QC 3/3: Kink, Nuked, Hilomilo
GP: martha, talkingtree
[OVERVIEW]
Slowbro has a niche in UU as a strong physical wall capable of taking on a large majority of the tier's physical attackers. High HP and Defense stats give Mega Slowbro unrivaled amounts of physical bulk, allowing it to be a great asset on all kinds of teams as a blanket check for many physical threats. A solid ability in Shell Armor combined with its pre-Mega ability Regenerator allows Slowbro to pull off multiple sets, so its set can be changed based on what the team needs. It also has access to reliable recovery in Slack Off, giving it an edge over other bulky Water-types like Suicune and Swampert. In addition to its incredible defensive stats, Mega Slowbro also sports a very solid Special Attack stat, enabling it to deal significant damage to many Pokemon and avoid being too passive, giving it a solid offensive presence that doesn't give setup sweepers like Heracross and Haxorus free switch-ins. Unfortunately, a lackluster Special Defense stat and an average defensive typing of Water / Psychic giving it key weaknesses to Electric, Grass, Dark, and Ghost mean that Mega Slowbro is often unable to take on a majority of the tier's special attackers. Mega Slowbro also faces competition from the tier's plethora of other Water-types, including Tentacruel, which has an arguably better defensive typing and access to Rapid Spin and Toxic Spikes, Swampert, which has access to Stealth Rock and an Electric immunity, and Suicune, which is much faster and can also pull off a defensive Calm Mind set. Additionally, Mega Slowbro's poor base 30 Speed means that it is outrun by almost everything, so it has to rely on sheer bulk to beat most Pokemon it faces.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psyshock / Fire Blast
move 4: Slack Off
item: Slowbronite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Slowbro's main STAB move, capable of spreading burns and dealing decent amounts of damage at the same time. Ice Beam is mandatory coverage, allowing Mega Slowbro to nail Grass-types like Rotom-C and Celebi as well as Dragon-types like Hydreigon, Mega Altaria, and Latias for super-effective damage so it isn't walled by many of the tier's most capable Pokemon. Psyshock is a secondary STAB move that hits many Pokemon that resist Scald for at least neutral damage, such as Primarina, Suicune, and Tentacruel, as well as dealing more damage to potent special walls like Blissey. Fire Blast can also be used in the third slot, allowing Slowbro to OHKO Scizor and deal neutral damage to Pokemon that resist both Scald and Ice Beam like Empoleon. Keep in mind, however, that forgoing Psyshock in this third slot will leave Slowbro incapable of touching Tentacruel and walled by a few Pokemon that resist Water-, Ice-, and Fire-type attacks like Mantine and Jellicent. Finally, Slack Off is mandatory in the last slot, giving Slowbro reliable recovery that allows it to stay healthy over the course of a match and, when coupled with its non-Mega ability, Regenerator, enables it to repeatedly switch into threats it walls such as Infernape and Cobalion. Thunder Wave is another option for the third slot, hitting common offensive switch-ins to Mega Slowbro such as Volcanion and crippling them with paralysis, but it gives up a very nice offensive move in either Psyshock or Fire Blast to do so, so it's not recommended. Toxic is also an option for the third slot, crippling common bulkier switch-ins such as Alomomola and other Mega Slowbro, which take very little damage from any of Slowbro's offensive options.
Set Details
========
252 HP EVs maximize Slowbro's overall bulk while 76 Defense EVs and a Bold nature capitalize on Slowbro's naturally high Defense. The remaining EVs guarantee that Slowbro isn't KOd by two hits from Mamoswine's Freeze-Dry. Slowbronite ensures Slowbro can Mega Evolve, which boosts its defenses significantly, while Regenerator is used pre-Mega as an excellent defensive ability so Slowbro remains healthy over the course of a match.
