Slowbro (OU Analysis) [GP 2/2]


Slowbro

[Overview]
<p>Even in the 5th generation, Slowbro answers the call when a physical wall is needed. Bolstered by new gifts such as Scald, and a fantastic ability in Regenerator, along with the introduction of powerful Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr and Terrakion, which Slowbro can effortlessly beat, further enhances Slowbro's usefulness. In addition to being an exceptional physical wall, Slowbro can also run both a Calm Mind and a Choice Specs set. However, Slowbro's below average Special bulk really lets it down, and as such it is easily overpowered by powerful Special attackers such as Gengar. It also has a crippling weakness to Toxic. Despite the aformentioned flaws, give Slowbro some team support and it will truly shine.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Physical Tank
move 1: Scald
move 2: Psychic / Ice Beam
move 3: Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Thunder Wave
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Slowbro's most practical set, as with a fantastic ability, incredible bulk, and useful defensive typing, it is extremely bulky. Slowbro's new ability, Regenerator, boosts this set's effectiveness, as it allows Slowbro to attack and deal damage instead of having to heal as soon as it switches in. Scald has a chance of burning the opponent, cushioning physical attacks even further. Psychic is another STAB move that gives great secondary coverage against many of the threats that it will be walling, such as Terrakion. Flamethrower is very useful against Ferrothorn and Skarmory, while Ice Beam is useful for hitting Gliscor, Salamence, Dragonite, and other Dragon-types, as well Grass-types such as Roserade. Yet another option is Thunder Wave, which can cripple many common switch-ins, such as Rotom-W, and can pave the way for a slow sweeper such as Heatran. Finally, Slack Off increases Slowbro's durability even further, making it so that between Leftovers, Regenerator, and Slack Off, Slowbro won't be going down any time soon if it is played correctly.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This Slowbro set in particular finds a home on defensive teams due to its ability to take a hit, switch out, and come back again fully healed. The EV spread is for maximum physical bulk, with the remaining EVs deposited into Special Attack to make Slowbro hit slightly harder. Toxic is another option, but Slowbro generally wants to be run as many coverage moves as possible to prevent itself from being walled. Slowbro also appreciates Heal Bell / Aromatherapy support, as it’s susceptible to status effects such as poison and burn. Celebi is the most effective Cleric for Slowbro, as it resists Electric and Grass, two of Slowbro’s most notable weaknesses, while Slowbro resists Fire and Ice for Celebi. The two do share a weakness to Ghost, Bug, and Dark, however. Blissey / Chansey also work very well with Slowbro, as they can eat strong special attacks aimed at Slowbro without difficulty while Slowbro shrugs off strong Fighting attacks. The pink blobs also provide Heal Bell support as a bonus. Lastly, Fire Blast is a more powerful albeit less reliable Fire attack than Flamethrower that can roast Skarmory and Ferrothorn.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Choice Specs
move 1: Surf
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Grass Knot / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>An overlooked base 100 Special Attack stat makes a Choice Specs set viable as well. Regenerator gives Slowbro the ability to switch in and out repeatedly, an asset appreciated by Choice users. Slowbro can function exceedingly well in both Rain and Sun, courtesy of Surf and Fire Blast. Psychic / Psyshock provide solid secondary STAB. Psychic has higher base power, but Psyshock hits special walls, such as Chansey, harder. However, it is only a 4HKO on Chansey despite the Specs boost. Grass Knot deals with opposing Slowbro as well as Jellicent, Suicune, and most other Water-types bar Rotom-W. Ice Beam hits Dragon-types, especially Dragonite and Salamence, extremely hard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature allow for maximum damage output and solid bulk. Trick would be a great option for this set if it were not illegal with Regenerator. Slowbro's movepool consists of a myriad of other attacking moves such as Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, and Signal Beam, but these moves are generally inferior to the ones listed above. If using Psychic, a powerful Fighting-type, such as Scrafty or Mienshao, will be appreciated to keep Blissey and Chansey at bay.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Scald
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Calm Mind patches up Slowbro's significantly weaker special defense, making it extremely difficult to take out after a few Calm Minds without the use of Toxic, especially due to recovery granted by Slack off and Leftovers. It can set up Calm Mind incredibly easily against the Pokemon it walls, namely Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr and Terrakion. Scald complements Calm Mind by burning physical attackers, who try to attack Slowbro's unboosted defensive stat. When it comes to picking an additional STAB move, it would be wise to remember that Psychic does higher damage, but Psyshock will almost guaranteed wins against opposing Calm Mind users.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, the EVs provide maximum physical bulk that allows Slowbro to take many hits on the physical side while it boosts up on the special side. After a few Calm Mind boosts, Slowbro will become nearly impossible to take down without the use of Toxic or phazing moves. Strong attackers, such as Scizor and Jolteon, can break through Slowbro before it can set up. In the place of Psychic, Ice Beam can be used to hit Dragon-types, Grass Knot can be used to hit Water-types, and Flamethrower can be used to hit Steel-types, however, Slowbro needs Psychic in order to beat Conkeldurr and other Fighting-types. Toxic Spikes are also extremely detrimental to Slowbro's potential sweep, so a Rapid Spinner or even a grounded Poison-type will be appreciated. Blissey with Toxic, or anything with Toxic for that matter, is a huge pain for Slowbro, so a specially defensive RestTalker, such as Snorlax, would be useful as well. Also, Draco Meteors from the likes of Latios will severely damage Slowbro, and as such, specially defensive Steel-types such as Heatran or Jirachi are great teammates. Heatran is especially useful because it can destroy Scizor, one of Slowbro's main counters.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Due to Regenerator, Slowbro is an excellent pokemon to set up Trick Room, as it can switch in and out to provide Trick Room support quite easily. Belly Drum is incredibly gimmicky, but if the opponent allows Slowbro to set up with it, it can be deadly. Counter is gimmicky as well, but it can be extremely effective on U-Turn users such as Scizor, as it will hit whatever switches in next quite hard. Finally, Block + Yawn + Protect is another potentially deadly option that can assist a set-up sweeper, as well as deter the Volt-turn strategy.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Blissey / Chansey beat every Slowbro set, as they can Toxic Slowbro and then stall it out with Softboiled. Neither will appreciate a Toxic themselves, but they can just switch out and come back again fully cured of poison due to Natural Cure. While not exactly a Pokemon, two layers of Toxic Spikes go a long way when it comes to wearing Slowbro down. Scizor and Rotom-W can make Slowbro's head spin by popping in and out and hitting Slowbro with a super-effective U-Turn and Volt Switch, respectively. Starmie can take all of Slowbro's moves easily aside from Grass Knot and can take out Slowbro with Thunderbolt. Thanks to Natural Cure, it isn't bothered by Toxic or Thunder Wave either. Lastly, Slowbro hates Electric- and Grass-type attacks, especially from the likes of Jolteon and Venusaur, respectively.</p>
 

complete legitimacy

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Slowbro is a great Pokemon, which honestly outclasses Swampert and could be OU if one of the many things it hard counters sees a large increase in usage, like Conkeldurr or Terrakion.

Just a nitpick on the Tank set, you should put your 4 EVs into Sp. Atk instead of Sp. Def since Slowbro will probably want to hit 1 point harder instead of survive a special hit with 1 more HP than it would have. In the end, it doesn't really matter, but it could work. Great job!
 

AccidentalGreed

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One thing though. I honestly don't like Fire Blast on that third slot in the defensive set, and through scouting the previous thread, it's advantages are minimal. Specially Defensive Scizor is a rare, if not simply situational and weak, threat in the current metagame, and I feel better knowing I have a more reliable attack on a Pokemon so focused on defense. The majority of comments also advocated it's removal to AC.
 

AccidentalGreed

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Also, please don't put the tag [GP] in the title, otherwise others are going to have the impression that this is already written.
 

complete legitimacy

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Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn, which Slowbro actually outspeeds. However that is really the only use as either Psychic or Ice Beam is usually superior. You would have to hit Scizor on the switch to hit it with Fire Blast, but you'd probably rather hit it with Scald for the chance of burn.
 
I believe you should slash Thunder Wave on the third or fourth move slot since it can hit its most common switch in, being Rotom-W. Maybe toxic could be slashed as well since it can prevent it from being set up bait from a lot of pokes, but i think thunder wave is a much more legitimate slash.
 

AccidentalGreed

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The combination of Block + Yawn + Protect really needs mention in the Other Options, since this exact combination is a huge boon for teams relying on a setup sweeper, and Yawn + Protect acts as a deterent against either side of the VolTurn strategy. Since this doesn't exactly deserve its own spot (playing similarly to support), this is in OO.
 

New World Order

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I think you can expand the descriptions a bit more, especially for the OU Calm Mind set. Talk about what Slowbro tends to set up on, and some other possible coverage moves that could be used in place of Psychic, such as Ice Beam, Grass Knot, or Flamethrower. These can probably go into the Additional Comments section. Also talk about how Specially Defensive Heatran makes a nice teammate to sponge Draco Meteors, as well as take out Scizor who is pretty much considered the bane of Slowbro's existence.

For every set, mention why you are using a specific EV spread.

Move Calm Mind ahead of Choice Specs. Calm Mind Slowbro is a legitimate strategy that is employed by many battlers as a surprise tactic for those expecting Slack Off+3 Attacks Slowbro. Choice Specs, on the other hand, doesn't abuse Slowbro's fantastic physical bulk and is borderline AC.

After you add these and any other details you feel are necessary, I'll do a GP Check.
 
I'd take Ice Beam out of the second slash and just reserve it for Psychic. Without Psychic, your best attack to hit Conkledurr (Slowbro's niches is that it is one of the best counters to it) is Scald. Giving the opponent a 30% to receive a 1.5 boost in their attack is scary. Scald still hits Gliscor pretty hard because it's STAB and if you need to you can use Ice Beam in the third slot to counter Dragons, but that is better left to Steels.

Edit: I also think Psychic would deal with Toxicroak a lot easier as well.
 
Ice Beam is needed to take out Dragonite though, because Slowbro can take an adamant outrage, dragon claw, etc.
 

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Slowbro

[Overview]
Even in the 5th generation, Slowbro answers the call when a physical wall is needed(period) Physical attackers need walling, bolstered with Bolstered by new gifts such as Scald(comma) and a fantastic ability, Regenerator(semicolon(remove comma) as well as the introduction of powerful Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr and Terrakion, which Slowbro can effortlessly beat(comma) further enhances Tobybro's usefulness. In addition to being an exceptional physical wall, Slowbro can also run both a Calm Mind and a Choice Specs set. However, Slowbro's below average Special bulk really lets it down, and as such it can be is easily overpowered by powerful Special attackers such as Gengar(period) Raikou. not wrong, but Gengar is a better example since Raikou is uncommon in OU It is also cripplingly weak also has a crippling weakness to Toxic. Despite the aformentioned flaws, give Slowbro some team support and it will truly shine.

[SET]
name: OU Physical Tank
move 1: Scald
move 2: Psychic / Ice Beam
move 3: Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Thunder Wave
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

