Conkeldurr (Analysis)

kingofkongs said:

QC checks 2/2: Huy, Alaka
Grammar Checks:

[Overview]

<p>Conkeldurr is a great Pokemon for teams that need a bulky, strong Pokemon. Conkeldurr has a 140 base Attack stat, which is boosted even more by Guts. Conkeldurr also has 105/95/65 defenses, making him rather physically bulky. Conkeldurr can work both in and out of Trick Room, making it a good choice for teams that don't want to be totally dependent on Trick Room. Coupled Blessed with a strong priority attack in Mach Punch, Conkeldurr becomes a reliable candidate for any VGC 2011 team. </p>

[SET]
name: Guts
move 1: Mach Punch
move 2: Drain Punch / Hammer Arm
move 3: Rock Slide / Payback/ Earthquake
move 4: Protect / Wide Guard
item: Flame Orb
nature: Adamant/ Brave
ability: Guts
evs: 252 HP/ 252 Atk/ 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set is designed to function either in or out of Trick Room. Conkeldurr has the second highest attack stat in the game, outclassed only by Haxorus. However, with a Guts boost, Conkeldurr becomes the single strongest Pokemon in the game. Protect allows Conkeldurr to be sheltered from shelter itself from threats while it gets its guts boost. Wide Guard can be used in place of Protect, which can be a good option for defending partners who are week to common multi-target moves providing valuable protection for teammates weak against common multi-target moves., but since it only works with specific moves, it limits its usefulness. Unfortunately the specificity of its protection does limit its usefulness, particularly for Conkeldurr itself. Mach Punch gives Conkeldurr priority, and with a Guts boost, it can finish off weakened Pokemon or kill extremely frail ones. The choice between Drain Punch and Hammer Arm is a choice between healing and power. While Rock Slide gives you the ability to hit both opponents, Payback can be used in order to deal a larger amount to psychics and ghosts that aren't rock weak is very effective against faster Psychic- and Ghost-type enemies that lack a Rock weakness. Adamant lets Conkeldurr outspeed a few threats outside of Trick Room, and is recommended if not running Trick Room, while Brave allows Conkeldurr to be one of the fastest Pokemon in the game, under Trick Room of course when using Trick Room.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Conkeldurr should always run max Attack in order to deal as much damage as possible. An Attack boosting nature is also required, as there is no other stat that it is worth investing completely in. A more specially defensive Ev spread can also be used, in order to make Conkeldurr's defences equal give Conkeldurr even defensive prowess. However, a set of 152 HP / 252 Atk / 104 SpD/Def can be used in order to have effectively produces as much bulk as possible, while limiting the amount of recoil minimizing the effects of burn damage done by Flame Orb. Superpower can replace Drain Punch or Hammer Arm to provide an obscene amount of power the first time it's used, but since it lowers Conkeldurr's Attack and Defense significantly, especially after two uses, it is largely outclassed its usefulness is very limited. Earthquake can be used if Conkeldurr's partner either resists or is immune to it or doesn't care about damage from it (generally, when it is immune to or resists Ground attacks), and can hit both of the opponent's Pokemon with a strong attack that has perfect accuracy. An important thing to note is that the three move combination of Drain Punch, Mach Punch and Wide Guard is illegal with Conkeldurr, and either Drain Punch or Wide Guard must be replaced with Hammer Arm or Protect, respectively.</p>

<p>If running Earthquake, then Conkeldurr appreciates a partner that is immune to it., in which case Thundurus makes a great partner, as it can also threaten Tornadus, which can beat is a major threat to Conkeldurr. If it isn't, then When not using Earthquake, Chandelure makes an excellent partner, killing Bulky Psychic-types and physically defensive Pokemon that Conkeldurr has trouble with. Conkeldurr is an excellent choice to use with Trick Room support, being "faster," than most of the metagame under Trick Room. Under Trick Room, Reuniclus makes a great partner, providing Trick Room and breaking through most physically defensive Pokemon. and wounding It also defeats bulky Psychic-types if running Shadow Ball.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Fling can be used in order to burn an opponent's Pokemon, however if the opponent protects on that turn then it turns into a waste of a you will have effectively wasted a move slot. Facade can deal a hefty chunk of damage to a large amount variety of Pokemon; however Normal has absolutely horrid coverage with fighting, so it isn't recommended. relying on Normal coverage in combination with Fighting leaves you helpless against Ghosts</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Bulky Psychic-types like Reuniclus and Musharna cause trouble for Conkeldurr, easily taking most of its attacks and killing it in the process. Amoonguss can also pose a threat to Conkeldurr, at worst being 3HKOed by any of the main sets moves besides earthquake, but must be wary of Facade as it completely avoids being 2HKO'd by the standard sets, though it can be troubled by Earthquake and must be wary of Facade. Tornadus can both out speed Conkeldurr and kill it with an Acrobat or Hurricane.</p>

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