PU Munchlax Revamp

[tondas]

uploaded-TONE
[OVERVIEW]

Munchlax is an effective stop to many powerful special attackers such as Lilligant, Choice Specs Jellicent, and Aurorus thanks to its immense HP, decent Special Defense, and access to Thick Fat. Munchlax can also check weaker physical attackers like defensive Alolan Sandslash and Regirock despite its low base Defense courtesy of Eviolite and investment. These defensive attributes grant Munchlax several opportunities to either fire off an attack or cripple the opposing team with Toxic. However, even though the combination of Earthquake and Toxic covers a wide array of Pokemon, Munchlax is very passive due to its mediocre Attack and abysmal Speed. This in conjunction with Munchlax's reliance on Rest for recovery often makes Munchlax exploitable by setup sweepers and physical wallbreakers such as Dodrio, Gurdurr, and Stoutland. Gurdurr and Stoutland are also able to benefit from Toxic due to Guts and Facade, respectively. Munchlax's reliance on Eviolite means it can't viably run Leftovers for passive recovery and is highly susceptible to Knock Off from Pokemon like Eelektross and Kabutops. Finally, Munchlax faces immense competition from Type: Null, which has higher overall stats and access to moves such as Swords Dance, Iron Defense, and U-turn, allowing it to apply more offensive pressure, check a wider array of Pokemon, or provide momentum for its team.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Wall
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Careful
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic cripples defensive Pokemon like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Tangela by putting them on a timer. Earthquake is Munchlax's preferred attacking option, as it targets Normal-resistant Pokemon, including those immune to Toxic such as Aggron and Alolan Dugtrio, for super effective damage. Rest fully replenishes Munchlax's HP and removes any other status conditions, while Sleep Talk helps make Munchlax less passive during its sleep turns.

Set Details
========

Investing 252 EVs into Defense instead of HP patches up Munchlax's poor Defense, as full HP investment is negligible in comparison. Thick Fat alongside a Careful nature maximizes Munchlax's ability to switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus, Rotom-F, and Simisear lacking Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Munchlax can pivot into various special attackers, including Aurorus, Mesprit, and Swanna, as well as weaker physical attackers such as Regirock. Against such Pokemon, Munchlax is free to use either Earthquake to deal damage or Toxic to cripple checks such as Hitmonchan and Sableye. Earthquake in particular is best utilized to heavily damage predicted switch-ins like Aggron and Lycanroc, which would otherwise come in for free and take advantage of Munchlax. Munchlax should maintain a high amount of HP so it can consistently pivot into attackers; however, exercise caution when using Rest, as being asleep drastically increases Munchlax's passivity and gives setup sweepers like Dodrio and Alolan Sandslash much more leeway. Keeping Munchlax's item intact is imperative to its success, as it's far more difficult to check Pokemon like Aurorus and Lilligant without it. While Munchlax can take hits from Pokemon like offensive Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they are all viable users of Trick and Switcheroo, which can completely disable Munchlax. Similarly, Munchlax should be cautious of Z-Moves and coverage moves such as Omastar's Hydro Vortex and Simisear's Focus Blast, which threaten to power through a weakened Munchlax.

Team Options
========

It is advised to use Munchlax on balance teams, as its rather passive nature can make it a momentum drain for more offensive teams. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Alolan Persian, Qwilfish, and Mesprit can check Pokemon that can exploit Munchlax such as Stoutland and Gurdurr, and in return they appreciate Munchlax's ability to pivot into special attackers like Aurorus and Swanna. Alolan Persian and Qwilfish also act as switch-ins to Knock Off from Pokemon like Kabutops and Gurdurr. The previously mentioned Qwilfish and Mesprit, alongside Ghost- and Flying-types like Jellicent and Oricorio-E, act as solid answers to the Fighting-types that threaten Munchlax. Clerics like Lanturn and Altaria are able to alleviate Munchlax of sleep and also appreciate its ability to pivot into the likes of Aurorus. Pursuit users such as Skuntank and Spiritomb can trap Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which completely wall Munchlax with the former's Taunt and the latter's typing and ability.

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

While Curse may seem like a viable option to turn Munchlax into a boosting sweeper, it's mostly outdone by Type: Null, which has superior stats and access to both Swords Dance and Iron Defense, allowing it to set up far more consistently.