This is Slowbro's most practical set, as with a fantastic ability, incredible bulk, and useful defensive typing, it is extremely bulky. Slowbro's new ability(comma) Regenerator(comma) boosts this set's effectiveness, as it allows Slowbro to spend its time attacking and doing attack and deal damage instead of having to heal as soon as you switch it switches in. Scald has a chance of burning the opponent, cushioning Physical physical attacks even further. Psychic is another STAB move that gives great secondary coverage on against many of the threats that it will be walling, such as Terrakion. In the Sun, Flamethrower is very powerful useful against Ferrothorn and Skarmory, while Ice Beam hits is useful for hitting Gliscor, Salamence, Dragonite, and other Dragon-types, as well Grass-types such as Roserade(comma)(remove comma) which Slowbro will inevitably draw in. Yet another option is Thunder Wave, which can cripple many common switch-ins, such as Rotom-W, and can pave the way for a slow sweeper such as Heatran. Finally, Slack Off increases Slowbro's durability even further(semicolon)(remove comma) so that between Leftovers, Regenerator, and Slack Off, Slowbro won't be going anywhere down any time soon if it is played correctly(period)right.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread is for maximum physical bulk, with the remaining EV EVs deposited into Special Attack to make Slowbro hit a bit slightly harder. Toxic is another option, but Slowbro generally wants to be running as much run as many coverage moves as possible to prevent itself from being walled. Slowbro also appreciates Heal Bell(space)/(space)Aromatherapy support, as it’s susceptible to status(comma) such as Toxic and Burn. Celebi is the most effective user, as it resists Electric and Grass, two of Slowbro’s most notable weaknesses, and while Slowbro resists Fire and Ice for Celebi. The two do share a weakness to Ghost, Bug, and Dark, however. Blissey(space)/(space)Chansey also works work very well with Slowbro, as it they can eat strong special attacks aimed at Slowbro without difficulty while Slowbro shrugs off strong Fighting attacks. The pink blobs also provide Heal Bell support as a bonus. Lastly, Fire Blast is a more powerful albeit less reliable Fire attack than Flamethrower that can roast Skarmory and Ferrothorn.

[SET]
name: OU Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Scald
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

Calm Mind patches up Slowbro's significantly weaker special defense, making it extremely hard difficult to take out after a few Calm Minds without Toxic(comma) badly poisoning it, especially due to recovery from Slack off and Leftovers. It can set up Calm Mind incredibly easily on against the pokemon it walls, usually namely Fighting-types like Conkeldurr and Terrakion. Scald complements Calm Mind by Burning physical attackers(comma) if you're lucky, who try to attack Slowbro's only unboosted defensive stat. When it comes to picking an additional STAB move, it would be wise to remember that Psychic does superior higher damage, however, Psyshock will almost guaranteed wins against opposing Calm Mind users.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Again, the EVs provide maximum physical bulk to take as many hits on the Physical physical side while it boosts up on the Special special side. While after After a few Calm Mind boosts(comma) Slowbro will become near impossible to take down short of without badly poisoning it or phazing it, strong attackers(comma) such as Scizor and Jolteon(comma) can break through Slowbro's defenses before it can set up(period)(remove comma) such as Scizor and Jolteon. In the place of Psychic, Ice Beam can be used to hit Dragon-types, Grass Knot can be used to hit Water-types, or and Flamethrower can be used to hit Steel-types(comma) can be run, however, Slowbro needs Psychic in order to beat Conkeldurr and other Fighting-types. Toxic Spikes are also extremely detrimental to Slowbro's potential sweep, so a Rapid Spinner or even a grounded Poison-type will be appreciated. Blissey with Toxic, or anything with Toxic for that matter(comma) is a huge pain for Slowbro, so a specially defensive RestTalker(comma) such as Snorlax(comma) would be useful as well. Also, Draco Meteors from the likes of Latios will severely damage Slowbro, and as such, specially defensive Steel-types are great teammates(comma) such as Heatran or Jirachi. Heatran is especially useful because it can destroy Scizor, one of Slowbro's main counters.

