Forretress (Analysis) [GP 1/2]

[TelamonianAjax]

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[Overview]

<p>Forretress has been known throughout each generation as one of the greatest entry hazard setters available in standard play, sportingplay. With solid 75 / 140 / 60 defenses as well as havingdefenses, the ability to set every single type of entry hazard as well ashazard, and access to Rapid Spin, Forretress has a combination of moves only shared only by Smeargle. In addition, Forretress finds plenty of opportunities to set up in the current metagame, with a few hugely useful resistances earned from having partial Steel typing, and only one weakness. In general, thisThis makes Forretress a solid spiker for many styles of play.</p>

<p>However, Forretress faces stiff competition from a new face of generation five: Nattorei,Ferrothorn, who has significantly more bulk, a better set of resistances, and even the ability to recover somewhat reliably, which Forretress lacks. However, Forretress does find a few niche uses with its abilities to Rapid Spin and lay Toxic Spikes, which Nattorei is incapable of.Ferrothorn cannot do.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Earthquake / Volt Change / Gyro Ball
ability: Sturdy
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe IV

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Physically Defensive Forretress is capable of setting up and spinning away entry hazards against a myriad of physical threats in the metagame,threats, such as Outrage lockedOutrage-locked Dragons, choiced Steel type attacks, and in general anything physical not super effective that hits on the physical side of the spectrum.effective. Toxic Spikes and Spikes are the two entry hazards of choice due to the wide distribution of Stealth Rock, and are both highly effective due the a large amounthigh number of metagame threats that are grounded. Rapid Spin completes Forretress’Forretress's trio of supporting moves, spinning away all opposing entry hazards. The last slot in Forretress’Forretress'’s moveset can be filled with either Earthquake, hitting some common Forretress switch ins,switch-ins, such as Magnezone and Heatran, as well as some other grounded Fire types, for heavy damage. Gyro Ball allows Forretress to hit incoming switch ins like Sazandoswitch-ins such as Hydreigon and Garchomp for reasonable damage, and finallyfinally, Volt Change allows Forretress to pivot out of trappers and gain the momentum of the battle for his team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Forretress's EVspreadEV spread allows it to get the most out of its naturally solid defenses, giving it a significant amount of physical bulk, allowingbulk. This allows it to take on a wide variety of physical attacks, while the Special Defense helps in taking unexpected Hidden Power [Fire]sFires and Surfs. An alternate spread of 252 HP / 112 Atk / 144 Def is also viable if Earthquake is used in fourth moveslot, netting thean OHKO on opposing Heatran and Magnezone after Stealth Rock. Air Balloon Heatran, however, will still be able to switch in safely on Forretress, even if Earthquake is being used. In addition, to compliment Earthquake or whatever attacking move is chosen in the last slotif one of the moveset,listed entry hazards is unneeded, a second attacking move can be used over one of the hazards if it’s unneeded, thoughreplace it to complement Forretress's type coverage. However, Forretress's main objective is moreusually to set up hazards rather than to actually attack.attack directly. Finally, Shed Shell is the primary item of choice due to the commonalityprevalence of trappers likesuch as Magnezone, whereas Leftovers grants Forretress significantly more survivability.staying power.</p>

<p>Additionally, the EVs used to allow Forretress to nab thean OHKO on offensive Heatran and Magnezone can be moved to Defense if allowing Forretress needs to take repeated boosted physical attacks is necessary.attacks. However, it is not recommended, as it turns Forretress into setup bait orfor a fair amount of Pokemon that would otherwise be unable to set up against it otherwise.it. In addition, the defense boost from maxing Defense is negligible, and thus not recommended. </p>