Usage Tips
========
This Slowbro set should be used to repeatedly switch into threats it is able to check, like Infernape, Cobalion, Mamoswine, and Mega Aerodactyl. For the majority of the game, Slowbro should not Mega Evolve, as Regenerator is such an important ability that enables it to keep switching in and out of the majority of the tier's physical attackers, which is more important than the extra stats given by Slowbro's Mega Evolution. Pre-Mega, Slowbro should consistently utilize Scald to spread burns and its coverage moves to spread damage and cripple its most common switch-ins. If a dangerous Pokemon such as Haxorus requires Slowbro to Mega Evolve to check with boosted Defense, Slowbro should Mega Evolve. Keep in mind that Mega Evolving means Slowbro loses Regenerator, so it should typically only be done late in the match.
Team Options
========
Grass-types such as Celebi can easily knock out Slowbro, so pairing it with Fire-, Dragon-, and Flying-types like Chandelure, Latias, and Moltres is generally a good idea. Pairing Slowbro with a strong Ground-type like Hippowdon or Swampert helps Slowbro because it is naturally weak to Volt Switch from users like Mega Manectric and Raikou. Special walls such as Blissey and Umbreon are good partners for Slowbro, since its Special Defense is naturally relatively low and many of the tier's strong special attackers can easily break through it. Slowbro can also take the strong physical attacks aimed at Blissey and Umbreon. Heal Bell users, including Togekiss, Sylveon, and the aforementioned Umbreon and Blissey are good partners, since Slowbro is weak to status due to its lack of Leftovers recovery and lack of immunity to Toxic or Will-O-Wisp. Fairy-types like the aforementioned Togekiss and Sylveon can help Slowbro deal with powerful Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Latias that can easily break through it, and Slowbro can beat the strong Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Cobalion that threaten these Fairy-types. Strong offensive pivots such as Hydreigon and Infernape that appreciate Slowbro's ability to pivot into offensive threats that may revenge kill them make good teammates and can patch up Slowbro's somewhat lackluster offensive pressure.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Ice Beam / Psyshock
item: Slowbronite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Slowbro's main STAB move, capable of spreading burns and dealing adequate amounts of damage, bolstering its offensive presence. Calm Mind buffs Slowbro's naturally average Special Defense to acceptable levels as well as buffing its Special Attack, increasing its offensive pressure. Slack Off offers reliable recovery and should be used on every Slowbro set. The last slot is a choice of coverage: Ice Beam allows Mega Slowbro to nail common offensive switch-ins such as Latias for super effective damage, preventing it from being walled by many of the tier's most prominent Pokemon and making sure it isn't setup bait for many Water-resistant Pokemon. Psyshock is a secondary STAB move that can deal more damage to common Water-resistant switch-ins such as Amoonguss, Tentacruel, and Kommo-o, hitting all three for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
252 HP EVs maximize Slowbro's overall bulk while 76 Defense EVs and a Bold nature ensure that Slowbro has the physical defense to wall essentially the entire tier after a few Calm Mind boosts. The remaining EVs are added into Special Defense to help out with its overall bulk pre-Calm Mind boosts and also increase its walling capabilities after it has started boosting. Additionally, these Special Defensive EVs avoid the 2HKO from Mamoswine's Freeze Dry. Slowbronite ensures Slowbro can Mega Evolve, giving it a large amount of extra bulk, while Regenerator is used pre-Mega as an excellent defensive ability that helps Slowbro remain healthy over the course of a match.
Usage Tips
========
Calm Mind Mega Slowbro should stay pre-Mega until its major checks and counters have been removed, as its pre-Mega ability Regenerator is much better for consistently switching into Pokemon it is able to wall. It should play mostly as a physically defensive tank until its checks have been removed, which are Pokemon like Hydreigon that are capable of breaking through even after using Calm Mind once or twice as well as Haze users such as Tentacruel and Mantine. It can serve as an excellent win condition once your opponent no longer has answers for its sheer bulk after a boost or two. Additionally, Slowbro should not Mega Evolve and set up until the major Toxic users such as Blissey and Empoleon have been removed, as Toxic prevents its ability to sweep by providing consistent residual damage and putting it on a timer. Once it can set up, Mega Slowbro should boost so that it can tank both physical and special attacks, as it can often win just because nothing can break through it.
