best landorus moveset

Landorus, particularly in its Therian forme, stands as a colossal figure in the competitive Pokémon landscape. Its unique combination of typing, ability, and stats has cemented its place as a premier force. Crafting the best Landorus moveset is therefore not a singular task, but a strategic exercise in maximizing its potential to control the battlefield. This analysis will delve into the optimal movesets for Landorus-Therian across various competitive formats, examining the rationale behind each choice and the strategic contexts in which they shine.

Table of Contents

Understanding Landorus-Therian's Foundation
The Pivotal Utility Set
The Offensive Swords Dance Set
Specialized and Alternative Sets
Teammates and Competitive Context

Understanding Landorus-Therian's Foundation

Any discussion of the best Landorus moveset must begin with an appreciation of its inherent strengths. Landorus-Therian possesses a superb Ground/Flying typing, granting it immunity to both Ground and Electric-type moves, two very common offensive types. Its ability, Intimidate, is arguably the best in the game, allowing it to passively weaken physical attackers upon switching in. This makes it an exceptionally reliable defensive pivot. Statistically, it boasts a high Attack stat, excellent physical bulk, and a serviceable Speed tier. This blend allows it to fulfill multiple roles: a defensive utility pivot, a potent wallbreaker, and a stealth rock setter. The chosen moveset directly determines which of these roles it will emphasize.

The cornerstone of most Landorus-Therian sets is the move Earthquake. As a powerful STAB move coming from its high Attack stat, Earthquake is non-negotiable. It provides reliable, heavy damage against a wide array of targets. The second almost universal move is U-turn. This move synergizes perfectly with Intimidate and Landorus's role as a pivot. Landorus can switch in on a predicted attack, use Intimidate to weaken the foe, and then U-turn out to maintain momentum and bring in a more favorable teammate. This combination forms the reactive core of its most common sets.

The Pivotal Utility Set

This is the most consistent and widely used Landorus-Therian moveset, defining its presence in the metagame. The set typically runs: Earthquake, U-turn, Stealth Rock, and a fourth flexible move. The item is most often Leftovers for sustained recovery or Rocky Helmet to further punish physical attackers. The nature is Impish, maximizing physical bulk.

Stealth Rock is a critical entry hazard, and Landorus-Therian is one of the most reliable setters in the game. Its ability to force switches with Intimidate and its good bulk often guarantee at least one opportunity to set the rocks. The fourth move slot is where significant customization occurs. Stone Edge is a popular choice, providing coverage against Flying-types like Tornadus-Therian and Zapdos who are immune to Earthquake. It also forms the classic "EdgeQuake" combo for wide coverage. Alternatively, Toxic can cripple bulky switch-ins like Tangrowth or opposing Landorus-Therian, whittling them down over time. Knock Off is another superb utility option, removing crucial items like Leftovers, Heavy-Duty Boots, or Choice Specs from foes, disrupting their strategy.

This utility set excels at providing constant team support. It controls hazards, generates momentum, and checks a plethora of physical threats. Its success lies not in sweeping teams but in consistently applying pressure and creating advantageous positions for its allies throughout the match.

The Offensive Swords Dance Set

While the utility set focuses on team support, Landorus-Therian can also unleash its offensive potential with a Swords Dance set. This transforms it from a pivot into a devastating wallbreaker. The moveset is Earthquake, Stone Edge, Swords Dance, and a final move, often Substitute or Explosion. The item is commonly Leftovers with Substitute or a power-boosting item like Life Orb or Soft Sand without it. The nature is Jolly to maximize Speed.

Swords Dance capitalizes on Landorus's already high Attack, allowing it to boost to terrifying levels. After a single Swords Dance, its Earthquakes can obliterate even resistant foes. Stone Edge remains essential for coverage, ensuring that Flying-types and Levitate users cannot wall it. The last slot is strategic. Substitute allows Landorus to set up on passive or status-reliant foes, shielding it from critical hits or debilitating conditions. Explosion, while a sacrificial move, can be used as a last resort to eliminate a key threat or to bring in a teammate safely after Landorus has done its job.

This set thrives on prediction and capitalizing on forced switches. It is less about consistent long-term presence and more about creating a single, game-winning moment. When supported by teammates that can handle its counters, such as fast Water- or Ice-type attackers, a Swords Dance Landorus-Therian can tear through defensive cores.

Specialized and Alternative Sets

Beyond the primary archetypes, Landorus-Therian can utilize several niche but effective movesets. A Choice Scarf set can surprise opponents expecting a slower pivot. With Earthquake, U-turn, Stone Edge, and a final move like Defog or Knock Off, it becomes a potent revenge killer and momentum grabber, though it sacrifices the utility of Stealth Rock or the power of a boosting item.

A specially defensive set is also viable, using its decent special bulk when invested. With moves like Earthquake, U-turn, Stealth Rock, and Toxic or Protect, it can check certain special attackers like Heatran more effectively while still performing its standard utility role. Flyinium Z with Fly was a potent offensive option in past generations, providing a one-time incredibly powerful nuke to break through specific checks, though its relevance has diminished with the removal of Z-Moves in the latest games.

The choice between these sets is metagame-dependent. The utility set is almost always a safe and valuable addition to a team. The offensive set becomes more appealing when a team lacks wallbreaking power. Specialized sets are tools to address specific team needs or to exploit common opponent expectations.

Teammates and Competitive Context

No moveset exists in a vacuum. The best Landorus moveset for a given team is influenced by its partners. Landorus-Therian struggles with Water- and Ice-type moves. Therefore, teammates like Ferrothorn, Tapu Fini, or Rotom-Wash are excellent partners, covering these weaknesses. Similarly, Landorus appreciates teammates that can handle strong special attackers, as its special bulk is less impressive.

In return, Landorus provides invaluable support. Its Intimidate and Ground-type coverage protect Steel-types like Heatran and Magearna from Earthquake. Its Stealth Rock pressures Flying-types and foes with Focus Sash. A U-turn from Landorus can safely bring in fragile sweepers or wallbreakers. For an offensive Swords Dance set, partners that can eliminate or weaken physical walls like Skarmory or Corviknight are crucial. Magnezone, for instance, can trap and remove these Steel-types, clearing the path for a Landorus sweep.

Ultimately, the best Landorus moveset is a reflection of strategic intent. The defensive utility set is its most iconic and consistently effective build, a testament to its role as the metagame's premier pivot. However, its capacity for explosive offense with Swords Dance or its adaptability to specialized roles ensures that Landorus-Therian remains a versatile and centralizing force. Mastery of its various movesets is key to unlocking the full potential of this legendary titan.

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