(Copyediting) Miltank (Update) [QC 3/3]

[SuperJOCKE]

Miltank

[Overview]

<p>Miltank has basically been doing the same job since her first appearance: supporting her teammates with her great supportive moves. In BW RU, Miltank's mission has barely changed, as she is still one of the best supportive Normal-types down in the lower tiers. With access to Heal Bell and Stealth Rock, Miltank can provide valuable entry hazard and cleric support to almost any team in need of it. Miltank also has great stats to work with, boasting 95 / 105 / 70 defenses which allow her to take on a majority of offensive threats in the tier. Miltank also has access to a reliable recovery move in Milk Drink to further increase her defensive capabilities. Her great base 100 Speed is also a great aid to her defensive capabilities, as it allows her to outspeed key threats such as Absol and Emboar with minimal EV investment and either restore her health or attack the opponent before taking a hit. It doesn't stop there. Miltank is one of the few Pokemon blessed with three great abilities, each with their pros and cons, with Scrappy being the least favorable one. Thick Fat makes Miltank resist Fire- and Ice-type moves, which is great for teammates who struggle with hail teams or Fire-types. Sap Sipper makes Grass-types and Smeargle easier to deal with, as Miltank can now absorb any incoming Grass-type move and receive an Attack boost in return, making her hit a little harder at the same time. However, despite her great defensive traits, Miltank still has her fair share of letdowns. A Normal typing is not the best defensive typing, as it doesn't give Miltank any useful resistances other than Ghost, while she has a crippling Fighting-type weakness. Her abilities does give extra resistances and immunities to Fire-, Ice-, and Grass-type moves, respectively, but not all three at once. Miltank also faces stiff competition from Clefable in the supportive role, as Clefable has access to the same moves, as well as Magic Guard and Wish on top of that. Despite this, Miltank still pulls of her defensive role with great success, and while she does face competition from other Normal-types, Miltank has her own advantages over the competition. Miltank isn't limited to going on the defensive, as with Sap Sipper and great natural bulk, she can put a hurting on the opposing team with her decent Attack stat and powerful moves.</p>

[SET]
name: Mootility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Milk Drink
move 3: Body Slam
move 4: Heal Bell / Earthquake
item: Leftovers
ability: Sap Sipper / Thick Fat
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 192 SpD / 64 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With the prevalence of hail teams, dangerous Fire-types such as Moltres, and potent special attackers such as Sceptile, specially defensive Miltank is the most useful despite her higher Defense stat. This is due to her great abilities that give her resistances or an immunity to some of the most common special moves in the tier that Pokemon such as Clefable would die for. Stealth Rock is the most vital move that Miltank brings to the table, as it is a great move to wear down incoming Pokémon for any team; what sets her apart from Clefable is her higher Speed stat, and with that, higher insurance of getting Stealth Rock up on the field. Milk Drink gives Miltank her much needed recovery move, while Body Slam is a great offensive move for Miltank to use; not only does it prevent Miltank from becoming completely shut down by Taunt, it also has a nice 30% chance to paralyze the foe, basically eliminating the need for Thunder Wave completely. The last move of choice basically comes down to what the team needs. If status is a major hinderance for your team's sweepers and other defensive Pokemon, Heal Bell is another great support move to use to remove any unwanted status. If there is minimal need of cleric support from Heal Bell, Earthquake is a great move for Miltank to use against Pokemon such as Entei, Aggron, Lanturn, Magneton, and Emboar; with Earthquake, some of these Pokemon become much more easier to deal with for Miltank, as Body Slam might not cut it most of the time.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Seismic Toss is a great option to deal more consistent damage against Pokemon such as Steelix and Rhydon, as well as Pokemon such as Substitute + Calm Mind Uxie, to name a few. Thunder Wave and Toxic can also find their uses to give the team some additional support. Thunder Wave allows Miltank to cripple opposing sweepers, allowing Miltank to outspeed them and heal herself before taking a hit. Thunder Wave also helps slightly slower sweepers on Miltank's team in their sweeping. On the other hand, Toxic helps in breaking down bulkier foes such as Slowking. The choice between Thick Fat and Sap Sipper depends solely on what threats you want Miltank to handle for your team. If your team has trouble with hail and the various Fire-types in the tier, Thick Fat is the most optimal option. For example, even Modest Choice Specs Glaceon fails to 2HKO Miltank. However, if Grass-types are the bane of the team, then Sap Sipper is the better choice. Sap Sipper also makes Miltank a great answer to Smeargle and Amoonguss, who become less prone to throw Spore around. The EV spread is tailored for Miltank to be faster than Pokémon such as Adamant Absol, Timid Glaceon, and Jolly Emboar, which allows her to restore her HP before taking a second hit, while Miltank can also hit back if given the chance. Despite Miltank's great bulk, some powerful special moves, such as Moltres's Hurricane, can 2HKO her so be careful switching her in. This also applies to Pokemon commonly using Focus Blast for coverage, such as Typhlosion, Sceptile, and Tangrowth; all three 2HKO Miltank with Focus Blast. A faster EV spread of 252 HP / 80 SpD / 176 Spe with a Jolly nature can also be used, as it allows Miltank to outspeed key threats such as Entei and Moltres. While not the most optimal EV spread, it can still be effective due to Miltank's natural bulk and Thick Fat, specifically against hail teams.</p>

