Landorus (Therian) Movesets & Competitive Sets

Set Details Landorus-T can act as an effective suicide lead, using Stealth Rock + Explosion to keep Stealth Rock on the field in the face of entry hazard removers. Swords Dance is used to punish the opponent for not immediately dealing with Landorus-T, as its monstrous Attack stat enables it to KO most Pokemon at +2. Explosion is used as a way to preserve momentum. Suicide lead Landorus-T should be used exclusively on hyper offense teams. As such, a dual screens setter such as Tapu Koko or Regieleki is helpful, as both can keep Landorus-T's Stealth Rock on the field with Taunt or Explosion, respectively. Most setup sweepers enjoy Landorus-T dealing heavy damage after it sets Stealth Rock. Cawmodore deserves a special mention as a powerful sweeper that needs Stealth Rock on the field to secure an OHKO on Dragapult with Bullet Punch. Other sweepers such as Rillaboom and Hawlucha appreciate Landorus-T potentially baiting Corviknight into tanking an Explosion. Galarian Moltres and Dragonite appreciate the momentum Landorus-T gains with Explosion by providing them with a free switch-in.

Set Details Landorus-T makes a triumphant return to the CAP metagame as a premier defensive pivot. It is stellar at entry hazard control and can run either Stealth Rock or Defog depending on the needs of the team. Defog is generally preferred as Stealth Rock is easier to fit on different teammates, but it is a totally viable Stealth Rock user in its own right as it threatens Tornadus-T with Toxic or Knock Off and beats any Astrolotl lacking Will-O-Wisp. The last moveslot is generally taken up by Toxic, which punishes Flying-types outside of Corviknight, Venomicon, and Venomicon-E from coming in on Landorus-T, cripples defensive pivots like Arghonaut, Slowbro, Buzzwole, and opposing Landorus-T, and threatens setup sweepers like Revenankh, Garchomp, and Volcarona; still, Knock Off is an option for removing Heavy-Duty Boots or Leftovers from the aforementioned defensive Pokemon while also hitting Dragapult super effectively. Stone Edge is a final option to punish Venomicon-E from switching in, also offering more immediate pressure than Toxic against other Flying-types. The given EV spread maximises special bulk to enable Landorus-T to switch into special attacks from Pokemon like Heatran and Tapu Koko more frequently. Slower spreads can also be run in order to give Landorus-T as slow of a U-turn as possible. Many Pokemon enjoy Landorus-T's ability to pivot and sponge damage. Corviknight is a notable partner, as it forms a sturdy defensive pivot core with Landorus-T and appreciates its ability to check Tapu Koko. In return, Corviknight can switch into Pokemon attempting to Toxic Landorus-T and it can come in on Weavile and force it out with Body Press. Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Kartana that like being brought in via a slow U-turn make for good offensive partners to Landorus-T. Both matchup well into Water-types that threaten Landorus-T. Heatran complements Landorus-T well as a specially-defensive partner that can act as a soft Weavile check or as a powerful wallbreaker that enjoys Landorus-T's U-turn with its Air Balloon set, also forming a strong hazard core with its ability to set Stealth Rock. In return, Landorus-T can check Pokemon that bother it such as Garchomp and Encore Astrolotl.

Earthquake lets Landorus-T threaten the likes of Eternatus, Necrozma-DM, and Zekrom while also damaging the likes of Marshadow, Kyogre, and Xerneas. U-turn lets Landorus-T pivot out into its teammates to keep up the momentum. Lastly, Toxic lets it wear down the likes of Kyogre, Ho-Oh, and Lunala over time. However, Stone Edge is another option to hit Ho-Oh and Yveltal for super effective damage; it is, however, less useful against mostly everything else. Landorus-T appreciates being paired up with Pokemon that can take advantage of its pivoting; wallbreakers like Choice Specs Kyogre, Marshadow, Calyrex-S, or Eternatus are stellar partners, as they appreciate it letting them in safely. Landorus-T struggles with special attackers, so specially bulky Pokemon such as Necrozma-DM, Eternatus, and Yveltal make a good defensive core alongside it. Eternatus and Necrozma-DM appreciate Landorus-T pivoting into Ground-type attacks for them, and they can pivot into Water- and Ice-type moves respectively, which Landorus-T struggles with.

Landorus-T has a favorable matchup against a good portion of the Series 11 metagame including, but not limited to, sun teams and Zacian-C compositions lacking Lapras. Intimidate allows it to weaken opposing Groudon and Zacian-C, two physical Restricted Pokemon at the forefront of the metagame. Earthquake deals massive damage to staples like Incineroar, Zacian-C, and Coalossal while also getting around redirection from Indeedee-F. It turns into Max Quake under Dynamax, allowing Landorus-T to boost its and its allies' Special Defense. Rock Slide complements Earthquake well by giving good coverage against Rotom-H, Charizard, and Zapdos. Swords Dance counteracts Intimidate and turns Landorus-T into a massive offensive threat, punishing passive leads. Fly turns into Max Airstream under Dynamax, allowing Landorus-T to hit Pokemon such as Urshifu-R and Rillaboom while also boosting its and its allies' Speed. Lum Berry offsets Sleep Powder from Venusaur and Will-O-Wisp from the likes of Rotom-H and Mimikyu, and alongside Grimmsnarl's dual screens, it makes Landorus-T a major threat to most sun compositions. Life Orb gives Landorus-T more immediate offensive presence at the cost of more vulnerability to status conditions. Landorus-T complements Zacian-C well by checking sun teams, especially checking Groudon and Venusaur. Zacian-C helps check Calyrex-I in return with its Ice-resistant typing and super effective Behemoth Blade. Landorus-T appreciates Grimmsnarl's dual screens to tank hits from threats like Charizard and Zacian-C and set up Swords Dance against passive leads. Incineroar has good type synergy with Landorus-T and provides it with Fake Out and Intimidate support, allowing it to set up Swords Dance safely. It also helps by pivoting around with Intimidate and Parting Shot against Landorus-T's biggest nemesis, Calyrex-I. Rillaboom helps Landorus-T hit bulky Water-types such as Kyogre and Lapras while aiding it with Fake Out in a similar way to Incineroar. Regieleki doubles down as a check to bulky Water-types alongside Rillaboom, as well as providing valuable speed control in Electroweb.

