Thundurus (Therian) Movesets & Competitive Sets

Volt Switch allows Thundurus-T to make progress by pivoting while also being a strong STAB attack against the likes of Primarina and Celesteela. Alternatively, U-turn can act as a pivoting move alongside Thunderbolt to better pressure Salamence, Scizor, and Slowking. U-turn also has the benefit of not getting blocked by Ground-types like Hippowdon, but this causes Thundurus-T to struggle even more with fitting necessary coverage. Volt Switch can even be used alongside Thunderbolt if Thundurus-T doesn't need the extra coverage. Psychic is key for hitting Amoonguss, Conkeldurr, and Nihilego super effectively while also being a good midground against Pokemon like Tangrowth, Zygarde-10%, and opposing Thundurus-T. Grass Knot is mandatory to break past Hippowdon while also beating Swampert and Quagsire. Focus Blast OHKOes Excadrill, Hydreigon, and Mamoswine and prevents Zarude from switching in without fear. Knock Off cripples switch-ins like Chansey, Nihilego, and Assault Vest Tangrowth, allowing Thundurus-T and its teammates to overcome them in the long run. Sludge Bomb can be used over Psychic to hit Tapu Bulu and Assault Vest Tangrowth harder, letting a teammate like Zygarde-10% wallbreak easier. Similarly, Incinerate can be used over Psychic to OHKO Scizor while still hitting Grass-types like Amoonguss super effectively, but it and Sludge Bomb are typically harder to fit. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Thundurus-T to pivot throughout a game and not worry about taking Stealth Rock damage, making it very resilient. 4 Defense EVs allow Thundurus-T to always survive a Life Orb Ice Shard from Adamant Mamoswine from full. Pivot Thundurus-T best fits on VoltTurn and bulky offense teams that provide many partners that synergize with it well. Scizor is a phenomenal partner for Thundurus-T, revenge killing Nihilego and Zygarde-10% with Bullet Punch and punishing switch-ins to Thundurus-T like Tangrowth and Chansey. Other pivots like Zarude and Moltres form potent VoltTurn cores with Thundurus-T as well, bringing it in against Flying- and Water-types like Skarmory, Primarina, and Slowking. Zarude helps pressure Hippowdon and Nihilego, while Moltres can remove Grass-types like Tangrowth and Zarude. Slower pivots like Mandibuzz and Slowking also synergize well with Thundurus-T, having the added benefit of taking on revenge killers like Zygarde-10%, Azelf, and Mamoswine. Entry hazard setters like Cobalion and Swampert can set Stealth Rock to soften up checks like Nihilego and Chansey while also forming momentum cores and checking threats such as Zarude and Nihilego. Swords Dance Cobalion and Choice Scarf Diggersby pressure specially defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Nihilego, with the latter also revenge killing faster threats like Azelf and Zygarde-10%. Wallbreakers like Nidoking, Mamoswine, and Keldeo appreciate Thundurus-T bringing them in against Nihilego, Tangrowth, and Hippowdon. They also make up for the lack of initial power Thundurus-T can have at times.

Nasty Plot allows Thundurus-T to become one of the scariest wallbreakers in the tier, OHKOing or 2HKOing everything at +2. Thunderbolt OHKOes Salamence, Mandibuzz, Scizor, and Rotom-W after a boost. Psychic is key coverage for breaking past Nihilego and Amoonguss. +2 Focus Blast OHKOes Hydreigon and Excadrill and 2HKOes Chansey, Hippowdon, and Assault Vest Tangrowth. Grass Knot is an alternative option over Focus Blast to apply more immediate pressure to Hippowdon at the cost of being able to break past Chansey. While Heavy-Duty Boots is typically run to avoid Stealth Rock chip damage, other items like Life Orb can be used on teams with solid entry hazard control for more wallbreaking power. Nasty Plot Thundurus-T best fits on hyper offense teams that provide it ample opportunities to sweep, though it can also work on bulky offense teams as a strong early- or late-game powerhouse. Leads like Excadrill, Krookodile, and Scolipede provide entry hazard support to weaken checks like Chansey and Swampert. Excadrill's Rapid Spin can also free up Thundurus-T to run another item over Heavy-Duty Boots. Ribombee can provide Sticky Web support to offset Thundurus-T's vulnerable Speed tier, allowing it to outspeed and KO typically faster threats like Keldeo and Nihilego. Late-game cleaners like Celesteela, Keldeo, and Scizor appreciate Thundurus-T's wallbreaking to clean easier. The former takes advantage of Thundurus-T wearing down Nihilego and luring in Zarude for free setup, while the latter two can force out Nihilego and Zygarde-10%. On bulky offense teams, pivots like Noivern and Zarude can bring in Thundurus-T against checks like Primarina and Skarmory for free setup.

Nasty Plot turns Thundurus-T into a monstrous powerhouse, capable of breaking through walls such as Necrozma-DM, Eternatus, and Blissey thanks to its nice coverage. Psychic hits Eternatus for severe damage. Focus Blast can be used to break Blissey more easily while OHKOing Ferrothorn, Zarude, and Tyranitar. Grass Knot can be used instead to beat Groudon and Zygarde before Power Construct activates. Since Life Orb worsens Thundurus-T's serious frailty, Heavy-Duty Boots is an option for more longevity. However, Thundurus-T loses a lot of power; most notably, it fails to OHKO specially defensive Eternatus. A Sticky Web setter such as Slurpuff and Shuckle is needed for Thundurus-T to properly function. Thundurus-T's ability to break through special walls like Necrozma-DM and Blissey helps teammates such as Geomancy Xerneas and Meteor Beam Eternatus. Zekrom is another good partner, overwhelming Necrozma-DM and Eternatus, while Thundurus-T can beat bulky Ground-types such as Zygarde-C and Groudon. Choice Scarf Calyrex-S can OHKO Thundurus-T and outspeed it even after Sticky, so offensive Yveltal makes a great teammate. Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM is great to switch in on Galarian Darmanitan's Icicle Crash, and it also appreciates Thundurus-T's ability to lure in Groudon and Zygarde-C.

With a Choice Scarf, Thundurus-T is able to outspeed and heavily damage foes it that would normally force it out, such as Tapu Koko, Cinderace, non-Choice Scarf Weavile, and Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan. Volt Switch makes up for Thundurus-T having to predict correctly against many teams, giving it the option to retain momentum instead throughout the game, and can take advantage of common switch-ins such as Ferrothorn and Aegislash. Focus Blast is useful for picking off Pokemon Thundurus-T would otherwise struggle to beat, such as Kyurem and Ferrothorn, with minimal chip damage. Grass Knot helps combat Water and Ground teams by heavily damaging Swampert and Gastrodon, allowing Thundurus-T to clean these teams late-game. Sludge Wave allows Thundurus-T to defeat Fairy-type foes such as Tapu Koko, Alolan Ninetales, and Tapu Bulu. Thunderbolt is another option, providing a STAB move that doesn't force Thundurus-T out. Thundurus-T provides utility to the rest of Flying teams via its immunity to Electric, revenge killing, and pivoting. Landorus-T is a bulkier teammate that is also immune to Electric and is a safer switch-in to foes such as Zeraora and Tapu Koko, as well as providing Stealth Rock support and taking on Nihilego. Mantine makes itself useful due to its immunity to Water, assisting Thundurus-T by switching into the majority of Water teams, while stopping setup sweepers such as Keldeo with Haze and removing Stealth Rock, which Thundurus-T is weak to. Choice Band Galarian Zapdos helps break through bulky Pokemon that force Thundurus-T out, such as Blissey and Galarian Slowking, and can also pivot with U-turn on bulky Pokemon that Thundurus can defeat such as Toxapex and Slowbro. Galarian Moltres also helps Thundurus-T defeat bulkier Pokemon it can't muscle through, such as Galarian Slowking and Amoonguss. Dragon Dance Dragonite assists Thundurus-T in defeating Water- and Electric-type teams, as it can easily dismantle both of these types with its setup and ability to eat hits from Pokemon Thundurus-T can't, such as Barraskewda and Zeraora. It also switches into Fire-types such as Cinderace and Victini. Celesteela, Skarmory, and Corviknight all can switch into Ice- and Rock-type moves that Thundurus-T doesn't want to take, such as Weavile and Mamoswine's Ice Shard and Landorus-T's Stone Edge; Corviknight also provides a more reliable teammate to remove Stealth Rock, has access to pivoting in U-turn, and can switch into Psychic-type moves from special attackers such as Tapu Lele and Latios.

