snake
CAP Co-Leader
[OVERVIEW]
- Well placed stats, a great movepool, and the ability Prankster make Tomohawk one of the most versatile and potent Pokémon in the metagame.
- Useful typing allows it to check Ground-types like Colossoil and Landorus-T as well as Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Ferrothorn, as well as avoid Spikes and Toxic Spikes.
- Tomohawk is flexible enough in stats and movepool to fit on any team archetype from stall or semi-stall to bulky offensive or hyper offense.
- For stall, balance, and even bulky offensive, it can act as one of the best physical walls in the metagame with Haze and Roost, stalling out many setup sweepers like Zygarde, Kartana, Naviathan, and Mega Gyarados and hard hitting physical attackers like Flame Orb Colossoil.
- For balance, bulky offense, and offensive teams, it can provide staple utility like Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin, and Healing Wish while boasting great offensive presence between just STAB coverage. Prankster Nature Power even allows Tomohawk not to forfeit too much momentum to offensive teams.
- For Rain teams, Tomohawk can act as the best secondary setter by providing hazard control, Prankster Rain Dance, and Healing Wish
- Tomohawk can also stallbreak efficiently with Prankster Taunt and powerful STAB attacks.
- However, Tomohawk's typing leaves it with bad matchups against top metagame threats like Mega Pinsir, Mega Medicham, Tapu Lele, Tapu Koko, and Magearna.
- While Prankster Nature Power is a huge boon for Tomohawk's wallbreaking sets, its average speed leaves it to be revenge killed by Greninja, Mega Pinsir, Tapu Lele, Syclant, and Tapu Koko.
- Offensive sets are largely reliant on Hurricane and Focus Blast, both of which have 70% accuracy.
[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Haze
move 2: Roost
move 3: Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock
move 4: Air Slash
item: Rocky Helmet / Coba Berry / Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Prankster Haze neuters setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Naviathan, Belly Drum Cawmodore, non-Flyinium Swords Dance Landorus-T, Dragon Dance Zygarde, and Shell Smash Necturna.
- Roost keeps Tomohawk healthy, walling any setup sweepers that cannot 2HKO it unboosted. Roost removes Tomohawk's weaknesses to Ice- and Electric-type moves, meaning Pokemon like Focus Sash Syclant cannot break it as easily, and it can dodge super effective damage from Volt Switch from Tapu Koko or Krilowatt. Roost also allows Tomohawk to maximize Rocky Helmet damage against Cawmodore and Hawlucha, who can eventually KO with Acrobatics.
- Because this set is so bulky, Tomohawk can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin many times during a match.
- Stealth Rock is an alternative to Rapid Spin if its teammates don't have access to the move, which provides chip damage for its other teammates. Tomohawk can also use it as a last ditch effort if Tomohawk needs to be sacked, as it has priority.
- Air Slash provides Tomohawk a way to chip down opponents that it walls like Colossoil and Pyroak. While another offensive move like Nature Power or Aura Sphere could be chosen, Air Slash's neutral coverage is hard to pass up.
- Hurricane is an alternative option to Air Slash that lets Tomohawk 2HKO Assault Vest Tapu Bulu, bulky Trace Jumbao, and Arghonaut after Stealth Rock damage. However, its chance to miss, lack of Special Attack EV investment, and Drought Jumbao's sun usually makes Air Slash the more reliable choice.
- Prankster Taunt can be run in conjunction with Haze to prevent set up sweepers from setting up again, or in conjunction with Rapid Spin to prevent hazard setters from setting more down as Tomohawk switches out.
- Running both Rapid Spin and Stealth Rock is a viable option if Tomohawk has good revenge killing partners, which do not require Tomohawk's Haze or Taunt.
Set Details
========
- 252 HP EVs and 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature maximize Tomohawk's physical bulk.
- Prankster gives priority to Haze, Roost, and Stealth Rock and is why this set is so effective.
- Rocky Helmet punishes U-turn users, faster contact priority users that try to KO it before it can use Roost, and other physical attackers that it walls. This item allows Tomohawk to use Roost every turn to wear down these attackers and circumvents Tomohawk's lower offensive presence. It notably allows Tomohawk to wear down Cawmodore and Hawlucha after removing their boosts.
- Coba Berry allows Tomohawk to tank a Flying-type attack with ease, which can prevent Flyinium Z Landorus-T, Gyarados, and Salamence from being able to muscle past Tomohawk or KO Mega Pinsir as it uses Aerilate Return or Quick Attack.
- Alternatively, Leftovers can provide additional recovery and ease 2HKOes.
Usage Tips
========
- Swap Tomohawk into set up sweepers that it walls unboosted like Garchomp and Tapu Bulu as they set up or Pokemon it naturally checks like Colossoil, non-Flyinium Z Landorus-T, Mega Crucibelle, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Scizor.
- Use Haze to remove their boosts if an opposing sweeper has boosted. Note that some sweepers that can break through Tomohawk unboosted like Flyinium Z Landorus-T, Shift Gear Magearna, Mega Pinsir, or Volcarona can take out Tomohawk and attempt a sweep later in the match.
- However, if a switch is predicted, switch to an appropriate teammate or use Roost or Air Slash.
- If the opponent has a sweeper with powerful or super effective priority such as Swords Dance Syclant, Swords Dance Mega Pinsir, Ash-Greninja, be sure to keep Tomohawk out of KO range or try to take them out before hand, otherwise they'll take out Tomohawk before it can Roost or Haze.
- Tomohawk can bait Supersonic Skystrikes from Gyarados, Landorus-T, and Salamence and swap to a Steel-, Rock-, or Electric-type partner to tank these powerful hits. After this, Tomohawk can effectively wall these Pokemon because they rely on two-turn moves to break Tomohawk, which Tomohawk can stall out with Rocky Helmet.
Team Options
========
- Defensive Tomohawk fits very well on balance teams, as it relieves pressure off of Choice Scarf users to handle set up sweepers. However, Tomohawk still appreciates Pokemon like Choice Scarf Kartana, Choice Scarf Volkraken, Choice Band Zygarde, and Choice Scarf Tapu Lele to help hold back set up sweepers too.
- Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, Celesteela, and Jirachi appreciate Tomohawk's ability to check Ground-types like Landorus-T, Colossoil, and Zygarde. In return, they take the Flying-, Ice-, and Fairy-type moves aimed at Tomohawk.
- The aforementioned Steel-types or Electric-types like Zapdos, Krilowatt, and Tapu Koko can stomach Supersonic Skystrike from Landorus-T, Gyarados, and Salamence so that Tomohawk can wall it without giving up Rocky Helmet for Coba Berry.
- Pursuit trappers like Colossoil and Tyranitar can remove Pajantom before Pajantom traps Tomohawk itself.
- Chansey makes for a good partner on balance teams, complementing Tomohawk's defensive bias. However, Psyshock users like Mega Gardevoir and Tapu Lele can usually break through this core, so Pursuit users like Colossoil or the aforementioned Steel-types can help out with this core.
- Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Fidgit, Syclant, and Greninja can set up Spikes, and Mollux, Pajantom, and Toxapex can set up Toxic Spikes to form great hazard stacking cores for balance teams.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Aura Sphere / Taunt
move 3: Healing Wish / Memento / Roost
move 4: Stealth Rock / Haze / Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Flyinium Z / Focus Sash
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Hurricane, especially when boosted by an item, hits very hard due to its great neutral coverage in one move. Air Slash should not be run as a replacement for Hurricane, as Air Slash is very weak.
