UU Forretress

Surgeon

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is a Contributor Alumnus

QC: [3/3]
GP: [2/2]


[OVERVIEW]

Forretress's niche lies in role compression: its ability to set and remove entry hazards from the field at the same time. It also sports an immense base 140 Defense stat and a decent defensive typing that provides it with plentiful resistances and an immunity to Poison-type attacks, meaning it's able to switch into powerful Pokemon in the tier, such as non-Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Band Azumarill. However, Forretress is very slow and passive, relying on moves like Gyro Ball and Toxic to do any significant damage to foes, meaning it can be used as setup bait by a lot of Pokemon such as Swords Dance Scizor, Gliscor, and Cobalion. Its Special Defense stat is also very lackluster, which makes it easily pressured by a lot of common special attackers in the tier, such as Hydreigon and Mega Manectric. Additionally, since it lacks reliable recovery, Forretress is prone to being worn down, relying on Leftovers to mitigate that. Forretress is also held back by its 4x weakness to Fire, making it easily exploitable by Pokemon like Hidden Power Fire Serperior and Latias. Additionally, Scizor's prominence in the tier means that the Fire-type coverage that Forretress fears is very common. Furthermore, Forretress faces stiff competition from other Steel-types and entry hazard setters and removers, such as Mega Aggron, Klefki, and Tentacruel, and it shouldn't be considered over any other in most circumstances unless its niche is desirable.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Gyro Ball
move 4: Volt Switch / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spikes and Stealth Rock allow Forretress to support its team by weakening foes. The option to use one or the other is team dependent; if there's already a Spikes setter, Stealth Rock should be used, and vice versa. Rapid Spin removes entry hazards from the field, preventing Forretress's teammates from getting crippled and worn down. Gyro Ball is Forretress's only attacking move, taking advantage of its low Speed and pressuring faster threats such as Mega Altaria and Terrakion. Heavy Slam is also an option, since it has more PP and deals more damage to Pokemon like Sylveon and Florges, which would be able to stall out Gyro Ball. However, it's much weaker than Gyro Ball against faster threats, such as Hydreigon. Volt Switch is used to gain momentum and bring one of Forretress's teammates in safely. Toxic could also be used in the last slot, as it reduces its passivity, crippling Pokemon that resist Gyro Ball, such as Alomomola.

Set Details
========

The given EVs and nature are used to maximize Forretress's physical bulk, allowing it to pivot into a number of threats, such as Choice Band Azumarill and non-Fire Blast Mega Altaria, more easily. Additionally, a Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to make Gyro Ball stronger by decreasing Forretress's Speed. Sturdy is the preferred ability, allowing Forretress to survive any hit if its HP is full. Leftovers provides Forretress with a form of passive recovery, increasing its longevity.

Usage Tips
========

Despite Forretress's great physical bulk, it must be used carefully, since it can be easily used as setup fodder by a number of setup sweepers. For this reason, it shouldn't stay in against Pokemon like Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion. Volt Switch can be used in those situations to prevent the opponent from gaining an advantage. Try to bring Forretress in against Pokemon that it can check, such as Krookodile and non-Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl, to set entry hazards or remove them from your side of the field. Use Toxic to cripple Pokemon that would otherwise wall Forretress such as Alomomola. Furthermore, after it has done its job, and set or get rid of entry hazards, it's safe to use Forretress as death fodder, as it usually doesn't provide much more utility.