<p>SinceBecause Forretress's limited attacking options are rather weak, Forretressit provides setup opportunities for a wide myriad of Pokemon. Kingdra, Gyarados, and bulkier Salamence are all capable of coming in against Forretress, their natural bulk and, in the case of Salamence and Gyarados, Intimidate, allowing them to set up easily. In addition, depending on what attacking move Forretress is running, other sweepers can also set up against it.it, depending on what attacking move Forretress is running. Without Gyro Ball, for instance, Garchomp, Terakion,Terrakion, and Landlos,Landorus, as well as other fast and frail sweepers resistant to Steel, can set up against Forretress with ease. If Forretress lacks Earthquake, then Nasty Plot and Swords Dance Lucario, as well as Magnezone and other grounded SteelSteel- and assorted Fire typesFire-types are fully capable of setting up against Forretress. Finally, Blaziken, Heatran, Shandera,Chandelure, and essentially anything with a Fire attack is capable of either KOing or placing a tremendous dent in Forretress. In general, anything with a strong STAB specially based attack is capable of tearing out a massive chunk of Forretress's HP.</p>

<p>Forretress best pairs well with Pokemon that can handle its crippling Fire weakness, as well as take hits from all of the special attackers that plague it. Tyranitar can deal with Heatran, Shandera, Magnezone, and easily switch in on special attacks pretty easily due to Sandstorm increasing its Special Defense to massive levels.Defense. It can also eliminate spinblockers, allowing Forretress to Rapid Spin more easily. Defensive Gyarados also pairs well with Forretress, eliminating some troubling sweepers whichthat set up against him,Forretress, like Swords Dance Lucario. Finally, Blissey and Chansey pair with Forretress to create a pseudo SkarmBlisspseudo-SkarmBliss combination, walling a huge number of threats, and taking hits from Pokemon like Heatran. </p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Earthquake / Volt Change / Gyro Ball
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>SimilarlySimilar to the Physically Defensive set, this Forretress is capable of switching in on a huge number of common attacks andattacks. It can then settingset up assorted entry hazards and spinningspin opposing hazards away. The difference between the two sets is that this set sacrifices a bit of physical bulk for the ability to switch in against more powerful special attacks, like the choicedchoice-locked Draco Meteors commonly thrown around. The entry hazards and Rapid Spin form the crux of the set, allowing Forretress to function as a solid utility Pokemon throughout the game. Continuing,Again, Forretress has a couple of move options for his final moveslot. Earthquake allows Forretress to put a solid dent in the common Steel and Fire types, and can let Forretressit beat common trappers like Magnezone by abusing Sturdy. Volt Change is another option, letting Forretress set the momentum of the battle in his user’s favor by pivoting out of switch ins and trappers. Finally, Gyro Ball can hit some common switch ins, such as the Lati@s twinsLatios and Latias, for reasonable amounts of damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVspreadEV spread offers Forretress maximum special bulk, allowing him to switch in easily on a wide array of specially basedspecial attacks. This lets Forretress safely set up against a variety of common Pokemon, like defensive bulky waters, as well as Pokemon whose STAB moves are resisted by Forretressit resists and are incapable of hitting it hard with their various coverage moves.hard. Finally, Specially Defensive Forretress can afford to take an unSTABbed Fire attack if necessary, making him less vulnerable to a large portion of the metagame thatthan with the Physically Defensive set was unable to handle well.spread. </p>

<p>Leftovers is arguably the superior item of choice on this set, as it lets Forretress abuse Sturdy a bit, and more importantly, turns several 3HKOs from3HKOs—from the likes of bulky waters not investing in Special Attack and other common Pokemon into not investing in Special Attack—into 4HKOs. Overall, this significantly increases Forretress's bulk. However, Shed Shell is still an option if you are overly concerned with being trapped by Magnezone, or are not willing to risk Forretress being taken out early on by a random trapper. Finally, Pain Split is useable over a hazard or attacking move,useable, as itits semi-reliable recovery gives Forretress a nice edge over NattoreiFerrothorn and other Spikers, due to the semi reliable recovery it offers.Spikers.</p>

<p>Sadly, even with the tremendous investment in Special Defense, anything with a STAB Fire move, either physicallyphysical or specially basedspecial, is capable of ripping massive chunks out of Forretress's HP. This means that the numerous common Fire types, like Blaziken andtypes such as Heatran are all capable of demolishing Forretress. Continuing,Further, due to the lack of Attack investment, numerous threatening sweepers can set up against Forretress.Forretress without taking too much damage. Lastly, as always, trappers like Magnezone can easily remove Forretress due to their abilities.</p>

<p>This leads to various bulky waters pairing well with Forretress, most notably Burungeru,Jellicent, who is capable of blocking Rapid SpinSpin, which removes the entry hazards that Forretress sets up. Bulky Gyarados also deserves a special mention, as it has the ability to phaze out dangerous sweepers that can be devastating to one’s team, like RoobushinConkeldurr and Lucario. However, Pokemon that have solid special bulk, like Chansey, Blissey, and SnorlaxSnorlax, all pair up well with Forretress. Lastly, when using a Specially Defensive set, Forretress's physical bulk doesn’t allow him to take all that many strong resisted hits, so something with solid physical bulk, such as HippowdonHippowdon, can also pair well with Forretress.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Forretress hugely appreciates the aid of a spinblocker when using entry hazards, and many can fit the role. Evo StoneEviolite Dusclops, Burungeru,Jellicent, and GoruuguGolurk are all capable of taking hits from Pokemon that can be damaging todamage Forretress while preventing hazards being spun away, and thus make good partners. In addition, Forretress also highlygreatly appreciates the aid of a Wishpasser, due to his lack of any real reliable recovery. Bulky Waters can also prove very useful partners to Forretress, especially Vaporeon and Mamanbou,Alomomola, for their ability to pass Wish to Forretress, increasing his longevity, while also taking very little damage from the many Fire attacks directed at Forretress.him. In general, anything with reasonable special bulk that can take Fire attacks, such as Heatran, Blissey, or Blissey and Chansey also pair well with Forretress.</p>

<p>In addition, Forretress also can also make good use of the aid of Pokemon who remove Pokemon with Magic Mirror or those that know Magic Coat, as if the opponent has the ability to reflect entry hazards, then Forretress becomes hugelymuch less effective. Tyranitar and WaruvialKrookodile can fit this position relatively well, as they both have the ability to eliminate Magic Mirror and Magic Coat Pokemon throughwith Pursuit. Tyranitar also has the added benefit of being able to take hardly anything fromabsorb the many Fire attacks directed towards Forretress, due to its Special Defense increasing with the sandstorm it brings. Lastly, Forretress fits in nicely stall orientedin stall-oriented teams and heavy stall, due to his unmatched ability to set entry hazards, and also fits in on more offense based teams that appreciate the help of entry hazards.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Though Forretress's movepool is by no means diverse, he certainly does have a couple of possible options that can be used if necessary. Gyro Ball combined with Macho Brace can work, givinggives Gyro Ball 100 base power against anything with 198 Speed or less, a significant portion of this speed basedspeed-based metagame. However, this is normally pulled off more efficientlyeffectively by Nattorei,Ferrothorn, who has a lower base speed,speed and better dual STABs. In addition, if having Forretress not beavoiding becoming setup fodder is more important than having it get as many layers as possible up, thengetting down all hazard layers, Explosion is a reasonable alternative over any of the setssets' attacking moves. However, due to it no longer halving the target’s defense, it is in general not really that useful a move.very useful.</p>

<p>In terms of supporting options, Forretress receives both Light Screen and Reflect. While these moves are undoubtablyundoubtedly useful, it’s normally better to leave Dual Screening to slightly bulkier Pokemon with better resistances, or Pokemon that aren’t complete setup bait. In addition, Forretress once again suffers from the four moveslot syndrome, as he can’t use both screens and two entry hazards without forgoing an attacking move, allowing Taunt to completely shut him down. Forretress also has a couple of recovery options between Rest and Pain Split. While neither of them is reliable, they both are somewhat viable choices if Forretress is being used without Wish support. However, Rest should either be used either with either Aromatherapy or Heal Bell support, orsupport. Alternatively, Sleep Talk on Forretress, whichForretress allows him to act as a status absorber.</p>

