MikeDecIsHere
01-12-2011, 05:49 PM
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Ferrothorn
Type: Grass/Steel
Ability:
Steel Thorns (Iron Barbs)- a better Rough Skin. Damages Pokemon who come in contact with Ferrothorn.
Base Stats:
HP: 74
Attack: 94
Defense: 131
Special Attack: 54
Special Defense: 116
Speed: 20
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/598.shtml
Overview
Ferrothorn is a much better Forretress in terms of walling. While it lacks Rapid Spin and Toxic Spikes, it has a much better Special Defense stat, better move pool, better ability, and better STAB. To put its usefulness in perspective, with Rain up, Leech Seed, Protect and Max Special Defense, Ferrothorn can stall out Magnezone. This is something that Foretress could never do. Ferrothorn has TEN resistances and an immunity to poison, with only two weaknesses. Ferrothorn is also useful in Uber Stall, with a typing that can stall out the number one threat in Ubers, Kyogre.
On the down-side, Ferrothorn has no reliable method of recovery. Ferrothorn is eventually going to die, and there's not much that can be done about it. Ferrothorn also has a weakness to Fighting, which is very common in this generation.
Note
Spikes and Stealth Rock are legal together. Crustle can learn Spikes through breeding and Stealth Rocks through level up. It can then pass both on as a male to Ferrothorn.
Leech Seed and Spikes are obtainable through Cacturne or Roselia.
Stealth Rocks and Leech Seed are obtainable through Tortera.
These have been confirmed for those who think any are illegal together.
Proof in Smogon's feature on Ferrothorn (Nattorei):
http://www.smogon.com/smog/issue13/featured_pokemon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Depth/Move Sets
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Standard Defensive Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn w/ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Ability: Steel Thorns
Sassy/Relaxed
0 Speed IVs
EVs: 252 HP; 168 spDef; 88 Def
Stealth Rock
Spikes/Leech Seed
Gyro Ball
Power Whip
Set Comments
While Ferrothorn has an impressive 131 base Defense, it also has a very nice 116 base Sp. Defense stat. This set maxes out Ferrothorn's Special Bulk, allowing it to be a counter to the number one threat in the metagame: Rain Teams. Even though Swift Swim + Drizzle was banned, Rain teams are still very dangerous, and Ferrothorn has a niche of being a very solid Water Pokemon counter. Stealth Rock is used in the first slot, as Ferrothorn's bulk means that it will most likely be able to get off at least one entry hazard. Stealth Rocks also breaks every Pokemon's Focus Sash/Sturdy. Spikes can be used in the second slot as another form of entry hazards. It also punishes Pokemon that switch in to take on Ferrothorn, mainly Heatran and Tyrannitar. However, Leech Seed can be used in the second slot to give Ferrothorn a viable form of recovery outside of Rest. The last two move slots are reserved for Ferrothorn's STAB. Gyro Ball is fantastic on Ferrothorn, since it will almost always have 150 base power. A 150 base power STAB Gyro Ball coming off of 94 base attack will still hurt anything that's neutral to it without any EV investments. The last move slot is reserved for Power Whip. Power Whip is mainly used to hit Water Types like Vaporeon, Kingdra, and Jellicent.
Items aren't really a mystery here. Leftovers is HIGHLY recommended, as Ferrothorn really needs the lefties recovery. Without Leftovers, Ferrothorn's survivability is essentially cut in half. However, if Magnezone is really that threatening, then Shed Shell can be used.
Additional Comments
With Ferrothorn's 20 base speed, no speed IVs and a hindering nature, Ferrothorn has 40 speed. A speed hindering nature is used in order to try to keep Gyro Ball at max power. Sassy is recommended first in order to increase special bulk, but Relaxed can be used if you want to be able to take some hits from the physical side. Running minimum speed with 0 speed IVs also ensures that Ferrothorn will out-speed Trick Room Reuniclus.
More EVs can be placed in either Defense or Special Defense depending on the preference. The given EV spread helps Ferrothorn function better against Rain teams while still maintaining solid physical bulk.