[SET]
name: OU Choice Specs
move 1: Surf
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Grass Knot / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

An overlooked base 100 Special Attack stat mades makes a Choice Specs set viable as well. Regenerator gives Slowbro the ability to switch in and out repeatedly, an asset appreciated by Choice users. Slowbro can function exceedingly well in both Rain and Sun(comma) courtesy of Surf and Fire Blast. Psychic / Psyshock provides provide solid secondary STAB. Psychic has higher base power, but Psyshock hits special walls(comma) such as Chansey(comma) harder(period)(remove comma) however, However(comma) it is only a 4HKO on Chansey after despite the Specs boost. Grass Knot deals with opposing Slowbro as well as Jellicent, Suicune, and most other Water-types except bar Rotom-W. Ice Beam hits Dragon-types, especially Dragonite and Salamence, extremely hard.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EVs and nature allow for maximum damage output(comma) and the remainder is deposited into its defenses to allow Slowbro to take a few hits. Trick would be a great option for this set if it were not illegal with Regenerator. Slowbro's movepool consists of a myriad of other attacking moves such as Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, and Signal Beam, however, these moves are generally inferior to the ones listed above. If using Psychic, a powerful Fighting-type(comma) such as Scrafty or Mienshao(comma) will be appreciated to keep Blissey and Chansey at bay.

[Other Options]
(space)
Due to Regenerator, Slowbro is an excellent pokemon to set up Trick Room, as it can switch in and out providing to provide Trick Room quite easily. Belly Drum is incredibly gimmicky, but if the opponent allows it to be set up it can be deadly. Counter is gimmicky as well, but it can be extremely effective on U-Turn users such as Scizor, as it will hit whatever switches in next quite hard. Finally, Block + Yawn + Protect is another potentially deadly option that can assist a set-up sweeper(comma) as well as and deter the VoltTurn Volt-turn strategy.

[Counters]
(space)
Blissey / Chansey beat every Slowbro set, as they can Toxic Slowbro and then stall it out with Softboiled. Neither will appreciate a Toxic themselves, but they can just switch out and come back again fully healed cure of Poison due to Nature Cure. While not exactly a pokemon, two layers of Toxic Spikes go a long way when it comes to wearing Slowbro down. Scizor and Rotom-W can make Slowbro's head spin by popping in and out and hitting Slowbro with a super-effective U-Turn and Volt Switch, respectively. Lastly, Jolteon can deal huge amounts of damage, however, it can't switch in without receiving taking a lot of damage.
GP Approved (1/2)

 
Move Calm Mind ahead of Choice Specs. Calm Mind Slowbro is a legitimate strategy that is employed by many battlers as a surprise tactic for those expecting Slack Off+3 Attacks Slowbro. Choice Specs, on the other hand, doesn't abuse Slowbro's fantastic physical bulk and is borderline AC
Chilllllllll theres a method behind the madness. Slowbro is actually a poor Calm Minder sweeping with it is an after thought. It's slow, weak to status, vulnerable to trick, and weak to Pursuit. It's one of those dudes that can "happen" to sweep if your opponent is coincidently out of options but it will never reliably sweep anything.

Choice Specs on the other hand abuses Regenerator, his awesome special attack and movepool. Surf + Psychic + Fire Blast hits everything except other Slowbro and Starmie neutral and is a combination in that each move that you can actually switch into the other one straight up wrecks you.
 
Agreeing with RaikouLover. Slowbro's Calm Mind set isn't very viable this generation(trust me, I've tried). It's walled by too many common pokes in OU like all the dragons and Starmie(there's definitely more that I've neglected to think of).

Additionally, I feel like it is very important to highlight Slowbro as an excellent member of a stall/defensive team(I don't know which term you would want to use in an analysis). It can take a hit, then double switch as the poke your walling will generally want to switch out, or it can hope for burning a poke on the switch with Scald. Obviously, not having to spend a turn recovering off damage, as a huge asset, especially on stall teams.
 

AccidentalGreed

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Just a nitpicky question.

Why would you list Jolteon specifically in the Checks/Counters section, especially since Slowbro generally hates having to take Grass- and Electric-type moves? It's not that bad or anything, but then there's Rotom-W.

