LGPE OU Poliwrath

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[OVERVIEW]

Poliwrath makes for a solid glue Pokemon in LGPE OU thanks to its unique defensive typing and decent overall bulk, which allow it to handle many top threats such as Alolan Dugtrio, Rhydon, and, most importantly, Mega Gyarados and Melmetal. Poliwrath also has a solid offensive movepool, including strong STAB attacks in Superpower and Waterfall, coverage moves like Earthquake, and more consistent methods of damaging the foe like Seismic Toss and Low Kick. However, the presence of Psychic-types such as Starmie, Mega Alakazam, and Mew and Flying-types such as Zapdos and Dragonite makes Poliwrath a complete liability at times. It is also weak to Electric-type moves, which are quite common in the metagame, and its rather mediocre Speed tier gives Pokemon such as Zapdos and Starmie the potential to easily take it out. Lastly, Poliwrath lacks reliable recovery, so it is prone to being worn down over time.

[SET]
move 1: Superpower / Low Kick
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Waterfall / Scald
move 4: Seismic Toss / Earthquake
item:
nature: Impish / Relaxed

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Information
========

Strong STAB options such as Superpower and Waterfall allow Poliwrath to not remain too passive in a match. Alternatively, Low Kick can be used over Superpower as a reliable option against Pokemon like Melmetal, Mega Gyarados, and Snorlax and avoids lowering Poliwrath's stats, although one must note it's not the strongest attack against certain Pokemon like Eevee-S. Scald similarly can be used over Waterfall with a Relaxed nature to deal as much damage as Earthquake on Melmetal, hit physically defensive Pokemon harder, and spread burns, which can be devastating to many of the Pokemon it checks. Toxic is used to cripple common switch-ins to Poliwrath like Mew, Starmie, and Zapdos. Seismic Toss provides a more reliable method of damage output against Pokemon that resist Poliwrath's STAB moves like Clefable and Mega Venusaur, in addition to being a damaging move that's still reliable when Poliwrath gets burned. Alternatively, Earthquake is notable for hitting Alolan Muk and Mega Charizard X. An Impish nature is used to increase Poliwrath's bulk, giving it more opportunities to switch into the Pokemon it checks without lowering its damage output or Speed. However, when using Scald over Waterfall, Relaxed is preferred, which still gives a Defense boost while dropping Speed, one of Poliwrath's less important stats.

Usage Tips
========

Poliwrath's resistances to Steel, Rock, and Dark and good bulk can be utilized to easily switch it in on Pokemon like Melmetal and Mega Gyarados. Superpower is mainly used as a strong attacking option if there are no better options. It is recommended to switch out Poliwrath after Superpower has been used, since the stat drops make Poliwrath easier to take advantage of. Earthquake is generally to be used when a Pokemon like Alolan Muk or Gengar is switching in rather than as a regular attack. When against Melmetal, Poliwrath can use either Scald or Earthquake to soften it up before using Superpower. However, one must be wary of Thunder Punch.

Team Options
========

Alolan Muk can take advantage of the Psychic-types that generally counter Poliwrath thanks to its Dark typing, in addition to being a reliable check to Gengar. In return, Poliwrath can handle Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Melmetal. Eevee-S's Sparkly Swirl can be used to heal status off Poliwrath, as Poliwrath doesn't like being paralyzed or burned. It also means that Poliwrath can more freely utilize moves like Rest. Mega Aerodactyl or even regular Aerodactyl can take care of the Flying-types that Poliwrath struggles with while also setting up Stealth Rock to increase the potency of Poliwrath's damage output.

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

Poliwrath has access to Hypnosis, which is rare among Pokemon of its type and can be utilized to cripple common switch-ins like Mega Venusaur. It's rather inaccurate, though. Ice Punch can serve as a good coverage move against Dragonite and Mega Venusaur, but it otherwise has little use. Rest can be used in conjunction with Eevee-S to give Poliwrath recovery, but it isn't the most reliable, since at minimum this strategy takes four turns to execute. A more defensive set can be utilized to take advantage of Poliwrath's good bulk and defensive typing, but this set often lacks firepower and as such can be quite passive.

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

**Psychic-types**: Pokemon such as Mew and Starmie can easily outspeed Poliwrath and take it out, in addition to not taking much damage from Poliwrath's moves. They do fear Toxic, however.

**Dragonite**: Dragonite doesn't appreciate Toxic or the niche Ice Punch, but it can switch in on Poliwrath's other moves and take advantage of it by setting up with Agility.

**Electric-types**: Zapdos is one of the most notable counters to Poliwrath, as it resists Poliwrath's Fighting-type STAB attacks, is immune to Ground, outspeeds it, and can easily take it out with Thunderbolt. Electrode doesn't like switching into most of Poliwrath's moves, but it similarly can outspeed Poliwrath and 2HKO with Thunderbolt.

**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can tank any hit from Poliwrath and easily recover with Mega Drain. It is also immune to Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Melons-N-Soda, 206635]]
- Quality checked by: [[Theorymon, 29010], [Eve, 375272]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
 
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Funbot28

Banned deucer.
[OVERVIEW]

  • Poliwrath makes for a solid glue in the LGPE OU metagame thanks to its unique defensive typing and decent overall bulk.
  • This typing allows Poliwrath to handle many top threats in the metagame such as Alolan Dugtrio, Rhydon, and most importantly Mega Gyarados and Melmetal.
  • Poliwrath also has a solid offensive movepool, including strong STABs in Superpower and Waterfall, in addition to coverage like Ice Punch and Earthquake. Also can add a point on Stoss for consistent damage.
  • The presence of Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Mew and Flying-types such as Zapdos and Dragonite make Poliwrath a complete liability at times. You should also mention a weakness to common coverage options such as Thunderbolt, Tpunch, and to a lesser extent Mega Drain.
  • Its speed tier is rather mediocre, allowing Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Starmie the potential to easily take it out.
  • A note on its lack of reliable recovery means it can be easily chipped over time especially when switchin in against SE coverage.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Ice Punch / Toxic (add description in moves, mainly to cripple common switchins like Mew, Zapdos, and Starmie)
item: Remove
nature: Impish

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Information
========

  • Superpower and Waterfall are powerful STAB options for Poliwrath.
  • Earthquake is notable for hitting Mega Gengar on the switch and Alolan Muk in general. Also mention hitting Mega Zard X
  • Ice Punch is mainly to target Pokemon such as Dragonite, Zapdos, and Alolan Exeggutor, which take little from Poliwrath's other moves. Add Mega Venusaur here as well.
  • Mention Impish Nature here. (Most notable avoiding 2hko from Melmetal TPunch and such)
Usage Tips
========

  • Poliwrath's resistances to Steel, Rock, and Dark with good bulk can be utilized to easily switch it in on Pokemon like Melmetal or Mega Gyarados.
  • It is recommended to switch out Poliwrath after Superpower has been used, since it weakens Poliwrath's Attack and Defense make it easier to take advantage of. When should it use Superpower however? Specify
  • Earthquake and Ice Punch are moves generally to be used when a Pokemon is switching in rather than as regular attacks. Give examples on potential targets.
Team Options
========

  • Alolan Muk can take advantage of the Psychic-types that generally counter Poliwrath thanks to its Dark typing, in addition to being a reliable check to Mega Gengar. Also note how Poli can help check Melmetal and Mega Gyara in return for Alo Muk.
  • Eevee-S's Sparkly Swirl can be used to heal status off Poliwrath, which is good as Poliwrath doesn't like being paralyzed or burned. Also note that it enables Poliwrath to run Rest as a recovery option.
  • Mega Aerodactyl or even regular Aerodactyl can take care of Flying-types Poliwrath struggles with while also setting up Stealth Rock to increase the potency of Poliwrath's damage output.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • A note on Seismic Toss
  • A more defensive set can be utilized to take advantage of Poliwrath's good bulk and defensive typing in addition to access to Scald, but this set often lacks firepower and as such can be quite passive.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Psychic-types**: Pokemon such as Mew, Mega Alakazam, and Starmie can all easily outspeed Poliwrath and take it out, in addition to not taking much damage from Poliwrath's other moves. Not Mega Zam as Wfall easily 2HKOs

**Flying-types**: While Pokemon such as Dragonite and Zapdos don't appreciate Ice Punch, they can switch in on Poliwrath's other moves and take advantage of it by either setting up on it with Dragon Dance or taking it out with a STAB Thunderbolt respectively. Dragon Dance? That does not exist in LGOU

**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can tank any hit from Poliwrath and easily recover with Mega Drain.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Melons-N-Soda, 206635]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Good Start, implement this and I will take another look.
 

Theorymon

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Talked with some QC people on Discord, time for this to receive its first check!

[OVERVIEW]

  • Poliwrath makes for a solid glue in the LGPE OU metagame thanks to its unique defensive typing and decent overall bulk.
  • This typing allows Poliwrath to handle many top threats in the metagame such as Alolan Dugtrio, Rhydon, and most importantly Mega Gyarados and Melmetal.
  • Poliwrath also has a solid offensive movepool, including strong STABs in Superpower and Waterfall, in addition to coverage like Ice Punch and Earthquake. It also has more consistent methods of damaging the opponent with moves like Seismic Toss. I'd get rid of the Ice Punch mention, since we're probably gonna get rid of that on the set.
  • The presence of Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Mew and Flying-types such as Zapdos and Dragonite make Poliwrath a complete liability at times. It is also weak to Electric- and Grass-type moves, which are quite common in the metagame. Not sure I'd call Grass moves that common. Also, might as well mention Starmie under Psychic types.
  • Its speed tier is rather mediocre, allowing Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Starmie the potential to easily take it out. Mega Gengar does have to be warry of Earthquake, and theres plenty of other mons like Zapdos that outspeed Poliwrath.
  • Poliwrath lacks reliable recovery, so it is easily prone to being worn down over time.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Superpower
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Ice Punch / Toxic
item:
nature: Impish

So on Discord we discussed changing the set up for a while, This is what we got:

move 1: Superpower
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Waterfall / Scald
move 4: Seismic Toss / Earthquake
item:
nature: Impish / Relaxed

So here's the reasoning for this.

-Toxic is too good to pass up since it punishes Poliwarth's biggest issues, Zapdos and Mew.
-Scald is worth mentioning, because the burn chance is nice, and it does almost as much damage with Relaxed as Earthquake does to Melmetal. Also does more to physically defensive stuff than Waterfall does.
-Seismic Toss is nice for consistent damage against things that'd otherwise not do too much to. Also, if someone burns Poliwrath (say, Psychic-less Mew or Mega Charizard X or Eevee-S), you got a decent damage dealing move.

-Also, Ezaphs brought that we need to mention Low Kick in set comments. Nice thing is it doesn't lower Polirath's stats and it hits Melmetal and Snorlax as hard, but the big downside is that its extremely weak vs Eevee-S, and isn't as consistent damage dealing wise in general.


[SET COMMENTS]
Set Information
========

  • Superpower and Waterfall are powerful STAB options for Poliwrath.
  • Earthquake is notable for hitting Mega Gengar on the switch and Alolan Muk and Mega Charizard X in general.
  • Ice Punch is mainly to target Pokemon such as Dragonite, Zapdos, and Alolan Exeggutor, which take little from Poliwrath's other moves. I think we decided to make Ice Punch other options.
  • Toxic can be used instead to cripple switch-ins like Mew, Starmie, and Zapdos.
  • An Impish nature is used to increase Poliwrath's bulk, giving it more opportunities to switch into the things it checks, while not lowering the damage output or speed of it either. Mention Relaxed when using it with Scald.
Usage Tips
========

  • Poliwrath's resistances to Steel, Rock, and Dark with good bulk can be utilized to easily switch it in on Pokemon like Melmetal or Mega Gyarados.
  • Superpower is mainly used as a strong attacking option if no others are better, or for super effective damage. It is recommended to switch out Poliwrath after Superpower has been used, since it weakens Poliwrath's Attack and Defense make it easier to take advantage of.
  • Earthquake and Ice Punch are moves generally to be used when a Pokemon is switching in rather than as regular attacks. Good examples of this include Alolan Muk and Mega Gengar, and Dragonite and Zapdos respectively.
I'd mention that if you have Scald or Earthquake, you can soften Melmetal up with them before using Superpower.

Team Options
========

  • Alolan Muk can take advantage of the Psychic-types that generally counter Poliwrath thanks to its Dark typing, in addition to being a reliable check to Mega Gengar. In return, Poliwrath can handle Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Melmetal for Alolan Muk.
  • Eevee-S's Sparkly Swirl can be used to heal status off Poliwrath, which is good as Poliwrath doesn't like being paralyzed or burned. It also means that Poliwrath can utilize moves like Rest.
  • Mega Aerodactyl or even regular Aerodactyl can take care of Flying-types Poliwrath struggles with while also setting up Stealth Rock to increase the potency of Poliwrath's damage output.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • Seismic Toss can be utilized for a more consistent way of damage output, but it can be a bit more passive in comparison to Superpower. We decided this was better in the main set, mention Ice Punch here instead. It's nice for hitting Dragonite hard, but doesn't really do much else.
  • A more defensive set can be utilized to take advantage of Poliwrath's good bulk and defensive typing in addition to access to Scald, but this set often lacks firepower and as such can be quite passive. Well Scald is in the main set now :P.
Since you mentioned Rest in team options when brining up Eevee-S, I think it'd be a good idea to bring up Rest here as well.

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

**Psychic-types**: Pokemon such as Mew, and Starmie can all easily outspeed Poliwrath and take it out, in addition to not taking much damage from Poliwrath's moves. Might want to mention that Toxic is bad news for these.

**Flying-types**: While Pokemon such as Dragonite and Zapdos don't appreciate Ice Punch or Toxic, they can switch in on Poliwrath's other moves and take advantage of it by setting up with Agility or taking it out with a STAB move respectively.

**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can tank any hit from Poliwrath and easily recover with Mega Drain. It is also immune to Toxic.

I think it might be worth making Dragonite its own mention, and pairing Zapdos in with Electrode under Electric-types. Zapdos does a much better job of checking Poliwrath because of the Superpower resist and not being weak to Earthquake, but Electrode does still outspeed and 2HKO Poliwrath with Thunderbolt.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Melons-N-Soda, 206635]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Once you implement this stuff, I'll give ya the first QC stamp!
 
i think hypnosis should be mentioned somewhere (maybe a slash in the fourth moveslot) given that
• (m-)venusaur is the best possible switchin to poliwrath and hypnosis (or sing) is rly the only status move m-venu cares about, as a bulky special attacker immune to toxic and powder moves
• sleep moves have poor distribution in the tier and often poliwrath will be the team’s only poke (outside of mgengar which is never running hypnosis) with access to a sleep move
• poliwrath doesnt have great coverage options anyway so the moveslot taken by hypnosis is a smaller cost.
 

Eve

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This looks really good to me! My main suggestion is to actually slash Low Kick, as Eevee isn't quite common enough to make it bad when it's far better against the extremely dominant Melmetal and Mega Gyarados, and mention that players should be wary of a potential Thunder Punch from Melmetal in usage tips. With that, I think you've earned QC 2/3 :)
 

Eve

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Seeing as LGPE QC is dead for the foreseeable future I've been asked to give another check to get this into GP. Strange to double check but in this case it's good because the Other Options entry for Ice Punch should also definitely mention Mega Venusaur! With that, QC 3/3
 

Ginger Princess

Girl moding so hard rn
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Seeing as LGPE QC is dead for the foreseeable future I've been asked to give another check to get this into GP. Strange to double check but in this case it's good because the Other Options entry for Ice Punch should also definitely mention Mega Venusaur! With that, QC 3/3
edited that in
 

Lumari

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remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comm
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Poliwrath makes for a solid glue Pokemon in the LGPE OU metagame thanks to its unique defensive typing and decent overall bulk, (comma) The aforementioned typing allows Poliwrath which allow it to handle many top threats in the metagame such as Alolan Dugtrio, Rhydon, and most importantly Mega Gyarados and Melmetal. Poliwrath also has a solid offensive movepool, including strong STAB attacks in Superpower and Waterfall, in addition to coverage moves like Earthquake. It also has and more consistent methods of damaging the opponent foe with moves like Seismic Toss and Low Kick. However, the presence of Psychic-types such as Starmie, Mega Alakazam and Mew and Flying-types such as Zapdos and Dragonite make makes Poliwrath a complete liability at times. It is also weak to Electric-type moves, which are quite common in the metagame, (comma) Its speed tier is also and its rather mediocre Speed tier (RC) allowing gives Pokemon such as Zapdos and Starmie the potential to easily take it out. Lastly, Poliwrath lacks reliable recovery, so it is easily prone to being worn down over time.

[SET]
move 1: Superpower / Low Kick
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Waterfall / Scald
move 4: Seismic Toss / Earthquake
item:
nature: Impish / Relaxed

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Information
========

Superpower is a powerful STAB option for Poliwrath. Alternatively, Low Kick can be used as a STAB move that is a reliable option against Pokemon like Melmetal, Mega Gyarados, and Snorlax while not that avoids lowering Poliwrath's stats, although one must note it's not the strongest attack against certain Pokemon like Eevee-S. Toxic is used to cripple common switch-ins to Poliwrath like Mew, Starmie, and Zapdos. Waterfall is a similarly powerful STAB option for Poliwrath that has a chance to make the opposing Pokemon flinch the opponent as well. Alternatively However, Scald can be used with a Relaxed nature to allow Poliwrath to deal as much damage as Earthquake on Melmetal, hit physically defensive Pokemon harder, and spread burns, which can be devastating to many of the Pokemon it checks. Seismic Toss can be used provides a more reliable method of damage output against Pokemon that resist Poliwrath's STAB moves like Clefable or and Mega Venusaur, in addition to being a damaging move that's still reliable when Poliwrath gets burned. Alternatively, Earthquake is notable for hitting Alolan Muk and Mega Charizard X. An Impish nature is used to increase Poliwrath's bulk, giving it more opportunities to switch into the things it checks (RC) while not without lowering the its damage output or Speed of it either. However, when using Scald over Waterfall, Relaxed is preferred, which still gives a Defense boost while dropping Speed, one of Poliwrath's less important stats.

Usage Tips
========

Poliwrath's resistances to Steel, Rock, and Dark with good bulk can be utilized to easily switch it in on Pokemon like Melmetal or and Mega Gyarados. Superpower is mainly used as a strong attacking option if there are no others are better (RC)option or for super effective damage. It is recommended to switch out Poliwrath after Superpower has been used, since it weakens Poliwrath's Attack and Defense which the stat drops make it Poliwrath easier to take advantage of. Earthquake is a move generally to be used when a Pokemon like Alolan Muk or Gengar is switching in rather than as a regular attack. Good examples of this include Alolan Muk and Gengar. When against Melmetal, Poliwrath can use either Scald or Earthquake to soften it up before using Superpower. However, one must be wary of Thunder Punch on Melmetal.

Team Options
========

Alolan Muk can take advantage of the Psychic-types that generally counter Poliwrath thanks to its Dark typing, in addition to being a reliable check to Gengar. In return, Poliwrath can handle Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Melmetal for Alolan Muk. Eevee-S's Sparkly Swirl can be used to heal status off Poliwrath, which is good as Poliwrath doesn't like being paralyzed or burned. It also means that Poliwrath can more freely utilize moves like Rest. Mega Aerodactyl or even regular Aerodactyl can take care of the Flying-types that Poliwrath struggles with while also setting up Stealth Rock to increase the potency of Poliwrath's damage output.

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

Poliwrath has access to Hypnosis, which is rare among Pokemon of its type, which and can be utilized to cripple common switch-ins like Mega Venusaur. It's rather inaccurate, though. Ice Punch can serve as a good coverage move against Dragonite and Mega Venusaur, but otherwise it has little use. Rest can be used in conjunction with Eevee-S to give Poliwrath recovery, but it isn't the most reliable way, (AC) of recovery since at minimum it takes 4 turns to complete execute. A more defensive set can be utilized to take advantage of Poliwrath's good bulk and defensive typing, but this set often lacks firepower and as such can be quite passive.

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

**Psychic-types**: Pokemon such as Mew (RC) and Starmie can all easily outspeed Poliwrath and take it out, in addition to not taking much damage from Poliwrath's moves. They do fear Toxic, however.

**Dragonite**: Dragonite doesn't appreciate Toxic or the niche Ice Punch, but it can switch in on Poliwrath's other moves and take advantage of it by setting up with Agility.

**Electric-types**: Zapdos is one of the most notable counters to Poliwrath, as Zapdos it resists its Fighting STAB attacks, is immune to Ground, outspeeds Poliwrath it, and can easily take it out with Thunderbolt. Electrode doesn't like switching in to most of Poliwrath's moves, but it similarly can outspeed it and 2HKO with Thunderbolt.

**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can tank any hit from Poliwrath and easily recover with Mega Drain. It is also immune to Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Melons-N-Soda, 206635]]
- Quality checked by: [[Theorymon, 29010], [Eve, 375272]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
 
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Rabia

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add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Poliwrath makes for a solid glue Pokemon in the LGPE OU metagame thanks to its unique defensive typing and decent overall bulk, which allow it to handle many top threats in the metagame such as Alolan Dugtrio, Rhydon, and,(AC) most importantly,(AC) Mega Gyarados and Melmetal. Poliwrath also has a solid offensive movepool, including strong STAB attacks in Superpower and Waterfall, in addition to coverage moves like Earthquake,(AC) and more consistent methods of damaging the foe with moves like Seismic Toss and Low Kick. However, the presence of Psychic-types such as Starmie, Mega Alakazam,(AC) and Mew and Flying-types such as Zapdos and Dragonite makes Poliwrath a complete liability at times. It is also weak to Electric-type moves, which are quite common in the metagame, and its rather mediocre Speed tier gives Pokemon such as Zapdos and Starmie the potential to easily take it out. Lastly, Poliwrath lacks reliable recovery, so it is easily prone to being worn down over time.

[SET]
move 1: Superpower / Low Kick
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Waterfall / Scald
move 4: Seismic Toss / Earthquake
item:
nature: Impish / Relaxed

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Information
========

Superpower is a powerful STAB option for Poliwrath (great, but this sentence really doesn't tell the reader anything of value). Alternatively, Low Kick is a reliable option against Pokemon like Melmetal, Mega Gyarados, and Snorlax and avoids lowering Poliwrath's stats, although one must note it's not the strongest attack against certain Pokemon like Eevee-S. Toxic is used to cripple common switch-ins to Poliwrath like Mew, Starmie, and Zapdos. Waterfall is a similarly powerful STAB option that has a chance to make the opposing Pokemon flinch as well (this sentence also doesn't really say much). However, Scald can be used with a Relaxed nature to allow Poliwrath to deal as much damage as Earthquake on Melmetal, hit physically defensive Pokemon harder, and spread burns, which can be devastating to many of the Pokemon it checks. Seismic Toss provides a more reliable method of damage output against Pokemon that resist Poliwrath's STAB moves like Clefable and Mega Venusaur, in addition to being a damaging move that's still reliable when Poliwrath gets burned. Alternatively, Earthquake is notable for hitting Alolan Muk and Mega Charizard X. An Impish nature is used to increase Poliwrath's bulk, giving it more opportunities to switch into the things Pokemon it checks without lowering its damage output or Speed. However, when using Scald over Waterfall, Relaxed is preferred, which still gives a Defense boost while dropping Speed, one of Poliwrath's less important stats.

Usage Tips
========

Poliwrath's resistances to Steel, Rock, and Dark with and good bulk can be utilized to easily switch it in on Pokemon like Melmetal and Mega Gyarados. Superpower is mainly used as a strong attacking option if there are no better options or for super effective damage (I would hope the reader already knows to use the super effective move). It is recommended to switch out Poliwrath after Superpower has been used, since the stat drops make Poliwrath easier to take advantage of. Earthquake is generally to be used when a Pokemon like Alolan Muk or Gengar is switching in rather than as a regular attack. When against Melmetal, Poliwrath can use either Scald or Earthquake to soften it up before using Superpower. However, one must be wary of Thunder Punch.

Team Options
========

Alolan Muk can take advantage of the Psychic-types that generally counter Poliwrath thanks to its Dark typing, in addition to being a reliable check to Gengar. In return, Poliwrath can handle Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Melmetal for Alolan Muk. Eevee-S's Sparkly Swirl can be used to heal status off Poliwrath, as Poliwrath doesn't like being paralyzed or burned. It also means that Poliwrath can more freely utilize moves like Rest. Mega Aerodactyl or even regular Aerodactyl can take care of the Flying-types that Poliwrath struggles with while also setting up Stealth Rock to increase the potency of Poliwrath's damage output.

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

Poliwrath has access to Hypnosis, which is rare among Pokemon of its type and can be utilized to cripple common switch-ins like Mega Venusaur. It's rather inaccurate, though. Ice Punch can serve as a good coverage move against Dragonite and Mega Venusaur, but otherwise it otherwise has little use. Rest can be used in conjunction with Eevee-S to give Poliwrath recovery, but it isn't the most reliable way, since at minimum it this strategy takes 4 four turns to exceute execute. A more defensive set can be utilized to take advantage of Poliwrath's good bulk and defensive typing, but this set often lacks firepower and as such can be quite passive.

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

**Psychic-types**: Pokemon such as Mew and Starmie can all easily outspeed Poliwrath and take it out, in addition to not taking much damage from Poliwrath's moves. They do fear Toxic, however.

**Dragonite**: Dragonite doesn't appreciate Toxic or the niche Ice Punch, but it can switch in on Poliwrath's other moves and take advantage of it by setting up with Agility.

**Electric-types**: Zapdos is one of the most notable counters to Poliwrath, as it resists its Fighting Poliwrath's Fighting-type STAB attacks, is immune to Ground, outspeeds it, and can easily take it out with Thunderbolt. Electrode doesn't like switching into(spacing) most of Poliwrath's moves, but it similarly can outspeed it Poliwrath and 2HKO with Thunderbolt.

**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can tank any hit from Poliwrath and easily recover with Mega Drain. It is also immune to Toxic.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Melons-N-Soda, 206635]]
- Quality checked by: [[Theorymon, 29010], [Eve, 375272]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]

gp 2/2 when done
 
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