Team Options
========

Due to the amount of momentum loss that Forretress can cause, it mostly fits on bulkier teams that appreciate the role compression it provides as both as an entry hazard setter and remover and its great asset of resistances. Forretress is usually setup fodder for a lot of Pokemon in the tier such as Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion, so Pokemon that can stop common setup sweepers such as Quagsire and Hippowdon pair well with it. Furthermore, Forretress is prone to being worn down, so Wish support from Pokemon like Alomomola and Sylveon is appreciated. Alomomola is a particularly good partner, since it can also check Fire-types such as Infernape that can threaten Forretress. Cleric support from Pokemon like Blissey and Togekiss is also a way to prevent Forretress from being worn down as quickly, since burn damage nullifies Leftovers recovery. Bulky Water-types such as the aforementioned Alomomola and Suicune are able to sponge Fire-type attacks aimed at Forretress with ease, thus making good partners. Fairy-types also pair well with Forretress. Togekiss appreciates Forretress's ability to remove Stealth Rock, making it easier for it to set up, and Azumarill and Primarina take advantage of the entry hazards that Forretress tries to set up. Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile also pair well with Forretress, since they can trap spinblockers such as Chandelure, which prevent Forretress from removing entry hazards from its side of the field.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Toxic Spikes could be incorporated on the set, but it is usually not worth using, since it doesn't offer as much utility as Stealth Rock or Spikes in most situations. A specially defensive set with a spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD and a Sassy nature is also an option, allowing Forretress to take hits from Pokemon like non-Hidden Power Fire Latias more comfortably. It loses out on the opportunity to switch into Pokemon like Azumarill and is still unable to check most special attackers, however. Overcoat could be used instead of Sturdy, as it allows Forretress to safely switch into Breloom without fearing being hit by Spore, but it's very situational in comparison to Sturdy. Earthquake could be used to OHKO Magneton and hit Fire-types like Infernape and Chandelure for super effective damage, but Gyro Ball is still a better option most of the time, as it hits a wider range of threats.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Setup Sweepers**: Due to its passivity, Forretress can be used as setup bait for many common setup sweepers in the tier that don't fear much from it such as Swords Dance Scizor, Gliscor, Cobalion, and Calm Mind Suicune.

**Tentacruel**: Tentacruel doesn't fear much from Forretress, as it resists Gyro Ball, is immune to Toxic, and can remove any entry hazards that Forretress tries to set.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Stakataka, Scizor, Empoleon, and Mega Aggron resist Gyro Ball and are immune to Toxic, allowing them to take advantage of Forretress pretty freely by using it as setup fodder or to set up entry hazards or clear them from the field. Magneton is a particularly dangerous threat, as it's also able to trap Forretress.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Moltres, Infernape, and Chandelure resist Gyro Ball and are able to threaten Forretress with their STAB moves.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon like Primarina, Nidoking, and Hydreigon can severely weaken and pressure Forretress due to its low Special Defense stat.

**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Gliscor, Hydreigon, and Krookodile are able to shut down Forretress by preventing it from setting up entry hazards.

**Magic Bounce**: Xatu and Mega Absol are able to bounce back Forretress's entry hazards thanks to their ability, Magic Bounce. However, even though Mega Absol is able to OHKO Forretress with Fire Blast, it's 2HKOed by Gyro Ball.
 
Last edited:

Amaroq

Cover me.
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Overview

Mention the benefits of its defensive typing.

Explain that it faces competition from other Steel-types and that Scizor's prominence means that the Fire-type coverage Forretress fears is common.

Physically Defensive

Slash Spikes first. Stealth Rock has much better distribution than Spikes, and Forretress's access to Spikes is one of the few reasons to consider using it.

In Team Options, mention Fairy-types and bulky Water-types as good partners.

Give more examples of good Pursuit users.

Checks and Counters

Add Krookodile to Taunt users.

Change the Xatu bullet point to Magic Bounce in general and point out that, while Mega Absol can bounce back Forretress's hazards and KO it with Fire Blast, Forretress 2HKOs it with Gyro Ball.

QC 1/3.
 
you should mention somewhere in the overview that its SpD is just terrible, especially considering you don't invest in it.

pretty cut-and-dry, not much else to say about this mon, 2/3
 

autumn

only i will remain
is a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
C&C Leader
lol forretress

follow this video for a quick and easy implementation method that should take 5 minutes at most. also, if you have any questions regarding the check, feel free to message me.

GP 1/2
add remove comments (AC/RC = add/remove comma; AH/RH = add/remove hyphen; AP/RP = add/remove period; ASC/RSC = add/remove semicolon)

[OVERVIEW]

