drapion should be added to team options with mention of pursuit, which probably eliminates bronzong as a threat to torterra so

ofc im late as always and im not qc and u alrdy got three qc checks so :[

 

[-Tsunami-]

Additions Removals

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Torterra's is valued in RU primarily for its ability to break through common balance cores, such as Registeel + Alomomola, with its high power STAB moves in conjunction with Swords Dance. Torterra is also a decent Volt Switch stop due to it being as Ground typeing, but it has to be wary of switching into Hidden Power Ice, a common coverage move among Electric-types. Additionally, its above average bulk provides Torterra with several opportunities to set up Swords Dances throughout the match, so it can potentially set up multiple times. Torterra's decent typing also provides it with a resistance to the infamousterrifying EdgeQuake combination, which is a unique trait infor an offensive Pokemon. In terms of to have. Compared to Virizion, another Swords Dance balance breaker, Torterra's Wood hammer is significantly stronger than Virizionthe former's Leaf Blade, and it; Torterra has more physical bulk to take Ground-type attacks. However, Torterra does have its drawbacks. It is weak to U-turn, which preventings Torterra from being a consistent VoltTurn answer. Torterra is also unfortunately weak to common attacking types in Ice, Fire, and Flying. Torterra'Additionally, its mediocre speed tier means that it often has to take a hit before firing off one of its powerful STAB moves. While its STAB move combination is effective at pressuring premier balance cores, Torterra can't pressure Flying-types well due to, as themy resisting Wood Hammer and beingare immune to Earthquake. TheIts lack of a resistance to Water really hurts Torterra as an offensive Grass-type, meaning as well; it renders it can'tunable to switch into offensive Water-types as well as it can switch into defensive Water-typones likesuch as Alomomola.

[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Synthesis
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 180 SpD / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
First of all, Wood Hammer is a powerful STAB move that beats Water- and Ground-types with anthe unfortunate side effect of dealing recoil damage. Similarly, Earthquake is a more reliable STAB move that hits Steel- and Electric-types without the nasty recoil effect of Wood Hammer. Swords Dance allows Torterra to set up on Pokemon likesuch as Alomomola and Registeel, allowing it to dismantle common bulky teams and apply pressure to more offensive teamones. Lastly, Synthesis allows Torterra to reliably check certain threats and remain healthy throughout the match while, allowing it to setting up on a wider variety of Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Foremost, Maximum HP EVs coupled with 180 Special Defense EVs ensure that Torterra avoids the 2HKO from Specs Magneton's Flash Cannon after Leftovers recovery. Additionally, Tthe Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Alomomola, allowing Torterra to Swords Dance before Alomomola can attempt to burn Torterra. Lastly, Leftovers is the best item onfor this set as it gives Torterra extra longevity and provides it with passive healing to somewhat mitigate Wood Hammer recoil.

Usage Tips
========
First, always try to bring in Torterra on defensive Pokemon likesuch as Venusaur and Alomomola that docan't really threaten to take it down. Also, Be mindfulbe cautious when switching into Electric-types since many run Hidden Power Ice, and; Magneton stillalso does a large amount of damage to Torterra with Flash Cannon. Lastly, Try to set up by virtue of Torterra's bulk as opposed to when you force opposing Pokemon out because there's no reason to risk fainting when Torterra's natural bulk gives it opportunities to set up regardless.

