Tyranitar - Moveset & Best Build | Pokemon Sword Shield

Build #1 - Weakness Policy

Freedom To Adjust EVs

Although we have recommended 252 HP / 252 Atk, you can also take some of those attack EVs and place them in Defense or Sp. Def. For example, if you put at least 20 in Defense, you can survive an Adamant Excadrill's Earthquake. Consider what kind of opponent you will send Tyranitar out against & customize your build to handle the situation!

Survive And Retaliate

Despite having multiple weaknesses, Tyranitar's tankiness allows it to withstand several hits. With the exception of some fighting moves, it can soak up several super effective hits & live to tell the tale! Dynamaxing gives you even more leeway to sustain damage, so it comes recommended.

Know When To Retreat

As mentioned above, Tyranitar can't afford to take a Superpower or Close Combat. Even if you've procced Weakness Policy, if you think your opponent has such a move, consider retreat!

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Stone Edge	Standard high-damage STAB move is a must on almost all builds. Accuracy is only 80%, so it is slightly risky.
Earthquake	Extremely strong and reliable move that is effective against many major threats.
Crunch	Powerful stab move is a must on most builds.
Fire Punch	A good coverage move, but can be swapped according to your needs.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Rock Slide	A safer, but weaker alternative to Stone Edge. Preferrable in Doubles due to its AOE component.
Ice Punch	Good type coverage against some ground types.
Thunder Punch	Coverage vs. Water types
Foul Play	Deals damage based on the opponent's attack. Good for taking out certain sweepers.
Iron Head	Good for dealing with fairy types.
Superpower	Good for dealing with other Tyranitar.

Build #2 - Choice Band

Apply High Pressure

Tyranitar already has fairly decent stats, and has a significant special defense boost in Sandstorms. As such, he can afford to invest EVs in Attack. The Choice Band build can apply serious pressure against some enemies, forcing them to switch. Use these opportunities to read your opponent's actions and act accordingly.

Tyranitar Is Not A One Man Army

It might be somewhat difficult to sweep an entire team with Tyranitar, given how prominent physical tanks are in this meta. Make sure you play his strengths off another Pokemon in your party and plan your switch outs carefully. Also, beware of fighting moves.

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Stone Edge	Standard high-damage STAB move is a must on almost all builds. Accuracy is only 80%, so it is slightly risky.
Earthquake	Extremely strong and reliable move that is effective against many major threats.
Crunch	Powerful stab move is a must on most builds.
Superpower	Good for dealing with other Tyranitar.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Rock Slide	A safer, but weaker alternative to Stone Edge. Preferrable in Doubles due to its AOE component.
Ice Punch	Good type coverage against some ground types.
Thunder Punch	Coverage vs. Water types
Foul Play	Deals damage based on the opponent's attack. Good for taking out certain sweepers.
Iron Head	Good for dealing with fairy types.
Fire Punch	Good for steel and grass types.

Build #3 - Special Attacker

Put EVs In HP And Sp. Attack

Tyranitar's fairly decent 95 Sp. Atk already lends itself well to taking out enemies with a 4x weakness (think Ferrothorn, Rhyperior, Gyarados, etc). However, we recommend 252 EVs in Sp. Attack in order to improve matchups vs Pokemon that only have a 2x weakness to Tyranitar's moves.

Surprise And Take Out Physical Tanks

The main draw of the special attack build is that it can deal with physical tanks that Tyranitar is normally weak to. However, simply switching Tyranitar into a tank might be a bit too obvious, so be careful. Generally speaking, most people won't be able to predict a special build just from seeing it in your party, so use the element of surprise to your advantage.

Not As Powerful As Physical Variants

Compared to Tyranitar's stellar 134 Attack, its 95 Special Attack isn't exactly amazing. It also lacks good STAB special moves, so do not expect it to be able to one shot like a physical build would. Use this build specifically to gain an advantage over particular physically defensive Pokemon.

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Thunderbolt	Great coverage move, safer than Thunder in terms of accuracy but weaker. Good for water types.
Fire Blast	Great move for dealing with Ferrothorn and other grass types.
Dark Pulse	Powerful STAB move, a reliable way to finish targets off.
Hydro Pump	Excellent move for dealing with Ground and Rock types.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Thunder	Slightly less reliable but stronger electric move.
Surf	Safer alternative to Hydro Pump.
Surf	Great move to have for coverage.
Earth Power	Another good coverage move.
Flamethrower	Higher accuracy but lower damage than Fire Blast.

Build #4 - Assault Vest

Spec Into HP & Attack

Since the Assault Vest in this build will be giving you extra bulk, you can devote half of your EVs to improving your offenses. It is also possible to opt for 252 Defense instead of Attack, depending on your preference. Sp. Def EVs are unnecessary for this build.

Built To Combat Special Attackers

This particular variant is so bulky that it can withstand a Choice Spec Modest Lucario's Focus Blast. With an unmatchable 200+ Sp.Def, this build can withstand almost any attack, so switch it in liberally.

Less Firepower Than Other Specs

This build lacks a damage-boosting item, which can be a bit of a problem. Try to focus instead on predicting your opponent's switches and getting an advantage in that way. Consider running Rock Tomb to lower the speed of incoming Pokemon.

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Stone Edge	Standard high-damage STAB move is a must on almost all builds. Accuracy is only 80%, so it is slightly risky.
Earthquake	Extremely strong and reliable move that is effective against many major threats.
Crunch	Powerful stab move is a must on most builds.
Fire Punch	A good coverage move, but can be swapped according to your needs.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Rock Slide	A safer, but weaker alternative to Stone Edge. Preferrable in Doubles due to its AOE component.
Rock Tomb	Rock type STAB move, lowers opponent's speed. Can be useful when anticipating a switch-in.
Ice Punch	Good type coverage against some ground types.
Thunder Punch	Coverage vs. Water types
Foul Play	Deals damage based on the opponent's attack. Good for taking out certain sweepers.
Iron Head	Good for dealing with fairy types.
Superpower	Good for dealing with other Tyranitar.

Build #5 - Stealth Rock Lead

Highly Flexible Build

Although we have featured an Impish HP/Defense build here, you could easily go for Jolly HP/Speed if you wish. The important thing is to consider your party's needs and who your ideal opponent is.

Set Up For The Rest Of Your Team

This build focuses on setting up Stealth Rock, and perhaps paralyzing an opposing Pokemon before swapping out. Due to its incredible base stats, Tyranitar has a lot more leeway than leads, and can act as a potent attacker after it's successfully done it's job.

Recommended Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Stealth Rock	The key to this build, sets up rocks that damage opponents on switch-in.
Thunder Wave	Paralyzes opponents. Can be useful to support your other Pokemon.
Rock Tomb	Rock type STAB move, lowers opponent's speed. Can be useful when anticipating a switch-in.
Foul Play	Deals damage based on the opponent's attack. Good for taking out certain sweepers.

Other Viable Moves

Move/Type	Reason
Stone Edge	Standard high-damage STAB move is a must on almost all builds. Accuracy is only 80%, so it is slightly risky.
Earthquake	Extremely strong and reliable move that is effective against many major threats.
Crunch	Powerful stab move is a must on most builds.
Fire Punch	A good coverage move, but can be swapped according to your needs.
Thunder Punch	Coverage vs. Water types