Forretress's niche lies on in role compression; (ASC) its ability to set and remove entry hazards from the field at the same time. It also sports an immense 140 Defense stat and a decent defensive typing that provides it with plentiful resistances and an immunity to Poison-type attacks, meaning it's able to switch into powerful Pokemon in the tier, such as non-Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Band Azumarill. However, Forretress is very slow and passive, relying on moves like Gyro Ball and Toxic to do any significant damage to foes, meaning it can be used as setup bait by a lot of other Pokemon in the tier such as Swords Dance Scizor, Gliscor, and Cobalion. Its Special Defense stat is also very lackluster, which makes it easily pressured by a lot of common special attackers in the tier, such as Hydreigon and Mega Manectric. Additionally, since it lacks reliable recovery, Forretress is prone to being worn down, relying on Leftovers to mitigate that. Forretress is also held back by its 4x weakness to Fire, making it easily exploitable by Pokemon like Hidden Power Fire Serperior and Latias. Additionally, Scizor's prominence in the tier means that the Fire-type coverage that Forretress fears is very common. Furthermore, Forretress faces stiff competition from other Steel-types and entry hazard setters and removers, such as Mega Aggron, Klefki, and Tentacruel, and it shouldn't be considered over any other in most circumstances unless its niche is desirable.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Gyro Ball
move 4: Volt Switch / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spikes and Stealth Rock allow Forretress to support its team by weakening foes. The option to use one or the other is team dependent; if there's already a Spikes setter, then Stealth Rock should be used, and vice (RH) versa. Rapid Spin removes entry hazards from the field, avoiding preventing Forretress's teammates from getting crippled and worn down. Gyro Ball is Forretress's only attacking move, as it takes advantage of it's its low Speed and threatens pressures faster threats such as Mega Altaria and Terrakion. Heavy Slam is also an option, (AC) since it has more PP and deals more damage to Pokemon like Sylveon and Florges, that which would otherwise be able to stall out Gyro Ball. However, it's much weaker than Gyro Ball against faster threats, such as Hydreigon. Volt Switch is used to gain momentum and bring one of Forretress's teammates in safely. Toxic could also be used in the last slot, as it reduces its passivity, crippling Pokemon that resist Gyro Ball, such as Alomomola.

Set Details
========

The given EVs and nature are used to maximize Forretress's physical bulk, allowing it to pivot into a number of threats, such as Choice Band Azumarill and non-Fire Blast Mega Altaria more easily. Additionally, a Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to make Gyro Ball stronger (RC) by decreasing its Speed. Sturdy is the preferred ability, allowing it Forretress to survive any hit if its HP is full. Leftovers provides Forretress with a form of passive recovery, increasing its longevity.

Usage Tips
========

Despite Forretress's great physical bulk, it must be used carefully, (AC) since it can be easily used as setup fodder by a number of setup sweepers. It shouldn't stay in against Pokemon like Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion (RC) because it's going to give them opportunities to set up. Volt Switch can be used on in those situations to prevent the opponent from gaining an advantage. Try to bring Forretress in against Pokemon that it can check, (AC) such as Krookodile and non-Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl, to set or remove entry hazards from your side of the field. Use Toxic to cripple Pokemon that would otherwise wall Forretress such as Alomomola. Furthermore, after it has done its job, and set or get rid of entry hazards, it's safe to use Forretress as death fodder, (AC) as it usually doesn't provide much more utility.

Team Options
========

Due to the amount of momentum loss that Forretress can cause, it mostly fits on bulkier teams that appreciate the role compression it provides as both as an entry hazard setter and remover (RC) and its great asset of resistances. Forretress is usually setup fodder to for a lot of Pokemon in the tier such as Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion, so Pokemon that can stop common setup sweepers such as Quagsire and Hippowdon pair well with it. Furthermore, Forretress is also prone to being worn down, so Wish support from Pokemon like Alomomola and Sylveon is appreciated. Alomomola is a particularly good partner, (AC) since it can also check Fire-types such as Infernape that can threaten Forretress. Cleric support from Pokemon like Blissey and Togekiss is also a way to prevent Forretress from being worn down as quickly, since burn damage nullifies Leftovers recovery. Bulky Water-types such as the aforementioned Alomomola and Suicune are able to sponge Fire-type attacks aimed at Forretress with ease, thus making good partners. Fairy-types also pair well with Forretress. Togekiss appreciates Forretress's ability to remove Stealth Rock, making it easier for it to set up, and Sylveon can provide Wish support and keep it healthy, while (you've said this) Azumarill and Primarina take advantage of the entry hazards that Forretress tries to set up. Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile also pair well with Forretress, (AC) since they can trap spinblockers such as Chandelure, which usually prevents it from removing entry hazards from its side of the field.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Toxic Spikes could be incorporated into on the defensive set, but it is usually not worth using, (AC) since it doesn't offer as much utility as Stealth Rock or Spikes in most situations. A specially defensive set with a spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD and a Sassy nature is also an option, allowing Forretress to take hits from Pokemon like non-Hidden Power Fire Latias more comfortably. It loses out on the opportunity to switch into Pokemon like Azumarill, and is still unable to check most special attackers, however. Overcoat could be used instead of Sturdy, as it allows Forretress to safely switch into Breloom without fearing being hit by Spore, but it's very situational in comparison to Sturdy. Earthquake could be used to OHKO Magneton and hit Fire-types like Infernape and Chandelure for super effective damage, but Gyro Ball is still a better option most of the time, as it hits a wider range of threats.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Setup Sweepers**: Due to its passivity, Forretress can be used as setup bait to for many common setup sweepers in the tier that don't fear much from it such as Swords Dance Scizor, Gliscor, Cobalion, and Calm Mind Suicune.