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
This Weed is Cursing!
Ferrothorn w/ Leftovers/Shed Shell/Chesto Berry
Ability: Steel Thorns
Sassy/Relaxed
0 Speed IVs
EVs 252 HP; 252 spDef; 4 Def
Curse
Leech Seed/Rest
Gyro Ball
Power Whip/Level Ground
Set Comments
When you have a Pokemon that's slow as dirt and has defenses through the roof, a Curse set seems almost natural. While its HP stat isn't as impressive as the premium curser of Gen IV, Snorlax, a much better typing still allows Ferrothorn to pull off this set effectively. Curse is the key to this set. After a few curses, Ferrothorn becomes incredibly hard to take down on the physical side. Leech Seed is recommended in the second slot. Without Sleep Talk, Rest essentially makes a Pokemon dead weight. Leech Seed can still provide as a nice way of recovery, as the combination of Leech Seed and Leftovers will still restore a nice bit of Ferrothorn's health per turn. Rest can be used, but the ChestoRest strategy is recommended for this. Gyro Ball is recommended in the third slot, as a cursed up Gyro Ball hurts almost everything insanely hard and is almost guaranteed to have 150 base power. Power Whip is listed first in the last move slot due to its insanely high base power and STAB. Level ground can be used for type coverage and to KO Magnezone.
Additional Comments
Even with no EV investments, after two curses Ferrothorn reaches a whooping 596 defense. This also brings Ferrothorn's attack to a nice 448. With Curse increasing Ferrothorn's Attack and Defense, it is imperative to maximize Ferrothorn's Special Bulk. 252 HP; 252 spDef with a sassy nature does this perfectly. The last 4 EVs are placed into defense, but they can be placed into attack as well. Leftovers is the item of choice. The recovery is necessary in order to increase Ferrothorn's survivability. Shed Shell is an option against Magnezone. Chesto Berry can be used for the ChestoRest strategy.
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Choice Band
Ferrothorn w/ Choice Band
Ability: Steel Thorns
Brave
0 Speed IVs
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk; 4 spDef
Power Whip
Gyro Ball
Payback
Explosion/Level Ground
Set Comments
While Ferrothorn is, more often than not, used as a defensive Pokemon, it still has a pretty nice 94 base attack. This set is used to catch people off-guard and put a dent in the opponent's team. The first two move slots belong to Ferrothorn's STAB: Power Whip and Gyro Ball. They are the most powerful moves that Ferrothorn has access to. A Banded Gyro Ball is powerful enough to 2HKO Lugia. Payback is used to surprise Psychics, mainly Latios. Since Ferrothorn is so slow, Ferrothorn will almost always get the boosted attack power for Payback. The nerf of payback is annoying however, as Ferrothorn can't punish Latios on the switch. Explosion is used in the last slot to go out with a bang. A Banded Explosion will put a nice dent in anything that isn't resistant to it. However, Level Ground can be used in order to try to predict Magnezone switch ins.
Additional Comments
Max attack with a Brave nature and a Choice Band puts Ferrothorn's attack stat at a healthy 430. Since Ferrothorn is so slow, it's not going to be out-speeding anything. 252 HP is used to increase Ferrothorn's bulk. The last 4 EVs go into Special Defense.
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Ubers Defensive Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn w/ Leftovers
Ability: Steel Thorns
Nature: Sassy
0 Speed IVs
EVs: 114 HP; 108 Def; 252 spDef
Leech Seed
Toxic
Protect
Power Whip/Gyro Ball
Set Comments
Ferrothorn's typing and defensive bulk make it viable in the Ubers tier as an aid to Uber Stall, and to check the number one threat in Ubers: Kyogre. While it has a neutrality to Ice Beam, Ferrothorn has resistances to both Thunder and Water Spout (Kyogre's most deadly moves). The combination of Toxic, Leech Seed, and Protect will dent almost all of Ferrothorn's opponents, barring Steels. With Uber's HP at such high levels, Leech Seed is a great form of recovery. Toxic is great in Ubers, as the only main Steels used are Heatran and Dialga. Protect is used in order to Toxic/Leech Seed stall. Power Whip is the attack of choice in order to hurt Groudon and Kyogre. Gyro Ball can also be used, as it will almost always have 150 Base Power. However, using Gyro Ball means that Ferrothorn has no reliable attack for Palkia.
