Benzo
Front Page News Editor<br>Forum Moderator
[GAL=54904]Garchomp[/GAL]
:vg_dragon:/:vg_ground:
:vg_dragon:/:vg_ground:
This review was requested by member NormalGuy.
This time around we are going to take a look into one of the more popular battle worthy Pokémon that 4th Generation introduced in it's line up of new Dragon type Pokémon in it's roster. Being a Dragon and Ground type, there are many reasons this guy can't be the T-Rex of Monsters on the battle field.
Taking a look into it's base stats, you have a beast that can not only destroy most opposing teams, but can continue to rage onward and be your main arsenal in getting in some wins for you. Building this guy to perfection is easy and compatible with various team mate options. Here are the base stats of this titan:
Hit Point: 108
Attack: 130
Defense: 95
Special Attack: 80
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 102
With a decent Hit Point stat, one heck of an Attack stat, reasonable Defense, somewhat ok Special Attack, average Special Defense, and a Speed stat that is slightly above great- you are looking at something to give your fellow competition some nasty Knock Outs in no time. Garchomp looks like a Hammerhead Shark had breed with a Velociraptor, and this is definitely nothing to laugh at based upon looks. This Pokémon has time and time again shown that it has what it takes to be considered one of the best out there on the battle field. Time to check out a build that can earn you some wins, in the competive scene or just for fun in the Battle Subway.
This will be for a Double Battles build. Please note that at the time of the introduction of the new Fairy Type Pokémon- this build is not effected in the consideration of the new Fairy Type. So, for now- Garchomp is safe from Tinker Bell and the Fairy Godmother.
Nature: Jolly (+speed, - special attack) This Nature will help Garchomp be a bit quicker in battles over Pokémon that are fast but not trained or expecting Garchomp to be able to attack right away. Even Pokémon that share the same or similar Base Speed stats will get outrun with the invested Effort Points added into the Speed stat.This is sort of a "surprise" factor without having to use a Hold Item to boost Garchomps Speed or lock in the attack from Choice Scarf.
Ability: Rough Skin. This is sort of a small "Payback" gimmick that if when Garchomp is Physically attacked, the attacker will take some damage off of their own Hit Points. Who doesn't like to toss on a bit of bonus damage for getting attacked? 1/8th damage output is not that bad, but it does add up!
Individual Values: 31 in Attack, 31 in Speed. Upping the Speed, and maximizing damage output for the Nature.
Effort Value Placement: 252 in Attack, 252 in Speed, 4 into Hit Point. This is sort of a "Hit and Run/ Glass Cannon" build, so hitting hard and being first to attack is the strategy here.
Hold Item: This will depend on whom you have Garchomp paired with. One of the best partnering Pokémon types would be Pokémon who have the Levitate Ability, Flying Types, or any Pokémon that can withstand an Earthquake. If you select any of these type of parable Pokémon with Garchomp, I suggest having Garchomp hold the Life Orb. For this build, Life Orb will be the choice hold item.
Move Set:
Earthquake: Garchomp receives STAB with this Attack. It not only covers the whole battle field, but will shake things up in a world of hurt to Pokémon who can not remain stable on the ground. This is key to having a partner Pokémon that can avoid this massive land STAB, compiled with the Life Orb and Garchomp's boosted Attack Stat- this will definitely make for a great opening Attack and pull into the lead right away.
Dragon Claw: This Attack gets STAB bonus, a boost from Life Orb, has a decent base power, and is 100% accurate. This Attack is not the strongest of Dragon Attacks, but it does boast the best versatility in a battle compared to other higher powered Dragon type Attacks. This is a strong, strait forward Attack that still can knock the boots off other Pokémon in the ring.
Swords Dance: This is a great Attack boosting tool you can toss onto Garchomp. This will boost not only your Attack, but further turn your Garchomp into a run-a-way bullet train just begging to crash into something that can't handle any Attacks that are boosted 2 Levels. Life Orb + STAB + boosted attack stat 2 levels + possible weakness? even without weakness= some serious trips for your opponents to the Pokémon center! The advice to using Swords dance: Any opportunity you can get one in, right away.
Rock Slide: Hits both opposing Pokémon and has a chance to make them flinch. 30% is great enough to be a threat to anyone who wants to risk not being able to attack at all. Plus, if you have partnered Garchomp with a status inflictor like Thunder Wave- tossing on the flinch factor will cripple your opponents chances of taking out Garchomp.It will hit somewhat hard, but with Garchomp being built for Speed- this Attack is great to try and catch the chance to make it so that your opponent can not attack at all. Part of the strategy here is that if you use Rock Slide right away (hoping that Garchomp does Attack first)- you might get the flinch effect. But this will also let your opponent know that you might be able to repeat this annoyance, so this is a great time to sneak in one of those Swords Dances. Keeping your opponent guessing on what you up to is great. This is one of those "Oh, I do not want to flinch next turn, and I can not out-run that Garchomp- switch out time?" moments when your making your opponent have to consider what all Garchomp has up it's sleeve.
Garchomp is an over all beast, and it has many more builds that you can create and customize this guy to fit into many teams, or for Single Battle challenges. If anything, Garchomp can pack a bite but can't always take a hit. Ice. Garchomp is not a big fan of Ice Attacks, let alone anything that can toss an Ice Shard it's way. This will send Garchomp into a dirt nap for sure, as it has priority in going fist regardless- sending Garchomp running scared like nothing else. Sort of like a cat and water: not a good result. Other Dragon type Pokémon can really make Garchomp think twice about who is a beastly dragon or not. You will need to watch out for them as well, as those Pokémon have some sweet dragon tricks of their own and could make it a sad day to be a Garchomp. Latios and Latias are perfect examples of making Garchomp look like a little Gecko in front of it's brethren Dragon pals.
So- until the Fairies arrive- enjoy the brute Garchomp and all of it's awesome dragoness!
