Finally getting around to fixing up the Munchlax analysis.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/munchlax
[SET]
name: Special Tank
move1: Return / Body Slam
move2: Earthquake
move3: Pursuit
move4: Protect / Fire Punch / Ice Punch
item: Oran Berry / Leftovers
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Sassy
evs: 236 HP / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Munchlax's high Special Defense lets it wall special opponents handily, threatening opponents like Gastly and Misdreavus with Pursuit. Return provides basic STAB, and is Munchlax's strongest attack. Body Slam is only slightly weaker, but it can paralyze threatening opponents that switch in, such as Aron and Gligar. Earthquake hits Rock- and Steel-types that resist Munchlax's STAB Return. Pursuit hits Ghost- and Psychic-types hard, which is one of the biggest reasons to use Munchlax in Little Cup. Item choice and fourth moveslot choice are up to preference. Item-wise, Oran Berry is the most effective, adding an effective +10 to its HP. Leftovers are usually inferior in Little Cup, but Munchlax's high HP stat lets it get 2 HP recovery per turn. Combine Leftovers with Protect for some pseudo-stalling and scouting. Fire Punch can be used to hit Bronzor, while Ice Punch can be used to hit Gligar if it causes trouble for your team.</p>
<p>If your team needs more power, this Munchlax can be run with Attack EVs. Just remember that if you run Leftovers, 156 EVs are absolutely required for the 32 HP needed to reach 2 HP per turn recovery. Also, the less HP you run, the higher the chance of an untimely 2HKO from Misdreavus or Gastly's Hidden Power Fighting.</p>
<p>There are a couple of notable Pokemon that work well with Munchlax. Any Ghost-type works well with Munchlax, as Ghosts are immune to the Fighting-type attacks which hit Munchlax for super effective damage. Gligar also makes a good teammate, as it has high Defense and a resistance to Fighting-type moves, while Munchlax switches in with ease on the Ice attacks that plague Gligar.</p>
[SET]
name: Choicelax
move1: Return
move2: Pursuit
move3: Earthquake / Seed Bomb
move4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Brave
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Munchlax with Choice Band is an extremely potent offensive threat. Bring it in on almost any special attacker, and then take advantage of its incredibly dangerous Return. A STAB Return off of 28 Attack is devastating in Little Cup, crushing almost everything that isn't immune or resistant to it. Alternately, bring it in on Gastly, Abra, or Misdreavus and Pursuit for the guaranteed kill. Earthquake covers the Rock/Ground and Rock/Steel Pokemon, which would normally cause trouble for Munchlax. Seed Bomb provides better coverage and prevents Pokemon with Levitate, such as Misdreavus, from coming in without risk. However, its decreased power versus Aron can be a liability. Fire Punch always scores a clean 2HKO against Bronzor, so it gets the last slot.</p>
<p>Because of Munchlax's crippling weakness to Fighting-types, Ghost-types are still its preferred teammates. Gligar also works well, given that Munchlax is very effective at punching holes in opponents' physical defenses. Munchlax should also have a teamate to handle Ghost-type switch-ins. Houndour resists Ghost-type attacks and is immune to Will-O-Wisp, however uncommon it may be, making it the best choice. Take care that Houndour doesn't switch into HP Fighting, though. Stunky can switch into any Ghost-type nearly risk-free, though it risks being crippled by Will-O-Wisp from more defensively minded Ghost-types.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Munchlax is the kind of Pokemon that can fit into nearly any team, but it still needs support to reach its full potential. Munchlax has two main problems: its weakness to Fighting-type attacks and its middling Defense which allow Pokemon such as Machop, Mankey, and Croagunk to break this wall wide open. In light of this it is important to have a Pokemon who resists Fighting-type moves on any teams that include Munchlax. Ghost-types are the most reliable, as they are immune to Fighting, rendering them immune the confusion effect of Machop's DynamicPunch. Gligar is also effective, as it boasts very high Defense stat with which to take not only Fighting-type attacks, but also neutral attacks aimed at Munchlax. Slowpoke is also an effective teammate, as it is resistant to Fighting, has a solid Defense stat, and cannot be confused by DynamicPunch. Finally, Wynaut can be used to trap and eliminate Fighting-types using Counter and its ability, Shadow Tag.</p>