Team Options
========
First of all, Torterra is traditionally featured on slow, bulky offensive teams that rely on a solid defensive backbone to function effectively. Torterra has a crippling weakness to Ice-type Pokemon and coverage moves, so Pokemon that resist Ice likesuch as Jellicent, Houndoom, and Slowking make excellent teammates. Torterra struggles to break past Flying-types, so another offensive Pokemon that can beat them like, such as Jolteon, Sneasel, orand Mega Glalie is, are helpful team members for this role. As a wallbreaker, Torterra appreciates VoltTurn users towho can get it in for free vsagainst Pokemon that it enjoys setting up on. A perfect example of this is Flygon, who lures in Alomomola and can allow you to U-turnbring into Torterra for free. Uxie is another useful U-turn user that can get Torterra in with slow U-turns while. Uxie can also setting up Stealth Rock to wear down Torterra's checks. Mesprit is another Stealth Rock user similar to Uxie that swaps out the ability to use U-turn to get Torterra in andviable teammate; it is more offensively-oriented than Uxie, but instead can give Torterra a second chance at a sweep with Healing Wish while simultaneously providing offensive momentum, as Torterra is sent in after the opponent attacks. Magneton is a particularly helpful partner as it resists Ice-type attacks, and it can also break past Flying-types fairly easily while providing Volt Switch support. Lastly, Heal Bell users likesuch as Diancie and Mega Audino are good partners for Torterra because itTorterra can often get burnt from switching into defensive Water-types, and it. It also despidses Toxic from defensive Pokemon, especially since Torterra is usually featured on slower bulky offensive teams regardless.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Choice Band is a potentially useful setitem because of itsthe more immediate power andit gives Torterra; it also lets gives it the ability to hit Flying-type Pokemon with Stone Edge, but not. However, being ablocked into changone its moves can makes it a lot moreextremely difficult to break cores likthe Registeel + Alomomola thatcore, which relyies on Protect to scout the opponent's moves. Additionally, a bulky Stealth Rock set can be used because it sets up Stealth Rock on a common Rapid Spinner in Blastoise, but there are generally many better options for Stealth Rock useris in the tier and it. Torterra also doesn't have very much power withouif it does not boosting its attack with Swords Dance. Lastly, Lum Berry can be used on teams without a Heal Bell user to set up on Alomomola more consistently, but the extra longevity from Leftovers is usually more appreciated more in the long run.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ice-types**: The two main Ice-types in the RU tier in, Mega Glalie and Sneasel, outspeed and OHKO Torterra with their Ice-type STAB moves, but they cannot switch into Torterra very well. Other Pokemon with Ice-type coverage moves can usually KO Torterra as well.

**Weezing**: Weezing resists Wood Hammer and has Levitate along with a really good dDefense stat, making it a solid icounter. It can also cripple Torterra with Will-O-Wisp, ensuring that itTortrra cannot break through the Pokemon such as Regigigas and Alomomola that it's supposed to.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types likesuch as Sigilyph and Braviary resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake while; they can also threatening Torterra with super effective Flying-type STAB moves.

**Brronzong**: Bronzong's resistance to both of Torterra's STAB moves coupled with its impressive bulk allows it to be a consistent Torterra counter, especially considering that it ca. It can even Toxic Torterra to wear it down.

Importable:

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Torterra is valued in RU primarily for its ability to break through common balance cores, such as Registeel + Alomomola, with its high power STAB moves in conjunction with Swords Dance. Torterra is also a decent Volt Switch stop due to its Ground typing, but it has to be wary of switching into Hidden Power Ice, a common coverage move among Electric-types. Additionally, its above average bulk provides Torterra with several opportunities to set up Swords Dances throughout the match. Torterra's typing also provides it with a resistance to the terrifying EdgeQuake combination, which is a unique trait for an offensive Pokemon to have. Compared to Virizion, another Swords Dance balance breaker, Torterra's Wood hammer is significantly stronger than the former's Leaf Blade; Torterra has more physical bulk to take Ground-type attacks. However, Torterra does have its drawbacks. It is weak to U-turn, which prevents Torterra from being a consistent VoltTurn answer. Torterra is also unfortunately weak to common attacking types in Ice, Fire, and Flying. Additionally, its mediocre speed tier means that it often has to take a hit before firing off one of its powerful STAB moves. While its STAB move combination is effective at pressuring premier balance cores, Torterra can't pressure Flying-types well, as they resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake. Its lack of a resistance to Water really hurts Torterra as an offensive Grass-type as well; it renders it unable to switch into offensive Water-types as well as it can switch into defensive ones such as Alomomola.

[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Synthesis
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 180 SpD / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Wood Hammer is a powerful STAB move that beats Water- and Ground-types with the unfortunate side effect of dealing recoil damage. Similarly, Earthquake is a more reliable STAB move that hits Steel- and Electric-types without the nasty recoil effect of Wood Hammer. Swords Dance allows Torterra to set up on Pokemon such as Alomomola and Registeel, allowing it to dismantle common bulky teams and apply pressure to more offensive ones. Lastly, Synthesis allows Torterra to reliably check certain threats and remain healthy throughout the match, allowing it to set up on a wider variety of Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Foremost, Maximum HP EVs coupled with 180 Special Defense EVs ensure that Torterra avoids the 2HKO from Specs Magneton's Flash Cannon after Leftovers recovery. Additionally, the Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Alomomola, allowing Torterra to Swords Dance before Alomomola can attempt to burn Torterra. Lastly, Leftovers is the best item for this set as it gives Torterra extra longevity and provides it with passive healing to somewhat mitigate Wood Hammer recoil.

Usage Tips
========
First, always try to bring in Torterra on defensive Pokemon such as Venusaur and Alomomola that can't really threaten it. Also, be cautious when switching into Electric-types since many run Hidden Power Ice; Magneton also does a large amount of damage to Torterra with Flash Cannon.

