Why does everyone hate pawmot? :[
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Pawmot [QC 0/2]
- Thread starter Knight Sky
- Start date
[overview]
**Draft Order**: 6-7
**Price Range**: 8-9
**Overview**: Pawmot is a decently fast glass cannon with respectable attack, 3 extremely good abilities and access to quite a few key utility moves. It is able to get key pick offs thanks to its respectable 115 base attack and its Iron Fist boosted attacks such as Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Mach Punches, allowing it to take out faster Pokemon. Its Volt Absorb ability allows for it to shut down Pokemon that rely on Volt Switch to pivot while also healing it in the process, making it a good Mon to put the momentum back into your favour especially as it is capable of using Volt Switch itself. Pawmot also has access to Natural Cure , which allows it to mitigate the effect of status conditions, provided that it switches out.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Pawmot's amazing STAB combination, Iron Fist and its good speed makes it an excellent revenge killer, especially against mons that are already weakened. Pawmot's Mach punch allows allows for it to pick off faster threats, but will usually need quite bit of chip to pull this off.
**Wallbreaker**: Using its 120 base power STAB moves in Close Combat and signature move, Double Shock, Pawmot is capable of pulling off an impressive amount of damage. You will usually need to commit terastalization, otherwise Pawmot will only be able to use its signature move once before having to switch out.
**Cleaner**: A more uncommon role that Pawmot can pull off is a cleaner. Pawmot can do this by either using Choice Scarf to give it an immediate boost in speed or by relying on Set up like Bulk Up and Agility to boost its stats. This a little less used because scarfed sacrifice offense boosting items that Pawmot likes and Set up Sets are very risky due to how frail Pawmot is even with +1 defense from Bulk Up.
**Utility**: A rare set which uses Pawmot's utility moves such as Nuzzle and Super Fang ti spread paralysis and weaken bulkier targets. This isn't a very common set because it doesn't really play to Pawmot's strengths but it does provide legitimate support for the team.
(repeat as necessary)
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Thunder Punch, Supercell Slam, Mach Punch, Wild Charge, Close Combat, Low Kick, Double Shock, Brick Break
**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up
**Utility Moves**: Nuzzle, Super Fang, Wish, Revival Blessing, Fake Out, Encore, Volt Switch
**Coverage**: Play Rough, Knock Off, Crunch, Ice Punch, Seed Bomb, Fire Punch, Throat Chop, Tera Blast,
Niche Moves
========
**Focus Punch**: Focus Punch is Pawmot's most powerful move, boosted even further by Iron Fist. It is useful for punishing the foe for either trying to switch or trying to set up on Pawmot. Using this move is very risking however as it can blow up in your face if the opponent chooses to attack you.
**Upper Hand**: Due to Pawmot's frailty, it is susceptible to priority attacks. One way for Pawmot to get around this is by using Upper hand to get past almost every priority move and get free damage and preventing the opponent from doing anything. Like Focus Punch, you will be punished if you make the wrong read when using this move.
**Fling**: Sometimes Knock Off and Crunch are not enough for Pawmot to take out bulky Psychics or Ghost types. In these Cases, Fling is very useful for getting some extra damage into those types.This comes at the cost of being one time use so you will have to make it count if you rely on fling.
Common Items
========
**Life Orb**: Pawmot appreciates the immediate damage boost from Life Orb because it doesn't want to risk turns setting up. Because of this, Revenge Killer sets love to run Life Orb. Pawmot can also offset the recoil of Life Orb with Volt Absorb, but this is unreliable and sometimes risky.
**Focus Sash**: Pawmot loves to run focus sash because it allows it to survive hits that would normal KO it in 1 hit, which allows for it to trade more effectively. Revenge Killer sets really appreciate this set, but Cleaner sets may also appreciate this as it makes clicking a set up move much less risky.
**Choice Band**: Choice Band gives Pawmot the ability to punch holes through walls with its higher base power moves, making a really good items for Wallbreaker sets. Revenge killer sets may also appreciate the boost to its Priority moves but would usually prfeer to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item.
**Choice Scarf**: The immediate boost in speed is something that pawmot greatly appreciates. Choice Scarf makes Pawmot's Cleaner sets less reliant on set up and priority and allow for it to use its more Powerful STAB moves even against faster targets. For this reason, even Revenge Killing Pawmot sets appreciate this item
**Punching Glove / Protective Pads**: Because a majority of Pawmot's moveset is punching moves, Pawmot greatly appreciates the small boost Punching Gloves gives to them while protecting Pawmot from the residual damage from sources like Rough Skin or Rocky Helmet statuses from Poison Point and Flame Body. Pawmot appreciates Protective pads for the same protection against contact-based mechanics, but likes that it affects more than just punching moves.
Niche Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Pawmot does not really need boots as it has a resistance to rocks and would much rather run a damage boosting item than Heavy-Duty Boots, but Pawmot does appreciate avoiding Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes, especially because Pawmot cannot use Natural Cure very well to avoid the poison of Toxic Spikes.
**Magnet / Black Belt / Expert Belt**: Magnet and Black Belt Provide a safer boost to Pawmot's damage output without having the draw backs of things like Choice Band or Life Orb, while also providing more power than something like Punching Glove. The boosts to these 2 items are a lot more restrictive as they are type-specific boosts, while also being weaker than Life Orb or Choice Band. Expert Belt is also pretty restrictive, only working with super effective moves, but is as powerful as Life Orb and Pawmot's STAB and Coverage options can hit a lot of things super effectively, making it slightly better than Magnet and Black Belt.
**Air Balloon**: Air Balloon allows for Pawmot to temporarily avoid its ground weakness which can allow it to safely hit opposing ground types with either an Ice Punch or a Seed Bomb. Any Role can use this, but usually the revenge killing role would prefer this item because it increases the amount of pokemon it threatens with a KO
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest slightly fixed Pawmot's poor defensive profile on the special side which may allows it to more safely switch into special pokemon, especially special electric types. This is most useful on Utility based Pawmot that run Max HP as it can still use Super Fang to deal damage.
**Big Nugget**: Big Nugget is the prime choice for any set that wants to use Fling due to its high base power. Using Big Nugget is a good way for Pawmot to break through Psychic and Ghost types in the even Knock Off and Crunch aren't strong enough
Tera
========
Pawmot is a good tera captain that has quite a few good options it can go for. One of its best Tera type is electric. Tera electric not only allows it to use its most powerful electric move with no drawback, it also further boosts that power by doubling STAB rather than the standard x1.5 boost (a 1/3) boost in power) Tera Fighting is good for a similar reason, allowing for its Close Combats to become even strong, but Fighting also has the benefit of boosting Mach Punch which will make it better at cleaning up kills. Like most electric types, Pawmot greatly appreciates the offensive benefits of terastallizing into an Ice Type, which allows for it to have a better matchup against ground types. Pawmot also has some good defensive tera options such as Tera Lying, which turns its ground resist into a ground immunity and synergises extremely well with Volt Absorb, giving it only 2 weaknesses that are both answered by its innate Fighting STAB. Tera Grass also works as a middle ground between Ice and Flying as it gives you both resistance and super effective damage into Ground Types.