Landorus-T, with the combination of Intimidate and Assault Vest giving it great mixed bulk, is strong against a majority of the metagame, including Coalossal-oriented teams and Zacian-C compositions without Lapras. Earthquake hits crucial Pokemon such as Incineroar and Zacian-C hard. It turns into Max Quake during Dynamax, further bolstering Landorus-T's Special Defense. Rock Slide is a good coverage option to hit Rotom-H, Charizard, Yveltal, and Zapdos. Fly is used for Max Airstream under Dynamax, which boosts Landorus-T's and its allies' Speed while also hitting the likes of Rillaboom and Urshifu-R. U-turn allows Landorus-T to pivot in and out, stacking Intimidate drops alongside Incineroar. The Speed investment allows it to outspeed and OHKO uninvested Thundurus after an Electroweb from Regieleki. Assault Vest, in conjunction with dual screens from Grimmsnarl, allows Landorus-T to comfortably withstand Charizard's G-Max Wildfire in sun and OHKO it back with Max Rockfall. It also allows Landorus-T to always survive at least two Yveltal Max Darknesses. Landorus-T is never 2HKOed by any of +2 Coalossal's attacks with Light Screen up, even with the residual damage from G-Max Volcalith. Landorus-T complements sun compositions with Zacian-C by being a good answer into Coalossal teams. Zacian-C in return helps it beat two of its biggest checks in Calyrex-I and Lapras under Gigantamax. Landorus-T appreciates Grimmsnarl's dual screens bolstering its bulk to phenomenal levels in conjunction with Intimidate, Assault Vest, and the doubled HP from Dynamax, allowing it to take strong attacks from Pokemon such as Charizard in sun and Zacian-C. Grimmsnarl also helps Landorus-T with its Speed via Scary Face or Thunder Wave, allowing it to outspeed and OHKO or 2HKO Gigantamaxed Charizard and Zacian-C with Max Rockfall and Max Quake, respectively. Landorus-T is a good Intimidate pivot alongside Incineroar, which supports it with Fake Out and Parting Shot against imposing threats such as Calyrex-I and Zacian-C. Rillaboom also carries Fake Out while helping Landorus-T hit bulky Water-types like Kyogre and Lapras. Regieleki checks Water-types such as Urshifu-R further alongside Rillaboom and also provides Landorus-T with valuable speed control in Electroweb.

While Earthquake might seem appealing as Landorus-T's strongest Ground move, its main appeal is in the form of Earthquake's main appeal isn't as a standalone STAB move but as a base for a powerful Max Quake, dealing which deals massive damage to even neutral targets like Kyogre, easily OHKOing OHKOes Pokemon weak to Ground like Zacian-C and Regieleki, and boosting its boosts Landorus-T's Special Defense, furthering its longevity. Fly is used to grant grants Landorus-T access to Max Airstream, vital for boosting its and its partner's Speed, as well as pressuring Grass-types like Venusaur, Rillaboom, and Amoonguss. Rock Slide is Landorus-T's best coverage option, notably hitting Flying-types like Zapdos, Thundurus, and Yveltal, but also enabling weather control with Max Rockfall if necessary. Swords Dance is vital for allowing Landorus-T to sweep and counteract Intimidate from Incineroar and opposing Landorus-T. White Herb allows Landorus-T to instantly counteract an Attack drop, commonly from Intimidate, Parting Shot from Incineroar, or Max Wyrmwind from Dragon-type Restricted Pokemon. Life Orb grants Landorus-T high immediate power; however, the damage output can drastically suffer when playing against double Intimidate cores. Lum Berry acts as a powerful safety net against Spore from Amoonguss, Sleep Powder from Venusaur, and Burning Jealousy from Incineroar and Torkoal, but it is weaker versus Intimidate and doesn't offer a power boost. Landorus-T needs a Jolly nature to outrun Calyrex-S and Zacian-C after a Max Airstream boost.

Choice Scarf Landorus-T is a solid revenge killer that is able to OHKO offensive threats like Lycanroc-D and Pheromosa with its STAB attacks. Superpower is Landorus-T's main STAB attack and, in combination with U-turn, allows it to switch into and beat offensive threats like Rillaboom and Lycanroc-D, while Earthquake lets it beat Naganadel, Electric / Fairy Clefable, and Dark / Poison Tornadus-T. U-turn allows Landorus-T to gain momentum on potential switch-ins and chip them heavily. Knock Off is a useful coverage option that can remove items and allows Landorus-T to OHKO Ghost-type Latios and Heracross. Explosion is a useful tool that can OHKO a wide range of Pokemon in a pinch, but losing Landorus-T in the process makes this a risky option. Defog and Stealth Rock can also be useful options to control entry hazards on the field against faster teams, but they run the risk of losing momentum in the process. Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature in combination with a Choice Scarf are required to outspeed threats such as Spectrier and Pheromosa. Slower attackers such as Hydreigon, Heracross, and Choice Band Victini appreciate Landorus-T's ability to remove faster threats like Latios, Lycanroc-D, and Spectrier. In return, these partners act as strong wallbreakers that can get past physical walls that can easily switch into Landorus-T, namely Slowbro and opposing Landorus-T. Fighting-type Landorus-T is highly susceptible to defensive Poison-types, especially Latias, Cresselia, and Water / Poison Toxapex, so Psychic-types like Volcarona, Tapu Lele, and Reuniclus can help patch this weakness.

Landorus-T is a versatile wall that utilizes STAB U-turn to damage foes and provide momentum for its team. Superpower completes its Bug / Fighting typing, which allows it to check threats such as Rillaboom and Lycanroc-D. Iron Tail is an alternative that gives Landorus-T a Bug / Steel typing; this option allows it to properly check Heracross and Cresselia, although it cannot properly check the aforementioned threats that Bug / Fighting sets can. Knock Off acts as both a solid coverage option that hits Ghost-types like Latias, Blissey, and Reuniclus, and a support tool that removes items. Stealth Rock is an option to damage foes on the switch in and pairs well with Knock Off removing Heavy-Duty Boots. Landorus-T does struggle against some common Defoggers such as Latias, Mew, and Salamence, so Defog can be used instead if you have another Stealth Rock user on your team. Rocky Helmet is useful for chipping down foes like Rillaboom, Lycanroc-D, and Heracross, while Leftovers can be used for passive recovery. 16 Speed EVs ensure that Landorus-T can outspeed maximum Speed neutral-natured threats like Tyranitar, Clefable, and Aegislash. Strong special wallbreakers such as Latias, Latios, Hydreigon, and Tornadus-T appreciate Landorus-T's entry hazards and U-turn support; Landorus-T can pivot against checks like Slowbro and Mew and bring in these partners to threaten them. Landorus-T is a solid check to Rillaboom, so bulky Water-types like Mew, Slowbro, Salamence, and Latias make good partners and check Fire-types that threaten Landorus-T in return. Landorus-T is weak to Flying- and Fairy-types such as Tornadus-T and Cresselia, so it appreciates support from Steel-types like Heatran, Reuniclus, and Mew. Even with Leftovers, Landorus-T is prone to being worn down, so partners with Wish such as Latias, Salamence, and Vaporeon are able to keep it healthy.

Landorus-T is a mainstay on Flying teams due to its fantastic role compression as an entry hazards setter, a pivot, and a Ground-type, which allows it to check threats such as Nihilego and Tapu Koko. Earthquake threatens Steel- and Poison-types such as Excadrill and Nidoking. U-turn allows Landorus-T to preserve momentum, pivoting out of potential switch-ins such as Slowbro, Rotom-W, and Corviknight. Stealth Rock wears down threats such as Galarian Moltres and Choice Specs Kyurem, giving Landorus-T's teammates an easier time breaking through the opposing team. Knock Off removes crucial items such as Eviolite, Heavy-Duty Boots, and Leftovers from switch-ins such as Galarian Corsola, Zapdos, Thundurus-T, and Celesteela. 208 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allows Landorus-T to outspeed and remove Nidoking, while the HP and Special Defense EVs let it deal with threats such as Tapu Koko and Nihilego more easily. Leftovers allows Landorus-T to remain healthy throughout the match to check Electric-, Rock-, and Steel-types like Zeraora, Nihilego, and Excadrill. All Flying teams greatly appreciate Landorus-T dealing with Electric-types such as Thundurus-T and Alolan Raichu. Landorus-T is extremely vulnerable to Ice-types such as Kyurem and Weavile, so checks to them such as Celesteela and Corviknight make for great teammates. Mantine takes predicted Water moves from Water-types such as Barraskewda and Urshifu-R and provides Defog support. Celesteela or Corviknight, Mantine, and Landorus-T form a potent defensive core for some Flying teams. Thundurus-T shares Landorus-T's Electric immunity and also deals with Water-types such as Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Urshifu-R that Landorus-T struggles with. Landorus-T repays this by threatening special walls such as Dragalge and Galarian Slowking for Thundurus-T. Dragon Dance Dragonite helps in the Water matchup and can sweep types such as Electric late-game. Galarian Moltres is a strong setup sweeper that loves Landorus-T wearing down the opposing team and breaks through bulkier teams like Steel and Psychic. Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos revenge kills Ice-types such as Galarian Darmanitan and Alolan Ninetales, and it can also clean Steel and Normal teams late-game. Tornadus-T forms a strong pivoting core alongside Landorus-T and Thundurus-T, and Tornadus-T can wear down the opposing team further with a utility or Nasty Plot set.

With a Choice Scarf, Landorus-T becomes a fearsome revenge killer that can remove threats such as Tapu Koko and Choice Specs Jirachi. Earthquake KOes the aforementioned threats and cleans Steel and Electric teams late-game. U-turn allows Landorus-T to pivot in a teammate that beats its common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Tapu Bulu, and Amoonguss. Knock Off punishes switch-ins such as Galarian Corsola and Rotom-W while also OHKOing Dragapult after Stealth Rock damage. Stone Edge allows Landorus-T to threaten Flying-types such as Crobat and Zapdos, and pick off Ice-types such as Alolan Ninetales and Kyurem. Landorus-T can also set Stealth Rock, as it forces switches easily. Besides the aforementioned targets, Choice Scarf allows Landorus-T to outspeed and remove threats such as Slush Rush Arctozolt under hail, Zeraora, and Nihilego. Choice Scarf Landorus-T is unfortunately outsped by faster Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Lele, Galarian Darmanitan, and Latias, so Pokemon that can switch into them such as Corviknight and Celesteela are greatly appreciated. Galarian Moltres appreciates it baiting in defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Amoonguss that Galarian Moltres can set up on. Landorus-T running Choice Scarf lets Galarian Zapdos and Thundurus-T run non-Choice Scarf sets such as Choice Band and Heavy-Duty Boots, respectively. Choice Band Galarian Zapdos pressures slower teams such as Poison and Steel, while Heavy-Duty Boots Thundurus-T can devastate teams such as Water, Poison, and Flying due to its colorful coverage. Dragon Dance Dragonite is a strong setup sweeper that covers for Landorus-T's vulnerability to Water and can break down Steel, Water, and Electric teams late-game. Tornadus-T wears down the opposing team, provides Defog, and spreads status with a utility set. Zapdos takes advantage of physical walls such as Slowbro and Ferrothorn with a Choice Specs set, or it can function as a defensive pivot that wears down opposing defensive Pokemon such as Rotom-W and opposing Landorus-T.

