So, Iron thorns. The third mechanical version of Tyranitar seen in game and the first one which is obtainable. Allegedly it’s from a billion years in the future. Called Iron thorns despite Not being a steel type nor being a Grass type (given that thorns is mostly commonly associated with Plants). Being Rock/Electric type, it is one of the few Paradox Pokémon that naturally benefit from Electric Terrain even without its ability. Its attack is a good 134 and with a defence of 110 and a HP 100 it’s got a solid bulk in theory; it’s even got passable special defence of 84 with its HP that's not the worst. Its special attack is 70 which is bad but actually helps as its attacks are focussed on a single stat in its case attack. So, it’s a major competitive threat then, right? well no. In general the future paradox Pokémon have had a harder time adjusting to the modern competitive scene for a few reasons including the fact that Electric terrain is harder to get set up automatically when Miraidon isn't allowed while when Koraidon misses out there's a number of good sun setters (sun has things like Torkoal and ninetales, while Pincurchin is the only gen 9 option given Tapu Koko didn’t make the cut.). Still things like Iron hands and Iron treads have made it work, so how has Iron Thorns done…. well, it hasn’t. Iron thorns as far as I can tell has had not had any significant achievements in official battles. So, what the biggest issue? Firstly, one stat I didn’t mention is its speed, it’s a paltry 72. Not slow enough to be reliable in trick room but definitely slow enough it likely will take a hit. With its defences that shouldn’t be the biggest issue however leads to the second issue its typing (which to me its design does not make me think rock type) leaves it weak to ground moves (especially the ever-present earthquake,) Fighting (including close combat) and any number of water and grass moves. Also, in most cases because it relies on electric terrain sandstorm is often not also present (while both can be active most strategies tend to focus on a terrain or a weather and many have neither). On the face of it this is bad but probably manageable, what makes it a lot worse is that Rock and electric have movepool issues. Electric struggles when it comes to physical moves as most of the options have are either quite weak or have a massive drawback its options include thunder fang (weak), Wild Charge (recoil), Thunder Punch (also fairly weak for a main option), or supercell slam (takes recoil damage if it misses). Supercell slam was a boon for it but because it was not added until the DLC by the time it got the move other more reliable electric types were added. Its rock type options are better with moves like Rock slide and Stone edge but the issue here is accuracy and missing a hit for Iron thorns often means another hit which can prove fatal. It does have some overall interesting option when it comes to coverage but it really needs and upgrade to its main electric and Rock options to really compete. If some day MT and MT2 ever get added as official Pokémon (or had been added via the dream world in BW2) then I honestly think they would have been an upgrade on iron thorns. Maybe some time in the future it will become as strong as the major Kaijus like Mecha Godzilla that it takes inspiration from but for now it seems like it would be inferior to even the 1998 Godzilla. It is certainly no Minus one Godzilla but that might well be a fair score for its performance so far.
Box Office Gamble
This set relies on something unexpected about this mecha kaiju. Because of its Thorns and being a rock type, it actually gets access to two moves that work really well with loaded dice. It is reliant on some sort of priority such as tailwind, slow opposition or opponents that can’t threaten it but if it gets the hit off is a surprising amount of damage. A bit of shame that it doesn’t get scale shot (though logically I get why it does not).
Item-Loaded Dice- Great for multi hit moves
Nature- Adamant/Jolly.
Tera Type- Bug- Works with Pin missile
Moves-
Pin Missile- When multi Hit maximised can be particularly good.
Earthquake- coverage against a lot. Great doubles option only downside is that in doubles may hit partner.
Rock Blast- When multi Hit maximised can be exceptionally good and more reliable than stone edge.
Wild Charge/Supercell Slam- Physical electric option, both risky due to recoil, supercell slam is probably the better risk here as its possible recoil but not every time but if you miss the damage is huge.
Other options
Dragon Dance- a fantastic way to deal with its speed issue but often relies on something to help reduce damage as it will have to take at least one hit.
Focus sash- enables it to get a dragon dance or other set up off.
Rock slide- Great doubles option
Stone edge- shaky accuracy but works on non-loaded options.
Tera Blast- Can work as an alternative to solve a type problem but does mean you have to use it as the tera Pokémon.
Assault vest- shores up special defence and limits it to damaging attacks which actually works for this Pokémon.
Body press and Iron defence- It can run a rather good defence-oriented set but is a bit of a wate given its superior attack
Spikes and Stealth Rock- can set up hazards but its not exactly its best feature.
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