<p>SinceBecause Forretress doesn’t have a huge HP base,base HP, the first step when attempting to create an EVspreadEV spread for him should always be to maxmaximize HP. From there on, splittingthere, the remaining EVs should be split between his Defenses, or Attack if KOs on certain Pokemon are necessary, his Attack.necessary. The physically defensive spread,Physically Defensive set, for example, allows Forretress to OHKO standard 4 HP/HP / 0 Defense Heatran and Magnezone after Stealth Rock, but if neither is an issue, the EVs can be shifted into another stat to gain a bit more bulk. The Specially Defensive set really needs maxmaximum Special Defense, as otherwise Forretress won’t be able to get up even a single layer of hazards up against some of the more offensive oriented Bulky Waters, or take random Hidden Power [Fire]s,Fires, so thus, it’s not really all that useful to put significant investment into Forretress's Attack with that set.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Due to Forretress’'s rather lackluster attacking options, a wide range of Pokemon are capable of countering him. Balloon Fire types,Fire-types holding an Air Balloon, such as Heatran and BlazikenHeatran, are capable of switching into any move that Forretress has to offer thanks to Balloon,the balloon, and are then able to obliterate him with their STAB Fire moves,moves or freely set up. Air Balloon Magnezone can also come in against any move that Forretress can throw at it, trapping and KOing him. In addition, Ghost types prevent Forretress from spinning away hazards, and many of them, such as ShanderaChandelure (though he’s not primarily used as a spinblocker), Burungeru,Jellicent, and Gengar are all capable of putting a dent in Physically Defensive Forretress, or outright KOing him.</p>

<p>Continuing, Forretress is hugelyvery easy to set up on depending on what its moveset contains. Lucario has free setup against Forretress if Forretress is lacking Earthquake or Lucario is carrying a Balloon, Roopushinan Air Balloon. Conkeldurr can come in againston a wide variety of Forretress's moves and proceed to start setting up with Bulk Up, and DoryuuzuExcadrill can set up against Forretress without Earthquake, and even ones with Earthquake if it carries Air Balloon. In addition, if Forretress doesn’t carry Gyro Ball, then Landlos, Terakion, Ononokuso,Landorus, Terrakion, Haxorus, and Garchomp can all set up against it, and many other Pokemon can switch in freely. Finally, Pokemon with reasonable natural bulk or Intimidate, such as Gyarados and Salamence, can switch in on most of Forretress'’s moves and proceed to start setting up.</p>

<p>Forretress is also easily lured in, as its only real way to set entry hazards is against Pokemon that are incapable of hurting it much, and itmuch. It has to take those opportunities to set up, so lures such as Expert Belt Tyranitar and MetagrossMetagross, with Flamethrower and Hidden Power [Fire] respectively bothFire, respectively, can easily remove Forretress. In addition, since Forretress commonly serves as a defensive pivotpivot, as well as Spiker on full stall, it’s relatively easy to predict around. Finally, Pokemon with Magic Mirror or that use Magic Coat can force Forretress to reflect back his own entry hazards, making him unable to set them safely.safely.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Forretress doesn’t really receive much from Dream World from hisWorld. His new ability, Dustproof, whichOvercoat, only voids damage from weather, which is rather useless when Hail, the only weather that damages Forretress, is so uncommon. However, CutsapCustap Berry can be used to make Forretress into a viable lead due to itslead. Sturdy gives Forretress the ability to let Forretress set up at least two layers of hazards against anything lacking Taunt or a priority move.</p>

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[PandorasBox]

Pain Split is a surprisingly solid method of recovery. It works well with stall teams and Toxic Spikes, since it damages the opponent in addition to recovering Foretress.

Just in case you did not know Pain Split is a Gen IV only move for Foretress
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/205.shtml

 

[Flora]

Wow, that's worth a stamp, TelamonianAjax!

1/2

 

[Rowol]

I used to run Foretress with Explosion as an offensive move, the set ran:

Spikes
Toxic Spikes
Rapid Spin
Explosion

Admittedly a more limited move set without a reliable consistent damaging move. The strategy behind it was to drop down your entry hazards and if there was nothing to spin away to get Explosion in to drop a bigger threat... It was a little bit more of a difficult strategy.

 

[Style_Dota]

Just in case you did not know Pain Split is a Gen IV only move for Foretress
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/205.shtml

And? Foretress can still use it......its called Poke transfer.

 

[Cyberthorn]

Is payback still viable for forretress this gen?