Choice Scarf Landorus-T is a common sight on Ground teams to revenge kill fast offensive threats like +2 Adamant Arctozolt and Kyurem, as well as providing the team with great utility moves that help make progress. With a powerful STAB move in Earthquake and coverage from Stone Edge, there are few walls that can switch into Landorus-T without taking major damage. Earthquake specifically lets Landorus-T check Adamant Alolan Sandslash in hail, Toxapex, and Nidoking. Stone Edge lets it check Ice- and Flying-type threats like Alolan Ninetales and Thundurus-T. Knock Off cripples common switch-ins such as Galarian Corsola, Slowbro, and Porygon2. U-turn allows Landorus-T to preserve momentum, escaping common unfavorable switch-ins such as Amoonguss, Zarude, and Galarian Weezing. Mamoswine checks Ice-types that threaten Landorus-T, like Kyurem and Alolan Ninetales. Gastrodon absorbs Water-type moves from Urshifu-R and Barraskewda. Excadrill can remove Stealth Rock for Landorus-T with Rapid Spin and takes on threats like Tapu Bulu, Zarude, and Keldeo under sand. It can partially deal with Ice-types because of its Steel typing, and it resists Dragon- and Psychic-type attacks. Nidoking can break through physical walls such as Skarmory, Amoonguss, and Ferrothorn, which are hard to remove with Landorus-T. Garchomp can provide exceptional wallbreaking with its Swords Dance sets against Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Celesteela.

Bulk Up Landorus-T is a great asset to Ground teams because it checks Poison and Steel teams effortlessly, and it's nearly unbreakable for physical attackers once set up. Substitute lets Landorus-T set up on passive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Amoonguss. Gravity allows Landorus-T to threaten Pokemon immune to Earthquake such as Celesteela, Crobat, and Galarian Weezing. The given EV spread allows Landorus-T's Substitute to withstand Amoonguss's Giga Drain or Foul Play and outspeed Choice Band Victini post-V-create, Scizor, and Aegislash. Landorus-T's typing gives it a Grass neutrality and a Ground immunity, which helps it cover for teammates such as Gastrodon, Excadrill, and Nidoking. In return, Excadrill threatens Tapu Bulu, Kyurem, and Weavile in sand, which are extremely threatening to Landorus-T and Ground teams as a whole. Nidoking is a special wallbreaker that can deal with Skarmory, Tapu Bulu, and Slowbro, which are otherwise difficult to handle. Mamoswine can sponge Ice-type moves from Kyurem and Alolan Ninetales, and it can remove threats like Hydreigon, Dragapult, and Landorus-T. Gastrodon and Seismitoad provide a Water immunity and can check Rotom-W, Pelipper, and Tapu Fini. Hippowdon provides residual damage on foes such as Tapu Fini and Amoonguss with Stealth Rock and sand, helping Landorus-T to break through them. Garchomp is an effective teammate, as it can set up with Swords Dance and deal with the likes of Kyurem, Amoonguss, and Celesteela while also benefiting from Landorus-T's Gravity.

Superpower takes the usual role of STAB attacks as the set's generalist attacking option, useful for threatening KOs on weakened foes and particularly handy for destroying key Fighting-weak targets, such as Porygon2, Heatran, and Kyurem-B. However, its drawbacks make it difficult to use repeatedly. Knock Off allows midground plays by doubling as a decent attacking option, particularly against Ghost-types Dragapult and Spectrier, as well as a nifty utility move, removing key items such as Meteor Herb on Necrozma and Celesteela, Eviolite on Porgyon2, and Assault Vest on Rillaboom and Kyurem-B. U-turn lets Landorus-T pivot off the field while decently wearing down the opposing team, and it is particularly useful for punishing opposing Rillaboom. Explosion, when Landorus-T has outlived its usefulness, can deal devastating damage with great neutral coverage while also providing a free switch for an appropriate teammate to take advantage. A Jolly nature is primarily recommended, as this lets it outrun the fastest Rillaboom variants and Adamant Zygarde and Kyurem-B quite handily, though if these are not a concern, then Adamant can be used for more power.

Landorus-T's high base 145 Attack and STAB Earthquake make it a powerful wallbreaker and threatening sweeper, especially with a Speed donation. Earthquake is Landorus-T's main attack, hitting many common Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Heatran for super effective damage, as well as hitting others such as Clefable and Ferrothorn for neutral damage. Stone Edge is used to hit Flying-types such as Corviknight and opposing Landorus-T for neutral damage, while Smack Down trades initial power for the ability to hit them with Earthquake next turn. Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's already high Attack even further, letting it break through even sturdy defensive stalwarts, notably Ferrothorn and Magic Guard Clefable. Knock Off cripples its switch-ins and nails Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon, including Slowbro and Giratina, while Rock Polish boosts Landorus-T's donated Speed even higher, allowing it to more easily sweep. Life Orb is standard, but Soft Sand can be used to boost Earthquake's power to similar levels without the recoil. Leftovers is another option, trading damage output for easier setup and longevity. Offensive Landorus-T fits best on bulky or hyper offense teams, as it lacks the longevity needed for longer games and often only gets one chance to set up. Gods with high Speed stats such as Pheromosa, Zamazenta-C, and Mewtwo let Landorus-T outspeed or Speed tie many common Pokemon, such as Rayquaza, Kartana, and Tapu Koko. Defensive pivots such as Corviknight and Rotom-W can place it into favorable matchups safely. Ferrothorn and Heatran set entry hazards for Landorus-T while helping it beat Pokemon like Choice Scarf Kyogre and Weavile. Since Landorus-T has trouble breaking through Skarmory and Corviknight, Electric-type Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Zeraora are great partners, as they are able to both threaten them and pivot Landorus-T in with U-turn or Volt Switch. Magnezone is an especially great partner, as it can trap and OHKO Corviknight and Skarmory outright.

