0324 Torkoal

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 (120 power, 65 energy) 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 (150 power, 80 energy) can work to give you some coverage against any Rock, Water, or Ground-type Pokémon that would otherwise threaten Torkoal.

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.

Maxing out at just under 2100 CP, and with the same issues it has in Great League, Torkoal isn’t that strong in Ultra.

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.