[OVERVIEW]
Steel
========
Ferrothorn is one of the best defensive Pokemon on Steel teams thanks to its excellent typing and mixed bulk making it an excellent defensive pivot. Its Grass typing makes it a great addition to Steel teams, as it's able to check Ground- and Water-types such as Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad and resists Electric- and Water-type attacks. Its ability Iron Barbs lets it wear down physical attackers upon contact and potentially break their Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and its great movepool including Spikes, Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, and Knock Off allows Ferrothorn to provide support and utility for its teammates. Unfortunately, Ferrothorn lacks any type of recovery move outside of Leech Seed, which makes it easy to wear down. Its offensive presence isn't that great either, and it mainly utilizes two attacking moves in Power Whip and Knock Off, making Ferrothorn vulnerable to Taunt and potentially setup bait for sweepers. Ferrothorn also lacks Speed, being outpaced by almost the entire metagame. Ferrothorn is vulnerable to Fire-type attacks, which means that it has to rely on Protect to scout the opposing Pokemon's coverage or switch out to a check like Heatran.
[SET]
name: Utility (Steel)
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip lets Ferrothorn deal substantial damage to pesky Ground- and Water-types such as Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad that threaten Steel teams. Leech Seed wears down the foe while providing Ferrothorn and its team a form of healing and support. Protect synergizes very well with Leech Seed and Leftovers to stall and recover more health, prolonging Ferrothorn's presence in battle and making it more difficult to take down. It can also be used to scout for any attack that threatens Ferrothorn, especially Fire- and Fighting-type attacks, and enables Ferrothorn to switch out of potential Choice-locked Pokemon to a more reasonable teammate to threaten them out. Choose the last move depending on what your team needs. Stealth Rock can be used instead of Spikes on teams lacking another Stealth Rock setter to make Bug-, Fire-, and Flying-types easier for Ferrothorn's teammates to KO, while Ferrothorn can also set up layers of Spikes thanks to its excellent mixed bulk and durability. Iron Barbs also is a great way of dealing with Rapid Spin users. However, Spikes should only be used if the team already has a Stealth Rock user.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment improves Ferrothorn's walling capabilities, as it needs the extra bulk to tank both physical and special attacks. 72 Defense EVs allow Ferrothorn to survive a Close Combat from Terrakion and Heracross, and 184 Special Defense EVs with a Careful nature allow Ferrothorn to tank special attacks more efficiently; Ferrothorn can survive a Focus Blast from Life Orb Landorus after Stealth Rock damage, two Earth Powers from Landorus with Leftovers recovery, and two Ice Beams from Life Orb Kyurem-B. Leftovers synergizes well with Leech Seed and Protect to grant more recovery, which Ferrothorn greatly appreciates. Ferrothorn can also utilize a more physically defensive set with an Impish nature to take physical attacks more effectively; however, Ferrothorn prefers to be more specially defensive to switch into Water- and Electric-type attacks such as Scald and Thunderbolt more easily.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to its defensive typing and bulk, Ferrothorn can function very well as a defensive pivot on balanced teams. Make sure to utilize its typing to switch into predicted Electric-, Ground-, and Water-type attacks. Before switching out, take advantage of Protect to scout the opposing Pokemon's move. For example, Ferrothorn should be scouting for any move that threatens it such as Fire Blast on Garchomp; however, don't use it too much, because the opposing Pokemon can use that as an opportunity to set up. If you're expecting the foe to switch out, set up Stealth Rock or Spikes to rack up some damage to pressure and punish switch-ins; this can be really helpful for Ferrothorn to wear them down even more with Leech Seed later. Ferrothorn should utilize Leech Seed at almost any chance it gets, as it's safe to use and a spammable move to slowly whittle down opposing defensive Pokemon such as Chansey and Porygon2 or foes that Ferrothorn can take attacks from such as Tapu Koko. Keep Ferrothorn from being burned, as the status negates its Leftovers recovery and weakens its Power Whip. If your opponent is planning on preserving their threat for late-game, don't be afraid to use Leech Seed again. It's often necessary to have Leech Seed on the opposing side to keep Ferrothorn's health high and chip away at opposing Pokemon's health.