- Aura Sphere hits a good chunk of Flying-type resists for neutral or super effective damage, including Skarmory, Magnezone, Heatran, and Rotom-W and reliably 2HKOes Ferrothorn. Focus Blast is an option over Aura Sphere, as it OHKOes Rotom-W and 2HKOes Specially Defensive Celesteela when factoring Stealth Rock damage.
- Taunt can be used on lead sets to prevent other leads from setting their own hazards or using Defog against Tomohawk.
- Healing Wish is a key move on this set, as it allows Tomohawk to heal up a weakened teammate. On the other hand, Memento allows one of Tomohawk's partners to set up more easily. Both block Defog and Rapid Spin for a turn and maintain offensive momentum, as they usually move before the opponent and can easily force switches on the turn after.
- However, Roost is an option on bulky offense teams to keep Tomohawk healthy.
- Tomohawk is a great Stealth Rock setter; running this move achieves massive role compression for hyper offensive teams who don't need a Rapid Spin user. Stall teams struggle to keep Stealth Rock off the field with Life Orb-boosted Hurricane threatening Mega Sableye.
- Haze allows Tomohawk to act as an emergency check to set-up sweepers like Quiver Dance Aurumoth, Shift Gear Magearna, and Shell Smash Necturna.
- Though, Rapid Spin is a good option as well. Alongside Roost, Tomohawk achieves a balance of offensive pressure and utility for bulky offensive teams.
Set Details
========
- 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature maximizes Tomohawk's Speed, allowing it to outspeed Modest Choice Specs Volkraken, Modest Choice Specs Tapu Lele, neutral-nature Aurumoth, and Adamant Landorus-T.
- 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Tomohawk's offensive presence. A Modest nature can be used for extra power but outspeeding the aforementioned wallbreakers is fairly important.
- Life Orb boosts the power of Hurricane and Aura Sphere, which allows Tomohawk to pressure switch-ins very hard. 29 HP IVs should be run with Life Orb, as it minimizes recoil damage.
- Flyinium Z, if the Z-Crystal is available, can be used to avoid recoil damage from Rapid Spin and have a strong Supersonic Skystrike.
- Focus Sash allows Tomohawk to act not only as a safe lead for Stealth Rock and Memento sets but also ensures that Tomohawk can live to get Stealth Rock up on turn 1 and use Memento later on in the match.
- Leftovers can be used with Roost sets if the passive recovery is appreciated.
- Prankster gives priority to Tomohawk's status moves, which is important to the success of this set.
Usage Tips
========
- Tomohawk's mix of power and utility can make guessing the set really difficult. Using a damaging move in conjunction with Life Orb or Flyinium Z can bluff a more offensive set, which can make a subsequent utility move more surprising. On the other hand, Leftovers can bluff a more defensive set, only for Hurricane to hit harder than Air Slash from a defensive set.
- Healing Wish or Memento should be used primarily if Tomohawk is about to faint and no teammate can switch in or if a weakened sweeper can set up again after being healed. Note that in a pinch Healing Wish can be used so that the opponent whiffs a Z-Move, Rapid Spin, or Defog.
- Tomohawk appreciates switching in with VoltTurn cores and or on double switches, as it can surprise the opponent with a powerful Hurricane. If it takes more damage than a defensive set, the surprise factor is largely lost.
- Hazard control should be taken care of early on in the match if possible.
- If running Haze, remember that Tomohawk can be KOed on the switch-in by a boosted threat, so a teammate might have to be sacked to get Tomohawk in safely.
Team Options
========
- This Pokemon acts as glue for a wide range of balance and offensive teams, depending on which utility moves are picked.
- Tomohawk likes to switch in off of a VoltTurn core. Good partners on VoltTurn cores include Krilowatt, Cyclohm, Mega Scizor, and Mega Crucibelle.
- If moves like Healing Wish and Stealth Rock are picked, sweepers like Magearna, Mega Crucibelle, Ash-Greninja, Syclant, and Zygarde appreciate Tomohawk's ease of setting up Stealth Rock and Healing Wish support to give them another chance at sweeping.
- If moves like Rapid Spin and Roost are chosen, bulkier teammates like Pyroak and hazard-weak wallbreakers or sweepers like Mega Pinsir or Volcarona appreciate Tomohawk's hazard removal while still retaining offensive presence.
- Pajantom can trap, spinblock, and remove Tomohawk, so Pursuit trappers like Colossoil and Tyranitar are good partners.
- This set works very well on Sticky Web teams, as Pokemon like Volkraken and Kyurem-B appreciate Healing Wish support, while Tomohawk appreciates having opposing Pokemon slowed down to hit with a powerful Hurricane or STAB Fighting-type move.
[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Focus Blast / Aura Sphere
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Healing Wish / Roost
item: Life Orb / Flyinium Z / Normalium Z
ability: Prankster
nature: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
evs: Timid / Modest
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Hurricane hits most of the metagame neutrally on its own and hits extremely hard; although it comes with bad accuracy. Air Slash should not be used to remedy this issue, however, as the drop in power is too great for it to be worth running.
- Focus Blast covers many of the targets that Hurricane does not. It OHKOes Rotom-W and Cyclohm after some prior damage and 2HKOes Celesteela and 3HKOs Assault Vest Magearna.
- Aura Sphere is weaker than Focus Blast, which means it can't break open specially bulky Steel-types as easily, but it's a more reliable STAB move if you don't want two very inaccurate STAB moves.
- Nature Power, in conjunction with Tomohawk's high powered STAB moves, can place immense pressure on offensive teams since it's granted priority by Prankster. Life Orb Hurricane on the switch-in followed up by Nature Power can 2HKO Latios and Choice Scarf Volkraken. Electric Terrain is particularly helpful for it, as it becomes priority Thunderbolt, which can revenge kill Hawlucha in the Electric Terrain it usually sets up in. It also OHKOs Tornadus-T, which would otherwise OHKO first with Hurricane.
- Healing Wish lets Tomohawk retain offensive momentum after it fires off powerful attacks, bringing in a teammate fully healed, and prevents the opponent's Rapid Spin or Defog.
- Roost is otherwise a solid option to keep Tomohawk healthy with its solid natural bulk, but it's hard to use on anything but forced switches, turns when Tomohawk usually uses Hurricane better.
Set Details
========
- 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature lets Tomohawk outspeed other key wallbreakers that opt for a damage-boosting nature such as Volkraken and Zygarde, as well as bulkier Jumbao variants and Heatran. A Modest nature could be used for more power behind Nature Power, but the speed is generally more important for Tomohawk's STAB moves.
- 252 Special Attack EVs lets Tomohawk hit as hard as possible with a boosting item.
- Life Orb usually the best, as it boosts the power of all of Tomohawk's moves while letting it switch moves as necessary. 29 HP IVs should be run in this case. However, Flyinium Z gives Tomohawk a guaranteed hit with a strong Supersonic Skystrike. Finally, Normalium Z is a good option if a 160 Base Power priority Breakneck Blitz is desired. As it changes type with terrain, it can even OHKO Celesteela and Toxapex with prior damage under Electric Terrain. These two Z Crystals don't boost Tomohawk's Fighting-type STAB move like Life Orb does, so Focus Blast is usually the move of choice with a Z-Crystal to make up for the lost power.
