Rampardos Review (Gen 5)

Rampardos

Nature: Jolly

Item: Choice Scarf

Ability: Mold Breaker

Moves:
-Head Smash / Stone Edge
-Earthquake
-Fire Punch
-Aqua Tail / Superpower

Review:

Even with the new found competition that Generation 5 has brought out, such as Darmanitan, Haxorus, and Conkledurr, Rampardos remains one of the most deadly (in terms of raw power) pokemon you can use outside of Ubers. With that said, this T-rex on steroids still has its weaknesses; namely its poor speed and defenses. That, coupled with its NU status, would cause most players to disregard Rampardos in favor of more common and over-rated options, such as the ones mentioned above. Yet even in OU, Rampardos packs a punch; simply follow this guide to find out why. First off, mend Rampardos' most obvious flaw, its speed, with a Choice Scarf which will allow it to outspeed a number of killer threats such as Max Speed Manetric, Charizard, Gyarados, Garchomp. Of course, Rampardos still is'nt quite quick enough to move before the Base 130 Speed Pokemon such as Crobat and Jolteon; so pack something else on you'r team that can counter those speed demons.

Next, we'll move straight into what attacks your Scarfed Rampardos should know, starting with its signature move: Head Smash. Now, lets get this straight: a 150 Base Power S.T.A.B move (225 Base Power factoring in S.T.A.B) with no re-charge turn, coming off an attack stat that makes even Salemence jealous? Needless to say, Head Smash will devestate almost anything it hits; its pretty much a manditory move for this set, even though Stone Edge has functions as a decent substitute with no recoil damage. For move slot number 2, Earthquake is highly recommended, not only because it hits Steel types hard, but because it takes advantage of Rampardos' ability, Mold Breaker. With Mold Breaker and Earthquake, Levitate Bronzong, Rotom, Solrock, Gengar, etc can all be hit for Super Effective damage. The final two move slots are much more mix-and-matchable; almost any combination of Superpower, Aqua Tail, and Fire Punch would prove effective. Superpower KOs Tyranitar and Blissey, Fire Punch helps fry those annoying Steel and Bug / Fire types such as Forretress and Ferrothorn, and Aqua Tail hits Hippowdon, Rhyperior, and Golem harder than anything else. So there it is; a truely deadly Rampardos set, outclassed by few and feared by many. Although Rampardos may be NU, stick with it, and it will get you results; trust me, this thing brings new meaning to the word Dino-might.

Notes: Crunch is only really useable with Sheer Force as an ability, as otherwise it is too weak when considering its poor coverage. Outrage is another 120 Base Power move, but is usually useless without S.T.A.B. Thunder Punch is also pointless, as is Iron Tail and Iron Head. Brick Break is useable, but generally, you'll need the power Superpower brings to the table rather than Brick Breaks ability to break screens. Avalanche hits Garchomp and Gliscor hard, but is best left to slower, more defensive Pokemon. Rock Slide is more accurate than Rampardos' other two S.T.A.B moves of choice, and does have the chance to make the opponent flinch; but it is simply too weak at only 75 Base Power, unless, again, used with Sheer Force.

-An Original Review by Z-man

*Aggron