Munchlax (QC 1/3) (GP 0/2)

[OVERVIEW]

With a great HP stat, as well as fantastic Special Defense and Attack stats, Munchlax makes for one of the best specially defensive Pokemon in the tier. However, its poor Defense stat leaves it prey to dominant physical attackers in the tier, such as Trapinch and Pawniard, and especially Fighting-types. Moreover, since Knock Off is everywhere, Munchlax can be slowly worn down early game. Pickup can mitigate this somewhat, but keeping Munchlax healthy requires it to consume its Berry Juice. Its absolutely horrible speed tier means that it is outsped by almost every Pokémon in the tier. Its downsides are further solidified by its lack of recovery options, meaning it can easily be shut down. Finally, its bad defensive typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting-types such as Timburr and Mienfoo as well as Pokémon with coverage options such as Pawniard and Trapinch.

[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Double Edge
move 2: Fire Punch
move 3: Recycle
move 4: Curse
item: Berry Juice
ability: Pickup
nature: Impish
evs: 76 Atk / 196 Def / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========

Double Edge is Munchlax’s main attack with great damage output, but Facade is a decent alternative that punishes Pokémon that may try to come in to inflict status on Munchlax. Fire Punch is a great coverage move that can hit Grass-types and Pawniard. Recycle allows Munchlax access to reliable recovery in Berry Juice for longevity. Curse allows Munchlax to boost its physical bulk, as well as its offensive power.

Set Details
========
Pickup allows Munchlax to regain its Berry Juice when another Pokemon consumes theirs, in case it is removed by Knock Off. Maximum Special Defense allows Munchlax to wall Special Attackers such as Galarian Ponyta. An Impish nature along with some Defense investment helps Munchlax improve its physical defense, allowing it to take hits from other physical attackers, while 76 EV investment in HP allows Munchlax to tank hits better.

Usage Tips
========

Munchlax makes for a great specially defensive wall, so switch Munchlax into special attackers such as Chinchou and Galarian Ponyta. Munchlax is excellent when Fighting- and Rock-types are removed, so try saving up Munchlax until that point, then you can use Curse and tank hits, all the more while attacking. As much as possible, never have Munchlax switch into a Knock Off from Pokémon such as Pawniard and Vullaby.

Team Options
========

Munchlax fits on balanced teams that need a special wall in order to check special attackers. Koffing, Abra, Spritzee, and Mareanie make for good partners, as they can serve as a check to Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Timburr. In return, they appreciate Munchlax removing Ferroseed. Foongus can also take care of Trapinch, which has access to Superpower to effectively trap Munchlax. Hazard removal is necessary so that Munchlax won’t waste using Recycle, so Pokémon like Timburr and Vullaby make for good teammates due to their access to Defog. Checks to Pawniard like Timburr and Mudbray are appreciated by Munchlax. Knock Off absorbers, such as Onix and Timburr make good teammates, as they can check Pawniard and Vullaby.

Other Options
========

A RestTalk combination with Eviolite allows for reliable recovery even without Berry Juice. However, this makes Munchlax much less initially threatening and requires far more team support. Superpower can be used over Fire Punch for Munchlax to hit Pawniard harder, but this lessens Munchlax ability to check Ferroseed.

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

**Frillish**: Frillish walls this set, and it can cripple Munchlax with Will-o-Wisp.

**Fighting-types**: Mienfoo and Timburr are two of Munchlax’s greatest counters. Other Pokemon with Fighting-type coverage, such as Pawniard, which carries Brick Break, and Trapinch, which can carry Superpower, are very big threats to Munchlax.

**Knock Off**: Knock Off users such as the aforementioned Pawniard, as well as Vullaby, can remove reliable recovery from Munchlax, making it open to be crippled.

**Physical Attackers**: Prevalent physical attackers in the tier, such as Corphish and Mudbray, can heavily dent Munchlax, due to their high physical attack and Munchlax’s poor physical bulk.

[CREDITS]

- Written by: [[ImperialGamer517, 506687]]
- Quality checked by: [[Fiend, 208173], [username2, userid2, username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1, username2, userid2]]
 
Last edited:
amcheck! Implement what you want

ability: Thick Fat
You should mention the ability somewhere in your set descriptions

76 EV investment in HP allows Munchlax to live Timburr’s STAB attacks.
I'd be a bit more careful in the wording of this and I'd probably give another, better, reason for this. First, there's still a small chance Munchlax gets OHKOed by Timburr's Drain Punch and even if Timburr is Guts not Iron Fist, it's still 2HKO. And how would Munchlax surviving 2 of Timburr's STAB attack help? Munchlax isn't able to do much even if it does survive (assuming off a switch-in etc.) It can continuously Recycle but that's just a stall tactic.

196+ Atk Iron Fist Timburr Drain Punch vs. 76 HP / 196 Def Munchlax: 26-32 (83.8 - 103.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
196+ Atk Timburr Drain Punch vs. 76 HP / 196 Def Munchlax: 24-30 (77.4 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Trapinch, which has access to Superpower.
I've never seen this in the meta before.

A RestTalk combination allows reliable recovery when Berry Juice is knocked out. However, this just leaves Munchlax as bait for setup Pokémon such as Nasty Plot Vullaby.
RestTalk Munchlaxes probably don't run Berry Juice. They'd probably run Eviolite instead. I also wouldn't say that Munchlax is just straight up bait for NP Vullaby. Munchlax is still able to 2HKO Vullaby (50+% of the time) or guarantee a 2HKO at +1 Atk. Even higher percentages if Vullaby has taken Stealth Rocks

0+ Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 76 Def Vullaby: 10-13 (43.4 - 56.5%) -- 59.4% chance to 2HKO
+1 0+ Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 76 Def Vullaby: 15-18 (65.2 - 78.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Also not sure if RestTalk Munchlax is worth it's own set.

but this just makes Munchlax have an even worse matchup against Frillish.
I think you should find another negative about Superpower rather than this. Since the set is already so horrible against Frillish, saying it becomes even worse with Superpower is miniscule and something that might not necessarily be taken into account for.

To clarify: if I were to choose between Superpower and Fire Punch, I'm not thinking whether or not I'll have an easier time against Frillish or not.

**Fighting-types**: Galarian Farfetch’d and Timburr are two of Munchlax’s greatest counters. Other mentions include Pawniard, which carries Brick Break.
If you mentioned Trapinch with Superpower above (if you're still going to keep it in), then for continuity's sake you should put it in here as well. Also, Pawniard isn't a Fighting-type, so many you should change the heading to Fighting-Types/Fighting-Type Moves or something around those lines.
 

DC

Kpop Main, No Brain
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Another AM Check (Implement what you want):
[OVERVIEW]

With a great HP stat, as well as fantastic Special Defense and Attack stats, Munchlax makes for one of the best specially defensive Pokémon in the tier. (Give some examples of special attackers that Munchlax checks) Munchlax is also one of the best checks to Fire-types such as Ponyta, as well as Pokemon with Fire-type coverage, such as Vullaby and Galarian Ponyta, thanks to its ability in Thick Fat. (Not really Munchlax's role; perhaps discuss Munchlax's ability to soft check Sun teams?) [However, its poor Defense stat leaves it prey to dominant physical attackers in the tier, such as Trapinch and Pawniard. Moreover, since Knock Off is everywhere, Munchlax can be slowly worn down early game. Its absolutely horrible speed tier means that it is outsped by almost every Pokémon in the tier. Its downsides are further solidified by its lack of recovery options, meaning it can easily be shut down. Finally, its bad defensive typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting-types such as Timburr and Galarian Farfetch’d, as well as Pokémon with coverage options such as Pawniard and Trapinch.] (Condense this down to avoid repetition. One sentence on how its poor Defense, Speed, and typing leaves it vulnerable to physical attackers, especially fighters. Another sentence on how the prevalence of Knock Off can remove its only source of recovery, limiting its effectiveness.)

[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Body Slam/Facade - Definitely Double Edge over Body Slam (The immediate power is more valuable)
move 2: Fire Punch
move 3: Recycle
move 4: Curse
item: Berry Juice
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Impish
evs: 76 Atk / 196 Def / 236 SpD

-I think the 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SpD spread with an Adamant nature should be used instead since it is much easier to use for this analysis (I wouldn't implement this check until QC checks it tho)
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========

Body Slam is Munchlax’s main attack, thanks to STAB boost and a decent chance of paralyzing the opponent, but Facade is a decent alternative that punishes Pokémon that may try to come in to inflict status on Munchlax. (Discuss Double Edge instead) Fire Punch is a great coverage move that can hit Ferroseed, Pawniard, and Oddish. (Generalize it just to Grass-types and Pawniard) Recycle allows Munchlax access to reliable recovery in Berry Juice for longevity. Curse allows Munchlax to boost its physical bulk, as well as its offensive power.

Set Details
========
Maximum Special Defense allows Munchlax to wall Special Attackers such as Chinchou. An Impish nature along with some Defense investment helps Munchlax improve its physical defense, allowing it to take hits from other physical attackers, while 76 EV investment in HP allows Munchlax to tank hits better. Thick Fat allows Munchlax to take hits from Fire-type coverage, such as Heat Wave from Vullaby, and Mystical Fire from Galarian Ponyta. (Vullaby and G-Pony would not be using Fire-type attacks against a Munchlax.) (Additionally, discuss Berry Juice in this section.)

Usage Tips
========

Munchlax makes for a great specially defensive wall, so switch Munchlax into special attackers such as Chinchou, Galarian Ponyta, and Wingull. Munchlax is excellent in the late game, so try saving up Munchlax until that point, then you can use Curse and tank hits, all the more while attacking. If running Facade, have Munchlax switch in to get statused to power up Facade and punish your opponent’s Pokémon. As much as possible, never have Munchlax switch into a Knock Off from Pokémon such as Pawniard and Vullaby. In short, save Munchlax for the late game so that there won’t be that much physical attackers to come in on Munchlax. (There are a lot of wording contradictions in this section; You state that Munchlax should switch into special attackers but, you also state that Munchlax should be preserved. In this section, you should clarify how Munchlax is capable of switching into special attacks and should be utilizing Recycle to remain in a healthy state to potentially win in the late-game with Curse.)

Team Options
========

Munchlax fits on balanced teams that need a special wall in order to check special attackers. Koffing, Spritzee, and Oddish (Mention Mareanie instead) make for good partners, as they can serve as a check to Fighting-types such as Galarian Farfetch’d and Timburr. In return, they appreciate Munchlax removing Ferroseed. [Are there better examples? Maybe put Munchlax can check opposing Psychic-types (mainly Galarian Ponyta) for Koffing and Mareanie while checking opposing Poison-types (Oddish & Mareanie) for Spritzee.] Oddish can also take care of Trapinch, which has access to Superpower. Hazard removal is necessary so that Munchlax won’t waste using Recycle, so Pokémon like Timburr and Vullaby make for good teammates. The aforementioned Vullaby, as well as Wingull, can take care of the aforementioned Fighting-types, while Timburr can handle Brick Break Pawniard. [Have a sentence on checks to common Knock Off users; Mention Timburr and Onix as checks to Pawniard and Vullaby respectively that also are capable of absorbing Knock Off] Since Frillish basically walls Munchlax, checks to it, such as Pawniard and Ferroseed, make good partners.

Other Options
========

A RestTalk combination (RestTalk runs Eviolite over Berry Juice) allows reliable recovery when Berry Juice is knocked out. [However, this just leaves Munchlax as bait for setup Pokémon such as Nasty Plot Vullaby.] (Not necessarily true since Double Edge 2HKOs it) Superpower can be used over Fire Punch for Munchlax to hit Ferroseed and Pawniard harder, but this just makes Munchlax have an even worse matchup against Frillish. (Superpower doesn't hit Ferroseed harder; originally, it was used as a tech to hit opposing Munchlax)

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

**Frillish**: Frillish walls this set, and it can cripple Munchlax with Will-o-Wisp.

**Fighting-types**: Galarian Farfetch’d and Timburr are two of Munchlax’s greatest counters. Other Pokemon with Fighting-type coverage, such as Pawniard, which carries Brick Break, and Trapinch, which can carry Superpower, are very big threats to Munchlax.

**Knock Off**: Knock Off users such as the aforementioned Pawniard, as well as Vullaby, can remove reliable recovery from Munchlax, making it open to be crippled.

- A section on physical attackers would be nice. Although they are not counters, attackers like Mudbray and Corphish can heavily dent Munchlax.
Hope this helped!
 
Last edited:

Fiend

someguy
is a Social Media Contributoris a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
LC Leader
remove add comment
[OVERVIEW]
This overview could use a large overhaul.
With a great HP stat, as well as fantastic Special Defense and Attack stats, Munchlax makes for one of the best specially defensive Pokémon in the tier. Munchlax is also one of the best checks to Fire-types such as Ponyta, as well as Pokemon with Fire-type coverage, such as Vullaby and Galarian Ponyta, thanks to its ability in Thick Fat. However, its poor Defense stat leaves it prey to dominant physical attackers in the tier, such as Trapinch and Pawniard and especially Fighting-types. Moreover, since Knock Off is everywhere, Munchlax can be slowly worn down early game. Pickup can mitigate this somewhat, but keeping Munchlax healthy requires it to consume its Berry Juice. Finally, its bad defensive typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting-types such as Timburr and Galarian Farfetch’d, as well as Pokémon with coverage options such as Pawniard and Trapinch.

[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Double Edge/Facade
move 2: Fire Punch
move 3: Recycle
move 4: Curse
item: Berry Juice
ability: Thick Fat Pickup
nature: Impish
evs: 76 Atk / 196 Def / 236 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========

Double Edge is Munchlax’s main attack, thanks to the STAB boost I think this is unneeded great damage output, but Facade is a decent alternative that punishes Pokémon that may try to come in to inflict status on Munchlax. Fire Punch is a great coverage move that can hit Grass-types, especially Chlorophyll sweepers, and (remove double space) Pawniard. Recycle allows Munchlax access to reliable recovery in Berry Juice for longevity. Curse allows Munchlax to boost its physical bulk, as well as its offensive power.

Set Details
========
Pickup allows Munchlax to regain its Berry Juice when another Pokemon consumes theirs, in case it is removed by Knock Off. Maximum Special Defense allows Munchlax to wall Special Attackers such as Chinchou Galarian Ponyta. Chinchou isn't too hard to wall or that strong so a more offensive Pokemon is a better example. An Impish nature along with some Defense investment helps Munchlax improve its physical defense, allowing it to take hits from other physical attackers, while 76 EV investment in HP allows Munchlax to tank hits better. Thick Fat allows Munchlax to take hits from Fire-type coverage, while Berry Juice gives Munchlax access to longevity.

Usage Tips
========

Munchlax makes for a great specially defensive wall, so switch Munchlax into special attackers such as Chinchou, Galarian Ponyta, and Wingull Gull uses Knock Off, pick another one.

Munchlax is excellent in the late game, so try saving up Munchlax until that point, then you can use Curse and tank hits, all the more while attacking. Rephrase this to say Curse at a point where Fighting- or Rock-types are removed.