 

[D0nut Eater]

Is payback still viable for forretress this gen?

I'd say no since Payback no longer hits double on the switch, which is really the only time Forry should be using Payback. It might be worth a mention in OC, but for the most part it isn't worth a slot.

 

[Windsong]

Sorry this took so long to update!
Made the changes in the GP check, gonna get a second one asap.

 

[jc104]

[Overview]

<p>Forretress has been known throughout each generation as one of the greatest entry hazard setters available in standard play. This is not without reason, as it has solid 75/140/60 defenses and a movepool shared only by Smeargle, including every type of entry hazard and Rapid Spin With solid 75 / 140 / 60 defenses, the ability to set every single type of entry hazard, and access to Rapid Spin, Forretress has a combination of moves shared only by Smeargle. In addition, Forretress finds plenty of opportunities to set up in the current metagame, with a few hugely useful resistances thanks to its earned from having partial Steel typing, and only one weakness. This makes Forretress a solid Spiker for many styles of play.</p>

<p>However, Forretress faces stiff competition from a new face of generation five: Ferrothorn, who has significantly more bulk, a better set of resistances, and even the ability to recover somewhat reliably, which Forretress lacks (implied). However, Forretress does find a few niche to set it apart from Ferrothorn in the uses with its abilities ability to use Rapid Spin and lay Toxic Spikes, which Ferrothorn cannot do.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Earthquake / Volt Change / Gyro Ball
ability: Sturdy
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe IV (is there are reason for this when not running gyro ball?)

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Physically Defensive Forretress is capable of setting up and spinning away entry hazards against a myriad of neutral and resisted physical moves, including threats, such as Outrage-locked Dragons, and Choice-locked Steel-type attacks, and in general anything physical and not super effective. Toxic Spikes and Spikes are the two entry hazards of choice due to the wide distribution of Stealth Rock, and are both highly effective due the a high number of metagame grounded threats in the metagame that are grounded. Rapid Spin completes Forretress’s trio of supporting moves, spinning away all opposing entry hazards. The last slot in Forretress’s moveset can be filled with either Earthquake, hitting some common Forretress switch-ins, such as Magnezone and Heatran, as well as other grounded Fire types, for heavy damage. Gyro Ball allows Forretress to hit incoming switch-ins such as Hydreigon and Garchomp for reasonable damage, and finally, Volt Change allows Forretress to pivot out of trappers and gain the momentum of the battle for his team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Forretress's EV spread allows it to get the most out of its naturally solid defenses, giving it a significant amount of physical bulk. This allows it to take on a wide variety of physical attacks, while the Special Defense investment helps in taking unexpected Hidden Power Fires and Surfs. An alternate spread of 252 HP / 112 Atk / 144 Def is also viable if Earthquake is used in fourth moveslot, netting an OHKO on opposing Heatran and Magnezone after Stealth Rock. Air Balloon Heatran, however, will still be able to switch in safely on Forretress, even if Earthquake is being used. In addition, if one of the of the listed entry hazards is unneeded, a second attacking move can replace it to complement Forretress's type coverage. However,ua Forretress’s main objective is usually to set up hazards rather than to attack directly. Finally, Shed Shell is the primary item of choice due to the prevalence of trappers such as Magnezone, but whereas Leftovers grants Forretress significantly more staying power.</p>

<p>Additionally, a spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD can be used the EVs used to allow Forretress to nab an OHKO on offensive Heatran and Magnezone can be moved to Defense if Forretress needs to take repeated boosted physical attacks. However, it is not recommended, as it turns Forretress into setup bait for a fair amount number of Pokemon that would otherwise be unable to set up against it. In addition, the Defense boost is negligible, and thus not recommended. </p> (I don't understand your logic here; the primary spread has no attack investment, so you should be assessing the value of the special defense evs here)