Team Options
========
Since many teams utilize Grass-type Pokemon such as Rotom-C and Tsareena as their Water-type checks, Grass-type checks such as Scizor, Gengar, and Crobat make good partners. Electric-type checks such as Hippowdon and Rhyperior make Slowbro less vulnerable to foes like Mega Manectric. Heal Bell users make Slowbro less vulnerable to status, so Pokemon such as Togekiss, Florges, and Blissey make good partners. Special walls such as the aforementioned Blissey are good partners, capable of taking on the powerful special attackers such as Latias and Starmie that can threaten Slowbro. Offensive pivots that can benefit from Slowbro's prowess as a defensive pivot, such as Scizor and Mega Manectric, are good partners that can help patch up Mega Slowbro's somewhat lackluster offensive presence before it sets up.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Scald
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Psyshock / Fire Blast
item: Slowbronite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Slowbro's main way to deal damage, capable of spreading status and not giving many of the tier's most common offensive Pokemon free switch-ins. Slack Off provides reliable recovery and allows Slowbro to stay reasonably healthy the entire game, especially when paired with its pre-Mega ability, Regenerator. Ice Beam is Slowbro's best coverage move, allowing it to hit Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon that resist Scald such as Celebi, Mega Sceptile, and Latias. Psyshock is Slowbro's secondary STAB move and hits Tentacruel for super effective damage while dealing neutral damage to a lot of Pokemon that resist Scald such as Suicune and Volcanion. Fire Blast allows Slowbro to OHKO Scizor while also providing excellent neutral coverage with Scald and Ice Beam, so it can be used over Psyshock.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment allows Slowbro to hit as hard as possible and utilize its Special Attack boost from Mega Evolution. 44 Speed EVs allow Slowbro to outspeed Doublade. 212 HP EVs maximize Slowbro's overall bulk and are left over from its Special Attack and Speed investment. Regenerator is used pre-Mega, allowing Slowbro to stay healthy before it Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
Unlike other Mega Slowbro sets, this set should be Mega Evolving early, as the Special Attack boost upon Mega Evolution is the main reason to use this set. Slowbro can be switched into physical and special attackers that it walls, such as Cobalion, Terrakion, and Nasty Plot Infernape, but keep in mind that without maximum HP or any Defense investment, it will be significantly less bulky than a defensive set. Scald should be used as much as possible, as it is capable of spreading status and helping Slowbro wear down the opposing team. Slowbro should use its coverage moves to smack common switch-ins such as Celebi and Mega Altaria, and try to do as much damage in its Mega forme as possible with the Special Attack boost. Keep in mind that without Regenerator, Mega Slowbro is very easily worn down, so try to keep it healthy and keep entry hazards off of the field as much as possible. Avoiding Toxic is paramount to avoiding getting Slowbro worn down, so make sure not to switch it in if there is any threat of a Toxic coming its way.
Team Options
========
Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion make solid partners, as they can check the Dragon- and Fairy-type Pokemon that can threaten out Mega Slowbro, while Mega Slowbro can check the Fire- and Ground-type attackers that often threaten these Pokemon. Rapid Spin and Defog users such as Tentacruel, Togekiss, and Latias make good partners because Mega Evolving early makes Slowbro especially vulnerable to being worn down by Stealth Rock and Spikes. Heal Bell users such as Blissey and Sylveon are good partners, as Mega Slowbro is very susceptible to being worn down by poison and burn damage. Additionally, Mega Slowbro can check many of the physical attackers that threaten out Blissey. Ground-type Pokemon that can switch into Mega Manectric and Raikou and stop Volt Switch momentum are good partners for Mega Slowbro; therefore, Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Swampert, and Krookodile make solid partners. Special walls such as Blissey and Empoleon make good partners for Mega Slowbro, as it often succumbs to pressure from high-powered special attackers such as Latias and Chandelure.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Calm Mind set using a spread of 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe and a Modest nature gives Slowbro a lot more immediate power without the need to boost first; however, this set makes Slowbro noticeably much frailer than the defensive Calm Mind set and will heavily weaken its ability to switch into the tier's physical attackers. A defensive Calm Mind set with Iron Defense and Rest in place of Ice Beam and Slack Off is an option, allowing Slowbro to boost both its Defense and Special Defense while giving it the ability to use Rest, healing status so it can beat Toxic users. However, using Rest instead of Slack Off means Slowbro gives attackers a much larger window to KO it if it doesn't have enough defensive boosts, and not using a secondary attack means Slowbro is completely shut down by Water Absorb users such as Mantine and Volcanion, although the latter also has no way of breaking through Slowbro. A Calm Mind set running Rest + Sleep Talk in place of Slack Off and Ice Beam is also usable, allowing it to beat status users on its own. However, this set also lacks any coverage whatsoever, using mono-Scald as its only attacking move, and has the same downsides as the Iron Defense + Rest set. An offensive set with Trick Room and three attacks is plausible, but due to Trick Room's general ineffectiveness as a playstyle and Mega Slowbro's preference to run Slack Off, it's generally less effective than standard specially attacking Mega Slowbro sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Rotom-C and Tsareena are capable of KOing Mega Slowbro rather easily with a super effective STAB attack and take little damage from Scald. Most of them are also special attackers and can threaten Mega Slowbro on its weaker Special Defense. However, they should watch out for Ice Beam.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Mega Manectric and Raikou can naturally threaten out Mega Slowbro with a super effective Thunderbolt or Volt Switch and don't take too much damage from Scald, either.