If running Facade, have Munchlax switch in to get statused to power up Facade and punish your opponent’s Pokémon. As much as possible, never have Munchlax switch into a Knock Off from Pokémon such as Pawniard and Vullaby. In short, save Munchlax for the late game so that there won’t be that much physical attackers to come in on Munchlax.

Team Options
========

Munchlax fits on balanced teams that need a special wall in order to check special attackers. Koffing, Spritzee, and Mareanie make for good partners, as they can serve as a check to Fighting-types such as Galarian Farfetch’d and Timburr. In return, they appreciate Munchlax removing Ferroseed. Oddish can also take care of Trapinch, which has access to Superpower to effectively trap Munchlax. Hazard removal is necessary so that Munchlax won’t waste using Recycle, so Pokémon like Timburr and Vullaby make for good teammates mention they use defog. Mudbray, Timburr for checking Pawniard The aforementioned Vullaby, as well as Wingull, can take care of the aforementioned Fighting-types, while Timburr can handle Brick Break Pawniard. Since Frillish basically walls Munchlax, checks to it, such as Pawniard and Ferroseed, make good partners. . Knock Off absorbers, such as Onix and Timburr make good teammates, as they can check Pawniard and Vullaby.

Other Options
========

A RestTalk combination with Eviolite allows for reliable recovery even without Berry Juice. However, this just leaves Munchlax as bait for setup Pokémon such as Nasty Plot Vullaby. Superpower can be used over Fire Punch for Munchlax to hit Pawniard harder, but this just makes Munchlax have an even worse matchup against Frillish but this lessens Munchlax ability to check sun sweepers.

There are a lot of things I want you to do. Let me know when you implement this so I can QC stamp this.
 
Would you say RestTalk Munchlax runs Body Slam? Because if so, it isn't necessarily bait for NP Vullaby. Here are some calcs:

+2 252+ SpA Vullaby Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 10-13 (33.3 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
76 Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 76 Def Vullaby: 10-13 (43.4 - 56.5%) -- 59.4% chance to 2HKO
76 Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. -1 0 HP / 76 Def Vullaby: 15-18 (65.2 - 78.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

If Vullaby is running Weak Armor then you're guaranteed a 2HKO with Body Slam. If it isn't you still have a more than average chance at 2HKOing. If anything Munchlax should be tanky enough to take out NP Vullaby.
 
Would you say RestTalk Munchlax runs Body Slam? Because if so, it isn't necessarily bait for NP Vullaby. Here are some calcs:

+2 252+ SpA Vullaby Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 10-13 (33.3 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
76 Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 76 Def Vullaby: 10-13 (43.4 - 56.5%) -- 59.4% chance to 2HKO
76 Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. -1 0 HP / 76 Def Vullaby: 15-18 (65.2 - 78.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

If Vullaby is running Weak Armor then you're guaranteed a 2HKO with Body Slam. If it isn't you still have a more than average chance at 2HKOing. If anything Munchlax should be tanky enough to take out NP Vullaby.
The set has already been provided. Also Double-Edge has more power and gives Munchlax more offensive prowess.
 

Fiend

someguy
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just a bit more
Set Description
========

Double Edge is Munchlax’s main attack, delete comma with great damage output, but Facade is a decent alternative that punishes Pokémon that may try to come in to inflict status on Munchlax. Fire Punch is a great coverage move that can hit Grass-types, especially Chlorophyll sweepers, and Pawniard. Recycle allows Munchlax access to reliable recovery in Berry Juice for longevity. Curse allows Munchlax to boost its physical bulk, as well as its offensive power.

Other Options
========

A RestTalk combination with Eviolite allows for reliable recovery even without Berry Juice. However, this just leaves Munchlax as bait for setup Pokémon such as Nasty Plot Vullaby. However, this makes Munchlax much less initially threatening and requires far more team support. ForgottonOne has a good point. Superpower can be used over Fire Punch for Munchlax to hit Pawniard harder, but this lessens Munchlax ability to check sun sweepers.
QC 1/3
Fiend, 208173
 

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