[OVERVIEW]
Munchlax has a sky-high HP stat and a terrific Special Defense stat, which make it one of the best special walls in the metagame. Its ability Thick Fat allows it to better counter Ice- and Fire-type attackers, and its good Attack stat gives it the ability to hit hard and avoid becoming setup bait while performing its defensive duties. However, Munchlax performs far worse as a special tank in practice than it does on paper. Its low Defense stat means that Munchlax will often be forced out or taken out by physical attacks. The prevalence of Knock Off, including among the special attackers of the metagame, means that too often, Munchlax will lose its item and become crippled in its defensive capabilities early on. Furthermore, Munchlax lacks access to recovery outside of Rest and Berry Juice + Recycle, which leaves it prone to getting worn down throughout a match. Lastly, Munchlax's typing is not ideal for a defensive Pokemon in Little Cup, leaving it with a weakness to the common Fighting-type attacks.
[SET]
name: Recycle + Berry Juice Tank
move 1: Return / Body Slam
move 2: Earthquake / Fire Punch
move 3: Pursuit / Fire Punch / Whirlwind
move 4: Recycle
item: Berry Juice
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is Munchlax's primary attack, as it is a powerful STAB move. Body Slam is a decently powerful alternative that comes with a high paralysis chance, which can help to cripple foes. However, anything of 16 Speed or faster will still outspeed Munchlax and paralysis can actually worsen Munchlax's chances against Guts users such as Timburr. Earthquake allows Munchlax to super effectively hit many of the Rock- and Steel-types that switch into its STAB attack of choice. Fire Punch is an alternative that hits certain Pokemon, such as Ferroseed, for more damage than Earthquake. Pursuit gives Munchlax a way to trap Gastly and Abra, which it can switch into and remove from the match. Whirlwind keeps Pokemon from using Munchlax as setup bait and can wear down opposing teams when used in conjunction with entry hazards. Recycle acts as a pseudo-recovery move, giving Munchlax a way to regenerate its Berry Juice.
Set Details
========
Thick Fat is Munchlax's best ability, allowing it to more reliably beat Fire-types such as Vulpix and Ponyta. Munchlax's EV spread is simple, maximizing its Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible and its Special Defense to help it to take as many hits as possible while doing so. An Adamant nature further increases Munchlax's attacking potential. Berry Juice gives Munchlax a form of recovery in conjunction with Recycle.
Usage Tips
========
Munchlax can be switched in easily against most special attackers and then spam its powerful attacks. Munchlax's STAB move should be used as much as possible, especially if the opponent doesn't have a Ghost-type Pokemon. Be careful to avoid taking a Knock Off, as if Munchlax's Berry Juice is removed, it can't be retrieved by Recycle. Although Munchlax can take on many physical attackers, it will generally get worn down in doing so, so don't allow Munchlax to take powerful physical attacks until the special Pokemon it needs to check have been eliminated.
Team Options
========
Munchlax appreciates Pokemon that can take on Fighting-types, and as such it makes a good defensive core with the likes of Spritzee, Snubbull, and Mareanie. Snubbull and Spritzee can also act as clerics, removing status conditions from Munchlax, which tends to get burned by Scald or opposing Fire-types. Pokemon that can take Knock Off make good partners as well, including Mienfoo and Croagunk, the latter of which can also take on Fighting-types. Flying-type Pokemon, such as Doduo and Vullaby, appreciate Munchlax's ability to take on Electric-types such as Chinchou and Magnemite and Ice-types. Grass-type Pokemon also appreciate Munchlax's walling ability. Snivy and Foongus, for example, appreciate Munchlax's ability to take Ice- and Fire-type attacks, and the latter can take on Fighting-types for Munchlax. Entry hazard removal is important to keep Munchlax from being worn down and thus forced to use Recycle too many times, with Defog users such as Vullaby and Rapid Spin users such as Staryu working well. Hazard setters can also make good partners if Whirlwind is run, with possible teammates including Ferroseed and Dwebble. If running Pursuit, Pokemon that appreciate Gastly and Abra removed, such as Fighting-types and a Gastly of your own, make good partners.