Landorus-T is one of the best Pokemon in the metagame thanks to its great movepool, amazing ability, and good defensive stats. It's an amazing defensive pivot that can check various physical attackers such as Garchomp, Zeraora, and Excadrill, as well as reliably setting Stealth Rock. Earthquake makes Landorus-T less passive, as even when uninvested, its STAB-boosted Earthquake deals heavy damage to Ground-weak Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Koko. Knock Off weakens any Pokemon that switches in, making Landorus-T much more annoying to switch into, while Toxic is an alternative that cripples Pokemon like Tangrowth, Rotom-W, and opposing Landorus-T. U-turn allows it to safely pivot out of bad matchups, such as Corviknight, while also generating momentum for the team. Landorus-T finds ample opportunities to set Stealth Rock thanks to its ability to force switches; however, it can opt for Defog instead if its team needs an entry hazard remover. Leftovers is Landorus-T's only form of recovery, so it needs to be careful of Knock Off from Pokemon like Zeraora and other Landorus-T. 8 Speed EVs allow Landorus to outspeed Victini after a Speed drop, in addition to Modest and Bold Magnezone. Defensive Landorus-T fits best on bulky offense or balance teams, as it is a great check to many offensive threats in the short term, but it can often be worn down throughout longer games, making it a worse fit for stall teams. It enjoys any defensive stat boost, letting it fit with many gods such as Yveltal and Zamazenta-C. Zamazenta-C notably resists Ice to compensate for Landorus-T's 4x weakness. Landorus-T also pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Tapu Koko and Dhelmise, as they appreciate it pivoting them in safely and setting Stealth Rock to help them wear down their checks. Landorus-T can also check many fast offensive threats such as Zeraora and Zygarde-10%, which are problematic for slow wallbreakers, in particular Nidoking. Landorus-T is threatened by Water-types such as Urshifu-R and Rotom-W, so Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Tangrowth make good partners. Landorus-T is susceptible to entry hazards wearing it down over longer games, so good Defoggers such as Rotom-W, Tornadus-T, and Corviknight are good teammates. Magnezone traps and removes Corviknight and Skarmory, two Pokemon that are impervious to Landorus-T's moves and can easily clear its Stealth Rock with Defog.

Defensive Landorus-T gives teams an interim measure against threats such as Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and Mega Lopunny while also being a good utility Pokemon in general. Landorus-T is capable of setting Stealth Rock for its team, which allows it to make use of the switches that it forces against the aforementioned threats. U-turn is useful, as it lets Landorus-T pivot out of bad matchups against Corviknight and Slowbro. Toxic is used to punish threats such as opposing Landorus-T, Mega Latias, Kyurem, and Slowbro that might look to come in on Landorus-T. Hidden Power Fire is a viable option for teams that need a buffer against Kartana and Mega Scizor. It also gives Landorus-T a more reliable way to wear down Ferrothorn. Hidden Power Ice gives Landorus-T a way to directly damage opposing Landorus-T and Gliscor. Rocky Helmet is preferred to punish U-turn from the likes of opposing Landorus-T, Mega Lopunny, and Corviknight, as well as general contact moves from threats such as Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile. 16 Speed EVs allow Landorus-T to outspeed Modest Magnezone and Adamant Tyranitar, with the rest being put into Defense to maximize its bulk. 88 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed Adamant Bisharp, as well. Defensive Landorus-T finds its place on more offensive builds that appreciate it checking threats such as Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny while also keeping up momentum and setting Stealth Rock. Landorus-T is very effective at spreading residual damage onto threats such as Landorus-T and Mega Mawile, which fast offensive Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile enjoy, as it allows them to get past these threats much more easily. Landorus-T has no recovery and somewhat mediocre special bulk, both of which make it vulnerable to special attackers such as Clefable, Heatran, and Tapu Lele. The good special bulk of Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Slowking makes them decent partners as a result. Other Water-types, such as Tapu Fini and Slowbro, also enjoy Landorus-T's defensive presence. Strong wallbreakers such as Mega Mawile, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Medicham appreciate Landorus-T wearing down faster, frailer offensive Pokemon and safely pivoting them in.

