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Tyranitar - Moveset & Best Build

Tyranitar - Moveset & Best Build | Pokemon Sword Shield

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Find out how to breed Tyranitar in Pokemon Sword and Shield! Learn about Tyranitar's best competitive movesets, best builds, best nature, strong counters, & the breeding process!!!

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Tyranitar Related Articles

Tyranitar Movesets & Best Builds

Tyranitar
Total Base Stats600
Type Rock Icon Dark Icon

Press the buttons below to toggle between different builds!

Build #1 - Weakness Policy

Best NatureBest Item
Adamant (Atk ↑ / Sp.Atk ↓)Weakness Policy
Best Ability
Sand Stream
Summons a sandstorm whenever this Pokemon enters battle.
Best Moveset
Stone Edge / Crunch / Earthquake / Fire Punch
▼Check Move Info Here
Best EV Spread
HP 252, Attack 252, Def 4

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

Other Viable Moves

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

Build #2 - Choice Band

NatureItem
Adamant (Atk↑ / Sp.Atk↓)Choice Band
Ability
Sand Stream
The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle
Moveset
Superpower / Stone Edge / Earthquake / Fire Punch
▼Check Move Info Here
EV Spread
Speed 252, Attack 252, Defense 4

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

Other Viable Moves

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

Build #3 - Special Attacker

NatureItem
Modest (Sp.Atk↑ / Atk↓)Choice Specs
Ability
Sand Stream
The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle
Moveset
Dark Pulse / Fire Blast / Thunderbolt / Hydro Pump
▼Check Move Info Here
EV Spread
HP 252, Sp. Attack 252, Speed 4

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

Other Viable Moves

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

Build #4 - Assault Vest

NatureItem
Adamant (Atk↑ / Sp.Atk↓)Assault Vest
Ability
Sand Stream
The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle
Moveset
Stone Edge / Crunch / Earthquake / Fire Punch
▼Check Move Info Here
EV Spread
HP 252, Attack 252, Defense 4

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

Other Viable Moves

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

Build #5 - Stealth Rock Lead

NatureItem
Impish (Bold↑ / Sp.Atk↓)Chople Berry
Ability
Sand Stream
The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle
Moveset
Stealth Rock / Thunder Wave / Rock Tomb / Foul Play
▼Check Move Info Here
EV Spread
HP 252, Defense 252, Speed 4

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

Other Viable Moves

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

Articles You Might Be Interested In

Tyranitar - Best Items to Hold

ItemTraits
Weakness PolicyIf hit by a super-effective move, the holder's Attack and Special Attack rise sharply. Provided you survive, will almost guarantee a KO on your opponent.
Choice BandAllows only a single move to be used, but boosts Attack by 150%
Allows you to overwhelm one particular opponent with Stone Edge. A bit risky.
Assault VestBoosts Special Defense by 50%, but the holder can't use any status moves. Great for all builds, not only defensive ones.
Choice SpecsAllows only a single move to be used, but boosts Sp. Attack by 150%
Excellent for a surprise Special Attack build.
Chople BerryReduces the damage from a supereffective Fighting move. Useful to ensure Tyranitar doesn't get one-shot.
Check Out Battle Item Locations Here!

Tyranitar - Best Nature And EVs

Tyranitar - Recommended Natures

NatureTraits
JollySpd↑ / Sp.Atk↓
Tyranitar's low speed is often a problem, so many builds putting 252 EVs in Speed use the Jolly nature.
AdamantAtk↑ / Sp.Atk↓
Adamant is a safe bet for most variants of Tyranitar.
CarefulSp.Def↑ / Sp.Atk↓
Tanky Tyranitars benefit greatly from the extra Sp. Def!

Which Nature Would You Recommend?

Recommended Base Point (EV) Allocation

Physical Attacker Tyranitar

StatBase Point
Attack252 points (max)
Speed252 points (max)
Defense4 points

Speed is by far Tyranitar's biggest weak point, so supplementing it to ensure it goes first in a few matchups can be useful.

Defensive Tyranitar

StatBase Point
Special Defense252 points (max)
HP252 points (max)
Attack4 points

This build makes use of Sandstorm's 50% buff to Special Defense to turn Tyranitar into a surprisingly lethal special defense wall. Pair this build with an Assault Vest for even better results.

Check Out The EV (Base Point) Guide Here!

Tyranitar Counters

Recommended Pokemon To Counter Tyranitar

PokemonExplanation
Hippowdon IconHippowdon Pros
- Can switch in on Tyranitar easily
- Isn't bothered by Sandstorm
- Can 2 shot with Earthquake
Cons
- Could possibly flinch due to Crunch
Aegislash  IconAegislash Pros
- Close Combat can 1-hit even against HP & Defense build.
Cons
- Is easily one shot while in Sword Forme and is slower
Lucario IconLucario Pros
- Close Combat can 1-hit even against HP & Defense build.
Cons
- One shot by Earthquake
Galarian Corsola IconGalarian Corsola Pros
- Can shut down with Strength Sap
Cons
- Can be 2 shot by Crunch, so you'll need to switch in on another move.
Greedent IconGreedent Pros
- Body Press can deal massive damage
- Using Stuff Cheeks with Ganlon Berry can highly boost Def while healing
Cons
- Can be defeated by Stone Edge + Choice Band

How To Play Against Tyranitar

Use Fighting Moves

Tyranitar will take x4 damage from Fighting moves, which can be lethal even considering how bulky it is. However, it has a high chance to survive the attack during Dynamax, and it could run Weakness Policy, which is quite dangerous.

Weak Against Physical Tanks

Most of Tyranitar's attacks are Physical moves, which can be countered with Physical tanks. Moves like Will-O-Wisp or Burn effect from Scald can take it down with ease.

Tyranitar Has Low Chance of Attacking First

Due to its lack of Speed, it is unlikely that Tyranitar will be able to attack first unless it is equipped with a Choice Scarf. Tyranitar also doesn't have healing moves, and can be whittled down with following party members.

Tyranitar - Competitive Breeding Process & Raid

Breeding Process Flow Chart

1Catch a Larvitar at the Lake Of Outrage. Shield Only
2Hatch Eggs until you get a High IV Larvitar
3Breed that Larvitar until you get one with an Adamant Nature
4Put 252 EVs in Attack and HP
5Max out its Dynamax Level
6Level to Lv. 55 to evolve to Tyranitar
7Teach it Crunch, Stone Edge, Earthquake, & Fire Punch
8Equip Weakness Policy
>> Check Out Our Breeding Guide For More Info!

How To Get Larvitar

The first step to Breeding Tyranitar will be to catch either a wild Larvitar. Larvitar can be found in the Lake Of Outrage during Sunny and Clear weather. Pupitar can be found in the Lake Of Outrage during Sandstorms.

Check Out Wild Area Guide Here!

Competitive Breeding Related Articles

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Article Written by
Sword Shield Strategy Team

Sword Shield Strategy Team

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Anonymous 5

Am I missing the Earthquake/Leftover build? The one used at the last finals in China?

Anonymous 4

it cant use close combat

Anonymous 3

It can learn DD. Breed it with Haxorus

Anonymous 2

And I don't think tyranitar could learn DD in this one too

Anonymous 1

I thought the move Pursuit was removed from the game

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