This set permits Thundurus-T to snowball out of control by taking advantage of slower, weakened, or utility Pokemon though Nasty Plot. It's also specifically catered to beating up Water teams, as its Thunderbolt OHKOes or 2HKOes most Water-types, while Grass Knot focuses on eliminating Water's Electric-immune Pokemon such as Gastrodon and Swampert. Focus Blast hits Ice- and Steel-types such as Kyurem and Ferrothorn super effectively, though Substitute is a solid alternative to ease setup on forced switches and passive Pokemon like Toxapex and Corviknight. Flying teams generally appreciate having Thundurus-T around, as they appreciate its ability to singlehandedly dismantle Water teams while also providing an Electric immunity through Volt Absorb. Skarmory and Celesteela are both solid, physically defensive walls that Thundurus-T appreciates, as they take on Ice- and Rock-types such as Galarian Darmanitan and Terrakion for it. The former can set Spikes to chip away at the foe's health, making it easier for it to break them down, while the latter relies on Leech Seed, Toxic, and Protect to stall them out. Landorus-T partners with Thundurus-T very well, as it alleviates pressure from it as another Electric immunity while providing great utility in the form of Knock Off and Stealth Rock support. It can also pivot with U-turn on its switch-ins like Corviknight to safely bring in Thundurus-T. Hard-hitting physical attackers such as Dragonite and Galarian Zapdos help to muscle through various specially defensive walls that it can't shake, such as Blissey and Dragalge. Mantine can stomach hits from strong special attackers such as Spectrier and Volcarona and provides a much-needed Water immunity. Choice Specs Zapdos and Galarian Moltres break down shared checks with Thundurus-T allowing it to more readily break past types such as Poison, Flying, and Steel.

Thundurus-T's high base Special Attack and good offensive typing threatens super effective damage on many common defensive Pokemon such as Toxapex and Buzzwole. Thunder Cage and Aeroblast are its STAB moves of choice, with the former trapping the opponent and dealing residual damage, while the latter boasts a high Base Power. Thunderbolt is an option that offers move consistency than Thunder Cage, and Toxic can be run over Aeroblast to better hit Tyranitar and opposing Thundurus. Focus Blast hits the ever-present Tyranitar, which can often otherwise switch in freely, and hits Blissey and defensive Steel-types, like Ferrothorn and Heatran. Nasty Plot is another good option, allowing Thundurus-T to break through defensive checks. Roost allows Thundurus-T to stay healthy over the course of a game, letting it switch into weak moves like U-turn from Tornadus-T and act as a check to Zeraora. Thundurus-T appreciates defensive partners such as Ferrothorn and Mudsdale, as it is forced out by many common Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Terrakion, and Latios. Strong physical attackers such as Buzzwole also make good partners, as they threaten Pokemon like Blissey and Tyranitar for Thundurus-T. Thundurus-T can also opt to invest EVs in HP and Defense to better check Pokemon such as Rillaboom and Excadrill. An alternate spread of 252 HP / 92 Def / 164 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to better check Rillaboom and Excadrill while still outspeeding Heatran.

Access to Nasty Plot, a solid Speed tier, and unresisted coverage etch a niche for Thundurus-T on Sticky Web based teams, as the drop in Speed caused by the entry hazard limits opposing revenge killers like Ash-Greninja, Garchomp, and Kartana from putting a stop to its wrath. Nasty Plot allows Thundurus-T to break through bulkier foes such as Blissey and Toxapex. Focus Blast cracks open Ferrothorn, Kyurem, and Tyranitar. Hidden Power Ice compliments Thunderbolt well, targeting Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor, as well as Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth. Fightinium Z boosted Focus Blast steamrolls Blissey after a Nasty Plot. Volt Absorb confers immunity to Electric-type attacks, notably allowing Thundurus-T to block opposing Volt Switch attempts and turn defensive Zapdos into setup fodder. Entry hazard support is incredibly important to effectively using Thundurus-T, as it benefits greatly to its checks being worn down and especially loves having their Speed dropped by Sticky Web. This makes Shuckle an invaluable teammate for its ability to set both Stealth Rock and Sticky Web. Thundurus-T also threatens common users of opposing entry hazard removal and thus keeps them up rather well. Teammates like Mega Scizor, Bisharp, and Mega Gyarados that can take advantage of the pressure Thundurus-T puts on opposing Water-type Pokemon. Additionally, solid switch-ins to revenge killers such as Ash-Greninja, Rillaboom, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T are vital, which includes Kommo-o, Serperior, Mega Scizor, and Galarian Zapdos. Volt Absorb nullifies Electric-type attacks aimed at its teammates, a quality that aids Manaphy and Gyarados.

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Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's main STAB move and the strongest move on the set. It hits Water- and Flying-types such as Tapu Fini, Azumarill, and Celesteela for a large amount of damage. Hidden Power Ice can OHKO non-Assault Vest Landorus-T and Mega Salamence. Sludge Bomb hits the Guardian Deities, especially Tapu Bulu, and other Fairy-types such as Mega Gardevoir for heavy damage. Volt Switch lets Thundurus-T to pivot out from very threatening Pokemon. Choice Scarf allows Thundurus-T to outspeed most of the metagame but locks it into one move. You should use Choice Scarf Thundurus-T carefully because being locked into the wrong move may be crucial. The given EV spread with a Timid nature maximizes Thundurus-T's Speed and damage output. 4 EVs in Defense gives Thundurus-T a 75% chance to survive maximum Attack Landorus-T's Rock Slide. Volt Absorb gives Thundurus-T an immunity to Electric-type attacks, so you can switch it into an Electric-type threat such as Tapu Koko. Thundurus-T's immunity to Ground-type attacks allows it to switch into Landorus-Tand other Pokemon that may use Ground-type attacks. You can use Choice Scarf Thundurus-T early-game to pressure your opponent. If there is a big threat such as Tyranitar, pivot out through Volt Switch. Thundurus-T appreciates Wide Guard support from the likes of Aegislash and Celesteela because it has a weakness to Rock Slide, which is multi-target move. Landorus-T is good teammate because it can freely use Earthquake when paired with Thundurus-T and provides Intimidate support. Thundurus-T can take on Water-types in return. Steel-types such as Celesteela, Mega Metagross, and Kartana work well with Thundurus-T, particularly on rain teams where their weakness to Fire-types is reduced. They can beat Rock-types such as Tyranitar, while Thundurus-T can freely switch into Ground-type attacks and take on Water-types, which can wall Steel-types except Kartana.