**Status**: All forms of status, but especially Toxic, can wear down Mega Slowbro, as it lacks Leftovers recovery due to having to hold a Mega Stone, and its typing doesn't give it an immunity to any forms of status.
**Special Attackers**: Due to having a somewhat mediocre base 80 Special Defense stat, Slowbro is naturally weak to being OHKOed or 2HKOed by strong special attackers such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Latias. The former two threaten to OHKO Slowbro with a STAB super effective STAB Shadow Ball. Hydreigon is a notably good option here, as it resists both of Slowbro's STAB moves, doesn't mind being burned, isn't OHKOed by Ice Beam, and can threaten Slowbro with a super effective STAB Dark Pulse.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[slated, 231420]]
- Quality checked by: [[Kink, ], [<username2>, <userid2>], [<username3>, <userid3>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <username2>]]
GP: martha, talkingtree
[OVERVIEW]
Slowbro has a niche in UU as a strong physical wall capable of taking on a large majority of the tier's physical attackers. High HP and Defense stats give Mega Slowbro unrivaled amounts of physical bulk, allowing it to be a great asset on all kinds of teams as a blanket check for many physical threats. A solid ability in Shell Armor combined with its pre-Mega ability Regenerator allows Slowbro to pull off multiple sets, so its set can be changed based on what the team needs. It also has access to reliable recovery in Slack Off, giving it an edge over other bulky Water-types like Suicune and Swampert. In addition to its incredible defensive stats, Mega Slowbro also sports a very solid Special Attack stat, enabling it to deal significant damage to many Pokemon and avoid being too passive, giving it a solid offensive presence that doesn't give setup sweepers like Heracross and Haxorus free switch-ins. Unfortunately, a lackluster Special Defense stat and an average defensive typing of Water / Psychic giving it key weaknesses to Electric, Grass, Dark, and Ghost mean that Mega Slowbro is often unable to take on a majority of the tier's special attackers. Mega Slowbro also faces competition from the tier's plethora of other Water-types, including Tentacruel, which has an arguably better defensive typing and access to Rapid Spin and Toxic Spikes, Swampert, which has access to Stealth Rock and an Electric immunity, and Suicune, which is much faster and can also pull off a defensive Calm Mind set. Additionally, Mega Slowbro's poor base 30 Speed means that it is outrun by almost everything, so it has to rely on sheer bulk to beat most Pokemon it faces.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psyshock / Fire Blast
move 4: Slack Off
item: Slowbronite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Slowbro's main STAB move, capable of spreading burns and dealing decent amounts of damage at the same time. Ice Beam is mandatory coverage, allowing Mega Slowbro to nail Grass-types like Rotom-C and Celebi as well as Dragon-types like Hydreigon, Mega Altaria, and Latias for super-effective damage so it isn't walled by many of the tier's most capable Pokemon. Psyshock is a secondary STAB move that hits many Pokemon that resist Scald for at least neutral damage, such as Primarina, Suicune, and Tentacruel, as well as dealing more damage to potent special walls like Blissey. Fire Blast can also be used in the third slot, allowing Slowbro to OHKO Scizor and deal neutral damage to Pokemon that resist both Scald and Ice Beam like Empoleon. Keep in mind, however, that forgoing Psyshock in this third slot will leave Slowbro incapable of touching Tentacruel and walled by a few Pokemon that resist Water-, Ice-, and Fire-type attacks like Mantine and Jellicent. Finally, Slack Off is mandatory in the last slot, giving Slowbro reliable recovery that allows it to stay healthy over the course of a match and, when coupled with its non-Mega ability, Regenerator, enables it to repeatedly switch into threats it walls such as Infernape and Cobalion. Thunder Wave is another option for the third slot, hitting common offensive switch-ins to Mega Slowbro such as Volcanion and crippling them with paralysis, but it gives up a very nice offensive move in either Psyshock or Fire Blast to do so, so it's not recommended. Toxic is also an option for the third slot, crippling common bulkier switch-ins such as Alomomola and other Mega Slowbro, which take very little damage from any of Slowbro's offensive options.
