Tyranitar
#248 Rock/Dark / Armor Pokemon
#248 Rock/Dark / Armor Pokemon
| Tyranitar | |
|---|---|
| National Dex | #248 |
| Type | RockDark |
| Species | Armor Pokemon |
| Height | 2.0 m (6'07") |
| Weight | 202.0 kg (445.3 lbs) |
| Abilities | Sand Stream (Hidden: Unnerve) |
| Generation | Gen 2 (Johto) |
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Tyranitar is a Rock/Dark-type Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 2 in the Johto region. It evolves from Pupitar starting at level 55, which evolves from Larvitar starting at level 30. With a base stat total of 600, Tyranitar is one of the most powerful non-legendary Pokemon, fitting the Pseudo-Legendary classification it shares with Dragonite, Salamence, and Garchomp.
Tyranitar is a massive, Godzilla-like Pokemon with green armor plating, a spiked back, and a powerful tail. Its Sand Stream ability summons a permanent sandstorm upon entering battle, which boosts its Special Defense by 50% due to the Rock type's sandstorm special defense boost. This makes Tyranitar exceptionally bulky on the special side despite its 100 base Special Defense.
Tyranitar's Sand Stream is its defining feature. The sandstorm boosts its Special Defense by 1.5x, giving it effective 150 base Special Defense. Tyranitar acts as both a weather setter and an offensive powerhouse. The standard Dragon Dance set uses its good 100/110/100 bulk to set up, then sweeps with Stone Edge, Crunch, and Earthquake. Sand gives Tyranitar immunity to chip damage from residual weather.
Choice Band Tyranitar is a terrifying wallbreaker. With 134 base Attack and STAB on Stone Edge and Crunch, it 2HKOes almost everything in the tier. Pursuit traps Ghost and Psychic-types trying to flee. Superpower covers Steel, Rock, and Dark-types. Ice Beam or Flamethrower (via its surprisingly wide special movepool) cover Grass and Ground-types that try to switch in.
Mega Tyranitar gains 164 base Attack, 150 base Defense, and the Sand Stream ability carries over through Mega Evolution. It becomes a nearly unmovable physical wall with terrifying offensive presence. In formats without Megas, Tyranitar often runs Assault Vest to further boost its special bulk, making it one of the best all-around tanks in the game.
Tyranitar
Current form
Tyranitar has been a top-tier Pokemon since its introduction. In Smogon, it has been a staple of OU for every generation it has been legal. In VGC, Tyranitar formed one half of the legendary duo with Excadrill in sand teams that dominated multiple formats. The primary weakness is its 4x Fighting weakness, compounded by its mediocre Speed. Common checks include Conkeldurr, Lucario, Keldeo, and other strong Fighting-types. Water-types with super effective moves also threaten Tyranitar, especially those that can survive a Stone Edge and hit back with Focus Blast or Superpower.