STAB Thunderbolt hits Flying- and Water-types hard. Hidden Power Ice hits Ground- and Dragon-types such as Landorus-T and Hydreigon. Sludge Bomb hits Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko. Focus Blast has bad accuracy but hits Rock- and Dark-types such as Tyranitar and Hydreigon very hard. It is most useful with Fightinium Z. Protect allows Thundurus-T to avoid double targeting and scout for Rock- and Ice-type attacks such as Tapu Bulu's Rock Slide and Tapu Fini's Ice Beam. Life Orb significantly increases damage output at the cost of HP. With a Life Orb boost, Thunderbolt can 2HKO Zapdos, Hidden Power Ice has a high chance to OHKO Assault Vest Landorus-T, and Sludge Bomb can OHKO Assault Vest Tapu Bulu. Electrium Z is necessary to use STAB Gigavolt Havoc, which can OHKO uninvested Mega Metagross. Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling, which OHKOes Mega Tyranitar. The given EV spread with a Timid nature allows Thundurus-T to hit as hard as possible and outpace many threats. Volt Absorb allows Thundurus-T to absorb Electric-type attacks and heal. This enables Thundurus-T to switch into Electric-type attacks frequently aimed at Pokemon such as Pelipper and Celesteela. Thundurus-T is good mid-game when its checks and faster threats are weakened or KOed. This will give Thundurus-T a chance to successfully sweep. If Thundurus-T lacks Sludge Bomb, Tapu Bulu easily checks it. In this case, a teammate who checks Tapu Bulu is necessary. Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and Celesteela are good examples. They also check Rock-types such as Tyranitar if Thundurus-T lacks Focus Blast. In return, Thundurus-T can break through Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Suicune and freely switch into a Ground-type attack. Aegislash works with Thundurus-T especially well because it can provide Wide Guard support to protect Thundurus-T from Rock Slide and itself from Earthquake.

Moves Nasty Plot boosts Thundurus-T's Special Attack to scary levels, allowing it to break many cores including the defensive core of opposing Flying teams. Agility allows Thundurus-T to fare much better against Pokemon on hyper offense teams, which could normally revenge kill Thundurus-T easily, such as Mega Lopunny, Terrakion, and Blacephalon. Thunderbolt is the main STAB option, allowing Thundurus-T to hit very hard after a boost. Electrium Z upgrades Thunderbolt to Gigavolt Havoc, which, at +2, can OHKO threats that Thunderbolt cannot. Hidden Power Ice creates pseudo-BoltBeam coverage with Thunderbolt, which provides Thundurus-T almost perfect coverage against Dragon-, Grass-, and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Breloom, and Gliscor. Alternatively, Focus Blast combined with Fightinium Z allows Thundurus-T to break through Rock-types like Tyranitar much more easily while also enabling it to break through Chansey and Gastrodon. Set Details Maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allow Thundurus-T to take full advantage of its Speed tier, outspeeding threats such as Mega Charizard Y and Jirachi. Maximum Special Attack EVs are used to ensure that Thundurus-T hits as hard as possible. Electrium Z upgrades Thunderbolt into Gigavolt Havoc, providing Thundurus-T a powerful move to blow past threats that could otherwise take a +2 Thunderbolt and KO Thundurus-T back, such as specially defensive Heatran. Fightinium Z is used to unleash All-Out Pummeling, which is great for breaking through specially defensive Pokemon such Gastrodon and Chansey, both of which would otherwise wall Thundurus-T. Volt Absorb allows Thundurus-T to switch into predicted Electric-type attacks. Usage Tips Thundurus-T is best used as a late-game sweeper because of its decent bulk and high Speed and Special Attack. Thundurus-T should set up on passive Pokemon or ones it can force out like Toxapex and Mega Scizor. It is very important to decide when to use Gigavolt Havoc or All-Out Pummeling, as it is necessary to blow past threats that could take +2 Thunderbolt or Focus Blast, such as Nihilego and Chansey. However, against certain matchups, Gigavolt Havoc or All-Out Pummeling may not be as important, so you can use it early-game to wallbreak. If running All-Out Pummeling, use it to lure and KO threats, especially Chansey. One Nasty Plot boost is usually sufficient enough to reach the point that foes will be KOed by the next attack. Setting up multiple Nasty Plot boosts may be tempting, but it is usually not required, and it leaves Thundurus-T open to status and chip damage, leaving it prone to Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion and Blacephalon. Although Thundurus-T has decent bulk, it is best to keep Stealth Rock off the field, as it needs to be at full health to effectively set up Nasty Plot or Agility. Switch Thundurus-T in on a predicted Volt Switch from the likes of Zapdos and Rotom-Wash to ensure that the opponent doesn't maintain momentum. Keep in mind that Thundurus-T will rarely have the opportunity to set up both Nasty Plot and Agility. Agility should be set up against offensive types such as Fighting, while Nasty Plot should be set up against more defensive archetypes such as as Normal. Do not reveal Nasty Plot or Agility early-game until it is absolutely necessary because it may allow Thundurus-T to bluff a Choice Scarf, giving it more opportunities to set up. Avoid status, most notably Toxic, as being badly poisoned puts Thundurus-T on a timer, which makes it more difficult to successfully set up due to the increasing damage. Team Options All Flying-types appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to switch into predicted Electric-type attacks. Skarmory is a physical wall that can take most physical Rock- and Ice-type moves and remove entry hazards with Defog. On the other hand, Mantine is a special wall that can switch in on most special attackers and Ice-types such as Alolan Ninetales and Walrein, with the added benefit of Defog to remove hazards as well. Celesteela is another good Pokemon that can switch in on Rock-types and Ice-types, being one of the few reliable Nihilego and Mega Diancie switch-ins for Flying. Its ability to whittle down threats with Leech Seed is very useful for a setup sweeper like Thundurus-T, as it allows Thundurus-T to play more conservatively with its Z-Move. Mega Aerodactyl helps Thundurus-T against offensive types and can even set up Stealth Rock or Pursuit trap some of Thundurus-T's counters such as Alolan Marowak and Choice Scarf Victini after it has used V-create. Choice Scarf Landorus-T can serve as a revenge killer, especially for Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie, two big threats for Flying teams. Dragonite is a strong physical wallbreaker that can severely weaken specially defensive walls that can stop Thundurus-T from sweeping. Thundurus-T in return can smash through the likes of physical walls such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Mega Charizard Y is an incredible wallbreaker that can assist Thundurus-T, as it can punch holes while notably being able threaten Ice- and Rock-types with Fire Blast and Solar Beam. Zapdos is a defensive wall that can assist Thundurus-T by removing Stealth Rock with Defog or checking Ferrothorn with Heat Wave, which walls the Electrium Z set. Landorus is also a good partner, being a secondary wallbreaker that can assist in denting answers like Alolan Marowak and Tapu Bulu with Earth Power and Sludge Wave. It can even use Knock Off to remove items from the likes of Porygon2 and Chansey, both of which can give Thundurus-T trouble.

