ZU Malamar [GP 1/1] [DONE]

5Dots

Chairs
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:ss/malamar:
[SET]
name: Contrary Stallbreaker
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Malamar serves as a disruptive stallbreaker thanks to its Contrary-boosted Superpower, STAB Knock Off, and decent bulk. Its ability Contrary allows Malamar to take advantage of teams relying on Defog to clear hazards, Intimidate and Parting Shot to deal with physical attackers, and stat drops from moves like Shadow Ball and Grav Apple. Superpower allows Malamar to simultaneously boost and break past walls like Tangela, Stunfisk, and Articuno. Knock Off OHKOes non-Colbur Berry Rotom and weakens switch-ins like Alcremie, Clefairy, and Thwackey. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk enables Malamar to either continue boosting with Superpower or removing items via Knock Off while also enabling it to outstall foes like Alolan Persian, Cramorant, and Altaria. A specially defensive spread alongside Leftovers lets Malamar avoid the 3HKO from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Cramorant, and Choice Scarf Jynx, although it must be wary of switching into the latter's Trick.

Malamar appreciates entry hazard support from teammates like Alolan Sandslash and Rhydon to wear down threats like Silvally-Poison and Sawk. In return, it can switch into Defoggers like Articuno and Cramorant and deter them while also reliably breaking down common defensive walls like Tangela and Stunfisk. Malamar's teammates appreciate it breaking down, or at least weakening, special attackers such as Ninetales and Skuntank. This enables offensive teammates like Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to clean late-game. As a result of its massive weakness to U-turn, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Rocky Helmet Miltank and Qwilfish, and Flame Body Rapidash are helpful to deter pivots like Cinccino and Thwackey.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An EV spread of 252 HP / 184 SpD / 72 Spe allows Malamar to outspeed Perrserker, Piloswine, and Jolly Rhydon, at the cost of no longer avoiding a 3HKO from Jynx and Ninetales. A physically defensive spread with an Impish nature enables Malamar to better take on Sawk, Kangaskhan, and Rapidash, but it makes Malamar worse against special attackers like Rotom and Jynx. Psycho Cut grants Malamar a more reliable way to break down Fighting-types like Throh and Gurdurr, as well as opposing Poison-types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison. It also serves as Malamar's best way to damage Alcremie after boosts, but Knock Off offers too much utility to forego except on an offensive set with three attacks + Substitute or Taunt. A Choice Scarf set with Switcheroo over Sleep Talk can cripple checks like Alcremie and Pyukumuku, although this set makes Malamar more passive due to lacking Leftovers and renders it more susceptible to strong attackers like Thwackey and Rapidash.

Checks and Counters
===================
**U-turn**: Pokemon such as Wishiwashi and Silvally-Poison can switch into Malamar and force it out with U-turn. More offensive Pokemon like Flapple, Perrserker, Thwackey, and Cinccino can also scare it out, although they are unable to switch in safely and dislike losing their items to Knock Off.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: While most can't directly switch into it, Malamar's initial bulk and mediocre Speed tier allow dangerous wallbreakers like Kangaskhan, Basculin, Choice Band Morpeko, and Swords Dance Silvally-Poison to heavily damage it.

**Fairy-types**: Alcremie can either 3HKO Malamar or use it as setup fodder; however, mono-attacking Stored Power variants of Alcremie are unable to beat Malamar. Clefairy can beat it comfortably in a one-on-one, although a +1 Malamar can beat a Clefairy that switches in. Both Fairy-types also dislike losing their items.

**Pyukumuku**: Unaware ignores Malamar's stat boosts and causes it to deal little damage to Pyukumuku. Pyukumuku can then trap Malamar with Block and proceed to stall it out.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Colbur Berry Cofagrigus and Gourgeist-XL can stop Malamar from using Superpower and allow themselves to be hit with a weak Knock Off, preventing it from gaining boosts. The former even removes Malamar's ability upon taking contact, which forces it out. Spiritomb dislikes losing its item, but it can use its neutrality to Knock Off to turn Malamar into setup fodder or attack it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5Dots, 543866]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [Jett, 226429]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
 
Last edited:

S1nn0hC0nfirm3d

aka Ho3nConfirm3d
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a defending SCL Champion
[SET]
name: Contrary Stallbreaker
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Malamar serves as a disruptive stallbreaker thanks to its Contrary-boosted Superpower, access to utility moves like STAB Knock Off and Switcheroo, and decent bulk (Switcheroo is in OO so best not to open with a mention of it). Its ability Contrary allows it to take advantage of teams relying on Defog to clear hazards, Intimidate and Parting Shot to deal with physical attackers, and defense drops from moves like Shadow Ball and Grav Apple. Superpower is a strong attack that allows it to simultaneously boosts its Attack and Defense, breaking past the likes of Ferroseed, Audino, and Coalossal Articuno (VR). Knock Off OHKOes non-Colbur Berry Rotom and weakens checks switching in like Alcremie, Clefairy, and Thwackey. Rest restores Malamar to full HP and enables it to replace any status it may have accumulated prior. Sleep Talk enables Malamar to either continue boosting with Superpower or remove items via Knock Off (Combine these two sentences into one; write that Rest + Sleep Talk allows Malamar to outstall x, y, and z. Replace these variables with bulky Pokemon that can't break Malamar but Malamare requires multiple boosts for it to beat. You could also fit in why a specially defensive spread could help if it's relevant to these examples). Its biggest issues are its defensive profile, poor Speed tier, and lack of power before boosting. Malamar’s double weakness to Bug-types leaves it to be forced out by common Bug-types like Accelgor and Frosmoth as well as other Pokemon commonly carrying U-turn, like Thwackey and Cinccino, and its lower Defense stat means it is vulnerable to being 2HKOed by many strong neutral hits, like Choice Band Sawk’s Close Combat or Silvally-Poison’s boosted Multi-Attack. (not necessarily set details and I would rather have this point be in reference to teammates instead)

Malamar appreciates hazard support from teammates like Alolan Sandslash and Rhydon to wear down threats like Kangaskhan Silvally-Poison (Kanga runs HDB too often; SilvPoison is more pressured by hazards + hits hard with U-turn) and Sawk. In turn, it could lure in Defoggers like Articuno or and Cramorant to take advantage of their stat-dropping moves, while also being able to reliably break down slower teams their common defensive partners like Tangela and Stunfisk (Was looking for something specific here). Malamar’s teammates also appreciate it breaking down, or at least crippling special attackers such as Ninetales and Piloswine Skuntank for them, enabling it to further weaken the opposing team. This would allow Malamar’s offensive teammates like Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to help clean up late-game (This Malamar is used as a special wall of sorts so it be switching into Ninetales and Skuntank and trading hits with them, especially if they went for NP. Even if Malamar gets KO'd, the damage from Superpower and Knock Off could be enough then for Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to beat these two. I think this is the point you were getting at so I just made it clear + removed Piloswine because Pilo is just switching out from Malamar unless its sacked) (This is where you can mention Malmar's awful weakness to U-turn, so physically defensive partners with like Qwilfish, Rapidash, and Miltank work as switch-ins that can punish Thwackey and Cinccino with Rocky Helmet or Flame Body).

[OTHER OPTIONS]
Psycho Cut grants Malamar a more reliable way to break down Fighting-types like Sawk and Gurdurr, as well as opposing Poison types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison. This attack also serves as its best way to damage Alcremie after boosts, but Knock Off offers too much utility to give up unless on an offensive set with three attacks + Substitute or Taunt (wanted to included an offensive spread and this is where it go anyways). A Choice Scarf with Switcheroo to replace Sleep Talk can cripple its checks like Alcremie and Pyukumuku, though this makes Malamar more passive without Leftovers and render itself more susceptible to strong attackers like Thwackey and Rapidash. Malamar has utility moves such as Block, Acupressure, (comma) and Taunt to lure in certain counters, but it has severe difficulty replacing any one of its moves this gimmicky set only works as a surprise (the coverage isn't the issue, it's the fact that this set is very unlikely to trap something that Malamar can setup on multiple times).

