[OVERVIEW]
Mega Tyranitar is able to effectively run a wide range of sets that offer both offensive and defensive utility due its excellent stat spread and unique typing. In particular, its great offensive Dark typing hits many common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina and Aegislash super effectively. It also gives Mega Tyranitar STAB on useful and powerful moves such as Knock Off and Pursuit. Mega Tyranitar is an especially good user of Shell Smash due to the combination of its very high Attack, resistance to Aerilate Extreme Speed and Triage Oblivion Wing, STAB on Power Trip, and immunity to Prankster-boosted moves. Mega Tyranitar's offensive Poison Heal set is a fearsome bulky sweeper that can wear down its checks over the course of a match through Knock Off and status moves, and its various Choice Band sets are potent wallbreakers that use Pursuit to punch holes in teams by trapping Pokemon like Giratina and Mega Mewtwo Y. However, Mega Tyranitar is held back offensively by a poor Speed stat that leaves it outsped by much of the metagame and having a range of common weaknesses, particularly Fairy, Ground, Steel, and Fighting. This means it is often forced out by common offensive threats like Mega Mewtwo X, Kartana, and Mega Diancie and that many of its sets have limited utility in offense matchups. Despite this, Mega Tyranitar's great mixed bulk, key resistances to Normal, Dark, Ghost, and Flying, and its immunity to Psychic allow it to support its team defensively and serve as an effective answer to Poison Heal Regigigas and many Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y sets. The prevalence of Zygarde-C hinders Mega Tyranitar's viability, though, as it can easily check most Mega Tyranitar sets unless it chooses to run otherwise niche Ice-type coverage moves, and its weakness to the extremely common U-turn makes Mega Tyranitar's defensive sets prone to being worn down.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Power Trip
move 3: Sunsteel Strike
move 4: Close Combat / Imprison
item: White Herb / Focus Sash
ability: Unburden / Simple
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash boosts Mega Tyranitar's Attack to astronomical levels and gives it enough Speed to outpace practically the entire unboosted metagame, turning it into a terrifying sweeper. After a Shell Smash, Power Trip becomes extremely powerful, capable of OHKOing almost any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, including defensive behemoths like Registeel. Sunsteel Strike is used to hit Fairy-types that resist Power Trip, like Mega Audino and Xerneas. It also knocks out Sturdy Shedinja and ignores Unaware, allowing Mega Tyranitar to defeat Unaware Pokemon like Yveltal with some prior damage. Close Combat knocks out Mega Tyranitar's Imposter after a Shell Smash. This is especially valuable with White Herb + Unburden or with an intact Focus Sash, as in these scenarios Mega Tyranitar does not need to risk a Speed tie. Close Combat also hits Mega Gyarados super effectively and 2HKOes Registeel, meaning that Mega Tyranitar is not shut down completely by Registeel's Prankster set. Imprison is an option with Unburden that allows Mega Tyranitar to defeat Imposter Chansey without needing to lower its defenses. To beat Zygarde-C, Mega Tyranitar can opt to run an Ice-type move such as Icicle Spear or Ice Hammer. However, it is rarely worth sacrificing an important coverage move for this purpose.
Set Details
========
White Herb removes the stat drops from Shell Smash, which makes Mega Tyranitar more difficult to revenge kill. It also activates Unburden, allowing Mega Tyranitar to defeat Imposter Pokemon. If Unburden + White Herb is the set of choice and Mega Tyranitar is using Close Combat, it should run 0 Defense EVs and 0 Defense IVs to ensure that it can OHKO its Imposter after a Shell Smash. Alternatively, Focus Sash gives Mega Tyranitar more opportunities to set up, allows it to beat its own Imposter after a Shell Smash if the Focus Sash is still intact, and lets Mega Tyranitar serve as an emergency check to dangerous attackers like Pixilate Mega Diancie and Mega Mewtwo Y; however, the last is reliant on Mega Tyranitar being at full health, making it somewhat unreliable.
