Upstart
Copy Cat
Name: Malamar
Type: Dark / Psychic
Ability: Contrary / Suction Cups
Estimated Base Stats: 80/100/90/70/60/70
Notable Movepool
Foul Play
Hypnosis
Light Screen
Night Slash
Payback
Psycho Cut
Reflect
Rest
Sleep Talk
Substitute
Superpower
Swagger
Switcharoo
Topsy Turvy
Toxic
Trick Room
With the appearance of a special attacker, one might find it interested that a physical powerhouse stands before you. With subpar stats and what is of now a limited move pool, Gen 6 was not looking to kind to Malamar. Malamar viability skyrocketed with the reveal of her ability Contrary and access to Superpower. This change of events allowed Malamar to Bulk Up attack with its phenomenal coverage.
Possible Moveset:
You Spin Me Right Round
Ability: Contrary
Nature: Adamant / Careful
Evs:
Item: Leftovers
Moveset:
Superpower
Night Slash / Foul Play
Psycho Cut
Toxic / Substitute / Trick Room / Topsy Turvy
The crux of this set rests in the Contrary Superpower. Malamar can boost up while spamming a base 120 move. Malamar's own STABs round out the move pool to yield excellent type coverage. The last move slot is available for a plethora of status moves to aid Malamar in punishing the lower tiers.
The Evs are highly dependent on the Speed tiers that develop. One could opt for 252 Atk with Speed investment to have an offensive presence from the get go. While on the other hand, bulky boosting with High Hp and SpD investment seems plausible on paper.
With the addition of Trick Room Malamar's subpar speed is mitigated allowing it to boost up while attacking first. Topsy Turvy can be utilized to punished pokes attempting to boost along side of you.
Other Options:
Rest / Sleep Talk with Super Power and a coverage move seems possible. Choice Scarf set is far to weak to accomplish very much as Malamar lacks the outright power. Chesto Rest could be utilized for recovery until you have some boosts under your belt. Unfortunately chesto rest would forgo much needed items.
Calcs:
Checks and Counters:
Malamar's speed is a large hindrance. She can easily be outsped before she can set up. Without any form of priority or healing Malamar's strength and durability are greatly compromised. Malamar's typing although interesting yields little in terms of resistances. However due to her amazing coverage faster threats will have trouble switching in.
Interesting Implications:
King's Shield raises Malamar's Attack
Sticky Web raises Malamar's Speed
Switching into Parting Shots Raises both Attack and Special Attack
Wish List: (Hopefully Egg Moves)
Sucker Punch (will require 5th gen transfer to test)
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