Ask a Simple Question, Get a Simple Answer: Monotype Edition

Naganadel is broken you can not compete with it.
Doesn't help..... at all! What about guzzlord? I've been thinking about using him, even though i already have hydregion and his speed is pretty bad...

Specs Dragalge is the best answer to Fairies you'll get. Unfortunately there isn't much else.
I mean, pretty much I made all my dragons have steel moves, and i increased the speed for all of them to the max, so i have somewhat decent fairy protection

Eien: Please do not double post
 
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Doesn't help..... at all! What about guzzlord? I've been thinking about using him, even though i already have hydregion and his speed is pretty bad...
Perhaps it would be easier to help if we knew what your team looked like. Can you provide a pastebin? Either way, I always recommend our chatroom on Pokémon Showdown for team help because a live chat setting is always best for this kind of discussion.
 
As Eien said, I recommend heading over to the room (or Discord) to get help with the team overall because a lot of the sets could be improved. I’d replace Naganadel with a Mega, though, like Latias or Altaria. But things like Band Kyurem and Specs Kommo-o simply aren’t very good.
Really about the Specs Kommo-o? I had Dragon Z, but people on Monotype chat kept on saying change it to Specs, so I went along. But thanks for the help anyway!
 
Really about the Specs Kommo-o? I had Dragon Z, but people on Monotype chat kept on saying change it to Specs, so I went along. But thanks for the help anyway!
Something tells me they weren't talking about Kommo-o. Clangorous Soulblaze Kommo (with a Z-crystal, but it's Kommonium Z, not Dragonium Z) is the only good Kommo, and it's not really all that good in the first place.
 
Something tells me they weren't talking about Kommo-o. Clangorous Soulblaze Kommo (with a Z-crystal, but it's Kommonium Z, not Dragonium Z) is the only good Kommo, and it's not really all that good in the first place.
Seriously? Even tho the attack is like 195, and increases all those stats?
 
With the release of tutor moves, I've seen many people running Fire Punch on Muk-Alola in its last moveslot instead of Fire Blast (or whatever else). I ran a couple of calcs in the following hide tag that actually shows Fire Blast, despite coming from a much lower SpAtk stat, actually deals more damage to most of Muk-Alola's Fire-type coverage targets. Is there something I'm missing here? Does Muk-Alola sports a different spread I'm not aware of? Is it only for the poison chance (probably not though, as most of said targets can't be poisoned by conventional means, but I'm still asking)?
Against M-Scizor
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 248 HP / 48 Def Scizor-Mega: 164-196 (47.8 - 57.1%) -- 90.2% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Scizor-Mega: 168-200 (48.9 - 58.3%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO

Against CB Scizor
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 224-268 (79.7 - 95.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Scizor: 268-316 (95.3 - 112.4%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO

Against Skarmory
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 224 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 66-78 (20.1 - 23.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 224 HP / 32 SpD Skarmory: 144-170 (44 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
(ok this calc may seem a little biased, but even a specially defensive Skarmory takes more from Fire Blast than from Fire Punch)

Against Celesteela
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 110-130 (27.6 - 32.6%) -- 74.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 80-96 (20.1 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 80-96 (20.1 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 112-132 (28.1 - 33.1%) -- 90.5% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
(the choice here between Fire Punch and Fire Blast depends on Celesteela's spread)

Against Ferrothorn (Grass)
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Ferrothorn: 156-184 (44.3 - 52.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 188 SpD Ferrothorn: 168-200 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Against Ferrothorn (Steel)
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 172-204 (48.8 - 57.9%) -- 45.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 156-184 (44.3 - 52.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
(even in that case, I find Fire Blast to be the better option as Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs will chip Muk-Alola's health even more when facing it with Fire Punch)

Against Klefki
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Klefki: 88-104 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Klefki: 124-148 (38.9 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Against Bisharp
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Bisharp: 112-134 (41.3 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 150-178 (55.3 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Against Magnezone
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Magnezone: 102-120 (34.1 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 124-146 (41.4 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Against Cobalion
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Cobalion: 90-108 (23.3 - 27.9%) -- 84.1% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Cobalion: 146-172 (37.8 - 44.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Against Avalugg
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possible 7HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Avalugg: 204-242 (51.7 - 61.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


They're still other Fire-type coverage target mons that get hit harder by Fire Blast (and some here and there, by Fire Punch), but those are the most relevant I could think of.
 
With the release of tutor moves, I've seen many people running Fire Punch on Muk-Alola in its last moveslot instead of Fire Blast. I ran a couple of calcs in the following hide tag that actually shows Fire Blast, despite coming from a much lower SpAtk stat, deals more damage to most of Muk-Alola's Fire-type coverage targets. Is there something I'm missing here? Does Muk-Alola sports a different spread I'm not aware of? Is it only for the poison chance (probably not though, as most of said targets can't be poisoned by conventional means, but I'm still asking)?
Against M-Scizor
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 248 HP / 48 Def Scizor-Mega: 164-196 (47.8 - 57.1%) -- 90.2% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Scizor-Mega: 168-200 (48.9 - 58.3%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO

Against CB Scizor
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 224-268 (79.7 - 95.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Scizor: 268-316 (95.3 - 112.4%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO

Against Skarmory
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 224 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 66-78 (20.1 - 23.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 224 HP / 32 SpD Skarmory: 144-170 (44 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
(ok this calc may seem a little biased, but even a specially defensive Skarmory takes more from Fire Blast than from Fire Punch)

Against Celesteela
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 110-130 (27.6 - 32.6%) -- 74.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 80-96 (20.1 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 80-96 (20.1 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 112-132 (28.1 - 33.1%) -- 90.5% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
(the choice here between Fire Punch and Fire Blast depends on Celesteela's spread)

Against Ferrothorn (Grass)
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Ferrothorn: 156-184 (44.3 - 52.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 188 SpD Ferrothorn: 168-200 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Against Ferrothorn (Steel)
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 172-204 (48.8 - 57.9%) -- 45.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 156-184 (44.3 - 52.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
(even in that case, I find Fire Blast to be the better option as Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs will chip Muk-Alola's health even more when facing it with Fire Punch)

Against Klefki
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Klefki: 88-104 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Klefki: 124-148 (38.9 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Against Bisharp
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Bisharp: 112-134 (41.3 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 150-178 (55.3 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Against Magnezone
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Magnezone: 102-120 (34.1 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 124-146 (41.4 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Against Cobalion
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Cobalion: 90-108 (23.3 - 27.9%) -- 84.1% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Cobalion: 146-172 (37.8 - 44.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Against Avalugg
0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possible 7HKO
0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Avalugg: 204-242 (51.7 - 61.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


They're still other Fire-type coverage target mons that get hit harder by Fire Blast (and some here and there, by Fire Punch), but those are the most relevant I could think of.
This generally depends on the type. On Poison teams, I would still use Fire Blast over Fire Punch. The reason is because Fire Blast takes out Alakazam's Focus Sash, while Fire Punch can be punished by a crushing Counter. On Dark teams, I think it comes down to preference. Fire Punch can't miss, which is another nice result you didn't mention, but Fire Blast hits Klefki and many others on the switch a lot harder. More often than not, it is very dependent on the situation and the team, so I wouldn't definitively say one is better than the other.

Also to answer the other question, the spread hasn't changed to my knowledge.
 
This generally depends on the type. On Poison teams, I would still use Fire Blast over Fire Punch. The reason is because Fire Blast takes out Alakazam's Focus Sash, while Fire Punch can be punished by a crushing Counter. On Dark teams, I think it comes down to preference. Fire Punch can't miss, which is another nice result you didn't mention, but Fire Blast hits Klefki and many others on the switch a lot harder. More often than not, it is very dependent on the situation and the team, so I wouldn't definitively say one is better than the other.

Also to answer the other question, the spread hasn't changed to my knowledge.
Oh wow... How did I forget the accuracy issue (and Alakazam too)? Then, would Fire Blast having much less PP be another relevant argument for using Fire Punch instead?
 