- Prankster is an important ability so Nature Power, Healing Wish, and Roost all have priority.
Usage Tips
========
- If running on a balance or bulky offense team, bluff playing like a defensive Tomohawk, switching it into boosting wallbreakers like Swords Dance Landorus-T on the switch. Either they don't switch and get annihilated by Hurricane, or the switch-in gets put into kill range with Nature Power.
- Focus Blast or Aura Sphere should be used early-game to wear down specially defensive Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna, as well as other Flying-type resists such as Cyclohm and Heatran to make spamming Hurricane much easier.
- Nature Power should be used when Tomohawk can pick off a faster threat. However, watch out when the opponent has Flame Orb Colossoil, Hoopa-U, or Greninja, as they can get a free switch-in to Tomohawk and can hit hard with their respective moves. Similarly, remember to avoid trying to finish Dark-types with Nature Power, as it is a wasted move.
- Healing Wish should be used either when Tomohawk cannot do much to the opposing team or if a weakened teammate needs to have a free switch-in; whereas Roost should be used carefully, usually on forced switches.
Team Options
========
- This Tomohawk set can find its way onto balance and offensive teams alike.
- Offensive Tomohawk appreciates Pursuit support to remove faster Psychic-types and Ghost-types that might stomach a Nature Power like Mega Latios and Pajantom. Colossoil and Tyranitar fills the role well. Tomohawk takes on the Fighting-types and Grass-types that threaten both of these Pokemon, and can wear down the Steel-types that given Tyranitar some trouble. A Steel-type like Magearna or Celesteela can cover the Fairy-type weakness that this core creates.
- Tapu Koko lures in Grass-types for Tomohawk to destroy while Tomohawk draws in Flying-types. In addition, Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain changes Nature Power to Thunderbolt, which can pressure some of Tomohawk's usual checks like Specially Defensive Celesteela, Dragon Dance Gyarados, and Tornadus-T.
- Sweepers that appreciate bulky Steel-types and bulky Grass-types weakened or KOed appreciate Tomohawk's wallbreaking prowess. Examples include Shift Gear Magearna, Ash-Greninja, Krilowatt, and Mega Crucibelle.
- Tomohawk can be run with Flying-type wallbreakers and sweepers like Mega Pinsir, Hawlucha, or Salamence to wear down each other's checks, allowing one or the other to sweep.
- Tomohawk appreciates Stealth Rock support from Landorus-T or Mega Crucibelle, Spikes support from Ferrothorn, Syclant, or Greninja, or Toxic Spikes support from Fidgit or Toxapex. These hazards allow Tomohawk to net KOes easier and knock foes into Nature Power range sooner.
- Tapu Lele makes for a good teammate since alongside Tomohawk conventional specially defensive tanks get overwhelmed. However, Tomohawk's Nature Power gets shut down most of the time while Psychic Terrain is up.
[SET]
name: Rain Setter
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Stealth Rock / Nature Power
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Damp Rock / Normalium Z
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Prankster Rain Dance lets Tomohawk set up rain very effectively, as the opponent can KO Tomohawk after it set up rain, granting a teammate's switch initiative.
- Hurricane has 100% accuracy in Rain and hits Grass-types for its fellow Swift Swim-abusing partners.
- Stealth Rock provides valuable chip damage and has priority with Prankster. Running Stealth Rock allows Mega Swampert, one of Tomohawk's very common teammates, to run another coverage move.
- Otherwise, Nature Power has priority from Prankster, which is useful for picking off weakened threats.
- Healing Wish lets Tomohawk scout one of the opponent's moves, revive a rain abuser or other teammate, and blocks opposing Defoggers and Spinners from removing Stealth Rock.
- Focus Blast or Aura Sphere can be used to pressure Ferrothorn, a common Rain check. However, Hurricane can usually work well enough so Tomohawk does not have to use up the moveslot.
Set Details
========
- 252 Special Attack EVs lets Tomohawk hit as hard as it can.
- 252 Speed EVs and Timid Nature gets the jump on Pokemon that can't tank a Hurricane easily, such as Jumbao, Modest Choice Specs Volkraken, and Choice Band Zygarde.
- A Modest Nature can be used for extra power, as Hurricane is the only move on the set not affected by Prankster.
- Damp Rock lets Tomohawk set up Rain for 8 turns, which gives Pelipper the freedom to run Choice Specs instead. Alternatively, Normalium Z gives Tomohawk a 160 Base Power Breakneck Blitz to surprise an opponent.
Usage Tips
========
- Tomohawk should switch in when Rain turns are running out so that it can set up Rain again midgame.
- It can switch in against Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde or Tapu Bulu, which can give Rain teams trouble if Rain isn't active.
- While Tomohawk can act as a lead Rain setter, Tomohawk's utility is maximized when it is used as a secondary setter: after Pelipper's Rain has expired and one of the rain abusers has been heavily damaged, paralyzed, or badly poisoned, Tomohawk can set up Rain again and fully heal the weakened abuser.
- Each move Tomohawk uses extremely important on fast-paced Rain teams, so think ahead. How many turns is Tomohawk going to get on the field? Is the opponent going to switch, attack but not KO Tomohawk, or KO Tomohawk on this turn? These are important questions to ask because Tomohawk's second-to-last and last turns are best used when it sets up Rain Dance and then uses Healing Wish on the next turn.
- Hurricane is spammable if Rain is up and Tomohawk has free turns. However, Tomohawk should not waste these turns if one of its teammates can switch in instead.
- If a fast offensive threat picks off one of Tomohawk's teammates, Tomohawk can use Nature Power to revenge kill.
- However, be mindful when using Nature Power. Dark-types are immune to it, so Tomohawk can give Flame Orb Colossoil or Greninja-Ash a free switch-in and force Tomohawk out or force Tomohawk to use Rain Dance and potentially miss out on using Healing Wish.
Team Options
========
- Pelipper is a mandatory teammate, as this Tomohawk set appears only on dedicated rain teams. Though they stack weaknesses, together they can keep rain up throughout the match and can help remove Grass-types for their Swift Swim abusing partners.
- Speaking of these partners, Mega Swampert and Kingdra are excellent teammates, hitting hard under Rain with doubled Speed. In return, Tomohawk can provide valuable chip damage with Stealth Rock, pick off a faster foe when Rain isn't up with Nature Power, or give them a second chance at tearing through teams with Healing Wish.
- Ash-Greninja and Volkraken very much appreciate the rain that Tomohawk sets up. Not only does it help Ash-Greninja nab a KO better pre-transformation, it makes Ash-Greninja's Choice Specs Hydro Pump nearly unwallable, and Choice Specs Volkraken's Hydro Pump can almost 2HKO a Chansey switch-in with the help of Analytic.
- Ferrothorn and Tomohawk cover each other's weaknesses pretty well. Ferrothron can use Knock Off to remove damage boosting items, which could let Tomohawk live for an extra turn, or set up Spikes, which makes it easier for Tomohawk to pick up KOes with Nature Power. In return, Tomohawk removes opposing Grass-types that absorb Leech Seed and sets up Rain to weaken Ferrothorn's Fire-type weakness. While not as useful for rain teams as Ferrothorn, other Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Trace Jumbao appreciate Tomohawk's rain.
- Tapu Koko lures in Ground-types and can use Volt Switch to give Tomohawk a free switch-in. Additionally, it lets Tomohawk have access to priority Thunderbolt while Electric Terrain is active, which is useful for removing opposing Water-types for Kingdra, Mega Swampert, or Ash-Greninja.
- Hawlucha, even though it shares the same typing as Tomohawk, appreciates Tomohawk's ability to preserve offensive momentum, which makes breaking the opposing team easier and Hawlucha's job as a cleaner easier. Be sure to pair Hawlucha with Tapu Koko, though.
[SET]
name: Stallbreaker
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
evs: Modest
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Few Pokemon found commonly on stall and balance teams can stand up to Life Orb-boosted Hurricane. For example, it 2HKOs Mega Sableye, Toxapex, and Clefable, Arghonaut, and it OHKOes Pyroak and Landorus-T after Stealth Rock.
- Focus Blast can 2HKO Chansey and OHKOes Skarmory, two common members of stall teams that would shrug off a Hurricane. It also 2HKOs Celesteela and dents Assault Vest Magearna. Aura Sphere doesn't achieve the power that Focus Blast has, so even though it hits more often, it doesn't do what this Tomohawk wants to do.
- Taunt prevents Chansey from using Softboiled and Toxapex from using Recover, shuts down opposing Defoggers, stops Celesteela from using Leech Seed + Protect, and prevents Tomohawk from being hit by Toxic, which would otherwise wear it down too fast.
- Roost allows Tomohawk to shrug off Chansey's Seismic Toss, heal off hazard damage and other weak attacks such as Celesteela's Heavy Slam, and burn damage from Toxapex's Scald and Pyroak's Lava Plume.
Set Details
========
- Modest is necessary to guarantee the damage rolls necessary to effectively break through stall teams and maximizes the damage dealt against balance teams.
- Maximum Special Attack and Speed EV investment lets Tomohawk hit as hard as possible while also outspeeding slower offensive threats like Tapu Bulu and SubCoil Zygarde.
- Life Orb is mandatory to exert full offensive pressure on the opposing team. 29 HP IVs should be run to minimize recoil damage.
- Prankster allows Tomohawk to use priority Taunt and Roost.
Usage Tips
========
- Swap in Tomohawk into weak attacks except for Knock Off. Losing Life Orb ruins Tomohawk's offensive potential. Because of this, Tomohawk should be careful against Mega Sableye, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- Taunt should be used against Chansey, Celesteela, or other attackers that do not use Knock Off.
- When facing Chansey, count Taunt turns carefully. Don't get worn down to the point where you have to use Roost to live the next Seismic Toss or Taunt to prevent a Softboiled.
- If Tomohawk isn't directly threatened by Toxic or Knock Off, spam Hurricane or Focus Blast for neutral damage.
- If the opponent has Kitsunoh or Zapdos, two Pokemon that force Tomohawk out, switch to a teammate that can effectively deal with these two. If they are low on health, a well-placed Taunt on the switch-in or on the first turn out can prevent them from using Wish or Roost.
Team Options
========
- Pokemon that can beat Zapdos and Kitsunoh appreciate how they are commonly forced in by Tomohawk. Colossoil fits excellently here, and in return it can remove fast Psychic-types and specially defensive Mollux for Tomohawk.
- Pursuit trappers like Colossoil and Tyranitar are great teammates for this Tomohawk set because it has little counterplay for Psychic-types, Zapdos, and Pajantom. Tomohawk wears down their checks for them in return.
- Tapu Lele makes for a great teammate since it can overload specially defensive checks alongside Tomohawk, but its Psychic Terrain prevents Taunt from working a lot of the time.
- Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Volkraken, Guts Naviathan, and Guts Colossoil appreciate how Tomohawk can disable opposing walls' recovery.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Toxic can be used to wear down its common switch-ins like Tapu Koko and Tyranitar, but its aforementioned utility options are usually better.
- Substitute + Haze, Substitute + Taunt, or Substitute + Toxic can be run, as using Substitute on the switch can mess up an incoming Pokemon's strategy. At least 212 HP EVs should be run so not to be broken by Chansey's Seismic Toss. Substitute is also a great work-around for tanking Z-Moves that would otherwise KO Tomohawk.
- Yawn puts pressure on Tomohawk's checks as they switch in, but Tomohawk generally has better moves to use.
- Darkinium Z + Memento can give a weakened sweeper a really great chance to set up, but it's generally not worth the Z-Crystal.
- Intimidate allows Tomohawk to tank more physical hits, but generally, this would be an option for more offensive sets that don't need Prankster Roost or utility moves. Additionally, using Intimidate prevents Tomohawk from using priority Nature Power.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types generally have good Special Defense, which allows them to tank Air Slashes, with the exception of Mega Medicham and Aurumoth. Tapu Lele, Mega Latios, Aurumoth, and Mega Medicham all threaten Tomohawk with their respective Psychic-type STABs, but some have trouble tackling Hurricane + Nature Power or more than one Hurricane.
**Steel-types**: Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Mega Mawile, and Jirachi resist Hurricane + Nature Power, allowing them to wall any set that doesn't run Focus Blast or Aura Sphere. Specially Defensive Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna can tank two Life Orb-boosted Focus Blasts, but they get worn down fast. They wall the defensive set with ease as well.
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos, Magnezone, Krilowatt, and Plasmanta resist Air Slash and Hurricane and can threaten Tomohawk with their STAB moves. However, Magnezone and Krilowatt must watch out for Focus Blast.
**Z-Move Abusers**: Landorus-T, Salamence, Gyarados, and Cawmodore can nuke Tomohawk with Supersonic Skystrike, usually OHKOing defensive sets unboosted. Pokemon like Firium Z or Psychium Z Volcarona, Icium Z Kyurem-B, and Electrium Z Shift Gear Magearna, which would normally waste PP breaking through Tomohawk's Roost stall, can use their Z moves to break past it faster.
**Fairy-types**: Clefable can tank Air Slash fine but has trouble against an offensive set's Hurricane. Jumbao's sun can make Hurricane really inaccurate, but Jumbao doesn't like tanking Flying-type STAB hits. However, both threaten Tomohawk out with Moonblast.
**Toxic**: Tomohawk's high bulk can be compromised when badly poisoned. Be careful to switch into a potential Choice Band Zygarde or Pajantom, which commonly run Toxic.
**Other Faster Pokemon**: Greninja, Tornadus-T, and Syclant, can outspeed Tomohawk can threaten it out with powerful, super effective moves. However, they must watch out with Nature Power on offensive sets. Volkraken's natural bulk lets it switch into Air Slash 3 times, but it falls to Hurricane + Nature Power.
**Faster Priority**: Ash-Greninja, Mega Pinsir, and Syclant can use priority before Tomohawk can and pick off a weakened Tomohawk, but they have a hard time switching into Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB.
**Chansey**: Chansey walls Tomohawk, but Focus Blast can 2HKO a weakened Chansey, and Taunt, Toxic, or Substitute variants can catch it off guard.
**Rock-types**: Because Rock-types resist the combination of Hurricane and Nature Power, and sometimes Tomohawk forgoes a Fighting-type STAB in favor of utility moves, Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Crucibelle-Mega, Stratagem, and Aerodactyl-Mega can be effective switch-ins if needed. However, Tyranitar can't break through defensive Tomohawk's Roost stall, Mega Crucibelle has to rely on Gunk Shot's poison chance to force Tomohawk to use Roost over and over, and the latter two have a harder time switching into offensive Tomohawk more than once.