Team Options
========
Heatran synergizes well with Ferrothorn because of its Flash Fire ability, and it can check Fire- and Electric-types with Stone Edge and Earth Power, while Ferrothorn can switch into Water-type attacks for Heatran in return. Heatran can also run Stealth Rock to enable Ferrothorn to use Spikes for entry hazard stacking. Similarly, Skarmory can support the team by stacking Stealth Rock along with Ferrothorn's Spikes. Skarmory can also switch into Ground-type attacks to keep Ferrothorn from taking any damage, take physical attacks, and shuffle the opposing team with Whirlwind to rack up daamge from Ferrothorn's Spikes, while Ferrothorn is able to switch into incoming Electric-type attacks for Skarmory. Celesteela is an alternative to Skarmory but with more offensive presence, being able to check opposing Steel-types such as Heatran, Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and opposing Ferrothorn with Earthquake and Flamethrower. It is also a great special tank to switch into Landorus, which allows Ferrothorn to run a more defensive set with a Relaxed nature to take on physical threats. Together, Celesteela and Ferrothorn can whittle down opposing teams by stalling with Leech Seed and Protect. Choice Scarf Excadrill can use Earthquake to threaten Fire-types such as Rotom-H and Mega Charizard X while being able to hit Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona with Rock Slide. It also functions as a late-game cleaner, so it appreciates Ferrothorn's Spikes support making it easier to sweep. Magnezone can gain momentum for Ferrothorn and its team by utilizing Volt Switch. It also traps annoying Steel-types that Ferrothorn can't hope to damage such as Skarmory, Klefki, and Cobalion, and it can take on Water-types to relieve pressure from Ferrothorn. With Ferrothorn's entry hazard support and Leech Seed, Mega Scizor can have an easier time KOing and pressuring Pokemon with its offensive presence and Swords Dance.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Steel
--------
Gyro Ball can be used instead of Power Whip to damage Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu, Mimikyu, and Togekiss and other Pokemon such as Greninja, Gengar, and Choice Scarf Kyurem-B hard. However, Ferrothorn prefers to rely on Power Whip more to hit Ground- and Water-types, and it can't swap out any of its support moves out for Gyro Ball. If using Gyro Ball, Ferrothorn should run a Relaxed or Sassy nature. Toxic is very useful in crippling more defensively oriented Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Mandibuzz that can outlast Ferrothorn due to their recovery moves. However, it should only be used if Skarmory has Spikes and Heatran has Stealth Rock, which puts a strain on teambuilding, and Ferrothorn has no room to run Toxic over its support moves. Thunder Wave supports both Ferrothorn and its team by slowing down faster Pokemon such as Greninja and possibly securing a free turn to attack or set up. Ferrothorn can also run a more offensive set that consists of Swords Dance, Power Whip, Gyro Ball, and Knock Off. However, Ferrothorn has to rely on Trick Room support from the likes of Stakataka and Bronzong in order to be a dangerous sweeper. Knock Off can be used if entry hazards are provided by Ferrothorn's teammates to grant it utility in removing items from Pokemon such as Eviolite Chansey and Porygon2. Rocky Helmet is an alternative to use over Leftovers and combines with Iron Barbs to spread chip damage to punish physical attackers on contact, dealing more than a fourth of their health and making it easier for Ferrothorn and its teammates to pick them off later.
Checks and Counters
===================
Steel
--------
**Fire-types and Attacks**: Fire-types resist Ferrothorn's STAB attacks, and its typing leaves it completely vulnerable to them, forcing it to switch out and putting added pressure on Heatran. Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y, Alolan Marowak, and opposing Heatran can easily deal with Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn also needs to be wary of opposing Pokemon that carry Fire-type coverage such as Heat Wave Zapdos, Flamethrower Celesteela, Fire Blast Hydreigon, and Hidden Power Fire Greninja.
**Fighting-types**: Ferrothorn is also threatened by Fighting-types, as they're able to outspeed it and stop it with their STAB attacks, forcing it to switch out or take a hit. However, Ferrothorn can help apply pressure to Fighting teams because of their lack of an entry hazard remover.
**Stallbreakers**: Mega Sableye easily walls Ferrothorn and can burn it with Will-O-Wisp, is immune to Leech Seed because of Magic Bounce, and forces Ferrothorn to be careful while setting entry hazards. Gliscor isn't bothered by Ferrothorn's Leech Seed because of Poison Heal and can use it as setup fodder with Swords Dance. Ferrothorn also needs to be wary of Taunt users such as Cobalion, Mandibuzz, and Mew.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Grass-types are unaffected by Ferrothorn's Leech Seed and take little damage from Power Whip. Mega Venusaur carries Hidden Power Fire, which is able to 2HKO Ferrothorn. Celebi can set up Nasty Plot on Ferrothorn and KO it with Hidden Power Fire.
**Sweepers**: Volcarona can utilize Ferrothorn as setup fodder with Quiver Dance and KO it with Fiery Dance. Bisharp and Landorus-T can take advantage of Ferrothorn's passiveness by using Swords Dance and proceeding to sweep.