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]
**Bug-types and Bug-type coverage moves U-turn**: While none of them particularly enjoy taking a Knock Off, Bug types such as Crustle and Accelgor can outpace it and easily OHKO it with their Bug-type STAB moves. Pokémon sporting Bug-type coverage moves such as Thwackey, Cinccino and Flapple can deal massive damage to it via U-Turn and thus force it out. (Offensive Bug-types are rare, and Pokemon mentioned in analyses should be B rank or higher on the current VR–at least, as a rule of thumb. This point should be rewritten about U-turn, as that's the most common Bug attack in ZU; Accelgor is niche and Frosmoth doesn't often run Bug Buzz. I'd also mention U-turn users like Silvally-Poison and Wishiwashi that can also switch into Malamar compared to frailer but stronger attackers like Cinc, Thwackey, and Perrserker)

**Strong Wallbreakers**: While most can’t directly switch into it, Malamar’s initial bulk and mediocre speed tier prompts dangerous wallbreakers like Kangaskhan, Choice Band Basculin Morpeko (VR), and Swords Dance Silvally-Poison to heavily damage it should they be given the opportunity to safely pivot in.

**Fairy-types**: Alcremie can either reply with a super effective Dazzling Gleam and achieve an easy 3HKO or use it as setup fodder. Clefairy can beat it comfortably in a one-on-one, though a +1 Malamar can beat a Clefairy that switches in.

**Pyukumuku**: Pyukumuku does not care at what Malamar throws at it, as Unaware ignores Malamar's stat boosts and causes it to deal little damage. Pyukumuku can then trap Malamar with Block and proceed to stall it out.

**Ghost-types**: Colbur Berry Jellicent and Cofagrigus can stop Malamar from using Superpower and allow themselves to be hit with a weak Knock Off, preventing it from making much progress. Spiritomb dislikes losing its item, but can use its neutrality to Knock Off to use Malamar as setup fodder or attack it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5Dots, 543866]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Not bad! I'll give this one last look after you implement these changes, and then I'll give you the first QC. Tag me wherever once you finished.
 

S1nn0hC0nfirm3d

aka Ho3nConfirm3d
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a defending SCL Champion
[SET]
name: Contrary Stallbreaker
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Malamar serves as a disruptive stallbreaker thanks to its Contrary-boosted Superpower, access to STAB Knock Off, and decent bulk. Its ability Contrary allows it to take advantage of teams relying on Defog to clear hazards, Intimidate and Parting Shot to deal with physical attackers, and defense stat drops from moves like Shadow Ball and Grav Apple. Superpower is a strong attack that allows it to simultaneously boosts its Attack and Defense, breaking boost and break (fluff) past the likes of Ferroseed, Audino, and Articuno. Knock Off OHKOes non-Colbur Berry Rotom and weakens checks switching in like Alcremie, Clefairy, and Thwackey. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk enables Malamar to either continue boosting with Superpower or remove items via Knock Off, while enabling it to outstall the likes of Alolan Persian, Miltank Cramorant (Superpower alone deals with Miltank but the recovery is notable vs Cram), and Altaria. A specially defensive spread alongside Leftovers is used so that Malamar can avoid the 3HKO from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Cramorant, and Choice Scarf Jynx.

Malamar appreciates entry hazard support from teammates like Alolan Sandslash and Rhydon to wear down threats like Silvally-Poison and Sawk. In turn, it could lure in Defoggers like Articuno and Cramorant to take advantage of their stat-dropping moves, while also being able to reliably break down their common defensive partners like Tangela and Stunfisk. Malamar’s teammates also appreciate it breaking down, or at least crippling, (comma) special attackers such as Ninetales and Skuntank for them, enabling it to further weaken the opposing team. This would allow Malamar’s offensive teammates like Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to help clean up late-game. As a result of its massive weakness to U-turn, Pokemon such as Ferroseed, Rocky Helmet Miltank and Qwilfish, as well as Flame Body Rapidash, are helpful in deterring the likes of Cinccino and Thwackey from pivoting out with the move.

[OTHER OPTIONS]
(You can mention alternative EV spreads, like more Speed or Defense, at the cost of being less of a wall to the likes of Rotom and Rotom-F) Psycho Cut grants Malamar a more reliable way to break down Fighting-types like Sawk and Gurdurr, as well as opposing Poison types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison. This attack also serves as its best way to damage Alcremie after boosts, but Knock Off offers too much utility to forego unless on an offensive set with three attacks + Substitute or Taunt. A Choice Scarf with Switcheroo to replace Sleep Talk can cripple its checks like Alcremie and Pyukumuku, though this makes Malamar more passive without Leftovers and render itself more susceptible to strong attackers like Thwackey and Rapidash. Malamar can also run Block and Acupressure to replace Sleep Talk and Superpower, with Suction Cups as the ability, but this is gimmicky since most Pokemon can prevent it from setting up multiple times.

