Tyranitar
Its body can't be harmed by any sort of attack, so it is very eager to make challenges against enemies.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Rock Slide serves as Tyranitar's main Rock-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Tyranitar's Attack of 134, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Rock.
Dark Pulse is Tyranitar's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Dark-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Tyranitar's Attack stat of 134, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
As Tyranitar's trusted Rock STAB option, Stone Edge benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Rock types.
Rock Throw serves as Tyranitar's main Rock-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Tyranitar's Attack of 134, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Rock.
Strengths
- ▸With Rock/Dark as its typing, Tyranitar uses Rock Slide and Dark Pulse as reliable damage dealers that benefit from the 50% same-type attack bonus
- ▸The Rock/Dark typing grants resistances to Dark, Fire, Flying, meaning Tyranitar can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸Tyranitar takes zero damage from Psychic type moves, creating free switch-in opportunities
- ▸With 134 attack, Tyranitar stands out as a hard hitter
Weaknesses
- ▸A devastating 4x weakness to Fighting means Tyranitar can be knocked out instantly by well-timed Fighting attacks
- ▸The 61 Speed stat leaves Tyranitar outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
- ▸Limited coverage options restrict Tyranitar's ability to handle diverse threats
Pro Tips
Focus VP training on Attack to capitalize on Tyranitar's higher physical Attack stat. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Tyranitar sustain through extended battles. Keep Tyranitar away from Bug-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Build teams that cover Tyranitar's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Tyranitar functions primarily as a physical wall. With a 600 base stat total led by its attack of 134, Tyranitar has the raw stats to compete at higher tiers. Its Rock/Dark typing creates vulnerabilities to Bug, Fairy, Fighting types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Dark, Fire, Flying provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Tyranitar depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Tyranitar features 600 total base stats with attack (134) as its defining attribute and speed (61) as its weakest point. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Rock Slide, Dark Pulse, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Bug, Fairy, Fighting mean Tyranitar must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Dark, Fire, Flying provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Psychic gives Tyranitar a unique defensive advantage. As a Tier S Pokemon, Tyranitar is considered a top-tier threat that can define team compositions around it. For optimal performance, build Tyranitar with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Bug-type opponents: Tyranitar is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Tyranitar in against Bug types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Bug. If forced to fight, use Rock Slide and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Dark-type opponents: Tyranitar has the advantage here. Its Rock typing reduces incoming Dark damage, allowing Tyranitar to tank hits and retaliate with Rock Slide. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Psychic-type moves: Tyranitar is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Psychic attacks and bring Tyranitar in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Tyranitar's 61 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 Water-type opponents: Tyranitar has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Rock moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Tyranitar when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Tyranitar, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a defensive pivot with 600 total base stats, Tyranitar should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Bug coverage, save Tyranitar for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Rock Slide and Dark Pulse while assessing the opponent's team composition.
During the mid-game, Tyranitar's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Tyranitar out when facing its weakness to Bug, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Tyranitar can handle.
Use Stone Edge as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Tyranitar is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the endgame, Tyranitar can serve as a win condition if its counters have been eliminated.
With 600 base stat total, it has the raw power to clean up weakened teams.
Save Tyranitar for the final stretch when the opponent's answers to it are gone, then sweep with Rock Slide and Dark Pulse.
The tier S rating reflects Tyranitar's ability to close out games when properly supported.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Fire-type teammate covers Tyranitar's Bug weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Combine Tyranitar with entry hazard setters (Stealth Rock, Spikes) to maximize the damage from its attacks
- ▸Tyranitar pairs well with frail sweepers that need a safe switch-in partner—use Tyranitar to absorb hits they can't
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Tyranitar's potential weaknesses
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Bug coverage moves should target Tyranitar immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Tyranitar before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Burn cuts Tyranitar's Attack in half, significantly reducing its physical damage output
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Tyranitar with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Bug attacks. This defensive core covers Tyranitar's primary weakness while Tyranitar handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Tyranitar with a setup sweeper that benefits from Tyranitar's ability to weaken walls. Use Rock Slide 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, Tyranitar's Rock/Dark typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Tyranitar good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Yes, Tyranitar is an excellent choice in Pokemon Champions. Its Tier S rating reflects its strong Rock/Dark typing and 600 base stat total. Tyranitar excels as a durable tank and can carry games with proper support.
Q:What's the best item for Tyranitar?
A:For Tyranitar, Leftovers is the top item choice, providing passive recovery that synergizes with its high HP of 100. Alternative options include Assault Vest (if Tyranitar needs special bulk) or Sitrus Berry for emergency healing. The item choice should complement Tyranitar's role as a tank.
Q:What nature should I use for Tyranitar?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Tyranitar, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Tyranitar to outspeed specific threats. Since Tyranitar's Attack (134) exceeds its Special Attack (95), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Tyranitar?
A:Tyranitar's biggest counters are Bug-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Tyranitar before it acts, especially given its 61 Speed. To beat Tyranitar, use Bug STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.
Tyranitar Competitive Depth Guide
Competitive Overview
Tyranitar is the premier weather setter and one of the most versatile Pokemon in Pokemon Champions. Its Sand Stream ability summons a sandstorm that lasts 5 turns, boosting Rock-type Special Defense by 50% and chipping all non-Rock, Steel, and Ground types for 6% per turn. This makes Tyranitar one of the bulkiest Special Defense tanks in the game: with 100 base HP and 100 base SpD, plus the 1.5x Sand Boost, Tyranitar effectively has 150 base Special Defense in sand. Its Rock/Dark typing gives it seven resistances and one immunity (Psychic), but also seven weaknesses including a 4x Fighting weakness. Tyranitar's 134 base Attack is formidable, and with Dragon Dance or Choice Band, it becomes a legitimate wallbreaker. The Sand Stream + Special Defense boost combination is so powerful that entire team archetypes are built around it. Tyranitar is also one of the best Pursuit users in the game, trapping and eliminating Psychic and Ghost types like Alakazam and Gengar.
Recommended Build
252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack)
Assault Vest or Choice Band
Sand Stream
Rock or Flying
Moveset Analysis
Rock STAB at 75 base power hitting both opponents in doubles. The 30% flinch chance is valuable for speed control. In sand, Tyranitar's Special Defense boost makes it very difficult to remove.
Dark STAB at 80 base power with 20% Defense drop chance. This is Tyranitar's most reliable single-target attack and hits Psychic and Ghost types super-effectively.
Ground coverage at 100 base power. This is the answer to Steel, Fire, Electric, and Rock types. In doubles, pair with Flying-type or Levitate partners.
Protect for doubles scouting. Dragon Dance turns Tyranitar from a wallbreaker into a sweeper, with +1 Attack and +1 Speed.
Key Matchup Analysis
Excellent. Sand Stream breaks Alakazam's Focus Sash (Magic Guard prevents hazard damage but not sand), and Crunch OHKOs. Even if Alakazam survives, sand chip finishes it.
Terrible. 4x Fighting weakness means Close Combat OHKOs. Tera Flying can remove the weakness, but this is a desperate measure. Switch to a Ghost or Fairy type.
Favorable. Sand Stream overrides Drought, removing Solar Beam's one-turn benefit. Rock Slide OHKOs Charizard's 4x Rock weakness. Mega Y's Drought can re-activate, creating a weather war.
Excellent. Pursuit traps Gengar, and Crunch OHKOs. Even Mega Gengar's Shadow Tag doesn't prevent Tyranitar from attacking. This is one of Tyranitar's best matchups.
Team Archetypes
Sand Balance
Tyranitar sets sand and functions as a special tank. Pair with Excadrill (Sand Rush sweeper) and a Fighting resist like Clefable or Togekiss for a classic Sand core.
Dragon Dance Sweeper
Tyranitar with Dragon Dance + 3 attacks. After one boost, 134 Attack becomes 201 and 61 Speed becomes 91, outspeeding most walls. Tera Rock boosts Rock Slide significantly.
Assault Vest Tank
Tyranitar with Assault Vest for 1.5x Special Defense on top of Sand Boost, effectively reaching 225 base Special Defense. Functions as an unkillable special wall that can still deal damage.
Advanced Strategy Tips
Tyranitar's Sand Stream is the most impactful weather ability in the game. Sand boosts Rock-type Special Defense by 50%, which means Tyranitar itself gets the boost (Rock type). This turns Tyranitar into a special wall that can tank Psystrike from Mewtwo and Shadow Ball from Gengar. The sand chip damage (6% per turn) adds up quickly, especially against Focus Sash users like Alakazam and Breloom. The Assault Vest build is particularly interesting: with Sand Boost + Assault Vest, Tyranitar's effective Special Defense reaches absurd levels, allowing it to tank even super-effective special attacks. The main weakness of Assault Vest is the inability to use Protect, Dragon Dance, or Stealth Rock. Pursuit is Tyranitar's hidden weapon: if the opponent switches, Pursuit does double damage. This traps and eliminates Alakazam, Gengar, and other Psychic/Ghost types that would otherwise be difficult to remove. The 4x Fighting weakness is Tyranitar's biggest liability. Close Combat from Machamp, Heracross, or Mega Lucario OHKOs regardless of investment. Tera Flying removes the Fighting weakness entirely and grants immunity to Ground, but adds Ice, Rock, and Electric weaknesses. Tera Rock is the offensive alternative, boosting Rock Slide to 112 power after STAB + Tera.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Leaving Tyranitar in against Fighting types without a Tera plan or switch option
- ✗Forgetting that Sand Stream's weather can be overridden by other weather setters (Drought, Drizzle), losing the Special Defense boost
- ✗Using Pursuit when the opponent is not switching, wasting a turn on a 40 power move
- ✗Investing in Special Attack for coverage moves when Tyranitar's 134 Attack is far superior