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

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Munchlax lacks the physical bulk to stand up to wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Choice Band Skuntank. Even with Earthquake, Munchlax can't immediately KO Pokemon like Aggron and Lycanroc, giving them a free turn to attack or set up.

**Fighting-types**: Gurdurr, Crabominable, and Primeape all threaten Munchlax with their super effective STAB moves, and Gurdurr can additionally switch into Toxic and receive a Guts boost or otherwise use Munchlax as setup fodder.

**Eviolite Removal**: Users of Knock Off such as Eelektross, Dodrio, and Kabutops strip Munchlax of its Eviolite, making it far more difficult for it to check special attackers. While Munchlax can check Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they can carry Trick or Switcheroo, which makes Munchlax dead weight and extremely susceptible to setup.

**Taunt**: Due to Munchlax's reliance on Toxic and Rest, Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Persian, and Sableye can completely shut it down.

**Setup Sweepers**: While Toxic threatens most setup sweepers, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Swords Dance Abomasnow, and Power-Up Punch Kangaskhan can overpower it. Additionally, Munchlax is unable to threaten certain Calm Mind users like Spiritomb, Clefairy, and Substitute Mesprit due to their defensive attributes. Taunt variations of Oricorio-G and Oricorio-E completely wall Munchlax and turn it into setup fodder.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Earlier versions by: [[yogi, 252106]]
- Quality checked by: [[TJ, 331538], [TONE, 213583], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[TJ]

[OVERVIEW]

• Munchlax is an effective stop to many powerful special attackers such as Lilligant, Choice Specs Jellicent, and Aurorus thanks to its immense HP, decent Special Defense, and access to Thick Fat.
• Munchlax can also check weaker physical attackers like Defensive Alolan Sandslash and Regirock despite its low base Defense courtesy of Eviolite and investment. These defensive attributes grant Munchlax several opportunities to either fire off an attack or cripple the opposing team with Toxic.
• However, even though the combination of Earthquake and Toxic targets a wide array of Pokemon, Munchlax is very passive due to its mediocre Attack and abysmal Speed.
• This in conjunction with Munchlax's reliance on Rest for recovery often makes Munchlax exploitable by setup sweepers and physical wallbreakers such as Dodrio, Gurdurr, and Stoutland. Gurdurr and Stoutland are also able to receive a boost from Toxic due to Guts and Facade, respectively.
• Munchlax's reliance on Eviolite means it can't viably run Leftovers for passive recovery and is super prone to Knock Off from Pokemon like Eelektross and Kabutops.
• Finally, Munchlax faces immense competition from Type: Null, whose higher overall stats and access to moves such as Swords Dance, Iron Defense, and U-turn allow it to apply more offensive pressure, check a wider array of Pokemon, or provide momentum for its team.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Wall
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Impish
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD

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

• Toxic cripples defensive Pokemon like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Tangela by putting them on a timer.
• Earthquake is Munchlax's preferred attacking option, as it targets Normal-resistant Pokemon, including those immune to Toxic such as Aggron and Alolan Dugtrio, for super effective damage.
• Rest fully replenishes Munchlax's HP and removes any other status conditions, while Sleep Talk helps make Munchlax less passive during its Sleep turns.

Set Details
========

• Maximum Defense EVs patches up Munchlax's poor Defense, as full HP investment is negligible in comparison.
• Thick Fat allows Munchlax to better switch into Ice- and Fire-type attacks from the likes of Aurorus and Simisear.

Usage Tips
========

• Munchlax can pivot into various special attackers, including Aurorus, Mesprit, and Lilligant, as well as weaker physical attackers such as Regirock.
• Against such Pokemon, Munchlax is free to use either Earthquake to deal damage or Toxic to cripple checks such as Hitmonchan and Sableye. Earthquake in particular is best utilized to heavily damage predicted switch-ins like Aggron and Lycanroc. (emphasize that aggron/lycanroc would otherwise take advantage of munchlax if it wasnt running eq or something along those lines)
• Munchlax should maintain a high amount of HP so it can consistently pivot into attackers; however, exercise caution of when to use Rest, as being asleep drastically increases Munchlax's passivity. (also makes setting up for the opponent easier)
• Keeping Munchlax's item intact is imperative to its success, as it's far more difficult to check Pokemon like Aurorus and Lilligant without it. While Munchlax can take hits from the likes of offensive Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they are all viable users of Trick and Switcheroo, which can completely disable Munchlax.
• Similarly, Munchlax should be cautious of Z moves and coverage moves such as Omastar's Hydro Vortex and Simisear's Focus Blast, which threaten to power through a weakened Munchlax.

