QC: Montsegur / Raiza. / Magnemite
GP: P Squared / Rhythms
[OVERVIEW]
Munchlax distinguishes itself from other Pokemon in the PU tier with its extremely high HP stat and Eviolite-boosted defenses, which allow it to live almost any unboosted special attack such as Zebstrika's Thunderbolt or Simipour's Hydro Pump with ease. It has only one weakness, being Fighting-types, which are uncommon outside of Poliwrath and Machoke, as they are the only two relevant Fighting-types. Thick Fat allows Munchlax to take on Fire- and Ice-types such as Ninetales and Aurorus with ease and gives it a niche over Lickilicky, although it is threatened by Taunt and Knock Off unlike Lickilicky. Munchlax's relatively high Attack stat allows it to hit hard, even without investment, and prevents it from being setup bait. On the downside, Munchlax has trouble taking down common Ghost-types due to its lack of coverage. It is also left vulnerable to strong physical attacks before boosting its Defense with Curse and lacks reliable recovery.
[SET]
name: CurseLax
move 1: Curse
move 2: Body Slam
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Curse boosts Munchlax's Attack and Defense stats, allowing it to survive more hits such as Piloswine's Earthquake and Mightyena's Crunch. It also allows Munchlax to deal more damage and break through Pokemon that would usually counter it, such as Probopass. Body Slam can deal a lot of damage, even unboosted, and has the chance to paralyze threats that try to set up on it. Rest allows Munchlax to fully restore its health and get rid of another status ailment. Once Munchlax is asleep, it is able to switch into sleep inducers such as Jumpluff. Sleep Talk allows Munchlax to attack or set up while it is asleep so that it isn't complete setup fodder. Earthquake is an option over Sleep Talk, as it allows Munchlax to hit Steel- and Rock-types such as Probopass and Pawniard for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
This EV spread and a Careful nature aim to maximize the number of special attacks that Munchlax can take, as Curse boosts its physical defense. Thick Fat allows Munchlax to easily take hits from Fire- and Ice-types such as Ninetales and Rotom-F. Eviolite boosts Munchlax's Defense and Special Defense stats by 50 percent, allowing it to take a ton of special hits and take more physical hits.
Usage Tips
========
Munchlax can be used early-game to pivot into some special attackers such as Zebstrika and Simipour and Fire- and Ice-types such as Rapidash and Vanilluxe. Use Curse in the late-game against a Pokemon that is unable to set up against Munchlax, such as Rapidash or Zebstrika. Munchlax can switch in on most special attacks, but it can't take on moves such as Focus Blast from strong special attackers like Raichu and +2 Simisear. Be wary of Knock Off, as it will destroy Munchlax's walling capabilities. Munchlax can take weaker physical attacks, but, even with Eviolite, it doesn't have the physical bulk for repetitive switches into strong physical attacks. Unless your opponent has a Ghost-type, Body Slam should be the move Munchlax is spamming, as it allows you to spread paralysis to the opponent's team. Only use Rest when Munchlax's HP is low or if Munchlax can't survive a hit plus some residual damage such as poison. Sleep Talk is for when Munchlax is asleep. Only use it twice in a row because Munchlax wakes up on the third turn.
Team Options
========
Munchlax works well with Pursuit trappers, such as Pawniard and Stoutland, as it can't touch Ghost-types. Probopass is a great partner for Munchlax, as it traps the Steel-types that Munchlax struggles to beat, such as Pawniard and Probopass. Fighting-types such as Poliwrath and Machoke also help to deal with Steel-types, notably Pawniard. Because Munchlax can be vulnerable to some physical attackers, it appreciates physical walls, especially ones that can take on Fighting-types, such as Pelipper and Togetic. Munchlax needs its Eviolite to take as many hits as possible, so it appreciates Pokemon that can take Knock Off easily such as Poliwrath and Jumpluff. Munchlax is best used on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams due to its ability to take a lot of hits and its relatively decent offensive presence with Body Slam. Pokemon such as Pelipper, Togetic, Jumpluff, and Arbok are helpful to Munchlax, as they can switch into Fighting-types, which Munchlax is weak to.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Munchlax can run a more defensively based set with Whirlwind over Curse, a spread of 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD, and an Impish nature, which allows it to phaze boosting Pokemon, but Munchlax then loses out on the ability to set up itself. Munchlax can use Seed Bomb to take on Rock-type Shell Smash users such as Carracosta and Barbaracle so that it isn't complete setup fodder for them. Zen Headbutt is an option over Body Slam that prevents Munchlax from being completely walled by Ghost-types, although this causes Munchlax to be walled by Dark-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ghost-types**: Munchlax can't touch Ghost-types, such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist, so they can set up on it or easily wear it down.