**Tentacruel**: Tentacruel doesn't fear much from Forretress, (AC) as it resists Gyro Ball, is immune to Toxic, and can remove any entry hazards that Forretress tries to set.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Stakataka, Scizor, Empoleon, and Mega Aggron resist Gyro Ball and are immune to Toxic, allowing them to take advantage of Forretress pretty freely (RC) by using it as setup fodder (RC) or to set up entry hazards or clear them from the field. Magneton is a particularly dangerous threat, (AC) as it's also able to trap it Forretress.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Moltres, Infernape, and Chandelure resist Gyro Ball and are able to threaten Forretress with their STAB moves.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon like Primarina, Nidoking, and Hydreigon can severely weaken and pressure Forretress due to its low Special Defense stat.

**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Gliscor, Hydreigon, and Krookodile are able to shut down Forretress by preventing it from setting up entry hazards.

**Magic Bounce**: Xatu and Mega Absol are able to bounce back Forretress's entry hazards thanks to their ability, Magic Bounce. However, even though Mega Absol is able to OHKO Forretress with Fire Blast, it's also 2HKOed by Gyro Ball.

 

Lumari

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TFP Leader


remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Forretress's niche lies in role compression: (colon) its ability to set and remove entry hazards from the field at the same time. It also sports an immense base 140 Defense stat and a decent defensive typing that provides it with plentiful resistances and an immunity to Poison-type attacks, meaning it's able to switch into powerful Pokemon in the tier, such as non-Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Band Azumarill. However, Forretress is very slow and passive, relying on moves like Gyro Ball and Toxic to do any significant damage to foes, meaning it can be used as setup bait by a lot of Pokemon such as Swords Dance Scizor, Gliscor, and Cobalion. Its Special Defense stat is also very lackluster, which makes it easily pressured by a lot of common special attackers in the tier, such as Hydreigon and Mega Manectric. Additionally, since it lacks reliable recovery, Forretress is prone to being worn down, relying on Leftovers to mitigate that. Forretress is also held back by its 4x weakness to Fire, making it easily exploitable by Pokemon like Hidden Power Fire Serperior and Latias. Additionally, Scizor's prominence in the tier means that the Fire-type coverage that Forretress fears is very common. Furthermore, Forretress faces stiff competition from other Steel-types and entry hazard setters and removers, such as Mega Aggron, Klefki, and Tentacruel, and it shouldn't be considered over any other in most circumstances unless its niche is desirable.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Gyro Ball
move 4: Volt Switch / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Spikes and Stealth Rock allow Forretress to support its team by weakening foes. The option to use one or the other is team dependent; if there's already a Spikes setter, then Stealth Rock should be used, and vice versa. Rapid Spin removes entry hazards from the field, preventing Forretress's teammates from getting crippled and worn down. Gyro Ball is Forretress's only attacking move, as it takes taking advantage of its low Speed and pressures pressuring faster threats such as Mega Altaria and Terrakion. Heavy Slam is also an option, since it has more PP and deals more damage to Pokemon like Sylveon and Florges, which would otherwise be able to stall out Gyro Ball. However, it's much weaker than Gyro Ball against faster threats, such as Hydreigon. Volt Switch is used to gain momentum and bring one of Forretress's teammates in safely. Toxic could also be used in the last slot, as it reduces its passivity, crippling Pokemon that resist Gyro Ball, such as Alomomola.

