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Is Tornadus Good in Pokémon GO? A Comprehensive Analysis

Tornadus, one of the Forces of Nature Pokémon, has made several appearances in Pokémon GO raids. But the burning question remains: Is Tornadus good in Pokémon GO? This article will delve into Tornadus’s stats, movepool, viability in different game modes, and overall usefulness to help you decide if this Legendary Pokémon is worth your investment. We’ll explore its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to other Flying-type attackers and examining its role in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Tornadus: A Quick Overview

Tornadus is a pure Flying-type Legendary Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region (Generation V). It has two formes: Incarnate Forme and Therian Forme. Both formes have different stats and appearances, impacting their performance in Pokémon GO. Understanding these differences is crucial to determining whether Tornadus is good for your team.

Incarnate Forme Tornadus

The Incarnate Forme is the original form of Tornadus. It features a more humanoid appearance and possesses the following base stats:

Attack: 266
Defense: 164
Stamina: 188

These stats indicate that Incarnate Forme Tornadus is an offensive powerhouse with somewhat lacking defensive capabilities. Its movepool further shapes its utility, which we’ll discuss later.

Therian Forme Tornadus

The Therian Forme gives Tornadus a more bird-like appearance and alters its stat distribution. Its base stats are:

Attack: 238
Defense: 186
Stamina: 188

Compared to its Incarnate Forme, Therian Forme Tornadus sacrifices some attack power for increased defense. This shift in stats can influence which Forme is more suitable for specific battle scenarios. Determining whether Tornadus is good often depends on which form you are evaluating.

Tornadus’s Movepool in Pokémon GO

A Pokémon’s movepool is just as important as its stats. The moves Tornadus can learn dictate its effectiveness in raids, Gym battles, and Trainer battles. Let’s examine the movepools of both formes:

Incarnate Forme Movepool

Incarnate Forme Tornadus can learn the following moves:

Fast Moves: Air Slash, Bite
Charged Moves: Hurricane, Dark Pulse, Focus Blast, Grass Knot

Air Slash is generally the preferred Fast Move due to its higher damage output and energy generation. Hurricane is its best Flying-type Charged Move, providing significant damage. The other Charged Moves offer coverage against different types, but are generally less desirable than Hurricane for maximizing Flying-type damage. This is crucial in determining if Tornadus is good for specific raid battles.

Therian Forme Movepool

Therian Forme Tornadus shares the same movepool as its Incarnate counterpart:

Fast Moves: Air Slash, Bite
Charged Moves: Hurricane, Dark Pulse, Focus Blast, Grass Knot

The identical movepool means the primary difference between the two formes lies in their stats. The choice between them hinges on whether you prioritize higher attack or better defense. The question of whether Tornadus is good is therefore nuanced.

Tornadus in Raids and Gym Battles (PvE)

In Player vs. Environment (PvE) battles, such as raids and Gym battles, Tornadus can be a useful Flying-type attacker. However, its effectiveness is relative to other available options. Its pure Flying typing makes it super effective against Fighting, Bug, and Grass-type Pokémon. However, it’s weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock-type attacks. So, is Tornadus good in raids? Let’s compare it to other Flying-type attackers.

Pokémon like Rayquaza, Moltres, and even Staraptor often outperform Tornadus in terms of damage output. These Pokémon have better stats or more favorable movepools, making them generally superior choices for Flying-type damage dealing. [See also: Rayquaza vs Tornadus: Which is Better?] This doesn’t necessarily mean Tornadus is bad, but it’s not the top-tier choice.

Incarnate Forme Tornadus, with its higher attack stat, is generally preferred over Therian Forme for PvE content. The extra damage output outweighs the slightly improved defense. However, even the Incarnate Forme struggles to compete with the top Flying-type attackers. The usefulness of Tornadus largely depends on your existing Pokémon roster.

Tornadus in Trainer Battles (PvP)

In Player vs. Player (PvP) battles, Tornadus faces a different set of challenges. The strategic depth of Trainer Battles requires a more nuanced understanding of Pokémon matchups and move timings. So, is Tornadus good in PvP?

Tornadus’s reliance on Hurricane, a high-energy Charged Move, can be a disadvantage. While Hurricane deals significant damage, it takes time to charge, leaving Tornadus vulnerable to shield baiting and faster Charged Moves from opponents. Its relatively low bulk also makes it susceptible to being quickly defeated before it can unleash its powerful attacks.

Both Incarnate and Therian Formes have their potential uses in PvP. The Incarnate Forme’s higher attack can lead to quicker KOs, while the Therian Forme’s improved defense can help it survive longer in battle. However, neither Forme is considered a top-tier contender in the Master League, where the strongest Pokémon reside. [See also: Master League Meta Analysis]

There are better Flying-type options available for PvP, such as Lugia (with its excellent bulk and access to Aeroblast) and Yveltal (with its strong Dark-type moves and Flying-type coverage). The viability of Tornadus in PvP is limited by its stats and movepool compared to these other choices.

Factors Influencing Tornadus’s Value

Several factors can influence whether Tornadus is good for you:

Your Current Pokémon Roster: If you lack strong Flying-type attackers, Tornadus can fill a niche. However, if you already have Pokémon like Rayquaza or Moltres, Tornadus becomes less valuable.
Availability of Resources: Investing Stardust and Candy into Tornadus requires careful consideration. If you have limited resources, prioritizing other more meta-relevant Pokémon may be a better strategy.
Specific Raid Bosses: Tornadus can be useful against specific raid bosses that are weak to Flying-type attacks. However, its overall performance is often outshined by other Pokémon.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision of whether to use Tornadus is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy using Tornadus, then its objective performance may be less important.

Conclusion: Is Tornadus Worth It?

So, is Tornadus good in Pokémon GO? The answer is nuanced. While Tornadus can be a decent Flying-type attacker, it is generally outclassed by other options in both PvE and PvP content. Its reliance on a high-energy Charged Move and its relatively low bulk limit its usefulness in Trainer Battles. However, if you lack strong Flying-type Pokémon, Tornadus can fill a niche. Ultimately, the decision of whether to invest in Tornadus depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your existing Pokémon roster, available resources, and the specific challenges you face in Pokémon GO. While Tornadus might not be a top-tier powerhouse, it can still be a valuable addition to your team under the right circumstances. The key takeaway is to assess your own situation and determine if Tornadus fills a gap in your team composition. Don’t just blindly follow the meta; understand your needs and make informed decisions. The value of Tornadus, like any Pokémon, is subjective and depends on how you intend to use it. If you are a collector, then adding Tornadus to your Pokédex is a worthwhile goal. If you are a competitive player, then you may want to prioritize other Flying-type options. Therefore, the answer to “is Tornadus good” is a resounding “it depends.”

Ultimately, decide if Tornadus is good *for you*.