Set Details
========
252 HP EVs maximize Slowbro's overall bulk while 76 Defense EVs and a Bold nature capitalize on Slowbro's naturally high Defense. The remaining EVs guarantee that Slowbro isn't KOd by two hits from Mamoswine's Freeze-Dry. Slowbronite ensures Slowbro can Mega Evolve, which boosts its defenses significantly, while Regenerator is used pre-Mega as an excellent defensive ability so Slowbro remains healthy over the course of a match.
Usage Tips
========
This Slowbro set should be used to repeatedly switch into threats it is able to check, like Infernape, Cobalion, Mamoswine, and Mega Aerodactyl. For the majority of the game, Slowbro should not Mega Evolve, as Regenerator is such an important ability that enables it to keep switching in and out of the majority of the tier's physical attackers, which is more important than the extra stats given by Slowbro's Mega Evolution. Pre-Mega, Slowbro should consistently utilize Scald to spread burns and its coverage moves to spread damage and cripple its most common switch-ins. If a dangerous Pokemon such as Haxorus requires Slowbro to Mega Evolve to check with boosted Defense, Slowbro should Mega Evolve. Keep in mind that Mega Evolving means Slowbro loses Regenerator, so it should typically only be done late in the match.
Team Options
========
Grass-types such as Celebi can easily knock out Slowbro, so pairing it with Fire-, Dragon-, and Flying-types like Chandelure, Latias, and Moltres is generally a good idea. Pairing Slowbro with a strong Ground-type like Hippowdon or Swampert helps Slowbro because it is naturally weak to Volt Switch from users like Mega Manectric and Raikou. Special walls such as Blissey and Umbreon are good partners for Slowbro, since its Special Defense is naturally relatively low and many of the tier's strong special attackers can easily break through it. Slowbro can also take the strong physical attacks aimed at Blissey and Umbreon. Heal Bell users, including Togekiss, Sylveon, and the aforementioned Umbreon and Blissey are good partners, since Slowbro is weak to status due to its lack of Leftovers recovery and lack of immunity to Toxic or Will-O-Wisp. Fairy-types like the aforementioned Togekiss and Sylveon can help Slowbro deal with powerful Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Latias that can easily break through it, and Slowbro can beat the strong Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Cobalion that threaten these Fairy-types. Strong offensive pivots such as Hydreigon and Infernape that appreciate Slowbro's ability to pivot into offensive threats that may revenge kill them make good teammates and can patch up Slowbro's somewhat lackluster offensive pressure.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Slack Off
move 4: Ice Beam / Psyshock
item: Slowbronite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Slowbro's main STAB move, capable of spreading burns and dealing adequate amounts of damage, bolstering its offensive presence. Calm Mind buffs Slowbro's naturally average Special Defense to acceptable levels as well as buffing its Special Attack, increasing its offensive pressure. Slack Off offers reliable recovery and should be used on every Slowbro set. The last slot is a choice of coverage: Ice Beam allows Mega Slowbro to nail common offensive switch-ins such as Latias for super effective damage, preventing it from being walled by many of the tier's most prominent Pokemon and making sure it isn't setup bait for many Water-resistant Pokemon. Psyshock is a secondary STAB move that can deal more damage to common Water-resistant switch-ins such as Amoonguss, Tentacruel, and Kommo-o, hitting all three for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
252 HP EVs maximize Slowbro's overall bulk while 76 Defense EVs and a Bold nature ensure that Slowbro has the physical defense to wall essentially the entire tier after a few Calm Mind boosts. The remaining EVs are added into Special Defense to help out with its overall bulk pre-Calm Mind boosts and also increase its walling capabilities after it has started boosting. Additionally, these Special Defensive EVs avoid the 2HKO from Mamoswine's Freeze Dry. Slowbronite ensures Slowbro can Mega Evolve, giving it a large amount of extra bulk, while Regenerator is used pre-Mega as an excellent defensive ability that helps Slowbro remain healthy over the course of a match.