Team Options
========
First of all, Torterra is traditionally featured on slow, bulky offensive teams that rely on a solid defensive backbone to function effectively. Torterra has a crippling weakness to Ice-type Pokemon and coverage moves, so Pokemon that resist Ice such as Jellicent, Houndoom, and Slowking make excellent teammates. Torterra struggles to break past Flying-types, so offensive Pokemon that can beat them, such as Jolteon, Sneasel, and Mega Glalie, are helpful team members for this role. As a wallbreaker, Torterra appreciates VoltTurn users who can get it in for free against Pokemon that it enjoys setting up on. A perfect example of this is Flygon, who lures in Alomomola and can allow you to bring in Torterra for free. Uxie is another useful U-turn user that can get Torterra in with slow U-turns. Uxie can also set up Stealth Rock to wear down Torterra's checks. Mesprit another viable teammate; it is more offensively-oriented than Uxie, but it can give Torterra a second chance at a sweep with Healing Wish. Magneton is a particularly helpful partner as it resists Ice-type attacks, and can also break past Flying-types fairly easily while providing Volt Switch support. Lastly, Heal Bell users such as Diancie and Mega Audino are good partners for Torterra because Torterra can often get burnt from switching into defensive Water-types. It also despises Toxic from defensive Pokemon, especially since Torterra is usually featured on slower bulky offense teams.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Choice Band is a potentially useful item because of the more immediate power it gives Torterra; it also lets gives it the ability to hit Flying-type Pokemon with Stone Edge. However, being locked into one move can make it extremely difficult to break the Registeel + Alomomola core, which relies on Protect. Additionally, a bulky Stealth Rock set can be used because it sets up Stealth Rock on a common Rapid Spinner in Blastoise, but there are generally many better options for this in the tier. Torterra also doesn't have very much power if it does not boost its attack with Swords Dance. Lastly, Lum Berry can be used on teams without a Heal Bell user to set up on Alomomola more consistently, but the extra longevity from Leftovers is usually appreciated more in the long run.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ice-types**: The two main Ice-types in the RU tier, Mega Glalie and Sneasel, outspeed and OHKO Torterra with their Ice-type STAB moves, but they cannot switch into Torterra very well. Other Pokemon with Ice-type coverage moves can usually KO Torterra as well.

**Weezing**: Weezing resists Wood Hammer and has Levitate along with a really good Defense stat, making it a solid counter. It can also cripple Torterra with Will-O-Wisp, ensuring that Tortrra cannot break through the Pokemon that it's supposed to.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Sigilyph and Braviary resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake; they can also threaten Torterra with super effective Flying-type STAB moves.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong's resistance to both of Torterra's STAB moves coupled with its impressive bulk allows it to be a consistent Torterra counter. It can even Toxic Torterra to wear it down.

I edited some stuff out I didn't feel was necessary as a player. For example: "Lastly, Try to set up by virtue of Torterra's bulk as opposed to when you force opposing Pokemon out because there's no reason to risk fainting when Torterra's natural bulk gives it opportunities to set up regardless."
Against certain teams, setting up on a prediction is fine. I don't particularly feel you need to advise people against it. Also, Mesprit and Uxie both learn U-turn so I edited that part a bit.

GP APPROVED 1/2

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Torterra is valued in RU primarily for its ability to break through common balance cores, such as Registeel + Alomomola, with its high-power (AH) STAB moves in conjunction with Swords Dance. Torterra is also a decent Volt Switch stop due to its Ground typing, but it has to be wary of switching into Hidden Power Ice, a common coverage move among Electric-types. Additionally, its above average bulk provides Torterra with several opportunities to set up Swords Dances throughout the match. Torterra's typing also provides it with a resistance to the terrifying EdgeQuake combination, which is a unique trait for an offensive Pokemon to have. Compared to Virizion, another Swords Dance balance breaker, Torterra's Wood hammer is significantly stronger than the former's Leaf Blade; Torterra also has more physical bulk to take Ground-type attacks. However, Torterra does have its drawbacks. It is weak to U-turn, which prevents Torterra it from being a consistent VoltTurn answer. Torterra is also unfortunately weak to common attacking types in Ice, Fire, and Flying. Additionally, its mediocre Speed tier means that it often has to take a hit before firing off one of its powerful STAB moves. While its STAB move combination is effective at pressuring premier balance cores, Torterra can't pressure Flying-types well, as they resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake. Its lack of a resistance to Water really hurts Torterra as an offensive Grass-type as well; it renders it unable to switch into offensive Water-types as well as it can switch into defensive ones such as Alomomola.