**Fighting-types**: Munchlax struggles to take hits from Fighting-types, particularly Close Combat from Machoke and Focus Blast from Poliwrath.
**Knock Off Users**: Munchlax needs its Eviolite to take as many hits as possible and set up, and Knock Off gets rid of it. Knock Off users such as Pawniard and Leafeon threaten Munchlax a lot because they can remove its Eviolite and wear it down with their other attacks.
**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon such as Carracosta and Barbaracle threaten Munchlax because it can't do much damage to either of them and they can both set up on it.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon such as Pawniard and Klang can take hits from Munchlax and set up on it.
**Taunt Users**: Pokemon such as Misdreavus and Grumpig can Taunt Munchlax so that it is unable to set up or recover with Rest, therefore limiting what it can do and making it easier to take out. The former can Will-O-Wisp Munchlax and prevent it from recovering, while the latter can deal a lot of damage to it with Focus Blast.
**Trick**: Trick not only lowers Munchlax's bulk by taking its Eviolite but also gives it an item it doesn't need, which is usually a Choice item. Pokemon such as Rotom-F and Dusknoir can Trick Munchlax a Choice item, locking it into a move that can't do any damage, or an attacking move that another Pokemon can take advantage of.
**Phazers**: Pokemon that can phaze Munchlax such as Poliwrath and Avalugg are able to deal with it by taking away its boosts and forcing it out.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Strong attackers such as Rampardos and Ursaring can take on Munchlax before it has set up and KO it with little to no consequence, therefore forcing Munchlax out.
GP: P Squared / Rhythms
[OVERVIEW]
Munchlax distinguishes itself from other Pokemon in the PU tier with its extremely high HP stat and Eviolite-boosted defenses, which allow it to live almost any unboosted special attack such as Zebstrika's Thunderbolt or Simipour's Hydro Pump with ease. It has only one weakness, being Fighting-types, which are uncommon outside of Poliwrath and Machoke, as they are the only two relevant Fighting-types. Thick Fat allows Munchlax to take on Fire- and Ice-types such as Ninetales and Aurorus with ease and gives it a niche over Lickilicky, although it is threatened by Taunt and Knock Off unlike Lickilicky. Munchlax's relatively high Attack stat allows it to hit hard, even without investment, and prevents it from being setup bait. On the downside, Munchlax has trouble taking down common Ghost-types due to its lack of coverage. It is also left vulnerable to strong physical attacks before boosting its Defense with Curse and lacks reliable recovery.
[SET]
name: CurseLax
move 1: Curse
move 2: Body Slam
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Curse boosts Munchlax's Attack and Defense stats, allowing it to survive more hits such as Piloswine's Earthquake and Mightyena's Crunch. It also allows Munchlax to deal more damage and break through Pokemon that would usually counter it, such as Probopass. Body Slam can deal a lot of damage, even unboosted, and has the chance to paralyze threats that try to set up on it. Rest allows Munchlax to fully restore its health and get rid of another status ailment. Once Munchlax is asleep, it is able to switch into sleep inducers such as Jumpluff. Sleep Talk allows Munchlax to attack or set up while it is asleep so that it isn't complete setup fodder. Earthquake is an option over Sleep Talk, as it allows Munchlax to hit Steel- and Rock-types such as Probopass and Pawniard for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
This EV spread and a Careful nature aim to maximize the number of special attacks that Munchlax can take, as Curse boosts its physical defense. Thick Fat allows Munchlax to easily take hits from Fire- and Ice-types such as Ninetales and Rotom-F. Eviolite boosts Munchlax's Defense and Special Defense stats by 50 percent, allowing it to take a ton of special hits and take more physical hits.
