Forretress
Its entire body is shielded by a steel-hard shell. What lurks inside the armor is a total mystery.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Bug Buzz serves as Forretress's main Bug-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Forretress's Attack of 90, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Bug.
Flash Cannon is the STAB anchor of this set. The Steel-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Forretress's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Steel weaknesses.
Signal Beam provides essential Normal-type coverage, neutral coverage. This move fills gaps in Forretress's otherwise Bug-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Pin Missile serves as Forretress's main Bug-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Forretress's Attack of 90, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Bug.
Strengths
- ▸Having Bug/Steel typing allows Forretress to run Bug Buzz and Flash Cannon with a 1.5x damage multiplier, creating consistent offensive pressure
- ▸Resisting Bug, Dragon, Fairy gives Forretress natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸Complete immunity to Poison attacks means Forretress can switch in for free against these moves
- ▸Forretress's defense stat of 140 is a defining feature that shapes its competitive identity
Weaknesses
- ▸The 4x vulnerability to Fire is Forretress's most critical flaw—any Fire-type move poses an immediate KO threat
- ▸With only 40 speed, Forretress struggles to act first
- ▸Below-average Speed (40) means Forretress will often move second, taking damage before it can act
Pro Tips
Focus VP training on Attack to capitalize on Forretress's higher physical Attack stat. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Forretress sustain through extended battles. Keep Forretress away from Fire-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Coordinate Forretress with teammates that can set up hazards or provide speed control.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Forretress functions primarily as a balanced utility Pokemon. Stat-wise, Forretress brings 465 total points with defense as its standout stat at 140. Its Bug/Steel typing creates vulnerabilities to Fire types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Dragon, Fairy provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Forretress is a viable option that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Forretress features 465 total base stats with defense (140) as its defining attribute and speed (40) as its weakest point. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Bug Buzz, Flash Cannon) with coverage moves (Signal Beam), giving Forretress answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Fire mean Forretress must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Dragon, Fairy provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Poison gives Forretress a unique defensive advantage. The Tier B rating indicates Forretress is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. For optimal performance, build Forretress with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fire-type opponents: Forretress is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Forretress in against Fire types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fire. If forced to fight, use Bug Buzz and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Forretress has the advantage here. Its Bug typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Forretress to tank hits and retaliate with Bug Buzz. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Poison-type moves: Forretress is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Poison attacks and bring Forretress in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Forretress's 40 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fire-type opponents: Forretress has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Bug moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Forretress when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Forretress excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Forretress to apply pressure with Bug Buzz and Flash Cannon, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Fire types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Forretress's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Forretress for crucial late-game moments.
As the battle progresses, Forretress should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Bug/Steel typing means Forretress has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Fire types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Bug, stay in and attack.
Bug Buzz should be your primary attack, with Flash Cannon for coverage when needed.
By the endgame, Forretress should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 465 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Bug Buzz to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier B rating indicates Forretress needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Forretress with a Fire-type partner to absorb Fire attacks that Forretress is weak to
- ▸Pair with a Pokemon that can set up screens (Reflect, Light Screen) to extend Forretress's survivability
- ▸Combine with a pivot (Volt Switch, U-turn) user to bring Forretress in safely on favorable matchups
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Forretress's potential weaknesses
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Fire coverage moves should target Forretress immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Forretress before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Special attackers target Forretress's weak Special Defense (60) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Toxic poison wears Forretress down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Forretress with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Fire attacks. This defensive core covers Forretress's primary weakness while Forretress handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Forretress with a setup sweeper that benefits from Forretress's ability to weaken walls. Use Bug Buzz to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Forretress's Bug/Steel typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Forretress good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Forretress is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 465 base stat total and Bug/Steel typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Forretress if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Forretress?
A:Forretress benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Forretress has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Forretress?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Forretress, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Forretress to outspeed specific threats. Since Forretress's Attack (90) exceeds its Special Attack (60), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Forretress?
A:Forretress's biggest counters are Fire-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Forretress before it acts, especially given its 40 Speed. To beat Forretress, use Fire STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.