Landorus-T is one of the best Choice Scarf users in the metagame. Its ability to act as a team's Ground-type and answer to fast threats alongside its generally good power and utility moves makes it very easy to put on many teams. It gives teams offensive and defensive weapons against threats such as Heatran, Toxapex, and Tapu Koko. U-turn allows Landorus-T to keep up the momentum and take advantage of the switches it forces from common Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Toxapex, and Heatran. Stone Edge 2HKOes Zapdos, OHKOes Moltres, and allows Landorus-T to revenge kill Mega Charizard Y. Knock Off, on the other hand, removes important items from the likes of Slowbro, Zapdos, Moltres, Tapu Fini, and Tangrowth. Punishment allows Landorus-T to deal with Calm Mind Mega Latias, 2HKOing it after a Calm Mind, as well as Calm Mind Reuniclus. It works especially well with teammates that force Mega Latias to use Calm Mind multiple times, such as Corviknight. Explosion allows Landorus-T to deal more damage to certain threats, such as Garchomp, Gliscor, Kommo-o, and Rotom-W; however, keep in mind that all of them require chip damage before being KOed. Defog can be used if the role compression of having revenge killing and hazard removal in the same teamslot is needed. Unfortunately, being locked into Defog gives foes free turns. Hidden Power Ice can be used to threaten opposing Landorus-T and Garchomp. Earth Power can work on teams that are desperately in need of a reliable Kartana revenge killer and need Landorus-T's role compression. A neutral nature and 76 Special Attack EVs should be run in this case in order to secure the OHKO on Kartana. 244 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature are used to outrun Arctozolt in hail. Bulky Water-types, such as Slowbro and Toxapex, work well with Landorus-T. Slowbro can also form a pivoting core with Landorus-T with Teleport, while Toxapex is capable of taking on Ash-Greninja for Landorus-T. These Water-types also appreciate Landorus-T's Electric immunity, and Toxapex also appreciates the Ground immunity. Strong wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Kyurem, and Tapu Lele appreciate Landorus-T solidly handling fast threats for them and pivoting them in with U-turn. Mega Mawile and Kyurem are capable of taking advantage of Slowbro, a physical sponge that can generally pivot into Landorus-T safely, and Kyurem can additionally deal with Zapdos. Choice Scarf Landorus-T will get worn down over the course of a game, so having Defog support in the form of Corviknight, Zapdos, or Kartana is very helpful. Corviknight can also force Mega Latias to use Calm Mind multiple times, which can work well with Punishment Landorus-T.

Landorus-T is one of the best suicide leads in the tier due to its powerful Explosion denying attempts from the likes of Corviknight, Zapdos, and Tapu Fini to remove its hazards via Defog, and Swords Dance boosting Earthquake and Explosion can let it take one or more opposing Pokemon down with it. Swords Dance boosts Landorus-T's Attack to titanic levels, allowing Earthquake to do enormous damage to even bulky neutral targets and making Explosion much more powerful, notably allowing it to OHKO Zapdos, Gliscor, and Slowbro while doing over 50% to Corviknight. Focus Sash lets Landorus-T live one hit from full, allowing it to get Stealth Rock up reliably in most situations. Suicide Lead Landorus-T fits well on hyper offense teams that need to get the game started with a bang and keep Stealth Rock up if possible. Landorus-T is a great lead, as it matches up well against the vast majority of entry hazard removal options. The only notable ways to stop Landorus-T from getting Stealth Rock up are a faster Taunt user, such as Mew, or a Magic Bounce user such as Mega Sableye. Hyper offense teams utilizing Choice Scarf Victini can also make Victini the lead instead, as Landorus-T tends to trade Stealth Rock with opposing Stealth Rock setters, and it can be therefore more valuable at times to deny the opponent's Stealth Rock first and send in Landorus-T next. This pair can also take two foes with it quite easily. Staple sweepers on hyper offense such as Mega Gyarados, Belly Drum Kommo-o, Mega Garchomp, and Rillaboom are good teammates, as they all appreciate Stealth Rock wearing down the opposition and Landorus-T opening up a big hole with Explosion early-game.

Offensive Stealth Rock Landorus-T serves as one of the best pure wallbreakers in the metagame while also being one of the tier's more reliable Stealth Rock setters. It matches up well against common entry hazard removers like Tapu Fini and Corviknight, and it also uses its ability to force out common Pokemon like Heatran and Excadrill to either set Stealth Rock or set up a Swords Dance. Swords Dance Landorus-T is also one of the best Pokemon for breaking stall teams, as the immense power combined with a Z-Move makes checking Landorus-T quite hard for them, even with Unaware Pokemon such as Clefable and Quagsire. Fly with Flyinium Z allows Landorus-T to smash through common defensive Pokemon like Slowbro and Tangrowth after a boost. Stone Edge with Rockium Z, on the other hand, lets Landorus-T directly threaten common Defoggers like Corviknight and Zapdos while also allowing it to break through Rotom-W with greater efficiency. It also still has enough power to OHKO Tapu Fini at +2. Its targets are rather limited, however, which makes Flyinium Z the overall superior choice. The Rockium Z set also faces competition from Garchomp, which sits at a significantly better Speed tier that gives it the jump on Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Hydreigon, but Landorus-T retains a niche due to compressing a Ground immunity and getting better damage rolls against Corviknight. Late-game cleaners are excellent partners for Landorus-T, as they greatly appreciate Landorus-T weakening or straight up removing bulkier Pokemon while also setting up Stealth Rock. Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Tapu Koko make for good teammates in this regard. Ash-Greninja also forms a dangerous hazard-setting duo while appreciating Landorus-T’s ability to defeat Toxapex, Blissey, Tangrowth, and Tapu Fini. U-turn variants of Ash-Greninja can also be employed to get Landorus-T in safely and exploit Pokemon such as Toxapex and Blissey. Mega Lopunny appreciates Landorus-T’s ability to weaken Corviknight and Zapdos, letting them wreak havoc later on. Landorus-T appreciates pivot support that can get it in safely. Blissey, Mega Scizor, and Slowbro are good partners as a result. Magnezone also stands out as an exemplary partner, as it can take out Corviknight and Skarmory for Landorus-T, allowing it to use its Z-Move on other targets. Landorus-T's teammates can be tuned depending on what Z-Crystal it is using. Pokemon that appreciate Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Slowbro, and Hippowdon removed make for good partners for the Flyinium Z variant, with Mega Lopunny working in this regard. Teammates that appreciate the removal or denting of Pokemon such as Corviknight, Rotom-W, and Zapdos work well as partners for the Rockium Z set. These include Kartana, Mega Scizor, and Mega Lopunny.