Team Options
========

• It is advised to use Munchlax on balance teams, as its rather passive nature can make it a momentum drain for more offense-oriented teams.
• Physically bulky Pokemon such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Mesprit and can pivot into Pokemon that can exploit Munchlax like Stoutland, Dodrio, and Gurdurr, while appreciating Munchlax's ability to check special attackers like Aurorus and Rotom-F.
• Mesprit, alongside Ghost-, Poison-, and Flying-types like Jellicent, Qwilfish, and Oricorio-E, act as solid answers to the Fighting-types that threaten Munchlax. Qwilfish is also able to set Toxic Spikes to Poison Pokemon upon switch-in.
• Lanturn and Altaria act as clerics, able to alleviate Munchlax of Sleep. Both of these Pokemon appreciate Munchlax's ability to switch into Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Aurorus. Granbull can also keep physical attackers such as Stoutland in check while being a reliable Knock Off sponge.
• Pursuit users like Skuntank and Spiritomb can trap in Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which completely wall Munchlax with the former's Taunt and the latter's typing and ability.

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

• While Curse may seem like a viable option to turn Munchlax into a boosting sweeper, it's mostly outdone by Type: Null, which has superior stats and access to both Swords Dance and Iron Defense, allowing it to set up far more consistently.

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

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Munchlax lacks the physical bulk to stand up to wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Choice Band Skuntank. Even with Earthquake, Munchlax can't immediately KO Pokemon like Aggron and Lycanroc, giving them a free turn to attack or set up.

**Fighting-types**: Gurdurr, Crabominable, and Hitmonchan all threaten Munchlax with their super effective STAB moves, and Gurdurr can additionally switch into Toxic and receive a Guts boost or otherwise use Munchlax as setup fodder.

**Eviolite Removal**: Users of Knock Off such as Eelektross, Dodrio, and Kabutops strip Munchlax of its Eviolite, making it far more difficult for it to check special attackers. While Munchlax can check Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they can potentially carry Trick or Switcheroo, which makes Munchlax dead weight and extremely susceptible to setup.

**Taunt and Encore users**: Due to Munchlax's reliance on Toxic and Rest, Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Persian, and Volbeat can completely shut it down. (encore isnt common at all so id just remove the volbeat mention)

**Setup Sweepers**: While Toxic threatens most setup sweepers, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Swords Dance Abomasnow, and Power-Up Punch Kangaskhan can overpower Munchlax. Additionally, Munchlax is unable to threaten certain Calm Mind users like Spiritomb, Clefairy, and Substitute Mesprit due to their defensive attributes. Taunt variations of Oricorio-G and Oricorio-E completely wall Munchlax and turn it into setup fodder.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[,]]
- Quality checked by: [[,], [,], []]
- Grammar checked by: [[,], [,]]

1/3, great work

 

[TONE]

[OVERVIEW]

• Munchlax is an effective stop to many powerful special attackers such as Lilligant, Choice Specs Jellicent, and Aurorus thanks to its immense HP, decent Special Defense, and access to Thick Fat.
• Munchlax can also check weaker physical attackers like Defensive Alolan Sandslash and Regirock despite its low base Defense courtesy of Eviolite and investment. These defensive attributes grant Munchlax several opportunities to either fire off an attack or cripple the opposing team with Toxic.
• However, even though the combination of Earthquake and Toxic targets a wide array of Pokemon, Munchlax is very passive due to its mediocre Attack and abysmal Speed.
• This in conjunction with Munchlax's reliance on Rest for recovery often makes Munchlax exploitable by setup sweepers and physical wallbreakers such as Dodrio, Gurdurr, and Stoutland. Gurdurr and Stoutland are also able to receive a boost from Toxic due to Guts and Facade, respectively.
• Munchlax's reliance on Eviolite means it can't viably run Leftovers for passive recovery and is super prone to Knock Off from Pokemon like Eelektross and Kabutops.
• Finally, Munchlax faces immense competition from Type: Null, whose higher overall stats and access to moves such as Swords Dance, Iron Defense, and U-turn allow it to apply more offensive pressure, check a wider array of Pokemon, or provide momentum for its team.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Wall
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Impish
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD

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

• Toxic cripples defensive Pokemon like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Tangela by putting them on a timer.
• Earthquake is Munchlax's preferred attacking option, as it targets Normal-resistant Pokemon, including those immune to Toxic such as Aggron and Alolan Dugtrio, for super effective damage.
• Rest fully replenishes Munchlax's HP and removes any other status conditions, while Sleep Talk helps make Munchlax less passive during its Sleep turns.

Set Details
========

• Maximum Defense EVs patches up Munchlax's poor Defense, as full HP investment is negligible in comparison. (any particular reason for Impish over Careful on Munchlax?)
• Thick Fat allows Munchlax to better switch into Ice- and Fire-type attacks from the likes of Aurorus and Simisear.

Usage Tips
========

• Munchlax can pivot into various special attackers, including Aurorus, Mesprit, and Lilligant, as well as weaker physical attackers such as Regirock.
• Against such Pokemon, Munchlax is free to use either Earthquake to deal damage or Toxic to cripple checks such as Hitmonchan and Sableye. Earthquake in particular is best utilized to heavily damage predicted switch-ins like Aggron and Lycanroc, which would otherwise come in for free and take advantage of Munchlax.
• Munchlax should maintain a high amount of HP so it can consistently pivot into attackers; however, exercise caution of when to use Rest, as being asleep drastically increases Munchlax's passivity and gives setup sweepers like Dodrio and Alolan Sandslash much more leeway.
• Keeping Munchlax's item intact is imperative to its success, as it's far more difficult to check Pokemon like Aurorus and Lilligant without it. While Munchlax can take hits from the likes of offensive Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they are all viable users of Trick and Switcheroo, which can completely disable Munchlax.
• Similarly, Munchlax should be cautious of Z moves and coverage moves such as Omastar's Hydro Vortex and Simisear's Focus Blast, which threaten to power through a weakened Munchlax.

Team Options
========

• It is advised to use Munchlax on balance teams, as its rather passive nature can make it a momentum drain for more offense-oriented teams.
• Physically bulky Pokemon such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Mesprit and can pivot into Pokemon that can exploit Munchlax like Stoutland, Dodrio, and Gurdurr, while appreciating Munchlax's ability to check special attackers like Aurorus and Rotom-F.
• Mesprit, alongside Ghost-, Poison-, and Flying-types like Jellicent, Qwilfish, and Oricorio-E, act as solid answers to the Fighting-types that threaten Munchlax. Qwilfish is also able to set Toxic Spikes to Poison Pokemon upon switch-in.
• Lanturn and Altaria act as clerics, able to alleviate Munchlax of Sleep. Both of these Pokemon appreciate Munchlax's ability to switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus. Granbull can also keep physical attackers like Stoutland in check while being a reliable Knock Off sponge.
• Pursuit users such as Skuntank and Spiritomb can trap in Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which completely wall Munchlax with the former's Taunt and the latter's typing and ability.

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

• While Curse may seem like a viable option to turn Munchlax into a boosting sweeper, it's mostly outdone by Type: Null, which has superior stats and access to both Swords Dance and Iron Defense, allowing it to set up far more consistently.

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

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Munchlax lacks the physical bulk to stand up to wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Choice Band Skuntank. Even with Earthquake, Munchlax can't immediately KO Pokemon like Aggron and Lycanroc, giving them a free turn to attack or set up.

**Fighting-types**: Gurdurr, Crabominable, and Hitmonchan all threaten Munchlax with their super effective STAB moves, and Gurdurr can additionally switch into Toxic and receive a Guts boost or otherwise use Munchlax as setup fodder.

**Eviolite Removal**: Users of Knock Off such as Eelektross, Dodrio, and Kabutops strip Munchlax of its Eviolite, making it far more difficult for it to check special attackers. While Munchlax can check Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they can potentially carry Trick or Switcheroo, which makes Munchlax dead weight and extremely susceptible to setup.

**Taunt**: Due to Munchlax's reliance on Toxic and Rest, Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Persian, and Sableye can completely shut it down.

**Setup Sweepers**: While Toxic threatens most setup sweepers, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Swords Dance Abomasnow, and Power-Up Punch Kangaskhan can overpower Munchlax. Additionally, Munchlax is unable to threaten certain Calm Mind users like Spiritomb, Clefairy, and Substitute Mesprit due to their defensive attributes. Taunt variations of Oricorio-G and Oricorio-E completely wall Munchlax and turn it into setup fodder.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[TJ, 331538], [,], []]
- Grammar checked by: [[,], [,]]

QC 2/3.

 

[MZ]

Not sure why Primeape isn't namedropped in Fighting-types and there's one spacing error in team options next to Qwilfish. that's all i got lol, 3/3

 

[Electrolyte]

rawr

add remove (comments)

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Munchlax is an effective stop to many powerful special attackers such as Lilligant, Choice Specs Jellicent, and Aurorus thanks to its immense HP, decent Special Defense, and access to Thick Fat. Munchlax can also check weaker physical attackers like Defensive Alolan Sandslash and Regirock despite its low base Defense courtesy of Eviolite and investment. These defensive attributes grant Munchlax several opportunities to either fire off an attack or cripple the opposing team with Toxic. However, even though the combination of Earthquake and Toxic targets a wide array of Pokemon, Munchlax is very passive due to its mediocre Attack and abysmal Speed. This in conjunction with Munchlax's reliance on Rest for recovery often makes Munchlax exploitable by setup sweepers and physical wallbreakers such as Dodrio, Gurdurr, and Stoutland. Gurdurr and Stoutland are also able to receive a boost from Toxic due to Guts and Facade, respectively. Munchlax's reliance on Eviolite means it can't viably run Leftovers for passive recovery and is super prone to Knock Off from Pokemon like Eelektross and Kabutops. Finally, Munchlax faces immense competition from Type: Null, whose which has higher overall stats and access to moves such as Swords Dance, Iron Defense, and U-turn,(AC) allowing it to apply more offensive pressure, check a wider array of Pokemon, or provide momentum for its team.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Wall
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Careful
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic cripples defensive Pokemon like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Tangela by putting them on a timer. Earthquake is Munchlax's preferred attacking option, as it targets Normal-resistant Pokemon, including those immune to Toxic such as Aggron and Alolan Dugtrio, for super effective damage. Rest fully replenishes Munchlax's HP and removes any other status conditions, while Sleep Talk helps make Munchlax less passive during its sleep turns.

Set Details
========

Investing 252 EVs into Defense instead of HP patches up Munchlax's poor Defense, as full HP investment is negligible in comparison. Thick Fat alongside a Careful nature optimizes Munchlax's ability to switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus, Rotom-F, and Simisear lacking Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Munchlax can pivot into various special attackers, including Aurorus, Mesprit, and Swanna, as well as weaker physical attackers such as Regirock. Against such Pokemon, Munchlax is free to use either use Earthquake to deal damage or Toxic to cripple checks such as Hitmonchan and Sableye. Earthquake in particular is best utilized to heavily damage predicted switch-ins like Aggron and Lycanroc, which would otherwise come in for free and take advantage of Munchlax. Munchlax should maintain a high amount of HP so it can consistently pivot into attackers; however, exercise caution when using Rest, as being asleep drastically increases Munchlax's passivity and gives setup sweepers like Dodrio and Alolan Sandslash much more leeway. Keeping Munchlax's item intact is imperative to its success, as it's far more difficult to check Pokemon like Aurorus and Lilligant without it. While Munchlax can take hits from Pokemon like offensive Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they are all viable users of Trick and Switcheroo, which can completely disable Munchlax. Similarly, Munchlax should be cautious of Z-(add hyphen)Moves and coverage moves such as Omastar's Hydro Vortex and Simisear's Focus Blast, which threaten to power through a weakened Munchlax.

Team Options
========

It is advised to use Munchlax on balance teams, as its rather passive nature can make it a momentum drain for more offense-oriented offensive teams. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Alolan Persian, Qwilfish, and Mesprit can check Pokemon that can exploit Munchlax such as Stoutland and Gurdurr, while appreciating Munchlax's ability to pivot into special attackers like Aurorus and Swanna. Alolan Persian and Qwilfish also act as switch-ins to Knock Off from Pokemon like Kabutops and Gurdurr. The previously mentioned Qwilfish and Mesprit, alongside Ghost- and Flying-types like Jellicent and Oricorio-E, act as solid answers to the Fighting-types that threaten Munchlax. Lanturn and Altaria act as clerics, able to alleviate Munchlax of sleep, and also appreciate its ability to pivot into the likes of Aurorus. Pursuit users such as Skuntank and Spiritomb can trap in Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which completely wall Munchlax with the former's Taunt and the latter's typing and ability.

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

While Curse may seem like a viable option to turn Munchlax into a boosting sweeper, it's mostly outdone by Type: Null, which has superior stats and access to both Swords Dance and Iron Defense, allowing it to set up far more consistently.

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

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Munchlax lacks the physical bulk to stand up to wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Choice Band Skuntank. Even with Earthquake, Munchlax can't immediately KO Pokemon like Aggron and Lycanroc, giving them a free turn to attack or set up.

**Fighting-types**: Gurdurr, Crabominable, and Primeape all threaten Munchlax with their super effective STAB moves, and Gurdurr can additionally switch into Toxic and receive a Guts boost or otherwise use Munchlax as setup fodder.

**Eviolite Removal**: Users of Knock Off such as Eelektross, Dodrio, and Kabutops strip Munchlax of its Eviolite, making it far more difficult for it to check special attackers. While Munchlax can check Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they can potentially carry Trick or Switcheroo, which makes Munchlax dead weight and extremely susceptible to setup.

**Taunt**: Due to Munchlax's reliance on Toxic and Rest, Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Persian, and Sableye can completely shut it down.

**Setup Sweepers**: While Toxic threatens most setup sweepers, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Swords Dance Abomasnow, and Power-Up Punch Kangaskhan can overpower Munchlax. Additionally, Munchlax is unable to threaten certain Calm Mind users like Spiritomb, Clefairy, and Substitute Mesprit due to their defensive attributes. Taunt variations of Oricorio-G and Oricorio-E completely wall Munchlax and turn it into setup fodder.

GP 1/2

 

[Lumari]

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

check

[OVERVIEW]

Munchlax is an effective stop to many powerful special attackers such as Lilligant, Choice Specs Jellicent, and Aurorus thanks to its immense HP, decent Special Defense, and access to Thick Fat. Munchlax can also check weaker physical attackers like defensive Alolan Sandslash and Regirock despite its low base Defense courtesy of Eviolite and investment. These defensive attributes grant Munchlax several opportunities to either fire off an attack or cripple the opposing team with Toxic. However, even though the combination of Earthquake and Toxic targets covers a wide array of Pokemon, Munchlax is very passive due to its mediocre Attack and abysmal Speed. This in conjunction with Munchlax's reliance on Rest for recovery often makes Munchlax exploitable by setup sweepers and physical wallbreakers such as Dodrio, Gurdurr, and Stoutland. Gurdurr and Stoutland are also able to receive a boost benefit from Toxic due to Guts and Facade, respectively. Munchlax's reliance on Eviolite means it can't viably run Leftovers for passive recovery and is super prone highly susceptible to Knock Off from Pokemon like Eelektross and Kabutops. Finally, Munchlax faces immense competition from Type: Null, which has higher overall stats and access to moves such as Swords Dance, Iron Defense, and U-turn, allowing it to apply more offensive pressure, check a wider array of Pokemon, or provide momentum for its team.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Wall
move 1: Toxic
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Thick Fat
nature: Careful
evs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic cripples defensive Pokemon like Mudsdale, Regirock, and Tangela by putting them on a timer. Earthquake is Munchlax's preferred attacking option, as it targets Normal-resistant Pokemon, including those immune to Toxic such as Aggron and Alolan Dugtrio, for super effective damage. Rest fully replenishes Munchlax's HP and removes any other status conditions, while Sleep Talk helps make Munchlax less passive during its sleep turns.