<p>Choice Band Munchlax needs more support, as its inability to switch moves leaves it open to many large threats, such as Misdreavus and Machop. Fighting-types pose even more of a threat, as they are capable of switching in after a successful Pursuit and eliminating Munchlax. Once again, any of the above defenses against Fighting-types proves indispensable. On the offensive side, if Munchlax's teammates can rid the opposing team of Ghost-, Steel-, and Rock-types, Munchlax can use its powerful Return with maximum efficiency. Magnemite can be used to defeat Bronzor and other Steel-types which switch into Return with impunity. Houndour effectively deals with Ghost-types, though it is important to watch out for the Hidden Power Fighting that is commonly aimed at Munchlax. Stunky can do the same, though it needs to be more wary of Will-O-Wisp than Hidden Power Fighting. As for Rock-types, Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon can switch into their STAB attacks and hit them with their own super effective STAB attacks. Any of the Rock/Ground type Pokemon can switch into Rock-type moves easily due to their high Defense, while Machop can do the same due to its decent Defense.</p>
<p>Finally, Munchlax's bar none lowest speed in the metagame combined with excellent Attack and a solid movepool makes it an excellent candidate for use in Trick Room. Three Pokemon are particularly well suited for setting up Trick Room for Munchlax. First, there's Bronzor, whose solid 57/86 Defense makes it easy to switch in on physical attacks aimed at Munchlax. On top of that, Munchlax can easily switch in on Bronzor's only weakness, Fire. Second, Exeggcute works well for the same reasons as Bronzor. 60/80 physical defenses and a resistance to Fighting make it easy to switch Exeggcute in on things that threaten Munchlax. Meanwhile, Munchlax can use its ability, Thick Fat, to switch into the Fire- and Ice-type attacks that threaten Exeggcute. Finally, there's Duskull, whose Ghost typing, 20/90 physical defense, and access to Will-o-Wisp make it a solid switch for Munchlax. In return, Munchlax can switch in for free on Ghost attacks aimed at Duskull.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Munchlax has a sizeable movepool, filled with things to catch counters off-guard. Surf can be used to hit the lower Special Defenses of the Rock/Ground or Rock/Steel types, but loses against Rock/Waters. Substitute and Focus Punch can be used together, as Munchlax tends to force switches, which allow it to set up its huge 8 HP substitutes. However, Pursuit is often significantly more effective for punishing opposing switches. Finally, Curse can be utilized to boost Munchlax's above-average Attack and low Defense stats, but free turns are rare in Little Cup, and Munchlax is still fairly vulnerable to Fighting-types, even after the boost. Chople Berry can be used to surprise an opposing Fighting-type, but Munchlax loses significant bulk without Oran Berry's 10 HP boost, which leaves it open to some special threats.</p>
<p>Munchlax also makes a great Pokemon to use with Trick Room support. If used in Trick Room, the Choice Band set can be used with Life Orb to provide a power boost and the ability to switch moves at the expense of bulk.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Munchlax is one of the few special walls in Little Cup, and as such, it should focus on its Special Defense first, and then either its Attack or HP. All sets will have at least 36 EVs left over, which can be placed in Defense to net an extra point. When using Leftovers, it is important to remember that at least 156 EVs must be placed into HP in order to reach 32 HP, which allows recovery of 2 HP per turn while holding Leftovers.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Munchlax is an interesting Pokemon in Little Cup. Its 135 base HP combined with 85 base Special Defense makes it capable of dealing with opposing special attackers with ease. At the same time, it has a powerful 85 base Attack with which to assault targets, allowing it to take a simultaneously offensive and defensive role on most teams. A cornerstone to special walling, Munchlax is most teams' answer to vicious special attackers such as Misdreavus and Abra, and its very presence prevents special threats from running rampant in the metagame. At the same time, though, it is let down by mediocre physical defense and the lowest speed in the entire metagame. However, its usefulness is undeniable, and it's easy to see why despite its shortcomings, Munchlax is still one of the defining Pokemon in the Little Cup metagame.</p>
[Counters]
<p>It's incredibly difficult to actually counter Munchlax because of the excellent power of its STAB Return. Ghost-types with Levitate are generally the most effective counters, but Pursuit, Seed Bomb, and Fire Punch are all threatening. Really, the only thing you can do is predict and pray. Don't switch Bronzor into Fire Punch, don't switch Ghost-types into things not named Return/Earthquake, don't switch Rock-types into Seed Bomb or Earthquake, and you should be fine.</p>
<p>Revenge killing is slightly easier. Munchlax is dreadfully slow, and its physical defense is his only real weak point, so when you get the chance, hit it hard with the strongest physical attack that you can. Fighting-types like Mankey and Machop can easily demolish Munchlax. Really, just wear it down with repeated attacks. It's hard to keep it in on things that hit with any semblance of physical power.</p>
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/munchlax
[SET]
name: Special Tank
move1: Return / Body Slam
move2: Earthquake
move3: Pursuit
move4: Protect / Fire Punch / Ice Punch
item: Oran Berry / Leftovers
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Sassy
evs: 236 HP / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Munchlax's high Special Defense lets it wall special opponents handily, threatening opponents like Gastly and Misdreavus with Pursuit. Return provides basic STAB, and is Munchlax's strongest attack. Body Slam is only slightly weaker, but it can paralyze threatening opponents that switch in, such as Aron and Gligar. Earthquake hits Rock- and Steel-types that resist Munchlax's STAB Return. Pursuit hits Ghost- and Psychic-types hard, which is one of the biggest reasons to use Munchlax in Little Cup. Item choice and fourth moveslot choice are up to preference. Item-wise, Oran Berry is the most effective, adding an effective +10 to its HP. Leftovers are usually inferior in Little Cup, but Munchlax's high HP stat lets it get 2 HP recovery per turn. Combine Leftovers with Protect for some pseudo-stalling and scouting. Fire Punch can be used to hit Bronzor, while Ice Punch can be used to hit Gligar if it causes trouble for your team.</p>
<p>If your team needs more power, this Munchlax can be run with Attack EVs. Just remember that if you run Leftovers, 156 EVs are absolutely required for the 32 HP needed to reach 2 HP per turn recovery. Also, the less HP you run, the higher the chance of an untimely 2HKO from Misdreavus or Gastly's Hidden Power Fighting.</p>
<p>There are a couple of notable Pokemon that work well with Munchlax. Any Ghost-type works well with Munchlax, as Ghosts are immune to the Fighting-type attacks which hit Munchlax for super effective damage. Gligar also makes a good teammate, as it has high Defense and a resistance to Fighting-type moves, while Munchlax switches in with ease on the Ice attacks that plague Gligar.</p>
[SET]
name: Choicelax
move1: Return
move2: Pursuit
move3: Earthquake / Seed Bomb
move4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Brave
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Munchlax with Choice Band is an extremely potent offensive threat. Bring it in on almost any special attacker, and then take advantage of its incredibly dangerous Return. A STAB Return off of 28 Attack is devastating in Little Cup, crushing almost everything that isn't immune or resistant to it. Alternately, bring it in on Gastly, Abra, or Misdreavus and Pursuit for the guaranteed kill. Earthquake covers the Rock/Ground and Rock/Steel Pokemon, which would normally cause trouble for Munchlax. Seed Bomb provides better coverage and prevents Pokemon with Levitate, such as Misdreavus, from coming in without risk. However, its decreased power versus Aron can be a liability. Fire Punch always scores a clean 2HKO against Bronzor, so it gets the last slot.</p>
<p>Because of Munchlax's crippling weakness to Fighting-types, Ghost-types are still its preferred teammates. Gligar also works well, given that Munchlax is very effective at punching holes in opponents' physical defenses. Munchlax should also have a teamate to handle Ghost-type switch-ins. Houndour resists Ghost-type attacks and is immune to Will-O-Wisp, however uncommon it may be, making it the best choice. Take care that Houndour doesn't switch into HP Fighting, though. Stunky can switch into any Ghost-type nearly risk-free, though it risks being crippled by Will-O-Wisp from more defensively minded Ghost-types.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Munchlax is the kind of Pokemon that can fit into nearly any team, but it still needs support to reach its full potential. Munchlax has two main problems: its weakness to Fighting-type attacks and its middling Defense which allow Pokemon such as Machop, Mankey, and Croagunk to break this wall wide open. In light of this it is important to have a Pokemon who resists Fighting-type moves on any teams that include Munchlax. Ghost-types are the most reliable, as they are immune to Fighting, rendering them immune the confusion effect of Machop's DynamicPunch. Gligar is also effective, as it boasts very high Defense stat with which to take not only Fighting-type attacks, but also neutral attacks aimed at Munchlax. Slowpoke is also an effective teammate, as it is resistant to Fighting, has a solid Defense stat, and cannot be confused by DynamicPunch. Finally, Wynaut can be used to trap and eliminate Fighting-types using Counter and its ability, Shadow Tag.</p>
<p>Choice Band Munchlax needs more support, as its inability to switch moves leaves it open to many large threats, such as Misdreavus and Machop. Fighting-types pose even more of a threat, as they are capable of switching in after a successful Pursuit and eliminating Munchlax. Once again, any of the above defenses against Fighting-types proves indispensable. On the offensive side, if Munchlax's teammates can rid the opposing team of Ghost-, Steel-, and Rock-types, Munchlax can use its powerful Return with maximum efficiency. Magnemite can be used to defeat Bronzor and other Steel-types which switch into Return with impunity. Houndour effectively deals with Ghost-types, though it is important to watch out for the Hidden Power Fighting that is commonly aimed at Munchlax. Stunky can do the same, though it needs to be more wary of Will-O-Wisp than Hidden Power Fighting. As for Rock-types, Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon can switch into their STAB attacks and hit them with their own super effective STAB attacks. Any of the Rock/Ground type Pokemon can switch into Rock-type moves easily due to their high Defense, while Machop can do the same due to its decent Defense.</p>
<p>Finally, Munchlax's bar none lowest speed in the metagame combined with excellent Attack and a solid movepool makes it an excellent candidate for use in Trick Room. Three Pokemon are particularly well suited for setting up Trick Room for Munchlax. First, there's Bronzor, whose solid 57/86 Defense makes it easy to switch in on physical attacks aimed at Munchlax. On top of that, Munchlax can easily switch in on Bronzor's only weakness, Fire. Second, Exeggcute works well for the same reasons as Bronzor. 60/80 physical defenses and a resistance to Fighting make it easy to switch Exeggcute in on things that threaten Munchlax. Meanwhile, Munchlax can use its ability, Thick Fat, to switch into the Fire- and Ice-type attacks that threaten Exeggcute. Finally, there's Duskull, whose Ghost typing, 20/90 physical defense, and access to Will-o-Wisp make it a solid switch for Munchlax. In return, Munchlax can switch in for free on Ghost attacks aimed at Duskull.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Munchlax has a sizeable movepool, filled with things to catch counters off-guard. Surf can be used to hit the lower Special Defenses of the Rock/Ground or Rock/Steel types, but loses against Rock/Waters. Substitute and Focus Punch can be used together, as Munchlax tends to force switches, which allow it to set up its huge 8 HP substitutes. However, Pursuit is often significantly more effective for punishing opposing switches. Finally, Curse can be utilized to boost Munchlax's above-average Attack and low Defense stats, but free turns are rare in Little Cup, and Munchlax is still fairly vulnerable to Fighting-types, even after the boost. Chople Berry can be used to surprise an opposing Fighting-type, but Munchlax loses significant bulk without Oran Berry's 10 HP boost, which leaves it open to some special threats.</p>
<p>Munchlax also makes a great Pokemon to use with Trick Room support. If used in Trick Room, the Choice Band set can be used with Life Orb to provide a power boost and the ability to switch moves at the expense of bulk.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Munchlax is one of the few special walls in Little Cup, and as such, it should focus on its Special Defense first, and then either its Attack or HP. All sets will have at least 36 EVs left over, which can be placed in Defense to net an extra point. When using Leftovers, it is important to remember that at least 156 EVs must be placed into HP in order to reach 32 HP, which allows recovery of 2 HP per turn while holding Leftovers.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Munchlax is an interesting Pokemon in Little Cup. Its 135 base HP combined with 85 base Special Defense makes it capable of dealing with opposing special attackers with ease. At the same time, it has a powerful 85 base Attack with which to assault targets, allowing it to take a simultaneously offensive and defensive role on most teams. A cornerstone to special walling, Munchlax is most teams' answer to vicious special attackers such as Misdreavus and Abra, and its very presence prevents special threats from running rampant in the metagame. At the same time, though, it is let down by mediocre physical defense and the lowest speed in the entire metagame. However, its usefulness is undeniable, and it's easy to see why despite its shortcomings, Munchlax is still one of the defining Pokemon in the Little Cup metagame.</p>
[Counters]
<p>It's incredibly difficult to actually counter Munchlax because of the excellent power of its STAB Return. Ghost-types with Levitate are generally the most effective counters, but Pursuit, Seed Bomb, and Fire Punch are all threatening. Really, the only thing you can do is predict and pray. Don't switch Bronzor into Fire Punch, don't switch Ghost-types into things not named Return/Earthquake, don't switch Rock-types into Seed Bomb or Earthquake, and you should be fine.</p>
<p>Revenge killing is slightly easier. Munchlax is dreadfully slow, and its physical defense is his only real weak point, so when you get the chance, hit it hard with the strongest physical attack that you can. Fighting-types like Mankey and Machop can easily demolish Munchlax. Really, just wear it down with repeated attacks. It's hard to keep it in on things that hit with any semblance of physical power.</p>
