Greenlit: Pokken Garchomp Guide

[Nah]

idk if I'm doing this right since I've never done this before but here goes

I would like to see one of these get published for the Daily, and thought I'd offer to write one for the Pokemon I main, Garchomp. Would have an overview section, followed by sections for field phase, duel phase, burst mode, important moves and a few basic combos, and support 'mon suggestions. Stuff that would require screenshots I can do myself, and it's possible that I could make gifs from Youtube videos for some things/combos as well. Maybe.

Would this be alright?

 

[bobandbill]

idk if I'm doing this right since I've never done this before but here goes

I would like to see one of these get published for the Daily, and thought I'd offer to write one for the Pokemon I main, Garchomp. Would have an overview section, followed by sections for field phase, duel phase, burst mode, important moves and a few basic combos, and support 'mon suggestions. Stuff that would require screenshots I can do myself, and it's possible that I could make gifs from Youtube videos for some things/combos as well. Maybe.

Would this be alright?

No worries, you've done the pitch just fine!

I think that sounds good, ala the (still yet unpublished - I'll push Charlie Brown on that video editing we have) Blaziken article, and I'm all for more guides as well. I guess videos aren't necessary and in practise time consuming, so images/gifs ought to suffice.

Need another Daily person to fully approve the idea and I'll allow a touch more time for any other remarks first from other members, but I guess given the other article there isn't much more to discuss on what needs to be considered.

 

[Rivvon]

I like this idea. Going so far as to include screenshots and gifs of certain combos will really enhance the article. It seems you've got everything you'd need as far as sections listed out in your pitch, so this gets the OK from me!

 

[gimmepie]

To me it sounds like he's got it all worked out so I think it's good to go.

 

[Nah]

Can I start writing this, or is there something we have to wait on before going further?

 

[bobandbill]

Going to approve - you can start the draft! I'll copy a post of yours into the Editor Workshop subsection where you can draft it, although if you want everyone to see the draft (not just Daily staff) you can put it here as well.

 

[Nah]

I'ma copy paste what I wrote in the editor's workshop here just in case there's people who can't see there that want to comment on it

Spoiler:

Beginner Garchomp Guide​

Overview:

Garchomp is one of the four Power archetype Pokémon in Pokkén Tournament. Like the other three Power Pokémon, it hits hard, but unlike them, it has a higher overall movement speed. It's clear from its movement speed and many of its moves that Garchomp wants to and is designed to get in on the opponent. This however does not mean that you want to rush at your opponent. Patient play is, while important to some degree on all characters, absolutely vital to success with Garchomp. Playing Garchomp as an aggressive rushdown character like Blaziken will end up getting you killed. Rather, you want to focus on reading your opponent and punishing their mistakes (as Garchomp is a brutal whiff punisher), as well as mixing up your gameplay. Garchomp's primary weaknesses are its poor/awkward ranged combat, and its overall lack of safety.

Key Garchomp Moves

While you generally want to make use of as much as your moveset as possible, there are some moves that are important for every (Garchomp) player to master in order to succeed.

Dig (Forward A) - This is one of Garchomp's best tools and the primary reason why it handles zoners fine. Garchomp burrows into the ground and homes in on the opponent. While burrowed, it's invulnerable to all attacks (even the exposed dorsal fin is invincible), allowing it to bypass projectiles and close the gap, and even punish poor projectile use. Dig is also capable of hitting airborne opponents (ironic when you consider how Ground type moves work in the main series games), making it a solid choice for punishing or pseudo-countering some aerial attacks. This is particularly good in the Suicune matchup, as Suicunes like to jump a lot. The most important part of using Dig though is the ability to mix it up. You can end Dig in three different ways: attacking (how it normally ends), canceling it with R, and canceling it with a jump. Utilize all three options in order to throw your opponent off balance and keep them guessing.

However, Garchomp is also vulnerable both before and after burrowing into the ground, and the move is extremely unsafe on block and whiff, so you must be ready to react to how your opponent is going to react to it.

Stone Edge (Backwards A) - Sand swirls around Garchomp as it prepares to counter the opponent's attack. A fantastic counter, and in many situations better than the standard counter, since you don't need to worry about facing the right way or when you have to release the charge. Don't neglect the regular counter though.

