Garchomp is a formidable Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon known for its incredible speed and attack power. One of the most sought-after moves in its arsenal is Earthquake, a powerful Ground-type move that can devastate opponents. At LEARNS.EDU.VN, we are dedicated to providing you with a complete guide on when and how Garchomp learns Earthquake, along with expert strategies to maximize its potential in battles. Discover the secrets to mastering Garchomp with effective training and move selection, elevating your gameplay with insights into breeding, TM compatibility, and alternative move options.
1. Understanding Garchomp: The Mach Pokémon
Garchomp, the Mach Pokémon, is a dual-type Dragon/Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. Known for its incredible speed and powerful attacks, Garchomp is a pseudo-legendary Pokémon that trainers often seek for their competitive teams. Its design is inspired by both sharks and dragons, giving it a unique and intimidating appearance.
1.1. Garchomp’s Key Features
- Type: Dragon/Ground
- Abilities: Sand Veil (boosts evasion in a sandstorm), Rough Skin (hidden ability, inflicts damage to the attacker on contact)
- Base Stats: High Attack and Speed, making it a formidable physical sweeper
- Evolution: Evolves from Gabite at level 48, which evolves from Gible at level 24
1.2. Competitive Advantages
Garchomp’s dual typing provides a unique set of resistances and weaknesses. It is immune to Electric-type moves, resistant to Fire, Rock, and Poison-type moves, and weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. This typing, combined with its high stats, makes Garchomp a versatile and powerful Pokémon in various battle formats.
2. When Does Garchomp Learn Earthquake?
Earthquake is a powerful Ground-type move with a base power of 100 and perfect accuracy, making it a staple in many Pokémon teams. However, the method and level at which Garchomp learns Earthquake can vary depending on the specific game version.
2.1. Learning Earthquake via TM
In most modern Pokémon games, including Scarlet and Violet, Garchomp learns Earthquake through a Technical Machine (TM). Specifically:
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Garchomp can learn Earthquake by using TM149.
- TMs are one-time use items in some games, while in others, they can be used multiple times. Check the game’s mechanics to understand TM usage.
- TM149 (Earthquake) is available in the late-game areas or can be crafted at TM Machines using materials found throughout the game world.
2.2. Leveling Up and Breeding
In some older generations, Garchomp could learn Earthquake by leveling up, but this is not the case in the most recent games. Breeding is also not a method for Garchomp to learn Earthquake.
2.3. Move Reminder/Tutor
In certain games, if you missed the opportunity to teach Garchomp Earthquake via TM, you might be able to revisit the move through a Move Reminder or Move Tutor. These NPCs can help your Pokémon relearn moves they previously knew.
3. Why Earthquake is Essential for Garchomp
Earthquake is a critical move for Garchomp due to its high power and perfect accuracy. Here’s why it’s so important:
3.1. Coverage
Earthquake provides excellent coverage against a wide range of Pokémon types, particularly those weak to Ground-type moves, such as:
- Fire
- Electric
- Rock
- Steel
This allows Garchomp to deal significant damage to these common types, making it a versatile attacker.
3.2. STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus)
As a Ground-type move, Earthquake benefits from the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) when used by Garchomp, which is also a Ground-type. This means Earthquake deals 50% more damage than it would otherwise.
3.3. Competitive Viability
In competitive Pokémon battles, having a reliable and powerful Ground-type move is essential for dealing with various threats. Earthquake allows Garchomp to function as a strong offensive presence, capable of sweeping through teams when used strategically.
4. How to Teach Garchomp Earthquake in Scarlet and Violet
To teach Garchomp Earthquake in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, follow these steps:
4.1. Obtain TM149 (Earthquake)
- Location: TM149 can be found in various late-game areas, often in caves or near geological features.
- Crafting: Alternatively, you can craft TM149 at TM Machines located in Pokémon Centers. To craft it, you will need specific materials:
- Pokémon Materials: These are typically dropped by defeated Pokémon of certain types.
- League Points (LP): Earned by defeating trainers and completing quests.
4.2. Access Your Inventory
- Open your in-game menu by pressing the X button.
- Navigate to your Bag and select the “TMs” pocket.
4.3. Teach Garchomp Earthquake
- Select TM149 (Earthquake) from your inventory.
- Choose Garchomp from your party as the Pokémon you want to teach the move to.
- Confirm your choice, and Garchomp will learn Earthquake. If Garchomp already knows four moves, you will need to replace one to learn Earthquake.