Steel
========
Ferrothorn is one of the best defensive Pokemon on Steel teams thanks to its excellent typing and mixed bulk making it an excellent defensive pivot. Its Grass typing makes it a great addition to Steel teams, as it's able to check Ground- and Water-types such as Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad and resists Electric- and Water-type attacks. Its ability Iron Barbs lets it wear down physical attackers upon contact and potentially break their Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and its great movepool including Spikes, Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, and Knock Off allows Ferrothorn to provide support and utility for its teammates. Unfortunately, Ferrothorn lacks any type of recovery move outside of Leech Seed, which makes it easy to wear down. Its offensive presence isn't that great either, and it mainly utilizes two attacking moves in Power Whip and Knock Off, making Ferrothorn vulnerable to Taunt and potentially setup bait for sweepers. Ferrothorn also lacks Speed, being outpaced by almost the entire metagame. Ferrothorn is vulnerable to Fire-type attacks, which means that it has to rely on Protect to scout the opposing Pokemon's coverage or switch out to a check like Heatran.
[SET]
name: Utility (Steel)
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Barbs
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Power Whip lets Ferrothorn deal substantial damage to pesky Ground- and Water-types such as Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad that threaten Steel teams. Leech Seed wears down the foe while providing Ferrothorn and its team a form of healing and support. Protect synergizes very well with Leech Seed and Leftovers to stall and recover more health, prolonging Ferrothorn's presence in battle and making it more difficult to take down. It can also be used to scout for any attack that threatens Ferrothorn, especially Fire- and Fighting-type attacks, and enables Ferrothorn to switch out of potential Choice-locked Pokemon to a more reasonable teammate to threaten them out. Choose the last move depending on what your team needs. Stealth Rock can be used instead of Spikes on teams lacking another Stealth Rock setter to make Bug-, Fire-, and Flying-types easier for Ferrothorn's teammates to KO, while Ferrothorn can also set up layers of Spikes thanks to its excellent mixed bulk and durability. Iron Barbs also is a great way of dealing with Rapid Spin users. However, Spikes should only be used if the team already has a Stealth Rock user.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment improves Ferrothorn's walling capabilities, as it needs the extra bulk to tank both physical and special attacks. 72 Defense EVs allow Ferrothorn to survive a Close Combat from Terrakion and Heracross, and 184 Special Defense EVs with a Careful nature allow Ferrothorn to tank special attacks more efficiently; Ferrothorn can survive a Focus Blast from Life Orb Landorus after Stealth Rock damage, two Earth Powers from Landorus with Leftovers recovery, and two Ice Beams from Life Orb Kyurem-B. Leftovers synergizes well with Leech Seed and Protect to grant more recovery, which Ferrothorn greatly appreciates. Ferrothorn can also utilize a more physically defensive set with an Impish nature to take physical attacks more effectively; however, Ferrothorn prefers to be more specially defensive to switch into Water- and Electric-type attacks such as Scald and Thunderbolt more easily.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to its defensive typing and bulk, Ferrothorn can function very well as a defensive pivot on balanced teams. Make sure to utilize its typing to switch into predicted Electric-, Ground-, and Water-type attacks. Before switching out, take advantage of Protect to scout the opposing Pokemon's move. For example, Ferrothorn should be scouting for any move that threatens it such as Fire Blast on Garchomp; however, don't use it too much, because the opposing Pokemon can use that as an opportunity to set up. If you're expecting the foe to switch out, set up Stealth Rock or Spikes to rack up some damage to pressure and punish switch-ins; this can be really helpful for Ferrothorn to wear them down even more with Leech Seed later. Ferrothorn should utilize Leech Seed at almost any chance it gets, as it's safe to use and a spammable move to slowly whittle down opposing defensive Pokemon such as Chansey and Porygon2 or foes that Ferrothorn can take attacks from such as Tapu Koko. Keep Ferrothorn from being burned, as the status negates its Leftovers recovery and weakens its Power Whip. If your opponent is planning on preserving their threat for late-game, don't be afraid to use Leech Seed again. It's often necessary to have Leech Seed on the opposing side to keep Ferrothorn's health high and chip away at opposing Pokemon's health.