Decent overall analysis. Like NWO, I feel that the analysis overall could be fleshed out either way.
 
I agree that Calm Mind should be last, so I switched the two sets like I had them originally. I listed Starmie as a counter because it walls all of Slowbro's moves except Grass Knot, can destroy Slwobro with Thunderbolt, and isn't bothered by Toxic and Thunder Wave due to Natural Cure. I also added in AccidentalGreed's and Sir's recommendations.
 
Add Remove

[Overview]
<p>Even in the 5th generation, Slowbro answers the call when a physical wall is needed. Bolstered by new gifts such as Scald, and a fantastic ability, (comma) in Regenerator, (comma) along with ; (semicolon) the introduction of powerful Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr and Terrakion, which Slowbro can effortlessly beat, further enhances Slowbro's usefulness. In addition to being an exceptional physical wall, Slowbro can also run both a Calm Mind and a Choice Specs set. However, Slowbro's below average Special bulk really lets it down, and as such it is easily overpowered by powerful Special attackers such as Gengar. It also has a crippling weakness to Toxic. Despite the aformentioned flaws, give Slowbro some team support and it will truly shine.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Physical Tank
move 1: Scald
move 2: Psychic / Ice Beam
move 3: Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Thunder Wave
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Slowbro's most practical set, as with a fantastic ability, incredible bulk, and useful defensive typing, it is extremely bulky. Slowbro's new ability, Regenerator, boosts this set's effectiveness, as it allows Slowbro to attack and deal damage instead of having to heal as soon as it switches in. Scald has a chance of burning the opponent, cushioning physical attacks even further. Psychic is another STAB move that gives great secondary coverage against many of the threats that it will be walling, such as Terrakion. Flamethrower is very useful against Ferrothorn and Skarmory, while Ice Beam is useful for hitting Gliscor, Salamence, Dragonite, and other Dragon-types, as well Grass-types such as Roserade. Yet another option is Thunder Wave, which can cripple many common switch-ins, such as Rotom-W, and can pave the way for a slow sweeper such as Heatran. Finally, Slack Off increases Slowbro's durability even further, (comma) making it ; (semicolon) so that between Leftovers, Regenerator, and Slack Off, Slowbro won't be going down any time soon if it is played correctly.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This Slowbro set in particular finds a home on defensive teams due to its ability to take a hit, switch out, and come back again fully healed. The EV spread is for maximum physical bulk, with the remaining EVs deposited into Special Attack to make Slowbro hit slightly harder. Toxic is another option, but Slowbro generally wants to be run as many coverage moves as possible to prevent itself from being walled. Slowbro also appreciates Heal Bell / Aromatherapy support, as it’s susceptible to status effects such as Toxic poison and Bburn. Celebi is the most effective user cleric for Slowbro, as it resists Electric and Grass, two of Slowbro’s most notable weaknesses, while Slowbro resists Fire and Ice for Celebi. The two do share a weakness to Ghost, Bug, and Dark, however. Blissey / Chansey also work very well with Slowbro, as they can eat strong special attacks aimed at Slowbro without difficulty while Slowbro shrugs off strong Fighting attacks. The pink blobs also provide Heal Bell support as a bonus. Lastly, Fire Blast is a more powerful albeit less reliable Fire attack than Flamethrower that can roast Skarmory and Ferrothorn.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Choice Specs
move 1: Surf
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Grass Knot / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>An overlooked base 100 Special Attack stat makes a Choice Specs set viable as well. Regenerator gives Slowbro the ability to switch in and out repeatedly, an asset appreciated by Choice users. Slowbro can function exceedingly well in both Rain and Sun, courtesy of Surf and Fire Blast. Psychic / Psyshock provide solid secondary STAB. Psychic has higher base power, but Psyshock hits special walls, such as Chansey, harder. However, it is only a 4HKO on Chansey despite the Specs boost. Grass Knot deals with opposing Slowbro as well as Jellicent, Suicune, and most other Water-types bar Rotom-W. Ice Beam hits Dragon-types, especially Dragonite and Salamence, extremely hard.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs and nature allow for maximum damage output and solid bulk the remainder is deposited into its defenses to allow Slowbro to take hits. Trick would be a great option for this set if it were not illegal with Regenerator. Slowbro's movepool consists of a myriad of other attacking moves such as Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, and Signal Beam, but however, (comma) these moves are generally inferior to the ones listed above. If using Psychic, a powerful Fighting-type, such as Scrafty or Mienshao, will be appreciated to keep Blissey and Chansey at bay.</p>