<p>Miltank can also fit pretty well on a hail team herself, as Thick Fat gives her resistance to both Fire- and Ice-type moves. This allows her to take on some of the greater threats against hail teams, such as Entei and Cryogonal, while at the same time she provides support through Stealth Rock and Heal Bell. Miltank is a good fit on most team in general. Basically, if your team need the support she provides, for example a Grass-type immunity or a Stealth Rock setter, she will most likely fit. Water-types such as Poliwrath, Feraligatr, and Kabutops, who struggle with Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss, appreciate Miltank's ability to absorb their Grass-type moves. Other fast sweepers who are crippled by Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, and Spore coming from these Pokémon also benefit from Miltank's Sap Sipper. The same goes for Grass- and Steel-types when Miltank is using Thick Fat. Fire-types such as Entei can't break through, giving Pokémon such as Tangrowth and Escavalier a little more breathing space. While some Fire-types have super effective coverage against Miltank, such as Typhlosion and Magmortar with Focus Blast and Emboar with Superpower, they have to rely on Focus Blast's shaky accuracy, and in Emboar's case, Choice Scarf to outspeed Miltank. In tandem with this, Ghost-types help Miltank out a lot, as they are immune to Miltank's sole weakness to Fighting-type moves. When it comes to selecting a Ghost-types, four come to mind: Rotom, Spiritomb, Golurk, and Misdreavus. Rotom and Spirirtomb are pretty straightforward choices as what they are using doesn't really matter to Miltank; however, Choice Band versions of Spiritomb are especially efficient at handling Fighting-types, more specifically Gallade and Medicham. Golurk and Misdreavus aren't as commonly used, but they pair well Miltank in more ways than covering her weakness. Golurk is a excellent user of Stealth Rock as well, which relieves Miltank of a move slot. Misdreavus works in the same way, as it has access to Heal Bell. On the plus side, Misdreavus also commonly dons a physically defensive role, complementing Miltank's specially defensive nature. As a last note, a fully physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe with an Impish nature can work, allowing Miltank handle physically offensive threats, such as Entei and Scpetile, more easily. However, Miltank will struggle to survive against powerhouses such as Aggron, Escavalier, and Durant without a proper response. If this is something you want to try, and you want something to hit Escavalier and Durant with, Fire Punch is your best bet. Fire Punch allows Miltank to 2HKO both of them; however, Durant has the possibility to OHKO Miltank in return with Superpower, so beware.</p>

[SET]
name: Moofensive
move 1: Double-Edge / Return
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Milk Drink
move 4: Heal Bell / Fire Punch / Stealth Rock
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

• Miltank is no slouch offensively either thanks to her great Speed and Sap Sipper. Can switch in on Spore, Sleep Powder, Leech Seed, etc. to get a boost to her Attack.
• Double-Edge is Miltank's most powerful STAB, and will severly dent most opponent's. If the recoil damage feels off-putting, then Return works as well.
• Earthquake covers the Steel- and Rock-types that resist Miltank's STAB. It gives Miltank near perfect coverage, with the only exceptions being Aerodactyl, Archeops, Rotom, and Misdreavus (and Shedinja, but it's irrelevant).
• Milk Drink keeps Miltank healthy, and mitigates the Life Orb and Double-Edge recoil.
• Heal Bell keeps Miltank free from status that might cut her sweeping abilities short. It also allows Miltank to give some team support at the same time.
• If you need a fast Stealth Rock user, Miltank can also use that in the last slot.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