Simple can be used instead of Unburden to double Mega Tyranitar's stat boosts, making it far more difficult to handle defensively. It notably makes Power Trip far stronger; after a Simple Shell Smash, Power Trip reaches 260 Base Power and can OHKO Zygarde-C and even some Unaware Pokemon like Primal Kyogre. This does put Mega Tyranitar at a far greater risk against Imposter users, however. An Adamant nature is chosen to boost Mega Tyranitar's power and make it more effective at sweeping.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Tyranitar functions best as a late-game sweeper, once checks like Mega Diancie and Zygarde-C have been weakened or removed. Unburden and Focus Sash are both one-time use, meaning that Mega Tyranitar will not often get a second opportunity to set up and sweep. Thus, it is best to try to scout for users of Prankster or Unaware on the opposing team and wear them down to allow Mega Tyranitar to sweep. Mega Tyranitar can get setup opportunities by forcing out Pokemon like Aegislash and Cresselia that fear its powerful Dark-type moves. It can also set up against Pokemon like Aerilate Mega Rayquaza that it can take hits from and against Choice-locked foes locked into moves that Mega Tyranitar resists or is immune to. Aim to keep entry hazards off the field so Mega Tyranitar can take full advantage of its Focus Sash.
Team Options
========
Focus Sash sets appreciate Defog or Rapid Spin support to ensure that the Focus Sash remains intact, making it far easier for Mega Tyranitar to find setup opportunities. Powerful wallbreakers such as Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Garchomp can support Mega Tyranitar by weakening the foe's defensive core, helping to pave the way for Mega Tyranitar to clean up later in the match. Shedinja is also a good partner, as it baits moves like Moongeist Beam and Photon Geyser that Mega Tyranitar resists or is immune to. While Focus Sash can often allow Simple variants to beat their own Imposter after a Shell Smash, in the event that the Focus Sash is broken and Mega Tyranitar loses against Imposter, it's important to have an emergency check in the back to avoid being swept. A Pokemon with Prankster + Haze like Aegislash can stop Imposter, as can a bulky Unaware user like Zygarde-C or Yveltal. Mega Tyranitar pairs well with other setup sweepers that can wear down Unaware users and Imposter Chansey and potentially bait out Destiny Bond from an opposing Prankster Pokemon, making it easier for Mega Tyranitar to clean up later on.
[SET]
name: Poison Heal Sweeper
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Shift Gear
move 3: Sacred Fire / Will-O-Wisp / Spore
move 4: Diamond Storm / Avalanche
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Knock Off is a powerful and reliable STAB move that helps Mega Tyranitar wear down opposing Pokemon by removing items like Leftovers and Eviolite and can also remove Safety Goggles to allow Mega Tyranitar to put its foes to sleep with Spore. Shift Gear boosts Mega Tyranitar's Attack and Speed, making it a threatening sweeper. Mega Tyranitar appreciates a move that can inflict status to help it defeat Imposter Chansey and wear down its checks. Sacred Fire spreads burns somewhat reliably, which wears down Pokemon like Mega Audino and Zygarde-C and cripples Imposter. It also hits Steel-types like Registeel and Kartana super effectively. Will-O-Wisp is an alternative that does not hit Magic Bounce Pokemon or offer coverage against Steel-types but does inflict burns far more reliably. This notably makes Mega Tyranitar much more efficient at beating Imposter users. Spore is an equally valid option, shutting down many of Mega Tyranitar's checks and giving it some free turns to set up boosts and recover HP thanks to Poison Heal. Diamond Storm hits Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal super effectively and is decently strong against Pokemon that resist Dark like Mega Audino and Mega Gyarados. The Defense boosts make Mega Tyranitar harder to revenge kill with Pixilate Mega Diancie's Extreme Speed or Steelworker Kartana's Bullet Punch, and they also allow it to more reliably defeat Poison Heal Regigigas and Imposter Chansey. Additionally, it gives Mega Tyranitar a much more powerful attack to use against neutrally hit foes once their item has been removed by Knock Off. Avalanche is a reasonable alternative that OHKOes Mega Rayquaza and hits Zygarde-C super effectively, and by always moving last it allows Mega Tyranitar to avoid the ability-nullifying effect of Core Enforcer.
Set Details
========
Toxic Orb is the most efficient way for Mega Tyranitar to activate Poison Heal, which provides passive recovery that makes Mega Tyranitar extremely difficult to wear down, allows it to sponge status, and enables it to beat its Imposter. The Adamant nature boosts Mega Tyranitar's power, making it easier for it to bust through walls. It also enables Mega Tyranitar to consistently OHKO Mega Mewtwo Y with Knock Off. Jolly may be used instead, but the extra speed is generally unnecessary as Mega Tyranitar outspeeds the vast majority of the metagame after a Shift Gear, and there are very few relevant foes that Mega Tyranitar outspeeds unboosted with Jolly.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Tyranitar's utility is reduced enormously if it is statused or loses its Toxic Orb before it becomes poisoned. Try to get it in safely to activate the Toxic Orb with slow pivoting moves like Registeel's U-turn or by switching it in on a predicted switch or a move that doesn't hurt it like Giratina's Spectral Thief. With Knock Off and status moves, Mega Tyranitar can wear down opposing teams in the early game to pave the way for a sweep later on. While this set almost always defeats Imposter Chansey if it is healthy enough, at low HP Mega Tyranitar can lose to its Imposter if it gets unlucky with Speed ties and Sacred Fire's burn chance. Aim to keep Mega Tyranitar healthy if the opponent still has an Imposter user to avoid this possibility. Mega Tyranitar should be wary of moves like Core Enforcer and Entrainment that remove its ability, as they will cause it to start taking Toxic damage. Common users of these moves include Zygarde-C and Ferrothorn, and they should ideally be heavily weakened or eliminated before Mega Tyranitar attempts to sweep.
Team Options
========
Slow U-turn users like Mega Audino and Aegislash can help get Mega Tyranitar in safely to activate Toxic Orb. Aegislash is a particularly good partner for Mega Tyranitar, as it can take on Pokemon like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Diancie that often force Mega Tyranitar out. In return, Mega Tyranitar can switch into Dark- and Ghost-type moves aimed at Aegislash. Adaptability Mega Gengar can lure in many of Mega Tyranitar's checks such as Mega Audino and Yveltal and KO or weaken them with Sludge Bomb. Mega Tyranitar baits Core Enforcer, so it can be paired with a Fairy-type Pokemon like Xerneas or Mega Diancie that can switch into Core Enforcer freely and gain momentum.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Sunsteel Strike / Ice Hammer / Diamond Storm
item: Choice Band
ability: Tough Claws / Mold Breaker / Adaptability
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Knock Off is Mega Tyranitar's main STAB move, able to 2HKO almost anything that doesn't resist it when boosted by Choice Band and Tough Claws. Knock Off's side effect of removing items annoys Mega Tyranitar's switch-ins, and it particularly dissuades Eviolite Imposter Chansey and RegenVest Pokemon from coming in. Pursuit makes Mega Tyranitar into a fearsome trapper, punishing Pokemon like Giratina and Aegislash as they switch out trying to avoid Knock Off. Close Combat is a powerful coverage move that can OHKO bulky Dark-types like Mega Gyarados and opposing Mega Tyranitar and Steel-types like Registeel and Dialga. Close Combat also takes out Mega Tyranitar's Imposter with just a bit of prior damage or if it does not have Eviolite. Sunsteel Strike takes down Fairy-types like Xerneas and Mega Audino and also OHKOes Sturdy Shedinja. Alternatively, Ice Hammer can be used to OHKO Zygarde-C and Mega Rayquaza. Ice Hammer is also Mega Tyranitar's best option against Yveltal. With Adaptability, Diamond Storm can be used to take out Mega Rayquaza, Kyurem-B, and Yveltal and 2HKO miscellaneous Dark-resistant foes like Mega Gyarados and Mega Audino. First Impression and Sucker Punch are both decent options to surprise fast sweepers like Mega Mewtwo Y and Mega Gengar, especially in combination with Mold Breaker to ignore Dazzling and Queenly Majesty. Both of these moves are extremely poor to be Choice-locked into, however.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature in combination with Choice Band makes Mega Tyranitar's Attack skyrocket, making it very difficult to wall with proper prediction. Tough Claws boosts Mega Tyranitar's contact moves, increasing its wallbreaking power substantially. It is typically the best ability on this set, as it powers up Mega Tyranitar coverage moves, enabling it to OHKO Registeel with Close Combat and Zygarde-C with Ice Hammer. Mold Breaker allows Mega Tyranitar to Pursuit trap Sturdy Shedinja and more easily break past Fur Coat walls at the expense of being weaker than Tough Claws in all other situations. Adaptability gives a significant boost to the power of Mega Tyranitar's STAB moves, but it does not boost its coverage moves as Tough Claws does. It should always be used alongside Diamond Storm, as this is its only notable advantage when compared to Tough Claws.