Set Details
========

Investing 252 EVs into Defense instead of HP patches up Munchlax's poor Defense, as full HP investment is negligible in comparison. Thick Fat alongside a Careful nature optimizes maximizes Munchlax's ability to switch into Pokemon such as Aurorus, Rotom-F, and Simisear lacking Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Munchlax can pivot into various special attackers, including Aurorus, Mesprit, and Swanna, as well as weaker physical attackers such as Regirock. Against such Pokemon, Munchlax is free to use either Earthquake to deal damage or Toxic to cripple checks such as Hitmonchan and Sableye. Earthquake in particular is best utilized to heavily damage predicted switch-ins like Aggron and Lycanroc, which would otherwise come in for free and take advantage of Munchlax. Munchlax should maintain a high amount of HP so it can consistently pivot into attackers; however, exercise caution when using Rest, as being asleep drastically increases Munchlax's passivity and gives setup sweepers like Dodrio and Alolan Sandslash much more leeway. Keeping Munchlax's item intact is imperative to its success, as it's far more difficult to check Pokemon like Aurorus and Lilligant without it. While Munchlax can take hits from Pokemon like offensive Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they are all viable users of Trick and Switcheroo, which can completely disable Munchlax. Similarly, Munchlax should be cautious of Z-Moves and coverage moves such as Omastar's Hydro Vortex and Simisear's Focus Blast, which threaten to power through a weakened Munchlax.

Team Options
========

It is advised to use Munchlax on balance teams, as its rather passive nature can make it a momentum drain for more offensive teams. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Alolan Persian, Qwilfish, and Mesprit can check Pokemon that can exploit Munchlax such as Stoutland and Gurdurr, while appreciating and in return they appreciate Munchlax's ability to pivot into special attackers like Aurorus and Swanna. Alolan Persian and Qwilfish also act as switch-ins to Knock Off from Pokemon like Kabutops and Gurdurr. The previously mentioned Qwilfish and Mesprit, alongside Ghost- and Flying-types like Jellicent and Oricorio-E, act as solid answers to the Fighting-types that threaten Munchlax. Cleric like Lanturn and Altaria act as clerics, are able to alleviate Munchlax of sleep (RC) and also appreciate its ability to pivot into the likes of Aurorus. Pursuit users such as Skuntank and Spiritomb can trap Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Haunter, which completely wall Munchlax with the former's Taunt and the latter's typing and ability.

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

While Curse may seem like a viable option to turn Munchlax into a boosting sweeper, it's mostly outdone by Type: Null, which has superior stats and access to both Swords Dance and Iron Defense, allowing it to set up far more consistently.

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

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Munchlax lacks the physical bulk to stand up to wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Choice Band Skuntank. Even with Earthquake, Munchlax can't immediately KO Pokemon like Aggron and Lycanroc, giving them a free turn to attack or set up.

**Fighting-types**: Gurdurr, Crabominable, and Primeape all threaten Munchlax with their super effective STAB moves, and Gurdurr can additionally switch into Toxic and receive a Guts boost or otherwise use Munchlax as setup fodder.

**Eviolite Removal**: Users of Knock Off such as Eelektross, Dodrio, and Kabutops strip Munchlax of its Eviolite, making it far more difficult for it to check special attackers. While Munchlax can check Pokemon like Jellicent, Mesprit, and Manectric, they can potentially carry Trick or Switcheroo, which makes Munchlax dead weight and extremely susceptible to setup.

**Taunt**: Due to Munchlax's reliance on Toxic and Rest, Pokemon like Oricorio-E, Alolan Persian, and Sableye can completely shut it down.

**Setup Sweepers**: While Toxic threatens most setup sweepers, Pokemon such as Alolan Sandslash, Swords Dance Abomasnow, and Power-Up Punch Kangaskhan can overpower Munchlax it. Additionally, Munchlax is unable to threaten certain Calm Mind users like Spiritomb, Clefairy, and Substitute Mesprit due to their defensive attributes. Taunt variations of Oricorio-G and Oricorio-E completely wall Munchlax and turn it into setup fodder.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[TJ, 331538], [TONE, 213583], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071], [,]]