|
-
Plus
- If allied with a Pokemon with Plus or Minus, the wielder's Special Attack increases by 50%.
-
Minus
- If allied with a Pokemon with Plus or Minus, the wielder's Special Attack increases by 50%.
-
Clear Body
- The wielder's stats cannot be lowered.
|
Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
60
|
- |
261 |
324 |
- |
| Atk |
80
|
176 |
196 |
259 |
284 |
| Def |
95
|
203 |
226 |
289 |
317 |
| SpA |
70
|
158 |
176 |
239 |
262 |
| SpD |
85
|
185 |
206 |
269 |
295 |
| Spe |
50
|
122 |
136 |
199 |
218 |
Overview
At first glance, Klang doesn't look like much. Although it possesses a Steel typing laden with resistances and decent stats, it has one of the smallest movepools out of all Pokemon that learn TMs. Some may even wonder why anyone would use this pile of junk. The reason lies in its two signature moves: Shift Gear and Gear Grind. Shift Gear is truly a blessing to Klang, raising its decent Attack stat to usable levels while boosting its Speed through the roof. Gear Grind complements Shift Gear perfectly; although it only has 50 Base Power, it hits twice, making Klang one of the best checks to Substitute users in the tier. Using its excellent typing to set up on common threats such as Tangela, Vileplume, and Swellow, Klang can easily set up several Shift Gears over the course of the match. Even with these two great moves at its disposal, Klang still has its flaws. Klang lacks other coverage moves to work with, meaning it can easily be walled early-game. Additionally, while 80 Attack might be usable, it just isn't enough to KO bulkier threats without multiple boosts. Needless to say, Klang is unique and is one of the most effective late-game sweepers in NU.
By utilizing a combination of its excellent Steel typing, good defenses further bolstered by Eviolite, and Substitute, Klang can set up on a multitude of top threats in the NU tier such as Tangela, Vileplume, Alomomola, and Swellow. Shift Gear boosts Klang's modest Attack stat to impressive levels and its middling speed to the point where it can outrun speedy threats such as Swoobat. Gear Grind is Klang's sole physical STAB move, which is fortunate given that it effectively has 100 Base Power and breaks through Substitute and Sturdy. Return is Klang's main coverage move, hitting every relevant threat except for Frillish, Lampent, Mawile, and opposing Klang for at least neutral damage. Return also allows Klang to get past the common Zebstrika and Rotom-S much more easily. Substitute is another very important move on Klang; with its bulk and impressive set of resistances, Klang can easily throw up a Substitute on the majority of the metagame and proceed to set up a Shift Gear or two before the opponent can hope to get past it. Substitute also allows Klang to avoid pesky status problems such as burn, paralysis, or sleep from the likes of Vileplume, Misdreavus, and Musharna.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The given EVs on this set make sure that Klang hits as hard as possible and outspeeds neutral nature minimum Speed base 70s. The other EVs are poured into HP to make Klang as bulky as possible and also allow Klang to make 4 Substitutes. If a bulkier EV spread is preferred, an EV spread of 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe is perfectly acceptable to outrun uninvested Tangela at +0 and set up an unbreakable Substitute against it. Wild Charge is a viable option over Substitute on Klang to hit a few Pokemon harder, especially Carracosta, Frillish, and Samurott. However, Wild Charge recoil is undesirable on a Pokemon with such a low HP stat and Klang has no moveslots to give up for Wild Charge; all four of its moves are very important. Although Klang may set up and sweep pretty easily, its Attack stat isn't as impressive as other sweepers such as Ursaring or Zangoose, meaning entry hazards are a good idea to help ease Klang's sweep. Garbodor is an excellent Spikes user, and also takes Fighting-type attacks for Klang. Cacturne is a more offensive choice, but be aware that using both Cacturne and Klang on the same team creates a serious overlap of weaknesses.
Other Options
Volt Switch is the most notable move out of Klang's other options thanks to its abysmal movepool, and it works well with Klang's low Speed stat and Steel typing to bring a teammate in safely; however, it runs on Klang's paltry Special Attack and forces a removal of any boosts from Shift Gear that Klang may have accrued. Klang could also run a defensive set with moves such as Toxic or Discharge, but keep in mind that Klang has no method of recovery, and it doesn't have useful supporting moves such as Stealth Rock, Wish, or Heal Bell like other common walls have. Eviolite is the main and by far the best option for Klang, but Klang can feasibly run Leftovers, Life Orb, or even a Chesto Berry.
Checks and Counters
While Klang has the luxury of setting up on the majority of the tier, there are quite a few ways to stop it in its tracks. Bulky Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Throh are excellent answers to Klang, all able to take several Gear Grinds and strike back with powerful, super effective Fighting-type moves. Torterra can take several boosted Gear Grinds and toss a powerful STAB Earthquake Klang's way in return. Eelektross is also an excellent check to Klang, resisting Gear Grind and KOing with Flamethrower or Superpower. Stunfisk hard walls Klang, and KOes it with Earth Power. Samurott can come in on Klang and either set up a Swords Dance or force it out with Hydro Pump. Lampent and Frillish also grind Klang's gears due to their resistance to Gear Grind and immunity to Return. Seadra also stops Klang with its excellent physical bulk and capability of burning the machine with Scald. Outside of walling Klang, Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf such as Sawk and Zebstrika are also good checks as long as Klang hasn't set up more than one Shift Gear. Do note that most things that check Klang do not have reliable recovery so they can easily be worn down throughout the course of a match.