- Well placed stats, a great movepool, and the ability Prankster make Tomohawk one of the most versatile and potent Pokémon in the metagame.
- Useful typing allows it to check Ground-types like Colossoil and Landorus-T as well as Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Ferrothorn, as well as avoid Spikes and Toxic Spikes.
- Tomohawk is flexible enough in stats and movepool to fit on any team archetype from stall or semi-stall to bulky offensive or hyper offense.
- For stall, balance, and even bulky offensive, it can act as one of the best physical walls in the metagame with Haze and Roost, stalling out many setup sweepers like Zygarde, Kartana, Naviathan, and Mega Gyarados and hard hitting physical attackers like Flame Orb Colossoil.
- For balance, bulky offense, and offensive teams, it can provide staple utility like Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin, and Healing Wish while boasting great offensive presence between just STAB coverage. Prankster Nature Power even allows Tomohawk not to forfeit too much momentum to offensive teams.
- For Rain teams, Tomohawk can act as the best secondary setter by providing hazard control, Prankster Rain Dance, and Healing Wish
- Tomohawk can also stallbreak efficiently with Prankster Taunt and powerful STAB attacks.
- However, Tomohawk's typing leaves it with bad matchups against top metagame threats like Mega Pinsir, Mega Medicham, Tapu Lele, Tapu Koko, and Magearna.
- While Prankster Nature Power is a huge boon for Tomohawk's wallbreaking sets, its average speed leaves it to be revenge killed by Greninja, Mega Pinsir, Tapu Lele, Syclant, and Tapu Koko.
- Offensive sets are largely reliant on Hurricane and Focus Blast, both of which have 70% accuracy.
[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Haze
move 2: Roost
move 3: Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock
move 4: Air Slash
item: Rocky Helmet / Coba Berry / Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Prankster Haze neuters setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Naviathan, Belly Drum Cawmodore, non-Flyinium Swords Dance Landorus-T, Dragon Dance Zygarde, and Shell Smash Necturna.
- Roost keeps Tomohawk healthy, walling any setup sweepers that cannot 2HKO it unboosted. Roost removes Tomohawk's weaknesses to Ice- and Electric-type moves, meaning Pokemon like Focus Sash Syclant cannot break it as easily, and it can dodge super effective damage from Volt Switch from Tapu Koko or Krilowatt. Roost also allows Tomohawk to maximize Rocky Helmet damage against Cawmodore and Hawlucha, who can eventually KO with Acrobatics.
- Because this set is so bulky, Tomohawk can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin many times during a match.
- Stealth Rock is an alternative to Rapid Spin if its teammates don't have access to the move, which provides chip damage for its other teammates. Tomohawk can also use it as a last ditch effort if Tomohawk needs to be sacked, as it has priority.
- Air Slash provides Tomohawk a way to chip down opponents that it walls like Colossoil and Pyroak. While another offensive move like Nature Power or Aura Sphere could be chosen, Air Slash's neutral coverage is hard to pass up.
- Hurricane is an alternative option to Air Slash that lets Tomohawk 2HKO Assault Vest Tapu Bulu, bulky Trace Jumbao, and Arghonaut after Stealth Rock damage. However, its chance to miss, lack of Special Attack EV investment, and Drought Jumbao's sun usually makes Air Slash the more reliable choice.
- Prankster Taunt can be run in conjunction with Haze to prevent set up sweepers from setting up again, or in conjunction with Rapid Spin to prevent hazard setters from setting more down as Tomohawk switches out.
- Running both Rapid Spin and Stealth Rock is a viable option if Tomohawk has good revenge killing partners, which do not require Tomohawk's Haze or Taunt.
Set Details
========
- 252 HP EVs and 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature maximize Tomohawk's physical bulk.
- Prankster gives priority to Haze, Roost, and Stealth Rock and is why this set is so effective.
- Rocky Helmet punishes U-turn users, faster contact priority users that try to KO it before it can use Roost, and other physical attackers that it walls. This item allows Tomohawk to use Roost every turn to wear down these attackers and circumvents Tomohawk's lower offensive presence. It notably allows Tomohawk to wear down Cawmodore and Hawlucha after removing their boosts.
- Coba Berry allows Tomohawk to tank a Flying-type attack with ease, which can prevent Flyinium Z Landorus-T, Gyarados, and Salamence from being able to muscle past Tomohawk or KO Mega Pinsir as it uses Aerilate Return or Quick Attack.
- Alternatively, Leftovers can provide additional recovery and ease 2HKOes.
Usage Tips
========
- Swap Tomohawk into set up sweepers that it walls unboosted like Garchomp and Tapu Bulu as they set up or Pokemon it naturally checks like Colossoil, non-Flyinium Z Landorus-T, Mega Crucibelle, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Scizor.
- Use Haze to remove their boosts if an opposing sweeper has boosted. Note that some sweepers that can break through Tomohawk unboosted like Flyinium Z Landorus-T, Shift Gear Magearna, Mega Pinsir, or Volcarona can take out Tomohawk and attempt a sweep later in the match.
- However, if a switch is predicted, switch to an appropriate teammate or use Roost or Air Slash.
- If the opponent has a sweeper with powerful or super effective priority such as Swords Dance Syclant, Swords Dance Mega Pinsir, Ash-Greninja, be sure to keep Tomohawk out of KO range or try to take them out before hand, otherwise they'll take out Tomohawk before it can Roost or Haze.
- Tomohawk can bait Supersonic Skystrikes from Gyarados, Landorus-T, and Salamence and swap to a Steel-, Rock-, or Electric-type partner to tank these powerful hits. After this, Tomohawk can effectively wall these Pokemon because they rely on two-turn moves to break Tomohawk, which Tomohawk can stall out with Rocky Helmet.
Team Options
========
- Defensive Tomohawk fits very well on balance teams, as it relieves pressure off of Choice Scarf users to handle set up sweepers. However, Tomohawk still appreciates Pokemon like Choice Scarf Kartana, Choice Scarf Volkraken, Choice Band Zygarde, and Choice Scarf Tapu Lele to help hold back set up sweepers too.
- Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Heatran, Magearna, Celesteela, and Jirachi appreciate Tomohawk's ability to check Ground-types like Landorus-T, Colossoil, and Zygarde. In return, they take the Flying-, Ice-, and Fairy-type moves aimed at Tomohawk.
- The aforementioned Steel-types or Electric-types like Zapdos, Krilowatt, and Tapu Koko can stomach Supersonic Skystrike from Landorus-T, Gyarados, and Salamence so that Tomohawk can wall it without giving up Rocky Helmet for Coba Berry.
- Pursuit trappers like Colossoil and Tyranitar can remove Pajantom before Pajantom traps Tomohawk itself.
- Chansey makes for a good partner on balance teams, complementing Tomohawk's defensive bias. However, Psyshock users like Mega Gardevoir and Tapu Lele can usually break through this core, so Pursuit users like Colossoil or the aforementioned Steel-types can help out with this core.
- Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Fidgit, Syclant, and Greninja can set up Spikes, and Mollux, Pajantom, and Toxapex can set up Toxic Spikes to form great hazard stacking cores for balance teams.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Aura Sphere / Taunt
move 3: Healing Wish / Memento / Roost
move 4: Stealth Rock / Haze / Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Flyinium Z / Focus Sash
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Hurricane, especially when boosted by an item, hits very hard due to its great neutral coverage in one move. Air Slash should not be run as a replacement for Hurricane, as Air Slash is very weak.
