ZU Machoke

[BP]

[OVERVIEW]

Machoke has cemented itself in ZU as an exceptional tank thanks to its notable Eviolite-boosted bulk and access to a great STAB attack in No Guard-boosted Dynamic Punch to threaten potential switch-ins and cause confusion. Its mixed bulk allows it to easily check Pokemon such as Electivire, Poliwrath, and a multitude of Silvally formes bar Silvally-Ghost, while its pure Fighting typing is somewhat unique in ZU and allows it to check certain Pokemon such as Floatzel, Electivire, and multiple Silvally formes that threaten other Fighting-types in the tier such as Monferno, Combusken, Hakamo-o, and Poliwrath. A physically defensive set handles common threats such as Shiftry, Electivire, Pinsir, and Bouffalant. Alternatively, a specially defensive Machoke can be used to combat ZU's special attackers such as Combusken, Silvally-Dragon, and Poliwrath. Unfortunately, Machoke's reliance on Eviolite to accomplish its role as a tank limits how effective Machoke can be as a Dark-type check due to Knock Off being the most common Dark-type move in the tier. Common Psychic- and Flying-types in the tier such as Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Kadabra, and Swanna also heavily threaten Machoke. Machoke's lackluster Speed stat means that it can be taken advantage of when against common pivots such as Rotom-S, Mareanie, Zebstrika, and Choice Band Komala.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Dynamic Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: No Guard
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dynamic Punch is Machokes best STAB move, allowing it to heavily damage and confuse Pokemon, pressuring potential switch-ins such as Swanna. Knock Off provides Machoke with an excellent coverage option to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it, such as Bronzor, Mareanie, Exeggutor, and Dusclops. Rest provides Machoke with a source of recovery and allows Machoke to act as a status absorber. Sleep Talk allows Machoke to preserve its Dynamic Punch PP while also avoiding the passivity that comes after using Rest.

Set Details
========
The maximum investment in HP and Defense alongside an Impish nature allows Machoke to maximize its effectiveness as a physical tank. Alternatively, Machoke can run a spread of 252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Careful nature. Machoke can also run 212 Defense and 44 Speed EVs in order to outspeed base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Metang, and Regice. No Guard ensures that Machoke hits all of its Dynamic Punches.

Usage Tips
========
Machoke performs best as a physical tank, so it should be brought in on physical attackers that it walls such as Electivire, Pinsir, and physical Silvally formes. Dynamic Punch should be spammed for easy chip damage unless you are able to predict a Ghost-type switch-in such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, or Dusknoir. Eviolite adds to Machoke's notable bulk, so it should avoid being hit with Knock Off, especially from Dark-types that it can otherwise reliably check. Machoke should refrain from switching into strong wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Toucannon, Choice Band Bouffalant, and Marowak. However, Machoke acts as an excellent pivot against weaker attackers or Pokemon whose attacks it resists such as Electivire, Rapidash, Pawniard, and Sawsbuck. Because of its reliance on Rest for recovery, Machoke should refrain from taking damage as much as possible in order to avoid being passive. However, Rest does enable Machoke to absorb status for its teammates. Machoke should primarily be used defensively, but when against more defensive builds, it should focus on crippling Pokemon with confusion and Knock Off.

Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Shiftry, Swanna, and Exeggutor that appreciate Machoke's access to Knock Off and its exceptional bulk pair well it. Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off, so Silvally formes such as Silvally-Water and Silvally-Dragon tend to make for good partners, as well as Pokemon that carry Z-Moves like Combusken, Swanna, and Rapidash. Machoke is extremely weak to Psychic-types, so Pokemon that resist or are immune to Psychic such as Bronzor, Shiftry, Pawniard, and Silvally-Dark make good partners for it. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark are worth noting due to their access to STAB Pursuit. Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon are all common threats, so Pokemon that resist their attacks such as Mawile, Rotom-S, Probopass, and Bronzor all pair well with Machoke. Due to being heavily invested in only one of its Defense and Special Defense stats, Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can cover up its other, non-invested stat. Examples of these Pokemon may vary depending on the invested stat; specially defensive walls include Bronzor, Lickilicky, and Muk; physically defensive walls include Gourgeist-XL, Shiinotic, and Avalugg. Entry hazards can allow wallbreakers such as Combusken and Toucannon to break through Machoke, so Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can remove entry hazards such as Komala, Avalugg, and several Silvally formes like Silvally-Water, Silvally-Dragon, and Silvally-Ground.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A more offensive set utilizing Close Combat and Guts and an EV spread of 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe can be used. Machoke can run a variety of coverage options over Knock Off such as Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and Earthquake. A Choice Band set that takes advantage of Machoke's plethora of coverage moves is an option, but this is generally outclassed by Pokemon such as Komala, Golem, Bouffalant, and Rapidash. A set featuring Rest, Sleep Talk, and Guts can also be used alongside Close Combat and Toxic as a more offensive set. Toxic allows Machoke to cripple Gourgeist-XL, a would-be counter to this set.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, and Dusknoir are all immune to Machoke's most spammable move, Dynamic Punch. Gourgeist-XL is worth a special mention due to its ability to easily absorb a Knock Off and burn Machoke, forcing it to use Rest. Silvally-Ghost is also a good Knock Off absorber.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Exeggutor, Mr. Mime, Beheeyem, and Kadabra all threaten Machoke with their STAB moves. Beheeyem is worth noting thanks to it usually holding a Colbur Berry, allowing it to shrug off Machoke's Knock Off. Kadabra is another example of this, as it tends to run Focus Sash.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon all threaten Machoke. Swanna, in particular, is worth mentioning thanks to its ability to run either a physically or specially based set.

- Written by: [[Broken Phobias, 272450]]
- Quality checked by: [[DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [Bloodace, 435539], [5gen, 296755]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]

 

[DurzaOffTopic]

OKAY NOW IM DONE

[OVERVIEW]

• Machoke has cemented itself in ZU as an exceptional Tank thanks to its notable mixed defensives and its access to great STAB.
• Thanks to the ability No Guard, Machoke can threaten potential switch-ins with its STAB Dynamic Punch that also causes confusion.
• Machoke boasts impressive mixed defenses when coupled with the Eviolite boost.
• A specially defensive biased Machoke can be used to combat ZU’s special attackers such as Abomasnow, Combusken, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour. Alternatively, a physically defensive Machoke can handle common threats such as Shiftry, Electivire, Pinsir, and Bouffalant.
• Unfortunately, Machoke must rely on Eviolite to accomplish its role as a tank. Mention how Knock can be a pain in the ass for it and prevents it from performing its job well. Additionally, talk about how it limits Machoke's functionality as a dark resist as Knock Off is the most common Dark-type move in the tier.
• Machoke’s lackluster Speed stat means that it can be taken advantage of when against common pivots such as Rotom-Fan, Mareanie, Zebstrika, and Choice Band Komala.

Add a few bullets in the right places about Machoke's somewhat unique fighting typing and how it allows it to check certain threats in the tier as a result. In a similar vein, touch on how it causes some issues dealing with common Flying- and Psychic- types in the tier.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Dynamic Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: No Guard
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def

why not put the 4EVs in Spdef or even speed? very small detail

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Dynamic Punch is Machokes best STAB move allowing it to heavily damage and confuse Pokemon. Might be worth mentioning that it is used over Close Combat as it doesn't lower Machoke's defenses.
• Knock Off provides Machoke with an excellent coverage option allowing to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it such as Bronzor, Mareanie, and Dusclops.
• Rest provides Machoke with a source of recovery. Additionally, it allows Machoke to act as status absorber.
• Sleep Talk allows Machoke to preserve its Dynamic Punch PP while also avoiding the passivity that comes after using Rest

Set Details
========

• Maximum investment in HP and Defense alongside an Impish nature allows Machoke to maximize its effectiveness as a physical tank
• Alternatively, Machoke can run a set consisting of 252 HP, 252 Special Defense EVs, and a Careful nature.

I don't use machoke enough to know specific spreads off the top of my head - is any speed creep relevant in the current meta? Just something to keep in mind.
Usage Tips
========

• Machoke performs best as a physical Tank so it should be brought in on physical attackers that it walls such as Electivire, Pinsir, and Physical Silvally variants.
• Dynamic Punch should be Spammed for easy chip damage lest you are able predict a Ghost-type switch-in such as Gourgiest-XL, Dusclops, or Dusknoir.
• Eviolite adds to Machoke’s notable bulk so it should avoid being hit with Knock Off.
• Machoke should refrain from switching into strong wall breakers that can 2HKO it such as Toucannon, Choice Band Bouffalant, and Marowak.
• However, Machoke act as an excellent pivot against weaker attackers or Pokemon it resists such as Electivire, Rapidash, and Sawsbuck.
• Mention how Machoke is reliant on Rest to heal up as it doesn't have passive recovery in leftovers or Drain Punch etc.
• Status absorption is a great use of Machoke, and it allows it to put in work vs things like Bronzor and Mareanie. It's primarily used defensively but many defensive teams hate losing their item and confusion is often a bitch so it can put added pressure on them. That, along with Rest + Sleep Talk, make it not deadweight versus bulky teams.

Team Options
========

• Wallbreakers that appreciate Machoke’s access to knock off and its exceptional bulk pair well it. These Pokemon can include Shiftry, Swanna, and Abomasnow.
• Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off so, the Silvally formes tend to make for good partners as well as Pokemon that carry Z-moves like Combusken, Swanna, and Rapidash.
• Machoke is extremely weak to Psychic-types so Pokemon that resist or are immune to them such as Bronzor, Shiftry, Pawniard, and Silvally-Dark make good partners for it. Mention Pursuit somewhere in here.
• Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, and Toucannon are all common threats so Pokemon that resist them such as Mawile, Rotom-Fan, Probopass, and Bronzor all pair well with Machoke.
• Due to being heavily invested in either its Defense or Special Defense stat Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can cover up its other non-invested stat. examples
• Hazard removal is very nice as you probably well know, spikes and even Rocks can allow things to break through Machoke, some Shiftry calcs come to mind immediately.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• A more offensive set utilizing Close Combat and Guts while consisting of 212 HP, 252 Attack, and 44 Speed EVs can be used.
• Machoke can run a variety of coverage options over Knock Off such as Bullet Punch, Thunder Punch, and Earthquake.
• A Choice Band set that takes advantage of Machoke’s plethora of coverage moves is an option, but this is generally outclassed by Pokemon such as Komala, Golem, Bouffalant, and Rapidash.
• Add RestTalk Guts

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, and Dusknoir are all immune to Machoke’s most spammable move, Dynamic Punch. Gourgeist-XL is worth noting due to it being able to easily absorb a Knock Off and burn Machoke forcing it to use Rest.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Mr.Mime, Beeheyem, and Kadabra all threaten Machoke with their STAB moves. Beeheyem is worth noting thanks to its held item being primarily a Colbur Berry allowing it to shrug off Machoke’s Knock Off. Kadabra is another example of this as it tends to run Focus Sash.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, Toucannon, and Noctowl all threaten Machoke. Swanna, in particular, is worth mentioning thanks to its ability to run either a physically biased or specially biased set.

qc 1/3, good work.

 

[BP]

Done and Ready for 2/3

 

[BloodAce]

View attachment 177660

[OVERVIEW]

• Machoke has cemented itself in ZU as an exceptional Tank thanks to its notable mixed defensives and its access to great STAB.
• Thanks to the ability No Guard, Machoke can threaten potential switch-ins with its STAB Dynamic Punch which also causes Confusion.
• Machoke boasts impressive mixed defenses when coupled with the Eviolite boost.
• In addition, Machoke's pure Fighting-type is somewhat unique in ZU and it allows it to check certain Pokemon such as Floatzel, Electivire, and multiple Silvally formes that threaten other Fighting-types in the tier such as Monferno, Combusken, and Hakamo-o. poliwrath is back too
• A specially defensive Machoke can be used to combat ZU’s special attackers such as Combusken, Silvally-Dragon, and Simipour. Alternatively, a physically defensive Machoke can handle common threats such as Shiftry, Electivire, Pinsir, and Bouffalant. simipour is a bad example, +2 waterium blows you out of the water. (didnt realize this pun til I typed it out)
• Unfortunately, Machoke must rely on Eviolite to accomplish its role as a tank. This, unfortunately, limits how effective Machoke can be as a Dark-type check due to Knock Off being the most common Dark-type move in the tier.
• Common Psychic- and Flying-types in the tier such as Swanna, Beheeyem, and Kadabra heavily threaten Machoke. exeggutor
• Machoke’s lackluster Speed stat means that it can be taken advantage of when against common pivots such as Rotom-Fan, Mareanie, Zebstrika, and Choice Band Komala.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Dynamic Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: No Guard
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Dynamic Punch is Machokes best STAB move allowing it to heavily damage and confuse Pokemon. Close Combat lowers Machoke's defenses so it's inferior to Dynamic Punch on a defensive set.
• Knock Off provides Machoke with an excellent coverage option allowing to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it such as Bronzor, Mareanie, and Dusclops. can mention exegg too
• Rest provides Machoke with a source of recovery. Additionally, it allows Machoke to act as status absorber.
• Sleep Talk allows Machoke to preserve its Dynamic Punch PP while also avoiding the passivity that comes after using Rest.

.Set Details
========

• Maximum investment in HP and Defense alongside an Impish nature allows Machoke to maximize its effectiveness as a physical tank
• Alternatively, Machoke can run a set consisting of 252 HP, 252 Special Defense EVs, and a Careful nature.
• Machoke can run 212 Def and 44 Speed EVs in order to Speed creep base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Metang, and Regice.

Mention why No Guard as opposed to Guts (Dynamic Punch accuracy).

