Torkoal
PvE Analysis
Torkoal has good moves but is limited by its poor stats. Though defensively oriented, Torkoal has a bad defensive typing and charge moves that are trivial to dodge. It doesn’t help that it’s a regional exclusive.
Best PvE Offensive Moveset
- Fire Spin is strictly superior to Ember.
- Overheat is preferred due to its raw power and synergy with Torkoal’s fast moves.
- Solar Beam suffices in neutral matchups; Earthquake is awful without STAB
Best PvE Defensive Moveset
Fire Spin + Solar Beam, Overheat, or Earthquake | Best |
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- Fire Spin is strictly superior to Ember.
- Torkoal’s charge moves are easy to dodge, but Solar Beam has counter coverage.
- Overheat, if it hits, will deal hefty damage; Earthquake is okay as well.
PvP Analysis
Fire Spin + Overheat and Earthquake or Solar Beam |
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Fire Spin is superior to Ember due to slightly better energy gains.
The update to Overheat following the Dec 11, 2019 rebalance improves Torkoal's speed to access its charge moves and allows Torkoal to threaten a very powerful attack sooner. However, the -2 ATK debuff on the user makes it more tricky to use. Earthquake gives some good coverage, though it does cost quite a lot of energy. This turtle’s expensive moves define him as a designated anchor, only to be used when shields are down (and ideally when you have at least one still available).
If you want to go all in on super expensive moves that you’ll likely only be able to fire off one of, Solar Beam can work to give you some coverage against any Rock, Water, or Ground-type Pokémon that would otherwise threaten Torkoal.
Great League | 2.5 / 5 |
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Early on, Torkoal was projected to be one of the best Great League Pokémon available, due to its incredible bulk and high DPE charged moves. However, it just doesn’t have great matchups against the meta-relevant threats, and the fact that it’s all but useless when your opponent has even a single shield makes it vastly less useful. If you have a Torkoal available, feel free to flex it, but it’s no Tropius. | |
Ultra League | 0 / 5 |
Maxing out at just under 2100 CP, and with the same issues it has in Great League, Torkoal isn’t that strong in Ultra. | |
Master League | 0 / 5 |
Smokey the Turtle says: Only YOU can prevent him from getting completely blown out by a Dialga. Be kind. Don't bring him into Master League. |