Dragon Rush (Duel Phase, Up A) - This allows you to close the gap between you and your opponent, though the jump at the beginning of the move can make this a bit easy to react to. Fortunately you can cancel Dragon Rush with R or cancel it into Dig to make it less predictable. I personally use it mainly as a grab punish, as Dragon Rush gains a second hit when it's a critical hit. The move also allows Garchomp to handle Sceptile and Chandelure's long-range command grabs, something many Pokémon wish they could do.

Duel Phase Strong Attack (X) - Great for whiff punishing and catching bad jumps due to its speed and the distance covered.

Rising Dragon (hold X, release X) - It's not actually called that and doesn't really have a name, but it's easier (and cooler) to refer to it as that than via the inputs. One of the most versatile parts of Garchomp's moveset, as it can be charged at almost anytime (you can charge it during another move's animation, while landing, even while getting hit!) and be released at almost anytime. You'll know when the move is ready to go when a pulsing orb appears on Garchomp, as shown here:

Spoiler:

When unleashed, the (grounded version of) the attack looks like this:

Spoiler:

While the aerial version has Garchomp dive down, and then if high enough, rocket back up into the air.

Field Phase

Your main objective in Field Phase is to get close to your opponent and initiate Duel Phase. Like was mentioned before though, this does not mean run at your opponent and hit buttons. Against non-zoners, run close to them and then dance with them, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Smart use of Dig and the aerial X attack (has a fairly strong homing ability and sizeable disjoint) will allow you get in on zoners. Charged aerial Y is also something to use to get you and your opponent closer together, as it will drag them towards Garchomp.

Duel Phase

This is where the majority of your damage will occur. You'll notice here that Garchomp moves on the ground much more slowly than it does during Field Phase. This is fine though since Garchomp has good mid-range burst (I do not mean burst as in Synergy Burst) options in Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw, and the strong attack, as well as still having access to Dig. Like in Field Phase, the idea is to play patiently to bait out and punish mistakes, except in Duel Phase Garchomp will get more reward out of it.

Garchomp also gains something called "Running Stance" in Duel Phase, which is not really a stance but is just.....literally Garchomp running. Running Stance can be entered by quickly pressing forward 3 times, or by holding A or Y at the end of Dragon Claw or forward Y-forward Y, respectively. There is one attack unique to Running Stance, an overhead swing that pops the opponent up for follow-up attacks, activated by pressing X while in Running Stance.

Basic Garchomp Combos

Combos. Everybody loves combos sometimes a little too much. These are a few simple combos with Garchomp to get you started, so you can get something out of your punishes and reads. If you want longer/flashier/more technical combos, go look that shit up on Youtube.

Weak Combo->Dig finisher (Duel Phase, Y,Y,Y->forward A) - Does more damage than the standard Dragon Claw finisher.

Strong Attack->Rising Dragon (Duel Phase, X->Rising Dragon) - Hold X from the moment you begin the strong attack, Rising Dragon will be charged as soon as Garchomp lands.

Stone Edge->High Stance X->Strong Attack (Duel Phase, backwards A->Up X->X) - Great for reversing the situation if your back is to the wall, as the Up X will send the opponent over Garchomp and it'll move forward a bit, causing you to effectively switch places.

Sand Tomb (crit)->backwards Y->Poké Combo 1(Duel Phase, Down A (crit)->backwards Y->Y,Y,Y,Y)

Aerial Charged Y->Sandstorm->forward Y (Field Phase, aerial Y, charged->run forward->backwards Y->forward Y)

Synergy Burst

When you activate Synergy Burst, Garchomp will mega evolve into Mega Garchomp. Along with the boosted attack power, the immunity to hitstun from weaker attacks, and the access to Burst Attack, three of Garchomp's moves change a bit. Dig becomes significantly faster, and Sand Tomb and Dragon Rush will always do their second hits, regardless of if they were a critical hit or not. It should also be noted that when not in burst mode and in Duel Phase, low stance will build Garchomp's synergy gauge; every time its tail wags the gauge will fill a tiny bit.

Garchomp's Burst Attack is Outrage Smasher, as seen below:

Spoiler:

gif made using this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESWkVzPlTeo

Like most Burst Attacks, it has almost no start-up, beats out almost everything, and does a ton of damage. Unlike most Burst Attacks though, it's actually unsafe and punishable if you screw it up. So you have to actually be careful with it and not just throw it out and expect everything to be ok like with most of the other ones. In order to get the entirety of that sexy ass attack, the first leaping strike has to connect. If it misses or is blocked, Garchomp will keep swinging away for a while, leaving it open to attacks if you opponent is out of the way. If they block it, it will break their guard on the final swing, but due to the attack's endlag and guard break not giving significant frame advantage in this game for some reason, it will at worst get you punished and at best put you into a guessing situation. Garchomp also loses a bit of HP if you don't land that first hit.

As awful as this all might sound, it's more just to reinforce the idea that Garchomp requires patience.

Support Pokémon Suggestions:

Picking a good support set can also help you out a lot. Here I'll recommend a few support Pokémon sets that are useful to Garchomp. Keep in mind that other sets may be useful too.

Cubone/Diglett - Cubone is the star here, as Bonemerang gives you another way to bring the opponent towards you, especially the ones that don't want to get close.

Emolga/Fennekin - Emolga's ability to slow down opponents is great for Garchomp, since it makes it easier to chase down fast Pokémon like Weavile or Pikachu, who can otherwise play keep-away with you all day. Fennekin is a great get off me option, since it's hard to get some breathing room versus characters like Blaziken, Weavile, etc.

Latios/Yveltal - Latios can restrict the opponent's ability to move, making it easier to close in on them, while Yveltal provides you with a long lasting hitbox on a spot, and if it hits, it'll temporarily prevent them from using Synergy Burst, which is just good in general.

Reshiram/Cresselia is also good, but that one's good on everyone really.

 

[El Héroe Oscuro]

Edits made in red (: Do you have an introduction for your entry by the way? Not specifically the Overview, but what the series is about (this is a series right?)

Spoiler:

Beginner Garchomp Guide​

Overview:

Garchomp is one of the four Power archetype Pokémon in Pokkén Tournament. Like the other three Power Pokémon, it hits hard, but unlike them, it has a higher overall movement speed. It's clear from its movement speed and many of its moves that Garchomp wants to and is designed to get in on the opponent. This however does not mean that you want to rush at your opponent. Patient play is, while important to some degree on all characters, absolutely vital to success with Garchomp. Playing Garchomp as an aggressive rushdown character like Blaziken will end up getting you killed. Rather, you want to focus on reading your opponent and punishing their mistakes (as Garchomp is a brutal whiff punisher), as well as mixing up your gameplay. Garchomp's primary weaknesses are its poor/awkward ranged combat, and its overall lack of safety.

Key Garchomp Moves

While you generally want to make use of as much as your moveset as possible, there are some moves that are important for every (Garchomp) player to master in order to succeed.

Dig (Forward A) - This is one of Garchomp's best tools and the primary reason why it handles zoners fine. Garchomp burrows into the ground and homes in on the opponent. While burrowed, it's invulnerable to all attacks (even the exposed dorsal fin is invincible), allowing it to bypass projectiles and close the gap, and as well as even punish poor projectile use. Dig is also capable of hitting airborne opponents (ironic when you consider how Ground type moves work in the main series games), making it a solid choice for punishing or pseudo-countering some aerial attacks. This is particularly good in the Suicune matchup, as Suicunes like to jump a lot. The most important part of using Dig though is the ability to mix it up. You can end Dig in three different ways: attacking (how it normally ends), canceling it with R, and canceling it with a jump. Utilize all three options in order to throw your opponent off balance and keep them guessing.

However, Garchomp is also vulnerable both before and after burrowing into the ground, and the move is extremely unsafe on block and whiff, so you must be ready to react to how your opponent is going to react to it.

Stone Edge (Backwards A) - Sand swirls around Garchomp as it prepares to counter the opponent's attack. A fantastic counter, and in many situations better than the standard counter, since you don't need to worry about facing the right way or when you have to release the charge. Don't neglect the regular counter though.

Dragon Rush (Duel Phase, Up A) - This allows you to close the gap between you and your opponent, though the jump at the beginning of the move can make this a bit easy to react to. Fortunately you can cancel Dragon Rush with R or cancel it into Dig to make it less predictable. I personally use it mainly as a grab punish, as Dragon Rush gains a second hit when it's a critical hit. The move also allows Garchomp to handle Sceptile and Chandelure's long-range command grabs, something many Pokémon wish they could do.

Duel Phase Strong Attack (X) - Great for whiff punishing and catching bad jumps due to its speed and the distance covered.

Rising Dragon (hold X, release X) - It's not actually called that and doesn't really have a name, but it's easier (and cooler) to refer to it as that than via the inputs. One of the most versatile parts of Garchomp's moveset, as it can be charged and released at almost anytime (you can charge it during another move's animation, while landing, even while getting hit!) and be released at almost anytime. You'll know when the move is ready to go when a pulsing orb appears on Garchomp, as shown here:

Spoiler:

When unleashed, the (grounded version of) the attack looks like this:

Spoiler:

While the aerial version has Garchomp dive down, and then if high enough, rocket back up into the air. (<---- reword this sentence; sound incomplete. Maybe something along the lines of "The aerial version of Rising Dragon has Garchomp dive down onto his opponent, and if high enough, allows him to rocket back up into the air once finished.")

Field Phase

Your main objective in Field Phase is to get close to your opponent and initiate Duel Phase. Like what was mentioned before though, this does not mean run at your opponent and hit buttons. Against non-zoners, run close to them and then dance with them narrow the gap and get close to them. Patiently waiting wait for an opportunity to strike, allowing your opponent to make the first mistake. Smart use of Dig and the aerial X attack -(they has have a fairly strong homing ability and sizeable disjoint)- will allow you get in on zoners (do you mean non-zoners?). Charged aerial Y is also something to use to get you and your opponent closer together, as it will drag them your opponent towards Garchomp.

Duel Phase

This is where the majority of your damage will occur. You'll notice here that Garchomp moves on the ground much more slowly than it does during Field Phase. This is fine though since Garchomp has good mid-range burst (I do not mean burst as in Synergy Burst what do you mean then) options in Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw, and the strong attack, as well as still having access to Dig. Like in Field Phase, the idea is to play patiently to bait out and punish mistakes, except in Duel Phase Garchomp will get more reward out of it.

Garchomp also gains something called "Running Stance" in Duel Phase, which is not really a stance but is just.....literally Garchomp running. Running Stance can be entered by quickly pressing forward 3 times, or by holding A or Y at the end of Dragon Claw or forward Y-forward Y, respectively. There is one attack unique to Running Stance, an overhead swing that pops the opponent up for follow-up attacks, activated by pressing X while in Running Stance.

Basic Garchomp Combos

Combos. Everybody loves combos sometimes a little too much. These are a few simple combos with Garchomp to get you started, so you can get something out of your punishes and reads. If you want longer/flashier/more technical combos, go look that shit up on Youtube YouTube.

Weak Combo->Dig finisher (Duel Phase, Y,Y,Y->forward A) - Does more damage than the standard Dragon Claw finisher.

Strong Attack->Rising Dragon (Duel Phase, X->Rising Dragon) - Hold X from the moment you begin the strong attack, Rising Dragon will be charged as soon as Garchomp lands.

Stone Edge->High Stance X->Strong Attack (Duel Phase, backwards A->Up X->X) - Great for reversing the situation if your back is to the wall, as the Up X will send the opponent over Garchomp and it'll move forward a bit, causing you to effectively switch places.

Sand Tomb (crit)->backwards Y->Poké Combo 1(Duel Phase, Down A (crit)->backwards Y->Y,Y,Y,Y)

Aerial Charged Y->Sandstorm->forward Y (Field Phase, aerial Y, charged->run forward->backwards Y->forward Y)

Synergy Burst

When you activate Synergy Burst, Garchomp will mega evolve into Mega Garchomp. Along with the boosted attack power, the immunity to hitstun from weaker attacks, and the access to Burst Attack, three of Garchomp's moves change a bit. Dig becomes significantly faster, and Sand Tomb and Dragon Rush will always do their second hits, regardless of if they were a critical hit or not. It should also be noted that when not in burst mode (is burst mode supposed to be capitalized?) and in Duel Phase, low stance will build Garchomp's synergy gauge; every time its tail wags the gauge will fill a tiny bit.

Garchomp's Burst Attack is Outrage Smasher, as seen below:

Spoiler:

gif made using this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESWkVzPlTeo

Like most Burst Attacks, it has almost no start-up, beats out almost everything, and does a ton of damage. Unlike most Burst Attacks though, it's actually unsafe and punishable if you screw it up. So you have to actually be careful with it and not just throw it out and expect everything to be ok like with most of the other ones. In order to get the entirety of that sexy ass attack I love this phrase so fucking much but probably not the most appropriate lol, the first leaping strike has to connect. If it misses or is blocked, Garchomp will keep swinging away for a while, leaving it open to attacks if your opponent is out of the way. If they block it, it will break their guard on the final swing, but due to the attack's endlag and guard break not giving significant frame advantage in this game for some reason, it will at worst get you punished and at best put you into a guessing situation. Garchomp also loses a bit of HP if you don't land that first hit.

As awful as this all might sound, it's more just to reinforce the idea that Garchomp requires patience.

Support Pokémon Suggestions:

Picking a good support set can also help you out a lot. Here I'll recommend a few support Pokémon sets that are useful to Garchomp. Keep in mind that other sets may be useful too.

Cubone/Diglett - Cubone is the star here, as Bonemerang gives you another way to bring the opponent towards you, especially the ones that don't want to get close.

Emolga/Fennekin - Emolga's ability to slow down opponents is great for Garchomp, since it makes it easier to chase down fast Pokémon like Weavile or Pikachu, who can otherwise play keep-away with you all day. Fennekin is a great get off me option, since it's hard to get some breathing room versus characters like Blaziken, Weavile, etc.

Latios/Yveltal - Latios can restrict the opponent's ability to move, making it easier to close in on them, while Yveltal provides you with a long lasting hitbox on a spot, and if it hits, it'll temporarily prevent them from using Synergy Burst, which is just good in general.

Reshiram/Cresselia is also good, but that one's good on everyone really.

I would create a conclusion for your piece; Starting off with an overview is great, but you should end with a "Final Thoughts" or "Fighter Verdict" segment as to the practicality of Garchomp and who's playstyle it best fits!

 

[Nah]

reword this sentence; sound incomplete

Would: "The aerial version of Rising Dragon has Garchomp dive down towards its opponent, and if it does not touch the ground, it will rocket back up into the air." be better?

do you mean non-zoners?

In that sentence I don't. Though rewording it like: "Against zoners, smart use of the aerial X attack (it has a fairly strong homing ability and sizeable disjoint) and Dig will allow you to get in on them." would be more clear?

good mid-range burst (I do not mean burst as in Synergy Burst what do you mean then

y'know in a game with something called synergy burst it's probably best to not use the term burst for anything but that so I think that I'll change that to something like: "This is fine though since Garchomp has good attack options that cover distance quickly such as Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw, and the strong attack, while also still having access to Dig."

I have no idea if burst mode is supposed to be capitalized or not though.

I love this phrase so fucking much but probably not the most appropriate lol

nu lets keep it ;_;

I would create a conclusion for your piece; Starting off with an overview is great, but you should end with a "Final Thoughts" or "Fighter Verdict" segment as to the practicality of Garchomp and who's playstyle it best fits!

Yeah it definitely needs that. I've just always been terrible at writing conclusions and stuff (was usually one of the hardest parts about writing papers in college) so I didn't initially. I'll come up with something a bit later.

edit: idk, maybe something like:

"Garchomp is a good choice for those who prefer melee combat instead of projectile based combat, but aren't the aggressive type. It's also good to pick up if you struggle with zoning, since Garchomp is designed to be able to deal with them, or deal with them better than the majority of the roster at least.

It's also a Dragon type and Dragon type is best type :P "

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Probably needs more but man I can't think of shit

 

[Fairy]

Think you'll be needing a graphic for this article? :)

 

[Fairy]

Not sure if this is still in need of a cover but it's got one now!

Spoiler:

 

[Nah]

Ah, that's great Jo, thank you :)



Does Daily staff need me to do anything else for this btw?