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]
**U-turn**: Pokemon sporting the move such as Wishiwashi and Silvally-Poison can switch into Malamar can deal massive damage to it via U-Turn and thus force it out. More offensive Pokemon like Flapple, Perrserker, Thwackey, and Cinccino can also scare it out, though they are unable to switch in safely and dislike losing their item to Knock Off.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: While most can’t directly switch into it, Malamar’s initial bulk and mediocre speed tier prompts dangerous wallbreakers like Kangaskhan, Choice Band Morpeko, and Swords Dance Silvally-Poison to heavily damage it should they be given the opportunity to safely pivot in.

**Fairy-types**: Alcremie can either reply with a super effective Dazzling Gleam and achieve an easy 3HKO or use it as setup fodder. Clefairy can beat it comfortably in a one-on-one, though a +1 Malamar can beat a Clefairy that switches in.

**Pyukumuku**: Pyukumuku does not care at what Malamar throws at it, as Unaware ignores Malamar's stat boosts and causes it to deal little damage. Pyukumuku can then trap Malamar with Block and proceed to stall it out.

**Ghost-types**: Colbur Berry Jellicent and Cofagrigus can stop Malamar from using Superpower and allow themselves to be hit with a weak Knock Off, preventing it from making much progress. Spiritomb dislikes losing its item, but can use its neutrality to Knock Off to use Malamar as setup fodder or attack it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5Dots, 543866]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
Ho3nConfirm3d-QC-small.gif


QC 1/1!
 

Jett

gm gobodachis
is a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
good job
add remove comments

[SET]
name: Contrary Stallbreaker
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Malamar serves as a disruptive stallbreaker thanks to its Contrary-boosted Superpower, access to STAB Knock Off, and decent bulk. Its ability Contrary allows it to take advantage of teams relying on Defog to clear hazards, Intimidate and Parting Shot to deal with physical attackers, and stat drops from moves like Shadow Ball and Grav Apple. Superpower is a strong attack that allows it to simultaneously boost and break past the likes of Tangela, Stunfisk, and Articuno. Knock Off OHKOes non-Colbur Berry Rotom and weakens checks switching in like Alcremie, Clefairy, and Thwackey. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk enables Malamar to either continue boosting with Superpower or remove items via Knock Off, while enabling it to outstall the likes of Alolan Persian, Cramorant, and Altaria. A specially defensive spread alongside Leftovers is used so that Malamar can avoid the 3HKO from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Cramorant, and Choice Scarf Jynx, although it must be wary of switching into the latter's Trick.

Malamar appreciates entry hazard support from teammates like Alolan Sandslash and Rhydon to wear down threats like Silvally-Poison and Sawk. In turn, it could lure in(it doesn't lure in Defoggers, better to say you switch into them and that Malamar acts as a deterrent to the move or that it can capitalise on Defog users thanks to Contrary) Defoggers like Articuno and Cramorant to take advantage of their stat-dropping moves, while also being able to reliably break down their common defensive partners like Tangela and Stunfisk. Malamar’s teammates also appreciate it breaking down, or at least crippling, special attackers such as Ninetales and Skuntank for them, enabling it to further weaken the opposing team. This would allow Malamar’s offensive teammates like Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to help clean up late-game. As a result of its massive weakness to U-turn, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Rocky Helmet Miltank and Qwilfish, as well as Flame Body Rapidash, are helpful in deterring the likes of Cinccino and Thwackey from pivoting out with the move.