[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Wood Hammer
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Synthesis
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 180 SpD / 76 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Wood Hammer is a powerful STAB move that beats Water- and Ground-types with the unfortunate side effect of dealing recoil damage. Similarly, Earthquake is a more reliable STAB move that hits Steel- and Electric-types without the nasty recoil effect of Wood Hammer. Swords Dance allows Torterra to set up on Pokemon such as Alomomola and Registeel, allowing it to dismantle common bulky teams and apply pressure to more offensive ones. Lastly, Synthesis allows Torterra to reliably check certain threats and remain healthy throughout the match, allowing it to set up on a wider variety of Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Foremost, maximum HP EVs coupled with 180 Special Defense EVs ensure that Torterra avoids the 2HKO from Choice Specs Magneton's Flash Cannon after Leftovers recovery. Additionally, the Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Alomomola, allowing Torterra to Swords Dance before Alomomola can attempt to burn Torterra it. Lastly, Leftovers is the best item for this set, (AC) as it gives Torterra extra longevity and provides it with passive healing to somewhat mitigate Wood Hammer recoil.

Usage Tips
========
First, always try to bring in Torterra on defensive Pokemon such as Venusaur and Alomomola that can't really threaten it. Also, be cautious when switching into Electric-types, (AC) since many run Hidden Power Ice; Magneton also does a large amount of damage to Torterra with Flash Cannon.

Team Options
========
First of all, Torterra is traditionally featured on slow, bulky offensive teams that rely on a solid defensive backbone to function effectively. Torterra has a crippling weakness to Ice-type Pokemon and coverage moves, so Pokemon that resist Ice such as Jellicent, Houndoom, and Slowking make excellent teammates. Torterra struggles to break past Flying-types, so offensive Pokemon that can beat them, such as Jolteon, Sneasel, and Mega Glalie, are helpful team members for this role. As a wallbreaker, Torterra appreciates VoltTurn users who that can get it in for free against Pokemon that it enjoys setting up on. A perfect example of this is Flygon, who which lures in Alomomola and can allow you to bring in Torterra for free. Uxie is another useful U-turn user that can get Torterra in with slow U-turns. Uxie can also set up Stealth Rock to wear down Torterra's checks. Mesprit another viable teammate; it is more offensively oriented (RH) than Uxie, but it can give Torterra a second chance at a sweep with Healing Wish. Magneton is a particularly helpful partner, (AC) as it resists Ice-type attacks (RC) and can also break past Flying-types fairly easily while providing Volt Switch support. Lastly, Heal Bell users such as Diancie and Mega Audino are good partners for Torterra because Torterra can often get burnt burned from switching into defensive Water-types. It also despises Toxic from defensive Pokemon, especially since Torterra is usually featured on slower bulky offense teams.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Choice Band is a potentially useful item because of the more immediate power it gives Torterra; it also lets gives it the ability to hit Flying-type Pokemon with Stone Edge. However, being locked into one move can make it extremely difficult to break the Registeel + Alomomola core, which relies on Protect. Additionally, a bulky Stealth Rock set can be used because it sets up Stealth Rock on a common Rapid Spinner Spin user in Blastoise, but there are generally many better options for this in the tier. Torterra also doesn't have very much power if it does not boost its attack with Swords Dance. Lastly, Lum Berry can be used on teams without a Heal Bell user to set up on Alomomola more consistently, but the extra longevity from Leftovers is usually appreciated more in the long run.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ice-types**: The two main Ice-types in the RU tier, Mega Glalie and Sneasel, outspeed Torterra and OHKO Torterra it with their Ice-type STAB moves, but they cannot switch into Torterra very well. Other Pokemon with Ice-type coverage moves can usually KO Torterra as well.

**Weezing**: Weezing resists Wood Hammer and has Levitate along with a really good Defense stat, making it a solid counter. It can also cripple Torterra with Will-O-Wisp, ensuring that Tortrra Torterra cannot break through the Pokemon that it's supposed to.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Sigilyph and Braviary resist Wood Hammer and are immune to Earthquake; they can also threaten Torterra with super effective Flying-type STAB moves.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong's resistance to both of Torterra's STAB moves coupled with its impressive bulk allows it to be a consistent Torterra counter. It can even Toxic Torterra to wear it down.

 

[eren]

can we possibly look at my ev suggestion before we upload.

 

[MrAldo]

The ev spread slurmz posted can be mentioned on set details as an option for another spread Littlelucario Fine by me. Mention that it can OHKO Registeel at +2 and how you have to be more careful around mag with this spread.

 

[MANNAT]

Implemented the changes and asked fam on GP discord to make sure I didn't break any rules, so this is once again ready for upload.

 

[phantom]

uploaded