<p>Because Forretress’s limited attacking options are rather weak, it provides setup opportunities for a wide myriad of Pokemon. Kingdra, Gyarados, and bulkier bulky Salamence are all capable of coming in against Forretress, their natural bulk and, in the case of Salamence and Gyarados, Intimidate, allowing them to set up easily. In addition, other sweepers can also set up against it, depending on what attacking move Forretress is running. Without Gyro Ball, for instance, Garchomp, Terrakion, and Landorus, as well as other sweepers resistant to Steel, can set up against Forretress with ease. If Forretress lacks Earthquake, Nasty Plot and Swords Dance Lucario, as well as Magnezone and other grounded Steel- and assorted Fire-types are fully capable of setting up against Forretress. Finally, Heatran, Chandelure, or and essentially anything with a Fire attack is capable of either KOing or placing a tremendous dent in Forretress. In general, anything with a strong STAB specially based STAB attack is capable of tearing out a massive chunk of Forretress’s HP.</p>

<p>Forretress best pairs well with Pokemon that can handle its crippling Fire-type weakness, as well as take hits from all of the special attackers that plague it. Tyranitar can deal with Heatran, Shandera, and Magnezone, and can easily switch in on special attacks due to sandstorm increasing its Special Defense. It can also eliminate spinblockers, allowing Forretress to Rapid Spin more easily. Defensive Gyarados also pairs well with Forretress, eliminating some troubling sweepers that set up against Forretress, like Swords Dance Lucario. Finally, Blissey and Chansey pair with Forretress to create a pseudo-SkarmBliss combination, walling a huge number of threats, and taking hits from Pokemon like Heatran. </p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Earthquake / Volt Change / Gyro Ball
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Similar to the Physically Defensive set, this Forretress is capable of switching in on a huge number of common attacks. It can then set up assorted entry hazards and spin opposing hazards away. The difference between the two sets is that this set sacrifices a bit of physical bulk for the ability to switch in against more powerful special attacks, like the choice-locked Draco Meteors that are commonly thrown around. The entry hazards and Rapid Spin form the crux of the set, allowing Forretress to function as a solid utility Pokemon throughout the game. Again, Forretress has a couple of options for his final moveslot. Earthquake allows Forretress to put a solid dent in the common Steel-and Fire-types, and can let it beat common trappers like Magnezone by abusing Sturdy. Volt Change is another option, letting Forretress set the momentum of the battle in its his user’s favor by pivoting out of switch ins and trappers and other switch-ins. Finally, Gyro Ball can hit some common switch-ins, such as the Latios and Latias, for reasonable amounts of damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EV spread offers Forretress maximum special bulk, allowing him to switch in easily on a wide array of special attacks. This lets Forretress safely set up against a variety of common Pokemon, like defensive bulky waters, as well as Pokemon whose STAB moves it resists and are incapable of hitting it hard thanks to its typing. Finally, Specially Defensive Forretress can afford to take an non-STAB unSTABbed Fire attack if necessary, making him less vulnerable to a large portion of the metagame than with the Physically Defensive spread. </p>

<p>Leftovers is arguably the superior item of choice on this set, as it lets Forretress abuse Sturdy a bit, and more importantly, turns several 3HKOs—from the likes of bulky waters and other common Pokemon not investing in Special Attack—into 4HKOs (em dashes). Overall, this significantly increases Forretress’s bulk. However, Shed Shell is still an option if you are overly concerned with being trapped by Magnezone, or are not willing to risk Forretress being taken out early on by a random trapper. Finally, Pain Split is useable, as its semi-reliable recovery gives Forretress a nice edge over Ferrothorn and other Spikers.</p>

<p>Sadly, even with the tremendous investment in Special Defense, anything with a STAB Fire move, either physical or special, is capable of ripping a massive chunk out of Forretress’s HP. This means that numerous common Fire types, such as Heatran, are all capable of demolishing Forretress. Furthermore, due to the lack of Attack investment, numerous threatening sweepers can set up against Forretress without taking too much damage. Lastly, as always, trappers like Magnezone can easily remove Forretress due to their abilities.</p>