• The elemental punches, more specifically Fire Punch and Ice Punch, covers some Pokemon. Fire Punch will definitely hurt Escavalier and Durant, scoring a 2HKO on both w/o any Attack investment. Ice Punch is notable for Golurk; 2HKO w/o a boost and a 50% chance for a OHKO with one boost against 4/0 Golurk. Golurk with heavy HP investment is 2HKOed at best.
• Pairs well with Water- and Ground-types as Miltank absorbs the super effective Grass-type moves often directed at them. Most of the common Rock-types in the tier are neutral to Grass-types moves, but Rock-types such as Kabutops and Omastar definitely appreciates it.
• Even on the offensive, Miltank is a good answer to Entei, which can help some Pokemon, such as Escavalier and Lilligant.
• While not entirely necessary, Dark-types can help in taking care of Ghost-types, especially Rotom and Misdreavus who completely stops this set, although rare. Absol, Spiritomb, and Drapion come to mind.
• Ghost- and Psychic-types also help against Choice Scarf wielding Fighting-types such as Hitmonlee and Medicham, as well as bulkier ones such as Poliwrath, Emboar, and Hariyama. Emboar and Hariyama will go down with one Sap Sipper boost, but Poliwrath is only 2HKOed. Mesprit, Gallade, and Slowking are good Psychic-type examples, while Golurk and Spiritomb are great Ghost-types.

[Other Options]

• Curse + Scrappy.
• Rock Slide for instant Moltres death after Stealth Rock. 2HKO otherwise. Mostly for the defensive set.
• Punishment.
• Many other physical moves, such as Zen Headbutt, but Normal STAB + Earthquake usually suffice.
• Weather support through Rain Dance and Sunny Day.
• Block is a gimmicky option. Can help Pursuit users by trapping frailer opponents for a KO, but as stated, a gimmick.
• Counter is another gimmick, but can actually take out Aggron and Escavalier in one go. Illegal with Sap Sipper though.
• Extensive special movepool and Work Up, but horrible Special Attack.

[Checks and Counters]

• Fighting-types handles Miltank in general. Gallade, Hitmonlee, Medicham, Emboar.
• Other, faster threats with strong Fighting-type moves. Pokemon such as Sceptile and Typhlosion can put a real hurting on Miltank with Focus Blast, even 2HKOing the specially defensive version.
• Misdreavus can shut Miltank down, put can't hurt her back much either, except with status: Will-O-Wisp or Toxic. Rotom is similar, as it's immune to both Miltank's STAB moves and Earthquake.
• Spiritomb can Trick and burn Miltank, making her less of an issue.
• Durant.
• For defensive versions:
• Aggron and Escavalier can OHKO with Stealth Rock. Needs to watch out for potential super effective coverage moves. Physically defensive versions are 2HKOed, but Miltank can't hurt them back most of the time.
• Moltres 2HKOes with Hurricane regardless of spread. Needs to watch out for stray Rock Slides and paralysis from Body Slam. Nidoqueen can also 2HKO the specially defensive version, but Modest is slower than Miltank, so it needs to watch out for Earthquake if Nidoqueen has taken prior damage; Miltank has a 9% chance to live through 2 hits if Nidoqueen is Timid.
• SubCM Uxie can set up on Miltank if she lacks Seismic Toss, which she usually does.
• For offensive version:
• Tangrowth, though not a surefire counter. Miltank can 2HKO with Double-Edge at +1 with a little bit of luck.
• Steelix can win against Miltank with the combined damage from Life Orb and Gyro Ball. Earthquake from Miltank is a 3HKO at +1. Can otherwise phaze Miltank.
• Poliwrath is 2HKOed by +1 Double-Edge, but can phaze with Circle Throw.
• Miltank without a boost will lose to these three.
• Escavalier will OHKO 100% of the time with Stealth Rock in play. Earthquake is a 2HKO 96% of the time at +1 and with SR in play, so it needs to be careful switching in; it definitely needs to watch out for Fire Punch.

[SuperJOCKE]

So, here she is, Miltank.

This skeleton is based on the current metagame with Nidoqueen and hail, and if any of these would be banned, it's easy to change. I could've waited a week for the vote, but I wanted some opinions about the sets etc. now instead. Plus, I've held on this far too long.

I've been talking to Molk about the defensive versions of Miltank, and we both agreed specially defensive is the better version, even w/o Nidoqueen and/or hail present; Moltres, Magmortar, Typhlosion, Lilligant to name a few are handled by Miltank more or less. Entei is dealt with with either spread thanks to Thick Fat.

I put the Curse + Scrappy set in OO. I personally think that set is too situational in RU to be derserving of a set in the analysis. It works, but only in certain situations. I asked both Molk and DittoCrow about their thoughts on it, and DC agreed on OO, while Molk hasn't decided yet.

I might have forgotten some teammates for each set and some Pokemon for the C&C, so help is appreciated. I have a heard time figuring out that kind of stuff when writing, even if I've used the Pokémon in question a lot. It comes to me afterwards instead...

I think that's about all I wanted to say.

[Friar]

Scrappy should be slashed into Moofensive too. I definitely agree Sap Sipper is more useful, but easier spamming of STAB attacks is reason enough to include it. Specifically you nail Rotom-N and Misdreavus, the former being fairly common, and as such should be listed in Checks and Counters

[SuperJOCKE]

Originally Posted by Fat Friar

Scrappy should be slashed into Moofensive too. I definitely agree Sap Sipper is more useful, but easier spamming of STAB attacks is reason enough to include it. Specifically you nail Rotom-N and Misdreavus, the former being fairly common, and as such should be listed in Checks and Counters

I'm a bit unsure about slashing Scrappy. I'd rather have a teammate cover those two, and then have that potetial +1 Attack boost (which can be rather easy to get); Miltank is rather weak without it. Maybe I could put in AC or OO, I'll let QC say what they think.

Also, added Rotom. A Pokémon that annoys me so much, but went completely under the radar when I wrote this. Thanks.

[Yonko7]

Stealth Rock is what sets Miltank apart from other bulky Normal-types, namely Clefable and Lickilicky.

Clefable also gets Stealth Rock. ^^
I think what really sells Miltank is that base Speed, which combined with her abilities outshines Clefable and party. Great job on the skeleton!

[SuperJOCKE]

Originally Posted by Fat Yonko7

Clefable also gets Stealth Rock. ^^

Yeah, well, Clefable is a whiny bitch...

Fixed it though. Thanks. :)

[SuperJOCKE]

I've removed all mentions of Cresselia, so maybe I could get some checks on this now? :)

[DittoCrow]

Mention a faster spread for the Mootility set and Seismic Toss for damaging Steel- and Rock-types. A Jolly nature with 252 HP / 80 SpD / 176 Spe outspeeds Moltres and Entei and still does well vs hail teams due to the bulk.


Spiritomb is another good Ghost-type check since it can burn or Trick Miltank, making it much easier to deal with. SubCM Uxie is pretty troublesome for Miltank, as it can set up on the defensive set (if lacking Seismic Toss) and KO with Psyshock. Durant is also a good check.

Otherwise, this looks very good!


QC Approved 1/3

[SuperJOCKE]

Done and done. Thanks DC.

[Molk]

Yeah this is good, we talked about this on irc quite a bit :>

QC Approved 2/3

[Oglemi*]

mmk


QC Approved 3/3

[SuperJOCKE]

Thanks for the check Molk :> and Oglemi.

Will get this written when I'm, basically, done with my other thing.

[Pickaxe]

A little late to the party, but in the overview it says Miltank has 105 base speed, and that should be corrected.

[Ernesto]

Is it worth mentioning an Adamant nature on the Moofensive set? I know you Speed tie with neutral base 100s that way, but I don't think there's much inbetween positive base 86's and her—well, SubSplit Rotom but that's out of the question lol, also most Lilligant run Modest anyway—. The damage output really makes her a bit better, and outside of losing the ability to always outspeed Entei, she should be fine.
Also, you say she handles Entei, couldn't Thick Fat be AC'd to be able to actually switch into its Flare Blitzes... There's little point in mentioning that otherwise, imo.