[OTHER OPTIONS]
An EV spread of 252 HP / 184 SpD / 72 Spe allows it to outspeed Perrserker, Piloswine, and Jolly Rhydon, but means Malamar is no longer guaranteed to avoid a 3HKO from Jynx and Ninetales(always good to mention downside of OOs since this sorta suggested some speed would just be better). A physically defensive spread with an impish nature enables it to take on the likes of Sawk, Kangaskhan, and Rapidash better at the cost of being less of a wall against special attackers like Rotom and Jynx. Psycho Cut grants Malamar a more reliable way to break down Fighting-types like Sawk and Gurdurr, as well as opposing Poison types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison. This attack also serves as its best way to damage Alcremie after boosts, but Knock Off offers too much utility to forego unless on an offensive set with three attacks + Substitute or Taunt. A Choice Scarf with Switcheroo to replace Sleep Talk can cripple its checks like Alcremie and Pyukumuku, though this makes Malamar more passive without Leftovers and render itself more susceptible to strong attackers like Thwackey and Rapidash.

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]
**U-turn**: Pokemon sporting the move, such as Wishiwashi and Silvally-Poison, can switch in, deal massive damage to Malamar, and thus force it out. More offensive Pokemon like Flapple, Perrserker, Thwackey, and Cinccino can also scare it out, though they are unable to switch in safely and dislike losing their item to Knock Off.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: While most can’t directly switch into it, Malamar’s initial bulk and mediocre speed tier prompts dangerous wallbreakers like Kangaskhan, Choice Band Basculin(adding it back now it's relevant again lmao), Choice Band Morpeko, and Swords Dance Silvally-Poison to heavily damage it should they be given the opportunity to safely pivot in.

**Fairy-types**: Alcremie can either reply with a super effective Dazzling Gleam and achieve an easy 3HKO or use it as setup fodder. However, Alcremie is unable to break past Malamar if it is running the Stored Power variant. Clefairy can beat it comfortably in a one-on-one, though a +1 Malamar can beat a Clefairy that switches in. Both Fairy-types also dislike losing their item.

**Pyukumuku**: Pyukumuku does not care at what Malamar throws at it, as Unaware ignores Malamar's stat boosts and causes it to deal little damage. Pyukumuku can then trap Malamar with Block and proceed to stall it out.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Colbur Berry Cofagrigus and Gourgeist-XL can stop Malamar from using Superpower and allow themselves to be hit with a weak Knock Off, l preventing it from sweeping. The former even removes Malamar’s ability upon taking contact damage, which forces it out. Spiritomb dislikes losing its item, but can use its neutrality to Knock Off to use Malamar as setup fodder or attack it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5Dots, 543866]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [Jett, 226429]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
peach_qc_stamp.gif
 

5Dots

Chairs
is a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributor
good job
add remove comments

[SET]
name: Contrary Stallbreaker
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Malamar serves as a disruptive stallbreaker thanks to its Contrary-boosted Superpower, access to STAB Knock Off, and decent bulk. Its ability Contrary allows it to take advantage of teams relying on Defog to clear hazards, Intimidate and Parting Shot to deal with physical attackers, and stat drops from moves like Shadow Ball and Grav Apple. Superpower is a strong attack that allows it to simultaneously boost and break past the likes of Tangela, Stunfisk, and Articuno. Knock Off OHKOes non-Colbur Berry Rotom and weakens checks switching in like Alcremie, Clefairy, and Thwackey. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk enables Malamar to either continue boosting with Superpower or remove items via Knock Off, while enabling it to outstall the likes of Alolan Persian, Cramorant, and Altaria. A specially defensive spread alongside Leftovers is used so that Malamar can avoid the 3HKO from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Cramorant, and Choice Scarf Jynx, although it must be wary of switching into the latter's Trick.

Malamar appreciates entry hazard support from teammates like Alolan Sandslash and Rhydon to wear down threats like Silvally-Poison and Sawk. In turn, it could lure in(it doesn't lure in Defoggers, better to say you switch into them and that Malamar acts as a deterrent to the move or that it can capitalise on Defog users thanks to Contrary) Defoggers like Articuno and Cramorant to take advantage of their stat-dropping moves, while also being able to reliably break down their common defensive partners like Tangela and Stunfisk. Malamar’s teammates also appreciate it breaking down, or at least crippling, special attackers such as Ninetales and Skuntank for them, enabling it to further weaken the opposing team. This would allow Malamar’s offensive teammates like Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to help clean up late-game. As a result of its massive weakness to U-turn, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Rocky Helmet Miltank and Qwilfish, as well as Flame Body Rapidash, are helpful in deterring the likes of Cinccino and Thwackey from pivoting out with the move.

[OTHER OPTIONS]
An EV spread of 252 HP / 184 SpD / 72 Spe allows it to outspeed Perrserker, Piloswine, and Jolly Rhydon, but means Malamar is no longer guaranteed to avoid a 3HKO from Jynx and Ninetales(always good to mention downside of OOs since this sorta suggested some speed would just be better). A physically defensive spread with an impish nature enables it to take on the likes of Sawk, Kangaskhan, and Rapidash better at the cost of being less of a wall against special attackers like Rotom and Jynx. Psycho Cut grants Malamar a more reliable way to break down Fighting-types like Sawk and Gurdurr, as well as opposing Poison types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison. This attack also serves as its best way to damage Alcremie after boosts, but Knock Off offers too much utility to forego unless on an offensive set with three attacks + Substitute or Taunt. A Choice Scarf with Switcheroo to replace Sleep Talk can cripple its checks like Alcremie and Pyukumuku, though this makes Malamar more passive without Leftovers and render itself more susceptible to strong attackers like Thwackey and Rapidash.

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]
**U-turn**: Pokemon sporting the move, such as Wishiwashi and Silvally-Poison, can switch in, deal massive damage to Malamar, and thus force it out. More offensive Pokemon like Flapple, Perrserker, Thwackey, and Cinccino can also scare it out, though they are unable to switch in safely and dislike losing their item to Knock Off.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: While most can’t directly switch into it, Malamar’s initial bulk and mediocre speed tier prompts dangerous wallbreakers like Kangaskhan, Choice Band Basculin(adding it back now it's relevant again lmao), Choice Band Morpeko, and Swords Dance Silvally-Poison to heavily damage it should they be given the opportunity to safely pivot in.

**Fairy-types**: Alcremie can either reply with a super effective Dazzling Gleam and achieve an easy 3HKO or use it as setup fodder. However, Alcremie is unable to break past Malamar if it is running the Stored Power variant. Clefairy can beat it comfortably in a one-on-one, though a +1 Malamar can beat a Clefairy that switches in. Both Fairy-types also dislike losing their item.

**Pyukumuku**: Pyukumuku does not care at what Malamar throws at it, as Unaware ignores Malamar's stat boosts and causes it to deal little damage. Pyukumuku can then trap Malamar with Block and proceed to stall it out.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Colbur Berry Cofagrigus and Gourgeist-XL can stop Malamar from using Superpower and allow themselves to be hit with a weak Knock Off, l preventing it from sweeping. The former even removes Malamar’s ability upon taking contact damage, which forces it out. Spiritomb dislikes losing its item, but can use its neutrality to Knock Off to use Malamar as setup fodder or attack it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5Dots, 543866]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [Jett, 226429]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
View attachment 379794
Implemented and ready for GP!
 

DC

Kpop Main, No Brain
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:ss/malamar:
[SET]
name: Contrary Stallbreaker
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Malamar serves as a disruptive stallbreaker thanks to its Contrary-boosted Superpower, access to STAB Knock Off, and decent bulk. Its ability Contrary allows it Malamar to take advantage of teams relying on Defog to clear entry hazards, Intimidate and Parting Shot to deal with physical attackers, and stat drops from moves like Shadow Ball and Grav Apple. Superpower is a strong attack that allows it Malamar to simultaneously boost and break past the likes of walls like Tangela, Stunfisk, and Articuno. Knock Off OHKOes non-Colbur Berry Rotom and weakens checks switching in switch-ins like Alcremie, Clefairy, and Thwackey. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk enables Malamar to either continue boosting with Superpower or remove removing items via Knock Off,(RC) while also enabling it to outstall the likes of foes like Alolan Persian, Cramorant, and Altaria. A specially defensive spread alongside Leftovers is used so that lets Malamar can avoid the 3HKO from Pokemon such as Ninetales, Cramorant, and Choice Scarf Jynx, although it must be wary of switching into the latter's Trick.