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Return / Body Slam
move 2: Curse / Earthquake / Whirlwind
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Impish
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is a powerful STAB move that can hit especially hard after an Attack boost from Curse. Body Slam is an alternative that carries a paralysis chance. However, even after paralysis, any Pokemon of 16 Speed or faster still outspeeds Munchlax, and the paralysis can hurt Munchlax when facing Timburr. Curse is a boosting move that lets Munchlax patch up its poor Defense and boost its Attack as it recovers with Rest. Earthquake is an alternative that hits the Rock- and Steel-types that Munchlax often brings in. Whirlwind is a possibility in this slot as well, as it keeps Munchlax from being set up on and can wear down opposing teams by inflicting them with entry hazard damage. Without Earthquake in the second slot, however, Munchlax is stopped completely by most Rock-, Ghost-, and Steel-type Pokemon. Rest gives Munchlax a method of recovery that isn't stopped by Knock Off, while Sleep Talk allows Munchlax to move while asleep. Sleep Talk has the added benefit of allowing Munchlax to come in on sleep inducers, including Foongus, without fear.
Set Details
========
Thick Fat allows Munchlax to check Fire- and Ice-type Pokemon even better, including Ponyta and Larvesta. With 236 Special Defense EVs, Munchlax maximizes its already great Special Defense. 236 Attack EVs boost Munchlax's power so that it can hit as hard as possible while taking hits. The remaining EVs go into Defense, an investment that, coupled with an Impish nature, allows Munchlax to hit Eviolite numbers. Eviolite is the item of choice on this set, as it boosts Munchlax's longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Munchlax is a terrific counter to most special attackers and should be switched into them liberally. After being switched in, Munchlax can fire off its attacks or set up with Curse. This Munchlax set can also be used as a status absorber. However, be cautious when letting Munchlax take a status move or get worn down, as using Rest to restore health or cure status conditions forces Munchlax to rely on Sleep Talk to select its move for two turns, potentially becoming setup bait. Munchlax becomes much less bulky, especially physically, after being hit with Knock Off, so be cautious of special attackers that can use Knock Off such as Cottonee and Abra.
Team Options
========
This Munchlax set is walled especially well by Ghost-type Pokemon such as Gastly, so a Pursuit user such as Alolan Grimer or Pawniard makes a good partner. Defensively, Munchlax forms very good defensive cores with Pokemon that resist Fighting, including Spritzee, Snubbull, and Mareanie. Pokemon that can take Knock Off also make good partners, especially Fighting-type Pokemon such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Croagunk. Hazard removal is also important, as RestTalk Pokemon tend to get worn down quickly. Staryu and Drilbur can use Rapid Spin and appreciate Munchlax taking on Electric- and Ice-types, respectively, and Vullaby can use Defog and appreciates Munchlax taking on both. Entry hazard support should be provided if Munchlax is running Whirlwind to wear down teams more effectively, with the likes of Onix and Dwebble providing this support well.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Munchlax can use Facade to take on Flame Body users, including Ponyta and Larvesta, somewhat better, especially as it resists their attacks with Thick Fat. It can also use Ice Punch to hit Archen, which otherwise completely walls it. Counter is another option, as Munchlax can survive most physical attacks and score a surprise KO in return. Lastly, Superpower is an alternate coverage option that hits some Steel-types, including Pawniard, for more damage than Earthquake or Fire Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Timburr, Mienfoo, Scraggy, and Croagunk, typically hit Munchlax for physical damage, which it is most vulnerable to, and can deal massive damage with their super effective attacks. Additionally, Fighting-types in LC nearly always run Knock Off, which cripples both Munchlax sets.
**Archen**: Archen totally walls Munchlax and can set up Stealth Rock or use Defog against it, Knock Off the Berry Juice set to prevent Recycle, or simply KO it.
**Setup Sweepers**: Many setup sweepers don't mind Munchlax's attacks and can use it as setup bait, especially if it is forced into using Sleep Talk by having used Rest. These Pokemon either force Munchlax out, which kills momentum, or KO it.
**Bulky Ghost-types**: Ghost-types are immune to Munchlax's STAB attacks and often take little damage from its coverage moves. Many of these Pokemon can also burn and cripple the Recycle set.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types can handle Munchlax with varying degrees of effectiveness, depending on its moveset. Offensively, Pawniard can deal huge damage to Munchlax and cripple it with Knock Off, and most sets are not KOed by Munchlax's coverage moves. Defensively, Ferroseed can wall and set up hazards against non-Fire Punch Munchlax variants.