Usage Tips
========
Munchlax can be used early-game to pivot into some special attackers such as Zebstrika and Simipour and Fire- and Ice-types such as Rapidash and Vanilluxe. Use Curse in the late-game against a Pokemon that is unable to set up against Munchlax, such as Rapidash or Zebstrika. Munchlax can switch in on most special attacks, but it can't take on moves such as Focus Blast from strong special attackers like Raichu and +2 Simisear. Be wary of Knock Off, as it will destroy Munchlax's walling capabilities. Munchlax can take weaker physical attacks, but, even with Eviolite, it doesn't have the physical bulk for repetitive switches into strong physical attacks. Unless your opponent has a Ghost-type, Body Slam should be the move Munchlax is spamming, as it allows you to spread paralysis to the opponent's team. Only use Rest when Munchlax's HP is low or if Munchlax can't survive a hit plus some residual damage such as poison. Sleep Talk is for when Munchlax is asleep. Only use it twice in a row because Munchlax wakes up on the third turn.
Team Options
========
Munchlax works well with Pursuit trappers, such as Pawniard and Stoutland, as it can't touch Ghost-types. Probopass is a great partner for Munchlax, as it traps the Steel-types that Munchlax struggles to beat, such as Pawniard and Probopass. Fighting-types such as Poliwrath and Machoke also help to deal with Steel-types, notably Pawniard. Because Munchlax can be vulnerable to some physical attackers, it appreciates physical walls, especially ones that can take on Fighting-types, such as Pelipper and Togetic. Munchlax needs its Eviolite to take as many hits as possible, so it appreciates Pokemon that can take Knock Off easily such as Poliwrath and Jumpluff. Munchlax is best used on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams due to its ability to take a lot of hits and its relatively decent offensive presence with Body Slam. Pokemon such as Pelipper, Togetic, Jumpluff, and Arbok are helpful to Munchlax, as they can switch into Fighting-types, which Munchlax is weak to.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Munchlax can run a more defensively based set with Whirlwind over Curse, a spread of 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD, and an Impish nature, which allows it to phaze boosting Pokemon, but Munchlax then loses out on the ability to set up itself. Munchlax can use Seed Bomb to take on Rock-type Shell Smash users such as Carracosta and Barbaracle so that it isn't complete setup fodder for them. Zen Headbutt is an option over Body Slam that prevents Munchlax from being completely walled by Ghost-types, although this causes Munchlax to be walled by Dark-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ghost-types**: Munchlax can't touch Ghost-types, such as Misdreavus and Gourgeist, so they can set up on it or easily wear it down.
**Fighting-types**: Munchlax struggles to take hits from Fighting-types, particularly Close Combat from Machoke and Focus Blast from Poliwrath.
**Knock Off Users**: Munchlax needs its Eviolite to take as many hits as possible and set up, and Knock Off gets rid of it. Knock Off users such as Pawniard and Leafeon threaten Munchlax a lot because they can remove its Eviolite and wear it down with their other attacks.
**Rock-types**: Rock-type Pokemon such as Carracosta and Barbaracle threaten Munchlax because it can't do much damage to either of them and they can both set up on it.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon such as Pawniard and Klang can take hits from Munchlax and set up on it.
**Taunt Users**: Pokemon such as Misdreavus and Grumpig can Taunt Munchlax so that it is unable to set up or recover with Rest, therefore limiting what it can do and making it easier to take out. The former can Will-O-Wisp Munchlax and prevent it from recovering, while the latter can deal a lot of damage to it with Focus Blast.
**Trick**: Trick not only lowers Munchlax's bulk by taking its Eviolite but also gives it an item it doesn't need, which is usually a Choice item. Pokemon such as Rotom-F and Dusknoir can Trick Munchlax a Choice item, locking it into a move that can't do any damage, or an attacking move that another Pokemon can take advantage of.
**Phazers**: Pokemon that can phaze Munchlax such as Poliwrath and Avalugg are able to deal with it by taking away its boosts and forcing it out.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Strong attackers such as Rampardos and Ursaring can take on Munchlax before it has set up and KO it with little to no consequence, therefore forcing Munchlax out.
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