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Tyranitar is best used as an early-game wallbreaker, breaking holes in defensive cores with its powerful attacks and Pursuit to pave the way for its teammates to sweep later in the game. Mega Tyranitar can Pursuit trap offensive Pokemon that it can take hits from, like Mega Rayquaza and Mega Gengar, and bulkier Pokemon that are weak to Dark, like Giratina, Aegislash, and Cresselia; however, while it is a very powerful tool, it is also situational and can be risky to become locked into. Be careful with it, as using Pursuit when the opponent doesn't switch can be disastrous for Mega Tyranitar. Furthermore, be mindful that Pursuit can give free setup opportunities to Pokemon like Poison Heal Regigigas. Mega Tyranitar does not often like to switch directly in against Pokemon like Giratina, as they can chip it and escape with U-turn or cripple it with a Will-O-Wisp or Knock Off as it switches in. Try to get Mega Tyranitar in safely against these Pokemon with a slow U-turn user like Mega Audino or RegenVest Primal Kyogre, on a double switch, or on a predicted move like Spectral Thief or Recover that won't hurt it. While Mega Tyranitar does make a solid check to Pokemon like Aerilate Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y, a lack of recovery makes this set fairly unreliable at switching into these Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Mega Tyranitar pairs well with Pokemon like Poison Heal Regigigas, Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Blaziken that appreciate its ability to Pursuit trap Pokemon like Aegislash, Giratina, and Cresselia. Choice Band Pheromosa is an especially good partner, as it can get Mega Tyranitar in freely through U-turn against the bulky Ghost-type Pokemon that it baits in. Between Knock Off and Close Combat, Mega Tyranitar is effective at weakening Imposter Chansey, so it partners well with Pokemon like Pixilate Mega Diancie and Mega Mewtwo Y that can struggle against Imposter. Slow Pokemon with U-turn like Registeel and Mega Audino can help Mega Tyranitar switch in freely. While Mega Tyranitar does a good job at dissuading Imposter Chansey from switching in, if it does get in safely, you should have a Pokemon to switch in against its Imposter. Depending on your choice of coverage move, bulky Fairy-types like Mega Audino and Xerneas or a Fur Coat Pokemon like Primal Kyogre can be a good candidate for this role.
[SET]
name: Sand Stream
move 1: Shore Up
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Ice Hammer / Diamond Storm
move 4: Anchor Shot / U-turn / Stealth Rock
item: Leftovers / Smooth Rock / Safety Goggles
ability: Sand Stream
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shore Up is a reliable recovery move that keeps Mega Tyranitar healthy throughout the match and makes it very difficult to wear down under sand. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes pesky items like Imposter Chansey's Eviolite and can remove Safety Goggles and Leftovers to make it easier to wear down foes through sand. Ice Hammer is primarily used to OHKO Mega Rayquaza after sand damage and 2HKO Zygarde-C. Diamond Storm is an alternative that still deals a lot of damage to Mega Rayquaza, although it just misses out on the OHKO. It is notably stronger against Yveltal and Kyurem-B, and the Defense boosts can help Mega Tyranitar take on physical attackers, but it doesn't deal any meaningful damage to Zygarde-C. Mega Tyranitar can defeat its own Imposter using Anchor Shot, which allows it to stall it out of its limited PP while it cannot escape. It also enables Mega Tyranitar to sometimes beat Pixilate Mega Diancie in a one-on-one situation, as Mega Tyranitar can survive a Boomburst or Extreme Speed from full HP under sand and OHKO in return. Alternatively, U-turn allows Mega Tyranitar to get momentum on the bulky Fairy- and Steel-types that would otherwise be able to switch in safely and give a safe switch to a teammate. Mega Tyranitar also makes for a decent setter of Stealth Rock, as it can pressure and wear down common Magic Bounce and Defog Pokemon like Mega Audino and Giratina with Knock Off and sand damage.