5. Best Movesets for Garchomp
Creating an effective moveset for Garchomp involves considering its strengths, weaknesses, and the role you want it to fulfill on your team. Here are several popular and effective movesets for Garchomp:
5.1. Standard Physical Attacker
- Earthquake: High power, STAB
- Outrage/Dragon Claw: Strong Dragon-type STAB move
- Stone Edge: Coverage against Flying-types
- Swords Dance: Boosts Attack stat for sweeping
This moveset maximizes Garchomp’s physical attack potential, allowing it to deal significant damage to a wide range of opponents.
5.2. Choice Scarf Sweeper
- Earthquake: High power, STAB
- Outrage: Strong Dragon-type STAB move
- Stone Edge: Coverage against Flying-types
- Fire Fang/Iron Head: Additional coverage options
Using a Choice Scarf boosts Garchomp’s Speed, allowing it to outspeed and attack first. This moveset is ideal for quickly eliminating threats.
5.3. Stealth Rock Setter
- Stealth Rock: Sets up entry hazards
- Earthquake: High power, STAB
- Dragon Claw: Reliable Dragon-type STAB move
- Swords Dance/Filler: Can be used to boost Attack or provide additional coverage
This set is designed to support the team by setting up Stealth Rock while still maintaining offensive presence.
5.4. Defensive Garchomp
- Earthquake: High power, STAB
- Toxic: Inflicts poison
- Protect: Stalls for poison damage
- Stealth Rock/Filler: Sets up entry hazards or provides coverage
This set is designed for a more defensive role, using Toxic and Protect to wear down opponents while still having Earthquake for offensive pressure.
6. Alternative Ground-Type Moves
While Earthquake is often the preferred Ground-type move for Garchomp, there are alternative options that can be useful in specific situations:
6.1. Earth Power
- Type: Special
- Power: 90
- Accuracy: 100
- Pros: Can hit opponents with higher Defense stats, may lower the target’s Special Defense.
- Cons: Garchomp’s Special Attack stat is lower than its Attack stat, making it less effective in most cases.
6.2. Bulldoze
- Type: Physical
- Power: 60
- Accuracy: 100
- Pros: Always lowers the target’s Speed, useful for controlling the pace of battle.
- Cons: Lower power compared to Earthquake.
6.3. Dig
- Type: Physical
- Power: 80
- Accuracy: 100
- Pros: Can avoid damage for one turn.
- Cons: The opponent can anticipate and use moves that hit underground targets.
6.4. Stomping Tantrum
- Type: Physical
- Power: 75
- Accuracy: 100
- Pros: Power doubles if the user’s previous move failed.
- Cons: Situational and depends on the previous move failing.
7. Maximizing Garchomp’s Potential
To truly master Garchomp, consider the following strategies:
7.1. EV Training
- Attack: Maximize Garchomp’s Attack stat by training against Pokémon that yield Attack EVs, such as:
- Pokémon: Axew, Arrokuda, and Paldean Wooper.
- Locations: These Pokémon can be found in various areas of the game.
- Speed: Enhance Garchomp’s Speed by training against Pokémon that yield Speed EVs, such as:
- Pokémon: Cyclizar, Rookidee, and Fletchling.
- Locations: These Pokémon are commonly found in early-game areas.
- HP: Alternatively, invest in HP EVs for added bulk, training against Pokémon like:
- Pokémon: Lechonk and Tandemaus.
- Locations: Found in early areas of the game.
7.2. IV Breeding
- Best Natures:
- Adamant: Increases Attack, decreases Special Attack.
- Jolly: Increases Speed, decreases Special Attack.
- Breeding: Use a Destiny Knot to pass down IVs from parent Pokémon. Aim for “Best” IVs in Attack, Speed, and HP.
7.3. Held Items
- Choice Scarf: Increases Speed by 50%, locks the user into one move.
- Life Orb: Increases move power by 30%, but the user loses 1/10 of its max HP.
- Lum Berry: Cures any status condition.
- Focus Sash: Allows the Pokémon to survive a one-hit KO move if at full HP.
7.4. Tera Type
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Tera Types can significantly impact a Pokémon’s effectiveness. The best Tera Types for Garchomp include:
- Ground: Enhances the power of Earthquake.
- Dragon: Boosts Dragon-type moves like Outrage.
- Steel: Provides better defensive typing, resisting Fairy-type moves.
- Poison: To absorb toxic damage and reduce fairy damage.