Landorus-T is a solid Dynamax user in AG. With its good Attack, Speed, and Intimidate, it poses a huge threat to almost every Pokemon in the metagame while using physical attackers such as Necrozma-DM, Zekrom, and Groudon as setup bait. Swords Dance further boosts its good Attack, allowing many OHKOs on bulky walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Calm Mind Kyogre. Under Dynamax, Earthquake turns into a powerful Max Quake, which also gives it a Special Defense boost. Fly turns into Max Airstream, which allows Landorus-T to outspeed many key Pokemon such as Zacian-C, Calyrex-S, and Choice Scarf Kyogre. It also doesn't allow Ditto to revenge kill Landorus-T unless it Dynamaxes and then wins a Speed tie. Stone Edge allows it to deal heavy damage to Flying-types such as Ho-Oh and Yveltal. Additionally, turning into Max Rockfall lets it summon sand, breaking Lunala's Shadow Shield. Life Orb allows Landorus-T to OHKO Pokemon such as bulky Eternatus without any boosts. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature ensures that it outspeeds many Pokemon after a Max Airstream boost such as Calyrex-S, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and Jolly Zacian-C. Landorus-T best fits as a Dynamax sweeper on hyper offense and balance teams. Due to its mediocre bulk, Landorus-T is unable to take hits very well, meaning that it needs significant team support. Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Eternatus help it by checking its common answer in Kyogre, and the former can set Spikes and possibly lure in Defoggers such as Ho-Oh and Yveltal, which are severely damaged by its Stone Edge. Teammates such as Xerneas and Yveltal pressure defensive Zygarde-C and Lunala, respectively, which can check Landorus-T. In return, Landorus-T threatens Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and even Zacian-C, which are common checks for Xerneas. On hyper offense, Shuckle's Sticky Web and Stealth Rock can allow Landorus-T to comfortably set up and outspeed fast foes like Zacian-C, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and offensive Eternatus without relying on Max Airstream.

Landorus-T fills a valuable niche in AG thanks to its decent bulk, expansive movepool, and powerful ability in Intimidate, which make it a fairly reliable check to dangerous offensive threats like Zekrom and Groudon, alongside blanket checking many physical attackers like Marshadow and Reshiram. It also pivots into most of Zacian-C's moves and forces it out. Landorus-T is, however, held back by a lack of reliable recovery moves, which means that it can be chipped down throughout the game. Earthquake can break Substitutes from Zekrom and untransformed Zygarde, as well as heavily chipping Necrozma-DM, Eternatus, and Zacian-C. U-turn allows Landorus-T to generate momentum, coming in on Pokemon like Zekrom and Necrozma-DM and pivoting out as they're forced out. Knock Off provides useful utility, removing Heavy-Duty Boots or Rocky Helmet from opposing Yveltal or Necrozma-DM, respectively, severely hamstringing them as reliable checks to major threats. Alternatively, Landorus-T can use Toxic to debilitate Pokemon like Groudon and Yveltal, notably helping the matchup against Swords Dance Groudon sets. Stealth Rock is the preferred final move, and Landorus-T can reliably force out opposing Necrozma-DM to set it. Stealth Rock also frees the near-mandatory Necrozma-DM up to potentially run a Dragon Dance set. Alternatively, Defog can be used instead, which helps Yveltal fit moves like Toxic and Taunt rather than freeing up Necrozma-DM. Landorus-T can Defog reliably on the most common Stealth Rock setters in the tier, Necrozma-DM, Groudon, and Tyranitar, allowing it to keep Stealth Rock off pretty reliably. Leftovers is Landorus-T's only viable source of recovery, stopping Stealth Rock from whittling it down and helping it more effectively beat Necrozma-DM. The given EVs maximize physical bulk in order to help Landorus-T more reliably check Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Zekrom, with the Speed EVs outspeeding Calyrex-I and paralyzed Calyrex-S. Teammates such as Calyrex-S, Zacian-C, and Kyogre greatly appreciate Landorus-T bringing them in freely through U-turn while potentially debilitating their best checks in Yveltal and Necrozma-DM. Necrozma-DM and Yveltal also appreciate Landorus-T's support, as, depending on its fourth move, it frees the former or the latter up to run either Dragon Dance or Taunt sets, respectively. Landorus-T also eases pressure on Necrozma-DM another way, as it can pivot safely into any coverage move from Zacian-C, potentially easing prediction and reducing the risk of losing Necrozma-DM to Assurance on the switch. Yveltal offers the aditional advantage of checking Calyrex-S for Landorus-T, allowing it to come in more with less fear of allowing Calyrex-S in. Landorus-T is extremely weak to Kyogre, so it greatly appreciates reliable Kyogre checks like Ferrothorn, Eternatus, and Blissey. Landorus-T can handle some Zygarde sets as a blanket check to physical attackers, but it can't significantly punish them beyond Knock Off; a Zygarde check like Xerneas, though, gives Landorus-T a threatening option to pivot into.