- Aura Sphere hits a good chunk of Flying-type resists for neutral or super effective damage, including Skarmory, Magnezone, Heatran, and Rotom-W and reliably 2HKOes Ferrothorn. Focus Blast is an option over Aura Sphere, as it OHKOes Rotom-W and 2HKOes Specially Defensive Celesteela when factoring Stealth Rock damage.
- Taunt can be used on lead sets to prevent other leads from setting their own hazards or using Defog against Tomohawk.
- Healing Wish is a key move on this set, as it allows Tomohawk to heal up a weakened teammate. On the other hand, Memento allows one of Tomohawk's partners to set up more easily. Both block Defog and Rapid Spin for a turn and maintain offensive momentum, as they usually move before the opponent and can easily force switches on the turn after.
- However, Roost is an option on bulky offense teams to keep Tomohawk healthy.
- Tomohawk is a great Stealth Rock setter; running this move achieves massive role compression for hyper offensive teams who don't need a Rapid Spin user. Stall teams struggle to keep Stealth Rock off the field with Life Orb-boosted Hurricane threatening Mega Sableye.
- Haze allows Tomohawk to act as an emergency check to set-up sweepers like Quiver Dance Aurumoth, Shift Gear Magearna, and Shell Smash Necturna.
- Though, Rapid Spin is a good option as well. Alongside Roost, Tomohawk achieves a balance of offensive pressure and utility for bulky offensive teams.
Set Details
========
- 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature maximizes Tomohawk's Speed, allowing it to outspeed Modest Choice Specs Volkraken, Modest Choice Specs Tapu Lele, neutral-nature Aurumoth, and Adamant Landorus-T.
- 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Tomohawk's offensive presence. A Modest nature can be used for extra power but outspeeding the aforementioned wallbreakers is fairly important.
- Life Orb boosts the power of Hurricane and Aura Sphere, which allows Tomohawk to pressure switch-ins very hard. 29 HP IVs should be run with Life Orb, as it minimizes recoil damage.
- Flyinium Z, if the Z-Crystal is available, can be used to avoid recoil damage from Rapid Spin and have a strong Supersonic Skystrike.
- Focus Sash allows Tomohawk to act not only as a safe lead for Stealth Rock and Memento sets but also ensures that Tomohawk can live to get Stealth Rock up on turn 1 and use Memento later on in the match.
- Leftovers can be used with Roost sets if the passive recovery is appreciated.
- Prankster gives priority to Tomohawk's status moves, which is important to the success of this set.
Usage Tips
========
- Tomohawk's mix of power and utility can make guessing the set really difficult. Using a damaging move in conjunction with Life Orb or Flyinium Z can bluff a more offensive set, which can make a subsequent utility move more surprising. On the other hand, Leftovers can bluff a more defensive set, only for Hurricane to hit harder than Air Slash from a defensive set.
- Healing Wish or Memento should be used primarily if Tomohawk is about to faint and no teammate can switch in or if a weakened sweeper can set up again after being healed. Note that in a pinch Healing Wish can be used so that the opponent whiffs a Z-Move, Rapid Spin, or Defog.
- Tomohawk appreciates switching in with VoltTurn cores and or on double switches, as it can surprise the opponent with a powerful Hurricane. If it takes more damage than a defensive set, the surprise factor is largely lost.
- Hazard control should be taken care of early on in the match if possible.
- If running Haze, remember that Tomohawk can be KOed on the switch-in by a boosted threat, so a teammate might have to be sacked to get Tomohawk in safely.
Team Options
========
- This Pokemon acts as glue for a wide range of balance and offensive teams, depending on which utility moves are picked.
- Tomohawk likes to switch in off of a VoltTurn core. Good partners on VoltTurn cores include Krilowatt, Cyclohm, Mega Scizor, and Mega Crucibelle.
- If moves like Healing Wish and Stealth Rock are picked, sweepers like Magearna, Mega Crucibelle, Ash-Greninja, Syclant, and Zygarde appreciate Tomohawk's ease of setting up Stealth Rock and Healing Wish support to give them another chance at sweeping.
- If moves like Rapid Spin and Roost are chosen, bulkier teammates like Pyroak and hazard-weak wallbreakers or sweepers like Mega Pinsir or Volcarona appreciate Tomohawk's hazard removal while still retaining offensive presence.
- Pajantom can trap, spinblock, and remove Tomohawk, so Pursuit trappers like Colossoil and Tyranitar are good partners.
- This set works very well on Sticky Web teams, as Pokemon like Volkraken and Kyurem-B appreciate Healing Wish support, while Tomohawk appreciates having opposing Pokemon slowed down to hit with a powerful Hurricane or STAB Fighting-type move.
[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Focus Blast / Aura Sphere
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Healing Wish / Roost
item: Life Orb / Flyinium Z / Normalium Z
ability: Prankster
nature: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
evs: Timid / Modest
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Hurricane hits most of the metagame neutrally on its own and hits extremely hard; although it comes with bad accuracy. Air Slash should not be used to remedy this issue, however, as the drop in power is too great for it to be worth running.
- Focus Blast covers many of the targets that Hurricane does not. It OHKOes Rotom-W and Cyclohm after some prior damage and 2HKOes Celesteela and 3HKOs Assault Vest Magearna.
- Aura Sphere is weaker than Focus Blast, which means it can't break open specially bulky Steel-types as easily, but it's a more reliable STAB move if you don't want two very inaccurate STAB moves.
- Nature Power, in conjunction with Tomohawk's high powered STAB moves, can place immense pressure on offensive teams since it's granted priority by Prankster. Life Orb Hurricane on the switch-in followed up by Nature Power can 2HKO Latios and Choice Scarf Volkraken. Electric Terrain is particularly helpful for it, as it becomes priority Thunderbolt, which can revenge kill Hawlucha in the Electric Terrain it usually sets up in. It also OHKOs Tornadus-T, which would otherwise OHKO first with Hurricane.
- Healing Wish lets Tomohawk retain offensive momentum after it fires off powerful attacks, bringing in a teammate fully healed, and prevents the opponent's Rapid Spin or Defog.
- Roost is otherwise a solid option to keep Tomohawk healthy with its solid natural bulk, but it's hard to use on anything but forced switches, turns when Tomohawk usually uses Hurricane better.
Set Details
========
- 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature lets Tomohawk outspeed other key wallbreakers that opt for a damage-boosting nature such as Volkraken and Zygarde, as well as bulkier Jumbao variants and Heatran. A Modest nature could be used for more power behind Nature Power, but the speed is generally more important for Tomohawk's STAB moves.
- 252 Special Attack EVs lets Tomohawk hit as hard as possible with a boosting item.
- Life Orb usually the best, as it boosts the power of all of Tomohawk's moves while letting it switch moves as necessary. 29 HP IVs should be run in this case. However, Flyinium Z gives Tomohawk a guaranteed hit with a strong Supersonic Skystrike. Finally, Normalium Z is a good option if a 160 Base Power priority Breakneck Blitz is desired. As it changes type with terrain, it can even OHKO Celesteela and Toxapex with prior damage under Electric Terrain. These two Z Crystals don't boost Tomohawk's Fighting-type STAB move like Life Orb does, so Focus Blast is usually the move of choice with a Z-Crystal to make up for the lost power.
- Prankster is an important ability so Nature Power, Healing Wish, and Roost all have priority.