Additional Comments
The EVs are used in order to gain more recovery back from Kyogre. Max Special Defense means that it can take special hits all day from certain Pokemon like Kyogre and Palkia (without Fire Blast).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other Options
Thunder Wave- Can be used in order to cripple fast sweepers. While it might inhibit the power of Gyro Ball, it assists Ferrothorn's teammates in taking out some big threats on the opponent's team.
Iron Defense- Can be used on the special defensive set in order to quickly increase Ferrothorn's defense to sky high levels.
Explosion- Can be used on any of the sets to go out with a bang, but due to the nerf of its power it isn't recommended
Protect- Can be used to increase Leech Seed recovery and for scouting.
Team Options
Politoed is a fantastic partner for Ferrothorn, as drizzle reduces the damage Ferrothorn takes from Fire attacks. Jellicent forms a nice defensive core with Ferrothorn. The Ferrothorn/Jellicent defensive core has become very popular, and for good reason. Jellicent resists Ferrothorn's only two weaknesses, and Ferrothorn resists all 4 of Jellicent's weaknesses, making them a perfect defensive pair. Jellicent can also burn its opponents with Boil Over/Will-o-Wisp, thereby increasing Ferrothorn's bulk. Ferrothorn appreciates Rapid Spin support, as the residual damage from Spikes/Stealth Rock puts a huge dent in Ferrothorn's survivability. Excadrill and Starmie are great candidates for this, being the best Rapid Spinners in Gen V. Heatran is an okay teammate for Ferrothorn, being able to absorb any Fire attacks sent Ferrothorn's way. The common Fighting weakness can be very hindering though. Chandelure with Flash Fire is immune to both of Ferrothorn's weaknesses.
Ferrothorn is the kind of Pokemon that can fit into almost any team, with its plethora of resistances and support.
Counters
Ferrothorn has only two weaknesses: Fire and Fighting. Fire types resist both of Ferrothorn's STAB, so they are the best counters. Heatran 4x resists both of Ferrothorn's STAB, so it is by far the best Ferrothorn counter. However, Heatran has to beware of Ferrothorns that pack level ground if Heatran is not using a Balloon. Magnezone can trap the weed and can take it out with HP fire, though this strategy will fail if Ferrothorn is in the rain and has Leech Seed/Protect. Of course, if Magnezone has substitute, that will solve that problem. Ninetails is another great Ferrothorn counter. Ninetails brings out the sun, and it can threaten Jellicents that dare to switch in with Solarbeam/Energy Ball. Infernape can come in and immediately threaten Ferrothorn with their respective powerful Fire/Fighting attacks. Scizor can come in on Ferrothorn and begin setting up, as Ferrothorn has nothing that can harm Scizor. Tyranitar can threaten with Fire Blast, but Power Whip and Gyro Ball hurt Tyranitar a lot, so bringing it in against Ferrothorn is not the best idea.
In Ubers, Ho-oh is a great Ferrothorn counter, but be careful if Stealth Rocks are up, as the combination of Rocks and Gyro Ball will put a big chunk in the big bird. Reshiram can also come in and threaten Ferrothorn with powerful Fire Attacks. If Mewtwo has a Calm Mind up, it can take Ferrothorn out with Aura Sphere. Genosect is also a perfect counter to Ferrothorn, resisting both Toxic and Ferrothorn's STAB. Genosect can also threaten Ferrothorn with Flamethrower.
Opinion
Ferrothorn is basically what Foretress wishes it could be. While the added weakness to Fighting and the neutrality to Ice aren't great, the added resistances, mainly to Water, really give Ferrothorn an edge in this Generation.
Credit goes to Serebii for the Information
Credit goes to Dimes/Steel Dragons/Eevee for aid in the making of this analysis.
Ferrothorn
Type: Grass/Steel
Ability:
Steel Thorns (Iron Barbs)- a better Rough Skin. Damages Pokemon who come in contact with Ferrothorn.
Base Stats:
HP: 74
Attack: 94
Defense: 131
Special Attack: 54
Special Defense: 116
Speed: 20
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/598.shtml
Overview
Ferrothorn is a much better Forretress in terms of walling. While it lacks Rapid Spin and Toxic Spikes, it has a much better Special Defense stat, better move pool, better ability, and better STAB. To put its usefulness in perspective, with Rain up, Leech Seed, Protect and Max Special Defense, Ferrothorn can stall out Magnezone. This is something that Foretress could never do. Ferrothorn has TEN resistances and an immunity to poison, with only two weaknesses. Ferrothorn is also useful in Uber Stall, with a typing that can stall out the number one threat in Ubers, Kyogre.
On the down-side, Ferrothorn has no reliable method of recovery. Ferrothorn is eventually going to die, and there's not much that can be done about it. Ferrothorn also has a weakness to Fighting, which is very common in this generation.
Note
Spikes and Stealth Rock are legal together. Crustle can learn Spikes through breeding and Stealth Rocks through level up. It can then pass both on as a male to Ferrothorn.
Leech Seed and Spikes are obtainable through Cacturne or Roselia.
Stealth Rocks and Leech Seed are obtainable through Tortera.
These have been confirmed for those who think any are illegal together.
Proof in Smogon's feature on Ferrothorn (Nattorei):
http://www.smogon.com/smog/issue13/featured_pokemon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Depth/Move Sets
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Standard Defensive Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn w/ Leftovers/Shed Shell
Ability: Steel Thorns
Sassy/Relaxed
0 Speed IVs
EVs: 252 HP; 168 spDef; 88 Def
Stealth Rock
Spikes/Leech Seed
Gyro Ball
Power Whip
Set Comments
While Ferrothorn has an impressive 131 base Defense, it also has a very nice 116 base Sp. Defense stat. This set maxes out Ferrothorn's Special Bulk, allowing it to be a counter to the number one threat in the metagame: Rain Teams. Even though Swift Swim + Drizzle was banned, Rain teams are still very dangerous, and Ferrothorn has a niche of being a very solid Water Pokemon counter. Stealth Rock is used in the first slot, as Ferrothorn's bulk means that it will most likely be able to get off at least one entry hazard. Stealth Rocks also breaks every Pokemon's Focus Sash/Sturdy. Spikes can be used in the second slot as another form of entry hazards. It also punishes Pokemon that switch in to take on Ferrothorn, mainly Heatran and Tyrannitar. However, Leech Seed can be used in the second slot to give Ferrothorn a viable form of recovery outside of Rest. The last two move slots are reserved for Ferrothorn's STAB. Gyro Ball is fantastic on Ferrothorn, since it will almost always have 150 base power. A 150 base power STAB Gyro Ball coming off of 94 base attack will still hurt anything that's neutral to it without any EV investments. The last move slot is reserved for Power Whip. Power Whip is mainly used to hit Water Types like Vaporeon, Kingdra, and Jellicent.
Items aren't really a mystery here. Leftovers is HIGHLY recommended, as Ferrothorn really needs the lefties recovery. Without Leftovers, Ferrothorn's survivability is essentially cut in half. However, if Magnezone is really that threatening, then Shed Shell can be used.
Additional Comments
With Ferrothorn's 20 base speed, no speed IVs and a hindering nature, Ferrothorn has 40 speed. A speed hindering nature is used in order to try to keep Gyro Ball at max power. Sassy is recommended first in order to increase special bulk, but Relaxed can be used if you want to be able to take some hits from the physical side. Running minimum speed with 0 speed IVs also ensures that Ferrothorn will out-speed Trick Room Reuniclus.
More EVs can be placed in either Defense or Special Defense depending on the preference. The given EV spread helps Ferrothorn function better against Rain teams while still maintaining solid physical bulk.
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
This Weed is Cursing!
Ferrothorn w/ Leftovers/Shed Shell/Chesto Berry
Ability: Steel Thorns
Sassy/Relaxed
0 Speed IVs
EVs 252 HP; 252 spDef; 4 Def
Curse
Leech Seed/Rest
Gyro Ball
Power Whip/Level Ground
Set Comments
When you have a Pokemon that's slow as dirt and has defenses through the roof, a Curse set seems almost natural. While its HP stat isn't as impressive as the premium curser of Gen IV, Snorlax, a much better typing still allows Ferrothorn to pull off this set effectively. Curse is the key to this set. After a few curses, Ferrothorn becomes incredibly hard to take down on the physical side. Leech Seed is recommended in the second slot. Without Sleep Talk, Rest essentially makes a Pokemon dead weight. Leech Seed can still provide as a nice way of recovery, as the combination of Leech Seed and Leftovers will still restore a nice bit of Ferrothorn's health per turn. Rest can be used, but the ChestoRest strategy is recommended for this. Gyro Ball is recommended in the third slot, as a cursed up Gyro Ball hurts almost everything insanely hard and is almost guaranteed to have 150 base power. Power Whip is listed first in the last move slot due to its insanely high base power and STAB. Level ground can be used for type coverage and to KO Magnezone.
Additional Comments
Even with no EV investments, after two curses Ferrothorn reaches a whooping 596 defense. This also brings Ferrothorn's attack to a nice 448. With Curse increasing Ferrothorn's Attack and Defense, it is imperative to maximize Ferrothorn's Special Bulk. 252 HP; 252 spDef with a sassy nature does this perfectly. The last 4 EVs are placed into defense, but they can be placed into attack as well. Leftovers is the item of choice. The recovery is necessary in order to increase Ferrothorn's survivability. Shed Shell is an option against Magnezone. Chesto Berry can be used for the ChestoRest strategy.
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Choice Band
Ferrothorn w/ Choice Band
Ability: Steel Thorns
Brave
0 Speed IVs
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Atk; 4 spDef
Power Whip
Gyro Ball
Payback
Explosion/Level Ground
Set Comments
While Ferrothorn is, more often than not, used as a defensive Pokemon, it still has a pretty nice 94 base attack. This set is used to catch people off-guard and put a dent in the opponent's team. The first two move slots belong to Ferrothorn's STAB: Power Whip and Gyro Ball. They are the most powerful moves that Ferrothorn has access to. A Banded Gyro Ball is powerful enough to 2HKO Lugia. Payback is used to surprise Psychics, mainly Latios. Since Ferrothorn is so slow, Ferrothorn will almost always get the boosted attack power for Payback. The nerf of payback is annoying however, as Ferrothorn can't punish Latios on the switch. Explosion is used in the last slot to go out with a bang. A Banded Explosion will put a nice dent in anything that isn't resistant to it. However, Level Ground can be used in order to try to predict Magnezone switch ins.
Additional Comments
Max attack with a Brave nature and a Choice Band puts Ferrothorn's attack stat at a healthy 430. Since Ferrothorn is so slow, it's not going to be out-speeding anything. 252 HP is used to increase Ferrothorn's bulk. The last 4 EVs go into Special Defense.
http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/f/f6/Spr_5b_598.png
Ubers Defensive Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn w/ Leftovers
Ability: Steel Thorns
Nature: Sassy
0 Speed IVs
EVs: 114 HP; 108 Def; 252 spDef
Leech Seed
Toxic
Protect
Power Whip/Gyro Ball
Set Comments
Ferrothorn's typing and defensive bulk make it viable in the Ubers tier as an aid to Uber Stall, and to check the number one threat in Ubers: Kyogre. While it has a neutrality to Ice Beam, Ferrothorn has resistances to both Thunder and Water Spout (Kyogre's most deadly moves). The combination of Toxic, Leech Seed, and Protect will dent almost all of Ferrothorn's opponents, barring Steels. With Uber's HP at such high levels, Leech Seed is a great form of recovery. Toxic is great in Ubers, as the only main Steels used are Heatran and Dialga. Protect is used in order to Toxic/Leech Seed stall. Power Whip is the attack of choice in order to hurt Groudon and Kyogre. Gyro Ball can also be used, as it will almost always have 150 Base Power. However, using Gyro Ball means that Ferrothorn has no reliable attack for Palkia.
Additional Comments
The EVs are used in order to gain more recovery back from Kyogre. Max Special Defense means that it can take special hits all day from certain Pokemon like Kyogre and Palkia (without Fire Blast).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other Options
Thunder Wave- Can be used in order to cripple fast sweepers. While it might inhibit the power of Gyro Ball, it assists Ferrothorn's teammates in taking out some big threats on the opponent's team.
Iron Defense- Can be used on the special defensive set in order to quickly increase Ferrothorn's defense to sky high levels.
Explosion- Can be used on any of the sets to go out with a bang, but due to the nerf of its power it isn't recommended
Protect- Can be used to increase Leech Seed recovery and for scouting.
Team Options
Politoed is a fantastic partner for Ferrothorn, as drizzle reduces the damage Ferrothorn takes from Fire attacks. Jellicent forms a nice defensive core with Ferrothorn. The Ferrothorn/Jellicent defensive core has become very popular, and for good reason. Jellicent resists Ferrothorn's only two weaknesses, and Ferrothorn resists all 4 of Jellicent's weaknesses, making them a perfect defensive pair. Jellicent can also burn its opponents with Boil Over/Will-o-Wisp, thereby increasing Ferrothorn's bulk. Ferrothorn appreciates Rapid Spin support, as the residual damage from Spikes/Stealth Rock puts a huge dent in Ferrothorn's survivability. Excadrill and Starmie are great candidates for this, being the best Rapid Spinners in Gen V. Heatran is an okay teammate for Ferrothorn, being able to absorb any Fire attacks sent Ferrothorn's way. The common Fighting weakness can be very hindering though. Chandelure with Flash Fire is immune to both of Ferrothorn's weaknesses.
Ferrothorn is the kind of Pokemon that can fit into almost any team, with its plethora of resistances and support.
Counters
Ferrothorn has only two weaknesses: Fire and Fighting. Fire types resist both of Ferrothorn's STAB, so they are the best counters. Heatran 4x resists both of Ferrothorn's STAB, so it is by far the best Ferrothorn counter. However, Heatran has to beware of Ferrothorns that pack level ground if Heatran is not using a Balloon. Magnezone can trap the weed and can take it out with HP fire, though this strategy will fail if Ferrothorn is in the rain and has Leech Seed/Protect. Of course, if Magnezone has substitute, that will solve that problem. Ninetails is another great Ferrothorn counter. Ninetails brings out the sun, and it can threaten Jellicents that dare to switch in with Solarbeam/Energy Ball. Infernape can come in and immediately threaten Ferrothorn with their respective powerful Fire/Fighting attacks. Scizor can come in on Ferrothorn and begin setting up, as Ferrothorn has nothing that can harm Scizor. Tyranitar can threaten with Fire Blast, but Power Whip and Gyro Ball hurt Tyranitar a lot, so bringing it in against Ferrothorn is not the best idea.
In Ubers, Ho-oh is a great Ferrothorn counter, but be careful if Stealth Rocks are up, as the combination of Rocks and Gyro Ball will put a big chunk in the big bird. Reshiram can also come in and threaten Ferrothorn with powerful Fire Attacks. If Mewtwo has a Calm Mind up, it can take Ferrothorn out with Aura Sphere. Genosect is also a perfect counter to Ferrothorn, resisting both Toxic and Ferrothorn's STAB. Genosect can also threaten Ferrothorn with Flamethrower.
Opinion
Ferrothorn is basically what Foretress wishes it could be. While the added weakness to Fighting and the neutrality to Ice aren't great, the added resistances, mainly to Water, really give Ferrothorn an edge in this Generation.
Credit goes to Serebii for the Information
Credit goes to Dimes/Steel Dragons/Eevee for aid in the making of this analysis.