With Choice Scarf, Thundurus-T becomes a fairly good revenge killer that can switch into Tapu Koko. Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's most powerful, reliable attack, though note that being locked into it can be problematic. Hidden Power Ice is important for slamming Landorus-T, Naganadel, and Garchomp, and it can also help Thundurus-T pick off weakened Dragonite and unboosted Mega Salamence. While Focus Blast's accuracy isn't the most reliable, it's important for hitting many would-be checks hard, such as Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Mamoswine. Volt Switch works very well with Choice Scarf's Speed boost, not only letting Thundurus-T dish out an attack without getting hit itself but also potentially scouting your opponent's choices for checking Thundurus-T. If checking Tapu Koko and Tapu Bulu is more important, Sludge Wave is a reasonable choice, though it's not a particularly good move to be locked into. When using Choice Scarf Thundurus-T, take care in using its Electric-type STAB moves, as this is the perfect opportunity for threats such as Landorus-T and Mamoswine to come in for free.

Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's most reliable STAB attack. Hidden Power Ice is very important for hitting Landorus-T, Naganadel, and Garchomp, which would otherwise give Thundurus-T trouble. Sludge Wave is a reliable way of slamming Tapu Koko with less of a risk of it finding a way to 2HKO Thundurus-T. It also ensures that Tapu Bulu will not check Thundurus-T. Focus Blast, while having shaky accuracy, offers the best coverage to round out Thundurus-T's moveset, hitting Excadrill, Mamoswine, Ferrothorn, and Magnezone hard. If you're willing to give up coverage, consider Nasty Plot, which allows Thundurus-T to more effectively bust through walls such as Cresselia and Porygon2. Volt Switch can be helpful for scouting your opponent's choices for a Thundurus-T check, though you should watch out for Ground-type switch-ins. To make Thundurus-T a surprise late-game sweeper, consider Agility, which will let Thundurus-T outspeed the entire metagame after one use. While a Modest nature may be tempting, Timid with maximum investment in Speed is important for outspeeding threats such as Volcarona and Mega Kangaskhan. Electrium Z is perfect for giving Thundurus-T one extremely powerful attack per match. While Thundurus-T doesn't get STAB on Focus Blast, it makes Fightinium Z a great choice for its one-time perfect, powerful shot against many would-be checks such as Excadrill. Mega Charizard X, and Ferrothorn. If more power is desired, Life Orb is a perfectly acceptable choice, though it makes Thundurus-T more vulnerable to priority. Consider a check to Mega Charizard X, since it's among the few Pokemon that can directly set up on Thundurus-T.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on ORAS Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out ORAS Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

Moves Volt Switch is a STAB move that hits decently hard while letting Thundurus-T switch out, allowing it to function as a scout early-game and put in some chip damage. Thunderbolt is a strong Electric-type STAB move that lets Thundurus-T secure KOs and clean up late-game. Hidden Power Ice is a useful coverage move that lets Thundurus-T hit Pokemon that resist or are immune to its Electric-type STAB moves, such as Amoonguss and Landorus-T. Focus Blast covers Excadrill and Ferrothorn and lets Thundurus-T deal massive damage to Heatran and nab a KO on Tyranitar. If Thundurus-T is used in the rain, Thunder is an option to hit foes harder. Set Details Choice Scarf lets Thundurus-T outspeed and significantly damage or KO threats it wouldn't be able to otherwise and lets it be a fast Pokemon in general; it also lets Thundurus-T function as a revenge killer when needed. Volt Absorb is useful for letting it switch into opposing Electric-type attacks and absorb them for nifty recovery. The EV investment lets Thundurus-T outspeed Modest Choice Scarf Hydreigon and gives it maximum power, with the leftover EVs put into HP. A Modest nature is used to maximize offensive potential, as Thundurus-T already outspeeds the majority of the metagame with Choice Scarf. However, a Timid nature can be used to outrun Swift Swim Ludicolo in rain, but it misses out on some power. Usage Tips As Thundurus-T is quite fast, it can function as a lead most of the time and scout moves with Volt Switch. However, when against the threat of a Fake Out, it's best to switch out to an appropriate Pokemon. Thundurus-T can be useful to get some chip damage early-game using Volt Switch. Be wary of opposing Protect, however, as Thundurus-T's frailty means that it can't afford to not be able to switch out. It can also function as a cleaner late-game once most of its checks are gone or weakened, as its Speed can make it hard to hit while it gets KOs. Be wary of opposing switch-ins to Pokemon that resist or are immune to Thundurus-T's STAB moves and predict accordingly; for example, if predicting a Landorus-T switch-in, using Hidden Power Ice can nab an easy KO. Another example of predicting is using Volt Switch on a predicted resisted switch-in. Don't recklessly switch in Thundurus-T, since it's frail and can't really afford to take a hit. Only do so when predicting an Earthquake or an Electric-type attack is coming its way. In particular, it can be a nifty switch-in on incoming Thunder Waves, protecting its teammates from paralysis while giving it recovery. In a pinch, Thundurus-T can function as a revenge killer thanks to its Speed, power, and coverage. Team Options Pokemon that appreciate the luring and removal of Landorus-T enjoy Thundurus-T as a partner. Physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan and Terrakion appreciate being able to come in without Landorus-T neutering their Attack and forcing them to switch out. A Pokemon with Fake Out can pair well with Thundurus-T to function as a scouting lead. Mega Kangaskhan can use Fake Out while forcing some switches thanks to its strong offensive presence, which pairs well with Volt Switch. Ludicolo also has Fake Out and can take out annoying Ground-types with Hydro Pump. Since opposing Latios is a huge thorn in Thundurus-T's side, Thundurus-T appreciates partners that can consistently threaten to KO Latios. Aegislash can switch into both Draco Meteor and Psyshock and threaten to KO with Shadow Ball, while also having Wide Guard to shield Thundurus-T from opposing Rock Slide and other powerful spread attacks. Thundurus-T also appreciates partners that can remove opposing Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur, which can both soak up Thundurus-T's Electric-type STAB moves and take a Hidden Power Ice, threatening to cripple or significantly damage Thundurus-T afterward. Kyurem-B and Talonflame can both net a KO on most Grass-types with their STAB moves, the former being notable for also being able to handle opposing Ground-types, which can soak up Thundurus-T's Thunderbolt and Volt Switch. Pokemon that Thundurus-T can fall back on to take the omnipresent Rock Slide make for viable partners as well. Keldeo can switch in while threatening Rock Slide's major users Landorus-T and Terrakion, and Ferrothorn can safely switch in to take numerous hits and slowly whittle away at the foes, though it can't switch in on Terrakion. If using Thunder instead of Thunderbolt, Politoed makes for a viable partner to make said move more accurate.

