OU Nidoking [QC: 2/2] [GP: 2/2]

[ausma]

[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is equipped with an incredible STAB combination that is amplified by its ability Sheer Force and a Life Orb, allowing it to operate as a powerful special wallbreaker despite its mediocre base Special Attack. In addition, it boasts phenomenal coverage options such as Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, and Ice Beam that allow it to reliably pressure switch-ins to its STAB attacks such as Slowking, Corviknight, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T. Nidoking's defensive typing is solid as well, letting it take advantage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Clefable for wallbreaking opportunities as well as providing it with a handy Toxic and Thunder Wave immunity. However, its bulk and Speed tier leave much to be desired. It is very prone to being revenge killed by faster threats like offensive Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Lele and struggles to find natural wallbreaking opportunities due to its frailty, relying on pivoting allies that can switch it in safely. Despite its good defensive typing, Nidoking's fragility also makes it difficult to utilize consistently, especially if it sustains prior chip damage. On top of this, Nidoking is reliant on its item to do damage due to its mediocre Special Attack, making it susceptible to Knock Off. This can be particularly troublesome against Clefable, which Nidoking can otherwise take advantage of. Special walls such as Blissey and Slowking are problematic as well, having no qualms switching into most of its attacks and gaining momentum on its escape with Teleport.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 4: Flamethrower / Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Nidoking uses Thunderbolt as its most consistent coverage option, super effectively damaging Slowking and Corviknight. Thunder is an alternative that applies much more pressure to Slowking and OHKOes Tornadus-T as they switch in at the cost of a lower accuracy; however, a Modest nature is necessary if Thunder is used to create a more favorable roll to KO Slowking with a subsequent Sludge Wave. Flamethrower is another coverage option that reliably OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor and can apply pressure to Landorus-T switch-ins. Alternatively, Ice Beam targets Landorus-T and Garchomp but gives Nidoking a more difficult time in pressuring Ferrothorn, which can take advantage of it by using Knock Off, Leech Seed, or Spikes. Substitute is another option that lets Nidoking fully capitalize on a forced switch and safely force damage on a target of its choice without the threat of being knocked out beforehand, which greatly eases the need for prediction, but forces Nidoking to drop an additional coverage option. A Modest nature provides the Nidoking user with a more fruitful damage output and a much more favorable roll to 2HKO Slowking with Thunderbolt. However, Timid allows Nidoking to outspeed Tapu Bulu, Modest Tapu Lele, and Zapdos.

Nidoking's inability to find many natural wallbreaking opportunities makes it a phenomenal partner with offensive pivots such as Tapu Koko and Dragapult that can provide it with opportunities to switch in safely. The former is able to apply great pressure to checks like Corviknight and Slowking while pivoting against bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn; its Electric Terrain, additionally, boosts Nidoking's Thunderbolt, which is prominent against Slowking. The latter pivots against bulky Fairy-types like Tapu Fini and Clefable while applying pressure to Slowking with its Ghost-type STAB attacks. Additionally, it is capable of utilizing Thunder Wave to slow down Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, turning them into wallbreaking fodder for Nidoking. Nidoking also pairs well with defensive pivots like Corviknight and Rotom-W, which give Nidoking a safe wallbreaking opportunity against Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Grass-types like Tangrowth. They, additionally, can give Nidoking a good escape option against potential revenge killers like Tapu Lele for Corviknight and Landorus-T in Rotom-W's case. Slowking can also find good pivoting opportunities against Tapu Koko and Tangrowth while giving Nidoking the ability to exploit Toxapex for a wallbreaking opportunity. In addition, entry hazards and Knock Off are valuable tools that can greatly aid Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities by forcing checks like Slowking and Landorus-T to fold to its coverage. Ferrothorn, for example, boasts access to Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Knock Off to remove Slowking's Heavy-Duty Boots and more effectively pressure it. Landorus-T is also capable of using Stealth Rock and Knock Off, as well as pivoting against opposing Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini with U-turn and providing Nidoking with a wallbreaking opportunity. Clefable is also a solid Stealth Rock setter that has access to Knock Off.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Taunt allows Nidoking to exploit its small subset of switch-ins by incapacitating most forms of progress, such as Teleport and entry hazard removal, or hazard setup. Taunt mainly punishes Blissey, greatly limiting its utility and providing the Nidoking user with an opportunity to capitalize on it. However, Taunt is a move that needs to be used aggressively to get value, which can conflict with Nidoking's role as a wallbreaker. Alternatively, Focus Punch can be used for the luring and dispatching of Blissey, putting it in range of a subsequent STAB move. This can open Nidoking for more wallbreaking opportunities against teams that are overreliant on Blissey as their special backbone; however, Focus Punch is extremely matchup reliant and has little to no utility against other Pokemon. Lastly, Stealth Rock can be used on teams lacking a Stealth Rock setter, enabling Nidoking to set the hazard on forced switches. Though, using the move limits Nidoking's wallbreaking potential greatly.

Checks and Counters
====

**Faster Pokemon**: Nidoking is extremely susceptible to revenge killing from a wide range of offensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Urshifu-R that can take advantage of its mediocre bulk and Speed tier to force it out and create progress with options such as Stealth Rock, Knock Off, and U-turn.

**Ground-types**: Landorus-T and Garchomp can scare out Nidoking with their greater Speed and super effective STAB attacks. Landorus-T, particularly, is not bothered by Nidoking's STAB attacks but can easily be overwhelmed by its coverage if utilized recklessly. Gastrodon and Swampert, additionally, are willing to take on Nidoking and scare it out with their respective STAB moves; the latter, however, can also be overwhelmed due to its lack of reliable recovery.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey is a counter to most Nidoking variants that can reliably switch into any one of its special attacks, being only somewhat deterred by Taunt and the situational Focus Punch. Galarian Slowking, Slowking, and Tyranitar are also capable of taking its hits if healthy.

**Item Removal**: Nidoking is reliant on its Life Orb to for its damage output; for this reason, Nidoking losing its Life Orb to Knock Off or Trick greatly mitigates the threat of its power. Additionally, given Knock Off's prevalence, Nidoking's susceptibility to the move allows Knock Off users to safely force progress using it against the Nidoking user's team.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ausma, 360720]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Estronic, 240732]]

 

[curiosity]

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

• Nidoking is equipped with an incredible dual STAB combination that is amplified by its ability Sheer Force and a Life Orb, allowing it to operate as a powerful special wallbreaker despite its mediocre base Special Attack.
• Nidoking boasts phenomenal coverage options such as Thunderbolt and Flamethrower that allow for it to reliably pressure switch-ins to its STAB-boosted attacks such as Slowking, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn.
• Its defensive typing is solid as well, letting it take advantage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Clefable for wallbreaking opportunities. Nidoking's defensive typing also provides it with a handy Toxic and Thunder Wave immunity.
• It also has access to great utility such as Taunt, Stealth Rock, and Substitute that supplement its wallbreaking abilities and take advantage of switches it forces. This is irrelevant when its not actually making use of these moves to begin with (or to be more specific: the recommended set isn't utilising it) and sub is a move that 97% of mons have access to so it's nothing to write home about.
• Despite how powerful it can be, its bulk and speed tier leave much to be desired. It is very prone to being revenge killed by faster threats like offensive Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike, i'd like to see something more relevant like lele or kyurem being mentioned here instead and struggles to find natural wallbreaking opportunities due to its frailty, relying on pivoting allies that can switch it in safely.
• Special walls such as Blissey and Slowking are problematic as well, having no qualms switching into most of its attacks and gaining momentum on its escape with Teleport.

add mentions of its fragility and its reliance on its item to actually do damage

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 4: Flamethrower / Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

• Nidoking utilizes a powerful dual STAB combination that hits a majority of the tier for neutral or super-effective damage, making it incredibly difficult to switch into reliably without the use of a special wall.
• It uses Thunderbolt as its most consistent coverage option, super-effectively damaging Slowking, Mandibuzz, and Corviknight. drop the mandi mention; it's not relevant enough to be mentioned, especially over corvi.
• Thunder is an alternative that applies much more pressure to Slowking and OHKOs Tornadus-T as they switch in at the cost of a lower accuracy.
• Flamethrower is another coverage option which reliably 2HKOs Landorus-T while OHKOing Ferrothorn and Scizor.
• However, alternatively, Ice Beam reliably maims i'm p sure that gp will object to this so just mention that it targets these mons Landorus-T and Garchomp, while also applying more effective pressure against Zapdos, Dragapult, and Hydreigon. mention why it isn't a spectacular choice. also drop mentions of hydra and pult; pult especially really doesn't want to be pivoting into it since it needs as much hp as possible throughout a game, but hydra can't switch into wave without being put into a lose / lose situation, so there's really no need to mention here.
• Substitute is another option that lets Nidoking fully capitalize on a forced switch and safely force damage on a target of its choice without the threat of being knocked out beforehand. again, mention why it's not a slashed option
• Modest provides the Nidoking user with a more fruitful damage output and a much more favorable roll to 2HKO Slowking with Thunderbolt, however costs the jump against Modest Tapu Lele and the speed tie against opposing Timid Nidoking. you can realistically remove the part on tying with timid king since it's rarely something that comes into play; mention that you're now slower than quite a few of your targets like zapdos and offbulu.

• Nidoking's inability to find many natural wallbreaking opportunities makes Nidoking a phenomenal partner with offensive pivots such as Tapu Koko and Dragapult that can provide it with safe switch-in opportunities. The former is able to apply great pressure to checks like Corviknight and Slowking while pivoting against bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth I'm personally not overly fond of this mention; most teams kinda have to throw a ground in as their immediate response, which nido doesn't really take advantage of + pivoting around it is really situational more than anything, so you'll see than in the majority of instances that you're not really getting a chance to bring in nido to come claim one (here's a few examples of this in practice the stuff you ideally want to bring it in on like say rilla / glowking / blissey beats it 1v1 anyways) but if you really want to keep this mention, replace the tang mention with ferro since that's p much the only relevant fat grass in the tier rn; Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain, additionally, boosts Nidoking's Thunderbolt, which is prominent against Slowking. The latter pivots against bulky Fairy-type Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Clefable, switch the order and replace fini with tran; scarf fini's the most common set atm so you're more or less encouraging people to get scarf pumped. while applying pressure to Slowking with its Ghost-type STAB.
• Nidoking also pairs well with defensive pivots like Slowking and Slowbro you're basically mentioning the same thing twice; replace this mention with corviknight and rotom-w, which give Nidoking a safe wallbreaking opportunity against Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Grass-types like Tangrowth. They, additionally, can give Nidoking a good escape option against potential revenge killers like Tapu Lele and Landorus-T respectively, while providing Future Sight support to further exacerbate Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities. Future sight does absolutely nothing significant for Nidoking, so you can drop this mention.
• Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities are augmented further with hazard support from Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Landorus-T. Landorus-T, in particular, is capable of providing further pivot support against opposing Grass-type Pokemon and Tapu Fini. refer to this. To spare you the trouble:

Similarly, don't mention entry hazard setters on every Pokemon's analysis; they should instead only be talked about when their support explicitly helps a Pokemon get KOs such as NU Life Orb Sceptile or if they specifically synergise well with the Pokemon. Saying that every Pokemon benefits from having hazards just to "chip opposing Pokemon further" is not necessary to say, as every competitive team will be running them.

If you really want to mention spikes in particular, then you're more than welcome to go for it, but you should be explicitly mentioning the fact that it needs to be paired with knock to cripple slowking

• Mandibuzz is a solid defensive partner that not only pivots against Tapu Koko and Heatran, but also provides hazard removal and a solid option against revenge killers like Kartana, Rillaboom, and Garchomp. i'm not sold on this; if you really want to mention a bird that does this, then corvi's or skarm are better mentions since they're generally a lot more consistent at doing those than mandi + they take on a lot more meta relevant threats which are annoying for it like weavile kyurem bandbish etc.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

• Taunt allows Nidoking to exploit its small subset of switch-ins by incapacitating most forms of progress, such as the use of Teleport, hazard removal, or hazard setting. Taunt namely punishes Blissey, greatly limiting its utility and providing the Nidoking user with an opportunity to capitalize on it.
• Alternatively, Focus Punch can be used for luring and dispatching Blissey, putting it in range of a subsequent STAB move. This can open Nidoking for more wallbreaking opportunities against teams that are over-reliant on Blissey as their special backbone; however, Focus Punch is extremely matchup reliant and has little to no utility against other Pokemon.
• Stealth Rock is an option that can be used on teams lacking a Stealth Rock setter, being able to set the hazard on forced switches.

Checks and Counters
====

**Faster Pokemon**: Nidoking is extremely prone to revenge killing from a wide range of offensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike that can take advantage of its mediocre bulk and speed tier to force it out and create progress with options such as Stealth Rock, Knock Off, or U-turn.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Landorus-T and Garchomp are Ground-type Pokemon that can scare out Nidoking with their greater speed and super-effective STABs. Landorus-T, particularly, is not bothered by Nidoking's dual STABs, but can easily be overwhelmed by its coverage if utilized recklessly. Gastrodon and Swampert, additionally, are willing to take on Nidoking and scare it out with their respective STAB moves; the latter, however, can be overwhelmed due to its lack of reliable recovery.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey is a counter to most Nidoking variants that can reliably switch into any one of its special attacks, only somewhat deterred by Taunt and the situational Focus Punch. Corviknight, Mandibuzz, and Slowking are capable of taking its hits if healthy, but need to be wary of Thunderbolt. drop the mentions of corvi + mandi since they don't do anything in return that's worth taking the hit for; replace them with glowking and tyrantiar

mention item removal somewhere

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ausma, 360720]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Good work, QC 1/2

 

[Jordy]

comments in purple, things to add in green, things to remove in red

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

• Nidoking is equipped with an incredible dual STAB combination that is amplified by its ability Sheer Force and a Life Orb, allowing it to operate as a powerful special wallbreaker despite its mediocre base Special Attack.
• Nidoking boasts phenomenal coverage options such as Thunderbolt and Flamethrower that allow for it to reliably pressure switch-ins to its STAB-boosted attacks such as Slowking, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn. Since Ice Beam is slashed on the main set, it should probably be incorporated here too.
• Its defensive typing is solid as well, letting it take advantage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Clefable for wallbreaking opportunities. Nidoking's defensive typing also provides it with a handy Toxic and Thunder Wave immunity.
• Despite how powerful it can be, its bulk and speed tier leave much to be desired. It is very prone to being revenge killed by faster threats like offensive Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Lele, and struggles to find natural wallbreaking opportunities due to its frailty, relying on pivoting allies that can switch it in safely.
• Although it has a good defensive typing, its fragility makes it difficult to exploit consistently, especially if it sustains prior chip damage. Exploit doesn't make much sense in this context due to its negative connotations.
• Nidoking is reliant on its item to do damage due to its mediocre Special Attack, making it prone to Knock Off; it is easy to force progress against teams utilizing Nidoking for this reason. I'm not really sure what "it is easy to force progress against teams utilizing Nidoking for this reason" means? Doesn't Knock Off always make progress? I'd think that mentioning how Clefable often runs Knock Off, yet it's a Pokemon that Nidoking wants to take advantage of would be a more important thing to note. What you're saying right now isn't contextualized very well either way.
• Special walls such as Blissey and Slowking are problematic as well, having no qualms switching into most of its attacks and gaining momentum on its escape with Teleport.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 4: Flamethrower / Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

• Nidoking utilizes a powerful dual STAB combination that hits a majority of the tier for neutral or super-effective damage, making it incredibly difficult to switch into reliably without the use of a special wall. Isn't this covered in the overview? I don't see a reason why it needs to be repeated here.
• It uses Thunderbolt as its most consistent coverage option, super-effectively damaging Slowking and Corviknight. Thunder is an alternative that applies much more pressure to Slowking and OHKOs Tornadus-T as they switch in at the cost of a lower accuracy. Make it clear that Modest is needed to make Thunder worthwhile. Without Modest, Sludge Wave into Thunder has a very very slim chance to KO Slowking.
• Flamethrower is another coverage option which reliably 2HKOs Landorus-T while OHKOing Ferrothorn and Scizor. This calc doesn't look very comfortable to me: 252+ SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 164-194 (42.9 - 50.7%) -- 2.3% chance to 2HKO
• However, alternatively, Ice Beam targets Landorus-T and Garchomp, while also applying more effective pressure against Zapdos. There is no difference between using Sludge Wave or Ice Beam against Zapdos. At most you have to use Sludge Wave once more, but they both very comfortably 2HKO. However, using Ice Beam means that Nidoking has a more difficult time in pressuring Ferrothorn, which can take advantage of it by using Knock Off, Leech Seed, or Spikes.
• Substitute is another option that lets Nidoking fully capitalize on a forced switch and safely force damage on a target of its choice without the threat of being knocked out beforehand. There needs to be an explicit mention of easing prediction. Although it's a decent option, using Substitute forces the Nidoking user to drop a valuable coverage option. I really don't agree with this. The last move on Nidoking is very much so a luxury; you only need Earth Power, Sludge Wave, and Thunderbolt/Thunder to break down almost the entire tier. The Pokemon that can switch into this combination that aren't called Blissey are very easily worn down and put into range. Ferrothorn takes 40 from Earth Power, Garchomp takes 60, etc.
• Modest provides the Nidoking user with a more fruitful damage output and a much more favorable roll to 2HKO Slowking with Thunderbolt, however costs the jump against Modest Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Zapdos. The wording implies Modest Tapu Bulu. Make sure to fix that. There's also no argument as to why Timid could be run which is important to have considering it's a backslash.

• Nidoking's inability to find many natural wallbreaking opportunities makes Nidoking a phenomenal partner with offensive pivots such as Tapu Koko and Dragapult that can provide it with safe switch-in opportunities. The former is able to apply great pressure to checks like Corviknight and Slowking while pivoting against bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn; Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain, additionally, boosts Nidoking's Thunderbolt, which is prominent against Slowking. The latter pivots against bulky Fairy-type Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Clefable, while applying pressure to Slowking with its Ghost-type STAB.
• Nidoking also pairs well with defensive pivots like Corviknight and Rotom-Wash, which give Nidoking a safe wallbreaking opportunity against Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Grass-types like Tangrowth. They, additionally, can give Nidoking a good escape option against potential revenge killers like Tapu Lele and Landorus-T respectively. Slowking is another Pokemon that's very strong alongside Nidoking as it can create many safe opportunities to switch into Toxapex.
• Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities are augmented further with Spikes support from Ferrothorn, which also boasts access to Knock Off to remove Slowking's Heavy-Duty Boots and more effectively pressure it.

3 things I think are really important with Nidoking that I do not see mentioned here are Knock Off, Thunder Wave, and strong Stealth Rock setters. Knock Off and Stealth Rock are very important to remove Heavy-Duty Boots and to push a lot of KOs. Paralysis in general is very strong with Nidoking because it becomes that much more threatening when the opposing team is slower than it. Add what you want.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

• Taunt allows Nidoking to exploit its small subset of switch-ins by incapacitating most forms of progress, such as the use of Teleport, hazard removal, or hazard setting. Taunt namely punishes Blissey, greatly limiting its utility and providing the Nidoking user with an opportunity to capitalize on it. I think you should explain that you have to use Taunt quite aggressively to get value out of it and that that can sometimes conflict with what Nidoking wants to do to break down teams.
• Alternatively, Focus Punch can be used for luring and dispatching Blissey, putting it in range of a subsequent STAB move. This can open Nidoking for more wallbreaking opportunities against teams that are over-reliant on Blissey as their special backbone; however, Focus Punch is extremely matchup reliant and has little to no utility against other Pokemon.
• Stealth Rock is an option that can be used on teams lacking a Stealth Rock setter, being able to set the hazard on forced switches. You should definitely explain why it's not desireable. The reason why you really don't want to run Stealth Rock on Nidoking is quite similar to why you would never do it on Mega Mawile.

Checks and Counters
====

**Faster Pokemon**: Nidoking is extremely prone to revenge killing from a wide range of offensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike that can take advantage of its mediocre bulk and speed tier to force it out and create progress with options such as Stealth Rock, Knock Off, or U-turn.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Landorus-T and Garchomp are Ground-type Pokemon that can scare out Nidoking with their greater speed and super-effective STABs. Landorus-T, particularly, is not bothered by Nidoking's dual STABs, but can easily be overwhelmed by its coverage if utilized recklessly. Gastrodon and Swampert, additionally, are willing to take on Nidoking and scare it out with their respective STAB moves; the latter, however, can be overwhelmed due to its lack of reliable recovery.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey is a counter to most Nidoking variants that can reliably switch into any one of its special attacks, only somewhat deterred by Taunt and the situational Focus Punch. Slowking-Galar, Slowking, and Tyranitar are capable of taking its hits if healthy.

**Item Removal**: Nidoking is reliant on its Life Orb to for its damage output; for this reason, Nidoking losing its Life Orb to Knock Off or Trick greatly mitigates the threat of its power. Additionally, given Knock Off's prevalence, Nidoking's proneness to the move allows Knock Off users to safely force progress using it against the Nidoking user's team.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ausma, 360720]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Good job, 2/2.

 

[Lunaflare]

amcheck add remove (comment) (AC) = add comma; (RC) = remove comma; (RP) = remove period

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is equipped with an incredible dual STAB combination that is amplified by its ability Sheer Force and a Life Orb, allowing it to operate as a powerful special wallbreaker despite its mediocre base Special Attack. In addition, it boasts phenomenal coverage options such as Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, and Ice Beam that allow for it to reliably pressure switch-ins to its STAB-boosted attacks such as Slowking, Corviknight, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T. Its defensive typing is solid as well, letting it take advantage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Clefable for wallbreaking opportunities, (AC/RP) . Nidoking's defensive typing also provides as well as providing it with a handy immunity to Toxic and Thunder Wave immunity. However, despite how powerful it can be, its bulk and speed Speed tier leave much to be desired. (Trimming fluff.) It is very prone to being revenge killed by faster threats like offensive Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Lele, and struggles to find natural wallbreaking opportunities due to its frailty, relying on pivoting allies that can switch it in safely. Although it has a good defensive typing, its fragility makes it difficult to utilize consistently, especially if it sustains prior chip damage. On top of this, Nidoking is reliant on its item to do damage due to its mediocre Special Attack, making it prone to Knock Off. This can be particularly troublesome against Clefable, which Nidoking can otherwise take advantage of. Special walls such as Blissey and Slowking are problematic as well, having no qualms switching into most of its attacks and gaining momentum on its escape with Teleport.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 4: Flamethrower / Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

It uses Thunderbolt as its is Nidoking's most consistent coverage option, super-effectively damaging Slowking and Corviknight. Thunder is an alternative that applies much more pressure to Slowking and OHKOs Tornadus-T as they switch in at the cost of a lower accuracy; however, Modest is necessary if Thunder is used, as a subsequent Sludge Wave otherwise has a small chance to KO opposing Slowking. Flamethrower is another coverage option which reliably OHKOs Ferrothorn and Scizor, and can apply pressure to Landorus-T on switch-in. However, alternatively, Alternatively, Ice Beam targets Landorus-T and Garchomp. Though, although using Ice Beam means that Nidoking has a more difficult time in with pressuring Ferrothorn, which can take advantage of it by using Knock Off, Leech Seed, or Spikes. Substitute is another option that lets Nidoking fully capitalize on a forced switch and safely force damage on a target of its choice without the threat of being knocked out beforehand, which greatly eases the need for prediction. Although it's a decent option, but using Substitute forces the Nidoking user to drop an additional coverage option. ("The Nidoking user" sounds wrong IMO) A Modest nature provides the Nidoking user with a more fruitful increases Nidoking's damage output and provides a chance much more favorable roll to 2HKO Slowking with Thunderbolt. However, a Timid nature allows for Nidoking to outspeed Tapu Bulu, Modest Tapu Lele, and Zapdos.

Nidoking's inability to find many natural wallbreaking opportunities makes Nidoking it a phenomenal partner with offensive pivots such as Tapu Koko and Dragapult that can provide it with safe switch-in opportunities. The former is able to apply great pressure to checks like Corviknight and Slowking while pivoting against bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn; additionally, Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain, additionally, boosts Nidoking's Thunderbolt, which is prominent against Slowking. The latter pivots against bulky Fairy-type Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Clefable, while applying pressure to Slowking with its Ghost-type STAB. Dragapult, additionally, is also capable of utilizing Thunder Wave to slow down Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, turning them into wallbreaking fodder for Nidoking. Nidoking also pairs well with defensive pivots like Corviknight and Rotom-Wash, which give Nidoking a safe wallbreaking opportunity against Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Grass-types like Tangrowth. They (RC) additionally (RC) can give Nidoking a good escape option against potential revenge killers like Tapu Lele and Landorus-T, (AC) respectively. Slowking can also find good pivoting opportunities against Tapu Koko and Tangrowth (RC) while giving Nidoking the ability to exploit Toxapex for a wallbreaking opportunity. In addition, entry hazards and Knock Off are valuable tools that can greatly aid Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities by forcing Slowking and Landorus-T out and to fold to its coverage in with the possibility of using Thunderbolt and Flamethrower Ice Beam, (AC) respectively. (I'm not a QC checker, but Ice Beam does more damage to Landorus-T by far IIRC.) Ferrothorn, for example, boasts access to Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Knock Off to remove Slowking's Heavy-Duty Boots and more effectively pressure it. Landorus-T is also capable of using Stealth Rock and Knock Off (RC) while having the ability to pivot against opposing Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini with U-turn and provide Nidoking with a wallbreaking opportunity. Clefable is also a solid Stealth Rock setter that has access to Knock Off.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Taunt allows Nidoking to exploit its small subset of switch-ins by incapacitating most forms of progress, such as preventing the use of Teleport, hazard removal, or hazard setting. Taunt namely punishes Blissey, greatly limiting its utility and providing the Nidoking user with an opportunity to capitalize on it. However, Taunt is a move that needs to be used aggressively to get value, which can conflict with Nidoking's role as a wallbreaker. Alternatively, Focus Punch can be used for luring and dispatching Blissey, putting it in range of a subsequent STAB move. This can open Nidoking for more wallbreaking opportunities against teams that are over-reliant on Blissey as their special backbone; however, Focus Punch is extremely matchup reliant and has little to no utility against other Pokemon. Lastly, Stealth Rock is an option that can be used on teams lacking a Stealth Rock setter, being able to set the hazard on forced switches, (AC) . Though, although using the move it limits Nidoking's wallbreaking potential greatly.

Checks and Counters
====

**Faster Pokemon**: Nidoking is extremely prone to revenge killing revenge killed from a wide range of offensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike that can take advantage of its mediocre bulk and speed Speed tier to force it out and create progress with options such as Stealth Rock, Knock Off, or U-turn.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Landorus-T and Garchomp are Ground-type Pokemon that can scare out Nidoking with their greater speed and super effective (RH) STABs STAB moves. Landorus-T, particularly, is not bothered by Nidoking's dual STABs, but can easily be overwhelmed by its coverage if utilized recklessly. Gastrodon and Swampert, additionally, are willing to take on Nidoking and scare it out with their respective STAB moves; but the latter , however, can also be overwhelmed due to its lack of reliable recovery.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey is a counter to most Nidoking variants that can reliably switch into any one of its special attacks, only somewhat deterred by Taunt and the situational Focus Punch. Slowking-Galar, Both variants of Slowking (RC) and Tyranitar are also capable of taking its hits if healthy.

**Item Removal**: Nidoking is reliant on its Life Orb to for its damage output; for this reason, Nidoking losing its Life Orb to Knock Off or Trick greatly mitigates the threat of its power. Additionally, given Knock Off's prevalence, Nidoking's proneness vulnerability to the move allows Knock Off users to safely force progress using it against the Nidoking's user's teammates.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ausma, 360720]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[Lumari]

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

check

[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is equipped with an incredible dual STAB combination that is amplified by its ability Sheer Force and a Life Orb, allowing it to operate as a powerful special wallbreaker despite its mediocre base Special Attack. In addition, it boasts phenomenal coverage options such as Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, and Ice Beam that allow for it to reliably pressure switch-ins to its STAB-boosted attacks such as Slowking, Corviknight, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T. Its Nidoking's defensive typing is solid as well, letting it take advantage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Clefable for wallbreaking opportunities. Nidoking's defensive typing also provides as well as providing it with a handy Toxic and Thunder Wave immunity. However, despite how powerful it can be, its bulk and Speed tier leave much to be desired. It is very prone to being revenge killed by faster threats like offensive Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Lele (RC) and struggles to find natural wallbreaking opportunities due to its frailty, relying on pivoting allies that can switch it in safely. Although it has a Despite its good defensive typing, its Nidoking's fragility also makes it difficult to utilize consistently, especially if it sustains prior chip damage. On top of this, Nidoking is reliant on its item to do damage due to its mediocre Special Attack, making it prone susceptible to Knock Off. This can be particularly troublesome against Clefable, which Nidoking can otherwise take advantage of. Special walls such as Blissey and Slowking are problematic as well, having no qualms switching into most of its attacks and gaining momentum on its escape with Teleport.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 4: Flamethrower / Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
It Nidoking uses Thunderbolt as its most consistent coverage option, super effectively (RH) damaging Slowking and Corviknight. Thunder is an alternative that applies much more pressure to Slowking and OHKOs OHKOes Tornadus-T as they switch in at the cost of a lower accuracy; however, a Modest nature is necessary if Thunder is used, as a subsequent Sludge Wave otherwise has a small chance to to guarantee a KO on opposing Slowking with a subsequent Sludge Wave. (if I'm understanding properly?) Flamethrower is another coverage option which that reliably OHKOs OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor (RC) and can apply pressure to Landorus-T on switch-ins. However, Alternatively, Ice Beam targets Landorus-T and Garchomp. Though, using Ice Beam means that but gives Nidoking has a more difficult time in pressuring Ferrothorn, which can take advantage of it by using Knock Off, Leech Seed, or Spikes. Substitute is another option that lets Nidoking fully capitalize on a forced switch and safely force damage on a target of its choice without the threat of being knocked out beforehand, which greatly eases the need for prediction, (comma) Although it's a decent option, using Substitute but forces the Nidoking user to drop an additional coverage option. A Modest nature provides the Nidoking user with a more fruitful damage output and a much more favorable roll to 2HKO Slowking with Thunderbolt. However, Timid allows for Nidoking to outspeed Tapu Bulu, Modest Tapu Lele, and Zapdos.

Nidoking's inability to find many natural wallbreaking opportunities makes Nidoking it a phenomenal partner with offensive pivots such as Tapu Koko and Dragapult that can provide it with safe switch-in opportunities to switch in safely. The former is able to apply great pressure to checks like Corviknight and Slowking while pivoting against bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn; Tapu Koko's its Electric Terrain, additionally, boosts Nidoking's Thunderbolt, which is prominent against Slowking. The latter pivots against bulky Fairy-type Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Clefable (RC) while applying pressure to Slowking with its Ghost-type STAB attacks. Dragapult, Additionally, it is capable of utilizing Thunder Wave to slow down Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, turning them into wallbreaking fodder for Nidoking. Nidoking also pairs well with defensive pivots like Corviknight and Rotom-Wash Rotom-W, which give Nidoking a safe wallbreaking opportunity against Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Grass-types like Tangrowth. They, additionally, can give Nidoking a good escape option against potential revenge killers like Tapu Lele for Corviknight and Landorus-T respectively in Rotom-W's case. Slowking can also find good pivoting opportunities against Tapu Koko and Tangrowth (RC) while giving Nidoking the ability to exploit Toxapex for a wallbreaking opportunity. In addition, entry hazards and Knock Off are valuable tools that can greatly aid Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities by forcing Slowking and Landorus-T and to fold to its coverage in Thunderbolt and Flamethrower respectively. Ferrothorn, for example, boasts access to Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Knock Off to remove Slowking's Heavy-Duty Boots and more effectively pressure it. Landorus-T is also capable of using Stealth Rock and Knock Off, while having the ability to as well as pivoting against opposing Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini with U-turn and provide providing Nidoking with a wallbreaking opportunity. Clefable is also a solid Stealth Rock setter that has access to Knock Off.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Taunt allows Nidoking to exploit its small subset of switch-ins by incapacitating most forms of progress, such as the use of Teleport (RC) and entry hazard removal (RC) or hazard setting setup. Taunt namely mainly punishes Blissey, greatly limiting its utility and providing the Nidoking user with an opportunity to capitalize on it. However, Taunt is a move that needs to be used aggressively to get value, which can conflict with Nidoking's role as a wallbreaker. Alternatively, Focus Punch can be used for luring and dispatching of Blissey, putting it in range of a subsequent STAB move. This can open Nidoking for more wallbreaking opportunities against teams that are over-reliant overreliant on Blissey as their special backbone; however, Focus Punch is extremely matchup reliant and has little to no utility against other Pokemon. Lastly, Stealth Rock is an option that can be used on teams lacking a Stealth Rock setter, being able enabling Nidoking to set the hazard on forced switches. Though, using the move limits Nidoking's wallbreaking potential greatly.

Checks and Counters
====

**Faster Pokemon**: Nidoking is extremely prone susceptible to revenge killing from a wide range of offensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Urshifu-R that can take advantage of its mediocre bulk and Speed tier to force it out and create progress with options such as Stealth Rock, Knock Off, or and U-turn.

**Ground-type Pokemon**: Landorus-T and Garchomp are Ground-type Pokemon that can scare out Nidoking with their greater speed and super effective (RH) STAB attacks. Landorus-T, particularly, is not bothered by Nidoking's dual STAB attacks (RC) but can easily be overwhelmed by its coverage if utilized recklessly. Gastrodon and Swampert, additionally, are willing to take on Nidoking and scare it out with their respective STAB moves; the latter, however, can also be overwhelmed due to its lack of reliable recovery.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey is a counter to most Nidoking variants that can reliably switch into any one of its special attacks, being only somewhat deterred by Taunt and the situational Focus Punch. Galarian Slowking-Galar, Slowking, and Tyranitar are also capable of taking its hits if healthy.

**Item Removal**: Nidoking is reliant on its Life Orb to for its damage output; for this reason, Nidoking losing its Life Orb to Knock Off or Trick greatly mitigates the threat of its power. Additionally, given Knock Off's prevalence, Nidoking's proneness susceptibility to the move allows Knock Off users to safely force progress using it against the Nidoking user's team.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ausma, 360720]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

 

[Astra]

add remove (comments)

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[OVERVIEW]

Nidoking is equipped with an incredible STAB combination that is amplified by its ability Sheer Force and a Life Orb, allowing it to operate as a powerful special wallbreaker despite its mediocre base Special Attack. In addition, it boasts phenomenal coverage options such as Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, and Ice Beam that allow it to reliably pressure switch-ins to its STAB attacks such as Slowking, Corviknight, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T. Nidoking's defensive typing is solid as well, letting it take advantage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Clefable for wallbreaking opportunities as well as providing it with a handy Toxic and Thunder Wave immunity. However, its bulk and Speed tier leave much to be desired. It is very prone to being revenge killed by faster threats like offensive Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Tapu Lele and struggles to find natural wallbreaking opportunities due to its frailty, relying on pivoting allies that can switch it in safely. Despite its good defensive typing, Nidoking's fragility also makes it difficult to utilize consistently, especially if it sustains prior chip damage. On top of this, Nidoking is reliant on its item to do damage due to its mediocre Special Attack, making it susceptible to Knock Off. This can be particularly troublesome against Clefable, which Nidoking can otherwise take advantage of. Special walls such as Blissey and Slowking are problematic as well, having no qualms switching into most of its attacks and gaining momentum on its escape with Teleport.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Sludge Wave
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 4: Flamethrower / Ice Beam
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Nidoking uses Thunderbolt as its most consistent coverage option, super effectively damaging Slowking and Corviknight. Thunder is an alternative that applies much more pressure to Slowking and OHKOes Tornadus-T as they switch in at the cost of a lower accuracy; however, a Modest nature is necessary if Thunder is used to create a more favorable roll to KO Slowking with a subsequent Sludge Wave. Flamethrower is another coverage option that reliably OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor and can apply pressure to Landorus-T switch-ins. Alternatively, Ice Beam targets Landorus-T and Garchomp but gives Nidoking a more difficult time in pressuring Ferrothorn, which can take advantage of it by using Knock Off, Leech Seed, or Spikes. Substitute is another option that lets Nidoking fully capitalize on a forced switch and safely force damage on a target of its choice without the threat of being knocked out beforehand, which greatly eases the need for prediction, but forces Nidoking to drop an additional coverage option. A Modest nature provides the Nidoking user with a more fruitful damage output and a much more favorable roll to 2HKO Slowking with Thunderbolt. However, Timid allows Nidoking to outspeed Tapu Bulu, Modest Tapu Lele, and Zapdos.

Nidoking's inability to find many natural wallbreaking opportunities makes it a phenomenal partner with offensive pivots such as Tapu Koko and Dragapult that can provide it with opportunities to switch in safely. The former is able to apply great pressure to checks like Corviknight and Slowking while pivoting against bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn; its Electric Terrain, additionally, boosts Nidoking's Thunderbolt, which is prominent against Slowking. The latter pivots against bulky Fairy-types Pokemon (consistency) like Tapu Fini and Clefable while applying pressure to Slowking with its Ghost-type STAB attacks. Additionally, it is capable of utilizing Thunder Wave to slow down Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, turning them into wallbreaking fodder for Nidoking. Nidoking also pairs well with defensive pivots like Corviknight and Rotom-W, which give Nidoking a safe wallbreaking opportunity against Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Grass-types like Tangrowth. They, additionally, can give Nidoking a good escape option against potential revenge killers like Tapu Lele for Corviknight and Landorus-T in Rotom-W's case. Slowking can also find good pivoting opportunities against Tapu Koko and Tangrowth while giving Nidoking the ability to exploit Toxapex for a wallbreaking opportunity. In addition, entry hazards and Knock Off are valuable tools that can greatly aid Nidoking's wallbreaking abilities by forcing checks like Slowking and Landorus-T to fold to its coverage. Ferrothorn, for example, boasts access to Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Knock Off to remove Slowking's Heavy-Duty Boots and more effectively pressure it. Landorus-T is also capable of using Stealth Rock and Knock Off, as well as pivoting against opposing Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Fini with U-turn and providing Nidoking with a wallbreaking opportunity. Clefable is also a solid Stealth Rock setter that has access to Knock Off.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Taunt allows Nidoking to exploit its small subset of switch-ins by incapacitating most forms of progress, such as Teleport and entry hazard removal, or hazard setup. Taunt mainly punishes Blissey, greatly limiting its utility and providing the Nidoking user with an opportunity to capitalize on it. However, Taunt is a move that needs to be used aggressively to get value, which can conflict with Nidoking's role as a wallbreaker. Alternatively, Focus Punch can be used for the luring and dispatching of Blissey, putting it in range of a subsequent STAB move. This can open Nidoking for more wallbreaking opportunities against teams that are overreliant on Blissey as their special backbone; however, Focus Punch is extremely matchup reliant and has little to no utility against other Pokemon. Lastly, Stealth Rock can be used on teams lacking a Stealth Rock setter, enabling Nidoking to set the hazard on forced switches. Though, using the move limits Nidoking's wallbreaking potential greatly.

Checks and Counters
====

**Faster Pokemon**: Nidoking is extremely susceptible to revenge killing from a wide range of offensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Rillaboom, Dragapult, and Urshifu-R that can take advantage of its mediocre bulk and Speed tier to force it out and create progress with options such as Stealth Rock, Knock Off, and U-turn.

**Ground-types Pokemon**: Landorus-T and Garchomp can scare out Nidoking with their greater Speed and super effective STAB attacks. Landorus-T, particularly, is not bothered by Nidoking's STAB attacks but can easily be overwhelmed by its coverage if utilized recklessly. Gastrodon and Swampert, additionally, are willing to take on Nidoking and scare it out with their respective STAB moves; the latter, however, can also be overwhelmed due to its lack of reliable recovery.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey is a counter to most Nidoking variants that can reliably switch into any one of its special attacks, being only somewhat deterred by Taunt and the situational Focus Punch. Galarian Slowking, Slowking, and Tyranitar are also capable of taking its hits if healthy.

**Item Removal**: Nidoking is reliant on its Life Orb to for its damage output; for this reason, Nidoking losing its Life Orb to Knock Off or Trick greatly mitigates the threat of its power. Additionally, given Knock Off's prevalence, Nidoking's susceptibility to the move allows Knock Off users to safely force progress using it against the Nidoking user's team.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ausma, 360720]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [username2, userid2]]

2/2

 

[ausma]

implemented and live! B)
https://www.smogon.com/dex/ss/pokemon/nidoking/