Munchlax has a sky-high HP stat and a terrific Special Defense stat, which make it one of the best special walls in the metagame. Its ability Thick Fat allows it to better counter Ice- and Fire-type attackers, and its good Attack stat gives it the ability to hit hard and avoid becoming setup bait while performing its defensive duties. However, Munchlax performs far worse as a special tank in practice than it does on paper. Its low Defense stat means that Munchlax will often be forced out or taken out by physical attacks. The prevalence of Knock Off, including among the special attackers of the metagame, means that too often, Munchlax will lose its item and become crippled in its defensive capabilities early on. Furthermore, Munchlax lacks access to recovery outside of Rest and Berry Juice + Recycle, which leaves it prone to getting worn down throughout a match. Lastly, Munchlax's typing is not ideal for a defensive Pokemon in Little Cup, leaving it with a weakness to the common Fighting-type attacks.
[SET]
name: Recycle + Berry Juice Tank
move 1: Return / Body Slam
move 2: Earthquake / Fire Punch
move 3: Pursuit / Fire Punch / Whirlwind
move 4: Recycle
item: Berry Juice
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is Munchlax's primary attack, as it is a powerful STAB move. Body Slam is a decently powerful alternative that comes with a high paralysis chance, which can help to cripple foes. However, anything of 16 Speed or faster will still outspeed Munchlax and paralysis can actually worsen Munchlax's chances against Guts users such as Timburr. Earthquake allows Munchlax to super effectively hit many of the Rock- and Steel-types that switch into its STAB attack of choice. Fire Punch is an alternative that hits certain Pokemon, such as Ferroseed, for more damage than Earthquake. Pursuit gives Munchlax a way to trap Gastly and Abra, which it can switch into and remove from the match. Whirlwind keeps Pokemon from using Munchlax as setup bait and can wear down opposing teams when used in conjunction with entry hazards. Recycle acts as a pseudo-recovery move, giving Munchlax a way to regenerate its Berry Juice.
Set Details
========
Thick Fat is Munchlax's best ability, allowing it to more reliably beat Fire-types such as Vulpix and Ponyta. Munchlax's EV spread is simple, maximizing its Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible and its Special Defense to help it to take as many hits as possible while doing so. An Adamant nature further increases Munchlax's attacking potential. Berry Juice gives Munchlax a form of recovery in conjunction with Recycle.
Usage Tips
========
Munchlax can be switched in easily against most special attackers and then spam its powerful attacks. Munchlax's STAB move should be used as much as possible, especially if the opponent doesn't have a Ghost-type Pokemon. Be careful to avoid taking a Knock Off, as if Munchlax's Berry Juice is removed, it can't be retrieved by Recycle. Although Munchlax can take on many physical attackers, it will generally get worn down in doing so, so don't allow Munchlax to take powerful physical attacks until the special Pokemon it needs to check have been eliminated.
Team Options
========
Munchlax appreciates Pokemon that can take on Fighting-types, and as such it makes a good defensive core with the likes of Spritzee, Snubbull, and Mareanie. Snubbull and Spritzee can also act as clerics, removing status conditions from Munchlax, which tends to get burned by Scald or opposing Fire-types. Pokemon that can take Knock Off make good partners as well, including Mienfoo and Croagunk, the latter of which can also take on Fighting-types. Flying-type Pokemon, such as Doduo and Vullaby, appreciate Munchlax's ability to take on Electric-types such as Chinchou and Magnemite and Ice-types. Grass-type Pokemon also appreciate Munchlax's walling ability. Snivy and Foongus, for example, appreciate Munchlax's ability to take Ice- and Fire-type attacks, and the latter can take on Fighting-types for Munchlax. Entry hazard removal is important to keep Munchlax from being worn down and thus forced to use Recycle too many times, with Defog users such as Vullaby and Rapid Spin users such as Staryu working well. Hazard setters can also make good partners if Whirlwind is run, with possible teammates including Ferroseed and Dwebble. If running Pursuit, Pokemon that appreciate Gastly and Abra removed, such as Fighting-types and a Gastly of your own, make good partners.
