Tyrunt in depth
Tyrannosaur jaws
The design is based on a young tyrannosaurid, with Tyrannosaurus as its main reference. The protrusions above its eyes recall the lacrimal bones of other members of the group, and the enormous jaw concentrates the visual identity of the line. The “Royal Heir Pokémon” category ties into the image of a creature destined to become a dominant predator, although its childlike appearance still carries more weight in Tyrunt.
The English name blends “tyrant” or “Tyrannosaurus” with “runt”, a small or weak young creature. The Japanese part, Chigoras, comes from chigo, a word related to a child, and a deformation of “saurus”. The Dragon type also fits the widespread association between dinosaurs and dragons; in Japanese, the word for dinosaur contains a reference to a “terrible dragon”.
A fossil with a bad temper
It debuted in Generation VI alongside Amaura, the other fossil species from Kalos. Both share a fossil category, a total of 362 and an evolution at level 39, but their concepts soon diverge: Amaura represents a cold-climate sauropod, while Tyrunt draws on a juvenile tyrannosaur and the behaviour of a spoiled young creature.
In its first appearances, it was obtained by restoring a fossil. In the following generation it retained that identity, although the way to obtain it changed depending on the game. In Sword and Shield it returned with the additional content and with a movepool adapted to that instalment’s TM system, tutor moves and Egg Moves. It was not included in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet roster.
The young creature looking for an opening
In Little Cup it recalls Cranidos through its physical orientation and its tendency to look for a setup turn, but Tyrunt trades some raw power for an unusual Rock/Dragon combination and better resistances to Fire, Electric, Flying, Normal and Poison. That combination also gives it more opportunities to switch in against some attackers, although weaknesses to Ground, Fighting and Fairy appear far too often.
The most direct offensive form combines Strong Jaw with Crunch and a coverage move. Dragon Dance is the piece that turns its mediocre Speed into a real threat, but it needs Fairy- and Steel-type opponents removed first. Earthquake covers the latter; Ice Fang helps against Ground- and Dragon-type threats; Stone Edge provides a more powerful Rock-type hit than Rock Slide, at the cost of accuracy.
How to make the most of its turn
It should not be brought in against strong special attacks or left in front of an opponent that can hit it with Fighting, Ground or Fairy. Sturdy works best when it comes in at full HP and receives support to preserve that condition. Strong Jaw favours a physical selection built around Crunch, Assurance and the elemental fangs, but Tyrunt can only carry four moves and usually has to give up some of the coverage it needs.
In a regular playthrough, before evolving, it serves as a physical attacker during the stretch when it learns Bite, Dragon Tail, Rock Slide and Crunch. Earthquake comes later and greatly improves its matchups against Steel and Rock. On reaching level 39 during the day, it stops being a young Pokémon with modest stats and moves on to the adult stage of its line.