8. Team Building Strategies
Garchomp works well with Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses and provide support. Here are some effective team-building strategies:
8.1. Covering Weaknesses
- Fairy-type: Pair Garchomp with Steel or Poison-type Pokémon to handle Fairy-type threats.
- Ice-type: Use Fire or Steel-type Pokémon to counter Ice-type moves.
- Dragon-type: Employ Fairy or Steel-type Pokémon to resist or negate Dragon-type attacks.
8.2. Synergy
- Entry Hazard Setters: Pokémon that can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes pair well with Garchomp, wearing down opponents before Garchomp attacks.
- Weather Setters: Sandstorm teams can activate Garchomp’s Sand Veil ability, increasing its evasion.
- Dual Screens: Pokémon that can set up Reflect and Light Screen can protect Garchomp, allowing it to set up Swords Dance safely.
8.3. Example Team Composition
- Garchomp: Physical attacker.
- Toxapex: Defensive wall, sets Toxic Spikes.
- Heatran: Covers Fire, Steel.
- Tapu Koko: Electric Terrain setter, fast special attacker.
- Amoonguss: Spore, redirection, and support.
- Kingambit: Checks Fairy-types and provides strong priority.
9. Garchomp in Different Game Generations
The method of obtaining and training Garchomp can vary across different Pokémon generations. Here’s a look at how Garchomp has evolved:
9.1. Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum)
- Location: Evolve Gible/Gabite.
- Key Moves: Earthquake via TM.
- Notable Features: Introduction of Garchomp.
9.2. Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2)
- Location: Trade/migrate from another game.
- Key Moves: Earthquake via TM.
- Notable Features: Enhanced battle mechanics.
9.3. Generation VI (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire)
- Location: Evolve Gible/Gabite.
- Key Moves: Earthquake via TM.
- Notable Features: Introduction of Mega Evolution.
9.4. Generation VII (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)
- Location: Evolve Gible/Gabite.
- Key Moves: Earthquake via TM.
- Notable Features: Z-Moves added.
9.5. Generation VIII (Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus)
- Sword/Shield: Trade/migrate from another game.
- Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: Evolve Gible/Gabite.
- Legends: Arceus: Avalanche Slopes.
- Key Moves: Earthquake via TM (Sword/Shield, BDSP), Move Tutor (Legends: Arceus).
- Notable Features: Dynamax/Gigantamax (Sword/Shield), open-world exploration (Legends: Arceus).
9.6. Generation IX (Scarlet, Violet)
- Location: Evolve Gible/Gabite.
- Key Moves: Earthquake via TM.
- Notable Features: Tera Types, open-world gameplay.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10.1. Can Garchomp learn Earthquake by leveling up in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No, Garchomp cannot learn Earthquake by leveling up in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It learns Earthquake through TM149.
10.2. Where can I find TM149 (Earthquake) in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
TM149 can be found in various late-game areas or crafted at TM Machines using materials and League Points.
10.3. What are the best natures for Garchomp?
Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) and Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack) are the best natures for Garchomp.
10.4. What is the best Tera Type for Garchomp?
Ground (to enhance Earthquake), Dragon (to boost Dragon-type moves), and Steel (for better defensive typing) are all viable Tera Types.
10.5. What are some good held items for Garchomp?
Choice Scarf, Life Orb, Lum Berry, and Focus Sash are all effective held items for Garchomp.
10.6. What are some alternative Ground-type moves for Garchomp?
Earth Power, Bulldoze, Dig, and Stomping Tantrum are alternative Ground-type moves that can be useful in specific situations.
10.7. How do I EV train Garchomp?
Focus on training against Pokémon that yield Attack and Speed EVs to maximize Garchomp’s offensive potential.
10.8. What Pokémon types does Garchomp excel against?
Garchomp excels against Fire, Electric, Rock, and Steel-type Pokémon due to its Ground typing and access to Earthquake.
10.9. What are Garchomp’s weaknesses?
Garchomp is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves.
10.10. How can I breed a Garchomp with perfect IVs?
Use a Destiny Knot to pass down IVs from parent Pokémon and aim for “Best” IVs in Attack, Speed, and HP.
Conclusion
Garchomp is an exceptional Pokémon with the potential to dominate in both casual and competitive battles. Mastering its moveset, understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and implementing effective training strategies are key to unlocking its full potential. Remember, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Garchomp learns Earthquake through TM149, which can be found or crafted in the game.
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