Set Details
========
Sand Stream summons a sandstorm when Mega Tyranitar enters the battle, which it can take advantage of in numerous ways. The 1.5x boost to Mega Tyranitar's Special Defense allows it to more reliably take on special attackers like Mega Mewtwo Y and Mega Rayquaza, especially in conjunction with the 66% HP recovery Mega Tyranitar gets from Shore Up. The sandstorm also knocks out Sturdy Shedinja and can provide support to Mega Tyranitar's teammates. A Careful nature bolsters Mega Tyranitar's Special Defense to improve its defensive capabilities. It notably ensures that Mega Tyranitar avoids being OHKOed by Pixilate Mega Diancie's Boomburst. If you opt to run U-turn, Mega Tyranitar should run a Sassy nature with minimized Speed EVs and IVs to allow it to pivot out after Pokemon like Giratina and Zygarde-C and give its teammates a safe switch. Leftovers helps to keep Mega Tyranitar healthy. Smooth Rock is a strong alternative on teams that aim to take full advantage of the sandstorm, while Safety Goggles protects Mega Tyranitar from Spore, which can be especially helpful against some variants of Triage Mega Rayquaza.
Usage Tips
========
On dedicated sand teams, take care to keep Mega Tyranitar healthy so it can continue to set up sand throughout the match. Many defensive Pokemon run U-turn, which will quickly wear Mega Tyranitar down. Against teams with Shedinja, aim to keep sand up as much as possible so as to never give Shedinja an opportunity to safely switch in and gain momentum. Many of the Pokemon that Mega Tyranitar checks, like Mega Gengar and Mega Rayquaza, can sometimes carry Fighting- or Ground-type coverage moves, so it is best to try to scout for those to avoid being caught off guard. Take advantage of the switches that Mega Tyranitar forces to set up Stealth Rock.
Team Options
========
This set should be paired with Pokemon that can take advantage of the sand that it sets up. Other Rock-types like Mega Diancie and Mega Aerodactyl appreciate the Special Defense boost, and Pokemon with Shore Up benefit greatly from the extra recovery. This set also pairs nicely with Pokemon like Aerilate Mega Rayquaza that can struggle to beat Sturdy Shedinja. Finally, Sand Rush can be used on slow but powerful wallbreakers like Mega Garchomp to turn them into a devastating sweeper while the sand is active. Aegislash pairs well with Mega Tyranitar defensively, taking on Fairy-, Fighting-, and Steel-type attackers that Mega Tyranitar may struggle with. Pokemon with Spore appreciate Mega Tyranitar's support in removing foes' Safety Goggles with Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Magic Bounce
move 1: Shore Up
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Core Enforcer / Ice Hammer / Anchor Shot
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shore Up is used to keep Mega Tyranitar's health up and allow it perform its role throughout the match. Knock Off is a strong, reliable STAB move that weakens foes by taking away their items. While it is not as effective at trapping as the Choice Band set, Magic Bounce Mega Tyranitar makes good use of Pursuit to weaken Pokemon like Aegislash, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Cresselia that it forces out. Pursuit is especially effective against Normalize Mega Gengar, as it will typically be unable to meaningfully damage Mega Tyranitar after its Entrainment is bounced back, and it can be OHKOed by Pursuit as it switches out. Core Enforcer makes Mega Tyranitar a reliable answer to various Poison Heal Pokemon, like Regigigas, Giratina, and other Mega Tyranitar, as it suppresses their ability and makes them take poison damage. Ice Hammer can be used to take out Mega Rayquaza and Zygarde-C, and Anchor Shot is an option to allow Mega Tyranitar to trap and stall out Imposter Chansey and dissuade Fairy-types like Mega Diancie and Mega Audino from switching in.
Set Details
========
Magic Bounce provides Mega Tyranitar a lot of utility. Most notably, it reflects Normalize Mega Gengar's Entrainment and Poison Heal Regigigas's Spore, allowing Mega Tyranitar to serve as a reliable counter to both of those sets. Additionally, it protects Mega Tyranitar from status moves like Will-O-Wisp and Glare and bounces back entry hazards, providing valuable support for Mega Tyranitar's teammates. Leftovers keeps Mega Tyranitar's HP high throughout the match. A Sassy nature maximizes Mega Tyranitar's special bulk, which helps it out against Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y. Sassy is chosen over Careful in combination with minimized Speed IVs and EVs to ensure that it can remove the foe's ability with Core Enforcer and prevent Giratina and Zygarde-C from getting momentum via a slower U-turn. Having minimal speed also makes Mega Tyranitar's Pursuit stronger against these foes if they use U-turn.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Tyranitar can safely switch into most Poison Heal Regigigas and Normalize Mega Gengar sets and beat them one-on-one, but be cautious against non-Normalize Mega Gengar sets, which commonly carry Secret Sword. You can use Pursuit to wear down Pokemon like Aegislash that Mega Tyranitar threatens out, Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza that Mega Tyranitar walls, and Choice item users like Mega Mewtwo X locked into a move that is ineffective against Mega Tyranitar. Pursuit is also quite strong in combination with Core Enforcer, as Poison Heal users will often be forced to switch after their ability is removed. Mega Tyranitar can usually safely switch in against most Giratina sets and force them out, making it a fairly risk-free way to scout out their moveset and deal some good chip damage with Pursuit.