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Return / Body Slam
move 2: Curse / Earthquake / Whirlwind
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Impish
evs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is a powerful STAB move that can hit especially hard after an Attack boost from Curse. Body Slam is an alternative that carries a paralysis chance. However, even after paralysis, any Pokemon of 16 Speed or faster still outspeeds Munchlax, and the paralysis can hurt Munchlax when facing Timburr. Curse is a boosting move that lets Munchlax patch up its poor Defense and boost its Attack as it recovers with Rest. Earthquake is an alternative that hits the Rock- and Steel-types that Munchlax often brings in. Whirlwind is a possibility in this slot as well, as it keeps Munchlax from being set up on and can wear down opposing teams by inflicting them with entry hazard damage. Without Earthquake in the second slot, however, Munchlax is stopped completely by most Rock-, Ghost-, and Steel-type Pokemon. Rest gives Munchlax a method of recovery that isn't stopped by Knock Off, while Sleep Talk allows Munchlax to move while asleep. Sleep Talk has the added benefit of allowing Munchlax to come in on sleep inducers, including Foongus, without fear.
Set Details
========
Thick Fat allows Munchlax to check Fire- and Ice-type Pokemon even better, including Ponyta and Larvesta. With 236 Special Defense EVs, Munchlax maximizes its already great Special Defense. 236 Attack EVs boost Munchlax's power so that it can hit as hard as possible while taking hits. The remaining EVs go into Defense, an investment that, coupled with an Impish nature, allows Munchlax to hit Eviolite numbers. Eviolite is the item of choice on this set, as it boosts Munchlax's longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Munchlax is a terrific counter to most special attackers and should be switched into them liberally. After being switched in, Munchlax can fire off its attacks or set up with Curse. This Munchlax set can also be used as a status absorber. However, be cautious when letting Munchlax take a status move or get worn down, as using Rest to restore health or cure status conditions forces Munchlax to rely on Sleep Talk to select its move for two turns, potentially becoming setup bait. Munchlax becomes much less bulky, especially physically, after being hit with Knock Off, so be cautious of special attackers that can use Knock Off such as Cottonee and Abra.
Team Options
========
This Munchlax set is walled especially well by Ghost-type Pokemon such as Gastly, so a Pursuit user such as Alolan Grimer or Pawniard makes a good partner. Defensively, Munchlax forms very good defensive cores with Pokemon that resist Fighting, including Spritzee, Snubbull, and Mareanie. Pokemon that can take Knock Off also make good partners, especially Fighting-type Pokemon such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Croagunk. Hazard removal is also important, as RestTalk Pokemon tend to get worn down quickly. Staryu and Drilbur can use Rapid Spin and appreciate Munchlax taking on Electric- and Ice-types, respectively, and Vullaby can use Defog and appreciates Munchlax taking on both. Entry hazard support should be provided if Munchlax is running Whirlwind to wear down teams more effectively, with the likes of Onix and Dwebble providing this support well.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Munchlax can use Facade to take on Flame Body users, including Ponyta and Larvesta, somewhat better, especially as it resists their attacks with Thick Fat. It can also use Ice Punch to hit Archen, which otherwise completely walls it. Counter is another option, as Munchlax can survive most physical attacks and score a surprise KO in return. Lastly, Superpower is an alternate coverage option that hits some Steel-types, including Pawniard, for more damage than Earthquake or Fire Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Timburr, Mienfoo, Scraggy, and Croagunk, typically hit Munchlax for physical damage, which it is most vulnerable to, and can deal massive damage with their super effective attacks. Additionally, Fighting-types in LC nearly always run Knock Off, which cripples both Munchlax sets.
**Archen**: Archen totally walls Munchlax and can set up Stealth Rock or use Defog against it, Knock Off the Berry Juice set to prevent Recycle, or simply KO it.
**Setup Sweepers**: Many setup sweepers don't mind Munchlax's attacks and can use it as setup bait, especially if it is forced into using Sleep Talk by having used Rest. These Pokemon either force Munchlax out, which kills momentum, or KO it.
**Bulky Ghost-types**: Ghost-types are immune to Munchlax's STAB attacks and often take little damage from its coverage moves. Many of these Pokemon can also burn and cripple the Recycle set.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types can handle Munchlax with varying degrees of effectiveness, depending on its moveset. Offensively, Pawniard can deal huge damage to Munchlax and cripple it with Knock Off, and most sets are not KOed by Munchlax's coverage moves. Defensively, Ferroseed can wall and set up hazards against non-Fire Punch Munchlax variants.
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