<p>This leads to various Bulky waters pair well with Forretress, most notably Jellicent, who is capable of blocking Rapid Spin, which removes the entry hazards that Forretress sets up. Bulky Gyarados also deserves a special mention, as it has the ability to phaze out dangerous sweepers that can be devastating to one’s team, like Conkeldurr and Lucario. However, Pokemon that have solid special bulk, like Chansey, Blissey, and Snorlax, all also pair well with Forretress. Lastly, when using a Specially Defensive set, Forretress’s physical bulk doesn’t allow him to take that many strong resisted hits, so something with solid physical bulk, such as Hippowdon, can also be a useful partner pair well with Forretress.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Forretress hugely appreciates the aid of a spinblocker when using entry hazards, and many can fit the role. Eviolite Dusclops, Jellicent, and Golurk are all capable of taking hits from Pokemon that damage to Forretress while preventing hazards being spun away, and thus make good partners. In addition, Forretress also highly appreciates the aid of a Wishpasser, due to his lack of any reliable recovery. Bulky Waters can also prove very useful partners to Forretress, especially Vaporeon and Alomomola, for their ability to pass Wish to Forretress, increasing his longevity, while also taking very little damage from the many Fire attacks directed at him. In general, anything with reasonable special bulk that can take Fire attacks, such as Heatran, Blissey, and Chansey also pair well with Forretress. </p>

<p>In addition, Forretress can also make good use of the aid of Pokemon who remove Pokemon with Magic Mirror or those that know Magic Coat, as if the opponent has the ability to reflect entry hazards, then Forretress becomes much less effective. Tyranitar and Krookodile can fit this position relatively well, as both have the ability to eliminate Magic Mirror and Magic Coat Pokemon with Pursuit. Tyranitar also has the added benefit of being able to absorb the many Fire attacks directed towards Forretress, due to its Special Defense increasing with the sandstorm it brings. Lastly, Forretress fits nicely in stall-oriented teams and heavy stall, due to his unmatched ability to set entry hazards, and also fits in on more offense based teams that appreciate the help of entry hazards.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Though Forretress’s movepool is by no means diverse, he certainly does have a couple of options that can be used if necessary. Gyro Ball combined with Macho Brace gives Gyro Ball 100 base power against anything with 198 Speed or less, a significant portion of this speed-based metagame. However, this is normally pulled off more effectively by Ferrothorn, who has a lower base Speed and better dual STABs. In addition, if avoiding becoming setup fodder is more important than setting up additional layers having it get as many layers as possible up, then Explosion is a reasonable alternative over any of the sets' attacking moves. However, since its effective base power has been halved since last generation due to it no longer halving the target’s defense, it is in general not really very useful. </p>

<p>In terms of supporting options, Forretress receives both Light Screen and Reflect. While these moves are undoubtedly useful, it’s normally better to leave Dual Screening to slightly bulkier Pokemon with better resistances, or Pokemon that aren’t complete setup bait. In addition, Forretress once again suffers from the four moveslot syndrome, as he can’t use both screens and two entry hazards without forgoing an attacking move, allowing Taunt to completely shut him down. Forretress also has a couple of recovery options between Rest and Pain Split. While neither of them is reliable, they both are somewhat viable choices if Forretress is being used without Wish support. However, Rest should be used with either Aromatherapy or Heal Bell support. Alternatively, Sleep Talk can be used on Forretress, which allows him to act as a status absorber.</p>

<p>Because Forretress doesn’t have a huge base HP, the first step when attempting to create an EV spread for him should always be to maximize HP. From there, the remaining EVs should be split between his defenses, or Attack if KOs on certain Pokemon are necessary. The Physically Defensive set 112 Attack EVs, for example, allows Forretress to OHKO standard 4 HP / 0 Defense Heatran and Magnezone after Stealth Rock, but if neither is an issue, the EVs can be shifted into another stat to gain a bit more bulk. The Specially Defensive set really needs maximum Special Defense, as otherwise Forretress won’t be able to get even a single layer against some of the more offensively oriented Bulky Waters, or take an unexpected random Hidden Power Fire, so thus, it’s not really all that useful to put significant investment into Forretress’s Attack with that set.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Due to Forretress’s rather lackluster attacking options, a wide range of Pokemon are capable of countering him. Fire-types holding an Air Balloon, such as Heatran, are capable of switching into any move that Forretress has thanks to the balloon, and are then able to obliterate him with their STAB Fire moves or freely set up. Air Balloon Magnezone can also come in against any of Forretress's moves that Forretress can throw at it, trapping and KOing him. In addition, Ghost-types prevent Forretress from spinning away hazards, and many of them, such as Chandelure (though he’s not primarily used as a spinblocker), Jellicent, and Gengar are all capable of putting a dent in Physically Defensive Forretress, or if not outright KOing him.</p>