Set Details
========

The given EVs and nature are used to maximize Forretress's physical bulk, allowing it to pivot into a number of threats, such as Choice Band Azumarill and non-Fire Blast Mega Altaria, (AC) more easily. Additionally, a Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to make Gyro Ball stronger by decreasing its Forretress's Speed. Sturdy is the preferred ability, allowing Forretress to survive any hit if its HP is full. Leftovers provides Forretress with a form of passive recovery, increasing its longevity.

Usage Tips
========

Despite Forretress's great physical bulk, it must be used carefully, since it can be easily used as setup fodder by a number of setup sweepers. For this reason, it shouldn't stay in against Pokemon like Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion because it's going to give them opportunities to set up. Volt Switch can be used in those situations to prevent the opponent from gaining an advantage. Try to bring Forretress in against Pokemon that it can check, such as Krookodile and non-Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl, to set or remove entry hazards or remove them from your side of the field. Use Toxic to cripple Pokemon that would otherwise wall Forretress such as Alomomola. Furthermore, after it has done its job, and set or get rid of entry hazards, it's safe to use Forretress as death fodder, as it usually doesn't provide much more utility.

Team Options
========

Due to the amount of momentum loss that Forretress can cause, it mostly fits on bulkier teams that appreciate the role compression it provides as both as an entry hazard setter and remover and its great asset of resistances. Forretress is usually setup fodder for a lot of Pokemon in the tier such as Swords Dance Scizor and Cobalion, so Pokemon that can stop common setup sweepers such as Quagsire and Hippowdon pair well with it. Furthermore, Forretress is also prone to being worn down, so Wish support from Pokemon like Alomomola and Sylveon is appreciated. Alomomola is a particularly good partner, since it can also check Fire-types such as Infernape that can threaten Forretress. Cleric support from Pokemon like Blissey and Togekiss is also a way to prevent Forretress from being worn down as quickly, since burn damage nullifies Leftovers recovery. Bulky Water-types such as the aforementioned Alomomola and Suicune are able to sponge Fire-type attacks aimed at Forretress with ease, thus making good partners. Fairy-types also pair well with Forretress. Togekiss appreciates Forretress's ability to remove Stealth Rock, making it easier for it to set up, and Azumarill and Primarina take advantage of the entry hazards that Forretress tries to set up. Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile also pair well with Forretress, since they can trap spinblockers such as Chandelure, which prevents it prevent Forretress from removing entry hazards from its side of the field.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Toxic Spikes could be incorporated on the set, but it is usually not worth using, since it doesn't offer as much utility as Stealth Rock or Spikes in most situations. A specially defensive set with a spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD and a Sassy nature is also an option, allowing Forretress to take hits from Pokemon like non-Hidden Power Fire Latias more comfortably. It loses out on the opportunity to switch into Pokemon like Azumarill (RC) and is still unable to check most special attackers, however. Overcoat could be used instead of Sturdy, as it allows Forretress to safely switch into Breloom without fearing being hit by Spore, but it's very situational in comparison to Sturdy. Earthquake could be used to OHKO Magneton and hit Fire-types like Infernape and Chandelure for super effective damage, but Gyro Ball is still a better option most of the time, as it hits a wider range of threats.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Setup Sweepers**: Due to its passivity, Forretress can be used as setup bait for many common setup sweepers in the tier that don't fear much from it such as Swords Dance Scizor, Gliscor, Cobalion, and Calm Mind Suicune.

**Tentacruel**: Tentacruel doesn't fear much from Forretress, as it resists Gyro Ball, is immune to Toxic, and can remove any entry hazards that Forretress tries to set.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Stakataka, Scizor, Empoleon, and Mega Aggron resist Gyro Ball and are immune to Toxic, allowing them to take advantage of Forretress pretty freely by using it as setup fodder or to set up entry hazards or clear them from the field. Magneton is a particularly dangerous threat, as it's also able to trap Forretress.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Moltres, Infernape, and Chandelure resist Gyro Ball and are able to threaten Forretress with their STAB moves.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon like Primarina, Nidoking, and Hydreigon can severely weaken and pressure Forretress due to its low Special Defense stat.

**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Gliscor, Hydreigon, and Krookodile are able to shut down Forretress by preventing it from setting up entry hazards.

**Magic Bounce**: Xatu and Mega Absol are able to bounce back Forretress's entry hazards thanks to their ability, Magic Bounce. However, even though Mega Absol is able to OHKO Forretress with Fire Blast, it's 2HKOed by Gyro Ball.
 
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