Usage Tips
========

• Machoke performs best as a physical Tank so it should be brought in on physical attackers that it walls such as Electivire, Pinsir, and Physical Silvally variants.
• Dynamic Punch should be Spammed for easy chip damage lest you are able predict a Ghost-type switch-in such as Gourgiest-XL, Dusclops, or Dusknoir. Silv-Ghost exists again too
• Eviolite adds to Machoke’s notable bulk so it should avoid being hit with Knock Off.
• Machoke should refrain from switching into strong wall breakers that can 2HKO it such as Toucannon, Choice Band Bouffalant, and Marowak.
• However, Machoke act as an excellent pivot against weaker attackers or Pokemon it resists such as Electivire, Rapidash, and Sawsbuck. you only mention examples of weaker attackers, list some pokemon it resists like pawniard.
• Machoke is reliant on Rest for recovery as it lacks any form of passive recovery through Leftovers or Drain Punch.
• Status absorption is a great use of Machoke, and it allows it to put in works against things like Bronzor and Mareanie. It's primarily used defensively but many Defensive teams hate losing their item and confusion is often a pain to deal with.

Team Options
========

• Wallbreakers that appreciate Machoke’s access to knock off and its exceptional bulk pair well it. These Pokemon can include Shiftry, Swanna, and Exeggutor. Mention the specific pokemon helps them with like Combusken in the case of Shiftry and Bronzor in the case of Swanna and Exegg
• Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off so, the Silvally formes tend to make for good partners as well as Pokemon that carry Z-moves like Combusken, Swanna, and Rapidash.
• Machoke is extremely weak to Psychic-types so Pokemon that resist or are immune to them such as Bronzor, Shiftry, Pawniard, and Silvally-Dark make good partners for it. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark are worth noting due to their access to STAB Pursuit.
• Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, and Toucannon are all common threats so Pokemon that resist them such as Mawile, Rotom-Fan, Probopass, and Bronzor all pair well with Machoke.
• Due to being heavily invested in either its Defense or Special Defense stat Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can cover up its other non-invested stat. List some examples, Bronzor works well with physically defensive Machoke, etc
• Entry hazards can allow Wallbreakers such as Combusken and Toucannon to break through Machoke so Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can remove hazards such as Komala, Avalugg, and several Silvally formes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• A more offensive set utilizing Close Combat and Guts while consisting of 212 HP, 252 Attack, and 44 Speed EVs can be used.
• Machoke can run a variety of coverage options over Knock Off such as Bullet Punch, Thunder Punch, and Earthquake. Mention Ice Punch and remove Bullet Punch, it doesnt really do much outside of picking off a weakened Mime.
• A Choice Band set that takes advantage of Machoke’s plethora of coverage moves is an option, but this is generally outclassed by Pokemon such as Komala, Golem, Bouffalant, and Rapidash.
• A set consisting of Rest, Sleep Talk, and Guts can also be used alongside Close Combat and Toxic as a more offensive set. Toxic allows Machoke to cripple would be switch-ins like Gourgeist-XL also.

mention the TR flame orb set when talking about offensive sets.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, and Dusknoir are all immune to Machoke’s most spammable move, Dynamic Punch. Gourgeist-XL is worth noting due to it being able to easily absorb a Knock Off and burn Machoke forcing it to use Rest. Silvally-Ghost is also a good Knock Off absorber.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Exeggutor, Mr. Mime, Beeheyem, and Kadabra all threaten Machoke with their STAB moves. Beeheyem is worth noting thanks to its held item being primarily a Colbur Berry allowing it to shrug off Machoke’s Knock Off. Kadabra is another example of this as it tends to run Focus Sash.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, Toucannon, and Noctowl all threaten Machoke. Swanna, in particular, is worth mentioning thanks to its ability to run either a physically biased or specially biased set. noctowl isnt that good, I would just mention the first 3

- Written by: [[Broken Phobias, 272450]]
- Quality checked by: [[DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

QC 2/3

 

[BP]

Done and ready for my 3/3

 

[5gen]

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Machoke has cemented itself in ZU as an exceptional Tank thanks to its notable mixed defensives and its access to great STAB. Thanks to the ability No Guard, Machoke can threaten potential switch-ins with its STAB Dynamic Punch which also causes Confusion. Machoke boasts impressive mixed defenses when coupled with the Eviolite boost. This line comes off as fluff and its mixed bulk is already mentioned, so perhaps give an example of what it checks well. In addition, Machoke's pure Fighting-type is somewhat unique in ZU and it allows it to check certain Pokemon such as Floatzel, Electivire, and multiple Silvally formes that threaten other Fighting-types in the tier such as Monferno, Combusken, Hakamo-o, and Poliwrath. A specially defensive Machoke can be used to combat ZU’s special attackers such as Combusken, Silvally-Dragon, and Poliwrath. Alternatively, a physically defensive Machoke can handle common threats such as Shiftry, Electivire, Pinsir, and Bouffalant. Phys def should be mentioned first since SpD is not a main set. Unfortunately, Machoke must rely on Eviolite to accomplish its role as a tank. This, unfortunately, limits how effective Machoke can be as a Dark-type check due to Knock Off being the most common Dark-type move in the tier. Common Psychic- and Flying-types in the tier such as Swanna, Exeggutor, Beheeyem, and Kadabra heavily threaten Machoke. Machoke’s lackluster Speed stat means that it can be taken advantage of when against common pivots such as Rotom-Fan, Mareanie, Zebstrika, and Choice Band Komala.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Dynamic Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: No Guard
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dynamic Punch is Machokes best STAB move allowing it to heavily damage and confuse Pokemon. Close Combat lowers Machoke's defenses so it's inferior to Dynamic Punch on a defensive set. Not really relevant here. Instead, you could give examples of targets or mention how it's handy vs physical attackers and switch-ins. Knock Off provides Machoke with an excellent coverage option allowing to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it such as Bronzor, Mareanie, Exeggutor, and Dusclops. Rest provides Machoke with a source of recovery. Additionally, it allows Machoke to act as a status absorber. Sleep Talk allows Machoke to preserve its Dynamic Punch PP while also avoiding the passivity that comes after using Rest