Oh wow... How did I forget the accuracy issue (and Alakazam too)? Then, would Fire Blast having much less PP be another relevant argument for using Fire Punch instead?
PP is generally not an issue for Alolan Muk. PP would be a problem if it's targets carried recovery and could be beaten with Fire Punch instead. However, this list is more or less limited to only defensive Mega Scizor. Skarmory can't be beaten no matter what either way, and Ferrothorn would probably KO Alolan Muk to chip damage before it drops anyway. For Poison and Dark, which have Toxapex and Mandibuzz, defensive Mega Scizor really isn't much of a threat anyway, so I don't believe PP is a contributing reason to use or not use either move.
 
Hi guys

I just had some complicated questions regarding Monotype Steel

Are there any Fast-Steel Types that are viable say maybe Jirachi , Cobalion, Durant?

Also why is Empoleon and Durant Ranked D on Mono-steel and if I wanted to use any of them, what would be their best sets that are effective on Ultra Sun and Moon Monotype ?

And how does Monotype Steel deal with Infernape and Mega-Charizard X? I usually lose to these 2 Pokemon with my Monosteel team and I'm not so sure how I can check them.

Appreciate the help. Thanks
 

Havens

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Hi guys

I just had some complicated questions regarding Monotype Steel

Are there any Fast-Steel Types that are viable say maybe Jirachi , Cobalion, Durant?

Also why is Empoleon and Durant Ranked D on Mono-steel and if I wanted to use any of them, what would be their best sets that are effective on Ultra Sun and Moon Monotype ?

And how does Monotype Steel deal with Infernape and Mega-Charizard X? I usually lose to these 2 Pokemon with my Monosteel team and I'm not so sure how I can check them.

Appreciate the help. Thanks
Hello, welcome to Smogon!

The fastest Steel type that has the best viability at the moment would be Choice Scarf Excadrill; Steel teams tend to be bulky more often than not. Jirachi and Cobalion have viability as well, but usually in one or two particular niches.

Empoleon is D ranked for its only roles being that of a Defogger and hazard setter, and is outclassed by the likes of Skarmory as a Defogger and Ferrothorn/Heatran as a hazard setter. It has seen a slight increase in usage due to Naganadel's presence, but considering that Naganadel may be banned soon, the future of Empoleon's usage remains to be seen. Durant doesn't really offer much to Steel teams; it's a glass cannon offensively with poor bulk and narrow offensive movepool. If you had to use Empoleon, I'd run this set (won't post a set for Durant since I have no idea what it would run):
Empoleon @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Defog
- Scald
- Roar

Steel checks for fire are few and far between; Choice Scarf Excadrill and Air Balloon Heatran are solid checks to Mega Charizard X without any Dragon Dance boosts, yet are often threatened by Choice Scarf Infernape. Stakataka under Trick Room is very solid vs. Fire, however you'd actually have to set up the Trick Room first before delivering damage. Either way, Steel suffers heavily against Fire and it can be quite difficult for Steel to combat it.
 
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Hello!

I have a relaxed Torkoal on level 100 in UM and want to use it on mono fire team against friends in real life. So Torkoal's level would be on level 50 then. Now, unfortunately, I forgot to breed Yawn on him, so I am wondering if it's really necessary to breed this move on him or if there are other good viable options.
For the moment, this is the set I'm currently running:

Lava Plume
Stealth Rock
Rapid Spin
Gyroball (with 0 IV in speed)

Gyroball would do a lot of damage to Rock Pkm such as Mega Diancie, Terrakion, and Tyrannitar if they were to switch in.
 

DoW

formally Death on Wings
Hello!

I have a relaxed Torkoal on level 100 in UM and want to use it on mono fire team against friends in real life. So Torkoal's level would be on level 50 then. Now, unfortunately, I forgot to breed Yawn on him, so I am wondering if it's really necessary to breed this move on him or if there are other good viable options.
For the moment, this is the set I'm currently running:

Lava Plume
Stealth Rock
Rapid Spin
Gyroball (with 0 IV in speed)

Gyroball would do a lot of damage to Rock Pkm such as Mega Diancie, Terrakion, and Tyrannitar if they were to switch in.
Hi, welcome to smogon!

The main reason to run yawn is so that pokemon such as Volcarona can't set up on Torkoal while it's unable to do anything in return, as it can force them to either switch or fall asleep. While something like Clear Smog is perhaps a decent alternative, this is also an egg move. Honestly it's not particularly difficult to raise an egg if you already have a competitive-standard pokemon of that species, and level 50 isn't hard to get to, so I'd recommend simply raising a new Torkoal with one of those two egg moves (or both), and using that.
 
i am try to build a rock team any help would be great and can some one tell me how i can Tyranitar as my poke on my name
 

Moosical

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i am try to build a rock team any help would be great and can some one tell me how i can Tyranitar as my poke on my name
In order to change your avatar (which I believe you're asking), you need to click on your profile then press edit avatar. Then you find a picture of tyranitar online and upload it as your profile picture.

For help on rock type teams, the usum viability ranking thread and sample team thread are great resources for determining what's good to use on rock type teams. They both can be found in this subforum. If you'd like more direct help, feel free to ask the monotype room on pokemon showdown and someone will be sure to help you build your team.
 
In order to change your avatar (which I believe you're asking), you need to click on your profile then press edit avatar. Then you find a picture of tyranitar online and upload it as your profile picture.

For help on rock type teams, the usum viability ranking thread and sample team thread are great resources for determining what's good to use on rock type teams. They both can be found in this subforum. If you'd like more direct help, feel free to ask the monotype room on pokemon showdown and someone will be sure to help you build your team.
oh ok ty so much
 
Hi there, Smogonians ! I'm an aspiring Bug type Gym Leader monotype trainer dwelling from France, and I'm here to request your help to form my team of creepy crawlies. Here's the team composition I came up with :

Heracross-Mega
One of the best Bug type Pokemon period, need I say more ? A good one to block Rock and Dark types

Scizor
Another very strong representative of the type, bringing in his Bug/Steel double typing to block the Poison and Fairy types

Volcarona
Another must-have of the type, a delightful living nightmare (delightful for me I hope) for Grass types, as well of a quite menacing threat for Steel, Ice and other Bug teams

Araquanid
One of the Pokemon I bring to the League in USM, so you can guess he have a special place in my heart. Here to scare away Fire and Ground types. Good user of the Toxik/Spider Web combo

Vikavolt
Another MVP of my USM playthrough, though he sadly didn't make it to the League. Here mainly to counter the team's weakness to Flying type

Armaldo
Yes, I know, he's a PU tier in the classic tiers, but hey, at least his Rock/Bug double typing is useful here (hello there Flying, Fire and Poison types !)

So, what do you think of this team comp ? What moves, items and EV repartitions should I run with these guys ?

Eien: Moved to SQSA
 
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Hi there, Smogonians ! I'm an aspiring Bug type Gym Leader monotype trainer dwelling from France, and I'm here to request your help to form my team of creepy crawlies. Here's the team composition I came up with :

Heracross-Mega
One of the best Bug type Pokemon period, need I say more ? A good one to block Rock and Dark types

Scizor
Another very strong representative of the type, bringing in his Bug/Steel double typing to block the Poison and Fairy types

Volcarona
Another must-have of the type, a delightful living nightmare (delightful for me I hope) for Grass types, as well of a quite menacing threat for Steel, Ice and other Bug teams

Araquanid
One of the Pokemon I bring to the League in USM, so you can guess he have a special place in my heart. Here to scare away Fire and Ground types. Good user of the Toxik/Spider Web combo

Vikavolt
Another MVP of my USM playthrough, though he sadly didn't make it to the League. Here mainly to counter the team's weakness to Flying type

Armaldo
Yes, I know, he's a PU tier in the classic tiers, but hey, at least his Rock/Bug double typing is useful here (hello there Flying, Fire and Poison types !)

So, what do you think of this team comp ? What moves, items and EV repartitions should I run with these guys ?

Eien: Moved to SQSA
Hello, cool team!

Vikavolt is unviable in Monotype Bug because it’s too slow to be an efficient wallbreaker. While bug is weak to flying, many Pokemon help the matchup a lot more than Vikavolt does. I recommend replacing it with Galvantula as your whole team appreciates Sticky Web support, plus it can deal with Toxapex pretty well which is a pretty big threat to bug teams.

The rest of your team looks good, but I’d ask in the Monotype room or on our Discord for help with specific sets. Good luck with the team!
 

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