Malamar appreciates entry hazard support from teammates like Alolan Sandslash and Rhydon to wear down threats like Silvally-Poison and Sawk. In turn, it could pivot and deter Defoggers like Articuno and Cramorant to take advantage of Defog, while also being able to reliably break down their common defensive partners like Tangela and Stunfisk. In return, it can switch into Defoggers like Articuno and Cramorant and deter them while also reliably breaking down common defensive walls like Tangela and Stunfisk. Malamar's(ASCII Apostrophe) teammates also appreciate it breaking down, or at least crippling weakening, special attackers such as Ninetales and Skuntank for them,(RC) enabling it to further weaken the opposing team. This would allow Malamar’s enables offensive teammates like Silvally-Poison and Thwackey to help clean up late-game. As a result of its massive weakness to U-turn, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Rocky Helmet Miltank and Qwilfish, as well as and Flame Body Rapidash,(RC) are helpful in deterring the likes of Cinccino and Thwackey from pivoting out with the move to deter pivots like Cinccino and Thwackey.

[OTHER OPTIONS]
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============
An EV spread of 252 HP / 184 SpD / 72 Spe allows it Malamar to outspeed Perrserker, Piloswine, and Jolly Rhydon,(AC) at the cost of no longer avoiding a 3HKO from Jynx and Ninetales. A physically defensive spread with an Impish(capitalize) nature enables it Malamar to better take on the likes of Sawk, Kangaskhan, and Rapidash,(AC) better at the cost of being less of a wall but it makes Malamar worse against special attackers like Rotom and Jynx. Psycho Cut grants Malamar a more reliable way to break down Fighting-types like Throh and Gurdurr,(RC) as well as opposing Poison-(AH)types like Qwilfish and Silvally-Poison. This attack It also serves as its Malamar's best way to damage Alcremie after boosts,(remove bold) but Knock Off offers too much utility to forego unless except on an offensive set with three attacks + Substitute or Taunt. A Choice Scarf set with Switcheroo to replace over Sleep Talk can cripple its checks like Alcremie and Pyukumuku, although this set makes Malamar more passive without due to lacking Leftovers and renders itself it more susceptible to strong attackers like Thwackey and Rapidash.

[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]
Checks and Counters
===================

**U-turn**: Pokemon sporting the move, such as Wishiwashi and Silvally-Poison, can switch in, deal massive damage to Malamar, and thus force it out. Pokemon such as Wishiwashi and Silvally-Poison can switch into Malamar and force it out with U-turn. More offensive Pokemon like Flapple, Perrserker, Thwackey, and Cinccino can also scare it out, although they are unable to switch in safely and dislike losing their items to Knock Off.

**Strong Wallbreakers**: While most can't(ASCII Apostrophe) directly switch into it, Malamar's(ASCII Apostrophe) initial bulk and mediocre Speed(capitalize) tier prompts allow dangerous wallbreakers like Kangaskhan, Basculin, Choice Band Morpeko, and Swords Dance Silvally-Poison to heavily damage it should they be given the opportunity to safely pivot in.

**Fairy-types**: Alcremie can either reply with a super effective Dazzling Gleam and achieve an easy 3HKO or use it as setup fodder. However, Alcremie is unable to break past Malamar if it is running the Stored Power variant. Alcremie can either 3HKO Malamar or use it as setup fodder; however, mono-attacking Stored Power variants of Alcremie are unable to beat Malamar. Clefairy can beat it comfortably in a one-on-one, although a +1 Malamar can beat a Clefairy that switches in. Both Fairy-types also dislike losing their items.

**Pyukumuku**: Pyukumuku does not care at what Malamar throws at it, as Unaware ignores Malamar's stat boosts and causes it to deal little damage to Pyukumuku. Pyukumuku can then trap Malamar with Block and proceed to stall it out.

**Bulky Ghost-types**: Colbur Berry Cofagrigus and Gourgeist-XL can stop Malamar from using Superpower and allow themselves to be hit with a weak Knock Off, preventing it from sweeping.(This sentence is a bit weird. How does letting themselves get hit by Knock Off prevent Malamar from sweeping?) The former even removes Malamar's(ASCII Apostrophe) ability upon taking contact damage, which forces it out. Spiritomb dislikes losing its item, but it can use its neutrality to Knock Off to use turn Malamar as into setup fodder or attack it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5Dots, 543866]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [Jett, 226429]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
GP 1/1. [DC, 449990] Pls fix the formatting.
 

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