Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Paradox Pokemon are an intriguing group. With radical redesigns, typing changes and stat adjustments, some previously-underappreciated Pokemon have been given another chance to shine (some that were super strong already have been given Paradox forms too) in a brand new form. The physical tank Donphan is just one example, reborn as the formidable Great Tusk.

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Great Tusk is a Ground- and Fighting-type Pokemon with the ability Protosynthesis, exclusively found in Pokemon Scarlet. It boasts high Attack, Defense, and HP stats (the former two being base 131 and the latter being base 115), with poor special stats and a decent Speed stat of base 87. Great Tusk currently dominates the Generation 9 competitive scene, with some Trainers even calling thisformidable Ground-type Pokemonit the successor to Landorus Therian. Great Tusk’s intimidating, bestial appearance and raw power certainly back up these claims, but is there more? What makes Great Tusk tick, and what makes it so good? Let’s take a look at how to build this behemoth.

The Bigger Picture

When thinking of competitive Pokemon, it’s important to recognize the metagame as a whole. Which Pokemon are popular? How to deal with those Pokemon? Gholdengo is a popular threat thanks to its incredible firepower, fantastic ability, Good as Gold, and Ghost-typing.Entry Hazards such as Stealth Rock are very popular, and the previously widespread move Defog has been taken away from many Pokemon,leaving Rapid Spin as the most viable option to remove Entry Hazards.

Of course, Rapid Spin is a Normal-type move, which can’t hit Gholdengo thanks to its Ghost-typing. This is where Great Tusk comes in.Great Tusk’s Headlong Rush, a Ground-type version of Close Combat, will swiftly defeat Ghouldengo, and Great Tusk also allows the player to remove that pesky Stealth Rock.Users will need to watch out for an Air Balloon, but Great Tusk’s utility and general physical tankiness makes it a useful team member for various reasons.

Great Tusk, a Paradox Pokemon, standing on a beach in Pokemon Scarlet

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Protosynthesis

Great Tusk shares Protosynthesis with the rest of the ancient Paradox Pokemon.Protosynthesis is a versatile Abilitythat any Pokemon can wield, increasing their highest stat in the sun (or when holding Booster Energy).Great Tusk makes good use of it: It can act as both a physical powerhouse or a wall, with Protosynthesis boosting either its Attack or Defense respectively.

Great Tusk’s Speed can be increased with moves like Rapid Spin, so this stat is much less of an issue. With a Protosynthesis boost, Great Tusk can threaten to knock out a physically bulky Toxapex with a single Headlong Rush.Alternatively, for those looking to play defensively, Great Tusk can comfortably take a Palafin-Hero’s Wave Crash due to Protosynthesis.This Ability fits the Pokemon perfectly.

Pokemon Scarlet And Violet player looking at Great Tusk Roaming Asado Desert

Versatility

Thanks to Great Tusk’s Ability, stats, and extensive movepool, it can play a myriad of roles on a team. From physical sweeper or tank to hazard setter, Great Tusk can do it all.Stealth Rock allows it to set up hazards to get chip damage in, and it can even remove hazards placed by an opponent with Rapid Spin. Great Tusk also receives a wide variety of coverage moves:Knock Off is a quintessential competitive move for its ability to remove opponents' items. Play Rough is a great physical move that hits many types for neutral damage thanks to its Fairy-typing. Ice Spinner can shut down opposing Future Paradox Pokemon by removing Electric Terrain. The list goes on.

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Clearly, this Pokemon has a lot of potential. Those who are interesting in running it can consider these build options.

Great Tusk: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers / Booster Energy

Those who are looking to play Smogon’s OU tier should look no further than this offensively-oriented build.Headlong Rush andthe deadly Close Combatmakes for a fantastic STAB combo that can threaten Pokemon like Kingambit, Scizor, Garchomp, Glimmora, and Clodsire.Knock Off can deal major damage to Gholdengo, especially if it avoids Headlong Rush with an Air Balloon, and can remove annoying items like Rocky Helmet or Leftovers.

Alternatively, Ice Spinner can deal with threats like Dragonite or Garchomp, hitting for major damage. As for the item, Heavy-Duty Boots allows Great Tusk to switch in and deal with hazards with a Rapid Spin. Leftovers provides Great Tusk with some recovery, as it will undoubtedly be taking a beating.For those looking to take the most advantage of Protosynthesis, a Booster Energy will activate Great Tusk’s ability without the need for sun.

Great Tusk unleashing Headlong Rush in battle in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Great Tusk: Choice Scarf / Choice Band

This build is a great fit for Smogon’s Ubers tier. The Choice Items lock the Pokemon into a single move, but provide an immediate power boost (or Speed boost) that can’t be understated. Making use of this, Great Tusk can plow through teams with a Tera-powered Headlong Rush or Close Combat.Ground and Fighting is a fantastic STAB combo, hitting eight types for super effective damage and only being resisted by two.

If Great Tusk’s team is weak to entry hazards,Rapid Spin can help alleviate that pesky Stealth Rock (but be wary of being locked into it).Play Rough can deal major damage to Koraidon and Miraidon, as well as threats like Dragonite, Roaring Moon, or Cyclizar. Knock Off, as ever, can remove crucial items from the opponent.

Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Great Tusk Being Intimidated by player’s nicknamed Masquerain

Great Tusk: Focus Sash / Life Orb

Great Tusk can even perform in VGC! Protect is a crucial move in Double battles, allowing it to freely block moves for a turn. Close Combat and Headlong Rush are Great Tusk’s bread and butter, so they shall undoubtedly be used. Earthquake, however, is an interesting inclusion. Earthquake may be outshined by Headlong Rush, but Earthquake is a spread move, allowing it to hit multiple targets at once.This fact can turn a normally mediocre move into a fantastic one in the context of Double battles (though the damage nerf and allies should be taken into account). Ice Spinner also serves as Ice coverage, hitting Pokemon like Garchomp or Dragonite for Super Effective damage.

Next:Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Best Ground-Type Moves

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet