Turtonator

Turtonator, The Blast Turtle Pokémon. The shell on its back is chemically unstable and explodes violently if struck. The hole in its stomach is its weak point. It gushes fire and poisonous gases from its nostrils. Its dung is an explosive substance and can be put to various uses.

Overview

Turtonator is a unique Pokémon having Dragon/Fire typing available only to Reshiram, who's banned to Ubers, and Mega Charizard X, who uses a mega slot. However unlike the other two who are pure offensive powerhouses mostly, Turtonator is a defensive threat boosting massive physical defense. However the typing doesn't lend itself to well for this as Fire is a more offensive type, but it can still function well enough in tier.
Positives
+Dragon/Fire is amazing offensive typing unresisted outside of Heatran because of Flash Fire
+Fairly nice move pool allowing a little bit of flexing and room to toy with moves
+Fire removes the weakness to Fairy and Ice as well as grants quad resistance to Fire

Negatives
-No recovery move outside of Rest really hurts its ability to be a pivot
-Dragon/Fire is more geared toward offensive typing, removing its Water resistance as well as gaining weakness to Rock and Ground
-Offensive stats are overall subpar 78 Attack and 91 Special making it hard to abuse its great typing

Abilities

Shell Armor - Prevents critical hits - Its only ability and overall a really subpar one but it prevents a hacks I guess.

Movesets

The Turtle That Wasn't Water

-Will-O-Wisp
-Flamethrower/Dragon Pulse
-Protect
-Taunt/Toxic
Item Attached: Leftovers
Ability: Shell Armor
EVs and Nature:
248HP/8Def/252SpDef
Calm Nature

With its base stats, Turtonator screams tank and it more or less has all the tools needed to do it. Shell Armor is quite nice here as crits override status drops. This pairs well with the first and one of the main moves of the set Will-O-Wisp, halving Attack. This pairs well with its typing as well as the stat spread. With the burn status, EV's are better placed into Special Defense, which also allows it to deal with other threats a bit easier such as Glaceon, plus most of Turtonator's weaknesses are physical and can be crippled on switching in. Protect is a must use as it allows scouting for choices moves as well as stall out status moves, synergizing well with the other status move options, Toxic or Taunt. Toxic allows for better match ups into Fire types while Taunt is better into other tanky Pokémon. Flamethrower or Dragon Pulse are the last moves allowing you to deal damage, the choice is a preference.

I'm part Dragon?

-Draco Meteor/Dragon Pulse
-Fire Blast
-Solar beam/Hidden Power Grass
-Focus Blast/Shell Smash
Item Attached: Grassium Z/Assault Vest/Choice Specs
Ability: Shell Armor
EVs and Nature:
248HP/8Def/252SpAtk or 252SpAtk/4SpDef/252Spd
Modest/Timid Nature

This set uses Turtonator's unresisted coverage to just break through the enemy team. Draco Meteor or Dragon Pulse are the primary stab move dealing a lot of damage to most threats you'll run into. Fire Blast is the main Fire option, though Flamethrower is an option, crippling a lot of threats coming in without the status drop of Draco Meteor. Solar beam takes the next spot ONLY when you run the Grassium Z for Bloom Doom otherwise Hidden Power Grass takes this slot to nail waters hard. Last slot is a bit more open, Focus Blast is nice for damage and hitting Rocks hard while you can use Shell Smash and look to sweep and as such benefits more from the faster EV spread. Choice Specs are a top item pick due to your tanky nature allowing you to smash threats with ease while an Assault Vest allows for more switch ins and in general tanking.

Other Options & Partners

-Bulk Up- More for a physical bait set, it can work with some support. Viable moves include Dragon Claw, Stone Edge, and Earthquake.
-Earthquake- Usable on the special sets but most Rocks in tier have such low Special Defense it's not necessary
-Air Balloon- Usable with the Shell Smash to avoid Earthquake so it's easier to sweep but you lose the Grassium Z so it's a personal preference.
Hitmontop is probably one of the best partners with its ability to Rapid Spin away hazards and switch in on Lycanroc one of the better revenge killers in tier as well as Alolan Golem and Rhydon, though they're less reliable answers. Alolan Golem itself likes Turtonator as well as Turtonator removes or cripples bulky Waters as well as destroys Grass threats that threaten it. Braviary likes Turtonator for similar reasons, crippling bulky Waters or burning Lycanroc, Alolan Golem, and Rhydon that are annoying for it to deal with. Lastly, Rock Polish Aggron works well, grants gimmicky, really likes the threats offensive Turtonator removes and cripples while defensive burns threats capable of revenging Aggron once it boosts. Lastly it can boost on Togetic, one of the better answers to Turtonator.

Teambuilding & Matchup

Turtonator brings a lot for a team in either build so it depends on the build you run so I'll break this into two sections

Defensive Turtonator brings a lot of physical checking as well as a strong special pivot allowing it to shine more on balanced teams. Its typing allows the ability it to pivot into special attackers pretty well such as Glaceon and Slowking. Despite its high physical defense, most physical Pokémon Turtonator has to deal with carry Earthquake or are Ground/Rock typing making it hard to deal with for it. As such when building balanced a flying type or Ground type will or well. Eelektross does well as it can capitalize with its Levitate ability and pressure most of these out with Grass Knot. Match up wise the defensive set will overall struggle into HO(hyper offensive) teams due to their high momentum style and Turtonator can't shut something down alone. It can be a nuisance but overall will fail, especially into special based HO teams.

Offensive Turtonator brings raw coverage, often undervalued, to a team making it a solid wall breaker making it overall better on bulky offensive teams due to its defensive base stats. Unlike the defensive versions, there isn't too much that can or wants to switch into Turtonator due to its coverage outside Togetic. As such think about special sweepers that like Omastar like this version with its ability to smash waters. Match up wise this version struggles with stall based teams due to their more resilient nature as well as HO again due to their high speed and power, but can slow them down with its power, namely Choice Specs.

VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options

Turtonator is rarely used in VGC 2017. While Torkoal thrives, the "other" fire turtle rarely makes an appearance. Despite great physical defense and a good typing, Turtonator just does not exert enough offensive pressure on the opponent. Its low speed and unremarkable support movepool leaves the turtle without a clear role.

Bowsenator

-Flamethrower
-Dragon Pulse
-Wide Guard
-Protect
Item Attached: Mago Berry
Ability: Shell Armor
EVs and Nature:
252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature

Turtonator can typically take a few hits thanks to a great Fire / Dragon defensive typing and good defensive stats. A Calm nature with max HP and Special Defense lets the turtle take special hits well, as its physical defense is already great. Mago Berry (or any other pinch berry that will not cause confusion) greatly increases Turtonator'a longevity. Battle Armor prevents critical hits, further guaranteeing that Turtonator lives.

Flamethrower and Dragon Pulse are solid STAB moves that provide good coverage. Wide Guard supports the team a bit, protecting both of your Pokémon from spread attacks. Protect of course is amazing in doubles.

Other Options & Team Ideas

-Assault Vest can also shore up Turtonator'a mediocre Special Defense.
-Overheat or Fire Blast are more powerful alternatives to Flamethower, but both have worse accuracy. Draco Meteor is similar in the power vs accuracy discussion against Dragon Pulse.
-Incinerate can burn berries on your opponent's Pokémon.
-Shell Trap is a bit tougher to use in doubles, and is probably too situational.
-Flash Cannon, Solarbeam, and Focus Blast are all additional coverage options.
-Bulldoze is nice form of speed control.
-Shell Smash, typically combined with a White Herb, can boost Turtonator's offensive skills, but it still cannot reach a great speed tier.
-Will-O-Wisp and Toxic can both inflict useful status conditions given the scenario.
-Roar and Taunt can help mess up set ups strategies like Tailwind.

-Tapu Bulu's grassy terrain can weaken opposing Earthquake, and the recovery also increases Turtonator's usefulness.
-Trick Room can help Turtonator due to its low speed.
-Teams in need of a Torkoal check like Turtonator's ability to shrug off any common move from its fellow turtle.

Countering Turtonator

Stealth Rocks are a major thing to make dealing with Turtonator easier as it will lose ź of its health upon switching in. Politoed, Vaporeon, and Slowking due the best at answering Turtonator with their bulky natures, and the later being more Special Defensive. However Turtonator is able to hit most of its switch ins for super effective damage. Togetic probably does the best job overall but suffers from the problem with Stealth Rocks like Turtonator but has access to Roost so it can heal off the damage it defense Lycanroc can revenge kill Turtonator pretty easily but has to be careful with the defense set as the burn will cripple it. Finally Guzzlord can check most of Turtonator's moves and can take a Dragon Pulse because of its insane health and KO back with Speced Draco Meteor.

Locations in Games

Red/Blue/Yellow:
Not in game

Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Not in game

FireRed/LeafGreen:
Not in game

Colosseum/XD:
Not in game

Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Not in game

HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Not in game

Black/White:
Not in game

Black 2/White 2:
Not in game

X/Y:
Not in game

Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Not in game

Sun/Moon:
Blush Mountain (Sun)
Trade from Sun (Moon)

Animé Appearences

Turtonator has made many appearances in the anime. Most notably it is used by Kiawe in Alola.

# -English Episode Name- -Jp. Episode Name- Pics
944 Alola to New Adventure! Alola! New Islands, New Pokémon!! Pics
945 The Guardian's Challenge! Enter the Guardian Deity Tapu Koko! Let Us Attempt To Master Our Z-Move! Pics
953 Trial and Tribulation Will the Z-Move Work?! Challenging the Grand Trial!! Pics
954 Young Kiawe Had a Farm Ash Visits Kiawe! Pics
955 The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair! The Extracurricular Lesson is on Mareanie?! Pics
956 Racing to a Big Event! The Great Alola Pancake Race! Pics
957 Getting to Know You! The Fruit of Courage: Lillie and Vulpix! Pics
958 Rocking Clawmark Hill! Scratchmark Hill, Rockruff and Lycanroc!! Pics
960 Crystal-Clear Sleuthing! Alola Detective Rotom! The Mystery of the Lost Crystal!! Pics
965 A Shivering Shovel Search! Beware of Shovels!! Pics
967 Alolan Open House! Alola! The First Visitation Day!! Pics
968 A Team-on-Team Tussle! The Fight Over the Crystal! Team Rocket VS Team Skull!! Pics
969 So Long, Sophocles! Farewell, Sophocles! Pics
970 A Glaring Rivalry! Come Forth, Lycanroc with the Crimson Look!! Pics
971 Pulling Out the Pokémon Base Pepper The Fierce Pokébase Match! Aim for a Home Run to Turn the Tide!! Pics
972 Lulled to La-La Land! Hey Mush, Are You Going to Sleep in the Morelull Forest Too? Pics
973 The Ol' Raise and Switch Lillie, Take Good Care of Pikachu Pics
974 The Island Whisperer! Enter Olivia! Cry and Laugh, Island Queen!! Pics
977 A Crowning Moment of Truth! A Fire Battle! Marowak Shows Up! Pics
978 Currying Favor and Flavor! A Curry-zy Beautiful Battle! The Dance of Lurantis! Pics
979 Trials and Determinations! Olivia's Grand Trial! The Hardest Pokémon Match Ever!! Pics
980 Rising from the Ruins! Rockruff and the Guardian Diety of the Ruins of Life! Pics
981 Mimikyu Unmasked Mimikyu's Disguise! Pics
985 Alola, Kanto An Alola! in Kanto! Brock & Misty! Pics
986 When Regions Collide Gym Battle! Z-Move VS Mega Evolution!! Pics
988 Now You See Them, Now You Don't! Nebby's Panic! The Teleport Happened Suddenly!! Pics
991 Night of a Thousand Poses! Strike a Fully Powered Pose for a Sleepover! Pics
993 Faba's Revenge! Faba Strikes Back! Nebby Gets Abducted!! Pics
995 Revealing the Stuff of Legend! The Altar of the Sunne! Solgaleo Descends!! Pics
996 Rescuing the Unwilling! Hurry Up! Operation: Rescue Lusamine!! Pics
997 10,000,000 Reasons to Fight! Shine, Z-Power Ring! A Super Fully Powered 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!! Pics
998 The Professors' New Adventure! Thank You, Solgaleo! You are Our Nebby!! Pics
999 Let Sleeping Pokémon Lie! A Strong Sleeper: Komala's Secret Pics
1002 Tasting the Bitter with the Sweet! Mallow & Lana: Bittersweet Memories! Pics
1003 Getting a Jump on the Competition! Lillie is Soaring Through The Air! The PokéSled Jump Tournament! Pics
1004 A Mission of Ultra Urgency! Set Off! You Are Our Ultra Guardians!! Pics
1005 Acting True to Form! The Dark Meowth is Alolan Meowth!? Pics
1008 Turning Heads and Training Hard! Ilima and Eevee Have Ilimade Their Entrance!! Pics
1010 Love at First Twirl! Pika Pika Sparkling Love! Poipole Spins Round and Round!! Pics
1011 Real Life...Inquire Within! Work Experience! Around the Clock with the Pokémon Center! Pics
1012 Rise and Shine, Starship! Shine On, Starship Celesteela! Pics
1013 The Young Flame Strikes Back! Protect the Farm! The Blue Flame Strikes Back!! Pics
1014 Dewpider Ascending! Dewpider Gets Lana!? Pics
1015 Sours for the Sweet! Ta-Dough! Burn with Passion, Mallow's Family! Pics
1017 Tough Guy Trials! This Tough Old Geezer's the Island Kahuna? Pics
1019 A Battle Hand-Off! The Decisive Super Battle! Pikachu VS Mimikyu!! Pics
1021 Twirling with a Bang! Ultra Beast Clash! Operation: Boom Boom Crackle!! Pics
1022 Showering the World With Love! Minior and Poipole: A Promise that Got Lost in the Starry Skies! Pics
1023 Not Caving Under Pressure! A Sandshrew's Storm! An Ice Hole Double Battle!! Pics
1027 The Shape of Love to Come! The Shape of Family: Poipole's Feelings! Pics
1028 The Long Vault Home! Leap 'n' Climb: Stakataka! Pics
1029 I Choose Paradise! I Choose Here! The Pokémon Steam Paradise!! Pics
1033 Securing the Future! Connect to the Future! The Legend of the Blinding One!! Pics
1036 Lillier and the Staff! The Hero Lilliel and the Alolan Cane! Pics
1040 No Stone Unturned! Dartrix the Master!!! Rowlet the Sleeperzzz Pics
1041 Bright Lights, Big Changes! The Duo Splits Up!? Ash & Rotom Pics
1042 We Know Where You're Going, Eevee! Where is Eevee Going? To the End of the World for the Sake of a Meeting! Pics
1048 Showdown on Poni Island! Lycanroc Showdown! Ash VS Gladion!! Pics
1049 Evolving Research! We Have the Sea and We Have Valleys! Pokémon Evolution Training!! Pics
1050 Run Heroes Run! Run, Kiawe! Surpass Yourself!! Pics
1053 Keeping Your Eyes on the Ball! Hole in One at PokéGolf Pics
1055 Got Meltan? A New Species Has Been Discovered! I Got a Meltan!! Pics
1056 This Magik Moment! A New Show?! The Tiny Melody of Magikarp Pics
1057 Beauty is Only Crystal Deep! Beauty and the Meowth Pics
1063 The One That Didn't Get Away! Lana Hooks a Kyogre?! Pics
1064 A Recipe for Success! Mallow's Valiant Effort! The Forest Pokémon Café!! Pics
1066 A Fiery Training Camp Trick! Master the Z-Move! Kiawe's Fierce Boot Camp!! Pics
1067 Living on the Cutting Edge! Perfect Sharpness! Kartana has Arrived! Pics
1068 A Timeless Encounter! Ash: A Timeless Encounter! Pics
1070 Chasing Memories, Creating Dreams! Gladion & Lillie! Chasing a Father's Phantom!! Pics
1071 League Offenders and Defenders! The Curtain Rises! The Alola Pokémon League!! Pics
1072 Battle Royal 151 Brawl! Battle Royal 151!! Pics
1073 Battling Besties! Mallow & Lana! A Fully Powered Battle of Friendship!! Pics
1074 The Battlefield of Truth and Love! Jessie VS James! A Battlefield of Love and Truth!! Pics
1077 The Road to the Semifinals! Everyone's Fully Powered! The Road to the Semifinals!! Pics
1078 The Final Four! The Semifinals! Kiawe VS Gladion! Pics
1079 Getting Down to The Ire! Rising Fire! More Than One Rival!! Pics
1080 The Wisdom Not to Run! Guzma the Undefeated! Pics
1081 Final Rivals! The Finals! The Ultimate Rival Showdown!! Pics
1082 Enter the Champion! He's Born! The Alolan League Winner! Pics
1083 Z-Move Showdown! Guzzlord Attacks! Decisive Z-Move Battle!! Pics
1084 Exhibition Unmasked! Final Battle! Ash VS Kukui!! Pics
1085 A Full Battle Bounty! Burn with Passion! Get Filled with Intensity! A Full Battle!!! Pics
1086 Fiery Surprises! Conclusion! Incineroar VS Torracat!! Pics
1087 From Z to Shining Z! The Greatest Z in Alola! Tapu Koko VS Pikachu! Pics
1088 Dreaming of the Sun and Moon! The Sun, the Moon and Everyone's Dreams! Pics
1089 Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues! Thank You, Alola! Respective Departures!! Pics
1126 The New Old Gang of Mine I Am Back! Nice to See You, Alola! Pics
1147 A Rollicking Roll... / Eyes on the Goal! Panic! The Gulpin Ball!!
Come On, Chewtle Turtle Race
Pics
1220 Paring Pokémon While Parrying! The Finals III: Smashing Pics
1221 Partners in Time! The Finals IV: Partner Pics