Team Options
========
Heatran synergizes well with Ferrothorn because of its Flash Fire ability, and it can check Fire- and Electric-types with Stone Edge and Earth Power, while Ferrothorn can switch into Water-type attacks for Heatran in return. Heatran can also run Stealth Rock to enable Ferrothorn to use Spikes for entry hazard stacking. Similarly, Skarmory can support the team by stacking Stealth Rock along with Ferrothorn's Spikes. Skarmory can also switch into Ground-type attacks to keep Ferrothorn from taking any damage, take physical attacks, and shuffle the opposing team with Whirlwind to rack up daamge from Ferrothorn's Spikes, while Ferrothorn is able to switch into incoming Electric-type attacks for Skarmory. Celesteela is an alternative to Skarmory but with more offensive presence, being able to check opposing Steel-types such as Heatran, Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and opposing Ferrothorn with Earthquake and Flamethrower. It is also a great special tank to switch into Landorus, which allows Ferrothorn to run a more defensive set with a Relaxed nature to take on physical threats. Together, Celesteela and Ferrothorn can whittle down opposing teams by stalling with Leech Seed and Protect. Choice Scarf Excadrill can use Earthquake to threaten Fire-types such as Rotom-H and Mega Charizard X while being able to hit Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona with Rock Slide. It also functions as a late-game cleaner, so it appreciates Ferrothorn's Spikes support making it easier to sweep. Magnezone can gain momentum for Ferrothorn and its team by utilizing Volt Switch. It also traps annoying Steel-types that Ferrothorn can't hope to damage such as Skarmory, Klefki, and Cobalion, and it can take on Water-types to relieve pressure from Ferrothorn. With Ferrothorn's entry hazard support and Leech Seed, Mega Scizor can have an easier time KOing and pressuring Pokemon with its offensive presence and Swords Dance.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Steel
--------
Gyro Ball can be used instead of Power Whip to damage Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu, Mimikyu, and Togekiss and other Pokemon such as Greninja, Gengar, and Choice Scarf Kyurem-B hard. However, Ferrothorn prefers to rely on Power Whip more to hit Ground- and Water-types, and it can't swap out any of its support moves out for Gyro Ball. If using Gyro Ball, Ferrothorn should run a Relaxed or Sassy nature. Toxic is very useful in crippling more defensively oriented Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Mandibuzz that can outlast Ferrothorn due to their recovery moves. However, it should only be used if Skarmory has Spikes and Heatran has Stealth Rock, which puts a strain on teambuilding, and Ferrothorn has no room to run Toxic over its support moves. Thunder Wave supports both Ferrothorn and its team by slowing down faster Pokemon such as Greninja and possibly securing a free turn to attack or set up. Ferrothorn can also run a more offensive set that consists of Swords Dance, Power Whip, Gyro Ball, and Knock Off. However, Ferrothorn has to rely on Trick Room support from the likes of Stakataka and Bronzong in order to be a dangerous sweeper. Knock Off can be used if entry hazards are provided by Ferrothorn's teammates to grant it utility in removing items from Pokemon such as Eviolite Chansey and Porygon2. Rocky Helmet is an alternative to use over Leftovers and combines with Iron Barbs to spread chip damage to punish physical attackers on contact, dealing more than a fourth of their health and making it easier for Ferrothorn and its teammates to pick them off later.
Checks and Counters
===================
Steel
--------
**Fire-types and Attacks**: Fire-types resist Ferrothorn's STAB attacks, and its typing leaves it completely vulnerable to them, forcing it to switch out and putting added pressure on Heatran. Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y, Alolan Marowak, and opposing Heatran can easily deal with Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn also needs to be wary of opposing Pokemon that carry Fire-type coverage such as Heat Wave Zapdos, Flamethrower Celesteela, Fire Blast Hydreigon, and Hidden Power Fire Greninja.
**Fighting-types**: Ferrothorn is also threatened by Fighting-types, as they're able to outspeed it and stop it with their STAB attacks, forcing it to switch out or take a hit. However, Ferrothorn can help apply pressure to Fighting teams because of their lack of an entry hazard remover.
**Stallbreakers**: Mega Sableye easily walls Ferrothorn and can burn it with Will-O-Wisp, is immune to Leech Seed because of Magic Bounce, and forces Ferrothorn to be careful while setting entry hazards. Gliscor isn't bothered by Ferrothorn's Leech Seed because of Poison Heal and can use it as setup fodder with Swords Dance. Ferrothorn also needs to be wary of Taunt users such as Cobalion, Mandibuzz, and Mew.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Grass-types are unaffected by Ferrothorn's Leech Seed and take little damage from Power Whip. Mega Venusaur carries Hidden Power Fire, which is able to 2HKO Ferrothorn. Celebi can set up Nasty Plot on Ferrothorn and KO it with Hidden Power Fire.
**Sweepers**: Volcarona can utilize Ferrothorn as setup fodder with Quiver Dance and KO it with Fiery Dance. Bisharp and Landorus-T can take advantage of Ferrothorn's passiveness by using Swords Dance and proceeding to sweep.
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