Set Details
========
The maximum investment in HP and Defense alongside an Impish nature allows Machoke to maximize its effectiveness as a physical tank. Alternatively, Machoke can run a set consisting of 252 HP, 252 Special Defense EVs, and a Careful nature. Machoke can run 212 Def and 44 Speed EVs in order to Speed creep base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Metang, and Regice. No Guard ensures that Machoke hits all of its Dynamic Punches.

Usage Tips
========
Machoke performs best as a physical Tank so it should be brought in on physical attackers that it walls such as Electivire, Pinsir, and Physical Silvally variants. Dynamic Punch should be Spammed for easy chip damage lest you are able to predict a Ghost-type switch-in such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgiest-XL, Dusclops, or Dusknoir. Eviolite adds to Machoke’s notable bulk so it should avoid being hit with Knock Off. Especially from Dark-types it can reliably check. Machoke should refrain from switching into strong wall breakers that can 2HKO it such as Toucannon, Choice Band Bouffalant, and Marowak. However, Machoke act as an excellent pivot against weaker attackers or Pokemon it resists such as Electivire, Rapidash, Pawniard, and Sawsbuck. Machoke is reliant on Rest for recovery as it lacks any form of passive recovery through Leftovers or Drain Punch. This is just stating a fact so explain how it comes into play. Status absorption is a great use of Machoke, and it allows it to put in works against things like Bronzor and Mareanie. Same thing here, probs just need to reword this point. It's primarily used defensively but many Defensive teams hate losing their item and confusion is often a pain to deal with. This line needs clarification because it's a little difficult to understand.

Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that appreciate Machoke’s access to knock off and its exceptional bulk pair well it. These Pokemon can include Shiftry, Swanna, and Exeggutor. Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off so, the Silvally formes tend to make for good partners as well as Pokemon that carry Z-moves like Combusken, Swanna, and Rapidash. Mention specific formes. Machoke is extremely weak to Psychic-types so Pokemon that resist or are immune to them such as Bronzor, Shiftry, Pawniard, and Silvally-Dark make good partners for it. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark are worth noting due to their access to STAB Pursuit. Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, and Toucannon are all common threats so Pokemon that resist them such as Mawile, Rotom-Fan, Probopass, and Bronzor all pair well with Machoke. Due to being heavily invested in either its Defense or Special Defense stat Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can cover up its other non-invested stat. Examples of these Pokemon may vary depending on the invested stat. For example, specially defensive walls such as Bronzor, Lickilicky, and Muk. Entry hazards can allow Wallbreakers such as Combusken and Toucannon to break through Machoke so Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can remove hazards such as Komala, Avalugg, and several Silvally formes. Specify them

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A more offensive set utilizing Close Combat and Guts while consisting of 212 HP, 252 Attack, and 44 Speed EVs can be used. Machoke can run a variety of coverage options over Knock Off such as Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and Earthquake. A Choice Band set that takes advantage of Machoke’s plethora of coverage moves is an option, but this is generally outclassed by Pokemon such as Komala, Golem, Bouffalant, and Rapidash. A set consisting of Rest, Sleep Talk, and Guts can also be used alongside Close Combat and Toxic as a more offensive set. Toxic allows Machoke to cripple Gourgeist-XL, a would-be counter to this set.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, and Dusknoir are all immune to Machoke’s most spammable move, Dynamic Punch. Gourgeist-XL is worth noting due to it being able to easily absorb a Knock Off and burn Machoke forcing it to use Rest. Silvally-Ghost is also a good Knock Off absorber.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Exeggutor, Mr.Mime, Beeheyem, and Kadabra all threaten Machoke with their STAB moves. Beeheyem is worth noting thanks to its held item being primarily a Colbur Berry allowing it to shrug off Machoke’s Knock Off. Kadabra is another example of this as it tends to run Focus Sash.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, and Toucannon all threaten Machoke. Swanna, in particular, is worth mentioning thanks to its ability to run either a physically biased or specially biased set.

- Written by: [[Broken Phobias, 272450]]
- Quality checked by: [[DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [[[Bloodace, 435539], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

qc 3/3

 

[BP]

Done and ready for GP 1/2

 

[Ginger Princess]

Done and ready for GP 1/2

be aware that you will need 2 gp checks, not just one

 

[BP]

be aware that you will need 2 gp checks, not just one

Ya i know. My mistake with the title. Must've fat fingered the key board

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Machoke has cemented itself in ZU as an exceptional tank thanks to its notable Eviolite-boosted mixed defensives and its access to a great STAB attack in No Guard Dynamic Punch to. Thanks to the ability No Guard, Machoke can threaten potential switch-ins with its STAB Dynamic Punch which also causes and cause confusion. Machoke boasts impressive mixed defenses when coupled with the Eviolite boost. This Its mixed bulk allows it to easily check Pokemon such as Electivire, Poliwrath, and a multitude of Silvally formes bar Silvally-Ghost, (comma) In addition, Machoke's while its pure Fighting-type typing is somewhat unique in ZU and it allows it to check certain Pokemon such as Floatzel, Electivire, and multiple Silvally formes that threaten other Fighting-types in the tier such as Monferno, Combusken, Hakamo-o, and Poliwrath. A physically defensive Machoke set be used to handles common threats such as Shiftry, Electivire, Pinsir, and Bouffalant. Alternatively, a specially defensive Machoke can be used to combat ZU’s special attackers such as Combusken, Silvally-Dragon, and Poliwrath. Unfortunately, Machoke's reliance on must rely on Eviolite to accomplish its role as a tank. This, unfortunately, limits how effective Machoke can be as a Dark-type check due to Knock Off being the most common Dark-type move in the tier. Common Psychic- and Flying-types in the tier such as Swanna, Exeggutor, Beheeyem, and Kadabra also heavily threaten Machoke. Machoke’s lackluster Speed stat means that it can be taken advantage of when against common pivots such as Rotom-Fan Rotom-S, Mareanie, Zebstrika, and Choice Band Komala.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Dynamic Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: No Guard
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dynamic Punch is Machokes best STAB move, (AC) allowing it to heavily damage and confuse Pokemon, (comma) This is incredibly useful as it pressures pressuring potential switch-ins such as Swanna. Knock Off provides Machoke with an excellent coverage option allowing to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it, (AC) such as Bronzor, Mareanie, Exeggutor, and Dusclops. Rest provides Machoke with a source of recovery. Additionally, it allows Machoke to act as a status absorber. Sleep Talk allows Machoke to preserve its Dynamic Punch PP while also avoiding the passivity that comes after using Rest. (AP)

Set Details
========
The maximum investment in HP and Defense alongside an Impish nature allows Machoke to maximize its effectiveness as a physical tank. Alternatively, Machoke can run a set consisting spread of 252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs, and with a Careful nature. Machoke can also run 212 Defense and 44 Speed EVs in order to Speed creep base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Metang, and Regice. No Guard ensures that Machoke hits all of its Dynamic Punches.

Usage Tips
========
Machoke performs best as a physical tank, (AC) so it should be brought in on physical attackers that it walls such as Electivire, Pinsir, and physical Silvally variants. Dynamic Punch should be spammed for easy chip damage lest unless you are able to predict a Ghost-type switch-in such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgiest-XL, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, or Dusknoir. Eviolite adds to Machoke’s notable bulk, (AC) so it should avoid being hit with Knock Off, (AC) especially from Dark-types that it can otherwise reliably check. Machoke should refrain from switching into strong wall breakers wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Toucannon, Choice Band Bouffalant, and Marowak. However, Machoke act as an excellent pivot against weaker attackers or Pokemon whose attacks it resists such as Electivire, Rapidash, Pawniard, and Sawsbuck. Because of its reliance Machoke is reliant on Rest for recovery, (AC) as it lacks any form of passive recovery through Leftovers or Drain Punch. Because of this, Machoke should refrain from taking damage as much as possible in order to avoid how passive sleep is being passive. However, thanks to its reliance on Rest, Rest does enable Machoke is able to absorb status for its teammates. Machoke should primarily be used defensively, (AC) but when against more defensive builds it should focus on crippling Pokemon with cofusion confusion and Knock Off.

Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Shiftry, Swanna, and Exeggutor that appreciate Machoke’s access to Knock Off and its exceptional bulk pair well it. These Pokemon can include Shiftry, Swanna, and Exeggutor. Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off, (AC) so (RC) Silvally formes such as Silvally-Water and Silvally-Dragon tend to make for good partners, (AC) as well as Pokemon that carry Z-Moves like Combusken, Swanna, and Rapidash. Machoke is extremely weak to Psychic-types, (AC) so Pokemon that resist or are immune to them such as Bronzor, Shiftry, Pawniard, and Silvally-Dark make good partners for it. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark are worth noting due to their access to STAB Pursuit. Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, Rotom-S, and Toucannon are all common threats so Pokemon that resist them their attacks such as Mawile, your own Rotom-Fan, Rotom-S, Probopass, and Bronzor all pair well with Machoke. Due to being heavily invested in either only one of its Defense or and Special Defense stats, (AC) Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can cover up its other, (AC) non-invested stat. Examples of these Pokemon may vary depending on the invested stat. For example, Examples of specially defensive walls such as include Bronzor, Lickilicky, and Muk. Entry hazards can allow Wallbreakers such as Combusken and Toucannon to break through Machoke, (AC) so Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can remove entry hazards such as Komala, Avalugg, and several Silvally formes like Silvally-Water, Sivally-Dragon, and Silvally-Ground.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A more offensive set utilizing Close Combat and Guts while consisting and an EV spread of 212 HP, 252 Attack, and 44 Speed EVs can be used. Machoke can run a variety of coverage options over Knock Off such as Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and Earthquake. A Choice Band set that takes advantage of Machoke’s plethora of coverage moves is an option, but this is generally outclassed by Pokemon such as Komala, Golem, Bouffalant, and Rapidash. A set consisting of featuring Rest, Sleep Talk, and Guts can also be used alongside Close Combat and Toxic as a more offensive set. Toxic allows Machoke to cripple Gourgeist-XL, a would-be counter to this set.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, and Dusknoir are all immune to Machoke’s most spammable move, Dynamic Punch. Gourgeist-XL is worth noting a special mention due to it being able its ability to easily absorb a Knock Off and burn Machoke, (AC) forcing it to use Rest. Silvally-Ghost is also a good Knock Off absorber.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Exeggutor, Mr.(space)Mime, Beeheyem, and Kadabra all threaten Machoke with their STAB moves. Beeheyem Beheeyem is worth noting thanks to its held item being primarily it usually holding a Colbur Berry, (AC) allowing it to shrug off Machoke’s Knock Off. Kadabra is another example of this, (AC) as it tends to run Focus Sash.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-Fan, Rotom-S and Toucannon all threaten Machoke. Swanna, in particular, is worth mentioning thanks to its ability to run either a physically biased or specially biased based set.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Broken Phobias, 272450]]
- Quality checked by: [[DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [[[Bloodace, 435539], [5gen, 296755]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[BP]

Done and ready for GP 2/2

 

[Fireflame]

Please be sure to change all curly apostrophes ( ’ ) to straight ones ( ' ). Curly apostrophes mess up the dex formatting when the analysis is on-site.

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen

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[OVERVIEW]

Machoke has cemented itself in ZU as an exceptional tank thanks to its notable Eviolite-boosted mixed defensives bulk and its access to a great STAB.(period) attack in No Guard-(AH)boosted Dynamic Punch to threaten potential switch-ins and causes cause confusion. Its mixed bulk allows it to easily check Pokemon such as Electivire, Poliwrath, and a multitude of Silvally formes bar Silvally-Ghost, while its pure Fighting typing is somewhat unique in ZU and allows it to check certain Pokemon such as Floatzel, Electivire, and multiple Silvally formes that threaten other Fighting-types in the tier such as Monferno, Combusken, Hakamo-o, and Poliwrath. A physically defensive set handles common threats such as Shiftry, Electivire, Pinsir, and Bouffalant. Alternatively, a specially defensive Machoke can be used to combat ZU’s special attackers such as Combusken, Silvally-Dragon, and Poliwrath. Unfortunately, Machoke's reliance on Eviolite to accomplish its role as a tank limits how effective Machoke can be as a Dark-type check due to Knock Off being the most common Dark-type move in the tier. Common Psychic- and Flying-types in the tier such as Swanna,(RC) Exeggutor, Beheeyem, and Kadabra,(AC) and Swanna (match ordering of Psychic and then Flying) also heavily threaten Machoke. Machoke’s lackluster Speed stat means that it can be taken advantage of when against common pivots such as Rotom-S, Mareanie, Zebstrika, and Choice Band Komala.

[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Dynamic Punch
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: No Guard
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dynamic Punch is Machokes best STAB move, allowing it to heavily damage and confuse Pokemon, pressuring potential switch-ins such as Swanna. Knock Off provides Machoke with an excellent coverage option allowing to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it, such as Bronzor, Mareanie, Exeggutor, and Dusclops. Rest provides Machoke with a source of recovery.(period) Additionally, it and allows Machoke to act as a status absorber. Sleep Talk allows Machoke to preserve its Dynamic Punch PP while also avoiding the passivity that comes after using Rest.

Set Details
========
The maximum investment in HP and Defense alongside an Impish nature allows Machoke to maximize its effectiveness as a physical tank. Alternatively, Machoke can run a spread of 252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Careful nature. Machoke can also run 212 Defense and 44 Speed EVs in order to Speed creep outspeed ("Speed creep" isn't an acceptable term due to its specificity and technicalities. Unless a Pokemon has maximum Speed investment, it can always run 8 more Speed EVs to outspeed the Speed creep and this results in a loop. This is why analyses say "outspeed") base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Metang, and Regice. No Guard ensures that Machoke hits all of its Dynamic Punches.

Usage Tips
========
Machoke performs best as a physical tank, so it should be brought in on physical attackers that it walls such as Electivire, Pinsir, and physical Silvally variants formes ("variants" usually implies multiple sets of the same mon). Dynamic Punch should be spammed for easy chip damage unless you are able to predict a Ghost-type switch-in such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, or Dusknoir. Eviolite adds to Machoke’s notable bulk, so it should avoid being hit with Knock Off, especially from Dark-types that it can otherwise reliably check. Machoke should refrain from switching into strong wallbreakers that can 2HKO it such as Toucannon, Choice Band Bouffalant, and Marowak. However, Machoke acts as an excellent pivot against weaker attackers or Pokemon whose attacks it resists such as Electivire, Rapidash, Pawniard, and Sawsbuck. Because of its reliance on Rest for recovery, Machoke should refrain from taking damage as much as possible in order to avoid being passive. However, Rest does enable Machoke to absorb status for its teammates. Machoke should primarily be used defensively, but when against more defensive builds,(AC) it should focus on crippling Pokemon with confusion and Knock Off.

Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Shiftry, Swanna, and Exeggutor that appreciate Machoke’s access to Knock Off and its exceptional bulk pair well it. Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can absorb Knock Off, so Silvally formes such as Silvally-Water and Silvally-Dragon tend to make for good partners, as well as Pokemon that carry Z-Moves like Combusken, Swanna, and Rapidash. Machoke is extremely weak to Psychic-types, so Pokemon that resist or are immune to them Psychic such as Bronzor, Shiftry, Pawniard, and Silvally-Dark make good partners for it. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark are worth noting due to their access to STAB Pursuit. Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon are all common threats,(AC) so Pokemon that resist their attacks such as Mawile, Rotom-S, Probopass, and Bronzor all pair well with Machoke. Due to being heavily invested in only one of its Defense and Special Defense stats, Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can cover up its other, non-invested stat. Examples of these Pokemon may vary depending on the invested stat;(SC).(period) Examples of specially defensive walls include Bronzor, Lickilicky, and Muk (include a list of physical walls at the end of this sentence too). Entry hazards can allow wallbreakers such as Combusken and Toucannon to break through Machoke, so Machoke appreciates Pokemon that can remove entry hazards such as Komala, Avalugg, and several Silvally formes like Silvally-Water, Silvally-Dragon, and Silvally-Ground.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A more offensive set utilizing Close Combat and Guts and an EV spread of 212 HP, 252 Attack, and 44 Speed 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe can be used. Machoke can run a variety of coverage options over Knock Off such as Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and Earthquake. A Choice Band set that takes advantage of Machoke’s plethora of coverage moves is an option, but this is generally outclassed by Pokemon such as Komala, Golem, Bouffalant, and Rapidash. A set featuring Rest, Sleep Talk, and Guts can also be used alongside Close Combat and Toxic as a more offensive set. Toxic allows Machoke to cripple Gourgeist-XL, a would-be counter to this set.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Silvally-Ghost, Gourgeist-XL, Dusclops, and Dusknoir are all immune to Machoke’s most spammable move, Dynamic Punch. Gourgeist-XL is worth a special mention due to its ability to easily absorb a Knock Off and burn Machoke, forcing it to use Rest. Silvally-Ghost is also a good Knock Off absorber.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types such as Exeggutor, Mr. Mime, Beheeyem, and Kadabra all threaten Machoke with their STAB moves. Beheeyem is worth noting thanks to it usually holding a Colbur Berry, allowing it to shrug off Machoke’s Knock Off. Kadabra is another example of this, as it tends to run Focus Sash.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types such as Swanna, Rotom-S, and Toucannon all threaten Machoke. Swanna, in particular, is worth mentioning thanks to its ability to run either a physically or specially based set.

- Written by: [[Broken Phobias, 272450]]
- Quality checked by: [[DurzaOffTopic, 357488], [Bloodace, 435539], [5gen, 296755]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]

GP 2/2

 

[BP]

Done and ready for Upload

 

[Ginger Princess]

https://www.smogon.com/dex/sm/pokemon/machoke/zu/

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