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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Set: Choice Scarf Tyranitar

Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf 
Trait: Sand Stream 
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd 
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk) 
- Stone Edge 
- Crunch 
- Pursuit 
- Superpower

ScarfTar was one of the most common sets in the LatiMence era of DPP, and it's been getting some usage among good players in BW as well. Although this set doesn't have the bulk or mixed attacking power of standard MixTar, its higher Speed and Attack allow it to surprise and check some dangerous threats.

One of the most important things to note is that ScarfTar needs to be more careful about switching directly into attacks. It still has a decent amount of bulk, but it should be used more as a check than as a counter to threats. In that role, ScarfTar performs admirably; it can take on the likes of Latios, Latias, SD Terrakion, Thundurus, Tornadus, Starmie and Gengar - either outspeeding with the appropriate move or trapping the threat with Pursuit.

The moveset is pretty basic for a physical Tyranitar. Stone Edge hits pretty hard with this set and gives good coverage against Flying-types and Ninetales. Crunch and Pursuit provide helpful STABs for taking on Psychic-types, although some prediction is required when choosing which to use. Superpower is helpful for hitting opposing Tyranitar and Ferrothorn. For more unusual options, some like to include an Ice- or Fire-type special move for surprising switch-ins like Gliscor or Steel-types.

ScarfTar is a different take on a standard weather starter, so the same typical Sandstorm partners work well with it. Since this set is more easily set up on, pairing it with an Excadrill that knows Rapid Spin is a good idea. ScarfTar is also proficient at eliminating Latios and Latias for special sweepers, so Pokémon like Celebi or Rotom-W are also good partners.

3 comments:

  1. Faladran, are you stalking me?
    I JUST put ScarfTar on my most recent team thinking I would be spontaneous. Now everyone will be expecting it again. D:
    Old yet effective, good ol' T-tar.

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  2. Hopefully this set becomes more popular so Baittar can become usable. Expert belt mixed TTar could be a boss at breaking walls such as Gliscor and Ferrothorn when your opponent doesn't expect it.

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  3. i slapped ice beam on this set, worked really well predicting the gliscor switch.

    ReplyDelete