Moves Volt Switch is the first STAB move, which hits hard and deals significant chip damage while scouting for moves. Thunder, the second STAB move, packs a strong punch with Choice Specs and lets Thundurus-T significantly damage or KO opponents. However, it should only be used while rain is present, as it is inaccurate otherwise. Thunderbolt makes for a fine alternative, but it loses out on a notable amount of power. Hidden Power Flying hits Grass-type Pokemon troublesome to the rain archetype such as Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur for significant damage. Hidden Power Ice is an option to be able to hit predicted Landorus-T and Garchomp switch-ins while still hitting Amoonguss. However, it misses out on Mega Venusaur because the weakness is negated by Thick Fat. Focus Blast rounds out the moveset, covering Excadrill and Ferrothorn while netting quick KOs on Heatran and Tyranitar. Set Details Choice Specs boosts Thundurus-T's already high Special Attack to greater levels, letting it do significant damage with its attacks; it boasts so much power that it can even net a 2HKO on Latios with Thunder. Volt Absorb lets it safely switch into opposing Electric-type attacks for recovery in a pinch. Using the given combination of nature and EV investment, Thundurus-T outruns positive-natured base 100s such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Charizard Y while having maximum offensive potential. Usage Tips Choice Specs Thundurus-T should only be used in rain, as it can't safely use its powerful Thunder without it. Any team without rain should be using another set instead. Thundurus-T can function early-game by dealing decently strong chip damage with Volt Switch, which is useful for letting its teammates clean later on. Be wary of opposing Protect, however, as Thundurus-T can't afford to not be able to switch out, due to its frailty. Use Thunder when you need something KOed or broken down, since it's really strong and deals significant damage even to switch-ins that resist it. It's also the move to use generally, as it's really powerful and can significantly weaken most threats. Thundurus-T can be paired with a Fake Out user such as Ludicolo to safely net chip damage and possibly maintain momentum with Volt Switch. Be wary of opposing switch-ins to Pokemon that resist or are immune to its STAB moves and predict accordingly; for example, if predicting a switch-in that resists Thundurus-T's other moves, use Volt Switch to maintain momentum. Use the appropriate coverage move for the threats they were meant for; use Hidden Power Flying to break down Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur, and use Focus Blast to hit Ferrothorn. Finally, don't blindly switch in Thundurus-T, as it can't really afford to take a hit, due to its frailty. Only do so when predicting an opposing Earthquake or Electric-type move. In particular, it can switch into incoming Thunder Waves, protecting its teammates, especially its Swift Swim sweeper partners, from paralysis while giving it nifty recovery. Team Options Politoed is an excellent partner for this particular set, as the rain it brings lets Thundurus-T fire off its monstrous Thunder with never-miss accuracy. Partners that can eliminate opposing Ground-types that may soak up Thundurus-T's Electric-type moves serve well as partners. Swift Swim Ludicolo and Mega Swampert can outspeed and KO the omnipresent Choice Scarf Landorus-T, the most notable Ground-type, while being staples on rain teams in general. Keldeo can remove Ground-types as well, while also netting a KO on Ferrothorn, another thorn in Thundurus-T's side. If not running Hidden Power Flying, Thundurus-T appreciates Pokemon that can remove opposing Grass-types, which wall it. Both Kyurem-B and Talonflame can net a KO on common Grass-types with their respective super effective STAB moves. Pokemon that Thundurus-T can fall back on to take the omnipresent Rock Slide make for viable partners. Physically defensive Politoed can safely come in while threatening the move's major users, Landorus-T and Terrakion, and Ferrothorn can safely switch in to take numerous hits and slowly whittle away at the foes, though it can't switch into Terrakion. To patch up Thundurus-T's only decent Speed, a Tailwind setter could be a viable partner. Both Latios and Talonflame can set it while being able to take out faster threats to Thundurus-T such as Terrakion and Keldeo.

Moves Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's most reliable STAB attack. Should Thundurus-T be used on a rain team, however, Thunder is a suitable option. It is incredibly powerful and perfectly accurate in the rain, packing a nifty 30% chance to paralyze its target. Hidden Power Ice forms pseudo-BoltBeam coverage with Thundurus-T's Electric-type attack. Psychic hits Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss, both of which are a pain to Thundurus-T. Volt Switch lets Thundurus-T dent a foe and switch out, as well as scout. Focus Blast hits Steel-types such as Heatran, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn, while Grass Knot hits Pokemon such as Mega Swampert and Gastrodon. Set Details 20 HP EVs ensure that Thundurus-T will avoid the OHKO from Jolly Tyranitar's Rock Slide and Sylveon's Choice Specs-boosted Hyper Voice. 252 Speed EVs make Thundurus-T as fast as possible, letting him outspeed neutral-natured base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Charizard and its Mega Evolutions, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Gardevoir. The remaining EVs are put into Special Attack to let Thundurus-T hit as hard as possible. A Modest nature is used for extra power, but a Timid nature can be used for extra Speed; it lets Thundurus-T outspeed positive-natured base 100 Speed Pokemon. If you decide to use a Choice Scarf instead of Choice Specs, an EV spread of 20 HP / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Modest nature should be used to let Thundurus-T outspeed Modest Choice Scarf Hydreigon. A Timid nature is plausible, too, as it lets Thundurus-T outspeed Timid Choice Scarf Hydreigon at the cost of some power. The provided IVs give Thundurus-T Hidden Power Ice. Usage Tips Lead with Thundurus-T and use him as an early-game scout with Volt Switch. When you send out Thundurus-T, if you predict a Fake Out, don't hesitate to switch out into a Pokemon that can tank the hit. Use Thundurus-T as a late-game cleaner once his checks and counters have been removed. Predict switch-ins; if you predict a Garchomp or Landorus-T to come in, use Hidden Power Ice. Use moves appropriately; a neutral Thunderbolt or Thunder does more damage than a 2x super effective Hidden Power Ice, a 2x resisted Thunderbolt or Thunder does more than a neutral Hidden Power Ice, and so on and so forth. Even though it is super effective, don't use Grass Knot against Rotom-W, as it is very light; instead, use Thunderbolt or Thunder. Team Options If Thundurus-T is being used on a rain team, Politoed is a must-have partner because of its ability Drizzle. Thanks to Thundurus-T's ability to quickly dispose of Landorus-T, physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan, Terrakion, and Talonflame are good partners. Mega Charizard Y and Talonflame can remove bulky Grass-types such as Amoonguss, which Thundurus-T has trouble with. This does, however, stack up a weakness to Rock-type attacks such as Rock Slide. Wide Guard support from Pokemon such as Aegislash protects Thundurus-T and his teammates from this move, as well as other common attacks such as Hyper Voice and Heat Wave. As Thundurus-T makes a good early-game scout, pairing him with Fake Out users such as Mega Kangaskhan and Ludicolo is helpful. They shield Thundurus-T from damage for a turn and let him scout with Volt Switch more easily. Landorus-T provides Intimidate support and can freely spam Earthquake thanks to Thundurus-T's Flying typing. Other Ground-types such as Garchomp and Mamoswine work well alongside Thundurus-T, too. Helping Hand users power up Thundurus-T's attacks to monstrous levels. Politoed and Cresselia make for solid users. Thundurus-T's base 101 Speed isn't bad at all, but it falls short of outspeeding some notable Pokemon such as Gengar and Garchomp. Speed control from Pokemon such as Politoed and Suicune is therefore appreciated.

Moves Nasty Plot allows Thundurus-T to function as a dedicated wallbreaker, allowing it to break through nearly any wall after a boost. Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's primary STAB move, offering consistent power and great coverage. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-types such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Mega Salamence as well as Ground-types such as Landorus-T and Hippowdon. Focus Blast is the ideal coverage move, since it allows Thundurus-T to hit Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Mamoswine, and Hydreigon harder, as well as break through Porygon2 and Chansey after a Nasty Plot. Psychic is an option if Focus Blast's coverage is not needed, allowing Thundurus-T to hit Mega Venusaur and Mega Heracross harder. Grass Knot can also be used to hit bulky Ground-types that don't mind Hidden Power Ice, such as Swampert and Gastrodon, and also hits Tyranitar and Hippowdon. Set Details Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment allows Thundurus-T to hit as hard and fast as possible, while the leftover EVs are placed in Special Defense. A Timid nature is preferred because the power boost from Modest is unnecessary with Nasty Plot, and the Speed allows Thundurus-T to outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Kangaskhan, and Volcarona. Sitrus Berry is the preferred item to allow Thundurus-T to heal some of the damage it might take while setting up, and prevents it from being 2HKOed by Choice Band Talonflame's Brave Bird. It also allows Thundurus-T to avoid a 2HKO from Rotom-W's Hydro Pump and Cresselia's Ice Beam, which makes it easier to set up on them. Life Orb can be used as an alternative that makes Thundurus-T less reliant on setting up, notably allowing it to OHKO Mega Kangaskhan and Ferrothorn with Focus Blast, though this makes it tougher to check Talonflame since this wears Thundurus-T down quickly. Volt Absorb is Thundurus-T's only ability available, but it's very useful for switching into any predicted Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave, Volt Switch, and Thunderbolt. Usage Tips This set's primary role is to break down sturdy walls and sweep after a Nasty Plot, so it's best used against slower, bulkier teams. However, Thundurus-T can function either as a sweeper or as a wallbreaker due to its naturally high Special Attack, so it doesn't always need to focus on finding the opportunity to set up. Volt Absorb makes Thundurus-T one of the best offensive checks to opposing Thundurus, so it should take advantage of the fact that its presence alone deters Thundurus from carelessly using Thunder Wave. This gives Thundurus-T a stronger presence at Team Preview, since the threat of Volt Absorb alone can deter the opponent from bringing their Electric-types. For this reason, you don't always need to bring Thundurus-T into battle. Thundurus-T can also be used to check Flying-types such as Mega Salamence and Talonflame, though it should not be used as your primary check, since it's not very bulky and can still be easily worn down even with its Sitrus Berry. Team Options Pokemon that struggle with Thundurus make great partners. Blaziken, Suicune, Azumarill, Greninja, and Garchomp are all powerful teammates that appreciate having a teammate that can deal with Thundurus. Blaziken in particular deals with Rock-types and Ice-types for Thundurus-T while appreciating its ability to deal with Talonflame. Water-types such as Suicune and Azumarill can also handle Ice-type moves that give trouble Thundurus-T. Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Landorus-T, and Swampert can cover its Rock-type weakness and also provide Stealth Rock support to aid its sweeping attempts. Landorus-T in particular provides Intimidate support that helps Thundurus-T take physical attacks better. Mega Mawile can provide similar support and also appreciates Thundurus-T's ability to switch into Ground-type moves. Grass-types such as Serperior and Breloom, as well as Fighting-types such as Heracross and Conkeldurr also appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to check common Flying-types such as Talonflame and Mega Salamence.

Moves Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's most reliable STAB move, providing great coverage and power. Hidden Power Ice complements Thunderbolt's coverage well, hitting Ground- and Dragon-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Dragonite, and Mega Salamence. Volt Switch is necessary on this set, as it allows Thundurus-T to function effectively as a pivot, as it will often be switching into foes and pressuring them with its powerful attacks. Focus Blast is the preferred coverage move, since it allows Thundurus-T to hit Porygon2 and Tyranitar, notably OHKOing most variants of the latter under sand. Psychic is a viable alternative, though, if Mega Venusaur and Mega Heracross are bigger threats to the team. Grass Knot hits Ground-types that don't mind Hidden Power Ice, such as Hippowdon, Swampert, and Gastrodon, though it has few other targets. Running three coverage moves is also viable, though this usually comes at the cost of Thunderbolt or Volt Switch, which is often difficult to make room for. Set Details Assault Vest gives Thundurus-T the bulk to take special attacks, such as Hidden Power Ice from opposing Thundurus, Ice Beam from Greninja, and Hydro Pump from Rotom-W. The given HP and Defense EVs allow Thundurus-T to never be 2HKOed by Brave Bird from Adamant Choice Band Talonflame so that it can switch in and revenge kill it if necessary. While this appears less efficient than investing more in Defense, the HP investment is required to allow Thundurus-T to survive Life Orb Greninja's Ice Beam. 108 Speed EVs ensure that Thundurus-T outspeeds up to positive-natured base 70 Pokemon such as Breloom, and the rest is placed in Special Attack so that it can hit foes as hard as possible. A Modest nature is used to boost Thundurus-T's damage output further and is preferred over Timid because this set is designed to tank hits and deal damage rather than wallbreak or sweep. Volt Absorb allows Thundurus-T to check Electric-types such as Zapdos, Rotom-W, and opposing Thundurus. The damage it heals from Electric-type moves also helps Thundurus-T stay healthy. Usage Tips Assault Vest Thundurus-T is a tank, so it should be used to switch into special attackers and take advantage of its great coverage. At the same time, this Thundurus-T lacks the power of most other sets, so it should not be used as a wallbreaker. Thundurus-T often forces switches due to its great power, so using Volt Switch often is essential to maintain momentum. If the foe lacks Ground-types, using Volt Switch is often very safe. While Thundurus-T can take special hits relatively well, it has no way to heal off the damage it takes, and Volt Absorb can't be relied on at all times, so be careful about letting it take too much damage. However, Electric-types such as Zapdos, Rotom-W, and Thundurus have trouble doing much to Thundurus-T in the first place outside of Toxic or Will-O-Wisp, so don't hesitate to switch into them to try and heal damage whenever possible. Team Options Teammates that struggle with Electric-types such as Thundurus appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to switch into any Electric-type with easy. Suicune, Slowbro, Talonflame, Mega Salamence, and Blaziken all appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to handle Electric-types, especially opposing Thundurus. Teammates that can handle Rock-type moves, such as Garchomp, Ferrothorn, Mega Heracross, and Mega Lucario, are effective options that generally appreciate a teammate that can safely Volt Switch to bring them in. Intimidate support helps Thundurus-T takes physical attacks better, allowing it to more easily switch into a wide range of Pokemon. This makes Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Gyarados great options, with Landorus-T in particular forming a strong VoltTurn core with Thundurus-T. However, in the case of the former two, this doubles up on an Ice-type weakness that Thundurus-T itself wants covered. Meanwhile, Gyarados greatly appreciates Thundurus-T's ability to switch into Electric-type moves that threaten it. Thundurus-T also appreciates teammates such as Suicune, Volcarona, Mega Mawile, and Aegislash that can handle Ice-type moves well, and they all generally appreciate having a teammate that can handle Thundurus.

Moves Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's primary STAB move, providing great coverage and consistent power. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon- and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Dragonite, Mega Salamence, and Landorus-T, complementing Thunderbolt's coverage well. Focus Blast rounds out Thundurus-T's coverage, hitting foes that don't mind Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Ice such as Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Hydreigon, and Porygon2. Psychic can be used instead to hit Mega Venusaur and to beat Mega Blaziken at +1 Speed. Alternatively, Grass Knot can be used to give Thundurus-T coverage against Rock- and Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Swampert, and Tyranitar. Volt Switch is the preferred choice in the last slot, since it allows Thundurus-T to pivot out of bad matchups while maintaining momentum. Thundurus-T can give up Thunderbolt or Volt Switch to run another coverage move, though Thunderbolt's power and Volt Switch's utility are usually more important than the coverage that Psychic or Grass Knot provides. Set Details Choice Scarf patches up Thundurus-T's middling Speed and allows it to function as a strong revenge killer due to its great Special Attack. Volt Absorb allows Thundurus-T to heal from Electric-type moves, which is its biggest draw for the ability to counter Thundurus. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment is ideal to allow Thundurus-T to hit as hard and fast as possible. A Modest nature is preferred over Timid to maximize Thundurus-T's damage output, and Timid doesn't help outspeed anything notable. If checking Talonflame is particularly important, a bulkier spread of 200 Def / 200 SpA / 108 Spe can be used to avoid being 2HKOed by Choice Band Talonflame's Brave Bird while still outspeeding Adamant Dragonite after a Dragon Dance and the occasional Choice Scarf Breloom. Usage Tips Thundurus-T still has great Special Attack even without a boosting item, so it can still break through foes that aren't dedicated walls. However, this Thundurus-T set is used primarily as a revenge killer or late-game cleaner, so it should be ideally brought in after a teammate has been KOed. Leading with Thundurus-T is also a viable approach if the opposing team lacks Ground-types, since it can simply Volt Switch out against an unfavorable matchup. Try to avoid making Thundurus-T's item too obvious, since bluffing another set can allow you to surprise a foe later in the game. This is particularly important if Thundurus-T is being used to revenge kill foes such as Mega Salamence and Garchomp, since it becomes much easier for the opponent to play around Thundurus-T if they know it's locked into a move. Locking into a coverage move can be particularly dangerous because it can give powerful sweepers such as Mega Kangaskhan, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard X an easy setup opportunity. Team Options Thundurus-T appreciates Stealth Rock support in order to effectively clean late-game, so teammates such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon are great for their ability to provide this support and weaken teams through other means of residual damage. These all can handle Rock-type moves that trouble Thundurus-T. Thundurus-T also appreciates teammates that can handle Ice-type moves, such as Blaziken, Volcarona, Suicune, and Slowbro. In return, Thundurus-T handles Electric-types such as Thundurus, which gives them a difficult time. In the case of Blaziken and Volcarona, Thundurus-T can also handle Talonflame and Mega Salamence, though it must be careful switching into them, since it isn't very bulky. Mega Lucario and Mega Mawile tend to struggle with bulky Water-types, so they appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to come in and revenge kill them. Thundurus-T can also punish Ground-type moves that are aimed at them, though this must be done carefully, since Thundurus-T isn't particularly bulky itself. Even though Thundurus-T has great Special Attack on its own, wallbreakers such as Mega Gengar and Mega Heracross can break through troublesome walls that Thundurus-T has trouble beating by itself, such as Chansey and Mega Venusaur.

Moves Thunderbolt is Thundurus-T's primary STAB move for wallbreaking, boasting great coverage and consistent power. Hidden Power Ice complements Thunderbolt's coverage, allowing Thundurus-T to hit Ground- and Dragon-types such as Landorus-T, Hippowdon, Garchomp, Mega Salamence, and Dragonite. Focus Blast is the preferred coverage move in order to hit Dark-, Steel-, and Normal-types such as Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Ferrothorn, and Porygon2, which have few issues beating Thundurus-T otherwise. However, Psychic can be used to hit Mega Venusaur and more consistently OHKO bulky Mega Gengar. Grass Knot is another alternative that gives Thundurus-T coverage against Rock- and Ground-types, such as Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Swampert, though locking into it can be very risky due to its variable power. Volt Switch is also used in order to allow Thundurus-T to pivot out of bad matchups while still maintaining momentum. Set Details Maximum Speed and Special Attack helps Thundurus-T take full advantage of Choice Specs by hitting as hard and fast as possible. Choice Specs turns Thundurus-T into a powerful wallbreaker capable of breaking through most threats in the format. A Timid nature is preferred to allow Thundurus-T to outspeed the many important Pokemon in the crowded base 100 Speed range, such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Salamence before it Mega Evolves. However, a Modest nature can be used to KO a wider range of threats, such as Rotom-W with Thunderbolt and Mega Heracross with Psychic. Volt Absorb makes Thundurus-T a reliable answer to Electric-types, notably allowing it to switch into Thundurus safely and deter it from using Electric-type moves. Usage Tips Thundurus-T aims to break down bulkier foes with its powerful Electric-type moves, so this set works best as a lead. This is particularly effective if the foe lacks Ground-types, since switching into a Choice Specs-boosted Thunderbolt is difficult for anything except the bulkiest special walls, such as Chansey and Mega Venusaur. Thundurus-T should usually use Volt Switch early-game in anticipation of a switch, since Thundurus-T's huge Special Attack still allows it to get a big hit in while maintaining momentum. Thundurus-T is powerful enough to use Hidden Power Ice even against foes that only have a single weakness to Ice such as Hippowdon, though it can be dangerous to lock into. Thundurus-T's great Special Attack can reward a well-predicted switch, so the option to use a coverage move shouldn't be overlooked, but avoid carelessly locking into a coverage moves early-game unless the foe lacks any way to immediately punish it. Team Options Speed control helps Thundurus-T out greatly due to its Speed only being slightly above average. Common users of Thunder Wave such as Ferrothorn, Cresselia, and Porygon2 are effective partners, while Serperior can also provide the same support with Glare. Physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan, Talonflame, Mega Blaziken, and Garchomp appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to blast through physical walls for them, such as Cresselia and Suicune. Stealth Rock support is useful to help Thundurus-T beat foes more easily, so Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Ferrothorn, Landorus-T, and Swampert are effective teammates. These Pokemon can also handle Rock-type moves aimed at Thundurus-T and sometimes run Rocky Helmet to wear down physical attackers further. Grass-types and Fighting-types such as Serperior, Breloom, Mega Heracross, and Mega Lopunny all benefit from Thundurus-T's ability to check Flying-types. Breloom and Mega Lopunny also appreciate Thundurus-T's ability to threaten physical walls for them, as they typically have trouble breaking through the likes of Cresselia. Bulky Water-types such as Suicune and Slowbro enjoy Thundurus-T switching into Grass- and Electric-type moves for them, while they can handle Ice-type moves that threaten Thundurus-T.

Choice Thundurus-T is fairly one-dimensional. With its STAB Thunderbolt and Hidden Power backed by a Choice Specs boost, Thundurus-T is more than capable of ripping holes in the opponent's team, provided it doesn't get caught out with the wrong move in the wrong situation. Thunderbolt is self-explanatory, but Volt Switch might need more explanation, considering the rarity of such moves in VGC. The premise behind Volt Switch is this: although Thundurus-Therian hits hard, in a metagame where everything is either EVed to take Dragon Gem Draco Meteors, some Pokemon need softening up before Thundurus is ready to knock heads. Furthermore, Volt Switch hits almost as hard as Thunderbolt does, making it a safe move to throw out in the beginning of the game. The choice of Hidden Power largely depends on how well your team takes on Fighting-types or Dragon-types, but due to STAB, Hidden Power Flying is naturally the more powerful option. Hidden Power Ice, however, gives you the edge against other Thundurus-T that chose Hidden Power Flying, and it is powerful enough to OHKO Yache Berry Garchomp at about the same rate as Scald burns (and we all know how often that is), which is something normally only Ice-types such as Mamoswine and Abomasnow can claim to do. In the same situation, Garchomp cannot OHKO Thundurus-T without resorting to the inaccurate Stone Edge. As for the third slot, Grass Knot is the best that Thundurus-T's rather shallow movepool has to offer, but it can be useful in situations where Thundurus-T is left alone against Tyranitar or Gastrodon. It might also be wise to study up on the weights of some Pokemon before haphazardly locking yourself into Grass Knot. A prime example is Rotom-W, which only takes about 25% from a 20 Base Power super effective Choice Specs-boosted Grass Knot. If you have trouble memorizing weights, pay attention to the 'slamming' animation that most Pokemon make when entering the field. This analysis has so far listed a few examples of Thundurus-T's power. It should be noted, however, that those examples are the work of a Choice Specs boost, which means you won't be getting the same mileage out of Choice Scarf. Choice Scarf is still a great option though, as it outspeeds Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Landorus-T, Latios, neutral +1 Volcarona, and other such Pokemon that Thundurus-T might have interest in outspeeding. This makes Choice Scarf Thundurus-T most useful in revenge killing, especially if you have Fake Out users or Pokemon that can easily soften up the opposing team. Thunder is a viable option when using Thundurus-T with Politoed, especially because of its 30% paralysis chance. Thunder should go over Volt Switch however; because of Tyranitar and Abomasnow, there will be times where Thundurus-T just can't afford to risk them switching in and causing Thunder to miss. A Timid nature could be used, but is mostly only good for outspeeding other Thundurus-T, and in Choice Scarf Thundurus T's case- Timid Volcarona after a Quiver Dance. The power drop usually isn't worth it because of this, as Thundurus-T barely ekes out a 2HKO against 4/0 Timid Volcarona with Hidden Power Flying, and it'll obviously be in a tight spot against Volcarona that opt for a bulkier spread. Another thing to note is that, when using Hidden Power Ice, you should use an EV spread of 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe to avoid wasting EVs. As mentioned earlier, Politoed is an excellent partner for Thundurus-T for many reasons. First and foremost, Thundurus-T's Volt Absorb takes advantage of Politoed's Electric-type weakness, making it easier than ever to preserve your precious frog. Secondly, Politoed provides speed control and Helping Hand support, boosting Thundurus's destructive prowess. Finally, rain brings with it Pokemon such as Kingdra and Ludicolo, which are more than happy to deal enough damage for Thundurus to be able to clean up later. Like Politoed, Cresselia has Helping Hand and speed control in the form of either Icy Wind, Thunder Wave, or Trick Room, the latter of which can actually benefit Choice Specs Thundurus, as it might find itself outsped by the aforementioned Speed demons. In fact, if you're feeling cheeky, you can even heal Thundurus-T with Cresselia's Thunder Wave. Other anti-Trick Room Pokemon are also appreciated because of Thundurus-T's relative frailty. Amoonguss is a great example of this, as it can outspeed some, if not most Trick Room attackers with a Sassy nature and put everything to sleep to stall out Trick Room or, in a more general sense, it can keep the heat off of Thundurus while the latter plugs away at the opposing team. Tyranitar is an odd option, but it — along with Excadrill — appreciates a STAB Thunderbolt working against nasty Water-types, especially Politoed. Excadrill and Thundurus-T can also serve as a "fast mode" with Excadrill spamming Earthquakes to its heart's content while Thundurus-T takes no damage and spams its own STAB moves. Fake Out users are also much appreciated, especially those with Feint, which allows Thundurus-T to nab some unexpected KOs or simply ease prediction. Examples of these are Infernape, Hitmontop, and Sableye. Other useful Feint users include Scizor and Heracross, both of which take care of Tyranitar, Cresselia, Abomasnow, and sometimes Mamoswine, all of which are threats to Thundurus-T.

While lacking in Speed or attacking prowess, specially attacking Thundurus-T is unique in its versatility. Being able to switch between moves is incredibly useful, considering how Choice Specs or Choice Scarf Thundurus-T is easily walled should it lock itself into an unfavorable move. It also isn't forced to switch moves and has increased longevity thanks to Protect, which is useful to avoid double-targeting. Even though this Thundurus-T is more versatile in its playstyle, its moveslots aren't very flexible. The standard Thunderbolt, Hidden Power, and Grass Knot core is hard to replace, as it is really all Thundurus-T needs in the first place. The question of which Hidden Power to use is the same as the Choice sets; do you want to hit Dragon- or Fighting-types? There is no wrong answer to this question because it depends largely on your team, so you might find yourself bouncing between the two in practice. Protect is almost non-negotiable, as one of the main draws for a non-Choice set is the ability to use it, but if you don’t feel the need for it, you can easily switch it with Volt Switch to make a miniature Choice set. Again, Thunder is a great move if you’re using Thundurus-T with Politoed, but beware of weather inducers such as Tyranitar, Abomasnow, and miscellaneous Sunny Day users. A Timid nature drops Thundurus-T's damage output even further, but can help out with opposing Thundurus-T and other Pokemon that might run odd Speed spreads. Because of this Thundurus’s increased longevity, a Timid nature isn't such a bad idea considering it might stick around longer to play out those 2HKOs. Life Orb is generally the more useful item as it consistently boosts all of Thundurus-T's attacks, but if the recoil is a turn-off, Electric Gem provides a one-time boost that is comparable to that of Choice Specs. Additionally, Electric Gem might enable Thundurus-T to bluff a Choice set as long as you don't immediately use Thunderbolt, as it doesn't announce itself otherwise. The partners for this set don't differ as much from the Choice set, except Tyranitar is a slightly weaker option considering how quickly Life Orb and Sand Stream damage can accumulate. Helping Hand is especially helpful because of the power difference, and chip damage is all the more useful. Thunder Wave support is not only helpful for speed control, but also to offset Thundurus’s Life Orb recoil. Feint is slightly more helpful if you reveal the fact that Thundurus-T isn't Choiced, which makes opponents more reliant on Protect to stave off Thundurus’s powerful Thunderbolts and coverage moves.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

In a tier dominated by Thundurus and its Prankster Thunder Wave, Thundurus-T finds a solid niche in being one of the only Pokemon immune to it. This, in combination with its high Special Attack and decent Speed tier, allows it to be an offensive threat that is capable of checking the most common Pokemon in the metagame such as the aforementioned Thundurus and Jellicent. Thundurus-T, however, lacks the overall utility of its Incarnate forme, making it a harder fit for most teams. As a result, Thundurus-T is typically only used on more offensive teams, such as rain, where the utility of being a Thunder Wave absorber can be more beneficial than the use of Thunder Wave itself. If Thundurus-T is being used on a rain team, Thunder is recommended; otherwise, Thunderbolt should be used. Hidden Power Flying is typically recommended, as it hits Amoonguss super effectively. Hidden Power Ice is an option for teams that want to hit Landorus-T instead and is more suited for non-rain teams, as those already have multiple ways of hitting Landorus-T super effectively. Electric Gem is the preferred item, as it notably allows Thundurus-T to OHKO Jellicent with Thunder. Flying Gem can be used on rain teams for more damage against Amoonguss. Thundurus-T's main role is to use Thunder whenever possible and Volt Switch out against unfavorable matchups. If the opponent has a Thundurus, it is best to preserve Thundurus-T so that it can check Thundurus when needed. Politoed and Kingdra are excellent teammates, as they can threaten Ground-types such as Landorus-T and Excadrill. Thundurus-T, in turn, matches well into common rain answers such as Amoonguss, Jellicent, and Thundurus. Genesect is another teammate that benefits from Thundurus-T's ability to check Jellicent and Thundurus, while it can check Tyranitar and Kyurem-B for Thundurus-T. The two also form a formidable VoltTurn core, capable of pivoting between each other for better positioning. Other options include Choice Scarf, which turns Thundurus-T into a speedy, powerful pivot, and Choice Specs, which turns it into a strong wallbreaker. A Substitute set with Leftovers is another interesting option, taking advantage of its excellent matchup into common Pokemon in the metagame, such as Amoonguss, Jellicent, and Thundurus, setting up Substitute and spreading massive damage against the foe with its strong Electric-type attacks.