Making use of its typing, Regenerator, U-turn, and Assault Vest, Landorus-T can serve as a decent special pivot that generates momentum easily. Earthquake is a strong STAB attack that allows Landorus-T to OHKO Tapu Koko, as well as pressure Jirachi and Toxapex. Smack Down in conjunction with Earthquake also gives Landorus-T a way to super effectively hit common Flying-types like Corviknight and Skarmory; Rock Tomb is an option to slow down fast foes like Garchomp for a teammate to handle. Knock Off helps to cripple opposing Pokemon and deters switch ins from Pokemon reliant on their items like Chansey. 8 Speed EVs outspeeds Modest Primarina. Landorus-T fits on balance and bulky offense teams that make use of its ability to keep up momentum through U-turn and pivot around dangerous special threats. Very few walls are able to switch into all three of Knock Off, Earthquake, and U-turn, making it difficult to play around. Offensive Pokemon like Barraskewda, Kommo-o, and Zarude appreciate Landorus-T's ability to switch into hits from strong offensive threats like Magic Guard Tapu Koko and Volcarona. Due to its average Defense, Landorus-T appreciates teammates like Intimidate Corviknight that can handle strong physical hits from Pokemon like Zarude. It can also be overwhelmed by particularly strong special attackers, like Volcanion and Inteleon, so more specially defensive teammates like Blissey can be used to take hits from them. Landorus-T relies on its Assault Vest to effectively perform as a special pivot, so teammates like Tapu Fini that can take Knock Off are appreciated so Landorus-T can preserve its bulk. Due to Regenerator being Landorus-T's only means of recovering HP, entry hazard removers like Excadrill and Mandibuzz are appreciated to minimize chip damage; it also benefits from entry hazard support like Spikes Mew to take advantage of the numerous switches it forces and item removal it provides.

Landorus-T is one of the best Choice Scarf users in the tier due to its combination of bulk, power, coverage, and access to U-turn. Earthquake OHKOes many premier attackers, such as Tapu Koko, Terrakion, and Cinderace. It also forces out common defensive Pokemon like Heatran, Jirachi, and Blissey. U-turn takes advantage of the switches Landorus-T forces, allowing it to safely bring in a teammate like Tapu Koko. Knock Off offers useful utility in removing items from switch-ins, such as Corviknight and Ferrothorn, and is its best option against Dhelmise. Stone Edge keeps Talonflame, Zapdos, and unboosted Volcarona in check, but do note that Zapdos survives a hit from full health and can threaten an OHKO in return. Because of Stone Edge's limited use otherwise, Defog can be utilized instead as an emergency entry hazard removal option, and it takes advantage of Landorus-T's positive matchup against Heatran, one of the best Stealth Rock setters. Regenerator keeps Landorus-T healthy throughout a game to repeatedly pivot into threats like Tapu Koko and Talonflame, fulfilling its role as an offensive pivot. The given Speed investment in conjunction with a Choice Scarf allows Landorus-T to outspeed Barraskewda; the remaining EVs are put into HP and Defense to maximize bulk, which notably allows Landorus-T to survive a Stone Edge from Terrakion. Landorus-T fits on balance teams in need of a check to dangerous attackers like Tapu Koko, Terrakion, and Talonflame. It pairs well with defensive Pokemon like Corviknight, Jirachi, and Blissey, as they can invite the aforementioned wallbreakers in and then pivot into Landorus-T. At the same time, Landorus-T complements special attackers greatly by threatening special walls such as Heatran, Jirachi, and Blissey, further forming a VoltTurn core with the likes of Tapu Koko, Azelf, and Genesect. Zapdos forms a particularly stellar offensive core with Landorus-T, as it can come in on Corviknight, Tapu Fini, and Garchomp, among other foes that attempt to check Landorus-T; in return, Landorus-T outspeeds and checks revenge killers like Terrakion. Landorus-T is also weak to common Water- and Ice-type attacks from the likes of Genesect, Zapdos, and Swampert, so teammates like Tapu Fini and Desolate Land Heatran are essential to help cover them. Additionally, Blissey can switch into Zapdos and chip it via Seismic Toss, greatly helping Landorus-T in revenge killing Zapdos. Entry hazards from setters like Heatran let Landorus-T win the pivoting battle long-term.

Landorus-T is a stellar Stealth Rock lead as with its extremely strong Explosion. With a boost and STAB from Aerilate, Explosion can OHKO most foes that do not resist it, such as Tapu Fini, and severely dent resistant Pokemon like Corviknight and Zapdos. In addition, it provides teammates a free switch in while denying any Defog or Rapid Spin attempts, mainly by Corviknight. Earthquake hits Steel-types and Electric-types like Heatran, Tapu Koko, and Jirachi that resist Explosion. Swords Dance boosts Explosion damage to monstrous levels, notably giving a chance to OHKO Corviknight. Alternatively, Body Slam allows Landorus-T to threaten foes with paralysis before using Explosion, which is useful against more offensive teams. Focus Sash is preferred to give Landorus-T an extra turn to work with and guarantee it can set up Stealth Rock. Life Orb is suboptimal for a dedicated lead, but it instead provides extra wallbreaking power for Corviknight and Zapdos. A Jolly Nature is used to outspeed the likes of Genesect and Tapu Lele with a neutral nature. Landorus-T finds its home on hyper offense teams, where dangerous sweepers like Tinted Lens Genesect and Bulk Up Cinderace can take full advantage of a free switch in, as well as Stealth Rock support. Cinderace, alongside other Fire-types like Volcarona, is especially useful to immediately force out a Corviknight that took Landorus-T's Explosion, denying it any chance to use using Defog or Roost. Consequently, strong physical attackers like Terrakion, Zarude, and Garchomp fit well with the pairing, as they greatly benefit from Corviknight being weakened. Focus Sash variants do not require much support, as their main goal is to set up Stealth Rock and use Explosion, but Life Orb variants, being less of suicide leads, appreciate Desolate Land users like Volcarona to take on Water-types like Swampert and Barraskewda. Life Orb Landorus-T especially enjoys teammates like Terrakion and Garchomp, as they burden walls like Corviknight and Tapu Fini to check both them and Landorus-T; this pressure on the walls lessens the need for Landorus-T to heavily chip them but sacrifice itself via Explosion.