Usage Tips
========
Calm Mind Mega Slowbro should stay pre-Mega until its major checks and counters have been removed, as its pre-Mega ability Regenerator is much better for consistently switching into Pokemon it is able to wall. It should play mostly as a physically defensive tank until its checks have been removed, which are Pokemon like Hydreigon that are capable of breaking through even after using Calm Mind once or twice as well as Haze users such as Tentacruel and Mantine. It can serve as an excellent win condition once your opponent no longer has answers for its sheer bulk after a boost or two. Additionally, Slowbro should not Mega Evolve and set up until the major Toxic users such as Blissey and Empoleon have been removed, as Toxic prevents its ability to sweep by providing consistent residual damage and putting it on a timer. Once it can set up, Mega Slowbro should boost so that it can tank both physical and special attacks, as it can often win just because nothing can break through it.
Team Options
========
Since many teams utilize Grass-type Pokemon such as Rotom-C and Tsareena as their Water-type checks, Grass-type checks such as Scizor, Gengar, and Crobat make good partners. Electric-type checks such as Hippowdon and Rhyperior make Slowbro less vulnerable to foes like Mega Manectric. Heal Bell users make Slowbro less vulnerable to status, so Pokemon such as Togekiss, Florges, and Blissey make good partners. Special walls such as the aforementioned Blissey are good partners, capable of taking on the powerful special attackers such as Latias and Starmie that can threaten Slowbro. Offensive pivots that can benefit from Slowbro's prowess as a defensive pivot, such as Scizor and Mega Manectric, are good partners that can help patch up Mega Slowbro's somewhat lackluster offensive presence before it sets up.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Scald
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Psyshock / Fire Blast
item: Slowbronite
ability: Regenerator
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Slowbro's main way to deal damage, capable of spreading status and not giving many of the tier's most common offensive Pokemon free switch-ins. Slack Off provides reliable recovery and allows Slowbro to stay reasonably healthy the entire game, especially when paired with its pre-Mega ability, Regenerator. Ice Beam is Slowbro's best coverage move, allowing it to hit Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon that resist Scald such as Celebi, Mega Sceptile, and Latias. Psyshock is Slowbro's secondary STAB move and hits Tentacruel for super effective damage while dealing neutral damage to a lot of Pokemon that resist Scald such as Suicune and Volcanion. Fire Blast allows Slowbro to OHKO Scizor while also providing excellent neutral coverage with Scald and Ice Beam, so it can be used over Psyshock.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment allows Slowbro to hit as hard as possible and utilize its Special Attack boost from Mega Evolution. 44 Speed EVs allow Slowbro to outspeed Doublade. 212 HP EVs maximize Slowbro's overall bulk and are left over from its Special Attack and Speed investment. Regenerator is used pre-Mega, allowing Slowbro to stay healthy before it Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
Unlike other Mega Slowbro sets, this set should be Mega Evolving early, as the Special Attack boost upon Mega Evolution is the main reason to use this set. Slowbro can be switched into physical and special attackers that it walls, such as Cobalion, Terrakion, and Nasty Plot Infernape, but keep in mind that without maximum HP or any Defense investment, it will be significantly less bulky than a defensive set. Scald should be used as much as possible, as it is capable of spreading status and helping Slowbro wear down the opposing team. Slowbro should use its coverage moves to smack common switch-ins such as Celebi and Mega Altaria, and try to do as much damage in its Mega forme as possible with the Special Attack boost. Keep in mind that without Regenerator, Mega Slowbro is very easily worn down, so try to keep it healthy and keep entry hazards off of the field as much as possible. Avoiding Toxic is paramount to avoiding getting Slowbro worn down, so make sure not to switch it in if there is any threat of a Toxic coming its way.
