What is a good moveset for Garchomp?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Garchomp, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Garchomp Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Answer 1

National Dex Monotype (Ground)

Garchomp-Mega @ Garchompite
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature / Rash Nature
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
- Stone Edge
- Draco Meteor

A mixed All-out-Attacker set that has 252 Special Attack EVs. Earthquake is strong STAB even with only 4 attack EVs since Mega Garchomp has a base 170 attack. Fire Blast is for coverage against Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela with 252 Special Attack EVs giving you an easier time breaking through those Pokemon. Stone Edge allows you to OHKO Volcarona and forms the EdgeQuake combo. Draco Meteor is for strong dragon STAB.

Answer 2

Gen 8 SS Monotype (Ground)

Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe or 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Naive / Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Stone Edge / Dragon Claw
- Fire Blast / Fire Fang / Poison Jab / Stealth Rock

A Choice Scarf set that Garchomp can use on Sandless Ground-type teams. Earthquake and Outrage are must-have moves on this set, as they are powerful STAB moves. The 3rd and 4th moveslots are rather flexible. Stone Edge can be used to form the EdgeQuake combo that allows you to hit Pokemon such as Rotom-Heat, Flying-types like Tornadus and Thundurus super effectively, as well as being able to OHKO Volcarona. Dragon Claw might seem weird since Outrage is on this set, but Dragon Claw can let you revenge kill a Pokemon without having to be unable to switch out for a few turns. Fire Blast can let you do super effective damage to Physically defensive Corviknight, Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Fire Fang can be used for a Fire-type move that comes off of your base 130 Attack. Poison Jab is an option to OHKO Tapu Bulu, but that is all Poison Jab really does aside from hitting Fairy-types a little harder than Earthquake. Stealth Rock is also an option to setup rocks when your opponent switches into a Pokemon that checks Garchomp. Naive Nature is used if you decide to use Fire Blast. If you don't use Fire Blast, then you use Jolly Nature for this set.

Answer 3

Here's what I use for Gen 9 Violet Competitive:

Garchomp @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
-Spikes
-Stealth Rock
-Dragon Tail
-Protect

So the strategy for this moveset is to set up Spikes and Stealth Rock, then use Dragon Tail to switch out opposing Pokémon. This damages almost half the opposing Pokémon's HP. Also Protect just in case.

Comments

You will need an ice counter

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Ok hear me out I have the perfect Ice counter in mind: O t h e r P o k e m o n.
If that fails you can always just switch out.

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what O t h e r P o k e m o n

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Pokemon on the team of Garchomp... You have teammates for a reason...
This set doesn't need a move to hit Ice types since Garchomp shouldn't be staying in on Ice-types.

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I use other Pokémon with this moveset.

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You could also put Endure instead of Protect here to rack up damage on contact using physical attackers. Rocky Helmet + Rough Skin takes out a lot of HP.

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Great Idea

Answer 4

Super cool Pokémon, though it's not my preferred powerhouse.

Garchomp @ Muscle Band
Ability: Rough Skin / Sand Veil
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dual Chop
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang
- Stone Edge

• Dual Chop: STAB, more powerful than Dragon Claw, ok accuracy.
• Earthquake: STAB, why wouldn't someone teach it to him.
• Fire Fang: Deals with weakness chance to burn or flinch and type coverage.
• Stone Edge: Good power and type coverage.

Mine is used in my sandstorm team making it hard to hit due to its Ability, if you want to be more annoying you can throw in a Double Team in his set.

Comments

Dual Chop and Dragon Claw are the same power.
Double Team is banned in most competitive play.

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ya but actually dragon claw is better but dual chop can break subs and make sturdy useless

Answer 5

One of my favs ;-1

Garchomp @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Sandstorm / Crunch
- Stone Edge / Iron Head / Iron Tail / Fire Fang
- Dragon Rush / Dual Chop
- Dig / Earthquake

I use Sandstorm because of his ability. The second slot is coverage against Ice Pokemon. For the third... Dragon power! In last slot I use Dig, sorry :C

Comments

i still dont under stand:)

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Dig is absolutely awful, there is no point in using it over Earthquake.

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It is good if you wish to avoid damage but I too would go with Equake

Answer 6

This guy is a beast!!! He is my fav dragon ever!

Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Veil
Jolly Nature
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang
- Crunch / Aerial Ace

• Outrage: amazing STAB
• Earthquake: I should not need to explain
• Fire Fang: Ice coverage, can flinch and burn
• Crunch / Aerial Ace: either one for coverage

Hope I helped

Comments

Aerial Ace is weak, and should only be used for Max Airstream. It's not something you want to be choice locked into.

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I would use Dragon Rush/Claw as the opponent may switch into a fairy type and hit Garchomp w/ Moonblast

Answer 7

The beasty sandshark. Mine's in a Sandstorm team.

Garchomp @ Bright Powder
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Aqua Tail
- Fire Fang

• Outrage: STAB, high power, high accuracy, perfect move for dragons like this one
• Earthquake: STAB, high power...why even, it's so obvious.
• Aqua Tail: Type coverage, not easily expected.
• Fire Fang: More type coverage and deals with Ice types.

If you want this guy to be more annoying, add Double Team.

Comments

Iron Head is generally better at covering Ice types than Fire Fang.

Answer 8

Scarfmance Killer

This set is mainly for getting rid of Scarf Mence or any other scarfers at that.

Garchomp (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage / Dual Chop
- Stone Edge / Fire Blast
- Poison Jab

Earthquake -Best STAB move for any physical ground types
Outrage/Dual Chop -STAB STAB die/STAB + Get rid of subs
Stone Edge/Fire Blast - Hits those ice types/Skarmory killer
Poison Jab/ filler -I have to put something here, don't I?

Answer 9

Sweeper

Garchomp @ Choice Band
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Rush / Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang
- Stone Edge

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Dragon Rush should be used with Hone Claws and Stone Edge (it would probably be smarter to have a wall use Hone Claws and use Baton Pass to introduce Garchomp). Dragon Claw is only if you just have a different style.
Earthquake is just obvious. 150 power (STAB included) and 100 accuracy are obviously needed for any Garchomp.
Fire Fang gives you some protection against Ice types. Fire and Dragon is unresisted neutral coverage.
Stone Edge abuses Hone Claws boost.

This Garchomp (with full Hone Claws) would be able to knock out a team faster than you can blink.

Answer 10

Garchomp @ Wide Lens
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Rush
- Earthquake
- Brick Break
- Stone Edge / Fire Fang

• Dragon Rush: STAB + Wide Lens = BEAST!!
• Earthquake: STAB + Duh...
• Brick Break: for those annoying Screeners
• Stone Edge / Fire Fang: coverage against Ice, choose between power and burning/flinching

I use Stone Edge for the reason I like the power, but I used Fire Fang a couple of times and it also works out...Wide Lens is just perfect with this moveset.

Answer 11

My opinion of a perfect moveset and nature is:

Garchomp @ Garchompite
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fire Fang
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Dragon Claw

Fire Fang: Fire Fang against Ice weakness
Earthquake: Best Ground move ever + STAB (in mega 130 base power)
Stone Edge: Powerful, takes down a lot of types (like Earthquake, 130 base power in mega + STAB)
Dragon Claw: Better then Outrage, because doesn't leave with confusion, + you can use other attacks. also STAB.

if you disagree, or have other good ideas, please reply :)

Comments

It can't learn Dragon Dance.

Answer 12

Garchomp (M) @ Garchompite
Ability: Sand Veil / Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Iron Head / Iron Tail
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance / Iron Tail

• Dragon Claw / Outrage: I would go with Dragon Claw, reliability > power.
• Iron Head / Iron Tail: Again, reliability > power.
• Earthquake: STAB
• Swords Dance / Hone Claws: Swords Dance with Iron Head, Hone Claws with Iron Tail

Comments

if you want to use Hone Claws, then you could consider using Dragon Rush

Answer 13

Garchomp (F) @ Garchompite
Ability: Sand Veil
Jolly Nature
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
- Dragon Claw
- Poison jab
- Earthquake
- Sandstorm

Dragon Claw: STAB, and covers Dragon weakness.
Poison Jab: Covers Fairy weakness, slight poison chance.
Earthquake: Perhaps the most important move for a Garchomp. Mega Garchomp's Sand Force, combined with STAB, can cause some serious wreckage. Also covers Ice weakness.
Sandstorm: Extra evasiveness, and for reasons explained above. Plus additional damage to the opponent.

If not Gen VI, Soft Sand over Garchompite.

I hope this helps you as much as it did me. Thanks for reading!

Answer 14

Garchomp @ Choice Band
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Rock Slide / Stone Edge
- Iron Head

Earthquake is for STAB and coverage, Dragon Claw is for accuracy and consistency. Even though Outrage works well with Choice Band, you can't predict which Pokemon it will hit. Rock Slide is because you get more accuracy than Stone Edge, and it hits both Pokemon. Iron Head for coverage.

Answer 15

I got a pretty awesome set here

Garchomp @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Hone Claws
- Dragon Rush
- Iron Tail
- Earthquake

Hone Claws - Beefs up attack and sharpens accuracy
Dragon Rush - STAB, almost never misses with Hone Claws
Iron Tail - Fairy coverage, almost never misses with Hone Claws.
Earthquake - For those of you who don't know, STAB, high power, 100% accuracy

Rough Skin + Rocky Helmet will make any contact moves have pretty high recoil for the opponent. You can replace Rocky Helmet with Garchompite if you want a mega on your team, but if you do, I recommend using an ally with Sand Stream to take advantage of Sand Force. Normally when using this set, set up Hone Claws when you have the chance and start sweeping. Mawile won't be KO'd by Iron Tail since its also a Steel type? No problem! Earthquake's got you covered.

Answer 16

Too bad that Garchomp's Mega form gets a small decrease in its Speed because some Fairy-, Dragon- and Ice-types can have a big advantage on it even though it has high attack. Anyways, Garchomp is a great physical attacker and Dragon- / Ground-type for your team, poor Electric-types don't even have an advantage because of Garchomp's typing unless it knows Hidden Power [Ice] and then you are screwed. In this set it'll make it fast and very offensive as if it already has the perfect IVs for attack and speed or as if it had both an Adamant and a Jolly nature!

Garchomp @ Rocky Helmet / Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Stone Edge (if you are going with the Choice Scarf) / Swords Dance (If you are going with the Rocky Helmet)

With a Jolly nature, Garchomp will be faster than usual. With Rough Skin paired up with a Rocky Helmet, it would do serious damage to the opponent if it has a contacting move, or you can Scarf it with a Choice Scarf and make its great physical moves monstrous. Dragon Claw is for STAB, great power and perfect accuracy, Earthquake is also a STAB move and has the perfect accuracy and hits a lot of your opponents, but also your allies in Double or Triple Battles, but it's still a great move. Iron Head is for coverage against those big mean sneaky Ice types, and those pesky Fairy types, and it has 30% chance of causing a flinch. Swords Dance raises Attack by 2 stages or you can go with Stone Edge for greater power and a small chance of causing critical hits.

READ THIS: Just so you know, Iron Head is an egg move so you may have to do a mating spree with your Garchomps.

Answer 17

Garchomp @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
- Rock Slide
- Dragon Claw
- Iron Head
- Earthquake

Honestly as a Garchomp user and always will use and have Garchomp on my team. This is what I've seen works best with him, based on the times I've had to modify him to work the best he can.

The reason you want to have a Rocky Helmet is for three main reasons. Reason #1 Talonflame, a Brave Bird from a Talonflame unto a chomp with Rough Skin and Rocky Helmet could cost it a KO without having to even attack it (that's if if has a Life Orb)
Reason #2 Mega Kangaskhan and Fake Out users, a Fake Out from a Mega Kangaskhan unto a Garchomp might drop it's HP in half do to its Ability and Item. Any other will waste a turn and damage itself. Reason #3 Synergy with Rough Skin

A Jolly Garchomp is really fast and faster this way and is already a hard hitter if your willing to risk another chomp hitting you might as well Mega with Baton Pass speed, Scarf or Band

The EVs make it hit hard, fast and take a hit while still damaging the opponent because of its Ability

• Rock Slide (covers Thundurus, Talonflame, Volcarona, etc)
• Dragon Claw (STAB!!...and always hits)
• Iron Head (Two words: Fairies and Ice)
• Earthquake (STAB and easy to take down defensive threats)

Pokemon that he has good Synergy with:
Semi-support Speed Boost Mega Blaziken
Fast Offensive Greninja
Contrary Serperior
Charizard Y
Any good Baton Passer
Tip: Most should have protect to keep from getting harmed from an EQ

Answer 18

Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk
Jolly Nature
- Hone Claws
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Dragon Rush

Hone Claws: Boosts accuracy which is this set's downfall as well as his impressive Attack
Stone Edge: Amazing power, accuracy is boosted by Hone Claws
Earthquake: STAB, great move with Stone Edge making it an EdgeQuake set essentially
Dragon Rush: I chose this over his extensive set of Dragon moves because it has power and doesn't confuse.

I used to not believe in Garchomp's potential but now it is clear to me why he is an Uber. In Ubers he threatens many of the dragon Ubers (Rayquaza, Zekrom, Palkia, Dialga) and it goes on. The reason I didn't invest in his speed much is because of the fact most Ubers are dreadfully slow (Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Zekrom, Ho-Oh) Which leads him at that advantage. However the occasional speed invested Palkia could be this guy's downfall because of their close speed tiers.

Answer 19

So Garchomp having 3 weaknesses and any ice move is going to kill it, we're going to want to out speed everything.

Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Crunch
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Aqua Tail / Iron Head / Rock Slide

Crunch: Ghost-type Coverage
Outrage / Dragon Claw: STAB
Earthquake: Do I have to explain?
Aqua Tail / Iron Head / Rock Slide: Coverage

So Earthquake needs no explanation.
If you don't want to have to deal with confusion, run Dragon Claw, if you're feeling lucky run Outrage.
Crunch is just for nice coverage against Pyschic and Ghost types.
Aqua Tail is nice coverage, with a 90 base power would do pretty good damage, Iron Head to deal with Fairies, but not recommended because some fairies might be able to take a non-STAB Iron Head to the face.
Rock Slide just for Flying types that you can't really touch with anything else unless your running Outrage, then you can touch them.

I tried it out a few times with Aqua Tail and Outrage, honestly Dragon Claw would suit me better because of how unlucky I am, but if you don't care about being confused then go for it!

Answer 20

I know, this might be a pretty oversuggested moveset, but I hope I can say something new. :)

Garchomp @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 6 Def / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Dragon Rush
- Fire Fang
- Earthquake
- Sandstorm

I previously used the Mega Evolution, but I changed this later because my Mega Charizard Y could take out anyone with ease using only one or two Heat Waves, but I kept Sandstorm, just in case. Earthquake is what it is, Dragon Rush has the same power as Earthquake +chance to flinch, and Fire Fang deals with Ice-types (It was also powered up by my Mega Charizard's Drought).

Comments

If you are using sandstorm, I recommend sand veil as your ability.

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Why would you use Naughty over Jolly?