Usage Tips
========
- If running on a balance or bulky offense team, bluff playing like a defensive Tomohawk, switching it into boosting wallbreakers like Swords Dance Landorus-T on the switch. Either they don't switch and get annihilated by Hurricane, or the switch-in gets put into kill range with Nature Power.
- Focus Blast or Aura Sphere should be used early-game to wear down specially defensive Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna, as well as other Flying-type resists such as Cyclohm and Heatran to make spamming Hurricane much easier.
- Nature Power should be used when Tomohawk can pick off a faster threat. However, watch out when the opponent has Flame Orb Colossoil, Hoopa-U, or Greninja, as they can get a free switch-in to Tomohawk and can hit hard with their respective moves. Similarly, remember to avoid trying to finish Dark-types with Nature Power, as it is a wasted move.
- Healing Wish should be used either when Tomohawk cannot do much to the opposing team or if a weakened teammate needs to have a free switch-in; whereas Roost should be used carefully, usually on forced switches.
Team Options
========
- This Tomohawk set can find its way onto balance and offensive teams alike.
- Offensive Tomohawk appreciates Pursuit support to remove faster Psychic-types and Ghost-types that might stomach a Nature Power like Mega Latios and Pajantom. Colossoil and Tyranitar fills the role well. Tomohawk takes on the Fighting-types and Grass-types that threaten both of these Pokemon, and can wear down the Steel-types that given Tyranitar some trouble. A Steel-type like Magearna or Celesteela can cover the Fairy-type weakness that this core creates.
- Tapu Koko lures in Grass-types for Tomohawk to destroy while Tomohawk draws in Flying-types. In addition, Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain changes Nature Power to Thunderbolt, which can pressure some of Tomohawk's usual checks like Specially Defensive Celesteela, Dragon Dance Gyarados, and Tornadus-T.
- Sweepers that appreciate bulky Steel-types and bulky Grass-types weakened or KOed appreciate Tomohawk's wallbreaking prowess. Examples include Shift Gear Magearna, Ash-Greninja, Krilowatt, and Mega Crucibelle.
- Tomohawk can be run with Flying-type wallbreakers and sweepers like Mega Pinsir, Hawlucha, or Salamence to wear down each other's checks, allowing one or the other to sweep.
- Tomohawk appreciates Stealth Rock support from Landorus-T or Mega Crucibelle, Spikes support from Ferrothorn, Syclant, or Greninja, or Toxic Spikes support from Fidgit or Toxapex. These hazards allow Tomohawk to net KOes easier and knock foes into Nature Power range sooner.
- Tapu Lele makes for a good teammate since alongside Tomohawk conventional specially defensive tanks get overwhelmed. However, Tomohawk's Nature Power gets shut down most of the time while Psychic Terrain is up.
[SET]
name: Rain Setter
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Stealth Rock / Nature Power
move 4: Healing Wish
item: Damp Rock / Normalium Z
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Prankster Rain Dance lets Tomohawk set up rain very effectively, as the opponent can KO Tomohawk after it set up rain, granting a teammate's switch initiative.
- Hurricane has 100% accuracy in Rain and hits Grass-types for its fellow Swift Swim-abusing partners.
- Stealth Rock provides valuable chip damage and has priority with Prankster. Running Stealth Rock allows Mega Swampert, one of Tomohawk's very common teammates, to run another coverage move.
- Otherwise, Nature Power has priority from Prankster, which is useful for picking off weakened threats.
- Healing Wish lets Tomohawk scout one of the opponent's moves, revive a rain abuser or other teammate, and blocks opposing Defoggers and Spinners from removing Stealth Rock.
- Focus Blast or Aura Sphere can be used to pressure Ferrothorn, a common Rain check. However, Hurricane can usually work well enough so Tomohawk does not have to use up the moveslot.
Set Details
========
- 252 Special Attack EVs lets Tomohawk hit as hard as it can.
- 252 Speed EVs and Timid Nature gets the jump on Pokemon that can't tank a Hurricane easily, such as Jumbao, Modest Choice Specs Volkraken, and Choice Band Zygarde.
- A Modest Nature can be used for extra power, as Hurricane is the only move on the set not affected by Prankster.
- Damp Rock lets Tomohawk set up Rain for 8 turns, which gives Pelipper the freedom to run Choice Specs instead. Alternatively, Normalium Z gives Tomohawk a 160 Base Power Breakneck Blitz to surprise an opponent.
Usage Tips
========
- Tomohawk should switch in when Rain turns are running out so that it can set up Rain again midgame.
- It can switch in against Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde or Tapu Bulu, which can give Rain teams trouble if Rain isn't active.
- While Tomohawk can act as a lead Rain setter, Tomohawk's utility is maximized when it is used as a secondary setter: after Pelipper's Rain has expired and one of the rain abusers has been heavily damaged, paralyzed, or badly poisoned, Tomohawk can set up Rain again and fully heal the weakened abuser.
- Each move Tomohawk uses extremely important on fast-paced Rain teams, so think ahead. How many turns is Tomohawk going to get on the field? Is the opponent going to switch, attack but not KO Tomohawk, or KO Tomohawk on this turn? These are important questions to ask because Tomohawk's second-to-last and last turns are best used when it sets up Rain Dance and then uses Healing Wish on the next turn.
- Hurricane is spammable if Rain is up and Tomohawk has free turns. However, Tomohawk should not waste these turns if one of its teammates can switch in instead.
- If a fast offensive threat picks off one of Tomohawk's teammates, Tomohawk can use Nature Power to revenge kill.
- However, be mindful when using Nature Power. Dark-types are immune to it, so Tomohawk can give Flame Orb Colossoil or Greninja-Ash a free switch-in and force Tomohawk out or force Tomohawk to use Rain Dance and potentially miss out on using Healing Wish.
Team Options
========
- Pelipper is a mandatory teammate, as this Tomohawk set appears only on dedicated rain teams. Though they stack weaknesses, together they can keep rain up throughout the match and can help remove Grass-types for their Swift Swim abusing partners.
- Speaking of these partners, Mega Swampert and Kingdra are excellent teammates, hitting hard under Rain with doubled Speed. In return, Tomohawk can provide valuable chip damage with Stealth Rock, pick off a faster foe when Rain isn't up with Nature Power, or give them a second chance at tearing through teams with Healing Wish.
- Ash-Greninja and Volkraken very much appreciate the rain that Tomohawk sets up. Not only does it help Ash-Greninja nab a KO better pre-transformation, it makes Ash-Greninja's Choice Specs Hydro Pump nearly unwallable, and Choice Specs Volkraken's Hydro Pump can almost 2HKO a Chansey switch-in with the help of Analytic.
- Ferrothorn and Tomohawk cover each other's weaknesses pretty well. Ferrothron can use Knock Off to remove damage boosting items, which could let Tomohawk live for an extra turn, or set up Spikes, which makes it easier for Tomohawk to pick up KOes with Nature Power. In return, Tomohawk removes opposing Grass-types that absorb Leech Seed and sets up Rain to weaken Ferrothorn's Fire-type weakness. While not as useful for rain teams as Ferrothorn, other Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Trace Jumbao appreciate Tomohawk's rain.
- Tapu Koko lures in Ground-types and can use Volt Switch to give Tomohawk a free switch-in. Additionally, it lets Tomohawk have access to priority Thunderbolt while Electric Terrain is active, which is useful for removing opposing Water-types for Kingdra, Mega Swampert, or Ash-Greninja.
- Hawlucha, even though it shares the same typing as Tomohawk, appreciates Tomohawk's ability to preserve offensive momentum, which makes breaking the opposing team easier and Hawlucha's job as a cleaner easier. Be sure to pair Hawlucha with Tapu Koko, though.
[SET]
name: Stallbreaker
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
evs: Modest
ivs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Few Pokemon found commonly on stall and balance teams can stand up to Life Orb-boosted Hurricane. For example, it 2HKOs Mega Sableye, Toxapex, and Clefable, Arghonaut, and it OHKOes Pyroak and Landorus-T after Stealth Rock.
- Focus Blast can 2HKO Chansey and OHKOes Skarmory, two common members of stall teams that would shrug off a Hurricane. It also 2HKOs Celesteela and dents Assault Vest Magearna. Aura Sphere doesn't achieve the power that Focus Blast has, so even though it hits more often, it doesn't do what this Tomohawk wants to do.
- Taunt prevents Chansey from using Softboiled and Toxapex from using Recover, shuts down opposing Defoggers, stops Celesteela from using Leech Seed + Protect, and prevents Tomohawk from being hit by Toxic, which would otherwise wear it down too fast.
- Roost allows Tomohawk to shrug off Chansey's Seismic Toss, heal off hazard damage and other weak attacks such as Celesteela's Heavy Slam, and burn damage from Toxapex's Scald and Pyroak's Lava Plume.
Set Details
========
- Modest is necessary to guarantee the damage rolls necessary to effectively break through stall teams and maximizes the damage dealt against balance teams.
- Maximum Special Attack and Speed EV investment lets Tomohawk hit as hard as possible while also outspeeding slower offensive threats like Tapu Bulu and SubCoil Zygarde.
- Life Orb is mandatory to exert full offensive pressure on the opposing team. 29 HP IVs should be run to minimize recoil damage.
- Prankster allows Tomohawk to use priority Taunt and Roost.
Usage Tips
========
- Swap in Tomohawk into weak attacks except for Knock Off. Losing Life Orb ruins Tomohawk's offensive potential. Because of this, Tomohawk should be careful against Mega Sableye, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- Taunt should be used against Chansey, Celesteela, or other attackers that do not use Knock Off.
- When facing Chansey, count Taunt turns carefully. Don't get worn down to the point where you have to use Roost to live the next Seismic Toss or Taunt to prevent a Softboiled.
- If Tomohawk isn't directly threatened by Toxic or Knock Off, spam Hurricane or Focus Blast for neutral damage.
- If the opponent has Kitsunoh or Zapdos, two Pokemon that force Tomohawk out, switch to a teammate that can effectively deal with these two. If they are low on health, a well-placed Taunt on the switch-in or on the first turn out can prevent them from using Wish or Roost.
Team Options
========
- Pokemon that can beat Zapdos and Kitsunoh appreciate how they are commonly forced in by Tomohawk. Colossoil fits excellently here, and in return it can remove fast Psychic-types and specially defensive Mollux for Tomohawk.
- Pursuit trappers like Colossoil and Tyranitar are great teammates for this Tomohawk set because it has little counterplay for Psychic-types, Zapdos, and Pajantom. Tomohawk wears down their checks for them in return.
- Tapu Lele makes for a great teammate since it can overload specially defensive checks alongside Tomohawk, but its Psychic Terrain prevents Taunt from working a lot of the time.
- Other wallbreakers like Choice Specs Volkraken, Guts Naviathan, and Guts Colossoil appreciate how Tomohawk can disable opposing walls' recovery.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
- Toxic can be used to wear down its common switch-ins like Tapu Koko and Tyranitar, but its aforementioned utility options are usually better.
- Substitute + Haze, Substitute + Taunt, or Substitute + Toxic can be run, as using Substitute on the switch can mess up an incoming Pokemon's strategy. At least 212 HP EVs should be run so not to be broken by Chansey's Seismic Toss. Substitute is also a great work-around for tanking Z-Moves that would otherwise KO Tomohawk.
- Yawn puts pressure on Tomohawk's checks as they switch in, but Tomohawk generally has better moves to use.
- Darkinium Z + Memento can give a weakened sweeper a really great chance to set up, but it's generally not worth the Z-Crystal.
- Intimidate allows Tomohawk to tank more physical hits, but generally, this would be an option for more offensive sets that don't need Prankster Roost or utility moves. Additionally, using Intimidate prevents Tomohawk from using priority Nature Power.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types generally have good Special Defense, which allows them to tank Air Slashes, with the exception of Mega Medicham and Aurumoth. Tapu Lele, Mega Latios, Aurumoth, and Mega Medicham all threaten Tomohawk with their respective Psychic-type STABs, but some have trouble tackling Hurricane + Nature Power or more than one Hurricane.
**Steel-types**: Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Mega Mawile, and Jirachi resist Hurricane + Nature Power, allowing them to wall any set that doesn't run Focus Blast or Aura Sphere. Specially Defensive Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna can tank two Life Orb-boosted Focus Blasts, but they get worn down fast. They wall the defensive set with ease as well.
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos, Magnezone, Krilowatt, and Plasmanta resist Air Slash and Hurricane and can threaten Tomohawk with their STAB moves. However, Magnezone and Krilowatt must watch out for Focus Blast.
**Z-Move Abusers**: Landorus-T, Salamence, Gyarados, and Cawmodore can nuke Tomohawk with Supersonic Skystrike, usually OHKOing defensive sets unboosted. Pokemon like Firium Z or Psychium Z Volcarona, Icium Z Kyurem-B, and Electrium Z Shift Gear Magearna, which would normally waste PP breaking through Tomohawk's Roost stall, can use their Z moves to break past it faster.
**Fairy-types**: Clefable can tank Air Slash fine but has trouble against an offensive set's Hurricane. Jumbao's sun can make Hurricane really inaccurate, but Jumbao doesn't like tanking Flying-type STAB hits. However, both threaten Tomohawk out with Moonblast.
**Toxic**: Tomohawk's high bulk can be compromised when badly poisoned. Be careful to switch into a potential Choice Band Zygarde or Pajantom, which commonly run Toxic.
**Other Faster Pokemon**: Greninja, Tornadus-T, and Syclant, can outspeed Tomohawk can threaten it out with powerful, super effective moves. However, they must watch out with Nature Power on offensive sets. Volkraken's natural bulk lets it switch into Air Slash 3 times, but it falls to Hurricane + Nature Power.
**Faster Priority**: Ash-Greninja, Mega Pinsir, and Syclant can use priority before Tomohawk can and pick off a weakened Tomohawk, but they have a hard time switching into Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB.
**Chansey**: Chansey walls Tomohawk, but Focus Blast can 2HKO a weakened Chansey, and Taunt, Toxic, or Substitute variants can catch it off guard.
**Rock-types**: Because Rock-types resist the combination of Hurricane and Nature Power, and sometimes Tomohawk forgoes a Fighting-type STAB in favor of utility moves, Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Crucibelle-Mega, Stratagem, and Aerodactyl-Mega can be effective switch-ins if needed. However, Tyranitar can't break through defensive Tomohawk's Roost stall, Mega Crucibelle has to rely on Gunk Shot's poison chance to force Tomohawk to use Roost over and over, and the latter two have a harder time switching into offensive Tomohawk more than once.
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