<p>Continuing, Forretress is very easy to set up on depending on what its moveset contains. Lucario has free setup against Forretress if Forretress is lacking Earthquake or Lucario is carrying an Air Balloon. Conkeldurr can come in on a wide variety of Forretress’s moves and proceed to set up with Bulk Up, and Excadrill can set up against Forretress without lacking Earthquake, and even ones with Earthquake if it carries Air Balloon. In addition, if Forretress doesn’t carry Gyro Ball, then Landorus, Terrakion, Haxorus, and Garchomp can all set up against it, and many other Pokemon can switch in freely. Finally, Pokemon with reasonable natural bulk or Intimidate, such as Gyarados and Salamence, can switch in on most of Forretress’s moves and proceed to start setting up.</p>

<p>Forretress is also easily lured in, as its only real way to set entry hazards is against Pokemon that are incapable of hurting it much. It has to take those opportunities to set up, so Therefore lures such as Expert Belt Tyranitar and Metagross, with Flamethrower and Hidden Power Fire, respectively, can easily remove Forretress. In addition, since Forretress commonly serves as a defensive pivot, as well as a Spiker on full stall, it’s relatively easy to predict around. Finally, Pokemon with Magic Mirror or that use Magic Coat can force Forretress to reflect back his own entry hazards, making him unable to set them up safely. </p>

[Dream World]

<p>Forretress doesn’t really receive much from Dream World. His new ability, Overcoat, which only voids damage from weather, which is rather useless when Hail, the only weather that damages Forretress, is so uncommon. However Cutsap Berry can be used to make Forretress a viable lead. Sturdy gives Forretress the ability set up at least two layers of hazards against anything lacking Taunt or a priority move.</p>

Remember to be consistent with your pronouns- you should use either "it" or "he" for Forretress consistently throughout the analysis. Also TO have been scrapped.

GP 2/2

 

[Oglemi]

The last two sections should also be [Other Options] and [Checks and Counters]

 

[wekhter]

Also, make sure to change every instance of Volt Change to Volt Switch.

 

[dwarfstar]

Stealth Rock ought to get an AC mention, as some teams need other slots for other things. I remember back in Soulsilver I had my Heatran running Explosion as his last move, rather than SR, and my Tyranitar had no space for it. (Thanks to the nerfing of Explosion, I replaced it with SR before I transferred him over to White, but the point is that situations arise where it's advantageous to run Stealth Rock over Spikes on Forretress, depending on the makeup of the rest of your team.)

 

[Setsuna]

Please implement GP check #2 as soon as possible.

 

[Boondocker]

I have played with and against forteress enough to say that volt switch should be the first option in the last slot. In the rain against magnezone you can easily get 3 layers up anyway. Gaining the upperhand on ghosts via volt switch (hits jellicant for SE damage for all thats worth) and hopefully switching in a pursuit user is more important then hitting about 3 or 4 things. Volt switch can also be used to switch out of a charge beaming magnet rising magnezone, while with eq you are helpless. Another point in volt switches favor is it can hit gyrados (whom alot of stall teams struggle with) for 4x damage while avoiding intimidate.

 

[zdrup15]

This analysis needs serious updates...

The format has been wrong for months now and I don't think deleting Team Options is the best change: it should be merged in both AC sections instead.

I'll bring this up to a mod and, if they think it is the best option, I'll take it over.

 

[Setsuna]

Last call. I'll check this thread again in a couple of days or so, and if no changes have been made to the OP, zdrup will take over this analysis.

 

[giggity69]

Forretress doesn’t really receive much from Dream World. His new ability OVercoat, which only voids damage from weather

Fix the caps on overcoat

 

[Setsuna]

That's it.