[SET]
name: OU Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Scald
move 3: Psychic / Psyshock
move 4: Slack Off
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Regenerator
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Calm Mind patches up Slowbro's significantly weaker special defense, making it extremely difficult to take out after a few Calm Minds without the use of Toxic, especially due to the recovery granted by from Slack off and Leftovers. It can set up Calm Mind incredibly easily against the pPokemon it walls, namely Fighting-types like such as Conkeldurr and Terrakion. Scald complements Calm Mind by Bburning physical attackers, who try to attack Slowbro's unboosted defensive stat. When it comes to picking an additional STAB move, it would be wise to remember that Psychic does higher damage, however, (but) but Psyshock will almost guaranteed wins against opposing Calm Mind users.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, the EVs provide maximum physical bulk that allows Slowbro to take many hits on the physical side while it boosts up on the special side. After a few Calm Mind boosts, Slowbro will become nearly impossible to take down without the use of Toxic or phazing moves badly poisoning it or phazing it, (comma) sStrong attackers, such as Scizor and Jolteon, can break through Slowbro before it can set up. In the place of Psychic, Ice Beam can be used to hit Dragon-types, Grass Knot can be used to hit Water-types, and Flamethrower can be used to hit Steel-types, however, Slowbro needs Psychic in order to beat Conkeldurr and other Fighting-types. Toxic Spikes are also extremely detrimental to Slowbro's potential sweep, so a Rapid Spinner or even a grounded Poison-type will be appreciated. Blissey with Toxic, or anything with Toxic for that matter, is a huge pain for Slowbro, so a specially defensive RestTalker, such as Snorlax, would be useful as well. Also, Draco Meteors from the likes of Latios will severely damage Slowbro, and as such, specially defensive Steel-types such as Heatran or Jirachi are great teammates, (comma) such as Heatran or Jirachi. Heatran is especially useful because it can destroy Scizor, one of Slowbro's main counters.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Due to Regenerator, Slowbro is an excellent pPokemon to set up Trick Room, as it can switch in and out to provide Trick Room support quite easily. Belly Drum is incredibly gimmicky, but if the opponent allows it Slowbro to be set up with it, (comma) it can be deadly. Counter is gimmicky as well, but it can be extremely effective on U-Turn users such as Scizor, as it will hit whatever switches in next quite hard. Finally, Block + Yawn + Protect is another potentially deadly option that can assist a set-up sweeper, as well as deter the Volt-turn strategy.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Blissey / Chansey beat every Slowbro set, as they can Toxic Slowbro and then stall it out with Softboiled. Neither will appreciate a Toxic themselves, but they can just switch out and come back again fully cured of Ppoison due to Naturale Cure. While not exactly a pPokemon, two layers of Toxic Spikes go a long way when it comes to wearing Slowbro down. Scizor and Rotom-W can make Slowbro's head spin by popping in and out and hitting Slowbro with a super-effective U-Turn and Volt Switch, respectively. Starmie walls can take all of Slowbro's moves easily aside from Grass Knot and can take out Slowbro with Thunderbolt. Thanks to Natural Cure, it isn't bothered by Toxic or Thunder Wave either. Lastly, Slowbro hates Electric- and Grass-type attacks, especially from the likes of Jolteon and Venusaur, (comma) respectively.</p>



GP Approved 2/2
 

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