Team Options
========
This set is a good partner for Sturdy Shedinja, as it helps keep entry hazards off the field and can use Pursuit to weaken or KO the Ghost-type Pokemon that block Shedinja's Endeavor. Other Pokemon that appreciate Mega Tyranitar's ability to reflect entry hazards include Kyurem-B and Mega Rayquaza. Mega Diancie makes for a good partner with Mega Tyranitar, as Mega Tyranitar can Pursuit trap Aegislash, Normalize Mega Gengar, and some variants of Dazzling Mega Mewtwo Y, all of which are solid Mega Diancie checks. Poison Heal Xerneas can take advantage of an Imposter Chansey that is Transformed into Mega Tyranitar to freely set up Quiver Dances.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A more defensive Poison Heal set can be run that trades the sweeping potential of the offensive Poison Heal set for the ability to more consistently check Pokemon like Regigigas and Mega Rayquaza. Defensive Poison Heal Mega Tyranitar commonly runs a set of Knock Off, Spore, Core Enforcer, and Shore Up with a Careful nature. Occasionally, this set will run Ice-type coverage moves as well. Mega Tyranitar's defensive sets can be customized greatly to suit the specific needs of their team; Mega Tyranitar can remove entry hazards for its teammates with Defog or Rapid Spin or it can set them up itself, Topsy-Turvy lets Mega Tyranitar shut down certain set up sweepers, and Entrainment is an option over Core Enforcer on the Magic Bounce set to mess with Poison Heal Mega Audino and Xerneas. A Mold Breaker set with Knock Off, Pursuit, Spore, and Stealth Rock can make for a potent support Pokemon on offense teams, reliably setting up Stealth Rock, Pursuit trapping Sturdy Shedinja, and spreading sleep. This set is often performed better by Mega Gyarados, however, which is faster and has fewer common weaknesses. The Shell Smash set can run Dazzling as its ability to avoid being revenge killed by Pixilate Mega Diancie or Steelworker Kartana. Mold Breaker is also an option to bypass Fur Coat and Unaware.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-type Pokemon like Xerneas, Mega Audino, and Mega Diancie resist Mega Tyranitar's Dark-type STAB attacks and can hit it super effectively in return. In particular, Poison Heal Xerneas makes a good answer to Mega Tyranitar, as it does not mind having its item removed by Knock Off and cannot be statused by Mega Tyranitar's Poison Heal set. Pixilate Mega Diancie with Extreme Speed can revenge kill Mega Tyranitar's Shell Smash and Poison Heal sweeping sets even when they are boosted. However, they must be wary of Mega Tyranitar's potential Steel-type coverage.
**Fur Coat Users**: As with most physical attackers, Mega Tyranitar usually struggles to break past Fur Coat walls like Giratina and Primal Kyogre due to their immense physical bulk.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C's physical bulk lets it take on Mega Tyranitar even after it has boosted, and it can hit back hard with Thousand Waves. It can be bypassed by Ice-type coverage moves, however.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon takes on most Mega Tyranitar sets with ease. This is due to the combination of its excellent physical bulk, lack of weakness to any of Mega Tyranitar's common moves, and Red Orb to weaken Mega Tyranitar's Knock Off. It hits Mega Tyranitar hard with powerful STAB Ground-type moves in return. Primal Groudon's Desolate Land also cancels Mega Tyranitar's sandstorm.
**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Mega Tyranitar's large number of common weaknesses make it easy for Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y to lure it in and take it down with super effective coverage moves, like Secret Sword, Precipice Blades, and Sunsteel Strike.
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-type Pokemon like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Blaziken can easily OHKO Mega Tyranitar with their STAB moves, although they don't often want to switch into Knock Off.
**Prankster**: The Shell Smash set is stopped dead in its tracks by Prankster Haze or Destiny Bond. However, Mega Tyranitar's immunity to targeted Prankster moves like Encore, Will-O-Wisp, and Glare limits their options against it considerably.
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