Draft Strategy
========
Primarily, Pawmot should be drafted as an offensive pokemon, specifically as a fast fighting cleaner or revenge killer. You don't want to draft it as Wallbreaker, otherwise you will be limiting tera options on other mons as Pawmot usually wants tera to wallbreak. You may also want to draft it if you don't have a lot of clerical support on your team as Pawmot is able to cure status conditions without the help of things like Lum Berry or Heal Bell/Aromatherapy. As a Fighting type, Pawmot makes a solid addition to PDF (Psychic, Dark, Fighting) so if you plan on drafting Pawmot, be sure to draft a Psychic and Dark type as they will also help it deal with faster pokemon that resist fighting so that Pawmot isn't forced to run Choice Scarf or run a sub-optimal Tera Type against certain opponents.
**Non-Tera Reliant Pokemon**: Pawmot really likes to use Terastallization for itself so if you plan on drafting it, make sure you prioritize having either High Tier pokemon that either don't need/are banned from Terastallizing such as Palafin or Darkrai, or high tier pokemon that will still be cheap enough to allow you to afford Pawmot like Walking Wake or Gholdengo and avoid using other low-tier pokemon that really want to use tera themselves such as Galarian-Moltres or Gyarados.
**Slow, Bulky Pivots**: Pawmot has difficulty hard-switching into pokemon due to its poor defensive profile. Because of this, it is highly encouraged that you have a way to easily get Pawmot onto the field without having to sacrifice a mon. Fast Pivots can do this to a certain extent, but slower defensive pivots such as Galarian-Slowking or Corviknight are usually better as they usually are capable of getting Pawmot in without risking it raking a hit unlike fast pivots. These bulky pivots can also take hits from strong priority moves which Pawmot is relatively weak to.
**Alternate Cleaners**: Trying to make Pawmot your primary cleaner is asking a lot out of a 8-9 point mon, so it's usually better to have one or 2 stronger, more consistent wincons alongside Pawmot. Although not necessarily mandatory, Pawmot greatly appreciates being on teams centered around Special Cleaners like Darkrai or Deoxys-Speed as having 2 powerful special attackers will usually make Pawmot's job easier as opposing Walls will usually try to prioritize taking a hit from those threats before focusing on Pawmot.
**Entry Hazards**: Pawmot likes coming onto the field against Pokemon it can threaten a KO into, so having Entry Hazards such as Spikes or Stealth Rock to constantly chip away at the opponent's team's health can create a lot more opportunities for Pawmot to pick off a Pokemon. Because of this, Hazard Stackers such as Ting-Lu or Hisuian Samurott are great partners for Pawmot as they can consistently set Hazards up and provide more situations that can lead to Pawmot getting a kill.
**Even faster attackers**: Pawmot is decently fast in its own right, but you don't want Pawmot to be the fastest thing on your team, because it gives opposing faster Pokemon the opportunity to either run damage-increasing natures or even worse; run bulk to make it harder for Pawmot to revenge kill them. Pokemon like Latios, Greninja or Roaring Moon do an excellent job at contesting faster speed tiers which makes it less likely they will be able to afford to run bulk. Having these faster threats also allows Pawmot to not feel like it's forced into running scarf so that it can comfortably run damage-increasing items.
Checks and Counters
========
**Bulky Ground Types**: Bulky Ground types that aren't 4x weak to either Ice or Grass can get in the way of Pawmot trying to claim a KO such as Hippowdon or Donphan. Great Tusk, in particular, is a massive problem for Pawmot to deal with due to its brutally high natural physical bulk and its ability to instantly raise its speed with booster energy, almost always forcing Pawmot to switch out.
**Priority Moves**: Due to its very low bulk, it is very easy for Pawmot to get KO'd by powerful priority such as Dragonite's Extreme Speed or Palafin's Jet Punch, especially because trying to counter them with Upper Hand comes with its own extremely high risk. This allows these types of Pokemon to threaten a potential KO, which is further exasperated by the Life Orb Recoil that Pawmot will usually be dealing with.
**Passive Damage**: Pawmot loves to run Life Orb a lot. Because of this, it runs the chance of wearing itself from the recoil. Because it prefers to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item, it will usually not run Heavy-Duty Boots which makes it pretty susceptible to hazards such as spikes. Toxic Spikes is especially horrible for Pawmot as it cannot rely on Natural Cure to remove poison from itself as long as the Toxic Spikes remain on the field.
**Fast Fighting Resists**: Pokemon faster than base 105 that have a resistance or immunity to Fighting type moves such as Iron Moth, Gengar and Deoxys Speed are very hard for Pawmot to revenge kill due to Pawmot's reliance on Mach Punch to take out faster pokemon when it's not running a choice scarf. Both Latias and Latios are also devestating matchups in that regard due to them also resist Pawmot's Electric STAB.
[credits]
Written by:
Knight Sky
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.200000
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.300000
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
**Draft Order**: 6-7
**Price Range**: 8-9
**Overview**: Pawmot is a decently fast glass cannon with respectable attack, 3 extremely good abilities and access to quite a few key utility moves. It is able to get key pick offs thanks to its respectable 115 base attack and its Iron Fist boosted attacks such as Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Mach Punches, allowing it to take out faster Pokemon. Its Volt Absorb ability allows for it to shut down Pokemon that rely on Volt Switch to pivot while also healing it in the process, making it a good Mon to put the momentum back into your favour especially as it is capable of using Volt Switch itself. Pawmot also has access to Natural Cure , which allows it to mitigate the effect of status conditions, provided that it switches out.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Pawmot's amazing STAB combination, Iron Fist and its good speed makes it an excellent revenge killer, especially against mons that are already weakened. Pawmot's Mach punch allows allows for it to pick off faster threats, but will usually need quite bit of chip to pull this off.
**Wallbreaker**: Using its 120 base power STAB moves in Close Combat and signature move, Double Shock, Pawmot is capable of pulling off an impressive amount of damage. You will usually need to commit terastalization, otherwise Pawmot will only be able to use its signature move once before having to switch out.
**Cleaner**: A more uncommon role that Pawmot can pull off is a cleaner. Pawmot can do this by either using Choice Scarf to give it an immediate boost in speed or by relying on Set up like Bulk Up and Agility to boost its stats. This a little less used because scarfed sacrifice offense boosting items that Pawmot likes and Set up Sets are very risky due to how frail Pawmot is even with +1 defense from Bulk Up.
**Utility**: A rare set which uses Pawmot's utility moves such as Nuzzle and Super Fang ti spread paralysis and weaken bulkier targets. This isn't a very common set because it doesn't really play to Pawmot's strengths but it does provide legitimate support for the team.
(repeat as necessary)
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Thunder Punch, Supercell Slam, Mach Punch, Wild Charge, Close Combat, Low Kick, Double Shock, Brick Break
**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up
**Utility Moves**: Nuzzle, Super Fang, Wish, Revival Blessing, Fake Out, Encore, Volt Switch
**Coverage**: Play Rough, Knock Off, Crunch, Ice Punch, Seed Bomb, Fire Punch, Throat Chop, Tera Blast,
Niche Moves
========
**Focus Punch**: Focus Punch is Pawmot's most powerful move, boosted even further by Iron Fist. It is useful for punishing the foe for either trying to switch or trying to set up on Pawmot. Using this move is very risking however as it can blow up in your face if the opponent chooses to attack you.
**Upper Hand**: Due to Pawmot's frailty, it is susceptible to priority attacks. One way for Pawmot to get around this is by using Upper hand to get past almost every priority move and get free damage and preventing the opponent from doing anything. Like Focus Punch, you will be punished if you make the wrong read when using this move.
**Fling**: Sometimes Knock Off and Crunch are not enough for Pawmot to take out bulky Psychics or Ghost types. In these Cases, Fling is very useful for getting some extra damage into those types.This comes at the cost of being one time use so you will have to make it count if you rely on fling.
Common Items
========
**Life Orb**: Pawmot appreciates the immediate damage boost from Life Orb because it doesn't want to risk turns setting up. Because of this, Revenge Killer sets love to run Life Orb. Pawmot can also offset the recoil of Life Orb with Volt Absorb, but this is unreliable and sometimes risky.
**Focus Sash**: Pawmot loves to run focus sash because it allows it to survive hits that would normal KO it in 1 hit, which allows for it to trade more effectively. Revenge Killer sets really appreciate this set, but Cleaner sets may also appreciate this as it makes clicking a set up move much less risky.
**Choice Band**: Choice Band gives Pawmot the ability to punch holes through walls with its higher base power moves, making a really good items for Wallbreaker sets. Revenge killer sets may also appreciate the boost to its Priority moves but would usually prfeer to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item.
**Choice Scarf**: The immediate boost in speed is something that pawmot greatly appreciates. Choice Scarf makes Pawmot's Cleaner sets less reliant on set up and priority and allow for it to use its more Powerful STAB moves even against faster targets. For this reason, even Revenge Killing Pawmot sets appreciate this item
**Punching Glove / Protective Pads**: Because a majority of Pawmot's moveset is punching moves, Pawmot greatly appreciates the small boost Punching Gloves gives to them while protecting Pawmot from the residual damage from sources like Rough Skin or Rocky Helmet statuses from Poison Point and Flame Body. Pawmot appreciates Protective pads for the same protection against contact-based mechanics, but likes that it affects more than just punching moves.
Niche Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Pawmot does not really need boots as it has a resistance to rocks and would much rather run a damage boosting item than Heavy-Duty Boots, but Pawmot does appreciate avoiding Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes, especially because Pawmot cannot use Natural Cure very well to avoid the poison of Toxic Spikes.
**Magnet / Black Belt / Expert Belt**: Magnet and Black Belt Provide a safer boost to Pawmot's damage output without having the draw backs of things like Choice Band or Life Orb, while also providing more power than something like Punching Glove. The boosts to these 2 items are a lot more restrictive as they are type-specific boosts, while also being weaker than Life Orb or Choice Band. Expert Belt is also pretty restrictive, only working with super effective moves, but is as powerful as Life Orb and Pawmot's STAB and Coverage options can hit a lot of things super effectively, making it slightly better than Magnet and Black Belt.
**Air Balloon**: Air Balloon allows for Pawmot to temporarily avoid its ground weakness which can allow it to safely hit opposing ground types with either an Ice Punch or a Seed Bomb. Any Role can use this, but usually the revenge killing role would prefer this item because it increases the amount of pokemon it threatens with a KO
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest slightly fixed Pawmot's poor defensive profile on the special side which may allows it to more safely switch into special pokemon, especially special electric types. This is most useful on Utility based Pawmot that run Max HP as it can still use Super Fang to deal damage.
**Big Nugget**: Big Nugget is the prime choice for any set that wants to use Fling due to its high base power. Using Big Nugget is a good way for Pawmot to break through Psychic and Ghost types in the even Knock Off and Crunch aren't strong enough
Tera
========
Pawmot is a good tera captain that has quite a few good options it can go for. One of its best Tera type is electric. Tera electric not only allows it to use its most powerful electric move with no drawback, it also further boosts that power by doubling STAB rather than the standard x1.5 boost (a 1/3) boost in power) Tera Fighting is good for a similar reason, allowing for its Close Combats to become even strong, but Fighting also has the benefit of boosting Mach Punch which will make it better at cleaning up kills. Like most electric types, Pawmot greatly appreciates the offensive benefits of terastallizing into an Ice Type, which allows for it to have a better matchup against ground types. Pawmot also has some good defensive tera options such as Tera Lying, which turns its ground resist into a ground immunity and synergises extremely well with Volt Absorb, giving it only 2 weaknesses that are both answered by its innate Fighting STAB. Tera Grass also works as a middle ground between Ice and Flying as it gives you both resistance and super effective damage into Ground Types.
Draft Strategy
========
Primarily, Pawmot should be drafted as an offensive pokemon, specifically as a fast fighting cleaner or revenge killer. You don't want to draft it as Wallbreaker, otherwise you will be limiting tera options on other mons as Pawmot usually wants tera to wallbreak. You may also want to draft it if you don't have a lot of clerical support on your team as Pawmot is able to cure status conditions without the help of things like Lum Berry or Heal Bell/Aromatherapy. As a Fighting type, Pawmot makes a solid addition to PDF (Psychic, Dark, Fighting) so if you plan on drafting Pawmot, be sure to draft a Psychic and Dark type as they will also help it deal with faster pokemon that resist fighting so that Pawmot isn't forced to run Choice Scarf or run a sub-optimal Tera Type against certain opponents.
**Non-Tera Reliant Pokemon**: Pawmot really likes to use Terastallization for itself so if you plan on drafting it, make sure you prioritize having either High Tier pokemon that either don't need/are banned from Terastallizing such as Palafin or Darkrai, or high tier pokemon that will still be cheap enough to allow you to afford Pawmot like Walking Wake or Gholdengo and avoid using other low-tier pokemon that really want to use tera themselves such as Galarian-Moltres or Gyarados.
**Slow, Bulky Pivots**: Pawmot has difficulty hard-switching into pokemon due to its poor defensive profile. Because of this, it is highly encouraged that you have a way to easily get Pawmot onto the field without having to sacrifice a mon. Fast Pivots can do this to a certain extent, but slower defensive pivots such as Galarian-Slowking or Corviknight are usually better as they usually are capable of getting Pawmot in without risking it raking a hit unlike fast pivots. These bulky pivots can also take hits from strong priority moves which Pawmot is relatively weak to.
**Alternate Cleaners**: Trying to make Pawmot your primary cleaner is asking a lot out of a 8-9 point mon, so it's usually better to have one or 2 stronger, more consistent wincons alongside Pawmot. Although not necessarily mandatory, Pawmot greatly appreciates being on teams centered around Special Cleaners like Darkrai or Deoxys-Speed as having 2 powerful special attackers will usually make Pawmot's job easier as opposing Walls will usually try to prioritize taking a hit from those threats before focusing on Pawmot.
**Entry Hazards**: Pawmot likes coming onto the field against Pokemon it can threaten a KO into, so having Entry Hazards such as Spikes or Stealth Rock to constantly chip away at the opponent's team's health can create a lot more opportunities for Pawmot to pick off a Pokemon. Because of this, Hazard Stackers such as Ting-Lu or Hisuian Samurott are great partners for Pawmot as they can consistently set Hazards up and provide more situations that can lead to Pawmot getting a kill.
**Even faster attackers**: Pawmot is decently fast in its own right, but you don't want Pawmot to be the fastest thing on your team, because it gives opposing faster Pokemon the opportunity to either run damage-increasing natures or even worse; run bulk to make it harder for Pawmot to revenge kill them. Pokemon like Latios, Greninja or Roaring Moon do an excellent job at contesting faster speed tiers which makes it less likely they will be able to afford to run bulk. Having these faster threats also allows Pawmot to not feel like it's forced into running scarf so that it can comfortably run damage-increasing items.
Checks and Counters
========
**Bulky Ground Types**: Bulky Ground types that aren't 4x weak to either Ice or Grass can get in the way of Pawmot trying to claim a KO such as Hippowdon or Donphan. Great Tusk, in particular, is a massive problem for Pawmot to deal with due to its brutally high natural physical bulk and its ability to instantly raise its speed with booster energy, almost always forcing Pawmot to switch out.
**Priority Moves**: Due to its very low bulk, it is very easy for Pawmot to get KO'd by powerful priority such as Dragonite's Extreme Speed or Palafin's Jet Punch, especially because trying to counter them with Upper Hand comes with its own extremely high risk. This allows these types of Pokemon to threaten a potential KO, which is further exasperated by the Life Orb Recoil that Pawmot will usually be dealing with.
**Passive Damage**: Pawmot loves to run Life Orb a lot. Because of this, it runs the chance of wearing itself from the recoil. Because it prefers to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item, it will usually not run Heavy-Duty Boots which makes it pretty susceptible to hazards such as spikes. Toxic Spikes is especially horrible for Pawmot as it cannot rely on Natural Cure to remove poison from itself as long as the Toxic Spikes remain on the field.
**Fast Fighting Resists**: Pokemon faster than base 105 that have a resistance or immunity to Fighting type moves such as Iron Moth, Gengar and Deoxys Speed are very hard for Pawmot to revenge kill due to Pawmot's reliance on Mach Punch to take out faster pokemon when it's not running a choice scarf. Both Latias and Latios are also devestating matchups in that regard due to them also resist Pawmot's Electric STAB.
[credits]
Written by:
Knight Sky
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.200000
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.300000
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
Last edited:
AMQC implement what you like, also make sure to check spelling I fixed a few more obvious ones but could use a double check. Also make sure to capitalize Pokemon as well as move names as well as not capitalizing set names like revenge kiiller.
This needs a lot of work so I'm not gonna stamp it yet. Implement all this & I'll check again. Lmk if you have any questions or disagree with anything.
Implemented some of termnal's suggestions too.
Add Remove Comments
Implemented some of termnal's suggestions too.
Add Remove Comments
[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 6-7 onwards
**Price Range**: 8-9 points
**Overview**: Pawmot is a decently fast glass cannon with respectable attack, 3 extremely good abilities and access to quite a few key utility moves. It is able to get key pick offs thanks to its respectable 115 base attack and its Iron Fist boosted attacks such as Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Mach Punches, allowing it to take out faster Pokemon. Its Volt Absorb ability allows for it to shut down Pokemon that rely on Volt Switch to pivot while also healing it in the process, making it a good Mon to put the momentum back into your favour especially as it is capable of using Volt Switch itself. Pawmot also has access to Natural Cure , which allows it to mitigate the effect of status conditions, provided that it switches out. Its other abilities, Volt Absorb and Natural Cure, give it an immunity to Electric and status effects, respectively, giving Pawmot great utility. It also has Revival Blessing, allowing it to bring back offensive teammates after they were already KOed. However, it is extremely frail and it is generally outclassed by other Fighting-types that are faster, stronger, and can pivot more effectively. Condensed the part about abilities, mentioned rev blessing, and added some downsides - feel free to reword
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Pawmot's amazing STAB combination, Iron Fist and its good speed makes it an excellent decent revenge killer, especially against mons that are already weakened. Pawmot's Mach punch allows allows for it to pick off faster threats, but will usually need quite bit of chip to pull this off.
**Wallbreaker**: Using its 120 base power STAB moves in Close Combat and signature move, Double Shock, Pawmot is capable of pulling off an impressive amount of damage. It can use Iron Fist to increase its damage on coverage moves, it can use Mach Punch to pick off weakened foes, and it can use damage-boosting items or Choice Scarf to be a more effective wallbreaker or cleaner, respectively. You will usually need to commit terastalization, otherwise Pawmot will only be able to use its signature move once before having to switch out.
**Cleaner**: A more uncommon role that Pawmot can pull off is a cleaner. Pawmot can do this by either using Choice Scarf to give it an immediate boost in speed or by relying on Set up like Bulk Up and Agility to boost its stats. This a little less used because scarfed sacrifice offense boosting items that Pawmot likes and Set up Sets are very risky due to how frail Pawmot is even with +1 defense from Bulk Up. Combining this and revenge killer with wallbreaker - they all do the same thing
**Setup Sweeper**: With Bulk Up and Agility, Pawmot can more effectively punch holes through opposing teams and outspeed faster foes. These sets often rely on damage-boosting items to further increase its damage. Again feel free to put in your own words
**Offensive Utility**: A rare set which uses Pawmot's Pawmot can use its utility moves such as Nuzzle and Super Fang ti spread paralysis and weaken bulkier targets. It can also use Revival Blessing to bring important teammates back to life. This isn't a very common set because it doesn't really play to Pawmot's strengths but it does provide legitimate support for the team.
(repeat as necessary)
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Thunder Punch, Supercell Slam, Mach Punch, Wild Charge, Close Combat, Low Kick, Double Shock, Brick Break
**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up
**Utility Moves**: Nuzzle, Thunder Wave Super Fang, Wish, Revival Blessing, Fake Out, Encore, Volt Switch (twave still preferred against mons with contact effects)
**Coverage**: Play Rough, Knock Off, Crunch, Ice Punch, Seed Bomb, Fire Punch, Throat Chop, Tera Blast,
Niche Moves
========
**Focus Punch**: Focus Punch is Pawmot's most powerful move, boosted even further by Iron Fist. It is useful for punishing the foe for either trying to switch or trying to set up on Pawmot. Using this move is very risking however as it can blow up in your face if the opponent chooses to attack you.
**Upper Hand**: Due to Pawmot's frailty, it is susceptible to priority attacks. One way for Pawmot to get around this is by using Upper hand to get past almost every priority move and get free damage and preventing the opponent from doing anything. Like Focus Punch, you will be punished if you make the wrong read when using this move.
**Fling**: Sometimes Knock Off and Crunch are not enough for Pawmot to take out bulky Psychics or Ghost types. In these Cases, Fling is very useful for getting some extra damage into those types.This comes at the cost of being one time use so you will have to make it count if you rely on fling. too niche
Common Items
========
**Life Orb**: Pawmot appreciates the immediate damage boost from Life Orb because it doesn't want to risk turns setting up. Because of this, Revenge Killer sets love to run Life Orb. Pawmot can also offset the recoil of Life Orb with Volt Absorb, but this is unreliable and sometimes risky. See damage boosting items below
**Focus Sash**: Pawmot loves to run focus sash because it allows it to survive hits that would normal KO it in 1 hit, which allows for it to trade more effectively giving it a free turn to attack or set up. Revenge Killer sets really appreciate this set, but Cleaner sets may also appreciate this as it makes clicking a set up move much less risky. Focus Sash also allows Pawmot to get off a guaranteed Revival Blessing.
**Choice Band**: Choice Band gives Pawmot the ability to punch holes through walls with its higher base power moves, making a really good items for Wallbreaker sets. Revenge killer sets may also appreciate the boost to its Priority moves but would usually prfeer to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item. See damage boosting items below
**Choice Scarf**: The immediate boost in speed is something that pawmot greatly appreciates. Choice Scarf makes Pawmot's Cleaner revenge killer sets less reliant on set up and priority and allow for it to use its more Powerful STAB moves even against faster targets. For this reason, even Revenge Killing Pawmot sets appreciate this item
**Punching Glove / Protective Pads**: Because a majority of Pawmot's moveset is punching moves, Pawmot greatly appreciates the small boost Punching Gloves gives to them while protecting Pawmot from the residual damage from sources like Rough Skin or Rocky Helmet statuses from Poison Point and Flame Body. Pawmot appreciates Protective pads for the same protection against contact-based mechanics, but likes that it affects more than just punching moves.
Add Leppa Berry - basically always used on revival blessing sets
Niche Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Pawmot does not really need boots as it has a resistance to rocks and would much rather run a damage boosting item than Heavy-Duty Boots, but Pawmot does appreciate avoiding Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes, especially because Pawmot cannot use Natural Cure very well to avoid the poison of Toxic Spikes.
**Magnet / Black Belt / Expert Belt Damage-boosting Items**: Pawmot appreciates damage-boosting items that give it even more breaking power. Choice Band makes it an incredibly strong wallbreaker and revenge killer, but Life Orb, Magnet, Black Belt, and Expert Belt can all be effective while not locking it into a specific move. Magnet and Black Belt Provide a safer boost to Pawmot's damage output without having the draw backs of things like Choice Band or Life Orb, while also providing more power than something like Punching Glove. The boosts to these 2 items are a lot more restrictive as they are type-specific boosts, while also being weaker than Life Orb or Choice Band. Expert Belt is also pretty restrictive, only working with super effective moves, but is as powerful as Life Orb (literally not true - life orb is 1.3x, expert belt is 1.2x) and Pawmot's STAB and Coverage options can hit a lot of things super effectively, making it slightly better than Magnet and Black Belt. This doesn't need to be this long - tons of direct dex info & fluff that just doesn't need to be here. I combined this with LO & Band to have all damage-boosting items under one section, and again feel free to put my change into your own words
**Air Balloon**: Air Balloon allows for Pawmot to temporarily avoid its ground weakness which can allow it to safely hit opposing ground types with either an Ice Punch or a Seed Bomb. Any Role can use this, but usually the revenge killing role would prefer this item because it increases the amount of pokemon it threatens with a KO
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest slightly fixed Pawmot's poor defensive profile on the special side which may allows it to more safely switch into special pokemon, especially special electric types. This is most useful on Utility based Pawmot that run Max HP as it can still use Super Fang to deal damage. Its too frail to benefit from this & it always wants other items
**Big Nugget**: Big Nugget is the prime choice for any set that wants to use Fling due to its high base power. Using Big Nugget is a good way for Pawmot to break through Psychic and Ghost types in the even Knock Off and Crunch aren't strong enough
Add Resistance Berries
Tera
========
Pawmot is a good decent secondary tera captain that has quite a few good options it can go for. One of its best Tera type is electric. Tera electric not only allows it to use its most powerful electric move Double Shock with no drawback, it also further boosts that power by doubling STAB rather than the standard x1.5 boost (a 1/3) boost in power) increases its power. Tera Fighting is good for a similar reason, allowing for its Close Combats to become even strong, but Fighting also has the benefit of boosting Mach Punch which will make it better at cleaning up kills Close Combat and Mach Punch to become stronger. Like most electric types, Pawmot greatly appreciates the offensive benefits of terastallizing into an Ice Type, which allows for it to have a better matchup against ground types. Pawmot also has some good defensive tera options such as Tera Lying, which turns its ground resist into a ground immunity and synergises extremely well with Volt Absorb, giving it only 2 weaknesses that are both answered by its innate Fighting STAB. Tera Grass also works as a middle ground between Ice and Flying as it gives you both resistance and super effective damage into Ground Types.
Draft Strategy
========
Primarily, Pawmot should be drafted as an offensive pokemon, specifically as a fast fighting cleaner or revenge killer offensive threat. You don't want to draft it as Wallbreaker, otherwise you will be limiting tera options on other mons as Pawmot usually wants tera to wallbreak. You may also want to draft it if you don't have a lot of clerical support on your team as Pawmot is able to cure its own status conditions without the help of things like Lum Berry or Heal Bell/Aromatherapy. Pawmot also works well with offensive teammates that appreciate getting a second chance with Revival Blessing. As a Fighting type, Pawmot makes a solid addition to PDF (Psychic, Dark, Fighting) so if you plan on drafting Pawmot, be sure to draft a Psychic and Dark type as they will also help it deal with faster pokemon that resist fighting so that Pawmot isn't forced to run Choice Scarf or run a sub-optimal Tera Type against certain opponents. Cores are not a real thing that people should be focusing on lol
**Non-Tera Reliant Pokemon**: Pawmot really likes to use Terastallization for itself so if you plan on drafting it, make sure you prioritize having either High Tier pokemon that either don't need/are banned from Terastallizing such as Palafin or Darkrai, or high tier pokemon that will still be cheap enough to allow you to afford Pawmot like Walking Wake or Gholdengo and avoid using other low-tier pokemon that really want to use tera themselves such as Galarian-Moltres or Gyarados. you really shouldnt be drafting pawmot with the intention of making it tera, its decent with tera but like youre always gonna want to tera something better
**Slow, Bulky Pivots**: Pawmot has difficulty hard-switching into pokemon due to its poor defensive profile. Because of this, it is highly encouraged that you have a way to easily get Pawmot onto the field without having to sacrifice a mon. Fast Pivots can do this to a certain extent, but slower defensive pivots such as Galarian-Slowking or Corviknight are usually better as they usually are capable of getting Pawmot in without risking it raking a hit unlike fast pivots. These bulky pivots can also take hits from strong priority moves which Pawmot is relatively weak to.
**Alternate Cleaners**: Trying to make Pawmot your primary cleaner is asking a lot out of a 8-9 point mon, so it's usually better to have one or 2 stronger, more consistent wincons alongside Pawmot. Although not necessarily mandatory, Pawmot greatly appreciates being on teams centered around Special Cleaners like Darkrai or Deoxys-Speed as having 2 powerful special attackers will usually make Pawmot's job easier as opposing Walls will usually try to prioritize taking a hit from those threats before focusing on Pawmot.
**Entry Hazards**: Pawmot likes coming onto the field against Pokemon it can threaten a KO into, so having Entry Hazards such as Spikes or Stealth Rock to constantly chip away at the opponent's team's health can create a lot more opportunities for Pawmot to pick off a Pokemon. Because of this, Hazard Stackers such as Ting-Lu or Hisuian Samurott are great partners for Pawmot as they can consistently set Hazards up and provide more situations that can lead to Pawmot getting a kill.
**Even faster attackers**: Pawmot is decently fast in its own right, but you don't want Pawmot to be the fastest thing on your team, because it gives opposing faster Pokemon the opportunity to either run damage-increasing natures or even worse; run bulk to make it harder for Pawmot to revenge kill them. Pokemon like Latios, Greninja or Roaring Moon do an excellent job at contesting faster speed tiers which makes it less likely they will be able to afford to run bulk. Having these faster threats also allows Pawmot to not feel like it's forced into running scarf so that it can comfortably run damage-increasing items.
This section should focus a lot more on revival blessing. Add wallbreakers & mention that Pawmot can bring them back to life after they do their thing
Checks and Counters
========
**Bulky Ground Types**: Bulky Ground types that aren't 4x weak to either Ice or Grass can get in the way of Pawmot trying to claim a KO such as Hippowdon or Donphan. Great Tusk, in particular, is a massive problem for Pawmot to deal with due to its brutally high natural physical bulk and its ability to instantly raise its speed with booster energy, almost always forcing Pawmot to switch out.
**Priority Moves**: Due to its very low bulk, it is very easy for Pawmot to get KO'd by powerful priority such as Dragonite's Extreme Speed or Palafin's Jet Punch, especially because trying to counter them with Upper Hand comes with its own extremely high risk. This allows these types of Pokemon to threaten a potential KO, which is further exasperated by the Life Orb Recoil that Pawmot will usually be dealing with.
**Passive Damage**: Pawmot loves to run Life Orb a lot. No pokemon likes running life orb Because of this, it runs the chance of wearing itself from the recoil. Because it prefers to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item, it will usually not run Heavy-Duty Boots which makes it pretty susceptible to hazards such as spikes. Toxic Spikes is especially horrible for Pawmot as it cannot rely on Natural Cure to remove poison from itself as long as the Toxic Spikes remain on the field. Pawmot's lack of recovery makes it incredibly weak to passive damage, such as entry hazard damage, status effects, and contact effects.
**Fast Fighting Resists**: Pokemon faster than base 105 Pawmot that have a resistance or immunity to Fighting type moves such as Iron Moth, Gengar and Deoxys Speed are very hard for Pawmot to revenge kill due to Pawmot's reliance on Mach Punch to take out faster pokemon when it's not running a choice scarf. Both Latias and Latios are also devestating matchups in that regard due to them also resist Pawmot's Electric STAB.
[credits]
Written by:
Knight Sky
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.200000
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.300000
Grammar checked by:
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**Draft Order**: Round 6-7 onwards
**Price Range**: 8-9 points
**Overview**: Pawmot is a decently fast glass cannon with respectable attack, 3 extremely good abilities and access to quite a few key utility moves. It is able to get key pick offs thanks to its respectable 115 base attack and its Iron Fist boosted attacks such as Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Mach Punches, allowing it to take out faster Pokemon. Its Volt Absorb ability allows for it to shut down Pokemon that rely on Volt Switch to pivot while also healing it in the process, making it a good Mon to put the momentum back into your favour especially as it is capable of using Volt Switch itself. Pawmot also has access to Natural Cure , which allows it to mitigate the effect of status conditions, provided that it switches out. Its other abilities, Volt Absorb and Natural Cure, give it an immunity to Electric and status effects, respectively, giving Pawmot great utility. It also has Revival Blessing, allowing it to bring back offensive teammates after they were already KOed. However, it is extremely frail and it is generally outclassed by other Fighting-types that are faster, stronger, and can pivot more effectively. Condensed the part about abilities, mentioned rev blessing, and added some downsides - feel free to reword
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Revenge Killer**: Pawmot's amazing STAB combination, Iron Fist and its good speed makes it an excellent decent revenge killer, especially against mons that are already weakened. Pawmot's Mach punch allows allows for it to pick off faster threats, but will usually need quite bit of chip to pull this off.
**Wallbreaker**: Using its 120 base power STAB moves in Close Combat and signature move, Double Shock, Pawmot is capable of pulling off an impressive amount of damage. It can use Iron Fist to increase its damage on coverage moves, it can use Mach Punch to pick off weakened foes, and it can use damage-boosting items or Choice Scarf to be a more effective wallbreaker or cleaner, respectively. You will usually need to commit terastalization, otherwise Pawmot will only be able to use its signature move once before having to switch out.
**Cleaner**: A more uncommon role that Pawmot can pull off is a cleaner. Pawmot can do this by either using Choice Scarf to give it an immediate boost in speed or by relying on Set up like Bulk Up and Agility to boost its stats. This a little less used because scarfed sacrifice offense boosting items that Pawmot likes and Set up Sets are very risky due to how frail Pawmot is even with +1 defense from Bulk Up. Combining this and revenge killer with wallbreaker - they all do the same thing
**Setup Sweeper**: With Bulk Up and Agility, Pawmot can more effectively punch holes through opposing teams and outspeed faster foes. These sets often rely on damage-boosting items to further increase its damage. Again feel free to put in your own words
**Offensive Utility**: A rare set which uses Pawmot's Pawmot can use its utility moves such as Nuzzle and Super Fang ti spread paralysis and weaken bulkier targets. It can also use Revival Blessing to bring important teammates back to life. This isn't a very common set because it doesn't really play to Pawmot's strengths but it does provide legitimate support for the team.
(repeat as necessary)
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Thunder Punch, Supercell Slam, Mach Punch, Wild Charge, Close Combat, Low Kick, Double Shock, Brick Break
**Setup Moves**: Agility, Bulk Up
**Utility Moves**: Nuzzle, Thunder Wave Super Fang, Wish, Revival Blessing, Fake Out, Encore, Volt Switch (twave still preferred against mons with contact effects)
**Coverage**: Play Rough, Knock Off, Crunch, Ice Punch, Seed Bomb, Fire Punch, Throat Chop, Tera Blast,
Niche Moves
========
**Focus Punch**: Focus Punch is Pawmot's most powerful move, boosted even further by Iron Fist. It is useful for punishing the foe for either trying to switch or trying to set up on Pawmot. Using this move is very risking however as it can blow up in your face if the opponent chooses to attack you.
**Upper Hand**: Due to Pawmot's frailty, it is susceptible to priority attacks. One way for Pawmot to get around this is by using Upper hand to get past almost every priority move and get free damage and preventing the opponent from doing anything. Like Focus Punch, you will be punished if you make the wrong read when using this move.
**Fling**: Sometimes Knock Off and Crunch are not enough for Pawmot to take out bulky Psychics or Ghost types. In these Cases, Fling is very useful for getting some extra damage into those types.This comes at the cost of being one time use so you will have to make it count if you rely on fling. too niche
Common Items
========
**Life Orb**: Pawmot appreciates the immediate damage boost from Life Orb because it doesn't want to risk turns setting up. Because of this, Revenge Killer sets love to run Life Orb. Pawmot can also offset the recoil of Life Orb with Volt Absorb, but this is unreliable and sometimes risky. See damage boosting items below
**Focus Sash**: Pawmot loves to run focus sash because it allows it to survive hits that would normal KO it in 1 hit, which allows for it to trade more effectively giving it a free turn to attack or set up. Revenge Killer sets really appreciate this set, but Cleaner sets may also appreciate this as it makes clicking a set up move much less risky. Focus Sash also allows Pawmot to get off a guaranteed Revival Blessing.
**Choice Band**: Choice Band gives Pawmot the ability to punch holes through walls with its higher base power moves, making a really good items for Wallbreaker sets. Revenge killer sets may also appreciate the boost to its Priority moves but would usually prfeer to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item. See damage boosting items below
**Choice Scarf**: The immediate boost in speed is something that pawmot greatly appreciates. Choice Scarf makes Pawmot's Cleaner revenge killer sets less reliant on set up and priority and allow for it to use its more Powerful STAB moves even against faster targets. For this reason, even Revenge Killing Pawmot sets appreciate this item
**Punching Glove / Protective Pads**: Because a majority of Pawmot's moveset is punching moves, Pawmot greatly appreciates the small boost Punching Gloves gives to them while protecting Pawmot from the residual damage from sources like Rough Skin or Rocky Helmet statuses from Poison Point and Flame Body. Pawmot appreciates Protective pads for the same protection against contact-based mechanics, but likes that it affects more than just punching moves.
Add Leppa Berry - basically always used on revival blessing sets
Niche Items
========
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Pawmot does not really need boots as it has a resistance to rocks and would much rather run a damage boosting item than Heavy-Duty Boots, but Pawmot does appreciate avoiding Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes, especially because Pawmot cannot use Natural Cure very well to avoid the poison of Toxic Spikes.
**Magnet / Black Belt / Expert Belt Damage-boosting Items**: Pawmot appreciates damage-boosting items that give it even more breaking power. Choice Band makes it an incredibly strong wallbreaker and revenge killer, but Life Orb, Magnet, Black Belt, and Expert Belt can all be effective while not locking it into a specific move. Magnet and Black Belt Provide a safer boost to Pawmot's damage output without having the draw backs of things like Choice Band or Life Orb, while also providing more power than something like Punching Glove. The boosts to these 2 items are a lot more restrictive as they are type-specific boosts, while also being weaker than Life Orb or Choice Band. Expert Belt is also pretty restrictive, only working with super effective moves, but is as powerful as Life Orb (literally not true - life orb is 1.3x, expert belt is 1.2x) and Pawmot's STAB and Coverage options can hit a lot of things super effectively, making it slightly better than Magnet and Black Belt. This doesn't need to be this long - tons of direct dex info & fluff that just doesn't need to be here. I combined this with LO & Band to have all damage-boosting items under one section, and again feel free to put my change into your own words
**Air Balloon**: Air Balloon allows for Pawmot to temporarily avoid its ground weakness which can allow it to safely hit opposing ground types with either an Ice Punch or a Seed Bomb. Any Role can use this, but usually the revenge killing role would prefer this item because it increases the amount of pokemon it threatens with a KO
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest slightly fixed Pawmot's poor defensive profile on the special side which may allows it to more safely switch into special pokemon, especially special electric types. This is most useful on Utility based Pawmot that run Max HP as it can still use Super Fang to deal damage. Its too frail to benefit from this & it always wants other items
**Big Nugget**: Big Nugget is the prime choice for any set that wants to use Fling due to its high base power. Using Big Nugget is a good way for Pawmot to break through Psychic and Ghost types in the even Knock Off and Crunch aren't strong enough
Add Resistance Berries
Tera
========
Pawmot is a good decent secondary tera captain that has quite a few good options it can go for. One of its best Tera type is electric. Tera electric not only allows it to use its most powerful electric move Double Shock with no drawback, it also further boosts that power by doubling STAB rather than the standard x1.5 boost (a 1/3) boost in power) increases its power. Tera Fighting is good for a similar reason, allowing for its Close Combats to become even strong, but Fighting also has the benefit of boosting Mach Punch which will make it better at cleaning up kills Close Combat and Mach Punch to become stronger. Like most electric types, Pawmot greatly appreciates the offensive benefits of terastallizing into an Ice Type, which allows for it to have a better matchup against ground types. Pawmot also has some good defensive tera options such as Tera Lying, which turns its ground resist into a ground immunity and synergises extremely well with Volt Absorb, giving it only 2 weaknesses that are both answered by its innate Fighting STAB. Tera Grass also works as a middle ground between Ice and Flying as it gives you both resistance and super effective damage into Ground Types.
Draft Strategy
========
Primarily, Pawmot should be drafted as an offensive pokemon, specifically as a fast fighting cleaner or revenge killer offensive threat. You don't want to draft it as Wallbreaker, otherwise you will be limiting tera options on other mons as Pawmot usually wants tera to wallbreak. You may also want to draft it if you don't have a lot of clerical support on your team as Pawmot is able to cure its own status conditions without the help of things like Lum Berry or Heal Bell/Aromatherapy. Pawmot also works well with offensive teammates that appreciate getting a second chance with Revival Blessing. As a Fighting type, Pawmot makes a solid addition to PDF (Psychic, Dark, Fighting) so if you plan on drafting Pawmot, be sure to draft a Psychic and Dark type as they will also help it deal with faster pokemon that resist fighting so that Pawmot isn't forced to run Choice Scarf or run a sub-optimal Tera Type against certain opponents. Cores are not a real thing that people should be focusing on lol
**Non-Tera Reliant Pokemon**: Pawmot really likes to use Terastallization for itself so if you plan on drafting it, make sure you prioritize having either High Tier pokemon that either don't need/are banned from Terastallizing such as Palafin or Darkrai, or high tier pokemon that will still be cheap enough to allow you to afford Pawmot like Walking Wake or Gholdengo and avoid using other low-tier pokemon that really want to use tera themselves such as Galarian-Moltres or Gyarados. you really shouldnt be drafting pawmot with the intention of making it tera, its decent with tera but like youre always gonna want to tera something better
**Slow, Bulky Pivots**: Pawmot has difficulty hard-switching into pokemon due to its poor defensive profile. Because of this, it is highly encouraged that you have a way to easily get Pawmot onto the field without having to sacrifice a mon. Fast Pivots can do this to a certain extent, but slower defensive pivots such as Galarian-Slowking or Corviknight are usually better as they usually are capable of getting Pawmot in without risking it raking a hit unlike fast pivots. These bulky pivots can also take hits from strong priority moves which Pawmot is relatively weak to.
**Alternate Cleaners**: Trying to make Pawmot your primary cleaner is asking a lot out of a 8-9 point mon, so it's usually better to have one or 2 stronger, more consistent wincons alongside Pawmot. Although not necessarily mandatory, Pawmot greatly appreciates being on teams centered around Special Cleaners like Darkrai or Deoxys-Speed as having 2 powerful special attackers will usually make Pawmot's job easier as opposing Walls will usually try to prioritize taking a hit from those threats before focusing on Pawmot.
**Entry Hazards**: Pawmot likes coming onto the field against Pokemon it can threaten a KO into, so having Entry Hazards such as Spikes or Stealth Rock to constantly chip away at the opponent's team's health can create a lot more opportunities for Pawmot to pick off a Pokemon. Because of this, Hazard Stackers such as Ting-Lu or Hisuian Samurott are great partners for Pawmot as they can consistently set Hazards up and provide more situations that can lead to Pawmot getting a kill.
**Even faster attackers**: Pawmot is decently fast in its own right, but you don't want Pawmot to be the fastest thing on your team, because it gives opposing faster Pokemon the opportunity to either run damage-increasing natures or even worse; run bulk to make it harder for Pawmot to revenge kill them. Pokemon like Latios, Greninja or Roaring Moon do an excellent job at contesting faster speed tiers which makes it less likely they will be able to afford to run bulk. Having these faster threats also allows Pawmot to not feel like it's forced into running scarf so that it can comfortably run damage-increasing items.
This section should focus a lot more on revival blessing. Add wallbreakers & mention that Pawmot can bring them back to life after they do their thing
Checks and Counters
========
**Bulky Ground Types**: Bulky Ground types that aren't 4x weak to either Ice or Grass can get in the way of Pawmot trying to claim a KO such as Hippowdon or Donphan. Great Tusk, in particular, is a massive problem for Pawmot to deal with due to its brutally high natural physical bulk and its ability to instantly raise its speed with booster energy, almost always forcing Pawmot to switch out.
**Priority Moves**: Due to its very low bulk, it is very easy for Pawmot to get KO'd by powerful priority such as Dragonite's Extreme Speed or Palafin's Jet Punch, especially because trying to counter them with Upper Hand comes with its own extremely high risk. This allows these types of Pokemon to threaten a potential KO, which is further exasperated by the Life Orb Recoil that Pawmot will usually be dealing with.
**Passive Damage**: Pawmot loves to run Life Orb a lot. No pokemon likes running life orb Because of this, it runs the chance of wearing itself from the recoil. Because it prefers to run Life Orb or another offense boosting item, it will usually not run Heavy-Duty Boots which makes it pretty susceptible to hazards such as spikes. Toxic Spikes is especially horrible for Pawmot as it cannot rely on Natural Cure to remove poison from itself as long as the Toxic Spikes remain on the field. Pawmot's lack of recovery makes it incredibly weak to passive damage, such as entry hazard damage, status effects, and contact effects.
**Fast Fighting Resists**: Pokemon faster than base 105 Pawmot that have a resistance or immunity to Fighting type moves such as Iron Moth, Gengar and Deoxys Speed are very hard for Pawmot to revenge kill due to Pawmot's reliance on Mach Punch to take out faster pokemon when it's not running a choice scarf. Both Latias and Latios are also devestating matchups in that regard due to them also resist Pawmot's Electric STAB.
[credits]
Written by:
Knight Sky
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.200000
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.300000
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000
Hi thank you for going over my slate. Thank you for catching the expert belt statement, I have no idea why I thought it was a 30% boost. Sorry for that mistake. Also I do agree I should've spoken a lot more about Revival Blessing and I do agree that cores shouldn't really be a thing people think about. but I do have some disagreements and some things I do disagree with and I do have some questions and disagreements.
I'll start with the disagreement. Firstly, if Fling is too niche, than I don't think it's worth adding resistance berries on Pawmot because there's not many situations where a resistance berry will improve it's MU into something its counters. Air Balloon is there because it gives an immunity and can be used, despite its poor bulk, to gain an advantage against ground type and resist berries don't really do that.
I also don't really agree with not mentioning the tera paragraph in draft strategy. I am willing to concede that it shouldn't be the first thing to think about when drafting Pawmot and am willing to move it to the bottom of the Draft Strategy section, but I believe that Pawmot does really want to be able to use Tera for itself and I feel like that is a valid thing to take into consideration when thinking about whether or not you want to add it to your team .
Now for my questions:
1) Should I not mention toxic spikes specifically in the checks and counters segment? I thought it would be important to mention since it can't really use Natural Cure to heal it without removing those hazards.
2) Are you sure I should condense all the damage boosting items into one post? I'm all for shortening down how much I wrote about magnet and stuff, but I think condensing the info like above doesn't really do a good job at separating which items are niche and which items aren't. Magnet and Expert belt are niche, Life Orb isn't.
3) why shouldn't I mention some the moves in niche moves are there? I feel like it's important to explain why those moves aren't as common and in your QC you mentioned to talk about some downsides, but it feels like the downsides that I already did talk about are being recommended to be erased.
I'll start implementing the fixes as well as the criticism that I agree with, but I would like to talk about some of these concerns before I implement everything. Thanks for the QC
Its more so letting it take hits from faster foes that normally revenge kill it, letting it KO or weaken the faster mon in return. For example:
252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Roseli Berry Pawmot: 220-261 (78.2 - 92.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
I do think it's pretty situational though especially considering how bad its defenses are, so its up to you whether you include it
That's fair, but usually we don't discuss this in draft strategy unless it's a top tier pokemon that literally cannot function without tera (Latias, Salamence, Kingambit) If you're drafting tera pawmot, you're almost always going to have a better tera captain along with it, otherwise you're basically handicapping yourself. It works well as a secondary tera captain, but it also can be fine without tera if the better tera captain is preferred, which makes this section feel unnecessary.
You can mention toxic spikes yeah, I mentioned status effects but you can give a specific mention to tspikes
First off, I forgot to mention that this whole section should be moved to common items (probably at the top of the list). I definitely think Life Orb is a very overrated item, especially since it makes Pawmot even weaker to revenge killers and priority moves, but it typically wants damage boosting of some sort, so combining all the items and potentially mentioning their specific use cases is fine.
The only niche move I removed was Fling, which seems really unideal since Pawmot always prefers holding other items, and Crunch can be just as effective and more reliable with damage-boosting items. The other parts I removed from the other niche moves are just fluff / dex info (generally explaining how moves work is frowned upon, since that's not the point of the analysis & should be common knowledge / easy to find, but explaining how it benefits the Pokemon is important)
hopefully that answers everything :)