Team Options
========
Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion make solid partners, as they can check the Dragon- and Fairy-type Pokemon that can threaten out Mega Slowbro, while Mega Slowbro can check the Fire- and Ground-type attackers that often threaten these Pokemon. Rapid Spin and Defog users such as Tentacruel, Togekiss, and Latias make good partners because Mega Evolving early makes Slowbro especially vulnerable to being worn down by Stealth Rock and Spikes. Heal Bell users such as Blissey and Sylveon are good partners, as Mega Slowbro is very susceptible to being worn down by poison and burn damage. Additionally, Mega Slowbro can check many of the physical attackers that threaten out Blissey. Ground-type Pokemon that can switch into Mega Manectric and Raikou and stop Volt Switch momentum are good partners for Mega Slowbro; therefore, Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Swampert, and Krookodile make solid partners. Special walls such as Blissey and Empoleon make good partners for Mega Slowbro, as it often succumbs to pressure from high-powered special attackers such as Latias and Chandelure.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Calm Mind set using a spread of 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe and a Modest nature gives Slowbro a lot more immediate power without the need to boost first; however, this set makes Slowbro noticeably much frailer than the defensive Calm Mind set and will heavily weaken its ability to switch into the tier's physical attackers. A defensive Calm Mind set with Iron Defense and Rest in place of Ice Beam and Slack Off is an option, allowing Slowbro to boost both its Defense and Special Defense while giving it the ability to use Rest, healing status so it can beat Toxic users. However, using Rest instead of Slack Off means Slowbro gives attackers a much larger window to KO it if it doesn't have enough defensive boosts, and not using a secondary attack means Slowbro is completely shut down by Water Absorb users such as Mantine and Volcanion, although the latter also has no way of breaking through Slowbro. A Calm Mind set running Rest + Sleep Talk in place of Slack Off and Ice Beam is also usable, allowing it to beat status users on its own. However, this set also lacks any coverage whatsoever, using mono-Scald as its only attacking move, and has the same downsides as the Iron Defense + Rest set. An offensive set with Trick Room and three attacks is plausible, but due to Trick Room's general ineffectiveness as a playstyle and Mega Slowbro's preference to run Slack Off, it's generally less effective than standard specially attacking Mega Slowbro sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Rotom-C and Tsareena are capable of KOing Mega Slowbro rather easily with a super effective STAB attack and take little damage from Scald. Most of them are also special attackers and can threaten Mega Slowbro on its weaker Special Defense. However, they should watch out for Ice Beam.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Mega Manectric and Raikou can naturally threaten out Mega Slowbro with a super effective Thunderbolt or Volt Switch and don't take too much damage from Scald, either.
**Status**: All forms of status, but especially Toxic, can wear down Mega Slowbro, as it lacks Leftovers recovery due to having to hold a Mega Stone, and its typing doesn't give it an immunity to any forms of status.
**Special Attackers**: Due to having a somewhat mediocre base 80 Special Defense stat, Slowbro is naturally weak to being OHKOed or 2HKOed by strong special attackers such as Gengar, Chandelure, and Latias. The former two threaten to OHKO Slowbro with a STAB super effective STAB Shadow Ball. Hydreigon is a notably good option here, as it resists both of Slowbro's STAB moves, doesn't mind being burned, isn't OHKOed by Ice Beam, and can threaten Slowbro with a super effective STAB Dark Pulse.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[slated, 231420]]
- Quality checked by: [[Kink, ], [<username2>, <userid2>], [<username3>, <userid3>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <username2>]]
Last edited by a moderator:
