[OVERVIEW]
An incredible attack stat, offensive typing, and unique coverage options gives Golurk a niche as a strong wallbreaker that can dismantle common defensive staples, such as Slowbro, Gastrodon, and Hisuian Goodra. Golurk bears the coveted combination of Dynamic Punch and No Guard, deterring Dark-types like Bisharp and Umbreon from switching in. This, combined with Golurk's Ghost typing, helps it deter Cyclizar from using Rapid Spin for fear of giving it a switch in opportunity, making it a solid option for hazard stacking teams as a spinblocker and Stealth Rock setter. Golurk's downfall comes in its terrible speed and middling bulk, leaving it 2HKOed by a myriad of faster threats, such as Gardevoir, Entei, and Gengar. While its typing is excellent offensively, it also saddles Golurk with a number of common weaknesses, particularly to Water and Ghost as well as Knock Off. This leaves Golurk vulnerable to many of the tier's premier offensive threats, such as Volcanion, Basculegion-F, Krookodile, and Galarian Zapdos. Golurk also struggles to 2HKO prominent walls like Hippowdon and Chesnaught without the use of Choice Band or Life Orb; the former risks offering the opposing team free switch ins by locking Golurk into one move, while the latter's chip damage leaves it even more vulnerable to being KOed by the aforementioned attackers.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Leftovers lets Golurk trade power or insurance against Dark-type attacks for sustainability, especially if it opts to run Substitute. Close Combat is a stronger alternative to Dynamic Punch that lets Golurk guarantee a OHKO against Krookodile and a 2HKO against Wo-Chien without the use of a damage-boosting item, though its lack of positive secondary effect makes Dynamic Punch more preferable otherwise. Golurk can forgo No Guard for Iron Fist in conjunction with Shadow Punch and Ice Punch; the former is a more reliable, if weaker STAB move that makes it easier for Golurk's teammates to use Knock Off, while the latter guarantees a OHKO on Noivern and Salamence lacking Intimidate while also dealing extra damage to Chesnaught. If running Choice Band, Golurk can opt to run Trick in order to lure in and cripple defensive checks, like Hippowdon and Chesnaught.
Checks and Counters
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**Water-types**: Offensive Water-types like Feraligatr, Volcanion, and Gyarados are able to comfortably outspeed Golurk before KOing it with their STAB moves. However, they all struggle to switch in on Golurk's powerful attacks, though Gyarados can take advantage of Choice Band Golurk if it is locked into Earthquake. If running Colbur Berry, bulky Water-types like Suicune and Vaporeon are able to avoid being 2HKOed by Golurk's attacks and threaten it with Scald.
**Dark types**: Krookodile, Bisharp, Wo-Chien, and Umbreon are able to switch in to Poltergeist comfortably before threatening Golurk out with their respective STAB attacks. However, all of them have to be wary of Dynamic Punch, and Golurk can run Colbur Berry in order to survive their attacks.
**Ghost-types**: Basculegion-F and Gengar are able to outrun Golurk to OHKO it with Shadow Ball, though they must be careful of switching in, especially Gengar due to its weakness to Earthquake. Mimikyu is capable of taking a hit from Golurk thanks to Disguise, letting it set up with Swords Dance to guarantee a OHKO with Shadow Claw.
**Physical walls**: Without Choice Band, Golurk is unable to 2HKO physical walls like Hippowdon and Chesnaught, both of whom are able to heal off the damage while wearing it down. Chesnaught in particular is able to threaten non-Colbur Berry variants with Knock Off, letting it take Golurk's attacks easier. Gligar is unable to be 2HKOed by even Choice Band Golurk's attacks, though it struggles to repeatedly switch in due to its lack of reliable recovery.
**Strong wallbreakers**: Golurk's lacking speed and bulk leaves it vulnerable to being OHKOed or 2HKOed by many of the tier's prominent wallbreakers, such as Gardevoir, Mamoswine, and Galarian Zapdos, though its high power deters many of them from switching in freely.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bice.236507/
Quality checked by:
Grammar checked by:
Last edited:
